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The Art of Vivid Writing: What is a Descriptive Paragraph?

Have you ever read a book and thought, “Wow, it’s like a TV inside my head”? Well, that’s a descriptive paragraph. Writing a description paragraph can be tricky as it requires careful observation and patience. If you need help writing a great descriptive paragraph for your next essay or literature assignment, you’ve come to the right place! Read this blog article thoroughly to understand what is a descriptive paragraph and how to write one with our excellent examples.

Descriptive Paragraph

A descriptive paragraph is a piece of writing packed with a detailed description of places, people, things, and events. Descriptive writing, like novels and short stories, is primarily used in literary writing. But it is also a part of academic writing, like descriptive essays. 

You can visit our blog on what is the purpose of descriptive essay to grasp why it is essential to understand descriptive writing. 

The purpose of descriptive paragraphs is to create a vivid and sensory image in the reader’s mind. To achieve this, a writer uses descriptive language, such as adjectives, adverbs, and figurative speech. Notice how we started our introduction to this article? 

Characteristics of a Descriptive Paragraph 

characteristics of a descriptive paragraph2

As the purpose of descriptive writing is to evoke images in the mind of readers, two characteristics can help you achieve that. Descriptive paragraphs must appeal to and engage the reader on two levels; senses and emotions.

Senses: To engage readers on a sensory level, you need to use words that can trigger the reader’s five senses. Sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Here are some words that you can use in your descriptive writing

Emotion: you can appeal to the reader’s emotions by describing the scene’s mood or atmosphere. Remember, the goal is to “show,” not “tell.” Here are some descriptions you can incorporate into your writing.

Want to see how to utilize these words to make your writing more vivid? Hire an essay writer now to explore further. 


characteristics of a descriptive paragraph

What is a Descriptive Paragraph? Types

There are two types of descriptive paragraphs: Objective and subjective. 

  • Objective descriptions are written from an outside perspective with neutral wording, while subjective descriptions use personal emotions, feelings, and opinions to evoke a response from the reader. In simpler terms, accurate descriptions are like taking a picture of an object or scene without adding any personal thoughts or feelings. 

  • Subjective descriptive paragraphs, however, are like adding your artistic touch to the picture by conveying your emotions and feelings through strong and vivid language.

So, if you want to write a descriptive paragraph, you can choose an objective or subjective approach, depending on what you want to convey to your audience. 

Guide to Writing Descriptive Paragraph

guide to writing descriptive paragraph

Writing a good descriptive paragraph requires practice and patience. Here are some steps that will make your practices easier. 

Choose a Topic: 

The first step in writing a descriptive paragraph is to choose a subject. This could be a person, place, thing, or event that you want to describe in detail.

Brainstorm Details:

Once you have chosen your subject, take some time to brainstorm details about it. Think about what it looks, smells, sounds, feels, and tastes like. Consider the emotions and memories it evokes and the significance it holds.

Create an Outline: 

After brainstorming, create an outline that includes the main points you want to cover in your paragraph. This will help you stay organized and ensure you remember all essential details.

Experiment with Language: 

Descriptive paragraphs stand out because of their writing and use of language. To enhance your descriptive language you can use the following elements: 

  1. Adverbs 

  2. Adjectives 

  3. Metaphors 

  4. Similes 

  5. Vivid verbs 

  6. Literary techniques

Revise and Edit: 

Once you have written your paragraph, review and revise it for clarity, coherence, and accuracy. Ensure that your language is concise and engaging and that your paragraph effectively communicates your subject.


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What is a Descriptive Paragraph: Examples

The above steps help you write solid descriptive paragraphs for your essays and assignments. Now we move on to some examples to help you understand these steps better. You can also opt for our college essay writing service to enhance your understanding.

Happiness Around Friends

A warmth washed over me like a warm summer day in the Italian countryside. It’s a feeling that fills me up, like a cup of warm wine that spreads from my insides to my cheeks. There’s a sense of contentment and peace that comes from being with those who truly know and understand me. Laughter comes easily, and the moments we share become cherished memories that I carry with me always.

A Memorable Day from Childhood

A warm summer afternoon I spent at the beach with my family. The sand was hot and soft under my feet as I ran towards the crashing waves, feeling the refreshing water wash over me. I spent hours building sandcastles with my siblings, collecting seashells, and chasing after seagulls. We enjoyed a delicious picnic lunch under a colorful beach umbrella, with the sound of the ocean as our soundtrack. 

My Room

Like a sanctuary the soft, plush carpet cushions my feet as I walk in, while the warm glow of the lamp creates a cozy atmosphere. The familiar scent of lavender from my candles soothes my senses, and the gentle sound of my favorite playlist in the background relaxes me. The room is decorated with photographs and mementos that remind me of cherished memories. A sense of comfort washes over me as I lie on my bed, and let all the stresses of the world escape me. 

An Old Man in the Street

Walking down the busy street, I noticed an old man standing on the corner, his weathered face etched with deep lines and wrinkles. Despite his age, there was a sense of dignity and wisdom in his presence. His eyes, though tired, seemed to hold a lifetime of experiences and stories. His rough, calloused hands suggested a life of hard work and dedication. There was a quiet strength and resilience about him that commanded respect. As I walked past, I couldn’t help but wonder about the life he had lived and the lessons he had learned. He was a reminder that age and time might leave their mark, but they can also impart great wisdom and depth of character.

Our experts have compiled a list of descriptive essay examples to help you with your descriptive essay writing. In the next part of this blog, we will give examples from popular books.

Understanding What is a Descriptive Paragraph through Popular Novels 

At last, we will share some fantastic descriptive excerpts from famous books to familiarize you. Many students have a habit of reading fiction novels, which is an added plus. As you might have already read these passages, now you will understand them from a writer’s perspective. 

Excerpt from “God of Small Things”

The writer Arundhati Roy beautifully describes the summers in Ayemenem—a small village in Kerala, India.

“By early June the southwest monsoon breaks and there are three months of wind and water with short spells of sharp, glittering sunshine that thrilled children snatch to play with. The countryside turns an immodest green. Boundaries blur as tapioca fences take root and bloom. Brick walls turn mossgreen. Pepper vines snake up electric poles. Wild creepers burst through laterite banks and spill across the flooded roads”

Excerpts from “Lolita” 

This passage is taken from Lolita, a novel written by Vladimir Nabokov. The narrator Humbert Humber introduces his ex-lover and step-daughter Dolores to the jury of his trial. 

“Lolita, light of my life, fire of my loins. My sin, my soul. Lo-lee-ta: the tip of the tongue taking a trip of three steps down the palate to tap, at three, on the teeth. Lo. Lee. Ta. She was Lo, plain Lo, in the morning, standing four feet ten in one sock. She was Lola in slacks. She was Dolly at school. She was Dolores on the dotted line. But in my arms she was always Lolita.”

Excerpts from “Lord of the Rings”

J.R.R Tolkien writes the following excerpt in his book “Fellowship of the Rings” (Book 1: Lord of the Rings series). The scene explains the start of the long journey of the hobbits and their fellow protectors of the ring.

“Away high in the East swung Remmirath, the Netted Stars, and slowly above the mist’s red Borgil rose, glowing like a jewel of fire. Then by some shift of airs all the mist was drawn away like a veil, and there leaned up, as he climbed over the rim of the world, the Swordsman of the Sky, Menelvagor with his shining belt. The Elves all burst into song.”

Excerpts from “A Game of Thrones” 

In this passage from A Game of Thrones writer G.R.R. Martin describes the feelings of a nine-year-old boy who will witness an execution on a summer morning. 

“The morning had dawned clear and cold, with a crispness that hinted at the end of summer. They set forth at daybreak to see a man beheaded, twenty in all, and Bran rode among them, nervous with excitement. This was the first time he had been deemed old enough to go with his lord father and his brothers to see the king’s justice done. It was the ninth year of summer, and the seventh of Bran’s life.”

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Conclusion: 

By now you must have a better understanding of what is a descriptive paragraph. Our examples and famous excerpts may have motivated you to write some creative pieces independently. But if you’re worried you might not be able to write something impactful till your due submission, our experts will assist you. You can contact our writers for custom essay writing help around the clock. So what are you waiting for?

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