Descriptive Writing
English Language: Edexcel IGCSE - Specification B, topic 5.1.3
Section B: Descriptive Writing
A descriptive piece uses sensory detail (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch) to describe a place, person or feeling. There is no story line. Here are some tips for writing a descriptive piece:
Use figurative language
- Using figurative language helps to bring descriptions to life.
- Figurative language uses figures of speech to be more effective, persuasive or impactful. Such devices include metaphors and similes.
- E.g. My bedroom is a freezer!
Figurative language - example
- Read this example:
- There were lots of people in the room. It was crowded. I was feeling claustrophobic. I started to panic.
- These sentences are grammatically correct, but the description is boring. Let's now look at an example using figurative language:
- The people in the room were bunched together like battery chickens on a tiny farm. Panic rushed over me like a wave crashing into shore. Claustrophobia swallowed me.
- The similes and personification in these sentences make the writing much more exciting.
Use vocabulary to create the right tone
- The tone of your writing is very important. The tone is the writer's feelings towards what they are describing.
- To create the right tone:
- Choose words carefully - using positive adjectives will help to create a light-hearted feel. Using negative/aggressive adjectives will help to create a foreboding atmosphere.
- Use varied sentences - using short, simple sentences will help to create suspense and quicken the pace. Using long, complex sentences will slow the pace and create a relaxed feel.
Tone - examples
- The howling, raging storm smashed everything in its path.
- The aggressive adjectives help to create a negative tone. The writer wants us to think of the storm as a negative force.
- The sweet, little girl flickered her sky-blue eyes as she tossed her honey golden locks.
- The positive adjectives create a positive tone. The writers wants us to think of the girl as an attractive and likeable character.
Tone - examples
- He looked. He looked again. Where was she? Where had she gone? Panic smacked Joe in the face. She was missing. Gone without a trace.
- The series of simple, short sentences help to create suspense and quicken the pace - reflecting Joe's panic.
- The golden sun stretched out his magnificent arms and spread honey rays far and wide, warming his beloved Earth and waking her creatures one and all.
- The long, complex sentence creates a relaxed feel - reflecting this lethargic start to the day.
Use a range of language devices
- Language devices play a key role in creative writing. Using a variety of the language devices covered in the 'Key Terms' section can help you to:
- Make your writing more interesting.
- Engage the reader in your story or help them to visualise your description.
- Help you to build up the image/experience you have in your own head.
- We will recap these language devices in the 'Checklist of Techniques' section.
Good techniques
- Adjectives.
- Analogies.
- Metaphors and similes.
- Devices that create a visual picture in the reader's mind.
Test yourself on Descriptive Writing
You are describing a beautiful sunset over a beach. What kind of sentences should you use to create the right tone?
What techniques should you use to enhance your descriptive writing?
You are describing a police chase. You want to quicken the pace of your narrative. What kind of sentences should you use?
Which sentence uses vocabulary effectively to create a disapproving tone?