Writing a descriptive paragraph can be challenging even for
the best writers. You need to set up the groundwork correctly or it will come
out as a jumbled mess. So, how do you write a descriptive paragraph? Here’s
how:
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Find a topic
A descriptive paragraph focuses on one object, person, or location.
You can practically use any random instance of those three into a descriptive
paragraph. Be sure to take into account the goal of the descriptive paragraph. If you’re writing an assignment,
make sure the topic is in line with the stated goal and purpose of the
assignment.
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Explore the topic
It’s time to brainstorm. Collect every information you have
about the topic at hand. At this stage create a rough outline of each feature
of the topic. Don’t mind about writing whole sentences at this stage. You can scribble on a piece of paper if you
want to.
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Organize the information
Now it’s time to organize the outline so they have a nice
flow. Take a look at your goal once again. Are you writing for the sake of
writing or to fulfill an assignment? Based on that goal, pick only the relevant information from the scribbles
that you just made. Get rid of the information that has no or loose ties with
the goal.
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Show, don’t tell
One of the keys to writing a good descriptive paragraph is
to create a vivid mental image in your reader’s mind.
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Consider the five senses humans have; sight, sound, touch,
smell, and taste. Most people rely on their sights when trying to describe
something and it shows in their writing. Try to avoid this and describe the
topic using as many senses as possible.
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For example, let’s describe an apple.
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What do you feel on your hand when you touch the apple? Is
the texture smooth or rough? Is it still firm or starting to get mushy? What do
you smell? Then move on to your sight. How does the apple look? Describe the
shape, colors, and size. Is there any imperfection worth noting?
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And what should you do when describing a hectic subway station?
Don’t just tell that it’s loud. Show readers how it’s loud.
Are people talking or shouting? Just how crowded the station is? What are the expressions
people wear on their faces? Is there anyone blasting music? All these details
can help the readers draw that mental image of the subway and get a good sense
of what it’s like to be there.
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Edit and proofread
Read the completed paragraph again and rework the parts as
needed. Is there anything that’s vague, confusing, or redundant?
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If you’re writing this
for an assignment, better double check for any spelling, grammar, and
punctuation mistakes. To help you out, just run the passage through the online
spelling and grammar checker. That tool can easily pick up mistakes that
your eyes just missed.
.
OK, now onto practice. Write one descriptive paragraph about
one random topic. Ready, get set, go!
Keyword: light novel