Descriptive Essay Writing Guide
A descriptive essay mirrors the mood of the writer and conjures
images that exude an aura of creativity and literary dexterity at the same
time. It is often regarded as the most structured form of writing as it is
associated with the ability to transfer emotions to the reader through the
use of words. It’s quite a universal truth that a good essay arouses the
reader’s senses and impacts the mind, evoking the desired response and
interest. Henceforth it’s quite apparent that a writer succeeds if he is
able to capture the reader’s attention and lead him/her to delve into a
realm that thrives of the writer’s imagination, right till the end. Although
one can describe anything under the sun and palm it off as a descriptive
essay, the description must relate to something of a consequence, in the
sense that it must be purposeful.
Anything insignificant would merely amount to a mundane exercise of writing
for the sake of putting something down on a paper. Writing must always be
directed towards the reader and hence the writer must have a good reason for
describing something or someone. An introduction or backdrop provides the
correct setting for the rest of the essay. A good descriptive essay
should lure the reader and entice him to read without stopping. While
details are important, the way they are presented and put forth is what
really decides whether the reader is captivated or not.
Visual skills, words relating to sound, smell and taste predominantly used
tend to transform the essay into an artists canvass to be rejoiced and
critiqued at the same time. Words relating to touch and inner emotions, be
it disgust or admiration, love or hatred convey to the reader an aura of
intensity and many a times an inter-dimensional vortex serving as a fine
means of escapism . A wider spectrum encompassing all the senses has a
tremendous impact. Nonchalant use of nouns in a general way waters down the
feelings conveyed. Specificity is the order of the day. Active verbs help
the reader to visualize the nature of emotions rather than indicating the
characters or scenes in an inanimate and passive manner. Vivid use of words
and verbs are effective epitomize a descriptive essay.
The tone of the essay should be gradually built so that there is one strong
dominant emotion. If the purpose of the essay is to cause concern or arouse
fear, then the trend must be set in the introduction itself. It prepares the
reader for stronger and worse emotions to follow. Sometimes it helps to list
all the words associated with a particular emotion and then try to use as
many as you can without being redundant. Just as the introduction coaxes the
reader into entering a particular world, so too must the body of the essay
ensure that he does not beat a hasty retreat. In the conclusion, the reader
must be drawn within the purview of emotions making him an integral part.
