Descriptive Essay Recap

What is the main purpose of a descriptive essay?

• To reflect on a personal experience

• To convince the reader of a viewpoint

• To describe a scene, object, or feeling in detail

• o recount a chronological series of events

Which point of view is correct for a descriptive essay?

• First person (“I”, “my”)

• Third person (“he”, “she”, “it”)

• Second person (“you”)

• If the question asks for my experience, then I use first person pronouns.

Which of the following would be the most suitable opening for a descriptive essay?

• “When I was seven, I visited the beach for the first time.”

• “The wide stretch of turquoise water shimmered under the midday sun.”

• “I believe beaches are the best places to relax.”

• “Today, I want to talk about the importance of marine life.”

Which of the following best explains what you are describing in a descriptive essay?

• Facts and statistics

• Only physical appearance

• A place, object, or moment using sensory details

• A sequence of events in your life

What is the key difference between a personal recount and a descriptive essay?

• A recount has no characters

• Descriptive essays do not use sensory language

• Descriptive essays are always fictional

• A recount focuses on events; a descriptive focuses on atmosphere and detail

In a descriptive essay, which of the following techniques is least effective?

• Using vivid sensory detail

• Showing rather than telling

• Writing about the incident like it is a report

• Choosing strong verbs and imagery

Which of the following would not typically be found in a descriptive essay?

• “The dark smoke curled into the sky.”

• “Suddenly, I realised I had left my bag on the train.”

• “A faint breeze carried the scent of jasmine.”

• “The pavement glistened after the rain.”

Which of the following is most likely to be the topic of a descriptive essay?

• How I prepared for my exams

• A day in the life of a hawker

• The reasons we should save the environment

• Should students wear uniforms in school?

Read the paragraph. Then answer: Is this a descriptive paragraph? Explain why or why not (1–2 sentences).

The sun blazed overhead as children laughed and splashed in the fountain. A dog trotted past, its tongue lolling, while the smell of roasted chestnuts drifted from a nearby cart.

Read the paragraph. Then answer: Is this a descriptive paragraph? Explain why or why not (1–2 sentences).

I was nervous as I stepped into the room. It reminded me of the first time I had to give a speech in school. My hands shook slightly, and I tried to steady my voice.