Have you ever been stuck on writing a descriptive piece?
We all know how when you feel like you’ve settled into the year, and suddenly… out of nowhere, your English teacher has assigned you a descriptive writing piece on the most random topic? Yup, me too. Well here is a step-by-step guide on how to write a nearly perfect piece of writing.
How do I get inspired if my teacher didn’t already set me a topic?
Well, sometimes when your teacher doesn’t assign you a topic, you get something called ‘writers’ block’.
How do you fix this?
Writers’ block is really easy to fix. If you’re interested in a book, show, or even a movie, write a descriptive piece on that! For example, my step-by-step piece was on Harry Potter, more specifically – Diagon Alley.
What are things needed in a descriptive piece?
All sorts of things are needed! Here’s a list:
Adjectives
Adverbs
All the senses (or a good amount; smell, touch, hear, feel, see)
Figurative language
Descriptive details and such!
If you need a more detailed list, make sure to ask your teacher.
My Example: A Harry Potter scene.
Before reading my example, make sure to ask your teacher for pointers; it will show them that you’re a keen student!
“Seen:
The bustling, narrow streets of Diagon Alley overflowed with impatient, sweaty families, all rushing to get equipment for the new school year at Hogwarts. The hundreds of plaques above the keen merchants were designed in obnoxiously vibrant colours, purposely designed to grab the attention of clients miles away.
Buildings of all shapes and sizes piled over each other, all persistent to be the tallest, almost like they were greeting bypassers. A dozen young, eager boys pushing against each other, determined on reaching the best broom on the market: the ‘Firebolt; to keep away dementors’. The worried mothers, gliding swiftly through gaps left untouched by the wild bunch of people, making a beeline to their families in an attempt to not get lost.
Heard:
The multiple merchants yelling across the cobblestone streets, “New and improved broom shape!” “Three wands for 20 Sickles!” The constant sound of muggle cars whizzing by, a cloud of smoke following.The low growl which was Hagrids’ voice, warning a young Harry about the dangers and precautions of Knockturn Alley, the deadliest place in Diagon Alley.
Smelled:
The truly remarkable whiff of smoke escaping Sugarplums’ Sweet shop, sending bypassers into another dimension with the smell of heavenly, freshly-baked Pumpkin Pastries and Chocolate Frog Bundles. The smell of sour, repulsive bodily odour escaping the hundreds of overwhelmed customers. Scented candles from Mrs Cooks’ Candles contrasted with the other familiar scents, creating an overpowering atmosphere for innocent bystanders. The source of extremely fragrant butterbeer was Leaky Cauldron, an exciting yet exotic bar. Mr Mulpeppers’ Apothecary overflowed with foreign scents, all attacking bystanders with an unexpected whiff of pickleberry and tulip grounds’ potion mix.
Touched:
The brick-layered walls were harsh yet the same amount soft from the unusual, jelly-like coating on top of them. Multiple mesmerising glass vases sat quietly, their material an unfamiliar cold sense, and an incredible burning sensation in response to the gentle graze. The warm brown bag of newly-baked ‘Twisted Peanut Cinnamon Wands’.
Tasted:
The tingly dust particles greeted my dry mouth. The warm, comforting cinnamony taste of the ‘Wand Licorice Candy Twists’. The absolutely decadent, sharp taste of Chocolate Frogs.”
Overly descriptive plans like these, looking over one aspect (in this case the senses), will help you immensely! Good luck!
