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Persuasive Essay (Handout)

This handout provides guidance on descriptive writing, emphasizing the use of sensory details, figurative language, and varied sentence structures to create vivid descriptions. It outlines steps for writing a descriptive paragraph, including choosing a topic, brainstorming sensory details, organizing ideas, drafting, and revising. An example paragraph illustrates these concepts, showcasing the beauty and sensory experiences of a walk in the park.

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9 views3 pages

Persuasive Essay (Handout)

This handout provides guidance on descriptive writing, emphasizing the use of sensory details, figurative language, and varied sentence structures to create vivid descriptions. It outlines steps for writing a descriptive paragraph, including choosing a topic, brainstorming sensory details, organizing ideas, drafting, and revising. An example paragraph illustrates these concepts, showcasing the beauty and sensory experiences of a walk in the park.

Uploaded by

hamza
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Descriptive Writing Handout

#### **Introduction**
Descriptive writing is all about making your reader feel like they are actually there with you.
You do this by using details that appeal to the senses. This handout will help you learn how
to write vivid descriptions.

#### **Key Elements of Descriptive Writing**


1. **Sensory Details**
These details help your reader see, hear, smell, taste, and touch what you are describing.

- **Sight:** Describe what you see with specific words.


*Example:* "The sun set, turning the sky orange. Birds flew in the sky, and the sea
looked calm."
- **Sound:** Include the sounds you hear.
*Example:* "Waves gently hit the shore, and birds called in the distance."
- **Smell:** Mention any smells you notice.
*Example:* "The air smelled of salt and flowers."
- **Taste:** Talk about any tastes if they fit your scene.
*Example:* "The grilled fish tasted fresh and delicious."
- **Touch:** Describe how things feel.
*Example:* "The sand was cool under my feet, and the flowers felt soft."

2. **Figurative Language**
These are creative ways to make your writing more interesting.

- **Similes:** Compare using "like" or "as."


*Example:* "The night sky was as black as coal, and the stars twinkled like diamonds."
- **Metaphors:** Say something is something else.
*Example:* "The classroom was a beehive of activity."
- **Personification:** Give human traits to non-human things.
*Example:* "The wind whispered through the trees."

3. **Varied Sentence Structure**


Use different types of sentences to keep your writing interesting.

- **Simple Sentences:** One idea.


*Example:* "The sun set."
- **Compound Sentences:** Two ideas joined with a conjunction.
*Example:* "The sun set, and the sky turned orange."
- **Complex Sentences:** One main idea and one or more extra ideas.
*Example:* "As the sun set, the sky turned orange, casting a warm glow over the sea."

#### **Steps to Write a Descriptive Paragraph**

1. **Choose a Topic**
- Pick something you can describe well. It could be a place, an object, a person, or an
event.

2. **Brainstorm Sensory Details**


- List what you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch.

3. **Organize Your Ideas**


- Decide how to order your details. You can start with the general and move to the specific,
or the other way around.

4. **Write a Draft**
- Write your paragraph using sensory details and figurative language. Use varied sentence
structures to keep it interesting.

5. **Revise and Edit**


- Read your paragraph aloud to check for flow. Correct any mistakes.

#### **Example Descriptive Paragraph**

Title: A Walk in the Park

Introduction: Walking through a park is one of the most peaceful and enjoyable experiences
one can have. The beauty of nature, the sounds of the environment, and the fresh air provide
a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In this essay, I will describe my
recent walk in the park and the wonderful sights, sounds, and smells I encountered.

Body Paragraph 1: Sights As I entered the park, I was greeted by a stunning view of
colorful flowers and tall, green trees. The sun was setting, casting a warm, orange glow over
the entire scene. The leaves on the trees were turning shades of red and yellow, signaling the
arrival of autumn. I could see children playing on the swings, their laughter echoing through
the air. Birds were flying in the sky, their feathers glistening in the sunlight. The pond in the
center of the park was calm and reflective, creating a mirror image of the surrounding trees
and sky.

Body Paragraph 2: Sounds The park was filled with a symphony of sounds. The gentle
rustling of leaves in the breeze provided a soothing background melody. Birds were chirping
and singing, their songs adding a lively tune to the atmosphere. I could hear the distant
laughter of children playing, their joy contagious and uplifting. The sound of water gently
lapping against the edges of the pond added a calming effect. Even the footsteps of fellow
park-goers on the gravel path contributed to the peaceful ambiance.
Body Paragraph 3: Smells The park was alive with a variety of smells that delighted my
senses. The fresh scent of grass and earth filled the air, mixed with the sweet fragrance of
blooming flowers. I could smell the distinct aroma of pine trees, reminding me of a forest.
As I walked past a food cart, the delicious scent of freshly baked pastries wafted through the
air, making my mouth water. The combination of these scents created a pleasant and
refreshing experience.

Conclusion: My walk in the park was a truly delightful experience. The beautiful sights,
soothing sounds, and refreshing smells made it a perfect escape from the stresses of daily
life. It reminded me of the simple joys of nature and the importance of taking time to
appreciate the world around us. I look forward to my next walk in the park, knowing it will
be just as enjoyable as this one.

#### **Tips for Success**

- **Show, Don't Tell:** Instead of saying "The room was messy," describe the mess.
Example: "Books and papers were all over the floor, and clothes were piled on the chair."
- **Use Strong Verbs:** Use more vivid verbs. Example: Instead of "walked," use
"strolled," "marched," or "sauntered."
- **Be Specific:** Specific details make your descriptions better.

Happy writing!

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