CHAPTER 9 WRITING DESCRIPTIONS
Writing a description is like creating a picture using words. The key to writing a good description is using details that create exactly the picture you want. In this chapter you will learn how to write descriptions of people, places and things.
DESCRIBING PEOPLE
When you describe a person, you explain what he or she looks and acts like. You write about physical characteristics such as height, weight, and hair color. You can also write about the person’s style of clothing and way of talking and walking. The key to writing a good description is to use details that help the reader imagine the person you are describing.
Reading the paragraph and underline the descriptive details.
The police are searching for a stylish woman who cleverly stole a diamond ring from Dayton’s Jewelry Store. According to the store manager, the woman has short, curly brown hair and big blue eyes. She a average height, slender, and about sixty-five years old. When she was last seen, she was elegantly dressed in a grey hat, a black and white plaid coat, black pants, and black high-heeled boots. She speaks softly and uses her hands a lot when she talks. She doesn’t look like someone who would steal a ring!
Activity
A. Read this telephone conversation.
Lucia: Hi Clara. I have a big problem and I hope you can help me. Clara: What’s the problem? I’ll help if I can.
Lucia: My cousin is coming home tonight from his trip to Europe and I’m supposed to pick him
up at the airport at seven o’clock. The problem is that I just found out I have to work late tonight. Can you possibly pick him up for me? Clara: Sure. What airline is he taking? Lucia: British Airways. Flight 179.
Clara: OK. But how will I recognize him?
Lucia: Well, he’s medium height and average weight.
Clara: That could be almost anyone. Can you be more specific?
Lucia: Well, his hair is blond and curly. He wears glasses. I almost forgot! He has a beard. Clara: What’s his name? Lucia: Ernie Norton.
Clara: OK, no problem. I’ll find him. Lucia: Great. Thank you so much!
At the last minute, Clara is unable to go to the airport. Her brother Ben has agreed to pick up Ernie instead. Clara is writing a note to Ben describing Ernie so that he will be able to find him. What should Clara’s note say? The following questions will help you. ﹒Is he tall or short?
﹒Is his hair curly or straight? ﹒Is he fat or thin? ﹒Does he wear glasses?
﹒What color hair does he have
﹒Is there anything about him that you notice immediately?
B. Pretend you are Clara. Write a not to Ben describing Ernie. Dear Ben,
TOPIC SENTENCES FOR DESCRIPTIVE PARAGRAPHS
The topic sentence of a descriptive paragraph should include who or what you are describing and your dominant impression of the person, place, or thing.
Read the following sample topic sentences and discuss the questions with a partner. 1. My grandfather is getting old, but he is still handsome and careful about his appearance.
2. Although it was made with love, the sweater my aunt gave me is one of the ugliest things I’ve
ever seen.
3. My most treasured possession is the beautiful pearl ring my grandmother gave me. 4. My brother’s new girlfriend is absolutely gorgeous.
5. The fist time I met Jason, I thought he appeared frail and sickly.
6. My favorite piece of furniture is an old leather armchair that has been in our family room for
many years.
7. Our new teacher is tall and thin and she looks very stern. 8. I can’t wait to get rid of our old, rusty lawn mower.
a. What is the author describing?
b. How does the author feel about the object?
Descriptive Words
When you describe what a person looks like, you write about physical characteristics such as height, weight, and hair color. Here are some words that can help you. WORDS FOR DESCRIBING PEOPLE Height medium short shortish tall tallish Age ancient elderly middle-aged old teenaged young Body Type athletic frail heavy muscular petite Plump skinny stocky thin Hair blond curly dark light long red short straight wavy Features beard dimple freckles glasses mole mustache scar wrinkles
Example: I have a photograph of Prince William. He is walking on a London street. He is wearing sunglasses and a gray raincoat. He has a new hairstyle, and he is holding hands with a beautiful lady. She looks much older than the prince! They are both carrying small shopping bags with the name of a famous jeweler on them.
DESCRIBING THINGS
Read the paragraph and answer the questions that follow.
I bought a beautiful antique gold watch to give my father for his birthday. Although it’s more than sixty years old, it’s in excellent condition. The round face of the watch is white with shiny raised gold numbers and thin black hands. It’s about 36 millimeters in diameter. The back of the watch has a small scratch and the letters JLH engraved on it. They are probably the original owner’s initials. The band is made of soft brown leather with a gold buckle. I know my father will love the watch because it still keeps perfect time after all these years. 1. What is the author describing?
2. How does the author feel about the object?
3. What details does the author use to describe the pocket watch? 4. What is the concluding sentence?
Descriptive Details
The supporting sentences in a descriptive paragraph should include details that create a picture with words. They often include information about size, weight, shape, pattern or decoration, color, material, and any other features. PARAGRAPH POINTER: Sensory Words When you write a description, you can use words that relate to the senses of sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste. These are called sensory words. Sensory words help the reader imagine what you are describing. Here are some common sensory words you can use to describe objects. Common Sensory Words Color black blue orange purple yellow Shape flat oval rectangular round square triangular Size average big enormous huge small tiny Smell fresh fruity mild pungent smoky strong Taste bitter bland fruity nutty oily rich salty sour spicy sweet Texture rough sharp silky smooth soft Describing Items
You have a small e-commerce business that sells travel goods. This month you are featuring a 30- percent-off coupon for new customers on five or your best-selling products. Read the product