Descriptive writing

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Lesson notes

What is descriptive writing?

Description is communication that makes a place, object, person, group or physical entity vivid for the reader.
It is one of the four rhetorical modes (modes of discourse), alongside exposition, argumentation and narration.
In fiction, description is the mode for transmitting a mental image of the particulars of a story.
It works together with other fiction-writing modes such as dialogue, narration, exposition and summarisation.
Good description is more than amassing details: it brings something to life by carefully choosing and arranging words and phrases to produce the desired effect.

Planning a description

Decide what you are describing: a place, a person or a moment.
Choose the desired effect you want the description to have on the reader before you start writing.
Select details that serve that effect, and leave out details that do not.
Plan the order in which details will be revealed, so the description unfolds clearly.
Think about the dominant impression you want to leave and arrange words and phrases to create it.

Showing, not telling

Show by giving specific, concrete details rather than telling the reader a general judgement.
Instead of stating an emotion, present the observable details that reveal it.
Let the reader infer meaning from carefully chosen particulars.
Avoid vague summaries; give the reader something to see, hear or feel.

Using the senses

Draw on sight, sound, smell, touch and taste to make a description vivid.
Sensory details create a mental image of the particulars of a scene.
Choose sensory details that support the desired effect, not just any detail.
Combining senses can make a description more immersive and believable.

Choosing words: nouns, verbs, adjectives

Use precise nouns to name exactly what is there.
Use powerful verbs to convey action and energy.
Choose adjectives carefully; a few well-chosen ones are stronger than many weak ones.
Avoid overloading a description with adjectives, which can weaken the effect.
Word choice should serve the desired effect and the dominant impression.

Figurative language

Figurative language (such as metaphor and simile) can help create vivid mental images.
Use figures of speech to bring something to life, not merely to decorate.
Elaborate figures used without purpose can make writing feel strained or overwrought.
Keep figurative language consistent with the desired effect and the tone of the piece.

Zooming in and out

Zoom in to focus on a small, telling detail.
Zoom out to give the reader the wider scene or context.
Moving between close and wide views helps control pace and emphasis.
Use zooming to guide the reader's attention to what matters most.

Varying sentences for effect

Vary sentence length and structure to create rhythm and emphasis.
Short sentences can sharpen a moment; longer sentences can build detail and flow.
Vary sentence openings so the writing does not become monotonous.
Sentence variety helps produce the desired effect on the reader.

Avoiding cliché and purple prose

A purple patch is an over-written passage in which the writer has strained too hard to achieve an impressive effect.
The term comes from the Latin purpureus pannus, first used by the Roman poet Horace in his×Ars Poetica×(c. 20 BC).
Horace used it to denote an irrelevant and excessively ornate passage; in modern usage the sense of irrelevance is usually absent, though such passages are often incongruous.
Purple prose is lavishly figurative, rhythmic or otherwise overwrought.
Avoid cliché by choosing fresh, precise language rather than familiar, worn-out phrases.
Restraint and careful word choice are more effective than straining for an impressive effect.

Slides

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Practice questions

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1.Which word class describes a word that names a person, place, thing or idea?
Easy
- Anoun
- Bverb
- Cadjective
- Dadverb
2.Which sentence uses the correct punctuation to mark a parenthesis?
Easy
- AThe beach, which was crowded, smelled of salt.
- BThe beach which, was crowded smelled of salt.
- CThe beach which was crowded, smelled of salt.
- DThe beach which was crowded smelled, of salt.
3.Which sentence uses the correct spelling?
Medium
- AThe old house had a separate entrance.
- BThe old house had a seperate entrance.
- CThe old house had a seperrate entrance.
- DThe old house had a seperat entrance.
4.Which sentence uses the semicolon correctly?
Medium
- AThe market was busy; the stalls overflowed with fruit.
- BThe market was busy; and the stalls overflowed with fruit.
- CThe market was busy; because the stalls overflowed with fruit.
- DThe market was busy; which the stalls overflowed with fruit.
5.Which sentence is the best example of 'showing not telling' in descriptive writing?
Medium
- AHer hands trembled as she reached for the letter.
- BShe was very nervous.
- CShe felt a strong emotion.
- DShe was scared and anxious.
6.Which sentence contains an example of personification?
Hard
- AThe wind whispered through the empty streets.
- BThe wind was as cold as ice.
- CThe wind blew strongly all night.
- DThe wind was colder than yesterday.
7.Which sentence is an example of purple prose?
Hard
- AThe cerulean canopy of heaven wept its crystalline tears upon the verdant bosom of the earth.
- BRain fell on the green fields.
- CThe sky was blue and the grass was green.
- DIt rained all afternoon.
8.Which sentence is a cliché that a descriptive writer should avoid?
Challenge
- AIt was a dark and stormy night.
- BThe rain hammered the tin roof.
- CGrey clouds swallowed the last of the light.
- DPuddles shivered in the gutter.

Revision notes

## Descriptive Writing **Description** is any communication that aims to make vivid a place, object, person, group, or other physical entity. It is one of the four rhetorical modes (modes of discourse), along with exposition, argumentation, and narration. In fiction, description is the mode for transmitting a mental image of the particulars of a story. It is more than amassing details: it is bringing something to life by carefully choosing and arranging words and phrases to produce the desired effect. ### Key techniques - **Show, don't tell** – create a mental image rather than stating facts. - **Use the senses** – sight, sound, smell, touch, taste. - **Choose words precisely** – precise nouns, powerful verbs, carefully chosen adjectives. - **Figurative language** – metaphor, simile, personification. - **Zoom in and out** – move from wide view to close detail. - **Vary sentences** – change length and structure for effect. - **Avoid cliché** – steer clear of overused phrases. ### Planning Decide whether you are describing a **place, person, or moment**. Select details that bring it to life, and arrange them for effect. ### Beware purple prose A **purple patch** is an over-written passage in which the writer has strained too hard to achieve an impressive effect, by elaborate figures or other means. The phrase (Latin: *purpureus pannus*) was first used by the Roman poet Horace in his *Ars Poetica* (c. 20 BC) to denote an irrelevant and excessively ornate passage; the sense of irrelevance is normally absent in modern usage, although such passages are usually incongruous. By extension, **purple prose** is lavishly figurative, rhythmic, or otherwise overwrought. Aim for precise, controlled description rather than overwrought ornament. ### Exam checklist - Does my description make the subject vivid? - Have I used sensory detail? - Are my nouns precise and verbs powerful? - Have I used figurative language purposefully? - Have I varied sentence length and structure? - Have I avoided cliché and purple prose?

Description: Any type of communication that aims to make vivid a place, object, person, group, or other physical entity.
Rhetorical modes (modes of discourse): The four modes: exposition, argumentation, narration, and description.
Fiction-writing modes: Action, exposition, description, dialogue, summary, and transition.
Purple patch: An over-written passage in which the writer has strained too hard to achieve an impressive effect, by elaborate figures or other means.
Purple prose: Lavishly figurative, rhythmic, or otherwise overwrought writing.
Show, don't tell: A technique of creating a mental image through specific detail rather than stating facts directly.
Figurative language: Language using figures of speech such as metaphor, simile, and personification to create vivid effects.
Zooming in and out: Moving between a wide overview and close-up detail in a description.

Flashcards

What is the purpose of description in writing?

To make a place, object, person, group, or other physical entity vivid for the reader.

Name the four rhetorical modes of discourse.

Exposition, argumentation, narration, and description.

What is 'showing not telling' in descriptive writing?

It means using specific details and actions to let readers experience the scene, rather than simply stating facts or emotions.

Why is it important to use the senses in descriptive writing?

Using the senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch) creates a richer, more immersive experience for the reader.

What are precise nouns and why should you use them?

Precise nouns are specific, exact words (e.g., 'oak' instead of 'tree') that create clearer mental images.

What are powerful verbs and why are they effective?

Powerful verbs are strong, vivid action words (e.g., 'sprinted' instead of 'ran') that add energy and precision to writing.

How should adjectives be chosen in descriptive writing?

Adjectives should be carefully selected to add specific, meaningful detail, not just piled on.

What is figurative language?

Language that uses figures of speech (like similes, metaphors, personification) to create vivid comparisons or effects.

What does 'zooming in and out' mean in descriptive writing?

It means varying focus from a broad overview (zooming out) to a close-up detail (zooming in) to control pace and emphasis.

Why should you vary sentence lengths in a description?

Varying sentence lengths creates rhythm and emphasis, and can reflect the mood or pace of the scene.

What is a cliché in descriptive writing?

A cliché is an overused phrase or idea that has lost its impact (e.g., 'as white as snow').

Why should you avoid clichés?

Clichés make writing feel unoriginal and can weaken the reader's engagement; fresh imagery is more effective.

What is purple prose?

Purple prose is writing that is overly elaborate, ornate, or overwrought, often straining too hard for effect.

Who first used the term 'purple patch' and in what work?

The Roman poet Horace used it in his Ars Poetica (c. 20 BC) to denote an irrelevant and excessively ornate passage.

What is the difference between description and narration?

Description transmits a mental image of particulars, while narration tells a story or recounts events.

According to Writing from A to Z, what is description more than?

It is more than amassing details; it is bringing something to life by carefully choosing and arranging words and phrases to produce the desired effect.

What are some fiction-writing modes mentioned by Peter Selgin?

Action, dialogue, thoughts, summary, scenes, and description.

What is the role of description in fiction?

It is the mode for transmitting a mental image of the particulars of a story.

How can you make a description of a place effective?

By using sensory details, precise nouns, powerful verbs, figurative language, and varying sentence structure to create a vivid impression.

What is the effect of using too many adjectives?

It can make writing feel cluttered and weaken the impact; it's better to choose a few precise, powerful adjectives.

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