description essay on person

15+ Examples of Descriptive Essays About a Person

Examples of Descriptive Essays About a Person – Descriptive essay is one type of essay that aims to describe a specific object (animal, person, or other thing) specifically. This text type has a slight difference with report text written based on common terms.

The following essays are some examples of descriptive essays about a person, family members, and famous people.

Table of Contents

Essay 1: My Best Friend Laura

Laura J. Bernal, whose nickname is Laura, is my best friend from my childhood. She has a small body and is quite slim. She has oval face with bright brown eyes and thin lips. Laura J. Bernal has long brown straight hair, but she usually makes her hair with horse ponytails. She looks very beautiful, especially when she smiles. She is always cheerful and looks in a good mood. She is a very positive person. We have almost the same hobby of singing. Sometimes our opinions are the same. She is always energetic and brings positive energy for everyone around her. She is like a part of my family. I trust her just as I trust members of my family. She is a very honest type of friend. She always speaks as she is even though it’s bad. Laura always says what she thinks. We are very close to each other. She can even know whether I lie to her or not. I’m very lucky to have a friend like her.

Essay 2: Larry Page

Lawrence “Larry” Page is one of the most influential people in the world. Page is an American computer scientist; he is also an Internet entrepreneur. He was a co-founder of Google with his friend, Sergey Brin, in 1998. Now, he plays a role as a chief executive officer (CEO) of Alphabets, Google’s parent company. Larry Page was born on 26 th  March 1973 in Michigan. By 2019, his age is 46 years old. His hair is dark brown while his skin is fair. About his family, a research scientist named Lucinda Southworth is his wife. Now, he is a father of two children.In November 2016, he becomes the 12th richest person. Larry’s last education background is a Ph.D. from Stanford University. Here, he met Sergey Brin. Then, they incorporated Google in order to make world’s information easy to access. This company makes him to be one of the successful people in the world.

Essay 3: My Father

My father’s name is David P. Kent. He is a hardworking man. He works as a government employee. His body is tall, like my youngest brother. His hair is black and straight, same as mine. He has brown complexion because he likes working under the Sun. I love talking to my father. He is a wise man who always gives me great advices. We learn about being a hard-worker from him. We love him very much. He is a great father for us.

Essay 4: Bill Gates

William Henry “Bill” Gates III is one of the richest & influential people. In 1975 together with his friend, Paul Allen, he co-founded Microsoft which became the world’s largest PC software company. That is why his name exists in the list of world’s wealthiest people by Forbes. Bill Gates or Trey as his nickname was born on 28 th  October 1955 in Seattle, Washington, USA. By 2019, he is 64 years old. His hair as well as eye color is same, light brown. Bill Gates’ weight is 64 kg with 5′ 9″ height. With his wife named Melinda Gates, they have three children. Besides being the best-known entrepreneur, Bill Gates is also known as a philanthropist. In 2000, he & his wife created Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. It was identified as the world’s wealthiest charitable foundation in 2013. Through this foundation, Bill Gates donates large amounts of money to many charitable organizations and scientific research programs.

Essay 5: My Mother

This one is about my mother. Her name is Margaret N. Craft. She has brown complexion and blonde hair. Her height is as same as mine, 5′ 11″. My mother is a tailor. She sews some clothes for women such as shirt, jeans, and skirt. I learn many things about sewing from her. She is a great teacher for me. Every morning, she wakes up earlier than other members in my family. She prepares breakfast for us. She is a tough and patient mother. We love her very much.

Essay 6: Mark Zuckerberg

Mark Elliot Zuckerberg is an American computer programmer & internet entrepreneur. He is a co-founder of Facebook, a famous social media. His name was in the list of 100 wealthiest and most influential people since 2010 by Time Magazine. About his physical appearance, Mark’s body is 170 centimeters tall with 76 kg weight. His hair color is red while his eyes are blue. Mark Zuckerberg was born on 14 th  May 1984 in New York, USA. Therefore, he is 35 years old by 2019. Mark Zuckerberg has married to Priscilla Chan; they have one daughter named Maxima Chan Zuckerberg.

Essay 7: My Sister

My sister is four years older than me. Her name is Jennifer P. Todd. I usually call her Jennifer. She has the same hair like my mother, black and quite curly. My sister, mother and I have almost the same body tall. Her height is about 5′ 1″. Just like our father, she is a government employee. She wears glasses for helping her see clearly. She occasionally wears contact lenses. We fought a lot when we were kids. She is a kind sister though and I love her so much.

Essay 8: J. K. Rowling

J. K. Rowling is a British novelist who writes phenomenal fantasy book series of Harry Potter. The books have got worldwide attention. They have become the best selling book series in history. They were sold more than 400 million copies. Joanne Rowling was born on 31 th July 1965 in Yate, Gloucestershire, England. So, she is 54 years old by 2019. About her physical appearance, her height is 5′ 5″, while her weight is 54 kg. She has blonde hair & blue eyes. She’s married two times; she’s got three children. JK. Rowling is a terrific & successful novelist that becomes the richest woman in England. In fact, once she had become unemployed with a destitute life. By writing Harry Potter books which are loaded with spectacular high imagination, she turns to be very famous and wealthy.

Essay 9: My Brother

My brother’s name is Charles O. Joy. I call him Charles. He is the youngest child in my family. He is five years younger than me. I can say that he has fair skin, round brown eyes and small lips. His hair is black and short like our father. He was graduated from English Education Department in University of Pennsylvania a year ago. He loves music very much. He is very good at playing a guitar. Together with his friends, he plays music and creates songs. I believe that he will be a successful artist in the future.

Essay 10: Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Gail Winfrey is a great talk show host from America. Her well-known talk show The Oprah Winfrey Show was the highest-rated television program from 1986 to 2011. Because of this phenomenal talk show, she dubbed as the “Queen of All Media”. She has also been ranked the richest African-American and greatest black philanthropist in American history. Oprah was born on January 29, 1954 in Mississippi, United States. By 2019, her age is 64 years old.  She has 5′ 7″ tall while her weight is 77 kg. During her career, she successfully lost her weight. But then, she gained much weight again. She has brown eyes & black hair. Oprah Winfrey was born into poverty in rural Mississippi. She was molested by her cousin, uncle, as well as a family friend when she was nine years old. At 14, she became pregnant but her son was born prematurely and died shortly after birth. Then, she moved to her father’s house and landed a job in radio. Her consistent efforts led her into the successful African-American.

Essay 11: Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp was born on June 9, 1963 in Owensboro, Kentucky, U.S. He is now 54 years old. He started his career on movie in 1984. His first movie is A nightmare on Elm Street and his last movie is Untitled Fantastic Beast Sequel that would be released in 2018. A long his life, he had been an actor in 48 movies. It means that he had been playing more than 40 characters during his life. Thus, seeing his achievement, he is proper to be the winner of the Golden Globe Award and Screen Actors Guild Award for the best actor. Before he became a famous actor, Depp was a musician. The first genre he played was rock music. He is good in playing guitar and writing songs. A long his life, he wrote so many songs for bands, solo vocalist or for movie such as Sweeney Todd.

Essay 12: My Grandmother

I have a grandmother, her name is Mary M. Lewis. I usually called her Granny Mary. Her hair isn’t gray like other grandmothers, but blonde. Her body is quite short, about 5′ 1″. She has brown and bit wrinkly skin. Granny Mary lives in a house with my uncle and aunt. I visit her twice a week. I think she is not that old, because she is 70 years old. However, she still looks fit and strong. She usually goes to the backyard to help my uncle. Sometimes, I go to the backyard with my brother as well and help her pick flowers. We love our grandmother so much.

Essay 13: Taylor Swift

Taylor Alison Swift is an American singer & song writer. She is known for narrative songs about her personal life. Her songs are very popular, namely Shake It Off, Blank Space, Bad Blood. Taylor Swift has appeared as one of the most influential and powerful women by Forbes as well as Time Magazines. By 2019, Taylor Swift’s age is 30 years old. She was born on December 13, 1989 in Reading, Pennsylvania, United States. This beautiful girl has 5′ 10″ tall & weighs 54 kg. Her hair is blonde while her eye color is blue. Her lips are usually red as she likes red color very much. Taylor Swift is a famous wealthy woman but her life was not always so sweet. She suffered bullying in Junior High School. She said that she got dumped by a group of popular girls in the school. They thought that she was weird because she liked country music. This changed after she moved to Nashville; she becomes a successful singer.

Essay 14: My Grandfather

This one is about my grandfather, my father’s dad. His name is Wayne D. Smith. I usually called him “Gran Wayne”. He lived in a house with my uncles and aunties. He has 10 children, including my father. That’s why we have a very big family. Gran Wayne used to jog every morning. When I was just a kid, I loved to wake up early and went to jog with him. After arriving in one small shop, he bought us a milk and an ice cream. We were so happy at that time. We love our grandfather so much.

Essay 15: A Stranger at Every Morning

I see that mysterious person at every morning walking in front of my home in this last two weeks. I never see him before. Perhaps he is a new comer in this village. He always walks slowly with his two big Doberman dogs as he seems like having a total control of his dogs. He is big and tall man with a long hair and full body tattoo on his skin. I think anybody will be afraid of him. He always uses single shirt and shorts and also black sports shoes when he is walking around with his dog. Usually, he is passing in front of my home around 6 in the morning. He always using headset and put his iPhone or something like MP3 players in his pocket shorts.

Essay 16: Vincent van Gogh

Vincent Van Gogh was a Dutch painter that was classified as a post-impressionist painter. He was born on March 30, 1853 in Zundert, Netherlands and died on 29 July in Auvers-sur-Oise, France. At his life time, he was stated as a stupid person who tried and failed to learn painting. Not only that, he was totally poor and suffered. At first, he failed in love and thus made him suffered in life. He failed to be anything like normal people. His failure in love broke his mental and confidence. Before he became a painter, or let say liked painting, he was a protestant missionary in Southern Belgium. His duty was in the coal mine and there he saw the truth about suffering and the truth about his own God. Seeing human suffer he also wanted to experience the same in the name of humanity. He lost his faith and started to paint. Traveling from one place to another, Van Gogh lived in poverty. His life was spent to paint even people said that his art work was a bad art. He also suffered from psychotic and delusion. At the last time of his life, he was at the mental hospital, Auvers-sur-Oise, France. He was depressed and finally shot himself and died two days after that. After his death and the popularity of the discourse on madness, especially the knowledge of the psychotic, his painting became popular and categorized as a high art of post-impressionist painting. Unfortunately, Van Gogh never knew that the prices of his painting are now billions.

These are the 15+ examples of descriptive essays about a person. If you’re looking for descriptive essay ideas about family members, friends, or famous people (such as CEO, writers, or celebrity), then you were coming to the right place.

We hope this helps and thanks for reading!

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• Writing Tips

How to Write a Descriptive Paragraph About a Person (With Examples)

4-minute read

• 7th January 2023

Describing a person or character is difficult for even the most successful authors. It requires a balance of words to make sure they shine through without the language being too heavy. In this article, we’ll look at how to write a descriptive paragraph about a person, share some examples, and talk about different strategies.

1.   Brainstorm Your Ideas

Brainstorming is crucial to any writing process. It’s the process in which you think of ideas for what you’d like to write about. In this case, you’re writing a descriptive paragraph about a person. It’s important to use adjectives to describe the features or characteristics you want to focus on.

One way to come up with ideas for a descriptive paragraph about a person is to go through the five senses. Use the questions below to get some ideas for what you want to highlight about your person.

Appeal to your reader’s senses – smell, taste, sound, sight, and touch

Smell: How does the person smell? Do they wear perfume? Are they doing an activity that would make them have a certain smell?

Taste: Do you associate a certain food with this person? Does it make you think of a specific taste? Can you taste something due to a certain smell they have?

Sound: Do they have a unique voice or laugh? Are they doing an activity that has distinctive sounds?

Sight: What prominent features do they have? For example, think about their dressing style, their smile, or their surroundings. What do you see them doing in your mind when you see a photo of them? What memories do you have of this person? Does this person remind you of something or someone?

Touch: What textures do you see? For example, imagine their skin or clothing. How does it feel if you hug them?

2.   Begin With a Short and Snappy Sentence

Like with any type of writing, you want to hook your reader so that they want to continue reading. In this case, you can use a topic sentence, if appropriate, to introduce your reader to the person. For example:

Or, if you want to be more creative, you can reel them in with a short and snappy sentence about this person. This is called a writing hook . This sentence should focus on a stand-out detail or characteristic about the person you’re describing. For example:

3.   Describe the Person

Now, this is the hard part. But, if you’ve brainstormed plenty of ideas and know which ones you want to focus on, it will be easier. Let’s look at some examples to get a better idea of how to write a descriptive paragraph about a person using the prompt “describe a person you admire.”

Comments: This paragraph is pretty typical of most students. It gives lots of visual details of the person and uses a simile or two (“ Her eyes are like the color of honey” and “Her smile shines like the sun” ). While this strategy gets the job done, it’s not very exciting to read. In fact, it can be quite boring!

Let’s look at how we can rewrite this to make it more exciting.

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Comments: In this example, we focused on one defining characteristic of the person we are describing — her laugh. This strategy places more focus on the person you’re describing, rather than the adjectives you use to describe them.

4.   Edit and Revise

After you write your descriptive paragraph, be sure to read it over. Read it out loud. Read it in a funny voice. Doing this will help you to hear the words and identify which parts do not work or sound awkward.

5.   General Tips for Descriptive Writing

●  Avoid using too many descriptive words.

●  Remember to show the reader, not tell.

●  Appeal to the reader’s five senses – smell, touch, taste, sight, and sound.

●  Focus on a striking or defining characteristic.

●  Use contrasting details from other people or surroundings for emphasis.

●  Use literary devices (metaphors, similes etc.) sparingly and with intention.

●  Use a hook to reel your reader in.

●  Use a variety of short and long sentences.

●  Practice creative writing exercises to improve your descriptive writing skills.

●  Always edit and revise your writing.

If you need more help with writing a descriptive paragraph or essay , send your work to us! Our experts will proofread your first 500 words for free !

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How To Write A Descriptive Essay On A Person: Step By Step

• Post author By admin
• March 1, 2024
• No Comments on How To Write A Descriptive Essay On A Person: Step By Step

Descriptive essays are like painting a vivid picture with words. They allow us to delve deep into the essence of someone or something, capturing every detail, emotion, and nuance. When it comes to writing a descriptive essay on a person, it’s all about bringing that individual to life on the page. In this guide, we’ll explore step-by-step how to write a descriptive essay on a person, from choosing the right person to polishing your final draft.

Table of Contents

How Do You Start A Descriptive Essay?

Starting a descriptive essay requires setting the scene and grabbing the reader’s attention. Here are some effective ways to begin:

• Start with a vivid description: Paint a picture with words by describing the setting, person, or object you’ll be focusing on. Use sensory details to immerse the reader in the scene.
• Use an engaging anecdote: Begin with a short story or anecdote related to your subject. This can draw readers in and make them curious to learn more.
• Pose a rhetorical question: Start with a thought-provoking question that relates to your topic. This can pique the reader’s curiosity and encourage them to keep reading for the answer.
• Invoke the senses: Appeal to the reader’s senses by describing sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures. This creates a vivid experience for the reader and sets the tone for your essay.
• Provide a brief background: Offer a brief introduction to your subject, providing context for the description that follows. This helps orient the reader and gives them a sense of what to expect.

Ultimately, the goal is to engage the reader from the very beginning and create a strong foundation for your descriptive essay.

How To Write A Descriptive Essay On A Person?

Pre-writing phase.

Before diving into writing, it’s essential to do some groundwork.

• Selecting Your Subject: Choose a person who holds significance for you. It could be a family member, friend, mentor, or even a historical figure you admire.
• Brainstorming Traits: Think about the qualities and characteristics that define this person. Jot down specific details, memories, and anecdotes that come to mind.
• Gathering Memories: Reflect on your experiences with this person. Recall moments that stand out, whether they’re funny, heartwarming, or profound.
• Determining Tone: Consider the tone and perspective you want to convey in your essay. Will it be nostalgic, admiring, or reflective?

Creating an Outline

A well-structured outline provides a roadmap for your essay, ensuring that you cover all essential aspects.

• Introduction: Set the stage by introducing the person you’ll be describing and stating the purpose of your essay. Your thesis statement should give readers a glimpse of what to expect.
• Body Paragraphs: Organize your essay into paragraphs focusing on different aspects of the person’s character.
• Physical Description: Paint a vivid picture of their appearance, from their physical features to their style of dress and unique mannerisms.
• Personality Traits: Dive into their personality, exploring their quirks, habits, values, and passions.
• Impact on Others: Highlight the person’s relationships and influence on those around them, including anecdotes that showcase their impact.
• Conclusion: Summarize the key traits discussed in the essay and reflect on their significance. Leave readers with a lasting impression.

Drafting the Essay

With your outline in hand, it’s time to start writing.

• Introduction: Begin with an attention-grabbing opening that draws readers in. Introduce the person and provide context for why they are important to you.
• Body Paragraphs: Develop each section with descriptive details and vivid imagery. Use sensory language to evoke emotions and create a sense of intimacy.
• Conclusion: Reinforce the central theme of your essay and leave readers with a thought-provoking insight or reflection.

Revision and Editing

Once you’ve completed your first draft, it’s time to polish your essay.

• Review for Clarity: Ensure that your essay flows smoothly from one paragraph to the next, with clear transitions between ideas.
• Check for Errors: Proofread your essay for grammar, punctuation, and spelling mistakes. Pay attention to sentence structure and word choice.
• Seek Feedback: Share your essay with friends, family, or peers for feedback. Consider their suggestions for improvement and make revisions accordingly.

Finalizing the Essay

Before submitting your essay, take one last look to ensure it’s polished and ready to shine.

• Formatting: Format your essay according to the guidelines provided, including font size, spacing, and margins.
• Proofread Again: Give your essay a final proofread to catch any lingering errors or typos.
• Submission: Once you’re satisfied with your essay, submit it with confidence, knowing that you’ve crafted a compelling portrayal of the person who holds significance in your life.

Top 3 Examples of Descriptive Essays About a Person

“my grandmother: a portrait of strength and love”.

In this essay, the author paints a vivid picture of their grandmother, emphasizing her physical appearance as well as her inner strength and loving nature.

Through detailed descriptions of her wrinkled hands, warm smile, and comforting presence, the author captures the essence of their grandmother’s character.

Anecdotes and memories illustrate her resilience and the profound impact she has had on the author’s life, making her a cherished figure to be admired and celebrated.

“The Man Who Built Bridges: A Tribute to My Father”

This essay pays tribute to the author’s father, highlighting his remarkable qualities as a bridge builder both literally and metaphorically.

Through evocative descriptions of his weathered hands, steadfast determination, and unwavering kindness, the author portrays their father as a symbol of resilience, integrity, and compassion.

Anecdotes from the author’s childhood underscore the profound influence their father has had, leaving a lasting legacy of love and strength.

“The Artist of Words: An Ode to Maya Angelou”

In this essay, the author celebrates the life and legacy of Maya Angelou, the renowned poet, author, and civil rights activist.

Through vivid descriptions of Angelou’s commanding presence, eloquent speech, and unwavering courage, the author captures the essence of her indomitable spirit and profound impact on literature and society.

Quotes and excerpts from Angelou’s works illustrate her mastery of language and her ability to inspire and empower others, leaving an enduring legacy of hope and resilience.

Tips To  Write A Descriptive Essay On A Person

Writing a descriptive essay about a person requires attention to detail and a focus on capturing the essence of the individual. Here are some tips to help you craft a compelling descriptive essay:

• Choose a Subject You Know Well: Select a person whom you know intimately or have spent significant time with. This familiarity will allow you to provide rich descriptions and insights into their character.
• Brainstorm Descriptive Details: Before you start writing, make a list of physical attributes, personality traits, habits, and mannerisms that characterize the person. Think about specific anecdotes or memories that showcase their unique qualities.
• Create an Outline: Organize your essay with a clear structure, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Decide on the main traits or characteristics you will focus on in each section.
• Start with an Engaging Introduction: Grab the reader’s attention from the start with a compelling opening sentence or anecdote that sets the scene and introduces the person you will be describing.
• Use Vivid Descriptive Language: Paint a vivid picture with words by using sensory details to describe the person’s appearance, movements, facial expressions, and gestures. Appeal to the reader’s senses to create a vivid and immersive experience.
• Show, Don’t Tell: Instead of simply stating facts about the person, show their personality and character through descriptive scenes, dialogue, and actions. Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points.
• Focus on Emotions and Impressions: Describe not only what the person looks like but also how they make you feel and the impression they leave on others. Capture the emotions and atmosphere surrounding your interactions with them.
• Be Objective and Honest: While it’s important to highlight the person’s positive qualities, don’t shy away from portraying their flaws or weaknesses if they are relevant to the essay. Be honest and objective in your descriptions.
• Organize Your Thoughts: Structure your essay logically, moving from one characteristic or trait to the next in a coherent manner. Use transitions to guide the reader smoothly through your descriptions.
• Conclude with a Reflection: Summarize the key points of your essay in the conclusion and reflect on the significance of the person in your life or the impact they have had on others. Leave the reader with a lasting impression or insight.

By following these tips and techniques, you can create a descriptive essay that brings your chosen person to life on the page and leaves a lasting impression on your readers.

In conclusion, writing a descriptive essay on a person is a rewarding endeavor that allows you to celebrate the unique qualities and impact of someone special.

By following these steps (about how to write a descriptive essay on a person) and pouring your heart into your writing, you can create a masterpiece that truly brings your subject to life on the page.

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• How to write a descriptive essay | Example & tips

How to Write a Descriptive Essay | Example & Tips

Published on July 30, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on August 14, 2023.

A descriptive essay gives a vivid, detailed description of something—generally a place or object, but possibly something more abstract like an emotion. This type of essay , like the narrative essay , is more creative than most academic writing .

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Table of contents

Descriptive essay topics, tips for writing descriptively, descriptive essay example, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about descriptive essays.

When you are assigned a descriptive essay, you’ll normally be given a specific prompt or choice of prompts. They will often ask you to describe something from your own experience.

• Describe a place you love to spend time in.
• Describe an object that has sentimental value for you.

You might also be asked to describe something outside your own experience, in which case you’ll have to use your imagination.

• Describe the experience of a soldier in the trenches of World War I.
• Describe what it might be like to live on another planet.

Sometimes you’ll be asked to describe something more abstract, like an emotion.

If you’re not given a specific prompt, try to think of something you feel confident describing in detail. Think of objects and places you know well, that provoke specific feelings or sensations, and that you can describe in an interesting way.

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The key to writing an effective descriptive essay is to find ways of bringing your subject to life for the reader. You’re not limited to providing a literal description as you would be in more formal essay types.

Make use of figurative language, sensory details, and strong word choices to create a memorable description.

Use figurative language

Figurative language consists of devices like metaphor and simile that use words in non-literal ways to create a memorable effect. This is essential in a descriptive essay; it’s what gives your writing its creative edge and makes your description unique.

Take the following description of a park.

This tells us something about the place, but it’s a bit too literal and not likely to be memorable.

If we want to make the description more likely to stick in the reader’s mind, we can use some figurative language.

Here we have used a simile to compare the park to a face and the trees to facial hair. This is memorable because it’s not what the reader expects; it makes them look at the park from a different angle.

You don’t have to fill every sentence with figurative language, but using these devices in an original way at various points throughout your essay will keep the reader engaged and convey your unique perspective on your subject.

Use your senses

Another key aspect of descriptive writing is the use of sensory details. This means referring not only to what something looks like, but also to smell, sound, touch, and taste.

Obviously not all senses will apply to every subject, but it’s always a good idea to explore what’s interesting about your subject beyond just what it looks like.

Even when your subject is more abstract, you might find a way to incorporate the senses more metaphorically, as in this descriptive essay about fear.

Choose the right words

Writing descriptively involves choosing your words carefully. The use of effective adjectives is important, but so is your choice of adverbs , verbs , and even nouns.

It’s easy to end up using clichéd phrases—“cold as ice,” “free as a bird”—but try to reflect further and make more precise, original word choices. Clichés provide conventional ways of describing things, but they don’t tell the reader anything about your unique perspective on what you’re describing.

Try looking over your sentences to find places where a different word would convey your impression more precisely or vividly. Using a thesaurus can help you find alternative word choices.

• My cat runs across the garden quickly and jumps onto the fence to watch it from above.
• My cat crosses the garden nimbly and leaps onto the fence to survey it from above.

However, exercise care in your choices; don’t just look for the most impressive-looking synonym you can find for every word. Overuse of a thesaurus can result in ridiculous sentences like this one:

• My feline perambulates the allotment proficiently and capers atop the palisade to regard it from aloft.

An example of a short descriptive essay, written in response to the prompt “Describe a place you love to spend time in,” is shown below.

Hover over different parts of the text to see how a descriptive essay works.

On Sunday afternoons I like to spend my time in the garden behind my house. The garden is narrow but long, a corridor of green extending from the back of the house, and I sit on a lawn chair at the far end to read and relax. I am in my small peaceful paradise: the shade of the tree, the feel of the grass on my feet, the gentle activity of the fish in the pond beside me.

My cat crosses the garden nimbly and leaps onto the fence to survey it from above. From his perch he can watch over his little kingdom and keep an eye on the neighbours. He does this until the barking of next door’s dog scares him from his post and he bolts for the cat flap to govern from the safety of the kitchen.

With that, I am left alone with the fish, whose whole world is the pond by my feet. The fish explore the pond every day as if for the first time, prodding and inspecting every stone. I sometimes feel the same about sitting here in the garden; I know the place better than anyone, but whenever I return I still feel compelled to pay attention to all its details and novelties—a new bird perched in the tree, the growth of the grass, and the movement of the insects it shelters…

Sitting out in the garden, I feel serene. I feel at home. And yet I always feel there is more to discover. The bounds of my garden may be small, but there is a whole world contained within it, and it is one I will never get tired of inhabiting.

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The key difference is that a narrative essay is designed to tell a complete story, while a descriptive essay is meant to convey an intense description of a particular place, object, or concept.

Narrative and descriptive essays both allow you to write more personally and creatively than other kinds of essays , and similar writing skills can apply to both.

If you’re not given a specific prompt for your descriptive essay , think about places and objects you know well, that you can think of interesting ways to describe, or that have strong personal significance for you.

The best kind of object for a descriptive essay is one specific enough that you can describe its particular features in detail—don’t choose something too vague or general.

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Descriptive Essay About a Person

Table of Contents

The last type is probably the most difficult because the description of a person won’t include the appearance only, but would also consider character, temperament, behavior, and so on.

If you really want to write a high-quality descriptive essay, you should be attentive, competent, and … creative.

We understand that this essay type can be a real challenge; that’s why we would try to provide you with the most valuable recommendations on how to write a descriptive essay about a person.

What is the specifics of the descriptive essay about a person?

First, you should choose the person who will be the subject of this description. For example, you can write a descriptive essay about a person you love. On the other hand, we are not sure that the number of people who are interested in this article will not be awe-inspiring and your paper may be a bit boring for other people.

So, writers usually decide to create essays about an extraordinary historical personality or write a descriptive essay about a person you admire. For example, you can write an essay about Napoleon Bonaparte, Martin Luther King, Ronald Reagan, or other famous and successful people to consider their personalities more precisely.

Describe the features of the person one by one, like:

• Appearance. How to start a descriptive essay about a person? Clothes make the man! So, it should be the first part of your writing. Describe facial features, height, weight, hair color, eye color, clothes, and so on.
• Manners. After that, you can describe the most typical acts and behaves of this man or woman. If you decided to consider famous people, it could help to detect the name of your subject from the very beginning. For example, if you say that this man liked to smoke cigars, drink alcohol, and wear hats, it will not be a problem to assume that it is Winston Churchill.
• Character traits. This part is probably the most difficult because you can describe the appearance of this person without any additional help. Just analyze photos and write your text. However, if you need to consider the most significant character traits, it’s recommended to read memoirs or look for articles of experienced historians.
• Emotions. You can watch videos or analyze special materials to figure out the emotional state of your subject. Don’t forget to mention whether this human is choleric, phlegmatic, melancholic, or sanguine. Don’t forget to mention its sense of humor as well.

Use free descriptive essay example about a person to avoid mistakes

Don’t forget that you are not the first author on the Internet who has to write this article. Fortunately, there are dozens of websites, which provide descriptive essay examples about a person.

We don’t recommend you to use any descriptive essay about a person you admire example as your own article because you will fail all anti-plagiarism tests. However, this sample could be a great pattern, which you can use in the future.

How to write a descriptive essay about a person: simple tips

Of course, these recommendations don’t guarantee your future success in this sphere, but we strongly recommend you to use them to minimize risks and increase the quality of your paper:

For example, you can find info about the number of bottles of wine which this man consumes every day or the number of brothers and sisters of this particular subject.

“He is very tall and has big blue eyes.”

• Choose people, you know well. Remember! You should choose people whom you know good enough to write an article about them. On the other hand, if you decided to consider the main features of a star, you should research more information about this person before choosing the topic.
• Find the balance. We are sure that it’s not enough to use even several paragraphs if you really want to describe each feature of this person, but a lot of info can overload your text. So, you should find the ideal balance between informative and concise. We can recommend you to write down 3-4 the most recognizable features of this person and stay focused on them. Describe them well, and it would be significantly better than writing about nose, mouth, eyebrows, lips, arms, legs, and other parts of the body of this person.

… Final thoughts

Therefore, it’s not an easy task. In most cases, it takes at least 5-6 hours to write a high-quality paper.

Luckily, you may manage to avoid a lot of problems and make this process more comfortable if you try to analyze any sample descriptive essay about a person and follow our simple recommendations.

Ain’t in the mood for writing a descriptive essay about a person? Guess who is! Yeah, our writers are the best. And always available, by the way…

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Descriptive Essay

Descriptive Essay Writing

Last updated on: Feb 9, 2023

How To Write An Impactful Descriptive Essay?

By: Cathy A.

12 min read

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Dec 17, 2019

Wondering how to write an impressive descriptive essay? Writing a descriptive essay is both fun and challenging. You need to describe the main topic in detail and by engaging the five senses of the readers.

Students usually get this type of essay in high school and college. Writing a descriptive essay is different from other essays.

You need to focus on describing a certain person, place, or event.

Luckily for you, the following blog post will provide some helpful tips on how to create an engaging essay.

Continue reading to learn how to write an A-worthy descriptive essay.

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What is a Descriptive Essay?

A descriptive essay is a detailed paper that describes a place, person, situation, object, or emotion. Different people have different points of view and your job is to explain yours in detail.

You may be asked to write a descriptive essay about the beach or forest or about a person or situation. The purpose of this essay is to test the writer’s ability in expressing and explaining their experiences.

Descriptive writing should create a picture in the reader’s mind. You may be required to write a descriptive essay as a high school or college essay assignment.

For a compelling essay, using adjectives and adverbs, details, and figurative language is fundamental. Without proper usage of words, you will not be able to invoke the readers' emotions.

What is the Purpose of a Descriptive Essay?

The purpose of a descriptive essay is to describe a person, place, or personal experience in vivid detail so that the reader can create a picture in his mind.

The descriptive essay is written to get the reader to understand by using descriptive language. It is different from narrative essays, where the writer tells the story about someone else. Usually, it starts with a real-life event and then the content follows the author's imagination.

Descriptive essays are not intended to persuade the reader or show facts and figures to prove something. Descriptive essays are like word paintings that contain personal and descriptive details and these are mostly assigned to students of creative writing.

How to Start a Descriptive Essay

A strong start for your descriptive essay is essential. Analyze your topic from every angle and document the following details:

Analyze the main subjects in detail and observe minute things.

• Start with observing all the possible aspects of the subject.
• Don't just observe the object but also its surroundings.
• Focus on details and features of the subject and develop opinions about them.
• Be thoughtful; this first step will be the basis for the essay.

Physical Settings

Describing the physical settings is a must in a descriptive essay. When describing, keep the following points in mind.

• Focus on the subject's position and observe nearby objects
• Note the time of day and kind of lighting: natural or imitated
• Physical settings: all the basic and decorative elements
• The position and shape of the objects
• Alignment and any other observable information

Physical Features

When describing the physical features of the subject, living or nonliving, consider the following points.

• Living or nonliving; describe the features in detail
• The subject's skin color, texture, smoothness, expression, and age
• The features of inanimate objects in the picture, color, surface, and texture

Create Drama

Storytelling and drama are the life and blood of a good descriptive essay. It turns your essay into an exciting and interesting piece of writing. However, be subtle about adding drama to your sentence structure and add it to complement your story only.

Focus On Your Feelings

Focus on how you feel about the particular topic or person and stick to it. It is easy to get involved when working on the essay. But, focus on your own feelings and write an essay based on them.

Use Of Specific Vocabulary

Vocabulary is important. Select the best words for describing an action or object. Don't always use the first word that comes to mind.

Write slowly and thoughtfully, and use specific words to convey your thoughts.

Psychological Aspects

Writing about a certain situation or behavior of a person focuses on the mental aspects and emotions involved in them.

For Example, describe your emotions when your friend misplaced your notes right before the exam.

You may have had several emotions in that incident. Maybe you were prepared for exams, but this situation put you under pressure and made you feel frustrated and hurt.

Explore those emotions and describe the feelings they aroused. Describe the body language also, if relevant.

Ask Yourself, WHY?

This is the most valuable tip for students. When you are looking at a particular subject, and having difficulty analyzing its aspects, ask yourself "WHY".

• Why is the subject the way it is?
• Why does the person you are describing have such a deep-set and cold eyes?
• Why is the animal so wounded and terrified?
• Why is this particular place famous?

It is a good practice and after some time you will do it naturally. Knowing the why is important if you want to describe your topic properly.

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How To Write A Descriptive Essay?

When you write a descriptive essay, you help your readers visualize an event, a person, or a story. It is written to make your readers feel what you feel about the respective subject.

A descriptive essay seeks to appeal to some or all of the audience’s five senses. Some key things to consider are:

• Discussing your subject thoroughly
• Focusing on details and adding them in your essay
• Sharing your personal feelings and experience about the subject
• Observing and describing all sensory details of your subject

Here are the steps to write a descriptive essay easily.

1- Choose an Engaging and Focused Essay Topic

An important step that all strong descriptive essays share is having a focused topic. Before you make the outline, identify the purpose of your essay and use it to create an appropriate thesis statement.This type of paper does not require much personal opinion from you. Its main goal should be focusing on information that will make a dominant impression in readers' minds instead.

2- Research and Gather Important Details

When writing a descriptive essay, it is important to make sure you include as many details and sensory information as possible. This helps your reader fully understand the images that are being presented in their mind's eye.You can organize these ideas into categories so they're easy for you to access when needed.

3- Create an Outline of Your Essay

Your essays must be organized by having subheadings that are clear and concise. Group your main points into individual body paragraphs, each of which should only cover one idea or topic at a time.

4- Write your Essay’s Introduction

A good introductory paragraph is much like a road map because it provides direction to your readers.

It provides relevant background information before diving into more specific details related to how something works or why something happens. These could include statistics or stories from real-life scenarios.

5- Write the Main Body Section of Your Essay

Each body paragraph should start with a topic sentence that keeps the reader hooked on what you are saying. Use specific details instead of making generalized statements, and make sure to give examples if necessary.

6- End with a Strong Conclusion

The conclusion of an essay is the final paragraph, and it should summarize all that you have said throughout. It's a good idea to restate the main points and key details from the essay in this section.

It is important so the reader has everything they need for better understanding before ending off on something new.

If necessary be sure not to introduce anything odd or unusual, to avoid any confusion.

7- Proofread and Revise the Essay Carefully

Once you are done writing the essay, proofread and revise it carefully. Make sure that it is free from all kinds of errors.

Descriptive Essay Outline

Like all the other essays, a descriptive essay also follows the usual 5-paragraph essay structure and format.Before starting, it is important to create an outline. Following are the fundamental elements of your descriptive essay outline:

Descriptive Essay Introduction

The introduction sets the footing for the entire essay. Before heading towards the body section, the reader will come across the introduction.

It is the first impression of your work. It is very important to write an engaging introduction so that the readers read the essay till the end.

Start the essay in an easy-to-understand way and language. Provide background information on your topic so they can understand it and its importance.

To make sure the reader feels your emotions and decides to continue reading further, incorporate the following points in your introduction.

The following tips will guide you on how to write a good introduction for a descriptive essay.

• Attract the reader's attention with an interesting fact, phrase, or quote
• Don't bombard them with information
• Go straight to the main pointsInclude enough information to introduce the topic and its significance.
• Summarize the argument and the main topic and craft your thesis statement

Descriptive Essay Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is an integral part of your essay. It focuses on the argument and the writer’s main idea, which is to be discussed in the essay.

This statement also provides the writer with a chance of explaining the purpose and scope of the topic. It is intriguing and engaging.

A thesis statement is written at the end of the introduction, it is mainly a single sentence that describes the essay objective. The thesis statement should act as a guide to the reader on what to expect in the essay body. It is like a table of contents of a book, to the reader on contents you will get an idea of what the book is all about so you get to understand it better.

It is like a table of contents of a book. By reading it, you will get an idea of what the book is all about.

A good thesis should contain the following things:

• Define the essay scope - it should narrow down all the points to clarify its purpose.
• Avoid using common words - you should be creative with your choice of words.
• Create suspense - it should attract the reader to the body paragraphs of the essay.

For further information on how to write a thesis for a descriptive essay, check out the following examples.

• Descriptive essay example about a Place

“Even though monarchy is long gone, Buckingham Palace is here to remind us of the aesthetic beauty of that era.”

• Descriptive essay example about a Person

“One of the characteristics of Spider-Man is his youthfulness, and the fact that he talks to himself more than Hamlet.”

• Descriptive essay example about an Emotion

“For numerous reasons, the dark forest is my greatest fear, though not a fear which is necessarily smart to face.”

Descriptive Essay Body Paragraphs

Body paragraphs of the essay come next after the introduction and thesis statement. It is the main part that continues your essay.

Usually, an essay consists of three body paragraphs but you can add more if needed.

Don't add more than one central idea in one paragraph. Fusing different ideas will confuse the reader.

Build your paragraphs according to the thesis and introduction.

• Start each body paragraph with the main sentence
• Use transitions to move between paragraphs smoothly
• Each paragraph should be five to six sentences long

Descriptive Essay Conclusion

The concluding paragraph is the last part of an essay, and probably your last chance to impress your reader.

The last part that the reader can keep in mind is the conclusion, which is as important as the rest of the essay.

To make it interesting and thought-provoking, include the following points:

• Restate the thesis statement
• Summarize the main points
• Add an intriguing closing statement

After writing the conclusion, make a review of your essay, identify the mistakes and maintain a good tone throughout the essay.

Descriptive Essay Format Sample

Here is the descriptive essay format to help you understand how you can write a winning descriptive essay.

DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY FORMAT (PDF)

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Descriptive Essay Topics Ideas

Descriptive essay topics are often related to physical settings, locations, living beings, and objects.

Make sure that your essay includes the five senses, touch, taste, smell, sight, hearing, or at least one of them. It depends on the topic and the kind of feeling that you want to arouse.

Below are some descriptive essay ideas and ways to achieve them.

Living Beings

When you want to write about a person like a family member, consider the following elements:

• Gender, age, complexion, and expressions
• Physical features
• Height, body type, and approximate weight
• Kind of clothes

These details will add depth to the description and your readers will actually see your narrative.

When animals are the subject, you can add the above points plus the following details:

• Species and animal
• Size, weight, color
• Behavior patterns
• Temperament
• Trained or wild?
• Real or fictional?

Inanimate Subjects

Geographic locations and structures.

When your subject is a place or a building, add the following points:

• Research about the place and its historical background
• The color and the building's type
• A famous place or landmark to draw a comparison and inspire interest

Human behavior and psychology is a compelling descriptive essay subject. When writing about it:

• Describe the consequences of a particular behavior
• Discuss the emotional dimension of the topic and how you perceive it personally

Event Or Travel Experience

A travel experience makes a good descriptive essay since you have experienced the event first hand.

Give a detailed description of the place, people at the venue, and the atmosphere of the location.

Idea, Concept, or Occupation

When writing on such topics, focus on how an idea or concept affects society and its different aspects.

Example Descriptive Essay Topics for Students

Choosing a topic for your descriptive essay is quite interesting. You get to choose something that you have an emotional connection with.

When writing a descriptive essay about a person or place, adding their personal traits will be helpful.

Some examples of descriptive essay topics include:

• Compose a detailed descriptive essay about your best friend.
• Describe a fancy place that you have created.
• Describe your dream vacation destination.
• Describe your favorite mall or store.
• Describe your childhood home.
• Descriptive essay about nature.
• Descriptive essay about a place you visited.
• Describe the personality of your Maths teacher.
• Discuss the main characters of your favorite movie.
• Descriptive essay about chocolate.
• Write an essay using unique Words to describe yourself.
• What makes me unique?
• My first love.

Descriptive Essay Examples

Study these descriptive essay examples and sample papers to understand the main idea, structure, and purpose of descriptive essays.

DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY ON MARKET (PDF)

DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY EXAMPLE PERSON (PDF)

To help you understand how to write a great descriptive essay, we have a whole blog post dedicated to it. We know that talking about something is one thing and demonstrating it is completely different.

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5StarEssays.com academic writing professionals are ready to help you. They read the essay details before writing and make sure that they incorporate all the details in it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the features of a descriptive essay.

A descriptive essay provides a perfect opportunity for writers to express their feelings on any subject. Descriptive writing has rich sensory details which appeal to all of your senses.

How do you start a descriptive essay introduction?

The introduction to the descriptive essay should set the scene and introduce the main topic. You can use these sensory details to get a sense of what the essay is all about.

What are the two types of descriptive essays?

There are two types of descriptive essays. The first type deals with people, and the second one is about objects.

What are the elements of a descriptive essay?

Here are the key elements of a descriptive essay.

• Sensory details
• Figurative language
• Central and main theme
• Precise and clear language
• Proper organization of ideas

What makes good descriptive writing?

Good and effective descriptive writing consists of vivid sensory details that appeal to all senses including the sense of sight, smell, touch, hearing, and taste. Moreover, these essays also explain people’s feelings in writing.

Finance Essay, Literature

Cathy has been been working as an author on our platform for over five years now. She has a Masters degree in mass communication and is well-versed in the art of writing. Cathy is a professional who takes her work seriously and is widely appreciated by clients for her excellent writing skills.

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Descriptive Essays

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

The Modes of Discourse—Exposition, Description, Narration, Argumentation (EDNA)—are common paper assignments you may encounter in your writing classes. Although these genres have been criticized by some composition scholars, the Purdue OWL recognizes the wide spread use of these approaches and students’ need to understand and produce them.

What is a descriptive essay?

The descriptive essay is a genre of essay that asks the student to describe something—object, person, place, experience, emotion, situation, etc. This genre encourages the student’s ability to create a written account of a particular experience. What is more, this genre allows for a great deal of artistic freedom (the goal of which is to paint an image that is vivid and moving in the mind of the reader).

One might benefit from keeping in mind this simple maxim: If the reader is unable to clearly form an impression of the thing that you are describing, try, try again!

Here are some guidelines for writing a descriptive essay.

• Take time to brainstorm

If your instructor asks you to describe your favorite food, make sure that you jot down some ideas before you begin describing it. For instance, if you choose pizza, you might start by writing down a few words: sauce, cheese, crust, pepperoni, sausage, spices, hot, melted, etc. Once you have written down some words, you can begin by compiling descriptive lists for each one.

• Use clear and concise language.

This means that words are chosen carefully, particularly for their relevancy in relation to that which you are intending to describe.

• Choose vivid language.

Why use horse when you can choose stallion ? Why not use tempestuous instead of violent ? Or why not miserly in place of cheap ? Such choices form a firmer image in the mind of the reader and often times offer nuanced meanings that serve better one’s purpose.

• Use your senses!

Remember, if you are describing something, you need to be appealing to the senses of the reader. Explain how the thing smelled, felt, sounded, tasted, or looked. Embellish the moment with senses.

• What were you thinking?!

If you can describe emotions or feelings related to your topic, you will connect with the reader on a deeper level. Many have felt crushing loss in their lives, or ecstatic joy, or mild complacency. Tap into this emotional reservoir in order to achieve your full descriptive potential.

• Leave the reader with a clear impression.

One of your goals is to evoke a strong sense of familiarity and appreciation in the reader. If your reader can walk away from the essay craving the very pizza you just described, you are on your way to writing effective descriptive essays.

• Be organized!

It is easy to fall into an incoherent rambling of emotions and senses when writing a descriptive essay. However, you must strive to present an organized and logical description if the reader is to come away from the essay with a cogent sense of what it is you are attempting to describe.

• How It Works
• Essay Examples

Writing Descriptive Essays about People

Descriptive essays are essays that usually describe something which includes places, emotions, situations, or even people. Descriptive essays about people can prove more difficult as many times we do not see these types of descriptions in books or popular literature. If there is a description of a person, it is usually short, within one paragraph, or spans across the entire book. Because of this, a descriptive essay about people can be challenging for those just learning. We have provided some tips and other strategies when writing descriptive essays. Psychology essay example page will help as well. The three biggest tips for writing descriptive essays are to use a person you know, bear in mind that actions speak louder than words, and make the most of the personality traits.

1. Use a Person You Know

Using a person you know can build a foundation for descriptions. This can be family members, friends, actors, or your favorite artist. Knowing what they look like can help with the process as you can pull up the mental image of them in your head for reference at any point. For a lower level entry essay, this can be your entire topic. If you want to describe a made-up person, you could use a collaboration of people you know in your life. You can also base it off on someone you know and change some key features making them unique to your story. The goal is to make the description of the person as authentic as possible, so using someone who is real can get the ball rolling. If you don't know the person as well as you want, try and schedule an interview. This should let you learn more about them in both physical and mental aspects. Basing a character on a real person can help them become more realistic. For example, you are going to describe a girl that is breathtakingly beautiful, you might base her on Marilyn Monroe. In the description, you could say:

She has golden curly hair that framed her perfectly symmetrical face. Lips that were bright red making her teeth light up with a smile. Her eyebrows were long and slim. She had a slim body and well-tanned skin which makes fitting into a dress and going out look easy. She had a distinctive mole on the left side of her face right outside her dimples. Although some found it off-putting, I found it completed her.

2. Actions Speak Louder than Words

A descriptive essay that describes the character in one paragraph can be detrimental. In fact, many physical descriptions in popular literary work are not short, and as characters, physical personalities are shown throughout the book. Take a look back to your favorite book and think how the characters were revealed to you. Many of them use the span of the book or series of books to show character traits, flaws, and even sometimes descriptions. How do they do this? Many authors use actions or behaviors to speak for the character. Reveal only bits and pieces of the character as you write the story. As the character interacts with other characters, the reader will understand more about who they are. For example:

John has brown eyes and brown hair to his shoulders. He has a little stubble and stands about 6 feet tall.

Now take that sentence and use actions to describe John.

John smiled. The stubble around his mouth shaped his smile making it seem larger than it was. All of the sudden John tipped his head back and let out a belly of a laugh. So guttural and loud that it could be heard from across the hall. His long brown hair falling to his shoulders swayed with each laugh. John was standing over me like a tower, but his laugh was so infectious, I started laughing myself.

John is the same person in each scenario, but we used two different methods. The first was a simple description of John while the second used action verbs and behaviors to describe him. Using this method can be difficult if there is a certain page limit or it is a short essay. If so, you can use creative ways to integrate action verbs in short paragraphs to describe your characters. You can still take your time to reveal their physical and personal traits. Instead of doing it in one paragraph, try it in one or two pages.

Expository essay definition page has more tips on those methods.

3. Personality Traits

Personality traits can be difficult to write for a character. Consider that not every hero has to be perfect. You can give your main character a tragic flaw, or a character trait leading to the downfall or a low point in your story. Aristotle introduced this concept into the writing world a long time ago. When writing personality traits, also consider the above and don't reveal everything at once. This can be done slowly as your character is faced with more trials. Seeing them react to others and their surrounding will develop their characteristics further. A tactic for creating personality traits is to give your character extreme emotions. For example, let's say that John has an intense emotion. He is really happy; he is also someone who doesn't give a care in the world- to a fault. You might say:

John is the kind of guy who doesn't care about anything. All John wants to do is laugh and be happy. Even when I told John that I lied to him about using his truck, he smiled. The stubble around his mouth shaped his smile making it seem larger than it was. All of the sudden John tipped his head back and let out a belly of a laugh. So guttural and loud that it could be heard from across the hall. His long brown hair falling to his shoulders swayed with each laugh. John was standing over me like a tower, but his laugh was so infectious, I started laughing.

Adding this extreme personality trait gave John more character in the sample paragraph. You might even, later on, add that John is only this way because of a tragic childhood. This gives his character depth that can be revealed later in the essay.

For descriptive essays, there are some helpful structures in case you are still having trouble. Generally speaking, you should identify three personality traits that your character will have. In the introduction, introduce your character and some of their traits. These could be the biggest positives of your character to hook the reader into your story. The middle of the story should introduce other characters and show how your main character responds to its environment. This can bring rise to more complex emotions. Lastly, you can conclude the descriptive essay by showing how all these traits and emotions complete the individual. For John, he might use his over positivity to volunteer for at-risk youth which is something he faced when he was young.

And of course, do not forget that if you are still having trouble with a descriptive essay, you can always get professional writing help. Many students hesitate to contact custom writing services , even though there is absolutely nothing wrong in outsourcing. For starters, it can save you a lot of time and effort on subjects that are not your major. And, as a result, it can help you focus on studies that really matter.

Next, employing a professional to write an essay for you can help you improve your academic result. Since all of our essay writers are qualified graduates, you can rest assured that your paper will be completed according to high educational standards. Finally, you can always get in touch with us, even if the deadline is really short. This is why our friendly support staff is available for you 24/7. If you want to know how to make an essay have more words our writers share their tips in our blog.

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How To Write A Descriptive Essay About A Person (Step By Step)

Table of Contents

Descriptive essay about a person

Students are required to write different types of essays on various subjects, and descriptive essays are among the many articles that students will be required to present as part of their coursework .  It describes different objects like events or a person. A good descriptive paper needs to be detailed and should capture the reader’s interest from the beginning to the end. Descriptive articles are not intended to present logical arguments or persuade readers, the paper contains word paintings , the author use colorful, accurate and vivid language to engage a reader’s senses.

How to start a descriptive essay about a person

Before writing your essay , the first process entails choosing the subject to be discussed, conduct in-depth research to gather more details about the individual.  Identify any dialogues, or works of literature that might support your thesis statement and observe or reflect the person you want to explain. Think about your target audience before choosing the type of language that would attract his audience. An excellent introduction states why the author intends to present using a clear thesis statement to support the essay theme . Writing an article about a person means the person has significantly influenced the author. The author presents the main features of the person that makes him stand out.

Anecdotes are a good start, starting with an inspiring story about a person is a common phenomenon with most descriptive essays. Anecdotes creatively capture the reader’s attention in a dramatic way. The author can use similes and descriptive adjectives to present the person’s physical features. An introduction can start with a question, an exclamation, a flashback a quote or an emotional memory

How to write main part

A standard body contains three paragraphs, writing an essay about a person also follows the same format. The first section of the body includes observational detailed of a person, the second paragraph aims at describing the environment where the person lives, and the third paragraph present sensual and emotional details of the person. When describing an influential person in our lives, some of the most important details include his personality traits, physical characters and biographical data about an individual.

The physical description can include details like long curly brown hair, brown eyes, slender and graceful appearance.  Personality traits include describing individual behavior to reveal her personality traits. For example, the author can present individual emotional responses like when a person is in a joyful mood or sad.  The following example can act as a good illustration when describing emotional response: When Carol found out that she was to join Harvard University, she raised her slender arms in the sky and broke into crazy dance moves that surprised everyone.

The author should present every important aspect of a person. Writers use various adjectives and adverbs to give an interesting and exciting essay about a famous person. In the article body, the author should provide specific examples to enhance his description for the audience to understand why the person is important. Appropriate examples provide readers with better insight of the author’s view about the person. The author can also use prepositional phrases and give concrete examples of the person’s characteristics including the author’s interaction with the particular person.

A good description of a person should paint a glowing picture of an individual whereby the reader can visualize the person being described. When describing an important person, the author needs to not only to talk about the person, but also present the positive impact the person has made in his life .It is important to describe the relationship between the author and the person he is describing to convince the reader the significance of the person being described.

How to conclude a descriptive essay about a person

The conclusion is the last paragraph, but the most important part so an essay. The author concluded an essay by rephrasing the thesis statement and reviewing the main point to concave the reader why the person is worth describing.

Outline example

Introduction

Topic sentence

Thesis Statement

Essay body:

• Physical Appearance
• Detail description of the person
• Second’s physical characteristic
• Detailed description giving examples
• Individual Characteristics
• Individual characteristic one
• Examples and detailed explanation about the characteristic 2
• Individual characteristic two
• Individual characteristic three
• Examples and detailed explanation about the characteristic 3
• Examples of hobbies and dialogue about his perception about the hobbies
• Topic Sentence:
• Detailed explanation for hobby 1 including where, why, hewn and how
• Detailed explanation of hobby 2
• Detailed explanation hobby 3
• Sensory Details
• Description of smell, hear and touch and examples presenting visual details
• Sensory detail 1
• Sensory detail 2
• Sensory detail 3
• Show the most memorable moment
• Review the main details given in the essay body
• Conclude by showing one thing you like the most.

How to Write a Descriptive Essay

This could be something as simple as your favorite flavor of ice cream or as complicated as the politics of 13th century Vienna. Different than a simple description, a descriptive essay allows the writer to really show off both their imagination as well as their writing skills.

What is a Descriptive Essay?

A descriptive essay is a type of academic writing that asks the writer to fully describe a place, person, situation, event, or thing. They can be simple or they can be very complex depending on the subject matter and audience written for. These types of essays train a writer’s ability to express themselves accurately as well as build compelling sentences and arguments.

Descriptive Essay Ideas

There is no exhaustive list of things that can be described, but these are some of the most common things you may be asked to write about. 

A Location - The goal of writing about a place is to make the reader feel as if they are there. Words, similes, and metaphors that ignite the reader’s imagination are essential. Try and immerse the reader in the sights, smells, and sounds of the place you are describing. Examples could be a city, a view, a particular building like your house, etc. 

A Time Period - Similar to writing about a location, the goal is to make the reader lose themselves in the time you are describing. This requires great research to be able to describe physical characteristics as authentically and as well as possible. This could include how you felt a year ago, an ancient time period, or the future.

An Event - The goal of describing an event is to explain a series of interesting circumstances. Typical storytelling elements like describing the plot, setting, and characters are useful, but make sure you focus on the chain of events.

An Emotion - The goal of describing an emotion is to make the reader feel the sentiments of the character you are describing. Metaphors and similes are very useful when trying to evoke an emotion in a reader along with physical descriptions that express the emotion. 

A Person - The goal of writing about a person is to make the reader understand something about that person. This includes physical descriptions of what they look like, what kind of clothing they wear, a sense of the physical presence along with their profession,  as well as how they behave. 

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Descriptive Essay Outline and Structure

Though a descriptive type of essay is quite different from a typical academic paper, it still follows a classic 5 paragraph format. Always follow any directions though, sometimes you may need more or fewer body paragraphs. This is a general structure you should keep in mind for this type of essay.

Introduction

• Introduction/background information

Body Paragraphs

• Topic Sentence
• Sensory Information
• Physical Descriptions
• Transition Sentence
• Summary of the main points
• Restate the thesis

An outline is always a good idea for any kind of writing, but it is particularly useful for this type of essay because it collects your thoughts and makes sure your essay stays on track. 

Introduction 

• Hook - The sting of salty water, the hypnotic crash of the waves, the breathtaking sunsets, the best vacation spot?
• Background information - Everyone is different and everyone likes different types of things. When it comes to vacations though, there is a place that almost everyone enjoys.
• Thesis - In my opinion, the beach is the best possible vacation spot because of the variety of ways one can enjoy it. 

Body Paragraph 1 

• Topic Sentence - The beach has many kinds of natural beauty
• Sensory information - The unlimited expanse of the ocean combined with glorious sunrises and sunsets.
• Physical descriptions -The crunch of sand below your bare feet and the crash of waves on your body.
• Transition sentence - There’s more than just natural beauty though, there are physical activities to enjoy as well 

Body Paragraph 2

• Topic Sentence - The beach has unlimited activities for physical enjoyment.
• Sensory information - The thrill of battling with the ocean, the joy of falling on the sand, the wind streaming through your hair, and the pleasant tingling of the sun on bare skin.
• Physical descriptions - Water sports like surfing, jet skiing, and the like allow you to exercise in one of the most fun ways possible. Not to mention sports like frisbee, volleyball, beach soccer, and more.
• Transition sentence - If you just want to relax, the beach is perfect for that too!

Body Paragraph 3

• Topic Sentence - The beach is ideal just to relax, destress, and take it easy. 
• Sensory information - To relax as you are massaged by either human hands or the sun is a pleasure. Lazing around might be frowned upon, but the beach is the ideal place to spend some time taking care of yourself and letting the stresses of the world melt away.
• Physical description - Whether it’s reading a book, or enjoying a refreshing beverage with umbrellas in it, you can get taken care of on the beach. Building sandcastles, painting, and meditating are other activities easily and freely enjoyed. 
• Transition sentence - The beach has so much to offer.
• Summary of the main points - Whether it’s nature, physical exercise, or simple relaxation, the beach can offer all of that and more. 
• Restate the thesis - That’s the main reason that a beach is the ideal vacation spot, it allows for diverse ways of having fun. 
• Closing statement/Clincher - Think about the last time you went to the beach, don’t you want to go again?

What is the Purpose of a Descriptive Essay?

It should leave the reader with a clear idea of the topic of the essay. The goal is to explain things in a comprehensive and interesting way so that the information stays with the reader. Let’s go into the details of how to accomplish this. 

Did you like our inspiring Descriptive Essay Guide?

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Writing Process & Descriptive Essay Examples

It may seem challenging to write a successful essay of this type, but if you follow the advice below, it will be a breeze. 

How to Start a Descriptive Essay

Making sure you choose the right topic is the first hurdle to cross. A topic for a descriptive essay is vital because it is the main subject you will be writing about. Spend at least 20 minutes brainstorming different topic ideas and make sure you choose a topic that you know well.

Next, create an outline to better structure your thoughts and figure out the pieces of information you need to find out more about. The more time you spend creating a well-researched outline, the better your endpaper is going to be, and you’ll end up spending less time on actually writing the paper. Now you can move on the writing the descriptive essay introduction.

How to Write a Descriptive Essay Thesis

A thesis statement is the main argument you are trying to make in your paper. It is the main point you are trying to describe. A good thesis statement for descriptive essay is particular without being too brief. It should include not only just what the topic is, but also mention why the topic is important.

How to Write Body Paragraphs

You can have as many body paragraphs as you think are necessary to achieve the goal of describing something clearly. This means you could have just one body paragraph, the standard three, or more. 

Start every paragraph with a topic sentence that explains what the main purpose of the paragraph is. Next fill in sensory details, describing the emotions before moving on to describing the actual physical details. End each body paragraph with a transition sentence that helps each paragraph flow into the other. Not only does this make your writing stronger, but it also helps you create an immersive experience.

How to Write the Conclusion 

Summarize the main points of your essay and make sure that you reiterate the thesis statement. This reminds people of the point of your essay and ensures that when writing, you don’t stray too far from the point. 

Descriptive Essay Format 

There are 3 main formats of citation types for essays. Though the most common one is MLA, it is possible that you may have to use APA or Chicago Style citations. 

MLA stands for Modern Language Association and is used primarily for the arts and humanities.  MLA uses in-text parenthetical citation in the format of (Author, Page). The page at the end that contains all the sources is called the Works Cited page. The format of these entries is unique to MLA but is easy to make with a citation generator. 

APA stands for American Psychological Association and is used mostly for the sciences and social sciences. APA uses in-text parenthetical citations in the format (Author, Date). The page at the end that contains all the sources is called the References section

Chicago Style is used primarily for Business, History, and the Fine Arts. In-text citation can be either as footnotes or parenthetical citation in the format (Author, Date). The page at the end that contains all the sources is called the Bibliography. 

Most descriptive essays will follow the MLA style of citation, but if you need any more help, find a guide on Studyfy.com for more information about citation styles in general. 

Descriptive Essay Topics

The topic is crucial, because all the research you do, and the entire paper, will specifically be about describing the topic. Here are some descriptive essay prompts to inspire you!

The person you’ve most admired in your life

A movie scene that made you feel strong emotions

The time period you would travel to if you had a time machine

Why a beach is better than the mountains for a vacation (or vice versa)

The taste of a drink when you are incredibly tired

An author that inspired you 

Your favorite cuisine

The best place in the world to be by yourself

The best Christmas morning you’ve ever had

An accent that you really enjoy 

A time when you wanted something so much it burned

Describe the day in the life of your favorite celebrity 

The joy of escaping into a video game

What dancing means to you 

A life philosophy you believe in 

The feeling of holding a baby in our arms

The sound of crashing waves

Standing in front of a gorgeous view

A vacation that was meaningful 

Why fireworks are magical 

The first time you cosplayed 

How it feels to listen to music that you hate 

The best thing you have ever eaten in your life

What would it be like to live 100 years in the future

Why hearing people laugh is beautiful 

A day in the life of your favorite animal 

A strange superstition you believe in

The strangest person you’ve ever met

Your favorite tv show 

Playing your favorite sport 

What it’s like to be in love

Descriptive Essay Tips

Before we end, let’s go over some of the key points of information in this article.

• Use figurative language including metaphors and similes 
• Use your senses
• Choose appropriate words
• Show don't tell 
• Focus on specific details
• Spend time choosing the right topic
• Create a detailed outline
• Forget about the purpose of the essay
• Submit your first draft
• Make it too complicated
• Ignore your audience 
• Ignore any directions

In addition to the information provided in this article, there are various resources available to help with your writing needs. If you are struggling to write your descriptive essay, you can turn to professional writers and editors for assistance. You may consider hiring a research paper writing service or seeking help from dissertation writers .

Additionally, if you need someone to " write my admission essay ", there are various options available. You can hire a writer for a custom writing service or seek help from online tutors and teachers. Furthermore, if you need to write a strong admission essay, there are services available that specialize in providing guidance and assistance with this type of writing.

It is important to note that before submitting any work, it should be proofread and edited thoroughly to ensure its quality. Studyfy offers a range of services to help with this, including professional proofreaders and editors who can check your work for grammatical errors and ensure that it meets academic standards.

In summary, there are various resources available to help with your writing needs, including professional writing services, proofreaders, and editors. By utilizing these resources and following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can write a successful descriptive essay that effectively conveys your ideas and engages your readers.If you are looking for the query " I need someone to write an essay for me ", Studyfy has got you covered

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What Is a Descriptive Essay? Examples and Guide

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Have you ever had a really delicious cookie? Just the most perfectly balanced sweetness with chunks of melty chocolate and a little salt to bring it all together? And have you described it to a friend, family member, or curious stranger? If you’re nodding your head, you have already partaken in the writing tradition known as the descriptive essay (at least a little bit). With some polishing and tightening up, you can turn that description of a baked good into an award-winning piece of writing.

What Is a Descriptive Essay?

A descriptive essay is sort of what it says on the tin. It’s a type of essay that involves describing a person or object, though it can really extend to any sort of noun , like a place, event, experience, or emotion. If you think that seems pretty broad, you’re right. You’re technically describing something in every essay. 

What makes the descriptive essay notable is that focus on description  — the details, colors, feelings, sights, and sounds. Some descriptive essays might have a slight argument in their theses, but it’s not really a requirement. Your thesis statement could be as simple as “I had a cookie that changed my entire life.”

You can think of “descriptive essay” as more of an umbrella category. It can encompass other essay types , particularly analytical essays , expository essays , and personal narrative essays .

Ideas for Descriptive Essay Topics

Truly, the hardest part of descriptive essays is coming up with a topic. You really do have your entire world to potentially write about, which is understandably daunting for anyone.

Just remember that you can quite literally describe anything as long as you yourself find it interesting enough to write about. That might include:

• A long nature hike through beautiful surroundings
• Your favorite sport or a specific game/match that was memorable
• Your most recent birthday and all the things that have shaped you in the past
• A country or city, broken down into geography, climate, politics, religion, and culture
• A historical event, including its causes, ramifications, and consequences
• A news story that includes context about the people involved, information about where it occurred, and insight into other events it links to

General Format and Structure of a Descriptive Essay

There isn’t a set format for descriptive essays. A lot of it really comes down to the subject that you’re describing and your own approach to how you experience things, and it turns out that we all experience and see things differently. 

A good outline structure that you can start with might look like this.

• Write a hook that helps your reader relate to the senses you’re tapping into.
• Provide some general background about the thing you’re describing.
• Form a thesis statement that makes a claim (but may not necessarily include an argument or opinion).
• Provide a topic sentence introducing the subject.
• Give an in-depth physical description of the subject.
• Describe your subject within its given context, like its physical surroundings or temporal environment.
• Describe how the subject emotionally or mentally affected those who interacted or experienced it.
• Restate your thesis about the subject’s description.
• Consider the subject (and its description) outside of what you’ve already mentioned in the essay. How might it apply to other people or society at large?

Obviously, if you have a different angle, go with that. For example, if you’re going more for a personal essay, the structure might have more of a narrative (beginning, middle, end) format.

Descriptive Essay Examples

With a better understanding of how to approach a descriptive essay, you’re ready to prosper and write an essay of your own. We can’t write your essay for you because we don’t know your subject, but you will absolutely have more interesting and insightful descriptions than us. However, if you need some tips for writing descriptive essays , we can give you a descriptive essay example to guide your way.

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Example of a Descriptive Essay Introduction

Your introduction exists to provide a little background context for your essay. What’s difficult with a descriptive essay is that you want your introduction to intrigue without giving away too much of your description (that’s what the body of your essay is for).

Home is where the heart is, but not everyone has the same heart. For some, a home is four walls, some furniture, and a fireplace. For others, home is a cactus, sand dunes, and a nearby oasis. Comfort is subjective, and the only comfort I have known is from the mud and gunk of my humble swamp.

Sample Body Paragraph for a Descriptive Essay

Unlike with other essay forms, you do not have to worry about providing evidence. You obviously can if you think it’ll help you with your description, but it’s largely about you and your experience of the subject. Outside evidence is purely secondary at that point.

A swamp, a bog, a quagmire, whatever you might call it, my swamp is the only place I would ever consider home. The climate ranges with the season, and the mud pits offer a surprising level of insulation from the weather, never too hot or too cold. Nights are filled with the sounds of crickets, toads, and the wayward donkey, the soft sounds of the angry village in the distance.

Descriptive Essay Conclusion Example

The crux of your descriptive essay will feel mostly concrete as it focuses on the subject at hand and your experience of it through the five senses. The conclusion is where you can go outside of that, and expand outward to include larger ideas and themes. In fact, if you really wanted, you could use the conclusion to essentially create an opinion or argument that could become the thesis for an entirely different essay.

To many, the swamp might seem like a scary and unwelcoming space, but for me, that is part of its charm. It is a place of warmth and love if you look close enough, and much like an onion, it is a place of layers. The humble bog may be the most ideal environment to live, and yet part of its appeal is that it is not for everyone. That is the ideal home; a place that perfectly fits you.

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Are you looking for tips on how to write a descriptive essay about someone you admire? Do you have someone special in your life that you would like to immortalize through words? 

A lot of people find writing a descriptive essay about a person quite challenging. But with the right structure and steps, you can easily create an engaging piece of writing.

Look no further! You’ll get these steps right here! 

This article will provide you with examples and helpful advice that you need to craft an effective and engaging essay. Plus, we’ll show you what makes a great descriptive essay with examples.

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

• 1. The Basics of Descriptive Essay
• 2. How to Write a Descriptive Essay About Someone You Admire
• 3. Descriptive Essay About a Person You Admire Examples
• 4. Key Points for Writing A Descriptive Essay On The Person I Admire The Most 

The Basics of Descriptive Essay

A descriptive essay is an essay that requires the student to provide a detailed and precise description of their chosen subject.

When writing about a person, the goal is to introduce your reader to the person you are writing about. 

You will want to include important facts about them and discuss their personality, including their beliefs, hobbies, and interests. You should also provide vivid examples that illustrate the person's characteristics.

Watch the video below to learn more about expository writing:

How to Write a Descriptive Essay About Someone You Admire

Now that you know what makes a great descriptive essay about a person , it’s time to start writing. Here are some steps that will help you create an effective and engaging essay:

1. Choose a Person You Admire:

Select someone who has impacted your life in a special way, or someone whose qualities you admire greatly. Look for role models in your life. In addition, it is important to choose someone you have enough information. 

For example writing a descriptive essay about mother is easier than writing an essay about anyone else.

You can also polish your descriptive writing skills by writing on other descriptive essay topics .

2. Research the Person Thoroughly:

Before you begin writing, make sure you have enough information about the person. You can research by talking to people who know the person well, or reading books and articles written about them.

3. Create an Outline:

This helps keep your essay organized and focused. You can use the basic structure of an essay with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion as a guide. So make sure you include all of the important points in your outline.

4. Use Vivid Language and Imagery:

Describe anything that stands out about the person, such as their physical appearance and mannerisms. Use powerful adjectives to give life to your essay and make it more interesting for your readers.

5. Include Relevant Examples:

Using real-life examples adds depth and texture to your essay. These can be anything from stories of when you met the person or a unique trait that they possess. Examples will also help make your essay more illustrative and descriptive.

6. Write an Effective Conclusion:

Your conclusion should serve as a summary of all the points you have discussed in your essay. Make sure to end on a positive note and provide your readers with a lasting impression of your subject’s character.

Reading some example essays will clarify it even more. So let's check out some examples below.

Descriptive Essay About a Person You Admire Examples

If you are given a task to write a paragraph about a person you admire, these examples will help you!

The Person I Admire The Most Essay 200 Words

The Person I Admire The Most Essay 250 Words

The Person I Admire Most 300 Words

Here are some more examples to get a better idea of how a descriptive essay looks like:

A Famous Person You Admire Essay

The Person I Admire The Most My Mother Essay

Descriptive Essay About A Person in My Life

You can read more descriptive essay examples on various other topics as well. 

Key Points for Writing A Descriptive Essay On The Person I Admire The Most 

Writing a descriptive essay about the person you admire the most can be a rewarding experience. 

Here are some key points and tips to help you create an engaging and meaningful essay:

• Vivid Descriptions: Use descriptive language to paint a clear picture of the person, including their qualities, achievements, and impact.
• Emotional Connection: Explain the emotional connection you have with the person and why their presence is meaningful.
• Use Concrete Examples: Provide specific anecdotes and examples that illustrate the person's admirable qualities and actions.
• Reflect on Life Lessons: Discuss the lessons you've learned from this person and how they've influenced your personal growth and values.
• Stay Authentic: Be genuine and sincere in your writing. Your admiration for the person should come through as a heartfelt expression

To conclude,

Writing an engaging descriptive essay about someone you admire can be quite challenging, but it is definitely worth the effort. With these tips in mind, you will be well on your way to writing a great essay.

Do you need further professional help? Do you want to " hire someone to write my essay "? Don't worry! We've got you covered.

MyPerfectWords.com offers the top essay writing service for all types of essays. Our professional and experienced writers have years of experience in crafting high-quality custom essays.

So contact our descriptive essay writing service today. We guarantee you will be satisfied with the quality and accuracy of our work.

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What Is a Descriptive Essay? Definition & 10+ Examples

Have you ever experienced a story so vividly that you felt like you were living in it? Welcome to the world of descriptive essays! These unique pieces are not just about telling a story but immersing readers in a multi-sensory experience.

With the right choice of words, descriptive essays allow readers to see, touch, taste, smell, and hear the story unfold, transporting them from the mundanity of reality into an exciting new world.

Get ready to explore the power of detailed descriptions and their ability to evoke emotions, create vivid images, and establish deep connections.

Table of Contents

Defining Descriptive Essay

A “Descriptive Essay” is a type of written composition that focuses on creating a detailed depiction of a person, place, object, event, or experience. It employs meticulous, vivid language and sensory details to paint a comprehensive and immersive picture in the reader’s mind.

A well-crafted descriptive essay doesn’t merely tell the reader what happened; instead, it draws them into the narrative, making them feel as if they’re part of the story.

This form of essay emphasizes the power of language to capture and convey not just the tangible aspects of the subject but also the intangible elements, such as emotions , impressions , and memories . It is a powerful literary tool that allows the writer to communicate a profound, personal perspective on the world around them.

Origin of Descriptive Essay

In the world of literature, various genres have been shaping the way we express ourselves through writing. One such genre is the descriptive essay. You may wonder about its historical roots and how it evolved over time. This brief account will provide you with an engaging and reader-friendly overview of the origin of descriptive essays, while being confident, knowledgeable, and clear.

Dating back to ancient civilizations, descriptive writing has often been utilized as a means of sharing stories and conveying emotions.

In ancient Greece , philosophers like Aristotle used descriptive language to explain complex theories and ideas. Meanwhile, travelogues from Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta were some of the earliest examples of non-fiction descriptive writing, providing readers with vivid impressions of the lands they journeyed through.

As literacy rates rose during the Renaissance period in Europe, the art of descriptive essay writing began to thrive. Notable authors, such as Michel de Montaigne and Francis Bacon, employed this technique to explore various aspects of human nature and society. They would use descriptive language to create a detailed and engaging picture for their readers.

Montaigne is especially known for his essays, where he shared his thoughts on various topics, including education, societies, and individual beliefs.

By the 18th and 19th centuries , descriptive essays had become a popular form of writing. The Romantic Movement, with authors like William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and John Keats, heavily relied on descriptive language to explore the beauty of nature and evoke emotions in their readers.

These masterful works pushed the boundaries of descriptive essay writing and influenced future generations of writers.

Over time, different writing styles and schools of thought emerged, but the essence of descriptive essay writing remains the same: to paint a vivid picture using words, enabling the reader to visualize and connect with the subject matter .

Even today , it remains a vital literary technique that showcases the power of human creativity and our ability to share experiences through the written word.

Functions of Descriptive Essay

Descriptive essay captures the reader’s imagination.

A well-written descriptive essay captures the reader’s imagination by creating vivid images in their mind. By using precise language and rich sensory details, you can paint a picture of an experience, person, or setting that is both engaging and memorable.

Providing intriguing facts and trivia within your essay can further stimulate the reader’s curiosity.

To be successful, consider what aspects of your topic will be most interesting to your reader, and focus on those elements. Convey emotion and mood through your writing, immersing the reader in the moment.

Remember, your goal is to render the experience so vividly that the reader feels as though they were right there with you.

Descriptive Essay Enhances Emotional Engagement

A descriptive essay goes beyond merely recounting events or facts; it seeks to evoke an emotional response from the reader. By crafting your descriptions and using choice words, you can effectively elicit emotions, creating intimacy between reader and subject.

Your essay should provide tips that help the reader relate to the subject and better understand the emotions being experienced.

Emotional engagement in your essay can make the reader care about the subject or the story being told. By investing emotionally, the reader is more likely to continue reading and feel a connection to the material.

Carefully choosing language and descriptions can shape the mood of your essay, drawing the reader in as they vicariously experience what you describe.

Descriptive Essay Facilitates Better Understanding

With a descriptive essay, your goal is not only to entertain but also to help your reader better understand the topic. By offering detailed descriptions and portraying elements from various perspectives, the reader can grasp difficult concepts or visualize complex settings.

Make sure to explain aspects of your topic that may be challenging for a reader to envision. Convey the most important features or ideas by providing clear, succinct descriptions. Use analogies or comparisons if necessary to break down complex ideas for your reader.

Your goal is to educate while keeping the essay engaging and enjoyable to read.

Descriptive Essay Provides Personal Insight

Through a descriptive essay, you can provide personal insight and share your unique perspective on the subject. Your individual style and tone can make an impression on the reader and impact their perception of the topic.

As you express your thoughts and emotions, your reader can gain an understanding of your personal connection to the subject.

It is essential to reflect on your own experiences and feelings, and consider how they resonate with your reader. Remember to balance the sharing of your own thoughts with the detailed descriptions that create a complete picture for your reader.

By doing so, you offer them both intimacy and a well-rounded understanding of the subject matter.

Descriptive Essay Acts as A Tool for Exploring Ideas

A descriptive essay can be a valuable tool for exploring ideas and examining various perspectives. In writing a descriptive essay, you may discover new aspects or perspectives on the topic as you delve into details and reflect on the meaning and implications they hold.

When exploring ideas and viewpoints, it is essential to remain open to different interpretations and keep a neutral tone. This will allow your reader to engage critically with your text and consider multiple possibilities when interpreting the subject matter.

By fostering an environment for thoughtful discourse, your descriptive essay can inspire further discussion and contemplation among readers.

Characteristics of Descriptive Essay

Descriptive essay utilizes sensory details.

A key quality of descriptive essays is that they rely on sensory details. By employing the use of the five senses – sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch — you can create a vivid and engaging experience for your readers. For instance, instead of simply stating that you enjoy the scent of coffee, describe it as the warm, rich aroma that permeates the air.

Utilize these sensory details to evoke emotions and paint a picture in the reader’s mind. Remember, the primary goal is to create an immersive experience for your audience.

A tip when using sensory details is to be selective and purposeful. Choose descriptions that add depth to your essay and contribute to the overall narrative. Strive to maintain a balance between providing enough information to engage the reader and overwhelming them with excessive details fully.

Descriptive Essay Contains Precise Language

In a descriptive essay, choosing the right language is essential. Using precise language allows you to convey your thoughts and ideas to your reader effectively. Vivid and figurative language can add depth to your descriptions, making them more engaging and memorable.

To achieve precise language, you can employ various techniques such as metaphors, similes, and personification, which can provide a more engaging and clear picture for the reader. Pay attention to your word choice and avoid vague or ambiguous language that can confuse or mislead your readers.

Descriptive Essay Organizes Thoughts Coherently

A well-organized descriptive essay creates a seamless reading experience. To achieve this, you should arrange your thoughts and ideas into logical sections or paragraphs that flow smoothly.

Start by deciding which aspects of your subject you want to describe, and then organize your thoughts into an outline before you begin writing.

When structuring your essay, use clear transitions and link words between paragraphs to guide your reader and maintain the logical flow. Keep your descriptions coherent, ensuring that all details and descriptions work together to create a complete and immersive experience.

Keep sentences and paragraphs concise and focused, avoiding unrelated or extraneous information that might distract the reader.

Descriptive Essay Showcases Creativity

Descriptive essays are a perfect opportunity for you to showcase your creativity. By using imaginative and unique descriptions, you can captivate your readers and hold their attention throughout the essay. Experiment with different stylistic techniques and explore various narrative styles.

Find innovative ways to describe common objects or experiences, surprising the reader and encouraging them to view the subject from a different perspective.

Descriptive Essay Contains a Dominant Impression

One of the most crucial aspects of a descriptive essay is the dominant impression. This refers to the overall effect or feeling that your essay should leave the reader with. The dominant impression serves as the unifying theme throughout your essay, guiding your choice of words, descriptions, and sensory details.

To create a dominant impression, determine the primary emotion or message you want to convey, and then use your descriptions and language choices to reinforce this theme.

Consistency is crucial––maintaining a coherent and focused narrative helps to ensure that your readers finish your essay with a clear understanding of the intended impression.

Remember, in a descriptive essay, confident and knowledgeable writing can make all the difference. By utilizing sensory details, precise language, coherent organization, creative techniques, and a strong dominant impression, your writing will not only engage but also captivate your readers.

Elements of A Descriptive Essay

Sensory details.

In a descriptive essay, your main goal is to create a vivid experience for the reader. One essential way to achieve this is by using sensory details. Sensory details help to paint a clear picture for the reader by engaging their five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.

When composing your essay, try to think of specific moments, situations, or objects that evoke strong feelings and memories. Describe these experiences in such a way that your reader can almost see, hear, smell, taste, or feel them as well.

Don’t forget to occasionally give some facts or trivia to keep the reader engaged and interested in the subject matter.

Figurative Language

Another critical element to include in a descriptive essay is figurative language. This form of language makes use of words and expressions that go beyond their literal meanings to convey complex or vivid ideas. Some common types of figurative language are metaphors, similes, and personification.

Metaphors make comparisons between two, unlike things, while similes compare using “like” or “as.” Personification attributes human qualities to non-human entities. Here, you can provide some quick tips on how to use these literary devices in your writing effectively.

The figurative language will help give your essay a unique and enriching style that captures the reader’s attention.

Dominant Impression

In a descriptive essay, you want to create a dominant impression — that is, a central theme or overarching idea that holds the entire piece together. A good dominant impression helps the reader understand and connect with your description. It becomes the lens through which they view the rest of your essay.

To achieve this, try to focus on one specific aspect, quality, or emotion you want to convey. Then, use sensory details and figurative language to support and expand on that central theme consistently. Consciously consider the tone of your writing to maintain a confident, knowledgeable, and clear voice throughout.

Precise Vocabulary

Descriptive essays call for specific and precise vocabulary to paint a clear and vivid picture for the reader. In order to make your essay stand out and effectively communicate the experiences you are trying to portray, choose your words carefully.

Opt for terms that have strong connotations and vivid imagery, as this will help to engage the reader’s senses and imagination. Always strive to use the best-suited word for the context, and avoid clichés or overused expressions.

Objective and Subjective Description

Descriptive essays can take on both objective and subjective perspectives. Objective descriptions, as the name suggests, present facts and observations without the writer’s personal feelings or opinions.

Subjective descriptions, on the other hand, allow the writer to share their emotions, thoughts, and opinions, thus giving the essay a more personal touch. When writing your essay, consider the balance between objective and subjective content. This decision will depend on your purpose, the topic, and the intended audience.

Emotional Resonance

A successful descriptive essay evokes strong emotions in the reader. To achieve emotional resonance, use sensory details, figurative language, and a dominant impression that resonates with your audience.

Be mindful of your readers’ feelings, as your essay’s subject matter and tone should be relatable and provoke a deep emotional response. Don’t forget to occasionally provide trivia or interesting facts to keep the reader engaged.

Chronological or Spatial Order

Consider using chronological or spatial order when crafting your descriptive essay. Chronological order refers to explaining events or situations in the sequence that they occurred, while spatial order describes the layout or arrangement of physical space.

This structure will help to organize your essay, making it easier for your reader to follow and understand your points. Decide which organizing principle best suits the topic and approach of your essay, and keep this organization consistent throughout your writing.

Structure of A Descriptive Essay

Introduction.

When writing a descriptive essay, your introduction should effectively capture your reader’s attention. It’s essential to start with a hook, a captivating sentence that pulls readers into your essay. After the hook, provide some context or background information on the subject you’ll be describing.

The last part of your introduction is the thesis statement, which acts as the main idea of your essay. This statement should be clear and concise, setting the tone for the rest of your piece.

Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs of your descriptive essay are where the bulk of the information is presented. Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of the subject, with a strong topic sentence that clearly shows the concept being discussed.

Make sure each paragraph is relevant to your thesis statement and stays focused on that particular subject. When it comes to presenting your information, remember that variety is key – mix facts, trivia, and lesser-known details to maintain reader interest.

In a descriptive essay, sensory details are key. They engage all five senses, painting a rich, vivid picture that pulls the reader into the scene. It’s not just saying, “The room was cold,” but making you feel the icy chill, see your breath misting in the air. Each paragraph zooms in on a specific sense, keeping the essay organized and immersive.

One moment you’re absorbing the vibrant colors of a scene; next, you’re attuned to the soundscape or feeling textures. By dedicating sections to different senses, the essay delivers a full sensory experience, making you not just a reader but a participant in the narrative.

Incorporating figurative language can enhance your descriptive essay further. This includes using metaphors, similes, and personification to bring your prose to life. Figurative language can help to create a more engaging experience for readers and assist in conveying complex ideas more easily.

The conclusion of your descriptive essay should leave a lasting impression on your reader. This is achieved by summarizing the key points raised in the body paragraphs while connecting them to the thesis statement. Make sure to tie everything together, bringing your essay to a logical and satisfying end.

Remember to avoid introducing any new ideas in your conclusion; at this point, your goal is to bring closure to the essay.

Transitions

To ensure your descriptive essay flows smoothly, make good use of transitions. Transitions are words and phrases that connect ideas and create a cohesive reading experience. They serve to guide your reader from one point to the next, making sure there are no abrupt jumps or gaps in your writing.

Varied Sentence Structure

An effective descriptive essay should feature varied sentence structures. This means alternating between simple and complex sentences, as well as modifying the length and rhythm of your sentences. Variety helps to keep your reader engaged and maintains the overall flow of your essay.

Just like mixing facts and trivia, varying your sentence structure adds depth and interest to your writing. By incorporating these elements into your descriptive essay, you can confidently create a piece that is both informative and captivating.

Types of Descriptive Essays

Person descriptive essay.

In a person descriptive essay, you focus on describing a person’s physical appearance, character traits, and behaviors. It is essential to capture the essence of the individual being described, relying on precise details and vivid language. In doing so, create a clear image of the person in the reader’s mind.

Remember to be confident in your descriptions and avoid exaggeration . A helpful tip for this type of essay is to observe the person closely, noting their unique features and mannerisms.

In addition to their appearance, try to convey the person’s character and qualities. Describe how they interact with others, their beliefs, hobbies, and values. When presenting information about the person, maintain a knowledgeable and neutral tone, providing factual information instead of biased opinion.

This approach ensures a clear and accurate portrayal of the person, leaving the reader with a comprehensive understanding of the individual.

Place Descriptive Essay

A place descriptive essay requires you to describe the location’s physical aspects, such as landscape, architecture, and any prominent landmarks. Aim to evoke the reader’s senses by providing vibrant details of the environment and atmosphere.

It is crucial to remain neutral and factual in your descriptions, avoiding any personal judgments or biases. A handy tip for describing a place is to imagine yourself as a tour guide, providing relevant information for visitors.

Besides the physical characteristics, emphasize the place’s unique features or trivia to make the description more engaging. Discuss the cultural or historical significance, if applicable, and any noteworthy activities happening in the area.

Your overall goal in a place a descriptive essay is to transport the reader to the location, allowing them to experience its essence through your writing.

Object Descriptive Essay

An object descriptive essay focuses on describing a specific object’s physical properties and functions. You should offer a detailed description of the item’s appearance, including its shape, size, color, texture, and any distinctive elements.

Remember to maintain a neutral tone and rely on factual information, avoiding any exaggerated claims or embellishments.

In addition to the object’s appearance, discuss its use or purpose. Explain its importance or value, whether sentimental, practical, or historical. By providing comprehensive information about the object, you offer the reader a thorough understanding of its significance and context.

Event Descriptive Essay

When writing an event descriptive essay, you should describe a particular event or occurrence in detail. Explain the event’s circumstances, including its purpose, participants, and any notable outcomes. Ensure your account remains clear and factual, avoiding any personal biases or embellishments.

An interesting fact or trivia about the event can enhance the description, keeping the reader engaged.

Moreover, sets the scene by describing the event’s date, location, and atmosphere. Use vivid language to evoke the reader’s senses and transport them to the moment of the event. By providing a comprehensive account of the event, you allow the reader to experience its essence and understand its impact.

Experience Descriptive Essay

An experience descriptive essay aims to provide readers with an account of a personal experience. This type of essay often requires you to describe emotions, thoughts, and actions related to the event.

While some subjectivity is inherent in this essay, it is essential to provide a balanced perspective by discussing both the positive and negative aspects of the experience.

Paying close attention to detail, describe the events leading up to the experience, the emotions you felt during the event, and any lessons or realizations that resulted from it.

Maintain a clear and confident tone throughout, as well as a neutral perspective, ensuring the reader receives an accurate representation of the experience.

Concept Descriptive Essay

In a concept descriptive essay, you should focus on describing a particular idea or abstract concept. This type of essay requires you to present information about the concept’s origin, development, and significance.

Employ a knowledgeable and neutral tone, emphasizing the importance of the idea and its impact on society or individuals.

It is essential to provide a thorough explanation of the concept, including its various interpretations and applications. When presenting the information, use clear language to ensure the reader’s understanding.

By offering a comprehensive examination of the concept, you grant the reader a solid foundation for further exploration and analysis.

Emotion Descriptive Essay

An emotion-descriptive essay requires you to describe a specific emotion or feeling, focusing on its characteristics and causes. Begin by offering a clear definition of the emotion, explaining any nuances or variations in its meaning.

It is essential to adopt a neutral, confident tone when presenting information, ensuring the reader receives an accurate understanding of the emotion.

In addition to defining the emotion, discuss its potential causes and effects. Describe how the emotion might manifest in a person’s thoughts, actions, and physical sensations.

By providing a comprehensive account of the emotion, you allow the reader to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for its complexities and significance.

Famous Examples of Descriptive Essays

How to write a descriptive essay.

Writing a descriptive essay can be an engaging and rewarding experience. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a piece that captures the essence of a person, place, or object using clear and concise language.

• Begin by brainstorming the subject matter . Think about the specific details you want to include and how they contribute to the overall impression. Jot down your ideas, considering the five senses: sight, smell, touch, taste, and sound. This will enable you to paint a vivid picture for your readers.
• Next, organize your ideas into a logical structure . Start with an attention-grabbing introduction that presents the subject of your essay. Then, develop body paragraphs that showcase the details you’ve gathered, using smooth transitions to guide the reader. Aim for a coherent flow, making sure that each paragraph supports the main purpose of your essay.
• Variety in sentence structure can make your essay more engaging and easier to read. Experiment with different sentence lengths , and don’t be afraid to use descriptive adjectives and figurative language that reveal your subject’s unique qualities. However, be mindful to avoid exaggeration or false claims. Maintaining a confident, knowledgeable, and clear tone will enhance the credibility of your writing.
• Finally, conclude your essay by briefly summarizing the main points without introducing new information. This will give a sense of closure, leaving a lasting impression on your reader. Keep in mind that proofreading and revising are essential steps for producing a polished piece.

Choosing Descriptive Essay Topics

When selecting a topic for your descriptive essay, it’s essential to pick something that is both interesting and engaging. The topic should be one that you can explore in-depth, providing vivid details, examples, and compelling descriptions.

Remember, your goal is to paint a vivid picture for your reader, so choose a topic that lends itself well to imaginative descriptions.

High school, college, and university students should consider a range of potential topics before settling on one. For instance, you might consider writing about a person who has had a significant impact on your life, a memorable place you’ve visited, or a unique object that holds special meaning for you.

Here are a few tips when selecting descriptive essay topics:

• Make sure the topic is something you are passionate about or genuinely interested in, as this will make your writing more engaging and enjoyable for both you and the reader.
• Identify the various elements or details that you can describe vividly, as these will help you create powerful, evocative imagery in your essay.

It can be helpful to look for inspiration from various sources, like books, movies, art, or personal experiences. For instance, you could describe a specific scene from your favorite film, a painting by a renowned artist, or a person you admire greatly.

Don’t forget to use specific details and examples to reinforce your descriptions and make them more vivid.

As a fun fact, many descriptive essays are inspired by real settings, people, or objects. In some cases, writers even draw on elements from their own lives to create authentic, relatable descriptions.

By immersing yourself in your topic and relying on your personal experiences, you can craft a truly unique and compelling essay that stands out from the rest. Remember to stay confident, knowledgeable, and clear as you create descriptions that bring your chosen topic to life for your reader.

Impact of Descriptive Essay

Descriptive essay enhances reader’s experience.

When you write a descriptive essay, it significantly improves the reader’s experience by creating vivid mental images in their mind. By using evocative language and key sensory details, you provide them with a more immersive experience that keeps them engaged and interested.

Descriptive essays also encourage readers to form a personal connection with the content, drawing them deeper into the narrative or personal essay you’re presenting. Remember, utilizing precise descriptions and focusing on relatability in your writing can make a substantial difference in how your audience perceives and connects with your work.

Another tip for enhancing the reader’s experience is to incorporate components of storytelling . When applying descriptive elements within a story, you create a deeper sense of involvement for the audience as they become emotionally invested in the characters and plot.

Utilizing a visual and emotive foundation in your writing will make it difficult for readers to put the piece down, making it an unforgettable read.

Descriptive Essay Contributes to Character Development

In your descriptive essay, the effective portrayal of characters is an essential aspect of character development. By providing detailed descriptions of a character’s physical appearance, demeanor, and emotional state, you offer insight into their personality and motivations.

This valuable information can lead your audience to empathize, relate to, or understand the driving factors behind the actions and decisions your subject makes.

When discussing character development, also consider providing trivia on your character. Your audience may find it interesting to know about any unique quirks, habits, or preferences your character possesses.

Integrating such facts help paint a more comprehensive picture, further humanizing and deepening the reader’s connection with the subject.

Descriptive Essay Shapes Plot Development

The narrative structure of your descriptive essay can make a significant impact on the direction and progression of your story or insightful personal essay. Providing rich sensory information on settings, situations, and events in your work can have a dramatic effect on the plot development.

By doing so, you immerse readers in the world you’ve created and help them understand the core elements of your story as it unfolds.

Remember to keep the momentum going in your writing. Offering tips or advice to your audience can contribute to the development of your narrative. For example, showing the consequences of a specific decision or providing a moment of reflection for the character ensures readers remain invested.

Descriptive Essay Influences Mood and Atmosphere

The mood and atmosphere of your descriptive essay can have a significant impact on your readers’ emotional response to your work. By using evocative language, and carefully choosing words and phrases, you can create a particular tone and ambiance throughout your narrative or personal essay.

Whether it’s a melancholic atmosphere or an aura of excitement, your choice of description can make readers feel connected to the emotions you’re presenting.

When establishing a particular mood or atmosphere, you may explore additional literary techniques to enhance the impact of your writing further. Using metaphors , similes , or symbolism can be an effective way to convey the underlying themes and emotions in your essay, making your narrative more immersive and engaging.

Descriptive Essay Adds Aesthetic Appeal to Literature

Descriptive essays contribute an aesthetic appeal to your writing, providing readers with a sense of beauty and artistic depth. Through detailed descriptions, your work can evoke an array of emotions and create feelings of awe, pleasure, or fascination.

This element of aesthetic appeal elevates your writing, turning it into more than just a story or an account of events but rather transforming it into an art form.

Taking your time to choose the perfect, most expressive words is an essential aspect of creating an aesthetically appealing piece. By striving for precision and clarity, your work will not only captivate your audience but also leave a lasting impression, creating a memorable reading experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i improve my descriptive writing.

Improving descriptive writing can be achieved through practice, reading, and expanding your vocabulary. You should also focus on incorporating sensory details, using show-not-tell techniques, employing figurative language, and being precise and specific with your descriptions.

What should I avoid in descriptive writing?

In descriptive writing, you should avoid vague and generic descriptions, overuse of adjectives and adverbs, cliches, and passive voice. You should also avoid providing too many details that don’t contribute to the overall impression or picture you’re trying to create.

How long should a descriptive essay be?

The length of a descriptive essay can vary depending on the assignment or purpose. Typically, a descriptive essay can range from a one-page composition to several pages.

Regardless of length, it’s important to stay focused on the topic and ensure that each word and detail contributes to the overall picture or impression.

In closing, a descriptive essay stands as a powerful tool in the writer’s kit, providing a unique way to bring people, places, experiences, and objects to life. It hinges on painting vivid pictures through words, making it an artistic endeavor as much as an academic one.

With its rich sensory details, thoughtful organization, and expressive language, a descriptive essay not only enhances a reader’s understanding but also invites them to see the world from the writer’s perspective.

It’s an enriching craft to master, whether you’re a student aiming to improve your writing skills, an aspiring author wanting to captivate your audience, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty and potential of language.

As we explore the various facets of descriptive essays, we realize that they offer more than mere descriptions – they present a canvas where reality and imagination meld seamlessly.

So, the next time you set out to write, consider employing the elements of a descriptive essay, and you’ll be amazed at the depth and vividness you can achieve.

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Aerielle Ezra

Descriptive Essay Writing

Descriptive Essay Examples

Amazing Descriptive Essay Examples for Your Help

Published on: Jun 21, 2023

Last updated on: Mar 1, 2024

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Descriptive essays are very commonly assigned essays. This type of essay enhances students' writing skills and allows them to think critically. 

A descriptive essay is often referred to as the parent essay type. Other essays like argumentative essays, narrative essays, and expository essays fall into descriptive essays. Also, this essay helps the student enhance their ability to imagine the whole scene in mind by appealing senses.

It is assigned to high school students and all other students at different academic levels. Students make use of the human senses like touch, smell, etc., to make the descriptive essay more engaging for the readers. 

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Examples make it easy for readers to understand things in a better way. Also, in a descriptive essay, different types of descriptions can be discussed. 

Here are some amazing examples of a descriptive essay to make the concept easier for you. 

Descriptive Essay Example 5 Paragraph

5 paragraphs essay writing format is the most common method of composing an essay. This format has 5 paragraphs in total. The sequence of the paragraphs is as follows;

• Introduction
• Body Paragraph 1
• Body Paragraph 2 
• Body Paragraph 3
• Conclusion 

Following is an example of a descriptive essay written using the famous 5 paragraph method. 

5 Paragraph Descriptive Essay

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Descriptive Essay Example About A Person

Descriptive essays are the best option when it comes to describing and writing about a person.  A descriptive essay is written using the five human senses. It helps in creating a vivid image in the reader’s mind and understanding what the writer is trying to convey. 

Here is one of the best descriptive essay examples about a person. Read it thoroughly and try to understand how a good descriptive essay is written on someone’s personality.

Descriptive Essay Example About a Person

Descriptive Essay Example About A Place

If you have visited a good holiday spot or any other place and want to let your friends know about it. A descriptive essay can help you explain every detail and moment you had at that place. 

Here is one of the good descriptive essay examples about a place. Use it as a sample and learn how you can write such an essay. 

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Descriptive Essay Example for Grade 6

Descriptive essays are frequently assigned to school students. This type of essay helps the students enhance their writing skills and helps them see things in a more analytical way.

If you are a 6 grader and looking for a good descriptive essay example, you are in the right place.  

Descriptive Essay Example for Grade 7

Here is one of the best descriptive essay examples for grade 7. 

Descriptive Essay Example for Grade 8

If you are looking for some amazing descriptive essay examples for grade 8, you have already found one. Look at the given example and see what a well-written descriptive essay looks like. 

Descriptive Essay Example for Grade 10

Essay writing is an inevitable part of a student's academic life . No matter your grade, you will get to write some sort of essay at least once. 

Here is an example of a descriptive essay writing for grade10. If you are also a student of this grade, this example might help you to complete your assignment.

Descriptive Essay Example for Grade 12

If you are a senior student and looking for some essay examples, you are exactly where you should be. 

Use the below-mentioned example and learn how to write a good essay according to the instructions given to you. 

Descriptive Essay Example College

Descriptive essays are a great way to teach students how they can become better writers. Writing a descriptive essay encourages them to see the world more analytically.

Below is an example that will help you and make your writing process easy.

College Descriptive Essay Example

Descriptive Essay Example for University

Descriptive essays are assigned to students at all academic levels. University students are also assigned descriptive essay writing assignments. As they are students of higher educational levels, they are often given a bit of difficult and more descriptive topics. 

See the example below and know what a descriptive essay at the university level looks like. 

Short Descriptive Essay Example

Every time a descriptive essay isn't written in detail. It depends on the topic of how long the essay will be.  

For instance, look at one of the short descriptive essay examples given below. See how the writer has conveyed the concept in a composed way. 

Objective Descriptive Essay Example

When writing an objective description essay, you focus on describing the object without conveying your emotions, feelings, or personal reactions. The writer uses sight, sound, or touch for readers' minds to bring life into pictures that were painted by words.

Here is an example that you can use for your help. 

Narrative and Descriptive Essay Example

A narrative descriptive essay can be a great way to share your experiences with others. It is a story that teaches a lesson you have learned. The following is an example of a perfect narrative descriptive essay to help you get started.

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How to Start a Descriptive Essay? - Example

If you don't know how to start your descriptive essay, check this example and create a perfect one. 

How to Start a Descriptive Essay - Example

Subjective Descriptive Essay Example

It is a common concept that a descriptive essay revolves around one subject. Be it a place, person, event, or any other object you can think of. 

Following is one of the subjective descriptive, easy examples. Use it as a guide to writing an effective descriptive essay yourself. 

Writing a descriptive essay is a time-consuming yet tricky task. It needs some very strong writing, analytical, and critical thinking skills. Also, this is a type of essay that a student can not avoid and bypass. 

But if you think wisely, work smart, and stay calm, you can get over it easily. Learn how to write a descriptive essay from a short guide given below. 

How to Write a Descriptive Essay?

A writer writes a descriptive essay from their knowledge and imaginative mind. In this essay, the writer describes what he has seen or experienced, or ever heard from someone. For a descriptive essay, it is important to stay focused on one point. Also, the writer should use figurative language so that the reader can imagine the situation in mind. 

The following are some very basic yet important steps that can help you write an amazing descriptive essay easily. 

• Choose a Topic

For a descriptive essay, you must choose a vast topic to allow you to express yourself freely. Also, make sure that the topic you choose is not overdone. An overdone will not grab the attention of your intended audience. Check out our descriptive essay topics blog for a variety of intriguing topic suggestions.

• Create a Strong Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is the essence of any academic writing. When you select the descriptive essay topic, then you create a strong thesis statement for your essay.  

A thesis statement is a sentence or two that explains the whole idea of your essay to the reader. It is stated in the introductory paragraph of the essay. The word choice for creating the thesis statement must be very expressive, composed, and meaningful. Also, use vivid language for the thesis statement.  

• Collect the Necessary Information

Once you have created the thesis statement and are done writing your essay introduction . Now, it's time to move toward the body paragraphs. 

Collect all necessary information related to your topic. You would be adding this information to your essay to support your thesis statement. Make sure that you collect information from authentic sources. 

To enhance your essay, make use of some adjectives and adverbs. To make your descriptive essay more vivid, try to incorporate sensory details like touch, taste, sight, and smell.

• Create a Descriptive Essay Outline

An outline is yet another necessary element of your college essay. By reading the descriptive essay outline , the reader feels a sense of logic and a guide for the essay. 

In the outline, you need to write an introduction, thesis statement, body paragraphs and end up with a formal conclusion.

Proofreading is a simple procedure in which the writer revises the written essay. This is done in order to rectify the document for any kind of spelling or grammatical mistakes. Thus, proofreading makes high-quality content and gives a professional touch to it. 

You might be uncertain about writing a good enough descriptive essay and impress your teacher. However, it is very common, so you do not need to stress out. 

Hit us up at CollegeEssay.org and get an essay written by our professional descriptive essay writers. Our essay writing service for students aims to help clients in every way possible and ease their stress. Get in touch with our customer support team, and they will take care of all your queries related to your writing. 

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Barbara is a highly educated and qualified author with a Ph.D. in public health from an Ivy League university. She has spent a significant amount of time working in the medical field, conducting a thorough study on a variety of health issues. Her work has been published in several major publications.

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7 Tips on How to Write a Descriptive Essay About a Person

Want to write a descriptive essay  about someone.

A descriptive essay is a type of essay that expresses one’s personal feelings about a character, an event, or any other experience. If you are going to write about someone, make sure you have all the knowledge. Choosing a renowned individual over a random character is a better option because more people will be interested in learning about it.

7 tips on how to write a descriptive essay about a person

You can generate a huge impact on the lives of the people if you successfully craft the descriptive piece. There are many descriptive essay guidelines but the most important ones to write about a person are stated below:

Gather all the information

You must have a firm grasp on the personality you will be describing. Have a thorough understanding of his strengths and shortcomings. If you are writing about a famous individual, strive to obtain details that have not been disclosed previously. Present original and thought-provoking perspectives that raise readers’ awareness in new ways. 

Avoid using cliché phrases in your writing and strive to come up with something fresh. Make sure you don’t get sidetracked from your core goal and that the read is worthwhile.

Photo by Dan Counsell on Unsplash.

Make an outline

To write in an organized manner and not miss any key points, you must first create an outline. You can use several books or any other appropriate material to assist you. It assists you inappropriately structuring your thoughts and avoiding a jumble. Make a list of all the significant aspects and categorize the material.

You must adhere to the basic structure of an essay, which includes an introduction, body, and conclusion, and adapt it as needed. Your paper should be straightforward to read and understand, with no superfluous details. Make a well-thought-out outline that accomplishes the goal.

Introduce the character through professional descriptions

Your description of the character should be professional rather than ordinary. Write as if you are portraying the character in great detail and with precision. Use the images to help you describe the appearance and share your observations. You can then elegantly explain that person’s characteristics, demeanor, strengths, and weaknesses.

It is not necessary to stuff your article with compliments; instead, provide a quick critical assessment. Your article should look to be inspirational rather than a mundane summary.

Share impactful experiences

When choosing a theme for your essay, think about a person who has had significant life experiences. Such experiences should be shared with the readers to inspire them or teach them valuable lessons. Avoid presenting any irrelevant data or instances, and instead, focus on those that demonstrate the personality’s role in bringing about positive change.

If you are writing about a social figure, for example, don’t forget to mention his charitable efforts or any other noteworthy contributions to society. It not only educates individuals but also inspires them to follow in the footsteps of those who have had a significant impact on society.

Give an emotional touch

Your descriptive essay should elicit an emotional response from the reader. You can use your creative flair to show the subject’s hardships and challenges in a very sensitive way. Readers may be able to relate to comparable difficulties in their own lives and gain a sense of direction. You can discuss how the subject overcame challenges and attained his objectives.

You may share the character’s grit, hard work, and commitment to inspire people to believe in their aspirations and never give up. To build a sense of admiration in the minds of the readers, state his caliber and other personality attributes such as humility, generosity, and so on.

Use metaphors, similes, and idiomatic phrases

Metaphors, similes, and other components can be utilized to improve the content’s value and appeal to the reader. Instead of simply describing a quality, you can utilize phrases that have the same meaning. Rather than exhibiting his bravery and courage, you might just state “he is a lion.”

These terms not only make the sentence shorter and more meaningful, but they also draw the reader’s attention to it. Your essay should be written in a thoughtful manner that covers all of the important issues while also making your content interesting to read.

Conclude in a comprehensive manner

The last paragraph should give a full review of the personality you have discussed. If you are personally related to or inspired by that person, share your final thoughts by describing what that person means to you. It will give your material a more trustworthy and genuine appearance.

Concentrate on the reason you are writing it and give your best effort. If someone else has characterized that famous personality, don’t be afraid to use some referral links to back up your material. You can also include a variety of quotations related to your topic.

If you have all of the necessary information and comprehension of the structure, writing a descriptive essay about a person is not difficult. Once you have created an outline, filling in the specifics while keeping the aforementioned ideas in mind will be a piece of cake for you. 

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Our experienced and quality-conscious writer, Jasmine Pope, specializes in creating well-structured essays. She is an expert at performing relevant research on the subject. Her commitment to her profession and ability to effectively collaborate with others makes her an inspiration.

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‘Ward Toward’ Review: A Stunning Exploration of Form Carves Out An Inventive Path for Poetry

Questions of identity, mental health, relationships, and race collide as Cindy Juyoung Ok pushes her poetry to its full potential in her debut collection of poetry, “Ward Toward.” The collection won the 2023 Yale Younger Poets Prize, the longest-running annual literary award in the United States given only to the first work of a promising American poet. Introspective and detailed, yet accessible and inviting, “Ward Toward” effectively plays with conventional poetic forms to offer a new, touching perspective.

Even though “Ward Toward” is Ok’s debut collection, she doesn’t shy away from solidifying her identity as a poet by delicately tracing her complex personal history that spans multiple countries and places, from South Korea and the United States to therapy rooms and her childhood neighborhood.

Through her work, Ok tries to create a new poetic form. From the collection's opener, “Three Act Comedy,” her poem lays the ground for the topics throughout the collection such as dealing with depressive episodes, being Asian American, reminiscing about an abusive relationship, and forging connections with family members despite language barriers.

While “Ward Toward” explores heavy and emotionally charged themes, the collection never does so in an exploitative or off-putting manner — conversely, the poetic narrative comes from a place of deep feeling and sincerity, as Ok utilizes personal introspection and little moments of peace to incite compassion in the reader.

Ok’s poems aren’t static or confined to only stanzas and verses — each poem is a living, breathing being that transforms and takes on a shape of its own. In “Ward Toward,” a poem can be a three-page essay, a paragraph, a stylized email from Ok’s mother, or even verses in the shape of North and South Korea. Stanzas are rotated or divided into columns and offer no reading guide or order — the reader is pressured to discover how to physically approach Ok’s work, whether that means turning pages horizontally or deciphering code.

Such an alternative approach to poetry can be risky and come across as strained. “Ward Toward” avoids this trap most of the time by including these unconventionally-shaped poems sparsely and contradicting the puzzling visual images with realistic and personal narratives.

A standout piece in the collection that invites multiple readings, “The Orders” is divided into eleven quatrains, with each stanza’s lines numbered from one to four. The poem can be either read one line after the other, or all the first lines can be read together as one poem. Every order is inventive, offering a new insight into the poem’s overarching themes of life in a hospital ward, therapy sessions, and dealing with mental health. “Ward Toward” is a treasure trove for the rereader — the poems can be read endlessly and guard underlying themes that unfold themselves with each new reading.

For Ok, the word “ward” takes on different meanings — in “Three Act Comedy” or “The Orders,” the word refers to a hospital ward; in “I Was a Highly Awarded,” the word refers to being a dependant; in “Home Ward,” it presents conflicts of returning to the place of origin. Ok toys with and revels in the multiplicity of such a simple yet impactful word.

Ok’s poems are personal and revealing, as most of them are told using the first person. In other poems, another figure emerges: the “you.” The identity addressed in the second person cannot be deciphered easily — is it the reader, another person, or a version of Ok? In some poems, such as “Tally of What Names,” the “I” and the “you” blend and feature together.

Ok writes, “I / am not a field: you / carve and I’m untented, / hospitable to the minor / chords I crave, and you say / the yoke’s unintended.”

“Ward Toward” plays with its reader, and questions their agency. The reader is both an interlocutor and an isolated observer.

Descriptive and elaborate figures of speech are laid over everyday actions or life events, such as engaging with the healthcare system or parting with loved ones. At first glance, Ok keeps the reader at arm’s length by using a dry and detached tone that seems to contrast the gravity of her situation. The poet never offers easy answers — the reader must read insightfully between the lines to engage deeply with the text. However, because Ok tries to make sense of contradicting thoughts and emotions, sometimes the poems are either too blunt or too metaphoric, lacking a final emotional punch.

Vulnerable but also distanced, descriptive yet alienating, emotional yet self-depreciating, “Ward Toward” is a work of contrasts and conflicts. Ok’s authorial voice carries a quiet but pervasive defiance that places her as an exciting voice in the landscape of modern poetry. The collection is confident and presents, through inventive uses of form and emotion, new possibilities of what a poem can be.

—Staff writer Erlisa Demneri can be reached at [email protected] .

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• The Case for Marrying an Older Man

A woman’s life is all work and little rest. An age gap relationship can help.

In the summer, in the south of France, my husband and I like to play, rather badly, the lottery. We take long, scorching walks to the village — gratuitous beauty, gratuitous heat — kicking up dust and languid debates over how we’d spend such an influx. I purchase scratch-offs, jackpot tickets, scraping the former with euro coins in restaurants too fine for that. I never cash them in, nor do I check the winning numbers. For I already won something like the lotto, with its gifts and its curses, when he married me.

He is ten years older than I am. I chose him on purpose, not by chance. As far as life decisions go, on balance, I recommend it.

When I was 20 and a junior at Harvard College, a series of great ironies began to mock me. I could study all I wanted, prove myself as exceptional as I liked, and still my fiercest advantage remained so universal it deflated my other plans. My youth. The newness of my face and body. Compellingly effortless; cruelly fleeting. I shared it with the average, idle young woman shrugging down the street. The thought, when it descended on me, jolted my perspective, the way a falling leaf can make you look up: I could diligently craft an ideal existence, over years and years of sleepless nights and industry. Or I could just marry it early.

So naturally I began to lug a heavy suitcase of books each Saturday to the Harvard Business School to work on my Nabokov paper. In one cavernous, well-appointed room sat approximately 50 of the planet’s most suitable bachelors. I had high breasts, most of my eggs, plausible deniability when it came to purity, a flush ponytail, a pep in my step that had yet to run out. Apologies to Progress, but older men still desired those things.

I could not understand why my female classmates did not join me, given their intelligence. Each time I reconsidered the project, it struck me as more reasonable. Why ignore our youth when it amounted to a superpower? Why assume the burdens of womanhood, its too-quick-to-vanish upper hand, but not its brief benefits at least? Perhaps it came easier to avoid the topic wholesale than to accept that women really do have a tragically short window of power, and reason enough to take advantage of that fact while they can. As for me, I liked history, Victorian novels, knew of imminent female pitfalls from all the books I’d read: vampiric boyfriends; labor, at the office and in the hospital, expected simultaneously; a decline in status as we aged, like a looming eclipse. I’d have disliked being called calculating, but I had, like all women, a calculator in my head. I thought it silly to ignore its answers when they pointed to an unfairness for which we really ought to have been preparing.

I was competitive by nature, an English-literature student with all the corresponding major ambitions and minor prospects (Great American novel; email job). A little Bovarist , frantic for new places and ideas; to travel here, to travel there, to be in the room where things happened. I resented the callow boys in my class, who lusted after a particular, socially sanctioned type on campus: thin and sexless, emotionally detached and socially connected, the opposite of me. Restless one Saturday night, I slipped on a red dress and snuck into a graduate-school event, coiling an HDMI cord around my wrist as proof of some technical duty. I danced. I drank for free, until one of the organizers asked me to leave. I called and climbed into an Uber. Then I promptly climbed out of it. For there he was, emerging from the revolving doors. Brown eyes, curved lips, immaculate jacket. I went to him, asked him for a cigarette. A date, days later. A second one, where I discovered he was a person, potentially my favorite kind: funny, clear-eyed, brilliant, on intimate terms with the universe.

I used to love men like men love women — that is, not very well, and with a hunger driven only by my own inadequacies. Not him. In those early days, I spoke fondly of my family, stocked the fridge with his favorite pasta, folded his clothes more neatly than I ever have since. I wrote his mother a thank-you note for hosting me in his native France, something befitting a daughter-in-law. It worked; I meant it. After graduation and my fellowship at Oxford, I stayed in Europe for his career and married him at 23.

Of course I just fell in love. Romances have a setting; I had only intervened to place myself well. Mainly, I spotted the precise trouble of being a woman ahead of time, tried to surf it instead of letting it drown me on principle. I had grown bored of discussions of fair and unfair, equal or unequal , and preferred instead to consider a thing called ease.

The reception of a particular age-gap relationship depends on its obviousness. The greater and more visible the difference in years and status between a man and a woman, the more it strikes others as transactional. Transactional thinking in relationships is both as American as it gets and the least kosher subject in the American romantic lexicon. When a 50-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman walk down the street, the questions form themselves inside of you; they make you feel cynical and obscene: How good of a deal is that? Which party is getting the better one? Would I take it? He is older. Income rises with age, so we assume he has money, at least relative to her; at minimum, more connections and experience. She has supple skin. Energy. Sex. Maybe she gets a Birkin. Maybe he gets a baby long after his prime. The sight of their entwined hands throws a lucid light on the calculations each of us makes, in love, to varying degrees of denial. You could get married in the most romantic place in the world, like I did, and you would still have to sign a contract.

Twenty and 30 is not like 30 and 40; some freshness to my features back then, some clumsiness in my bearing, warped our decade, in the eyes of others, to an uncrossable gulf. Perhaps this explains the anger we felt directed at us at the start of our relationship. People seemed to take us very, very personally. I recall a hellish car ride with a friend of his who began to castigate me in the backseat, in tones so low that only I could hear him. He told me, You wanted a rich boyfriend. You chased and snuck into parties . He spared me the insult of gold digger, but he drew, with other words, the outline for it. Most offended were the single older women, my husband’s classmates. They discussed me in the bathroom at parties when I was in the stall. What does he see in her? What do they talk about? They were concerned about me. They wielded their concern like a bludgeon. They paraphrased without meaning to my favorite line from Nabokov’s Lolita : “You took advantage of my disadvantage,” suspecting me of some weakness he in turn mined. It did not disturb them, so much, to consider that all relationships were trades. The trouble was the trade I’d made struck them as a bad one.

The truth is you can fall in love with someone for all sorts of reasons, tiny transactions, pluses and minuses, whose sum is your affection for each other, your loyalty, your commitment. The way someone picks up your favorite croissant. Their habit of listening hard. What they do for you on your anniversary and your reciprocal gesture, wrapped thoughtfully. The serenity they inspire; your happiness, enlivening it. When someone says they feel unappreciated, what they really mean is you’re in debt to them.

When I think of same-age, same-stage relationships, what I tend to picture is a woman who is doing too much for too little.

I’m 27 now, and most women my age have “partners.” These days, girls become partners quite young. A partner is supposed to be a modern answer to the oppression of marriage, the terrible feeling of someone looming over you, head of a household to which you can only ever be the neck. Necks are vulnerable. The problem with a partner, however, is if you’re equal in all things, you compromise in all things. And men are too skilled at taking .

There is a boy out there who knows how to floss because my friend taught him. Now he kisses college girls with fresh breath. A boy married to my friend who doesn’t know how to pack his own suitcase. She “likes to do it for him.” A million boys who know how to touch a woman, who go to therapy because they were pushed, who learned fidelity, boundaries, decency, manners, to use a top sheet and act humanely beneath it, to call their mothers, match colors, bring flowers to a funeral and inhale, exhale in the face of rage, because some girl, some girl we know, some girl they probably don’t speak to and will never, ever credit, took the time to teach him. All while she was working, raising herself, clawing up the cliff-face of adulthood. Hauling him at her own expense.

I find a post on Reddit where five thousand men try to define “ a woman’s touch .” They describe raised flower beds, blankets, photographs of their loved ones, not hers, sprouting on the mantel overnight. Candles, coasters, side tables. Someone remembering to take lint out of the dryer. To give compliments. I wonder what these women are getting back. I imagine them like Cinderella’s mice, scurrying around, their sole proof of life their contributions to a more central character. On occasion I meet a nice couple, who grew up together. They know each other with a fraternalism tender and alien to me.  But I think of all my friends who failed at this, were failed at this, and I think, No, absolutely not, too risky . Riskier, sometimes, than an age gap.

My younger brother is in his early 20s, handsome, successful, but in many ways: an endearing disaster. By his age, I had long since wisened up. He leaves his clothes in the dryer, takes out a single shirt, steams it for three minutes. His towel on the floor, for someone else to retrieve. His lovely, same-age girlfriend is aching to fix these tendencies, among others. She is capable beyond words. Statistically, they will not end up together. He moved into his first place recently, and she, the girlfriend, supplied him with a long, detailed list of things he needed for his apartment: sheets, towels, hangers, a colander, which made me laugh. She picked out his couch. I will bet you anything she will fix his laundry habits, and if so, they will impress the next girl. If they break up, she will never see that couch again, and he will forget its story. I tell her when I visit because I like her, though I get in trouble for it: You shouldn’t do so much for him, not for someone who is not stuck with you, not for any boy, not even for my wonderful brother.

Too much work had left my husband, by 30, jaded and uninspired. He’d burned out — but I could reenchant things. I danced at restaurants when they played a song I liked. I turned grocery shopping into an adventure, pleased by what I provided. Ambitious, hungry, he needed someone smart enough to sustain his interest, but flexible enough in her habits to build them around his hours. I could. I do: read myself occupied, make myself free, materialize beside him when he calls for me. In exchange, I left a lucrative but deadening spreadsheet job to write full-time, without having to live like a writer. I learned to cook, a little, and decorate, somewhat poorly. Mostly I get to read, to walk central London and Miami and think in delicious circles, to work hard, when necessary, for free, and write stories for far less than minimum wage when I tally all the hours I take to write them.

At 20, I had felt daunted by the project of becoming my ideal self, couldn’t imagine doing it in tandem with someone, two raw lumps of clay trying to mold one another and only sullying things worse. I’d go on dates with boys my age and leave with the impression they were telling me not about themselves but some person who didn’t exist yet and on whom I was meant to bet regardless. My husband struck me instead as so finished, formed. Analyzable for compatibility. He bore the traces of other women who’d improved him, small but crucial basics like use a coaster ; listen, don’t give advice. Young egos mellow into patience and generosity.

My husband isn’t my partner. He’s my mentor, my lover, and, only in certain contexts, my friend. I’ll never forget it, how he showed me around our first place like he was introducing me to myself: This is the wine you’ll drink, where you’ll keep your clothes, we vacation here, this is the other language we’ll speak, you’ll learn it, and I did. Adulthood seemed a series of exhausting obligations. But his logistics ran so smoothly that he simply tacked mine on. I moved into his flat, onto his level, drag and drop, cleaner thrice a week, bills automatic. By opting out of partnership in my 20s, I granted myself a kind of compartmentalized, liberating selfishness none of my friends have managed. I am the work in progress, the party we worry about, a surprising dominance. When I searched for my first job, at 21, we combined our efforts, for my sake. He had wisdom to impart, contacts with whom he arranged coffees; we spent an afternoon, laughing, drawing up earnest lists of my pros and cons (highly sociable; sloppy math). Meanwhile, I took calls from a dear friend who had a boyfriend her age. Both savagely ambitious, hyperclose and entwined in each other’s projects. If each was a start-up , the other was the first hire, an intense dedication I found riveting. Yet every time she called me, I hung up with the distinct feeling that too much was happening at the same time: both learning to please a boss; to forge more adult relationships with their families; to pay bills and taxes and hang prints on the wall. Neither had any advice to give and certainly no stability. I pictured a three-legged race, two people tied together and hobbling toward every milestone.

I don’t fool myself. My marriage has its cons. There are only so many times one can say “thank you” — for splendid scenes, fine dinners — before the phrase starts to grate. I live in an apartment whose rent he pays and that shapes the freedom with which I can ever be angry with him. He doesn’t have to hold it over my head. It just floats there, complicating usual shorthands to explain dissatisfaction like, You aren’t being supportive lately . It’s a Frenchism to say, “Take a decision,” and from time to time I joke: from whom? Occasionally I find myself in some fabulous country at some fabulous party and I think what a long way I have traveled, like a lucky cloud, and it is frightening to think of oneself as vapor.

Mostly I worry that if he ever betrayed me and I had to move on, I would survive, but would find in my humor, preferences, the way I make coffee or the bed nothing that he did not teach, change, mold, recompose, stamp with his initials, the way Renaissance painters hid in their paintings their faces among a crowd. I wonder if when they looked at their paintings, they saw their own faces first. But this is the wrong question, if our aim is happiness. Like the other question on which I’m expected to dwell: Who is in charge, the man who drives or the woman who put him there so she could enjoy herself? I sit in the car, in the painting it would have taken me a corporate job and 20 years to paint alone, and my concern over who has the upper hand becomes as distant as the horizon, the one he and I made so wide for me.

To be a woman is to race against the clock, in several ways, until there is nothing left to be but run ragged.

We try to put it off, but it will hit us at some point: that we live in a world in which our power has a different shape from that of men, a different distribution of advantage, ours a funnel and theirs an expanding cone. A woman at 20 rarely has to earn her welcome; a boy at 20 will be turned away at the door. A woman at 30 may find a younger woman has taken her seat; a man at 30 will have invited her. I think back to the women in the bathroom, my husband’s classmates. What was my relationship if not an inconvertible sign of this unfairness? What was I doing, in marrying older, if not endorsing it? I had taken advantage of their disadvantage. I had preempted my own. After all, principled women are meant to defy unfairness, to show some integrity or denial, not plan around it, like I had. These were driven women, successful, beautiful, capable. I merely possessed the one thing they had already lost. In getting ahead of the problem, had I pushed them down? If I hadn’t, would it really have made any difference?

When we decided we wanted to be equal to men, we got on men’s time. We worked when they worked, retired when they retired, had to squeeze pregnancy, children, menopause somewhere impossibly in the margins. I have a friend, in her late 20s, who wears a mood ring; these days it is often red, flickering in the air like a siren when she explains her predicament to me. She has raised her fair share of same-age boyfriends. She has put her head down, worked laboriously alongside them, too. At last she is beginning to reap the dividends, earning the income to finally enjoy herself. But it is now, exactly at this precipice of freedom and pleasure, that a time problem comes closing in. If she would like to have children before 35, she must begin her next profession, motherhood, rather soon, compromising inevitably her original one. The same-age partner, equally unsettled in his career, will take only the minimum time off, she guesses, or else pay some cost which will come back to bite her. Everything unfailingly does. If she freezes her eggs to buy time, the decision and its logistics will burden her singly — and perhaps it will not work. Overlay the years a woman is supposed to establish herself in her career and her fertility window and it’s a perfect, miserable circle. By midlife women report feeling invisible, undervalued; it is a telling cliché, that after all this, some husbands leave for a younger girl. So when is her time, exactly? For leisure, ease, liberty? There is no brand of feminism which achieved female rest. If women’s problem in the ’50s was a paralyzing malaise, now it is that they are too active, too capable, never permitted a vacation they didn’t plan. It’s not that our efforts to have it all were fated for failure. They simply weren’t imaginative enough.

For me, my relationship, with its age gap, has alleviated this rush , permitted me to massage the clock, shift its hands to my benefit. Very soon, we will decide to have children, and I don’t panic over last gasps of fun, because I took so many big breaths of it early: on the holidays of someone who had worked a decade longer than I had, in beautiful places when I was young and beautiful, a symmetry I recommend. If such a thing as maternal energy exists, mine was never depleted. I spent the last nearly seven years supported more than I support and I am still not as old as my husband was when he met me. When I have a child, I will expect more help from him than I would if he were younger, for what does professional tenure earn you if not the right to set more limits on work demands — or, if not, to secure some child care, at the very least? When I return to work after maternal upheaval, he will aid me, as he’s always had, with his ability to put himself aside, as younger men are rarely able.

Above all, the great gift of my marriage is flexibility. A chance to live my life before I become responsible for someone else’s — a lover’s, or a child’s. A chance to write. A chance at a destiny that doesn’t adhere rigidly to the routines and timelines of men, but lends itself instead to roomy accommodation, to the very fluidity Betty Friedan dreamed of in 1963 in The Feminine Mystique , but we’ve largely forgotten: some career or style of life that “permits year-to-year variation — a full-time paid job in one community, part-time in another, exercise of the professional skill in serious volunteer work or a period of study during pregnancy or early motherhood when a full-time job is not feasible.” Some things are just not feasible in our current structures. Somewhere along the way we stopped admitting that, and all we did was make women feel like personal failures. I dream of new structures, a world in which women have entry-level jobs in their 30s; alternate avenues for promotion; corporate ladders with balconies on which they can stand still, have a smoke, take a break, make a baby, enjoy themselves, before they keep climbing. Perhaps men long for this in their own way. Actually I am sure of that.

Once, when we first fell in love, I put my head in his lap on a long car ride; I remember his hands on my face, the sun, the twisting turns of a mountain road, surprising and not surprising us like our romance, and his voice, telling me that it was his biggest regret that I was so young, he feared he would lose me. Last week, we looked back at old photos and agreed we’d given each other our respective best years. Sometimes real equality is not so obvious, sometimes it takes turns, sometimes it takes almost a decade to reveal itself.

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Guest Essay

It’s Not You: Dating Apps Are Getting Worse

By Magdalene J. Taylor

Ms. Taylor is a writer covering sex and culture.

“The golden age of dating apps is over,” a friend told me at a bar on Super Bowl Sunday. As we waited for our drinks, she and another friend swiped through Bumble and Hinge, hunting for new faces and likes. Across the bar were two young men: phones out, apps open, clearly doing the exact same thing. Never did the duos meet.

What’s lamentable here isn’t only that dating apps have become the de facto medium through which single people meet. Since 2019, three in 10 U.S. adults have reported using them, with that figure rising to roughly six in 10 for Americans under 50 who have never been married. Not only are people not meeting partners in bars or any of the once normal in-person venues — they’re barely meeting them on the apps, either.

Maybe most of us just aren’t as hot as we used to be. Maybe it’s time our inflated egos got knocked down a notch. Maybe the market of people still willing to put themselves out there in an attempt to date has gotten smaller. Or maybe the apps have functionally, intentionally gotten worse, as have our romantic prospects. The more they fail to help us form relationships, the more we’re forced to keep swiping — and paying.

The internet, where so many of us spend so much of our time, has not been spared from the decline in quality that seems to plague so much of consumer life. This phenomenon was described by the writer Cory Doctorow in a November 2022 blog post and is sometimes called “platform decay”: Tech platforms like Amazon, Reddit and X have declined in quality as they’ve expanded. These sites initially hooked consumers by being almost too good to be true, attempting to become essential one-stop shops within their respective spaces while often charging nothing, thanks to low interest rates and free-flowing venture capital funding . Now that we’re all locked in and that capital has dried up, those initial hooks have been walked back — and there’s nowhere else to go.

This is precisely what is happening with dating apps now, too, with much more urgent consequences. What’s worsening isn’t just the technological experience of online dating but also our ability to form meaningful, lasting connections offline.

The collapse of dating apps’ usability can be blamed on the paid subscription model and the near-monopoly these apps have over the dating world. While dozens of sites exist, most 20-something daters use the big three: Tinder, Hinge and Bumble. (Older people often gravitate toward Match.com or eHarmony.) All three sites offer a “premium” version users must pay for — according to a study conducted by Morgan Stanley , around a quarter of people on dating apps use these services, averaging out at under $20 a month. The purpose, many believe, is to keep them as paid users for as long as possible. Even if we hate it, even if it’s a cycle of diminishing returns, there is no real alternative.

In the early heyday of Tinder, the only limits on whom you could potentially match with were location, gender and age preferences. You might not have gotten a like back from someone you perceived to be out of your league, but at least you had the chance to swipe right. Today, however, many apps have pooled the people you’d most like to match with into a separate category (such as Hinge’s “Standouts” section), often only accessible to those who pay for premium features. And even if you do decide to sign up for them, many people find the idea of someone paying to match with them to be off-putting anyway.

“If I don’t pay, I don’t date,” a friend in his 30s told me. He spends around $50 a month on premium dating app subscriptions and digital “roses” to grab the attention of potential matches. He’s gone on 65 dates over the last year, he said. None have stuck, so he keeps paying. “Back in the day, I never would have imagined paying for OKCupid,” he said.

Yet shares (Bumble’s stock price has fallen from about $75 to about $11 since its I.P.O.) and user growth have fallen , so the apps have more aggressively rolled out new premium models. In September 2023, Tinder released a $500 per month plan. But the economics of dating apps may not add up .

On Valentine’s Day this year, Match Group — which owns Tinder, Hinge, Match.com, OKCupid and many other dating apps — was sued in a proposed class action lawsuit asserting that the company gamifies its platforms “to transform users into gamblers locked in a search for psychological rewards that Match makes elusive on purpose.” This is in contrast to one of the group’s ad slogans that promotes Hinge as “designed to be deleted.”

People are reporting similar complaints across the apps — even when they aren’t taking the companies to court. Pew Research shows that over the last several years, the percentage of dating app users across demographics who feel dissatisfied with the apps has risen . Just under half of all users report feeling somewhat to very negative about online dating, with the highest rates coming from women and those who don’t pay for premium features. Notably, there is a gender divide: Women feel overwhelmed by messages, while men are underwhelmed by the lack thereof.

With seemingly increasing frequency, people are going to sites like TikTok , Reddit and X to complain about what they perceive to be a dwindling group of eligible people to meet on apps. Commonly, complaints are targeted toward these monthly premium fees, in contrast to the original free experience. Dating has always cost money, but there’s something uniquely galling about the way apps now function. Not only does it feel like the apps are the only way to meet someone, just getting in the door can also comes with a surcharge.

Perhaps dating apps once seemed too good to be true because they were. We never should have been exposed to what the apps originally provided: the sense that the dating pool is some unlimited, ever-increasing-in-quality well of people. Even if the apps are not systematically getting worse but rather you’ve just spent the last few years as a five thinking you should be paired with eights, the apps have nonetheless fundamentally skewed the dating world and our perception of it. We’ve distorted our understanding of how we’d organically pair up — and forgotten how to actually meet people in the process.

Our romantic lives are not products. They should not be subjected to monthly subscription fees, whether we’re the ones paying or we’re the ones people are paying for. Algorithmic torture may be happening everywhere, but the consequences of feeling like we are technologically restricted from finding the right partner are much heavier than, say, being duped into buying the wrong direct-to-consumer mattress. Dating apps treat people like commodities, and encourage us to treat others the same. We are not online shopping. We are looking for people we may potentially spend our lives with.

There is, however, some push toward a return to the real that could save us from this pattern. New in-person dating meet-up opportunities and the return of speed dating events suggests app fatigue is spreading. Maybe we’ll start meeting at bars again — rather than simply swiping through the apps while holding a drink.

Have you ditched dating apps for a new way to meet people, or are you still swiping left?

Opinion wants to hear your story.

Magdalene J. Taylor (@ magdajtaylor ) is a writer covering sex and culture. She writes the newsletter “ Many Such Cases .”

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JK Rowling dares police to arrest her over SNP’s new hate crime law

J K Rowling has challenged Scotland’s police to arrest her under the SNP’s new hate crime law after stating that a series of high-profile trans women are men.

The Harry Potter author, who lives in Edinburgh, wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Freedom of speech and belief are at an end in Scotland if the accurate description of biological sex is deemed criminal.

“I’m currently out of the country, but if what I’ve written here qualifies as an offence under the terms of the new Act, I look forward to being arrested when I return to the birthplace of the Scottish Enlightenment.”

Rowling posted pictures of 10 high-profile trans people on Twitter and mocked their claims to be women. They included Isla Bryson, who was initially sent to a women’s prison after being convicted of two rapes.

Among the others she listed was Andrew Miller, 53, who also used the name Amy George. The trans butcher abducted a young girl in the Scottish Borders while dressed as a woman and abused her for 27 hours.

The author also mentioned Katie Dolatowski, a trans paedophile who sexually assaulted a 10-year-old girl in the toilet of Morrisons in Kirkcaldy, Fife, in March  2018.

Other trans women she mentioned were Mridul Wadhwa, the chief executive of Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre:

And Munroe Bergdorf, a trans model and activist:

She also made posts about Beth Douglas, a trans activist:

Samantha Norris, a sex offender:

Guilia Valentino, a trans Gaelic footballer:

And Katie Neeves, a UN worker:

Her final post was on TV personality India Willoughby. Activists have already unsuccessfully attempted to have Rowling arrested under existing laws for “misgendering” after she publicly called Willoughby a male.

At the end of the list, she tweeted: 

She invited those who agreed with her to share the post and used the hashtag #arrestme.

By passing the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act , Rowling said MSPs had “placed higher value on the feelings of men performing their idea of femaleness, however misogynistically or opportunistically, than on the rights and freedoms of actual women and girls”.

She said: “The new legislation is wide open to abuse by activists who wish to silence those of us speaking out about the dangers of eliminating women’s and girls’ single-sex spaces, the nonsense made of crime data if violent and sexual assaults committed by men are recorded as female crimes, the grotesque unfairness of allowing males to compete in female sports, the injustice of women’s jobs, honours and opportunities being taken by trans-identified men, and the reality and immutability of biological sex.”

Responding to the posts, Willoughby tweeted: “What a sad, pathetic sight. The best-known author in the world sitting up all night to write a mega-long troll post about me because she’s consumed by a hatred of trans people. Completely deranged.”

Rowling’s comments came after Siobhian Brown, the SNP’s community safety minister, initially stated that misgendering – for example calling a trans woman “he” – would “not at all” fall foul of the legislation.

But after being challenged over calls for Rowling to be prosecuted under the Act, she then admitted it would be for the police to decide.

Speaking as the Act came into force on Monday, Ms Brown said: “It could be reported and it could be investigated. Whether or not the police would think it was criminal is up to Police Scotland for that.”

The minister was also challenged over the “odd” omission of women from the list of protected groups included in the legislation.

This means threats made against Rowling and other feminists critical of trans ideology could not be investigated under the Bill. Ms Brown admitted “more work needs to be done” and said a misogyny Bill would be introduced.

Humza Yousaf oversaw the passage of the hate crime legislation at Holyrood in 2021, when he was justice secretary in Nicola Sturgeon’s government, but it has only now come into force as Police Scotland said it needed time for training .

The law creates a criminal offence of “stirring up of hatred”, expanding on a similar offence based on racist abuse that has been on the statute book for decades. It covers hatred on the basis of age, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation and transgender identity.

However, an amendment to add sex to the list of protected characteristics at this stage was voted down, despite cross-party MSPs raising concerns about why women were excluded.

Someone convicted of stirring up hate could face a fine and a prison term of up to seven years.

Justin Webb, the BBC journalist who conducted the interview with Ms Brown, was found in February to have broken impartiality rules by calling trans women “males” on air .

The BBC upheld a complaint against the Today presenter after he said “trans women, in other words males” on the BBC Radio 4 programme last August.

A listener complained that the comment amounted to Mr Webb giving his personal view on a controversial matter in breach of the BBC’s requirements on impartiality.

The new legislation’s definition of a hate crime has attracted concerns that it is too ambiguous, potentially leading to a “chilling” effect on freedom of speech and a torrent of vexatious complaints being made to police.

In particular, Rowling’s allies have suggested that trans activists have her “in their sights”. The author has regularly argued that trans women are not women and last week vowed to continue “calling a man a man” after “this ludicrous law” comes into force.

The Telegraph has also disclosed that attendees at an official Police Scotland hate crime event in February were presented with a scenario involving a character called Jo who thinks that sex is binary and bizarrely calls for transgender people to be sent to gas chambers.

Feminist groups claimed that the character was a thinly-veiled parody of Rowling , whose first name is Joanne and who is called Jo by friends.

Askd by BBC Radio 4’s Today programme whether misgendering was a crime, Ms Brown said no, adding: “We respect everybody’s freedom for expression, and nobody in our society should live in fear or be made to feel like they don’t belong.”

However, challenged over a claim by an SNP councillor that Rowling is “not entitled to make people feel uncomfortable and to misgender someone”, she then admitted that it “would be a police matter for them to assess what happens”.

Ms Brown said it would be “an operational decision” and “it would not be for me as a minister to dictate what the police” did. She said officers had received a “lot of training in the last year”, including a two-hour online course, and she believed this gave them the criteria on which to base their decision.

“There’s a very high threshold, which is in the Act, which would be up to Police Scotland, and what would have to be said online or in person would be threatening and abusive,” she said.

“If you’re conveying a personal opinion that is challenging or offensive, for example, that would not be – I would say – would not be [illegal].”

Peter Tatchell, the LGBT campaigner, told Today it was a “good thing to try and crack down on prejudice and hate” but expressed concerns that “so much of the Act does involve subjective interpretation” and was “not clearly defined”.

“There’s no definition of hate when it comes to aggravated offences. There’s no definition of malice or ill-will. Now the caveat is that it all boils down to what a reasonable person would believe,” he said.

“But of course, reasonable people believe different things. And so there is a concern that the actual interpretation or enforcement of the Act may be clouded by subjective judgments.”

Mr Tatchell added that the “big flaw” in the Scottish hate crime legislation was it “does not protect women against hate” and there was “no protection against misogyny.”

Jim Sillars, the SNP’s former deputy leader, has launched a campaign to “resist the Hate Crime Act and campaign for its repeal”.

He said: “Humza Yousaf’s Hate Crime Act inflicts a deep wound on the face of Scottish society. Today, on their own admission, Police Scotland will translate itself from a service into a force for one particular purpose, the pursuit of people who speak their minds. How has Scotland, the seat of the Enlightenment, come to this?”

Mr Yousaf claimed the legislation was needed thanks to “a rising tide of hatred against the people because of their protected characteristics”.

The First Minister told Sky News he “couldn’t disagree more” with a warning from the Scottish Police Federation that the Act was a “recipe for disaster”.

He said: “Of course, there has been appropriate training in place, but also police officers have been dealing with hatred for many, many decades and been doing it very sensibly. indeed.”

Mr Yousaf said there had been an offence of stirring up racial hatred since 1986 and there was “absolutely no evidence” to support warnings that there would be a large increase in the number of vexatious complaints.

“Unless your behaviour is threatening or abusive and intends to stir up hatred, then you have nothing to worry about in terms of the new offence that has been created,” he said.

“If your behaviour is threatening or abusive and does intend to stir up hatred against Jews, or Muslims, or disabled people or gay people, then I think the law should protect those people, who are the victims of that potential hatred.”

Asked about Rowling’s case, and her allies’ argument that she was not being “hateful”, he said the police would investigate if a crime had been committed and the Crown Office would decide “if there is a sufficiency of evidence to charge”.

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Conservatives Are Getting Comfortable Talking Openly About a National Abortion Ban

After this week’s oral argument, few court watchers believe the Supreme Court is now ready to limit the Food and Drug Administration’s authority to approve mifepristone , a drug used in more than half of all abortions , as opponents of abortion sought. At oral argument in FDA v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine , it did not appear that the plaintiff doctors persuaded the court that the law inflicted injuries that would give them standing to sue. The reason for the justices’ skepticism is not hard to find. The doctors built their case on a mountain of remote possibilities. Patients might suffer complications from mifepristone—a drug with an impressively low complication rate—and might seek treatment at emergency rooms, where the plaintiffs may happen to practice, when the plaintiffs might not be able to find another physician willing to intervene. And all of that might mean that the plaintiffs would have to act in violation of their conscience. But then again, it might not. That’s why this case seems dead on arrival: The justices seemed unwilling to engage in the sort of rank speculation the plaintiffs have in mind. If this chain of hypotheticals is enough, anyone can bring a constitutional challenge to any drug approval or any law.

But the case was also a vehicle for advancing ever more expansive conscience-based arguments that have become common currency among Christian conservatives—claims of the kind we have seen in well-known cases like the 2014 Hobby Lobby decision recognizing conscience objections to the contraceptive mandate of the Affordable Care Act or even last year’s ruling in 303 Creative v. Elenis that allowed a conservative Christian graphic designer to refuse to make custom websites for same-sex weddings.

Today, those with conscience-based objections seek more than to pray or dress in conformity with religious belief. They object to laws providing Americans access to health care or freedom from discrimination. Compliance with these laws, they claim, would make the objector complicit in the assertedly sinful conduct of others.

Objectors bringing this new generation of complicity-based conscience claims invite courts to deny other Americans the protections of the law. In the FDA case, the plaintiffs do not even seek an exemption from the law; through an expansive standing claim, the doctors claim the only way the court could protect their conscience is to strike down FDA approvals providing all Americans access to medication abortion. Simply having mifepristone on the market, they argue, risks making them complicit in abortion.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson zeroed in on the problems with this argument. She observed that Erin Hawley, the attorney for the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, had identified a “broad” and “narrow” idea of conscience. The “narrow” reading was straightforward: “participating in a procedure.” This reading had problems of its own: In fact, no doctor was obliged to prescribe mifepristone, and in any event, federal law provides doctors conscience protections.

Yet Hawley didn’t think complicity ended there. Jackson seemed confused. Did Hawley mean that a handful of other doctors who participated in post-abortion procedures, such as the removal of tissue, were also complicit? Or was Hawley asking the court to recognize the complicity claims of someone who worked in an emergency room where abortions took place, or handed an abortion provider a water bottle?

Jackson spotlighted a defining feature of “conscience-war” claims that one of us (Reva Siegel), writing with Douglas NeJaime, has identified : Conservatives assert ever-expanding complicity-based conscience claims, urging the government to accommodate their claims without making any provision for other Americans who would lose the protection of law. Appealing to the value of conscience obscures the material and dignitary harm that accommodating the objection inflicts on others.

Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar stressed this point: While the plaintiffs could not say their conscience had been or would be harmed, their claim to conscience obscured harm done to a variety of other parties. That includes the FDA, which had its own scientific judgments displaced, and the pharmaceutical industry, which relies on the FDA approval process to ensure some sort of uniform industry standards. First and foremost, it includes, as Prelogar noted, “women who need access to medication abortion .”

Conscience claims have been alluring to conservatives because, like colorblindness, they allow conservatives to speak as a “minority,” and to assert traditional family values as individual freedom claims. But there is a telling shift. When groups like Alliance Defending Freedom asserted complicity-based conscience claims at the time of Hobby Lobby , they worried about losing in a Supreme Court that was far less conservative—and about alienating a Republican Party that still prioritized electability rather than ideological purity.

By contrast, in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, ADF talked not only about protecting women or safeguarding conscience; it made claims around the Comstock Act, a symbol of Victorian sexual morality focused not on protecting fetal life but on discouraging illicit sex , that ADF seeks to reinvent as a de facto national abortion ban. ADF argued that FDA could not have had the authority to approve telehealth abortions in 2021 because the Comstock Act bars the mailing of abortion pills—and indeed, any abortion-related item. Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito both seemed interested in transforming the 1873 Comstock Act into an abortion ban that American voters would never choose to enact. Alito seemed shy about mentioning Comstock by name, instead referring to the hard-to-recognize number in the U.S. Code. Thomas was not so reserved, all but telling attorneys for Danco, the maker of the name-brand mifepristone, that the Comstock Act barred the mailing of the drug.

The very fact that ADF wants to talk about the Comstock Act is remarkable. It seems unwise to hitch the anti-abortion movement’s star to a 19 th -century anti-vice movement known for “Comstockery”: censoring political speech, undermining democratic norms, and condemning any form of sex not intended for procreation .

Voters have already rejected state abortion bans. Just imagine what most Americans would make of it if an already unpopular Supreme Court interpreted a law from 1873 as a sweeping, punitive zombie abortion ban. But worrying about the public’s reaction assumes the movement is seeking to persuade voters rather than simply looking for ways to use power to enforce traditional family values and punish those who become pregnant or might provide them medical care. Anti-abortion groups are planning to revive enforcement of the Comstock Act if Donald Trump wins the presidency , claiming they would not need Congress to act .

The argument in the mifepristone case was a potent reminder of why conservatives have gravitated to conscience claims—and demonstrated the hidden harms that these claims can inflict on other Americans. But the conversation at the Supreme Court this week also suggested that conservatives are preparing to express the values underlying complicity-based conscience claims more openly. As it gains power, members of the anti-abortion movement seem increasingly ready to take off the mask.