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What is descriptive writing? | Year 7 English (Cambridge) PDF Download

What is Descriptive Writing?

Descriptive writing is a style of writing that describes a person, place, scene, or thing in such a way that a vivid picture is formed in the reader's mind. It is written using the five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Descriptive writing often uses figurative language to enhance the imagery.

What is descriptive writing? | Year 7 English (Cambridge)

Using the Five Senses

When writing descriptively, it is important to engage the reader’s senses to create a vivid picture.
Here is how each sense can be used:

  • Sight: Describe what you see, such as colors, shapes, sizes, and specific details.
  • Sound: Mention the noises, whether they are loud, soft, harmonious, or discordant.
  • Smell: Describe any scents or odors, which can be pleasant or unpleasant.
  • Taste: If applicable, describe any tastes.
  • Touch: Describe textures and sensations felt by touch.

What is descriptive writing? | Year 7 English (Cambridge)

Example Scene: A Busy City

Imagine a busy city. Let’s note down some important points:

  • It’s a busy city.
  • People are busy purchasing and talking.
  • There are many cars all over.
  • There are shops and billboards for advertisements.
  • There’s a huge clock tower.
  • It’s very noisy and congested.

Question for What is descriptive writing?
Try yourself:
What sense would be most important to describe the noise and congestion in a busy city?
View Solution

Turning Points into a Descriptive Paragraph

Using the points above, we can create a descriptive paragraph.
Close your eyes and create an image in your mind as you read along:

Descriptive Paragraph

 "This city is so crowded that there's no room for an apple to fall. People were bustling here and there. There are various types of shops with billboards and posters everywhere. People are driving cars or using public transport. It's a huge chaos. People are busy purchasing and wandering here and there. There is a clock tower as tall as a giraffe, and people can hear the honk and beep sounds from the cars all over. The tired roofs of buildings sagged down through the stores. The place was so congested that no other person could enter."

Creating the Image 

Did you create a busy city with loads of cars, people, and shops in your mind? That’s exactly what the picture shows. Descriptive writing uses detailed observations and figurative language to help the reader visualize the scene.

Using Figurative Language

In the descriptive paragraph above, figurative language is used to create a more vivid image:

  • Simile: "There is a clock tower as tall as a giraffe."
  • Metaphor: "The tired roofs of buildings sagged down."

These figures of speech help create an image in your mind, making the description more vivid and engaging.

Conclusion

Now that we know all about descriptive writing, remember to use the five senses and figurative language to make your writing come alive. Descriptive writing is all about painting a picture with words, so be detailed and imaginative in your descriptions.

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FAQs on What is descriptive writing? - Year 7 English (Cambridge)

1. What is descriptive writing?
Ans. Descriptive writing is a type of writing that uses detailed language to create a vivid picture of a person, place, object, or event. It aims to engage the reader's senses and emotions, painting a clear and detailed picture in their mind.
2. What are some key elements of descriptive writing?
Ans. Some key elements of descriptive writing include using sensory details (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell), vivid language, figurative language (metaphors, similes), and specific and concrete details to create a strong image for the reader.
3. How can descriptive writing be effective in conveying a scene or setting?
Ans. Descriptive writing can be effective in conveying a scene or setting by using specific and detailed language to paint a clear picture for the reader. By engaging the reader's senses and emotions, descriptive writing can transport them to the scene being described.
4. How can descriptive writing create a sense of atmosphere in a busy city scene?
Ans. Descriptive writing can create a sense of atmosphere in a busy city scene by using sensory details to convey the hustle and bustle of the city, the sounds of traffic and people, the smells of street food and exhaust fumes, and the visual imagery of tall buildings and crowded streets.
5. Why is descriptive writing important in bringing a scene to life for the reader?
Ans. Descriptive writing is important in bringing a scene to life for the reader because it helps them to visualize and experience the setting in a more immersive way. By using descriptive language, writers can evoke a strong emotional response from the reader and make the scene more memorable.
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