DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY
Lecturer: Mr.s Dao Thi Truong Xuan
TABLE OF CONTENT
01 02 03 04
USEFUL
DEFINITION STRUCTURE SAMPLE THINGS TO
WRITE
I. WHAT IS A DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY?
A descriptive essay is an essay that describes something –
an object or person, an event or place, an experience or
emotion, or an idea.
The goal of this kind of essay is to provide readers with
enough detailed descriptions for them to be able to picture or
imagine the chosen topic.
II. STRUCTURE OF A DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY
1. Introduction
• Represents the reasons why describes a person, object or situation
• A thesis statement that should be related to the subject of description
2. Body
• Body 1: The object it self
• Body 2: The surroundings
• Body 3: Sensual and emotion description
3. Conclusion
• Restate the meaning and idea of this experience, the reason we actually
describes it to the reader
• Summarize the emotional and physical attitude of the writer.
III. SAMPLE
I have always been fascinated by carnival rides.
It amazes me that average, ordinary people
eagerly trade in the serenity of the ground for the
chance to be tossed through the air like
vegetables in a food processor. It amazes me that
Represents the reasons at some time in history someone thought that
why the author describes people would enjoy this, and that person invented
carnival rides
what must have been the first of these terrifying
machines. For me, it is precisely the thrill and
Thesis statement excitement of having survived the ride that keeps
me coming back for more.
III. SAMPLE
My first experience with a carnival ride was a Ferris
wheel at a local fair. Looking at that looming
Provides a vivid description of monstrosity spinning the life out of its sardine-
the object caged occupants, I was dumbstruck. It was huge,
Give the observed details that smoky, noisy and not a little intimidating. Ever
are important for making a since that initial impression became fossilized in my
vivid portrait imagination many years ago, these rides have
reminded me of mythical beasts, amazing
Uses comparison dinosaurs carrying off their screaming passengers
like sacrificial virgins. Even the droning sound of
their engines brings to mind the great roar of a fire-
Uses metaphors breathing dragon with smoke spewing from its
exhaust-pipe nostrils
III. SAMPLE
The first ride on one of these fantastic beasts gave me
an instant rush of adrenaline. As the death-defying ride
started, a lump in my throat pulsed like a dislodged
heart ready to walk the plank. As the ride gained speed,
the resistance to gravity built up against my body until I
was unable to move. An almost imperceptible pause as
Describes the atmosphere
the wheel reached the top of its climb allowed my body
and surroundings of an
to relax in a brief state of normalcy. Then there was an
object, person, or situation.
assault of stomach-turning weightlessness as the
machine continued its rotation and I descended back
toward the earth. A cymbal-like crash vibrated through
the air as the wheel reached bottom, and much to my
surprise I began to rise again.
III. SAMPLE
Each new rotation gave me more confidence
Restate the meaning of this
in the churning machine. Every ascent left
experience for the writer
me elated that I had survived the previous
death-defying fall. When another nerve-
The importance of the wracking climb failed to follow the last
described things, the reason we exhilarating descent and the ride was over,
actually describe it to the I knew I was hooked. Physically and
reader emotionally drained, I followed my fellow
passengers down the clanging metal steps
to reach the safety of my former footing. I
The thesis statement
had been spared, but only to have the
summarizes the emotional and
opportunity to ride again.
physical attitude of the writer
III. SAMPLE
My fascination with these fantastic flights is
State the emotion of the author
deeply ingrained in my soul. A trip on the
and restate the impression of this
wonderful Ferris wheel never fails to thrill
experience
me. Although I am becoming older and have
The physical attitude of the less time, or less inclination, to play, the
writer child-like thrill I have on a Ferris wheel
continues with each and every ride.
IV. USEFUL THINGS TO WRITE A
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY
Describe a place
Things to include Adjectives to use
• Location Imposing, superb, easily accessible,
• Physical characteristics, atmosphere inaccessible, peaceful, interesting,
• Special attractions memorable, awe-inspiring, world-famous,
• The culture and people in the place off the beaten track, little/much visited,
• Historical details tourist- ridden, beautiful, picturesque,
• Your personal impression / opinion isolated, breath-taking, pretty, bustling
sleepy, lively, sparsely populated
IV. USEFUL THINGS TO WRITE A
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY
Describe a person
Things to include Adjectives to use
• Physical appearance Interesting, shy, diffident, pushing, overbearing ,
• Personality, character talented, lonely, sociable, likeable, a pest,
• Attitudes, behavior intelligent, introvert, extrovert, approachable,
• Interests, hobbies, profession unapproachable, businesslike, humble, timid,
• Your personal impression / opinion practical, impractical, a good mixer, a good
conversationalist, anti-social, retiring, a sport, a
snob, a bore, a know-all, difficult, arrogant, shrewd
energetic, conceited, modest, brash, self-
confident, lazy, ambitious, easy-going, strict,
cunning
IV. USEFUL THINGS TO WRITE A
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY
Describe an object
Things to include Adjectives to use
• Physical appearance Broad, chubby, crooked, curved, deep,
• Origin (where it was made) flat, high, hollow.
• Use
• Your personal impression / opinion
IV. USEFUL THINGS TO WRITE A
DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY
Describe a events/ experiences/ thoughts
Things to include Adjectives to use
• The setting – where and when it Marvelous, magical, wonderful, original,
happened – PAST TENSES entertaining, luxurious, glittering,
• What happened – in chronological sparkling, special
order
• Your impression or opinion about it
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