Descriptive Essays: Describing People

Descriptive Essays
In descriptive essays, you have to describe a person, place or thing. If the question states
“describe a person that helped you in the time of need”, don’t just go on about how the person
helped you, you have to describe the person and his attributes as well.
Describing people:
 Add the characteristics of the person such as “tall, well built, shiny black hair, etc.”.
Remember to describe the height, age, build, face, eyes, hair and clothing of the person.
 Describe the attributes and hobbies of the person and why he/she inspires/motivates you.
Example(s):
 When he laughed, he revealed a set of horribly discolored teeth.

 Everybody stared at her. She had beautiful dark hair piled high on her head, a delicately
shaped face, large soft eyes and the most dazzling smile I had ever seen.
Describing places:
 State where and what the place is (For example Lulu Island in Abu Dhabi).
 Describe how far the place is from your house (how you got there) and why do you like
the place.
 Describe the unique features of the place and what is so good about it. Describe the
weather and how it felt “hot” or “cold” when you were there.
 Would you recommend the place to others (for vacations, etc.)? If yes, then why?
Example(s):
She strolled to the back of the house by herself, and she saw the most beautiful backdrop. Trees
were everywhere and sunlight was trying its best to penetrate the thick lush greenery. Right at
the very middle of the trees was a small lake. Danielle leaned against the fence and admired the
scene before her with awe.
Describing things:
 Name the thing and what type of gadget/thing it is (For example your 24-carrot Rolex
WATCH ? )
 Describe the appearance of the thing, remember to be precise in mentioning the color,
shape and size of the object.
 Describe the features of the object and why it is so special to you.

Starting Descriptives; start by naming the person/place/thing. For person, describe if he’s
popular or not. For places, describe its location and popularity. For things, name the brand and
how the people world – wide adore it.
Main body; go into further detail on the topic.
 If you’re describing a person then go in detail of the appearance, characteristics and

qualities of the person (in separate paragraphs).
 If you’re describing a place, go in depth about the wonders of the place, the key features
and leisure facilities, the weather (decide paragraphing accordingly).
 If you’re describing things, most preferably two paragraphs in detail of its appearance
and how its features and background make it an important object for you.
Ending your essay; conclude your essay by summarizing all you’ve described and
recommending (in case of place) or wishing best of luck (in case of people such as
teachers/sportsmen) or admiring the object that you hold so dear.
Key point; in descriptive, VOCABULARY is very important because you want the reader to
imagine what you’re describing! Nobody just likes to read a description of a person or place or
object. With appropriate vocabulary you have to make it an interesting read.
Vocabulary for Describing People’s outlook
Vocabulary for Describing types of People
Here are a few links to help you build your vocabulary:

http://ebasics.blogspot.com/2008/06/vocabulary-adjectives-for-describing.html
http://ieltskey.blogspot.com/2012/08/vocabulary-chapter-2-describing-things.html
http://www.speakenglish.co.uk/vocab/describing_people
http://o2-level-english.blogspot.com/search/label/Vocabulary in action
Examiner Tips for Descriptive Writing:
 It is difficult to write interesting descriptions, so this type of composition should not be

attempted unless you have had practice and success at this type of writing. To write a
strong descriptive answer you will need to use a wide range of vocabulary and even use
imagery to engage reader interest. Unless the reader can see the picture they will not be
able to relate to the experience.
 You will need to use a variety of sentence structures. All forms of repetition should be
avoided – unless you are deliberately using it carefully for effect.
 You will need to evoke all five senses to create an environment and atmosphere, as well
as details of size, shape and color. Make color precise, e.g. ‘scarlet’, ‘azure’, ‘off-white’,
‘bluish-grey’.
 Try to avoid common, overused, vague, short and childish vocabulary, such as ‘nice’,
‘big’, ‘little’, ‘a lot of’, ‘good’, and ‘bad’.
 Each noun probably needs one or more adjectives in front of it to give sufficient detail.
 Don’t let your description become static – give structure and progression to your
description e.g. moving towards or through something, such as a street market or busy
shopping mall, or going through a period of time, an hour or a day for instance, and
recording the changes.

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Descriptive Essays

 When he laughed, he revealed a set of horribly discolored teeth.

Main body; go into further detail on the topic.

 If you’re describing a person then go in detail of the appearance, characteristics and

Vocabulary for Describing People’s outlook

Vocabulary for Describing types of People

Here are a few links to help you build your vocabulary:

Examiner Tips for Descriptive Writing:

 It is difficult to write interesting descriptions, so this type of composition should not be

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