Descriptive Writing

A description that offers no commentary or larger context created by the author's mood or tone

A description that offers more than just detail; the author's attitude towards the subject is clear.

If you are describing a room, building, or other space the description might begin at one point and move in a logical, linear way throughout the rest of the space.

Description focuses on one subject, describes it in detail, and then moves on to another.

A description that uses multiple lenses to describe the same subject.

How can you surprise the reader when writing a description?

• By writing something scary

• By writing a plot twist

• By allowing them to see what you are describing in a new way or from a different perspective

When creating a strong visual sense or impression of the subject, the writer should...

• overload the description with details.

• choose only the details that will most effectively contribute to the impression.

• describe it carefully using spatial organization

When writing a description, the writer should take a ___________ about the subject.

• The writer should not put any bias into the description.

• The writer should add facts and opinion into the description.

• The writer should take a stance or adopts a perspective.

What are the 5 sensory response systems that a writer should use when writing a description?

How should sentence style and word choice be used in writing a description?

• Word choice and sentence style should match the subject and the purpose; the words and style should reinforce the mood.

• Sentence style and word choice are not relevant to writing a description.

• Word choice and sentence style should not match the subject and the purpose; the words should not take away from the visual that the description creates.