GENRES OF WRITING

Descriptive

The primary purpose of descriptive writing is to describe a person, place or thing in such away that a picture is formed in the reader's mind.  It does not tell the reader that the flower is beautiful; it shows them the flower is beautiful.  The reader feels like he/she is a part of the writer's experience of the subject.

Descriptive writing is used in all modes of writing (Expository, Narrative, and Persuasive) to create a vivid and lasting impression of the person, place or thing.

 Descriptive Graphic Organizer

Poster ~ Explanation

 

Rubric for Grading

 

Louisiana Comprehensive Curriculum:

The students will choose a topic to describe and brainstorm adjectives for that person, place, or thing. The students will use a table to list adjectives, or a star chart with the topic in the center of the star with adjectives describing the topic on each of the five points. The charts should have five columns or points to include the five senses: sound, sight, smell, touch, and taste. The students will write phrases to describe the topic, what they see, feel, hear, smell, or taste. The students will meet with the teacher or a peer to conference for ideas and improvements. The students will use the chart to write a descriptive paragraph.

Idea:   Make Circle Maps with an attribute such as size, color, shape, etc… and then on the outer circle list the words that could tell about that attribute.  Hang around room during descriptive prompts.  Could reproduce onto copy paper and add to the resource section of your writing binder.

 

Descriptive Prompts:

• Describe a place you always wanted to visit.
• Describe the most beautiful scene in nature that you can imagine.
• Describe a play room that you have seen or would love to see.
• Describe the ocean.  Think about what it looks like on and below the surface.
• Describe a toy you love. 
• Describe your ideal playground.
• Describe the perfect shopping store.
• Describe your bedroom the way you want it to be.
• Think of your favorite animal and describe that animal.
• Describe your favorite dessert or food.
• Describe your best friend so that the reader can picture him or her.
• Think of your favorite place.  What do you like about this place?  What do you do there?  How does it look, smell, and feel?  Now write an essay describing your favorite place so that your reader will be able to picture it.
• Describe the perfect pet.
• Describe a season of the year.
• There are trees everywhere, even in the middle of big cities.  Think of a tree you have seen.  What does it look , feel and sound like?  Describe that tree so that your reader can picture it too.

 

 Words and Phrase Suggestions:

               size                          color                   shape                   purpose                   length                                width                        weight                speed                   is like                       resembles                  in                              above                 below                   beside                     near                                north                        east                     south                    west