writing prompts for descriptive essay

12 Creative Descriptive Essay Prompts

by Suzanne Davis | Dec 12, 2019 | Writing Essays and Papers , Writing Prompts | 13 comments

“Description is what makes the reader a sensory participant in the story.”  –Stephen King

Stephen King wrote about description in stories. But the same advice is correct for descriptive essays.  Get your readers engaged by making them sense and connect with everything you’ve written in your essay.  How can you do that?  Begin with descriptive essay prompts that inspire you to write more.

Then add important details and characteristics or features about the person, place, object, or experience in your essay.  The more detail and elements you add to a descriptive essay, the better it will be.

So, check out these descriptive writing topics and find the one that will work best for you.

How to Select a Descriptive Essay Prompt

Before you select a descriptive essay topic, see if you can show and not tell your readers about the characteristics, actions, and emotions in that essay.

Maybe you’ve heard writers say, “ Show Don’t Tell .”   This motto is an approach some writers use to make their writing more descriptive.  The word “show” means to portray or illustrate feelings and actions.  And “tell” is when a writer says what the emotions and actions are.

For example, “ The black poodle snarled and growled.” (showing) vs. “The black poodle was angry and fierce.” (telling)

In the example above, the first sentence shows that the black poodle was angry because it snarled and growled.  The second sentence says or tells us that the dog was angry and fierce.

Use the “ Show Don’t Tell”  approach in your descriptive essay by asking these questions about the 5 senses:

• What did you see?
• What did you hear?
• What did you touch?
• What did you smell?
• What did you taste?

You probably won’t have answers to all these questions.   (Or at least if you write about a mountain, I hope you can’t describe how tastes.) But write “Show Don’t Tell ” content wherever you can in your essay.

The 12 descriptive essay prompts here, give you the freedom to develop your content in different ways, and with a lot of sensory details. They are divided into 4 categories: person, place, object, and experience.  Each type has 3 descriptive essay writing ideas.   For each writing prompt, brainstorm how you can develop that essay.

Descriptive WritingTopics About a Person

# 1 describe the strangest person you ever met.

Strange people are easy to remember, and if you remember a different, odd, or unique person, you’ll have a lot of information you can write on.  Before you choose this topic, brainstorm a few ideas about this person.

Questions to develop this essay topic : What seemed strange about this person?  What characteristics did he/she possess? How did you feel about this person?

# 2 Describe a person you envied .

Envy or jealousy is a powerful emotion.  When you focus on a person you were jealous of, there are reasons and characteristics for why you felt that way.

Questions to develop this essay topic: What traits or characteristics did this person have?  How did that person look? How did this person act?  What made you envy him/her?

# 3 Describe an inspiring friend or family member.

We remember people who inspire us.  And people love to read about inspiring individuals.  If you describe an inspiring person, think about the impact that a person made on you.

Questions to develop this essay topic:   What did this person do that was inspiring?   How did that person act toward others?

Descriptive Writing Topics About a Place

# 4 describe a spooky or haunted place ..

If you describe a scary place, include a lot of sensory details.  Spooky and haunted places are memorable.

Questions to develop this essay topic:   What did this place look like?  Where was it located?  What did you see, hear, smell, or feel at this place?  Did you find someone or something that scared you?  Why is this place, spooky?

# 5 Describe a place you loved as a child.

People love to know things about another person’s childhood. A great way to show who you are is to describe a place that was important to you.  If you select this writing topic, make sure you remember this place well.

Questions to develop this essay topic : How did this place look? What did you do at this place?  Was anyone else at this there?  How did you feel about the area?

# 6 Describe a beautiful location in nature.

You could describe a mountain, body of water, campground, desert, etc.  Or any other place that is outdoors and part of nature.

Questions to develop this essay topic:   What did this place look like?  How did you feel when you were there? Did you hear, smell, taste, or touch anything at the location? Was there anyone else with you?  What did you do at this place?

Descriptive WritingTopics About an Object

# 7 Describe a lucky object.

It can be any lucky object, a good luck charm, an heirloom object, etc.  Select something you believe brings you good luck.

Q uestions to develop this essay topic:   What are the characteristics of this object? How is it used?  What makes this a lucky object?

# 8 Describe a piece of art.

It can be a photograph, painting, sculpture, etc.  There are a lot of sensory details you can include in a descriptive essay about a piece of art.

Questions to develop this essay topic:  What does this work of art look?  Can you touch it?  If so, how does it feel?   What are the emotions you have when you see this sculpture, painting, photograph, etc.?

# 9 Describe an object used in your favorite sport or hobby.

If you have a favorite sport or hobby, describe an object that is relevant to that sport.  For example, if you play tennis, describe a tennis racket.  Or, if you collect coins, describe a unique coin from your collection.

Questions to develop this essay topic:   What are the characteristics or features of this object?  How is it used?  What is significant about this object?  What are some sensory details you can add?

Descriptive Essay Topics About an Experience

# 10 describe the first time you drove a car or rode a bicycle..

First-time experiences are emotional and significant to people.  If you haven’t driven a car or ridden a bicycle, write about another first-time experience.

Questions to develop this essay topic:   What did you see, hear, touch, smell, or taste during this experience?  What did you do?  Were others involved?  If so, what did they do? How did you feel during this experience?  How do you feel about it now?

# 11 Describe a hike or special walk you took .

Do you recall a hike you took or a walk on a trail, path, or street? If so, describe that memory.

Questions to develop this essay topic:   What was the place you were at like? What did you hear, see, smell, taste, or touch during this experience?  What did you do?  What did anyone else do?

# 12   Describe a happy memory.

Write about a happy experience you can remember clearly.    This topic involves remembering what occurred and how you felt during that experience.

Questions to develop this essay topic:   What made this experience happy? What happened?  Who else was there?  Can you describe them?

Writing a Descriptive Essay

The key to writing a descriptive essay is to show or portray to a reader the significant elements of a person, place, object, or experience.  So, select an essay topic that you connect with, and develop it with sensory details.  If you do this, you’ll achieve what Stephen King does in his writing and “make the reader a sensory participant.”  When you do that, your readers will want to keep reading until the end.

Make them wish your essay continued so that they could read even more!

So which descriptive essay prompt inspires you?  And if you want more creative writing prompts, check out my blog post, “13 Thought-Provoking Personal Narrative Prompts” https://www.academicwritingsuccess.com/13-thought-provoking-personal-narrative-prompts/.

Suzanne,I enjoy reading your articles. Loved your sense of humour ‘(Or at least if you write about a mountain, I hope you can’t describe how tastes.)’. I tried to share this article in my Pinterest account, but somehow something went wrong and it did not allow me to do it.

I’m glad you enjoyed the article. I do try to be funny whenever I can. I’m having a problem right now with my article pinning. I’m working on it.

Loved the “show, not tell” explanation. It really made sense. I’m a visual learner, so I really liked the visual for the 12 descriptive essay prompts in both written form and as a image. You gave me a lot of good ideas for starting a descriptive essay!

Terri, I’m glad you liked my infographic for the post. I love designing visual images for articles. Let me know if you use one of the descriptive essay prompts. I’d love to know how it worked for you.

Excellent. I like the sensory detail questions. It brings the writing to a new level.

Raven, thank you. Sensory details are great for developing writing. They really help writers of all ages.

Nice article, Suzanne. I love using prompts with my students. I might be nervous of the prompt “Describe the strangest person you ever met.” For many of my students I would have the starring role in that one! 🙂 Using the basic five senses to help students expand upon their writing is also very good. So many students write one sentence and then get stuck. Prompting questions can really help them broaden their thoughts.

Ron, thank you. I might be nervous about the “strangest person you ever met” prompt too. But, I’m hoping there are other strange people students could write about too!

Love these! In this generation of “just getting the point across”, it is so difficult to get some students to be descriptive in their writing.It would be hard for any student to not be descriptive using these prompts. When working on writing with students, I always use the five senses to show them how their writing will be more interesting to any reader when it is descriptive. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you,Randy. Descriptive writing is a challenge, but finding a good descriptive writing prompt and using the 5 senses makes a huge difference.

Also, that is a great quote by Stephen King!

Hi Suzanne! Excellent post! I love the creative prompts. They’re helpful, whether one is writing fiction or non-fiction.

You have a great site. Will stop by again. I know I’ll learn lots here.

P.S. Thanks for stopping by my site. I appreciate your feedback.

Hi Nadine, Thanks so much. I am glad you stopped by and checked out my post on descriptive writing prompts. I love prompts because they can make you think about writing in different ways. And sometimes I just need help getting started. I enjoyed your post on writing spaces. I’ll be visiting your site again.

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100 Descriptive Essay Topics

The list of descriptive essay topics I provided is designed to offer a wide range of subjects for writers to explore. Each category—Place, People, Objects, and Memories—has its own set of unique and thought-provoking topics aimed at sparking creativity and providing an opportunity to practice descriptive writing. Check out our narrative essay topics and writing prompts too. Planning a debate? You’ll also love our funny debate topics .

Structure and Scope

• Place : This category focuses on locations that might be personal, fictional, or public. Some topics, like describing your ideal bedroom or favorite place, are closer to the heart and allow for introspection. Others, like describing a famous landmark or a museum, enable the writer to convey a more factual, informative perspective.
• People : This section covers a variety of relationships and characters. Topics range from describing family members and friends to fictional heroes and people the writer may have only met once but left a lasting impression. The goal here is to capture the essence of the person and what makes them unique or memorable.
• Objects : Objects often hold sentimental, utilitarian, or aesthetic value. This category gives the writer a chance to explore everyday objects or those that hold special meaning. From items like childhood toys and treasured gifts to everyday tools like smartphones and backpacks, the topics encourage detailed observation and description.
• Memories : Memories can be powerful writing triggers. They evoke emotions, set scenes, and often include a variety of elements like people, places, and objects. The topics in this category are intended to make writers delve into their past experiences to bring forth descriptive essays filled with nostalgia, lessons learned, or moments that left an impact.

Grade Appropriateness

The topics are designed to be versatile enough for a variety of age groups and skill levels. Younger students can benefit from simpler topics that focus on familiar people or objects. Older or more advanced writers can tackle topics that require deeper thought, like describing a person you disagree with but still respect, or a place that makes you feel nostalgic.

The primary objective of this list is to stimulate creativity and encourage writers to paint vivid pictures with words. The range of topics is broad enough to engage a variety of interests and themes. It also allows the writer to tap into their own experiences, perceptions, and emotions, thus making the essay more authentic and engaging.

Overall, this list aims to be a useful resource for teachers, students, or anyone interested in improving their descriptive writing skills.

Here’s the list!

Descriptive Essay Topics: Place

• Describe a place where you feel completely content.
• Describe your school’s cafeteria.
• Describe a crowded shopping mall.
• Describe an amusement park.
• Describe your dream house.
• Describe a place where you experienced a moment of solitude.
• Describe a tourist attraction in your country.
• Describe a historical building you’ve visited.
• Describe your grandmother’s kitchen.
• Describe a fictional place you’d love to visit.
• Describe a place you visited as a child but haven’t been back to since.
• Describe your workplace.
• Describe the inside of a spaceship.
• Describe the most frightening place you’ve ever been.
• Describe a famous landmark.
• Describe a place that makes you feel nostalgic.
• Describe a city you’ve always wanted to visit.
• Describe your favorite restaurant.
• Describe the setting of your favorite book or movie.
• Describe a place you would live in if money were no object.
• Describe your first apartment.
• Describe a scenic spot in nature.
• Describe your school library.
• Describe an exotic market.
• Describe your idea of a utopia.

Descriptive Essay Topics: People

• Describe a person you admire from history.
• Describe a character from a book or movie.
• Describe a neighbor.
• Describe a baby.
• Describe your childhood hero.
• Describe a person you’ve only met once but never forgot.
• Describe your favorite fictional hero.
• Describe a teacher who inspired you.
• Describe your coach.
• Describe a person you disagree with but still respect.
• Describe a character who is evil but fascinating.
• Describe a person who has influenced you.
• Describe a family member you are closest to.
• Describe someone you know who is very different from you.
• Describe the first person you ever fell in love with.
• Describe a person who makes you laugh.
• Describe someone who is a mentor to you.
• Describe someone you find mysterious.
• Describe a celebrity who seems down-to-earth.
• Describe your best friend from childhood.
• Describe someone who is charismatic.
• Describe a sibling or cousin.
• Describe a friend you lost contact with.
• Describe someone you consider a hero.
• Describe a person who seems ordinary but has an extraordinary talent.

Descriptive Essay Topics: Objects

• Describe an object that you associate with your childhood.
• Describe a piece of art that moved you.
• Describe a gift you’ve given or received.
• Describe a book that has changed your life.
• Describe an old photograph.
• Describe your favorite watch or piece of jewelry.
• Describe a technical gadget you rely on.
• Describe your school bag or backpack.
• Describe an item you regret losing.
• Describe an unusual object you own.
• Describe an object that symbolizes your family.
• Describe your computer or tablet.
• Describe a game board or card game that you enjoy.
• Describe a childhood relic you still keep.
• Describe your favorite mug or cup.
• Describe a piece of clothing that makes you feel confident.
• Describe a musical instrument you play.
• Describe a souvenir you bought from a trip.
• Describe an antique you own.
• Describe a letter or postcard you’ve kept.
• Describe a collectible item you own.
• Describe an object you built or crafted.
• Describe an item you own that is environmentally friendly.
• Describe an heirloom.
• Describe an object that makes you feel nostalgic.

Descriptive Essay Topics: Memories

• Describe your most vivid childhood memory.
• Describe a time you won something.
• Describe a Christmas memory.
• Describe the first time you traveled alone.
• Describe a time you tried something new.
• Describe a time you got lost.
• Describe a winter memory.
• Describe a time you had to say goodbye.
• Describe your first date.
• Describe an event that made you grow up quickly.
• Describe a summer camp experience.
• Describe a family reunion.
• Describe a childhood birthday.
• Describe a moment you had stage fright.
• Describe your graduation day.
• Describe a wedding you attended.
• Describe a memory related to sports.
• Describe the first time you drove a car.
• Describe a time you received good or bad news.
• Describe an unexpected encounter.
• Describe a family holiday tradition.
• Describe your first day at a new job.
• Describe a funny memory.
• Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision.
• Describe a memorable goodbye.

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120 Descriptive Essay Topics: The Easiest Way of Writing a Descriptive Essay

Updated 03 Sep 2024

Assignments and descriptive essays are issues every student faces during studying period. Even if it's extremely hard to complete everything your professor gave you, you still have to learn how to write in different styles, meet all the requirements, including all the essentials you need to have in your text. We all have our own tips and tricks to carry through the assignment period, and we all are professionals in our own type of paper.

If you ask a college student to name the easiest type of paper, he would probably recall a descriptive essay. But what is a descriptive essay and why is it so simple to write? We’re here to help you out on that question and give you additional descriptive essay topics to make your college life easier with a great range of assistance from our essay writing service . And if you are willing to pay for college essay and want a descriptive essay writer to help you, you are very welcome to click the "Hire writer" button at the top of this page.

What is a Descriptive Essay and How Does it Differ from a Simple Description?

The main goal of the description essay is to describe something, be it a person, a situation or just something you want to tell people about. While writing this type of descriptive essay, you have to compose the text using your own experience and thoughts. No researches, no outer opinions, just your mind, and your head. Only sensory information is used to understand the descriptive topic. The description of the things is clear and simple. Imagination, though, creates pictures in the head of the reader, which makes this experience unique and personified.

It would make sense to start the introduction with a description of the context of the subject on which the entire description would focus. Doing so puts things into perspective for the reader.

How does it differ from a description? A simple description can be just several sentences or one long paragraph, while a descriptive essay usually contains five paragraphs. It has its style and includes a thesis in an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

What are descriptive essay elements?

Unlike daily descriptions people share without much effort, description essays are well-structured pieces of text that require students show their creativity and language mastery. Descriptions include many details, appeal to readers’ senses through imagery and dynamic speech.

Although this type of essay writing is rather challenging, it is worth trying. While participating in creative writing process, students develop their writing skills and become more attentive to details. Unlike other essay kinds, descriptive essays usually don’t require students search for evidence from credible sources, although this depends on student’s topic and academic level.

Illustrations make students reflect on their own experiences more closely. Such writing activities teach us share our own thoughts and feelings with others more effectively. Given that such essays make such a great contribution to students’ creativity and writing skills, here are some guidelines on how to write a descriptive essay.

Coming up with Ideas

In descriptive essay assignments, professors often provide students with freedom of choice: students decide on their own what to describe. Lists of possible topics are virtually unlimited, as students write about whatever they are interested in. As you have chosen your individual topic, it is time to think about text organization.

What are the four types of essays?

Descriptive essay is one of four major types of academic essays. Others include narrative essay, expository essay, and persuasive essay. These essays are differentiated into separate types because of particular purposes each of them pursues.

As any other college-level paper, description essay has introduction with thesis statement, body, and conclusion. If you wonder how to start a descriptive essay, start with comprehending its basic structure.

How do you write an introduction for a descriptive essay?

In the introductory paragraph, students should introduce their topic, clarifying their intent for the whole essay. Thesis statement here works as a guide, explaining contents that follow. In it, students directly state what they describe, revealing their own impressions and some reasons for holding such views.

As for body paragraphs, several approaches are possible. When considering how to write a descriptive paragraph, students provide list-like descriptions. They reveal details about the object, event, or person in a point-by-point manner. They can think of some simple plot that will keep readers interested in the topic.

In both cases, students should use lots of sensory details, keeping their illustrations interesting. In the concluding paragraph, students should reassert their impressions about described object or person, briefly reflecting on the content of essay.

What Can You Describe?

There are plenty of topics one may consider when professor assigns description writing. Here are the most common description topics:

• Human  –  talk about people, their characters, appearances, or abilities and capabilities; reflect on their own experiences related to particular people (for instance, how particular person influenced one’s choices or decisions)
• Place essay – in illustrations of places, tell about their own homes, restaurants, libraries, schools, or any other places that somehow impressed them. In these essays, appeal to senses by showing how places look, make one feel, or sound.
• Event – appeal to any relevant sense, while telling about events. The list of possible events is unlimited; it may include family vacations, rock concerts, or any other memorable (or not) activity.
• Animal – talk about pets or animals you feel passionate about. Acknowledge your own experiences, thoughts, feelings when presenting details.
• Memory essay – writers may reflect on their memories, describing something that happened long ago or someone they knew in the past. Unlike person or event illustrations, these essays primarily discuss one’s memories.
• Experience – in these illustrations, authors basically describe themselves by revealing their own experiences and showing some personal outcomes they produced. Cultural identity essay can take a form of experience description.
• Occupation essay – here, try revealing details that distinguish particular occupation from other occupations.
• Behavior – talk about behaviors of people, animals, species, or whole nations. There are truly dozens of options!

No matter which kind of description you are planning to complete, we’ve listed some simple steps and useful tips that makes the assignment completion much easier.

How to Write a Descriptive Essay Step-by-Step

When writing a descriptive essay, consider organizing your work in the following manner. If you organize your writing following these several steps, it will save your time and make writing easier:

• Step 1. Select your subject, create a topic.

For writing a really appealing paper, you should have a clear picture in mind. Try relating to your personal experiences, clearly imagining that restaurant you liked most, or a good friend of yours, or any other subject as task guidelines demand. Mind that the best topic is the one that is interesting for you. If you have difficulties coming up with a topic, use some descriptive essay topics EduBirdie has already prepared for your convenience.

• Step 2. Develop a thesis statement.

Consider your notes and develop a thesis statement for descriptive essay. Make sure your thesis statement has two components: statement about the described subject and reasons supporting it. In the statement part, provide your own evaluation of place, person, or another described subject and then briefly explain what exactly makes you arrive at such conclusions. For instance, instead of just saying that Sarah is a really good friend, briefly explain why.

• Step 3. Select specific details.

Whether you are describing a person, place, experience, or any other subject, think of major impressions this subject often produces on you. What do you particularly like or appreciate about it? Which features of this subject do you find especially interesting? For instance, if you think about describing a restaurant; in the first place, decide whether you believe it is a good or bad place. Then think of particular reasons that make you hold such an assumption. Make notes of both your major impressions and corresponding features of described subject.

• Step 4. Create an outline.

When you came up with an idea, for instance, descriptive essay about a place, and listed some features you’d like to discuss in the essay, create detailed outline.

How do you write descriptive essay outline?

It is particularly convenient when students create detailed outlines. Such outlines should list all the information they plan including in their essays: their thesis statement, topic sentences, several supporting details, and concluding sentences for each of the body paragraphs, and a thesis restatement for a concluding paragraph.

• Step 5. Write a draft, following your outline.

Using outlines, students will easily complete their first drafts: it is enough presenting all the information from an outline in an essay format. At this stage, pay attention to details you’d like to describe rather than to your writing style. Remember that this draft is not an essay yet. It is more like a skeleton of your future paper.

• Step 6. Polish your essay, adding more imagery.

Re-read your draft and now concentrate on your writing style. Mind that descriptive essays are not about telling, but rather about showing. Rather than just stating that the restaurant is good, try showing it to readers by appealing to their senses. It is not necessary to appeal to all six senses, instead employ your own experience and choose senses that are most relevant to your topic.

You wouldn’t appreciate a cat description, in which authors appeal to taste, would you? Students achieve significant effect by adding imagery and dynamic language to their drafts.

• Step 7. Proofread and format your final paper.

After adding all the imagery and making sure that writing style and speech topics are appropriate, proofread your text and format it in accordance with professor’s requirements. Usually, MLA formatting works well for this kind of essays, especially if you are a student at one of the US colleges. If you have doubts regarding formatting or need help with proofreading, writers on the platform will gladly provide affordable editing services.

To further enhance your skills and gain inspiration, it's beneficial to explore a descriptive essay example, which can serve as a valuable reference and provide insights into effective descriptive writing techniques.

Tips for a Great Description

Image credit: Yourdictionary

Here are some descriptive writing tips you may use to ensure the best outcomes. Worthy descriptive essays are virtually impossible without the following:

• Appeal to different senses

Rather than simply listing characteristics or features of the described person or object, include vivid sensory details. By appealing to senses, show details that produce impressions rather than tell about them.

• Pay attention to word choice, use dynamic speech

It is important to use descriptive language in the text. This small example illustrates that word choice matters a lot in such essays. Consider two sentences: Teacher entered the classroom. and Teacher stormed into the classroom. In the first sentence, neutral word is used (entered), and it is impossible to make any assumptions about teacher.

In the second sentence, word choice (stormed) definitely adds some emotional value, because one can conclude that teacher has some particular mood. Try to substitute neutral verbs with more dynamic alternatives in your text.

• Refer to your own experiences

The most appealing descriptions are those in which writers share their emotions. Thus, when describing, try to show how described subject makes you feel.

• Add moment-by-moment descriptions

They are very appealing, especially when students add some humorous or horror details. Depending on the purpose of your writing, you can talk about your own experience in such a manner (for instance, your last dentist visit).

• Use similes and metaphors, among other imagery

Add imagery to your story and use figures of speech like similes and metaphors. Comparing things, objects, and people with other things, objects, or people is very effective.

• But avoid overused similes (which are also known as clichés)

However, avoid overusing clichés like as cold as ice, straight as an arrow, or run like the wind among others. When used too often, such similes simply lose their effect. So while writing a descriptive essay, look for more creative options.

• Gather enough information

Depending on the topic, be it descriptive speech topic, social issues topic , or process essay topic , it may be necessary to do the research. Sometimes, students just don’t have enough personal experience to compose truly appealing illustrations. Good research though provides the lacking insight.

• Cite all sources

Students should cite all the information they borrow from sources. If they won’t do so, plagiarism accusations follow.

The 120 Descriptive Essay Topics for Every Struggling Student

When you can’t choose your own descriptive topic, you can always find descriptive writing topics on the web and choose one for your theme. There are several things you can write about as an author so you have to decide if it will be about a place you’ve visited, a person you know or something completely different. If you're seeking inspiration and guidance, don't forget to look at descriptive essay examples, which can provide valuable insights into different approaches and help you refine your own writing skills. In any case, here are our topics for descriptive essays for struggling students.

Topics to describe a place

• The serene beauty of a mountain retreat.
• A bustling metropolitan city at night.
• The tranquil shores of a secluded beach.
• The historical charm of an ancient castle.
• The vibrant life of a rainforest.
• The eerie silence of a deserted house.
• The festive atmosphere of a carnival.
• The architectural marvel of a famous landmark.
• The cozy ambiance of a favorite café.
• The stark landscape of a desert.
• The bustling corridors of an airport.
• The mystical aura of a religious site.
• The picturesque scenery of a countryside village.
• The chaotic energy of a marketplace.
• The technological wonder of a space station.
• The tranquil beauty of a Japanese garden.
• The frozen expanse of an arctic glacier.
• The cultural vibrancy of a street festival.
• The solemn atmosphere of a cemetery at dusk.
• The magical world of a theme park.

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If you want to describe a person

• A mentor who has shaped your life.
• A historical figure you admire.
• A family member with a unique trait.
• A stranger who caught your attention.
• An artist in the midst of creation.
• A leader facing a moment of decision.
• A friend who makes you laugh.
• A character from a book that has stayed with you.
• An athlete in the zone during a competition.
• A teacher who inspired a love of learning.
• A child experiencing wonder.
• A craftsman perfecting their art.
• A musician lost in their music.
• A chef creating a culinary masterpiece.
• A scientist on the brink of discovery.
• A traveler exploring new lands.
• A hero during a moment of bravery.
• A villain with a complex motive.
• An actor transforming into a role.
• A person experiencing joy in simple pleasures.

Memories and topics about experience

• Your first day at school.
• A moment that changed your perspective.
• An adventure that tested your limits.
• A lesson learned the hard way.
• The joy of achieving a long-sought goal.
• The bittersweet feeling of saying goodbye.
• An encounter with nature that left you awestruck.
• A cultural experience that broadened your understanding.
• The excitement of discovering something new.
• The warmth of a family tradition.
• Overcoming a fear.
• A moment of unexpected kindness.
• The challenge of learning a new skill.
• The tranquility of a solitary walk.
• The thrill of a roller coaster ride.
• The satisfaction of completing a difficult task.
• A time when you stood up for what you believe in.
• The comfort of a familiar scent or sound.
• The exhilaration of a spontaneous road trip.
• The peace of a reflective moment alone.

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Things and object in life

• The intricate design of a snowflake.
• The worn pages of a beloved book.
• The vibrant colors of a sunset.
• The sleek design of a modern smartphone.
• The rustic charm of an antique clock.
• The comforting warmth of a winter coat.
• The delicate fragrance of a blooming flower.
• The rugged texture of a mountain rock.
• The soft glow of candlelight.
• The chaotic beauty of a painter's palette.
• The steady rhythm of a ticking clock.
• The ancient mystery of a fossil.
• The festive decorations of a holiday season.
• The protective embrace of a family home.
• The refreshing coolness of a glass of water.
• The joyful chaos of a child's toy room.
• The solemn dignity of a war memorial.
• The innovative simplicity of a paperclip.
• The relentless power of a storm.
• The hopeful promise of a sunrise.

Hobbies, processes, and occupations

• The meticulous art of model building.
• The rhythmic process of knitting.
• The adrenaline rush of skydiving.
• The creative flow of writing a novel.
• The precision of a surgeon at work.
• The strategic mind of a chess player.
• The harmonious movement of a ballet dancer.
• The culinary magic of baking bread.
• The ancient practice of calligraphy.
• The challenging journey of learning a new language.
• The transformative process of restoring a classic car.
• The patient cultivation of a garden.
• The dynamic action of firefighting.
• The insightful analysis of a psychologist.
• The adventurous spirit of a travel blogger.
• The skilled craftsmanship of a jeweler.
• The analytical approach of a software developer.
• The nurturing care of a pediatric nurse.
• The artistic vision of a fashion designer.
• The investigative curiosity of a journalist.

Behavior and character

• The resilience of a person overcoming adversity.
• The infectious enthusiasm of a motivational speaker.
• The quiet strength of a leader in crisis.
• The boundless creativity of an inventor.
• The compassionate heart of a volunteer.
• The unwavering loyalty of a lifelong friend.
• The meticulous attention to detail of an artist.
• The fearless determination of an activist.
• The gentle kindness of a stranger.
• The disciplined focus of an athlete in training.
• The playful mischief of a prankster.
• The profound wisdom of an elder.
• The infectious laughter of a joyful child.
• The steely resolve of a soldier.
• The humble gratitude of someone receiving help.
• The fierce independence of a solo traveler.
• The deep empathy of a therapist.
• The relentless ambition of an entrepreneur.
• The serene calmness of a meditation instructor.
• The passionate intensity of a performer on stage.

Read also: 60 Exemplification Topics With Bonus Tips

Don't forget that your descriptive topic reflexes the main reason why you decided to write your essay. You should convey your individual feelings and describe this main point to your readers. Follow the structure, use your ideas and everything will be alright with your future essay. You can use topic sentence generator ! Our professional descriptive essay helpers will be glad to help you with your homework. Good luck!

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Written by David Kidwell

David is one of those experienced content creators from the United Kingdom who has a high interest in social issues, culture, and entrepreneurship. He always says that reading, blogging, and staying aware of what happens in the world is what makes a person responsible. He likes to learn and share what he knows by making things inspiring and creative enough even for those students who dislike reading.

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75 Interesting Descriptive Essay Topics

Working on academic papers is a must, no matter how intensely students hate this task. Descriptive writing could be interesting, but for reaching success here, it is essential to find good descriptive essay topics. A lot of things depend on creativity and imagination, but your personal interest is even more important. We’re going to help you find a topic that will suit your tastes, but first, let’s figure out  what is a descriptive essay ? These assignments are a piece of writing focused on re-creating a specific experience, place, person, or event: a writer’s goal is to present it in a detailed and clear way. So, each student must pick a subject and describe it, building a vivid picture of it in the minds of their audience.

Descriptive writing prompts are important because they help you sharpen your memory, analyze your thoughts and reactions, and train your writing as well as expand your vocabulary.  They are also exciting, but of course, this factor relies on which topic you select. There are some tips and suggestions that could guide you in this process, so if you need assistance, we are here to help you.

Strategies for Choosing Great Descriptive Essay Ideas

Many students underestimate the importance of topics. They are happy to grab the first one they see, and then they face hours or even days of boring research and inefficient drafts, ending up with a mediocre paper a professor cannot evaluate highly. This is a big mistake, so if you’d like to avoid such unfortunate results, keep tips below in mind.

• Go for personal focus. Never choose descriptive essay prompts that you don’t care about. They should be personally interesting for you — this is the only way to make sure that your paper is pleasing to everyone related to it. Writers can do a good job only if they enjoy what they’re doing (unless they are already experienced enough, but it’s a rarity among students). So, look into your memory. Think about something you’d like to describe: it could be a trip somewhere, a favorite place, or even a beloved person.
• Consider the volume. It is vital to base a topic on the word count you’ll have to cover and the amount of details available to you. Let’s look at these examples: you decided to write about an instance where you met your favorite actor. The problem is, you saw him briefly and nothing truly of note happened, so you could come up with several descriptive paragraph topics, but it won’t be enough for a 5-page essay. You’d have to choose another theme in this case. Equally, if you have a large idea that could make for 10 pages while the task requires you to write only 1, this isn’t the best decision. So never forget about word count and adjust volume of your ideas accordingly.
• Adjust topic based on vocabulary. If you study at college, you likely have an average vocabulary fitting the academic sphere. In case you study at university, your word supply is more complex, so you could afford to look at more creative descriptive topics. High school students have less diverse vocabulary, so evaluate your skills objectively. This factor affects the choice you will make, so if you plan to describe a fight you witnessed, you should assess whether you know enough words and expressions for it.
• Look for supporting sources. They are not always necessary, but they’ll definitely be a plus. If you choose a more scientific kind of work, you should support your opinions and impressions with other people’s words. Look for such sources, but be sure they are credible. Focus on articles and books, not on blogs and general sites.

75 Topics for Descriptive Essay on Different Levels

Another option for choosing an inspiring topic entails looking through relevant lists. We composed one specifically for the sake of students who are looking for inspiration yet can’t settle on any exciting ideas. You won’t experience any troubles with using it: either pick an option directly from it or use some of them as a foundation for developing your own.  We concentrated on five major categories, each having 15 descriptive topics in it.

Descriptive Essay Topics About Famous People

There are lots of ideas for descriptive essay in this category. With how many famous people have changed our world, you could pick any of them to craft your essay.

• Donald Trump: Describe His Rise to Power and His Eventual Downfall
• Explain What Diaries Belonging to Marilyn Monroe Revealed About Her Past
• Why Is Mother Theresa Known All Over the World? Describe Her Life and Personality
• Describe the Real Circumstances Surrounding Discoveries That Christopher Columbus Made
• Describe the Productive Life of Walt Disney & His Legacy
• Explain Why Leonardo Da Vinci Is Considered Unique:  Focus on His Discoveries and Inventions
• Explore Rise of Any Popular Soviet Leader to Absolute Power
• Who Is Greta Thunberg? Talk About Her Personality as Expressed By Her Ideas

There are also fictional famous people: they could make for good descriptive essay titles.

• Harry Potter: Describe His Heroic Attributes and How They Relate to His Personality
• Explain the Mystery Posed by the Figure of Merlin: What Do We Know About Him?
• Describe All Heroics Attributed to King Arthur
• Describe Changes in Attitude toward Vampires That Jacob Black Experienced
• Talk About the Love Story between Jack and Rose from Titanic
• Voldemort: What Events in the Life of Tom Riddle Created a Monster
• Describe What Makes Katniss from Hunger Games an Inspiring Power Leader

Descriptive Topics About Celebrities

We are surrounded by celebrities. If you’d like to explore one of them, check this descriptive essay topics list.

• Mads Mikkelsen as the Most Atypical Star in the Global Movie Industry
• Describe Problems that Johnny Depp Has Been Experiencing Recently
• Tragedy and Comedy of Jim Carrey’s Life: Describe This Mix
• Describe the Changing Array of Roles Performed by Emma Watson
• Daniel Radcliffe and His Attempts to Move On From Harry Potter
• Explore and Explain Leonardo DiCaprio’s Struggles to Receive Oscar
• Dive Into Descriptions of Reasons for Charles Chaplin’s Popularity
• How Morgan Freeman Changed Entertainment Industry
• Acting in Violent Movies: Describe What Roles Sylvester Stallone Played
• Elaborate on How George Clooney Started Being Considered an Icon of Attractiveness
• Describe Career of Steven Spielberg Along with His Success and Failures
• Sad Stories: Describe What Choices Kate Winslet Makes in Her Movies
• Being a Pirate: Talk About Adventures Orlando Bloom Had When Playing Will Turner
• Creativity and Elegance of Keira Knightley:  Describe Life Journey of This Actress
• Describe Singing Career of Hugh Jackman and How It Mixed with His Actor Choices

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Descriptive Essay Topic Ideas About Places

People love travelling all over the world, so there is a thousand of descriptive writing topics to select from.

• Talk About the Most Beautiful City You Have Ever Visited
• Quiet Night in a Forest: Describe Beauty Around It
• Seeing Red Sea for the First Time: Focus on Details Surrounding This Experience
• Describe Your Home and Elements That Make It Dear to You
• The Coziest Café with the Most Delicious Food: Share Your Experience
• Garden That Stays in Your Memory: Describe What Plants It Had
• Visiting Museum: Discuss Atmosphere, Interior, and Displayed Objects
• First Visit to 3D Movie: How Did It Go?
• Moving to a New House: Describe First Impressions of How It Looked Liked
• Choose a Church That Impressed You & Share Details About Its Design

How about descriptive writing ideas for fictional places? They could be just as exciting.

• Describe Hogwarts As It Is Portrayed in Harry Potter Books
• Narnia, Its Delights and Horrors: Focus On Attributes That Make It Memorable
• Describe Gritty Setting of Games of Thrones (TV Show or Book)
• How Does Universe of Hunger Games Function? Describe Its Major Features
• House of Cullens From Twilight: Talk About Its Inward and Outward Appearance

Descriptive Essay Prompts About Objects

Wherever you look, you’ll see objects of different kinds. Pick a good descriptive essay topic from the ones that trigger your interest.

• How Cell Phone of Your Dreams Would Look Like
• The Most Comfortable Bed in This World: Give a Detailed Description
• Describe Each Component of Your Make-Up: What Are They, What Color They Have, & What Are They For?
• Describe the Scent of Your Favorite Perfume: Focus on Each Undertone to Create a Clear Image
• Your Favorite Food: Describe a Meal Complete with Three Different Dishes
• Talk About Diary You Had: Its Cover, Pages, Purpose, & Importance
• Describe How the Most Exquisite Box of Chocolates You Have Seen Looks
• Book Cover That Made You Immediately Want to Buy Book Itself
• Backpack You Carry Every Day: What Makes It Comfortable & Special?
• Describe How You Choose Your Handbag From Start to Finish
• Kitchen in Your House: Describe Its Design, Key Objects, & Their Purposes
• The Most Exquisite  Bouquet of Flowers That Stands Out in Memory
• Blanket You Use During Winter: What Is Its Appearance, Thickness, and Warmth Level?
• Movie You Watched for More Than Ten Times
• A Pair of Shoes That Begs to Be Bought: How Would You Describe It?

Memories Topics

We all have memories that make us into who we are. These examples of descriptive essay topics could help you recall meaningful events that deserve to be written about.

• Describe the Best Birthday Celebration You Have Ever Had
• The  Day When Someone You Love Broke Your Heart
• Seeing My Future Pet for the First Time & Falling in Love With It
• Day of Heartbreaking Loss and My Reaction to It
• Finale of a Movie I Watched That Made Me Feel Over the Moon From Joy
• Terrible Disappointment After the Show I Loved Ended Badly: Details & Reaction
• How My Best Friend and I Shared Our First Serious Secret We Never Disclosed to Others
• Your First Joined Trip with Family: Fun and Excitement of It
• Guilt I Felt After Betraying Someone I Loved
• How Going on the First Date Felt Like: Describe This Time and Your Emotions
• Getting a Gift I Always Dreamed About: Celebration That I Could Never Forget
• Describe an Event That Helped You Understand What Career You Would Like to Have
• City I Used to Live In: Describe Its Physical Appearance and Places It Had
• Visiting Escape Room: Challenges, Excitement, Fear, & Complexity
• The Happiest Day I Could Remember in My Life

Make Writing Exciting and Look for Help When In Need

As you had a chance to see, there are plenty of diverse ideas for descriptive essays. So, if you cannot come up with something on your own, don’t let it worry or embarrass you. Look for assistance: check related lists online, talk to other people, visit forums for discussions and brainstorm with your classmates. If you aren’t sure whether you feel up to writing, you could always let us know, and our team will gladly help. Inspiration is a big part of writing success, so it’s vital not to make a mistake when choosing what your paper is going to be about. Try to find it, and your chances at succeeding will grow!

Can’t come up with a topic for you paper? We’ve prepared a collection of essay topics for you

Want to write a winning essay but lack experience? Browse our free essay samples

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40 Topics to Help With Descriptive Writing Assignments

A Helpful List for Writing Paragraphs, Essays, and Speeches

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Descriptive writing calls for close attention to factual and sensory details: show, don't tell . Whether your subject is as small as a strawberry or as large as a fruit farm, you should begin by observing your subject closely. Examine it with all five senses, and write down any details and descriptions that come to mind.

Next, go a little further afield with your list and associate your chosen topic or object with memories, opinions, and impressions. This list may give you some ideas for metaphors and possibly even a direction for your paragraph or essay. Then make a list of verbs that could be associated with your topic or object. This will help you have more variety than just "buzzing be" verbs and keep the writing and imagery descriptive and active.

After your brainstorming phase, go through your list and decide which details and descriptions you like most and which are most significant. Don't cross off the others, though. At this point in the project, you want to be open to any direction your imagination and writing take you.

Good advice from Steven King in his book On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft :

If you want to be a successful writer, you must be able to describe [your subject], and in a way that will cause your reader to prickle with recognition. ... Thin description leaves the reader feeling bewildered and nearsighted. Overdescription buries him or her in details and images . The trick is to find a happy medium.

40 Paragraph Writing Topics

To get you started, here are 40 ideas for paragraph writing topics. These can work for a short paragraph, an essay, or even a speech. These simple suggestions should help you discover a subject that especially interests  you . If you don't start with a topic that you're willing to spend some time with, your writing will show your lack of enthusiasm. If 40 is not enough, try this list of more than 400 writing topics .

If you need some advice for the drafting phase, see " Composing Descriptive Paragraphs and Essays " and " How to Write a Descriptive Paragraph ."

• A waiting room
• A basketball, baseball glove, or tennis racket
• A smartphone
• A treasured belonging
• A favorite restaurant
• Your dream house
• Your ideal roommate
• Your memory of a place that you visited as a child
• An accident scene
• A city bus or subway train
• An unusual room
• A child's secret hiding place
• A bowl of fruit
• An item left too long in your refrigerator
• Backstage during a play or concert
• A vase of flowers
• A restroom in a service station
• A street that leads to your home or school
• Your favorite food
• The inside of a spaceship
• The scene at a concert or athletic event
• An art exhibit
• An ideal apartment
• Your old neighborhood
• A small-town cemetery
• A photograph
• An emergency room
• A particular friend or family member
• A storefront window
• An inspiring view
• A work table
• A character from a book, movie, or television program
• A refrigerator or washing machine
• A Halloween costume

King, Stephen. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft . Scribner, 2000.

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• Writing a Descriptive Essay
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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.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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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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Caulfield, J. (2023, August 14). How to Write a Descriptive Essay | Example & Tips. Scribbr. Retrieved September 11, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/descriptive-essay/

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60 Descriptive Writing Prompts for the Classroom

Writing amazing descriptions are what makes movies, books, plays, and games so much fun. Without adequate descriptions, they wouldn’t be very interesting. Teaching kids to write with tons of descriptions takes time and energy. Instead of using your brainpower to come up with fun, descriptive writing prompts, try using these 60 prompts that kids will love. Be sure to scroll all the way down to the bottom to sign up to have a PRINTABLE list of all prompt ideas emailed directly to you!

Describing Personal Events – Fiction or Nonfiction

Use these descriptive writing prompts to let students reflect on their past and future. They will love sharing their lives with the class and using descriptive writing to do so.

• Describe the most interesting person you have ever met.
• Talk about a person you envy in detail. What do they look like or what do they have.
• Describe an inspirational friend or family member.
• Tell us about a place you love to visit with plenty of detail.
• Think of your favorite sport or hobby. Describe an object you would use to play that sport or do that hobby.
• Tell us about the first time you rode a bicycle.
• Imagine you are on a walk or hike, tell us all about it.
• Describe your favorite happy memory.
• What are you like first thing in the morning? Describe it.
• Detail your favorite outfit. Why do you love it so much?
• Describe your own face and what makes you unique.
• What type of music makes you happy? Talk about it in detail.
• Describe a time you felt excited.
• Tell us about a time something totally unexpected happened.
• Describe the house you currently live in (or one you grew up in).

Describing Hypothetical Scenarios

Hypothetical scenarios are super fun to write about. They are a great tool for descriptive writing prompts because they let kids use their imagination a little bit.

• Pretend you came across a spooky place or haunted mansion. Tell us what you see and hear.
• You’re at the art museum. Talk about a piece you see there. It can be a sculpture, painting, or something else.
• You found a lucky object, describe it to us.
• Invent a pet you’ve never had and tell us about it.
• Write about a day at the beach using all five senses.
• Tell us about a trip to an amusement park using all five senses.
• You’re at the zoo! What do you see and hear?
• Imagine you wake up in the hospital. What would you see and hear? What would you do?
• You have to describe Thanksgiving to an alien. How would you tell them what it is?
• It’s a snow day! Talk about what you experienced.
• Tell a time traveler what a smartphone is!
• Imagine you meet someone famous! Who are they and how is your experience?
• Describe a peaceful place you’ve visited or made up.
• Your birthday party is crashed by all sorts of birds! What’s it like?
• Monkeys took over your kitchen to bake a pie. What’s inside?

Describing Food and Other Objects

Food is the perfect way to describe things in our writing. These descriptive writing prompts allow kids to write about the good and bad of food, as well as other objects.

• Your parents served the worst vegetable ever for dinner. Describe it in detail.
• Your sister brought in something nasty from outside. What is it? Tell us all about it.
• The best dessert ever is __________. Tell us how it tastes.
• How is your favorite food made? Use tons of details using the senses.
• How would you describe a field of green grass?
• Tell us what you would do in a field of wildflowers on a summer’s day.
• Describe a normal trip to the grocery store. Walk us through the whole trip.
• What is your least favorite meal? Use details to describe why that is.
• Tell us about your favorite drink. Talk about the color, the taste, and whether it’s hot or cold.
• Something in the trash stinks. What is it?
• You wake up and smell something amazing coming from the kitchen. Tell us what you smell.
• You’re having a campfire with your friends. Describe what you see, hear, smell, and taste.
• What is the most disgusting food you have ever tried?
• You accidentally ate dog food! What’s it taste like?
• Your mom poured you a glass of sour milk on accident! Describe it.

Random Descriptive Writing Prompts

Use these random descriptive writing prompts to get the creative juices flowing in the classroom. Some are silly and some are more serious, but they will all help build students’ writing skills.

• Do you think using descriptive writing is important?
• Describe your bed sheets, pillows, and other objects in your room.
• Tell us about your favorite day. Talk about the weather, what you would wear, where you would go, etc.
• Describe the Fourth of July to someone with tons of detail.
• Walk us through a typical day at school. What might you see, hear, smell, and do?
• Pick your favorite teacher and describe them in detail.
• Use tons of descriptive words to describe a sunset!
• Pick a classmate in the room and write about their best qualities.
• Write a descriptive story using these 3 things: a whole pizza pie, a bucket of slugs, and a pack of wolves.
• Write about how it would feel to sit in the hot summer covered in a blanket.
• Tell us how you imagine it would feel to be trapped in a giant freezer.
• Describe a place you have dreamed about that doesn’t exist.
• Tell us about a trip to the dentist gone wrong!
• Write about something that makes you laugh.
• Tell us about something that annoys you. It could be the sound of someone chewing, noises on the chalkboard, etc.

If you liked these descriptive writing prompt ideas, fill out the form below to have a printable list emailed directly to you so that you always have it!

60 Descriptive Writing Prompt Ideas

This FREE printable list of 60 descriptive writing prompt ideas can be sent straight to your inbox! Simply drop your personal email address below & I’ll send it right over! 

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Use these pre-planned descriptive writing prompts to make your descriptive writing lessons easier! All you have to do is pick one, model it for your students, and let the creative process begin!

To learn more about Teaching Descriptive Writing , check out these fun ideas.

You may also enjoy using my Weekly Descriptive Writing Prompts ! They are available in paper and digital forms. Simply pin the image below to save this post for later!

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55 Narrative Writing Prompts for Upper Elementary Students

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50 Descriptive Essay Topics

Make your reader see, smell, hear and feel with these inspirational descriptive essay topics ! We’ve collected 50 descriptive essay topics to sprout some flowery language. Our descriptive essay topics are designed to spark creative thinking and can be modified for students in elementary, middle and high school. They are grouped by topic for easy student and teacher reference. Feel free to print the entire list for plenty of inspiration for your next descriptive essay assignment!

Descriptive Essay Topics: Place

• Describe your favorite place.
• Describe your ideal bedroom.
• Describe the house in which you grew up.
• Describe what the first house on the moon would look like.
• Describe some of your favorite places in your hometown.
• Describe a peaceful place that you’ve visited.
• Describe a place that exists only in your imagination.
• Describe a friend’s or family member’s house where you enjoy spending time.
• Describe your perfect fantasy vacation destination.
• Describe your favorite store.
• Describe your favorite teacher’s classroom.
• Describe a museum that you’ve visited recently.
• Describe a place you have dreamed about that doesn’t exist in real life.
• Describe a place where your pet likes spending time.
• Describe an outdoor place that you know well.

Descriptive Essay Topics: People

• Describe your favorite person.
• Describe each of your family members.
• Describe a famous person that you would like to meet.
• Describe one of your friends.
• Describe one aspect of someone that you like (for example: laugh, style of dress, words that the person likes to use, etc.)
• Describe yourself to someone who has never met you.
• Describe the average human to an alien who has never before seen a person.
• Describe your pet.
• Look at some old family photos and describe an older family member as he or she was when at your age.
• Describe someone whom you miss.

Descriptive Essay Topics: Objects

• Describe an object that is special to you.
• Give a tour of one room in your house by describing the most important objects in that room.
• Describe one of your favorite outfits.
• Describe your favorite toy as a child.
• Describe how you get around (for example: a bicycle, skateboard, sneakers, your parents’ car, the school bus).
• Describe your favorite piece of furniture where you like to spend time and relax.
• Describe something that you would bury in a time capsule to tell people about what life is like today.
• Describe an object that has been in your family for a long time.
• Choose a piece of food to eat; then, write a description of it that includes the way it looks, smells and tastes.
• Describe a smartphone to a time traveler from the 1900s.

Descriptive Essay Topics: Memories

• Describe your oldest memory.
• Describe your best summer vacation.
• Describe a memorable concert you attended.
• Describe a memorable trip you took.
• Describe a special time that you and your family had together.
• Describe the first time you met one of your friends.
• Describe a time you met someone famous.
• Describe one of your happiest memories.
• Describe one of your saddest memories.
• Describe a time that you felt scared.
• Describe a time that you felt excited.
• Describe a time that something totally unexpected happened.
• Describe a memory of someone whom you miss.
• Describe one of your most memorable first days of school.
• Describe one of your most embarrassing moments.

Looking for more essay topics? Compare and Contrast Essay Topics Cause and Effect Essay Topics Narrative Essay Topics Persuasive Essay and Speech Topics

Descriptive Essay Writing

Descriptive Essay Topics

Interesting Descriptive Essay Topics - 2024

14 min read

Published on: Jun 2, 2023

Last updated on: Jul 23, 2024

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A descriptive essay paints a vivid picture through words, capturing intricate details, sensory experiences, and emotions. That is why selecting the right topic is crucial to creating a stimulating reader experience when writing this type of essay . 

A descriptive essay topic should evoke touch, smell, sight, sound, and taste to contribute to the essay's success in conveying a vivid image. So, picking the right topic needs to be done correctly and carefully. 

In this blog, we'll explore various interesting topics to spark your creativity and enhance your descriptive writing skills. Read the blog if you are looking for some interesting descriptive essay ideas.

Let's dig in!

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Descriptive Essay Topics: Favorite Things And Activities

• Describing the ritual of Sunday morning pancake breakfasts
• The comfort of a well-worn reading nook
• A walk through the blossoming rose garden
• Exploring the delights of stargazing
• The joy of crafting personalized handwritten letters
• Describing the thrill of a roller coaster ride
• The tranquil routine of sunset yoga by the seashore: a mindful retreat.
• A culinary adventure in the kitchen
• The excitement of exploring antique markets
• Describing the cozy atmosphere of a family movie night

Descriptive Essay Topics: Geography And Traveling

• Navigating the hidden gems of an ancient city
• Describing the mesmerizing colors of a remote tropical sunset.
• Journey through the dynamic landscapes of a national park
• The bustling energy of a local bazaar
• Exploring the mysteries of an underwater cave
• A descriptive study of traditional architecture in a foreign country.
• Describing the rich cultural tapestry of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The awe-inspiring beauty of the Northern Lights
• A descriptive exploration of the diverse flora and fauna in a rainforest.
• The tranquil serenity of a remote desert oasis

Descriptive Essay Topics: Memories And Associations

• Unraveling the nostalgia of childhood hide-and-seek games
• Describing the aroma of Grandma's kitchen
• A walk down memory lane
• The timeless melody of a family heirloom
• Recalling the excitement of a first day at school
• A descriptive exploration of a sentimental family photograph album.
• The echoes of laughter in an old family home
• Describing the texture of a childhood blanket
• A day in the life of a cherished childhood toy
• The significance of a faded ticket stub

Descriptive Essay Topics: Philosophy, Science, And Religion

• Describing the intersection of science and spirituality
• The philosophy of time
• The ethical implications of genetic engineering
• Describing the metaphysical aspects of quantum physics
• The philosophy of consciousness
• Navigating the intersection of religion and environmental ethics
• Describing the aesthetics of mathematics
• The philosophy of mind-body dualism
• Exploring the ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence
• Describing the role of rituals in religious practices

Descriptive Essay Topics: Tv, Literature, Art

• Describing the impact of television on modern culture
• The artistry of surrealistic paintings
• A literary analysis of dystopian fiction
• The evolution of TV series finales
• Describing the symbolism in classic literature
• The influences of pop art on contemporary visual culture
• A descriptive exploration of magical realism in literature
• The cinematic world of film noir
• The impact of digital media on traditional art forms
• Describing the multifaceted characters in a favorite TV drama

Descriptive Essay Topics: History

• A descriptive exploration of ancient civilizations
• The historical significance of a local landmark
• Describing the impact of a historical invention on society
• A journey through the streets of a historical city
• The role of women in a historical revolution
• Describing the cultural exchange along the Silk Road
• The influence of historical wars on art and literature
• A descriptive study of everyday life in a historical period
• The economic evolution of a historical trading port
• Describing the architectural marvels of a historical era

Descriptive Essay Topics: Daily Life

• A descriptive analysis of morning routines
• Describing the culinary delights of a family dinner
• The tranquil routine of evening strolls
• A day in the life of a remote worker
• Describing the bustling energy of a local market
• The sounds and sights of a city commute
• A descriptive exploration of weekend rituals
• The comforts of home
• The dynamics of family game night
• Describing the joys and challenges of parenthood

Descriptive Essay Topics: Professions

• Describing the real-life struggles of a firefighter
• The precision of a surgical theatre
• A day in the life of a wildlife photographer
• Describing the challenges of a humanitarian aid worker
• The creative chaos of a graphic designer's studio
• A descriptive exploration of archaeology
• The rhythm of a musician's practice
• Describing the dynamic world of event planning
• The artistry of culinary professions
• A day in the shoes of a space scientist

Descriptive Essay Topics for Students

Before selecting the topic for a descriptive essay, make sure it tells the reader about the essay. Here, we have compiled a list of topics for students from different academic levels to write a good essay.

Descriptive Essay Topics for University Students

• Exploring the intricate details of an ancient architectural masterpiece.
• Describing the rich biodiversity within a pristine rainforest ecosystem.
• Painting a verbal picture of the subatomic realms in quantum physics.
• Unveiling the diverse cultures thriving in a bustling urban landscape.
• Crafting a vivid portrayal of a serene sunset atop a remote mountain peak.
• Delving into the marvels of the human brain through descriptive language.
• Illuminating the traditional artisan crafts that persist in a globalized world.
• Indulging the senses in a descriptive exploration of global culinary delights.
• Detailing the silent witnesses to history in centuries-old trees of ancient woodlands.
• Capturing the awe-inspiring beauty of a starlit night sky in the cosmos.

Descriptive Essay Topics for College Students

• Analyzing details in modern art installations for a descriptive study.
• Exploring visual and textural aspects of urban graffiti.
• Describing light and shadow in contemporary photography.
• Investigating the unseen microorganism world descriptively.
• Experiencing sensory delights at an open-air market.
• Unraveling the urban soundscape
• Navigating fashion trend evolution
• Describing subtle expressions in dance: Body language and emotion.
• Capturing rustic charm in forgotten countryside villages verbally.
• Inside a musician's mind: describing creative processes.

Descriptive Essay Topics for High School

• Exploring the impact of social media on teenage identity.
• A day in the life of a local ecological reserve.
• The intricacies of high school subcultures.
• The sounds of a high school cafeteria.
• Describing the journey of a historical figure.
• A walk through a local farmer's market.
• The essence of high school sports events.
• The artistry of a high school theater production.
• Describing the charm of a historical landmark in your community.
• A descriptive exploration of a science fair.

Descriptive Essay Topics for Middle School

• Exploring historical marvels: artifacts revealing tales.
• Pet escapades: a day in furry companions' life.
• Neighborhood park enchantment: a magical nature journey.
• Middle school science buzz: the thrill of experiments.
• Vibrant carnival world: an adventure of colors.
• Fire station dynamics: heroes in action unfold.
• Intriguing library ambiance: a study in fascination.
• Cosmic wonders unveiled: a descriptive journey.
• Mural masterpieces: creativity painted on walls.
• Historical event unraveling: past tales brought alive.

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Descriptive Essay Topics for Different Grades

The selection of a good descriptive essay topic is a difficult task for school students. Have a look at the following list of topics.

Descriptive Essay Topics For Grade 4

• A magical day in a candy wonderland
• The curious adventures of friendly robots
• Exploring the whimsical world of talking animals
• My enchanted garden
• A day in the life of a silly superhero
• The mystical kingdom under my bed
• Describing the colorful personalities of classroom pets.
• The incredible journey of my lost toy
• A picnic with alien friends
• The rainbow circus

Descriptive Essay Topics for Grade 6

• A funny memory
• Your favorite item of clothing
• Performing in front of a crowd
• Your lucky charm
• Your favorite movie
• Your worst nightmare
• The perfect day on the beach
• An embarrassing moment
• The perfect meal for you
• The most beautiful place for you

Descriptive Essay Topics for Grade 7

• A day in the life of an imaginary creature
• Exploring volcanic eruptions
• Secret time-traveling machine adventures
• Enchanted forest walk
• Whimsical talking animal world
• Joyful chaos at a school carnival
• My time as a detective
• Journey to the center of the Earth
• Feast with extraterrestrial friends
• Colorful universe in my toy box

Descriptive Essay Topics for Grade 8

• The street from home to school
• The pet you love the most
• The best habit of your favorite person
• Your dream house
• Your favorite childhood memory
• Your favorite hideout while playing hide and seek
• A list of your favorite restaurants
• What makes me laugh
• What is the world’s biggest secret?
• My first school teacher

Descriptive Essay Topics for Grade 9

• The relationship between productivity and musical tones
• Life is beautiful if we stop complaining
• A day spent in school after vacations
• How does the solar system work?
• Things to learn from life
• Effects of domestic violence on children
• My favorite sport
• My love for country people
• My first visit to a mosque
• Changing a car tire

Descriptive Essay Topics for Class 10

• Exploring the cultural mosaic of a vibrant city market
• A day in the life of an urban street artist
• Intricacies of technological evolution
• Descriptive exploration of historical monuments in your city.
• Sensory symphony of a night market
• Unveiling the architecture of sustainable green buildings
• Dynamic energy of a music festival
• Day in the shoes of a social activist
• Artistry of cinematic masterpieces
• Describing the serenity of a coastal landscape

Descriptive Essay Topics For Grade 12

• Philosophy and AI Intersection
• Decoding quantum entanglement
• Postmodern literature analysis
• Bioethical dilemmas in medical tech evolution.
• Socioeconomic impacts of global climate change.
• Intricacies of International Diplomacy
• Identity intersection in societal constructs.
• Cybersecurity impact on global economies
• Ethical quandaries in genetic engineering.
• Architectural innovations in urban sustainability.

Common Descriptive Essay Topics

Here is a compilation of descriptive essay topics that have been categorized into different groups.

Descriptive Essay Topics about an Event

• Describe the electric atmosphere of a music festival.
• Describe a thrilling sporting event: the roar of the crowd.
• Describe behind the scenes at a carnival: colors and chaos.
• Describe the unveiling magic of a fireworks display.
• Describe the enchanting glow of a night market.
• Describe a vibrant parade: colors, costumes, and celebrations.
• Describe exploring the buzz of a busy street fair.
• Describe the serenity of a sunrise yoga event.
• Describe a cultural festival: tastes, sounds, and traditions.
• Describe the dynamic energy of a political rally.

Descriptive Essay Topics about Objects

• Describe the elegance of a vintage pocket watch.
• Describe the intricate details of an antique writing desk.
• Describe the simplicity and charm of a well-worn teddy bear.
• Describe the mesmerizing glow of a stained glass lamp.
• Describe the rugged beauty of a weathered leather journal.
• Describe the delicate craftsmanship of a porcelain teapot.
• Describe the sleek design of a modern smartphone.
• Describe the timeless allure of a classic wristwatch.
• Describe the vibrant colors of a handwoven tapestry.
• Describe the rustic charm of a vintage typewriter.

Descriptive Essay Topics on Places

• Describe the tranquility of a hidden beach cove.
• Describe the bustling energy of a busy city street.
• Describe the serenity found in a mountain retreat.
• Describe the historic charm of an old town square.
• Describe the vibrant atmosphere of a local farmers' market.
• Describe the awe-inspiring beauty of a dense forest.
• Describe the eclectic charm of a neighborhood coffee shop.
• Describe the grandeur of an ancient cathedral.
• Describe the coziness of a quaint mountain cabin.
• Describe the futuristic appeal of a modern art gallery.

Easy Descriptive Essay Topics

If you are seeking easy topics, we have a range of simple descriptive essay options that are perfect if you're new to this genre.

Narrative Descriptive Essay Topics

• My favorite restaurant to check out
• An Adventure in the Andes
• A perfect companion for me
• Describe your favorite celebrity.
• The birth of a child
• Describe something that made you laugh to death.
• An encounter with an online criminal
• What’s your favorite scene from a book?
• Describe all heroics attributed to King Arthur
• The wonders of Australia and New Zealand

Funny Descriptive Essay Topics

• Describe the antics of your mischievous pet.
• Describe a hilarious encounter at a comedy club.
• Describe the chaotic scene of a family game night.
• Describe the amusing sights at a quirky local fair.
• Describe the funny mishaps during a camping trip.
• Describe the comical chaos of a surprise birthday party.
• Describe the eccentric characters at a neighborhood potluck.
• Describe the laughter-filled moments at a comedy movie night.
• Describe the humorous chaos of a kitchen cooking adventure.
• Describe the amusing incidents at a lively karaoke party.

How to Select a Descriptive Writing Topic? 

Crafting a compelling descriptive essay requires a suitable topic. It's crucial to consider the following points:

Factors for Selecting a Descriptive Essay Prompt

• Interest Alignment: Choose a topic aligning with personal experiences or passions.
• Vivid Imagery Potential: Opt for a subject allowing vibrant descriptions and sensory details to create a vivid description.
• Audience Engagement: Consider topics relatable or intriguing to your intended readers.
• Abundance of Details: Pick a subject providing ample material for rich descriptions.
• Emotional Connection: Select prompts evoking strong emotions or personal connections.

Utilizing Descriptive Essay Samples

• Understanding Structure: Review examples to grasp the descriptive essay outline and its components.
• Techniques and Language: Analyze how vivid descriptions are crafted and sensory details are used.
• Inspiration Source: Use examples to spark ideas and creativity for your chosen prompt. You can read and get inspiration from expertly crafted samples in our descriptive essay examples blog!

The Bottom Line!

We hope that these descriptive essay topics have inspired you and given you some ideas for your own essay. Writing a descriptive essay requires vivid descriptions and sensory details, and it's a chance to paint a picture with words. Remember choosing the right topic is essential for writing a good descriptive essay. And if you're struggling to choose one or feeling uncertain about your writing skills, seek professional help. 

Unlock the potential of your writing with our professional essay writing help , specializing in crafting vivid and engaging descriptive essays.

Our descriptive essay writing service is designed to bring your ideas to life, painting a picture with words that capture the reader's imagination. Whether you're struggling with structure, style, or just getting started, we're here to guide you every step of the way. And for those seeking an innovative edge, explore our AI essay generator . This tool is your key to effortless, high-quality writing. 

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125 Descriptive Essay Topics

Writing a descriptive essay is an excellent way for students to detail a particular experience related to a person, place, object, situation, emotion, or abstract feeling.

However, while this exercise in creativity showcases a student’s ability to put words into sensory focus, it can be rather challenging to complete because the subject matter is so open-ended.

This is especially true when choosing the topic for a descriptive essay since finding a suitable topic will depend on a student’s ability to find the right words to describe it.

If you are a student that has received a descriptive writing essay assignment from your professor, fear not! This incredible list of 125 descriptive essay topics will ensure that you have a great starting point from which to craft your essay.

Before choosing a topic, check out the secrets to writing a descriptive essay that will help get you the grade you deserve on your writing assignment.

Critical Elements of a Descriptive Essay

Unlike essay styles that are fact-based, it is essential to remember that a descriptive essay is based on abstract observation. Its purpose is to describe a topic, person, place, object, situation, emotion, or abstract feeling.

To do this, descriptive essays require sensory words that create vivid imagery in the reader’s mind to make them feel like they are in the moment being described. Sensory words include, but are not limited to:

• Taste – sweet, salty, bitter, sour, metallic, spicy, and tart.
• Touch – smooth, bumpy, coarse, prickly, wet, sticky, dry
• Sight – colorless, colorful, blurry/blinding/too bright to see clearly
• Season – fall, winter, summer, spring, crisp, humid, wet, freezing,
• Sound – hectic, chaotic, quiet, thunderous, loud, jarring
• Smell – musty, earthy, damp/wet, dusty, smoky, stinky, fragrant
• Appearance – sharp, glossy, faded, gleaming, sleek, shiny/glossy
• Feelings – happy, sad, angry, frustrated, excited, afraid/scared

Other sensory words may describe the color of a person’s hair, the mood or energy in a room, and even the temperature. When choosing a topic for your descriptive essay, be sure to pay close attention to sensory words that could serve as the backbone of your paragraphs.

Additionally, because of the nature of the writing, it is 100% okay to embellish or even exaggerate certain sensory words to make them seem even more engaging and tangible for the reader.

How to Structure a Descriptive Essay

Even though this essay will rely on sensory words to create a vivid image of what is being described, it is essential to remember that a descriptive essay still needs to have an intro, body, and conclusion.

Introduction

The first sentence of an introduction paragraph for a descriptive essay should contextualize the scene. Take the time to describe the place where the event takes place, including setting details like time of day, weather, season, and the current mood of the scene.

Body of the Essay

Once a student has established where they are, it is essential to detail what else is happening in the following paragraphs. This means describing elements of the scene in detailed description using humor, sensory language, and vivid imagery.

Consider incorporating details about what people are doing, the noises they are making, the smells permeating the air, visible colors, and surrounding textures.

A descriptive essay conclusion should serve as a recap in which you describe one final element of the scene or an observation about what was seen, heard, smelled, or touched.

Additionally, this is when you could include a reflection of how the scene made you feel in order to leave your reader with an intangible lasting impression.

What Should Never Go into a Descriptive Essay

To make sure that you are writing a descriptive essay and not another form of writing, students should be careful not to mention or use the following:

• Dialogue. Remember that the descriptive essay is meant to retell one single image, moment, or experience.
• Chain of events. The scene should exist in its own bubble of storytelling, free from erroneous events before or after the scene takes place.
• Characters. While secondary details may go along with the scene, such as people who add to the mood, this is still not an appropriate essay to mention, create, or develop the backstory for a literary character.

With the do’s and don’ts of descriptive essay writing above, students can choose any of these topics to help spark inspiration during their next descriptive essay writing assignment.

Descriptive Essay Topics About People

• My favorite teacher
• My first crush
• My best friend
• The girl I have a massive crush on right now
• My newborn baby sibling
• A member of my family
• My partner in crime
• The cutest baby I have ever seen
• The most annoying person I know
• Someone who has inspired me the most
• My first job
• The student that I want to be like
• A significant mentor in my life
• My closest friend’s child
• The most intelligent person I know

Descriptive Essay Topics About Places

• My hometown
• The most beautiful place in nature that I have ever seen
• A favorite spot on the school campus
• My favorite coffee shop
• My favorite country
• A place I want to visit before I die
• My favorite movie theater
• The best beach in the area
• My favorite retail store
• The worst place on campus
• A place where I have experienced fear
• Where I was happiest
• The place where I am the most relaxed
• A place I can’t seem to get enough of
• My dream house
• My favorite art gallery
• The museum that always seems to disappoint me
• A location I know well
• Where I would choose to live if money were no object

Descriptive Essay Topics About Objects & Things

• My favorite book
• A piece of jewelry that holds a special meaning for me
• The best meal I have ever eaten
• My favorite decoration in my room
• The best painting I have ever seen
• A piece of clothing that makes me feel beautiful
• An item that brings back a fond memory for me
• My favorite sports team’s jersey
• My favorite outfit to wear while hanging out with friends
• A book that changed my life
• My favorite book series
• The next book I want to read
• An item that is very special to me
• My most treasured possession
• A movie that holds a very dear place in my heart
• Something I would never throw away despite its flaws
• A personal memento from someone who has passed away
• A ridiculous thing I own
• An item that makes my life easier
• A piece of technology that has changed my life for the better
• My favorite poem or short read
• The best song I have ever heard
• What I collect obsessively

Descriptive Essay Topics About Animals

• The most intelligent animal I have ever known
• A pet that has been with me through thick and thin
• An animal that fascinates me most
• The most dangerous animal I’ve encountered
• An extinct creature I would love to see resurrected
• A dangerous animal I have a healthy respect for
• The cutest animal in the world
• What creature would be my best friend if it could talk?
• My favorite wildcat
• An experience I had with an animal that genuinely touched me
• The strangest pet I’ve ever owned
• My favorite zoo animal when I was a child
• What I love most about being a pet owner
• My favorite farmyard animal
• The most exotic animal I have ever seen
• One animal that should be extinct
• A farm animal that is my spirit creature

Descriptive Essay Topics About Food

• My favorite meal to cook for myself on a day off
• The best meal I ever ate out at a restaurant
• What makes the perfect sandwich to me
• My go-to comfort food when I’m having a bad day
• My local specialty
• My favorite dish at a restaurant I frequent
• The best meal I have ever had in my life is
• My most embarrassing/funniest food-related story
• What I always order when dining out with friends
• A new flavor combination of food that intrigues me
• A dish I love to cook when I’m in a happy mood
• The best dish at a restaurant I don’t want to admit I frequent
• A food I wish didn’t exist because it makes me fat
• The best meal my mom ever made for me

Descriptive Essay Topics About Nature

• A creature I met in the wild
• A tree outside my house
• Something I would save if a forest were on fire
• A stream that runs near my home
• The most beautiful sunset I have ever seen
• My favorite type of plant or flower
• An outdoor activity I enjoy
• My favorite forest animal
• A flower I want to grow in my garden
• Something about nature that makes me feel small
• The most dangerous/fascinating type of weather phenomenon I have ever seen
• The best view I have ever seen
• Where I go to relax outside
• What natural phenomenon fascinates me the most
• The most beautiful place in nature that I’ve ever visited
• A moment with nature that left a lasting impression on me.
• My favorite park or garden

Descriptive Essay Topics About Memories & Personal Experiences

• The weirdest dream I ever had
• One of my worst nightmares
• My biggest fear in life is
• A memory from my childhood that brings a smile to my face
• The worst thing that has ever happened to me unexpectedly
• The best thing that has ever happened to me unexpectedly
• One of my most treasured memories is
• My first memory of meeting someone who changed my life
• An event that inspired me to start this blog
• A random act of kindness I received unexpectedly
• Something amazing about myself that I never thought possible
• A time I wished I didn’t have to grow up/be an adult
• The best vacation I’ve ever taken
• What makes a perfect day for me
• One of my favorite things to do when it’s raining outside is
• The moment that made me realize I was officially an adult
• The most exciting dream I’ve ever had
• My biggest regret is

With these 125 descriptive essay topics and the handy writing guide above, students can craft a vivid and engaging descriptive essay!

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Are you going to write a descriptive essay and are looking for appropriate ideas? Look no further! Here are 220+ top-notch descriptive essay topics recommended by essay writers . For sure, you will find one that interests you and sparks your creativity. We have topics about various places: from rural farmlands to bustling cities. We have topics about people: from friends and family to strangers. We have descriptive writing topics about both concrete objects and abstract ideas. Whatever your writing project is, we have the perfect descriptive essay ideas to help you create a masterpiece. So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring our long list of descriptive topic ideas and find your inspiration!

What Are Descriptive Essay Topics?

Descriptive essay topics focus on describing an object, person, place, experience, emotion, or situation. They can also be used to give a recount of something that happened or that someone has seen or heard. When writing this type of essay, you should aim to provide a vivid and detailed description of the subject so that the reader can fully understand, imagine, or visualize it. When it comes to writing a descriptive essay , there are many descriptive essay topics to select from. Depending on topics for descriptive writing you choose, you may be required to rely on your memory, your observation skills, or your historical knowledge to complete the essay. You can also focus on an object or event that has significantly impacted your life. Other topics for a descriptive essay can include describing a favorite hobby or activity, a memorable trip, or a special moment.

Characteristics of Good Descriptive Essay Topics

Good topics for a descriptive essay are interesting to write about. The primary objective of descriptive essays is to relate the unique qualities of objects, persons, or events vividly and comprehensively to readers. Good descriptive essay topics can evoke strong emotions and feelings in people. Here are some characteristics of good descriptive essay prompts:

• Creative Consider creativity and originality when selecting your essay topic.
• Clear The topic should be clear and concise.
• Interesting Select a topic that you will not only enjoy writing about, but that will also be compelling to your readers.
• Researchable The topic should be easy to research.

How to Choose a Descriptive Essay Topic?

Choosing a good descriptive essay topic can be difficult. The writing style used for descriptive essays is very expressive. Thus, it may be rather challenging to complete your paper if you do not select topics for descriptive essays that suit your preference, knowledge, or experience. Here are a few steps to help you select an interesting title that will make your essay stand out. Follow the tips in provided order.

• Think of a title that interests you. Consider a subject that you are passionate about. You should never select a topic blindly.
• Brainstorm ideas. When thinking about your topic, don’t hesitate to write down words or phrases that come to mind.
• Research potential topics. You can look for the right content online or visit a library and skim specialized books.
• Narrow down your topic for descriptive essays. As a result, choose the best idea that you feel will make an interesting and engaging essay.

Top List of Descriptive Essay Topics

This section provides you with some of the top descriptive writing topics. Writers enjoy working on depictive papers because they give them unrestricted freedom of selecting their means of expression. Besides, these top topics can come from totally different categories. Below is a descriptive essay topics list to help you with your brainstorming:

• The Pearl Harbor attack.
• My scariest dream.
• The political journey of Barack Obama.
• Remembering my graduation ceremony.
• My first childhood memory.
• The most difficult decision you have ever made.
• Life with a pet monkey.
• Your childhood hero.
• A perfect journey.
• The best book I have read recently.
• My all-time favorite movie.
• Great migration of wildebeests across the Mara River .
• My Coachella music festival experience.
• Effect of cyberbullying on today’s society.
• The Mona Lisa: components of the legendary piece of art.

Best Descriptive Essay Topics

The art of describing an event, a place, or a character through vivid writing allows you to take readers to another world. Choosing the right topic is the key to success and it makes a lot of difference in preparing an essay or a speech. Discover the best topics for a descriptive essay listed below to help unleash your creative writing skills.

• The most beautiful place you have ever visited.
• The appalling state of Guantanamo Bay.
• Ancient pyramids and settlements in the Bolivian Amazon.
• An embarrassing moment in your life.
• Walking the Great Wall of China: the ultimate experience.
• My strange “addiction” to jogging.
• Canadian night festivals.
• Voyages of Christopher Columbus.
• The best gift ever received from my parents.
• Weekend living at the cabin.
• The ultimate daring thing you will always remember.
• How I discovered my personal hobby.
• My most challenging moment in school.
• Women’s suffrage movement.
• My biggest superstition and its impact on my lifestyle.

The best topic for a descriptive essay can often come from your experience. Thus, it should be easy to write about, since you already have necessary information and do not need to do any serious research. Using the above list, if you fail to find a topic that connects with previous incidents in your life, just choose a similar subject matter but such that is somehow related your to your own experience or is easy to explore.

Interesting Descriptive Essay Topics

There are descriptive ideas that are relatively more interesting compared to others. Essays about such ideas can help readers better understand an interesting experience or event, imagine and see a vivid picture, or observe and analyze a person from a more intriguing perspective. Here are 15 interesting ideas for a descriptive essay to consider:

• The feeling of being in love.
• A holiday on a secluded island.
• Traits of people you really admire.
• A woman’s life in the Middle East.
• Your biggest life-changing moment.
• My first sleepover.
• Best FIFA World Cup final ever.
• Recounting the joyous moment of your day.
• My biggest fear or terror.
• Earth’s appearance from out of space.
• My imaginary best friend from childhood.
• The TV series you enjoyed the most.
• Apollo 11: the 1969 NASA moon landing.
• Surviving the cold Arctic conditions.
• My backpack adventure in Australian rainforest.

Good Topics for Descriptive Essays

If you are wondering what are some good topics for a descriptive essay, you’ll probably find a suitable answer in this segment. The section outlines topic examples you can use for your essay. A good descriptive essay topic should capture your reader’s attention. You can write about multiple ideas, including a person you admire, a special place or object, a favorite childhood memory, or a beautiful landscape. Good descriptive essay titles should be creative, engaging, and thought-provoking. Below are some examples:

• My first time on a cruise ship.
• This year’s Thanksgiving dinner with my family.
• Your first experience with a foreign culture.
• Your most treasured childhood toy.
• How New York looks from Empire State’s 86th floor observatory.
• My sweet 16 birthday party.
• Picturing a clear night sky in the countryside.
• The first time seeing the northern lights in Iceland.
• My best friend’s wedding reception.
• One day in the army.
• A walk through the Central Park.
• Challenges of living with food allergy.
• The prom night experience.
• Main features of Twitter.
• Most beautiful beaches around the world.

Easy Descriptive Essay Topics

Easy ideas for descriptive essays require you to use just your five senses, your imagination, or memory to create a vivid image of the subject in the reader's mind. It also should take you a relatively shorter period to work on such uncomplicated descriptive ideas. You can choose descriptive paper topics from some of the examples provided below:

• Special days spent with your grandparents.
• Best places to explore in my hometown.
• A perfect summer day.
• The house of my dream.
• The most beautiful sunset you’ve ever seen.
• Your ideal picnic spots.
• Your favorite moment in “ Avengers: Endgame ”.
• Describing my family members.
• Walking tour through Times Square in New York City.
• How does freshly-baked bread smell?
• My sense of humor.
• Perfect gifts for your partner.
• My first public speech: a recount of how I felt inside.
• World’s greatest conspiracy theory.
• My favorite school teacher.

Funny Descriptive Essay Topics

Allowing the imagination to run wild can lead to interesting ideas, particularly when looking for funny descriptive essay topics. Here we have compiled fifteen funny descriptive essay topic ideas for you to write about. The topics will help you produce a unique and humorous essay. From describing some weird costume to documenting habits of a quirky pet, these topics for descriptive writing are sure to inspire your creativity and provide you with a fun writing experience.

• An outlandish Halloween outfit to fit my body.
• People’s attempts to break odd world records.
• Charlie Chaplin: the funniest silent play character.
• How I fell for an April Fool’s Day prank.
• Most hilarious Super Bowl commercials ever.
• Funny moments during Donald Trump’s presidency.
• Funny experience in an eating competition.
• Diving into the mysterious world of wild street cats.
• The “No Sweets for Adults” law in Chesapeake City, Virginia.
• Funny life of Peter Griffin in the “Family Guy” TV show.
• Amusing ghost stories as presented in Hollywood movies.
• Funniest punishment ever experienced for losing a bet.
• An encounter with a celebrity lookalike.
• My queer self-made alternatives to online entertainments.
• Explaining the behavior of an eccentric pet.

If you are searching for other paper ideas such as division and classification essay topics or informative essay topics , you will find them on our platform.

Descriptive Essay Ideas for Students

Students often struggle with finding the right ideas for their descriptive essays. While some topics may seem easier than others, there are plenty of creative and unique directions that can be explored. This section compiles descriptive writing ideas for various learning levels. From descriptive research topics in education to discussing the effects of climate change on nature, these ideas enable students to grow their knowledge and develop their researching skills.

Descriptive Writing Topics for Middle School

Descriptive writing topics for middle school can range from describing a favorite vacation spot to giving a detailed characterization of a person or place. Working on descriptive essays can help students to hone their writing skills, enabling them to better observe and detail their surroundings. Below are fifteen descriptive paper ideas for middle school students to explore:

• My dream smartphone.
• My favorite activities in the gymnasium.
• Fishing and camping with my father.
• Most important and cherished tradition in my family.
• Recounting the visit to Jurassic Park.
• Your most enjoyable activities outside school.
• An unforgettable moment of wisdom with my teacher.
• My best outfit.
• My first time in a live sports event.
• Game night experiences with my family.
• A rollercoaster ride with friends.
• Most beautiful success story in my life.
• A summer vacation memory.
• Why my best friend is my security blanket.
• My lucky charm.

Descriptive Essay Topics for High School

Ideas for descriptive writing at high school level are relatively more demanding in terms of the effort needed to develop them comprehensively. You may be required to provide more descriptive details compared to the lower learning levels or even conduct additional research. In certain instances, suitable topics may only be derived from the high school curriculum. Here are some of the examples of descriptive essay topics for high school students:

• Importance of summer school.
• How I trained my dog.
• How the solar system works.
• Kobe Bryant: the mamba mentality.
• A unique family heirloom.
• Effect of domestic violence on students’ performance.
• Qualities of a good roommate.
• Abraham Lincoln: the greatest American president.
• My journey as an artist: the development of skills.
• America’s Independence Day: the Fourth of July celebration party.
• Thomas Edison’s light bulb invention.
• Greatest moment of personal growth.
• The Pleiades star cluster.
• Dream career: my aspiration to be an engineer.
• Assassination of J.F. Kennedy .

Descriptive Essay Topics for College Students

Descriptive essay topics for university students are even more in-depth compared to the two previous academic levels. Learners tend to focus on topics within their area of specialization. College students are expected to think big and be more creative. Students in high learning institution can be additionally asked to provide educated opinion on the subject matter. Learn some of the descriptive essay topics for college students to get your creative juices flowing:

• My online virtual learning experience in college.
• Yuri Gagarin’s journey to space.
• The role of your mentor in shaping your life.
• How did you get your first tattoo?
• Causes of college dropout: my personal experience.
• The Holocaust: its history and consequences.
• Greta Thunberg’s inspirational story.
• Experiencing the pilgrimage to Mecca.
• Preparing for a date: things to do.
• Inside an anthill: a view from a tiny camera inside the colony.
• How do you prepare for exams.
• Muhammad Ali: his life and achievements.
• Components of Martin Luther’s greatest speech.
• Most beautiful locations in Europe.
• Fastest travel route from Alaska to Ushuaia.

Topics for Descriptive Writing by Categories

A descriptive writing topic can come from many different categories. To help you select an essay idea based on your preference, we have compiled multiple topics and arranged them into various groups. We have focused on six primary categories in this section: objects, family and people, events, traveling, experience, and hobbies. You are free to either pick descriptive writing ideas from the lists provided, or use them as foundation for developing your own ones.

Descriptive Essay Topics About an Object

Do you want to write impressive descriptive topics about an object? In this section, you can explore the list of proper descriptive essay ideas revolved around specific entities. When analyzing objects, your sharp observation skills and basic knowledge about these items are important. Here are examples of topic ideas for descriptive essays:

• My most valued object.
• Toys I own as an adult.
• The rarest metal on Earth.
• World’s most powerful supercomputer.
• Components of my living room.
• Things you will find in my wallet.
• World’s oldest tree: its physical appearance and history.
• Items in my bank safety deposit box.
• A detailed description of the most comfortable bed in USA.
• Burj Khalifa : world’s tallest building.
• Historical significance of Eiffel Tower.
• Features of iPhone 13.
• Inside a Tesla Cybertruck.
• The largest flower in the world.
• Japanese katana: appearance, types, materials.

Family and People Descriptive Essay Topics

You can base your depictive essay on matters pertaining to family and people. Relationships with friends and relatives constitute an integral part of every person’s life, so you will definitely have enough matter and stories to address. In this section, we have outlined sample descriptive essays topics that draw their talking points from the subject of family bonds and friendship. You can deliver a narrative involving memories of time spend together, or expressively discuss some outstanding features of your loved ones. Below are some of the descriptive paragraph topics for papers to get you started:

• My favorite family member.
• The best part of my Christmas holiday with my family.
• Effect of divorce on childhood development.
• Pillars of a strong family.
• Financial benefit of a marriage institution.
• Challenges of being a last-born in a family.
• Things I miss the most about my childhood friend.
• The relationship between my step-family and me.
• The day I met my best friend.
• Our secret family recipe.
• The best Valentine’s Day experience with my partner.
• Growing up in a multi-cultural family.
• Biblical definition of marriage.
• Components of our family portrait.
• Impact of extended family on my personal growth.

Look through our definition essay topics to find more ideas on family. 

Descriptive Essay Topics About Events

Over the course of our lives, we witness multiple events ranging from personal parties to ceremonies of national magnitude. Generally, rather than giving personal opinions or using rhetoric approach, you should prioritize providing objective information and key facts when working on topics for descriptive essay writing about events. Below is a list of essay topics for descriptive papers to help you in brainstorming.

• Saint Patrick’s Day celebration in America.
• Assassination of Abraham Lincoln.
• Chronological events leading to start of World War I.
• End of Cold War.
• September 11 terrorist attacks.
• My first job interview: how I performed.
• The birth of my first born and how it affected me.
• Relevance of the Ramadan celebration in the Islam religion.
• Effect of “Tomorrowland Music Festival” on today’s morality.
• 2026 FIFA World Cup: the next tournament in Canada, Mexico, and USA.
• The incident between Will Smith and Chris Rock at the 2022 Grammy Award.
• How I proposed to my partner.
• The best sports event I ever attended.
• The Winner of the 2022 Formula 1 Series.
• How I survived an extreme weather condition: a close call.

Once you have selected your preferred essay topics for descriptive papers, you should strive to expound particulars related to the occurrence in a chronological manner. This ensures that the reader is able to seamlessly follow the directions of your thoughts.

Traveling Descriptive Essay Topics

Writing a descriptive paragraph idea about traveling can be a great way to capture the moments and memories of your journey. These topics for descriptive writing can help you create a vivid and interesting essay about your travels.

• Tourist destinations that left me with a lasting impression.
• Exploring unfamiliar culture of Amazon tribes.
• The most stunning natural landscape you’ve seen.
• Best cheap meal you have ever had while traveling.
• Most memorable people you met on your trip.
• The most thrilling journey to the Maldives.
• Unique souvenirs you brought back from Africa.
• Exploring local customs and traditions of Native American communities.
• The Swiss Alps train: The Glacier Express.
• Magical views of Niagara waterfalls in Canada.
• A journey to the Himalayas : the city of immortal beings.
• Challenges you faced while traveling through a non-English speaking country.
• Exploring the local cuisine of Istanbul.
• The most interesting thing you learned on your recent trip
• How I met my travel companion.

Descriptive Essay Topics About an Experience

Writing topics for a descriptive essay about an experience can be a great way to explore and share recollections of your life. Although not everyone is ready or comfortable to share their past, there are people who enjoy talking about the affairs that touched them to their friends, families, and even strangers. Find 15 topics for descriptive papers about an experience to get you started listed below:

• An experience that changed your outlook on life.
• A summer night that was particularly memorable.
• Witnessing Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory.
• An experience that made you feel scared and develop a phobia for height.
• Places that fill you with joy and nostalgia.
• A moment of relief.
• My experience learning abroad.
• The biggest public humiliation that I will never forget.
• A dream that stayed with you.
• A time when you felt overwhelmed.
• A special experience with a family member.
• Self-realization in my time of adversity.
• The story of my first heartbreak.
• How I coped with being hospitalized for weeks.
• Recounting my visit to a home for the elderly.

Ideas for a Descriptive Essay About Hobbies

Writing descriptive essay topics about hobbies can be a great way to express yourself and explore your passions. Whether it's a hobby you've been doing for years or something new that you've recently taken up, there are countless topics to pick from when it comes to creating a descriptive essay. Below are ideas for descriptive essays to get you started:

• My inspiration for taking up a new hobby.
• Athletics as hobbies: their conversion to professions.
• How my parents helped me pick my hobby.
• Impact of hobbies on my relationship with family and friends.
• Effect of sedentary hobby on your health.
• Recounting the event that made me fall out of love with my traveling hobby.
• How physical hobbies improved my physiological health.
• My favorite childhood hobby.
• Financial implication of having a hobby.
• My best friend’s unusual hobby.
• Extreme and dangerous hobbies taken up by my friends.
• How sharing hobbies with my neighbor developed our friendship.
• Pressures resulting from doing ballet dancing as a hobby.
• My hobby’s contribution to my career development.
• Biggest lessons learned from my childhood hobbies.

If you need more essay ideas, don’t forget that we have an extensive blog that offers different titles, including narrative essay topics and ideas for expository essays .

Bottom Line on Descriptive Essay Topics

Descriptive writing essay topics can range from narrating a personal experience to describing a place, person, or thing. It is important to include enough details in your essay so the reader can form a vivid picture. When choosing topics to write a descriptive essay on, you should consider the age and other specifics of the target audience and know your primary intentions in delivering information. It is also vital to be creative and use unique language to make the essay stand out. With the right topic and approach, a descriptive essay can be an engaging and enjoyable writing experience. Do not forget to adhere to grammar rules and employ appropriate lexis when working on topics for descriptive essays!

Our team of professionals provides top-notch academic writing service. Order your perfect descriptive essay from us. We will get it done as soon as possible. Our writers are ready to help you find the easiest path to success!

Daniel Howard is an Essay Writing guru. He helps students create essays that will strike a chord with the readers.

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37 Descriptive Writing Prompts

Descriptions are what make books worth reading, movies worth watching, and adds so much life into stories and cultures around the world.

Adding description helps readers get more involved with your writing and better feel the emotions you are portraying. So let’s dive in!

How to use:

These prompts are aimed to get you writing with descriptive words instead of reaching a specific word count.

Really feel what you are writing and explain every part of it that you can.

You can use flowery language and as many adjectives as you want!

There is no wrong way to use these prompts, just remember to include as much detail as you can.

The prompts:

• Write about the first memory that you have. Where were you, and what were you doing?
• Describe a family member in detail. What is their personality like? How do they dress?
• Write about your first pet. If you have never had a pet, invent one.
• Do you think description is important when it comes to writing?
• Describe your best friend. How did you meet? What do they look like?
• Describe yourself. What are you like first thing in the morning?
• Describe your bed. What color are your sheets and blankets? How many pillows do you have?
• Write about a memorable time at the amusement park. If you haven’t been, make up a story.
• Describe your favorite food in detail. How is it made?
• Describe your perfect day. Include the weather, what you wear, and what activities you choose.
• Describe your favorite video game and why you love it. If you don’t have one, choose your favorite movie.
• Write about your favorite outfit. Make sure to include every part of the outfit, including colors!
• Describe your least favorite meal. Make sure to include the ingredients as well as why it’s your least favorite.
• Describe your favorite drink. Is it hot or cold? What color is it?
• How would you describe a rainy day? To include as much detail as possible, think of your five senses and write something for each.
• How would you describe a perfect piece of pizza? Be sure to include the toppings and where you got it from.
• Write about a day at the beach using all five senses to add descriptive detail.
• How would you describe Thanksgiving to an alien? Make sure to discuss food and festivities in detail.
• Write a descriptive paragraph about your favorite dessert. How does it taste?
• Describe your typical day of school or work.
• Write about a trip to the zoo and describe what you see and hear.
• Write about your favorite color and things that are that color.
• How would you describe a field of grass?
• Pick your favorite teacher and describe them.
• Describe what it is like on a sunny day using all of your senses.
• Use descriptive words to tell someone what a sunset is.
• Use descriptive words to explain a sunrise.
• What is something that makes you happy? Describe it.
• Describe what it is like to feel sleepy.
• Describe how music makes you feel, and what type of music you listen to.
• Describe your own face and what makes you unique.
• Describe your favorite accessory and where you would wear it.
• Pick a classmate and describe their best qualities.
• What do you think the future will be like? Use as many adjectives as you can.
• Imagine that you wake up in the hospital. Describe what you do when you open your eyes.
• Describe your ideal snow day.
• Describe your typical trip to the grocery store with as much detail as possible.

Looking for more?

Our website is full of free, unique resources for our readers and writers to use and share! If you haven’t already, you need to take a look at some of the thousands of free writing prompts and other resources we’ve got for you here!

Have a go at writing about somber thoughtful topics like Memorial Day , or delve into the fascinating worlds of creatures by writing about owls or insects .

If you have any suggestions, comments, or questions for us, please get in touch with us, we’d love to hear from you! 🙂

Thanks and see you again soon – we’re releasing new resources for you every day!

What is a Descriptive Essay? How to Write It (with Examples)

A descriptive essay is a type of creative writing that uses specific language to depict a person, object, experience, or event. The idea is to use illustrative language to show readers what the writer wants to convey – it could be as simple as a peaceful view from the top of a hill or as horrific as living in a war zone. By using descriptive language, authors can evoke a mental image in the readers’ minds, engaging readers and leaving a lasting impression, instead of just providing a play-by-play narrative.

Note that a description and descriptive essay are not the same thing. A descriptive essay typically consists of five or more well-written paragraphs with vivid imagery that can help readers visualize the content, as opposed to a description, which is typically one or more plain paragraphs with no particular structure or appeal. If you are still unsure about how to write a compelling descriptive essay, continue reading!

Table of Contents

What is a descriptive essay, types of descriptive essay topics.

• Characteristics of descriptive essays

How to write a descriptive essay using a structured outline

Frequently asked questions.

A simple descriptive essay definition is that it is a piece of writing that gives a thorough and vivid description of an object, person, experience, or situation. It is sometimes focused more on the emotional aspect of the topic rather than the specifics. The author’s intention when writing a descriptive essay is to help readers visualize the subject at hand. Generally, students are asked to write a descriptive essay to test their ability to recreate a rich experience with artistic flair. Here are a few key points to consider when you begin writing these.

• Look for a fascinating subject

You might be assigned a topic for your descriptive essay, but if not, you must think of a subject that interests you and about which you know enough facts. It might be about an emotion, place, event, or situation that you might have experienced.

• Acquire specific details about the topic

The next task is to collect relevant information about the topic of your choice. You should focus on including details that make the descriptive essay stand out and have a long-lasting impression on the readers. To put it simply, your aim is to make the reader feel as though they were a part of the experience in the first place, rather than merely describing the subject.

• Be playful with your writing

To make the descriptive essay memorable, use figurative writing and imagery to lay emphasis on the specific aspect of the topic. The goal is to make sure that the reader experiences the content visually, so it must be captivating and colorful. Generally speaking, “don’t tell, show”! This can be accomplished by choosing phrases that evoke strong emotions and engage a variety of senses. Making use of metaphors and similes will enable you to compare different things. We will learn about them in the upcoming sections.

• Capture all the different senses

Unlike other academic articles, descriptive essay writing uses sensory elements in addition to the main idea. In this type of essay writing, the topic is described by using sensory details such as smell, taste, feel, and touch. Example “ Mahira feels most at home when the lavender scent fills her senses as she lays on her bed after a long, tiring day at work . As the candle melts , so do her worries” . It is crucial to provide sensory details to make the character more nuanced and build intrigue to keep the reader hooked. Metaphors can also be employed to explain abstract concepts; for instance, “ A small act of kindness creates ripples that transcend oceans .” Here the writer used a metaphor to convey the emotion that even the smallest act of kindness can have a larger impact.

• Maintain harmony between flavor and flow

The descriptive essay format is one that can be customized according to the topic. However, like other types of essays, it must have an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The number of body paragraphs can vary depending on the topic and available information.

It is crucial to remember that a descriptive essay should have a specific topic and goal, such as sharing personal experiences or expressing emotions like the satisfaction of a good meal. This is accomplished by employing exact language, imagery, and figurative language to illustrate concrete features. These language devices allow the writer to craft a descriptive essay that effectively transmits a particular mood, feeling, or incident to readers while also conjuring up strong mental imagery. A descriptive essay may be creative, or it may be based on the author’s own experiences. Below is a description of a few descriptive essay examples that fit into these categories.

• Personal descriptive essay example

A personal essay can look like a descriptive account of your favorite activity, a place in your neighborhood, or an object that you value. Example: “ As I step out of the front door, the crisp morning air greets me with a gentle embrace; the big chestnut tree in front, sways in the wind as if saying hello to me. The world unfolds in a symphony of awakening colors, promising a day filled with untold possibilities that make me feel alive and grateful to be born again”.

• Imaginative descriptive essay example

You may occasionally be required to write descriptive essays based on your imagination or on subjects unrelated to your own experiences. The prompts for these kinds of creative essays could be to describe the experience of someone going through heartbreak or to write about a day in the life of a barista. Imaginative descriptive essays also allow you to describe different emotions. Example, the feelings a parent experiences on holding their child for the first time.

Characteristics of descriptive essay s

The aim of a descriptive essay is to provide a detailed and vivid description of a person, place, object, event, or experience. The main goal is to create a sensory experience for the reader. Through a descriptive essay, the reader may be able to experience foods, locations, activities, or feelings that they might not otherwise be able to. Additionally, it gives the writer a way to relate to the readers by sharing a personal story. The following is a list of the essential elements of a descriptive essay:

• Sensory details
• Clear, succinct language
• Organized structure
• Thesis statement
• Appeal to emotion

How to write a descriptive essay, with examples

Writing an engaging descriptive essay is all about bringing the subject matter to life for the reader so they can experience it with their senses—smells, tastes, and textures. The upside of writing a descriptive essay is you don’t have to stick to the confinements of formal essay writing, rather you are free to use a figurative language, with sensory details, and clever word choices that can breathe life to your descriptive essay. Let’s take a closer look at how you can use these components to develop a descriptive essay that will stand out, using examples.

• Figurative language

Have you ever heard the expression “shooting for the stars”? It refers to pushing someone to strive higher or establish lofty goals, but it does not actually mean shooting for the stars. This is an example of using figurative language for conveying strong motivational emotions. In a descriptive essay, figurative language is employed to grab attention and emphasize points by creatively drawing comparisons and exaggerations. But why should descriptive essays use metaphorical language? One it adds to the topic’s interest and humor; two, it facilitates the reader’s increased connection to the subject.

These are the five most often used figurative language techniques: personification, metaphor, simile, hyperbole, and allusion.

• Simile: A simile is a figure of speech that is used to compare two things while emphasizing and enhancing the description using terms such as “like or as.”

Example: Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving – Albert Einstein

• Metaphor: A metaphor are also used to draw similarities, but without using direct or literal comparisons like done in similes.   

Example: Books are the mirrors of the soul – Virginia Woolf, Between the acts

• Personification: This is the process of giving nonhuman or abstract objects human traits. Any human quality, including an emotional component, a physical attribute, or an action, can be personified.

Example: Science knows no country, because knowledge belongs to humanity, and is the torch which illuminates the world – Louis Pasteur

• Hyperbole: This is an extreme form of exaggeration, frequently impractical, and usually employed to emphasize a point or idea. It gives the character more nuance and complexity.

Example: The force will be with you, always – Star Wars

• Allusion: This is when you reference a person, work, or event without specifically mentioning them; this leaves room for the reader’s creativity.  

Example: In the text below, Robert Frost uses the biblical Garden of Eden as an example to highlight the idea that nothing, not even paradise, endures forever.

Then leaf subsides to leaf.

So Eden sank to grief,

So dawn goes down to day.

Nothing gold can stay

– Nothing Gold Can Stay by Robert Frost (1923)

Descriptive essays need a combination of figurative language and strong sensory details to make the essay more memorable. This is when authors describe the subject matter employing senses like smell, sound, touch, and taste so that the reader can relate to it better.

Example of a sensory-based descriptive essay: The earthy fragrance of freshly roasted chestnuts and the sight of bright pink, red, orange fallen leaves on the street reminded her that winter was around the corner.

• Word choice

Word choice is everything in a descriptive essay. For the description to be enchanting, it is essential to utilize the right adjectives and to carefully consider the verbs, nouns, and adverbs. Use unusual terms and phrases that offer a new viewpoint on your topic matter instead of overusing clichés like “fast as the wind” or “lost track of time,” which can make your descriptive essay seem uninteresting and unoriginal.

See the following examples:

Bad word choice: I was so happy because the sunset was really cool.

Good word choice: I experienced immense joy as the sunset captivated me with its remarkable colors and breathtaking beauty.

• Descriptive essay format and outline

Descriptive essay writing does not have to be disorganized, it is advisable to use a structured format to organize your thoughts and ensure coherent flow in your writing. Here is a list of components that should be a part of your descriptive essay outline:

• Introduction
• Opening/hook sentence
• Topic sentence
• Body paragraphs
• Concrete details
• Clincher statement

Introduction:

• Hook: An opening statement that captures attention while introducing the subject.
• Background: Includes a brief overview of the topic the descriptive essay is based on.
• Thesis statement: Clearly states the main point or purpose of the descriptive essay.

Body paragraphs: Each paragraph should have

• Topic sentence: Introduce the first aspect or feature you will describe. It informs the reader about what is coming next.
• Sensory details: Use emphatic language to appeal to the reader’s senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell).
• Concrete details: These are actual details needed to understand the context of the descriptive essay.
• Supporting details: Include relevant information or examples to improve the description.

Conclusion:

• Summarize key points: Here you revisit the main features or aspects of the subject.
• Restate thesis statement: Reinforce the central impression or emotion.
• Clincher statement: Conclude with a statement that summarizes the entire essay and serve as the last words with a powerful message.

Revision and editing:

• Go over your essay to make sure it is coherent, clear, and consistent.
• Check for logical paragraph transitions by proofreading the content.
• Examine text to ensure correct grammar, punctuation, and style.
• Use the thesaurus or AI paraphrasing tools to find the right words.

A descriptive essay often consists of three body paragraphs or more, an introduction that concludes with a thesis statement, and a conclusion that summarizes the subject and leaves a lasting impression on readers.

A descriptive essay’s primary goal is to captivate the reader by writing a thorough and vivid explanation of the subject matter, while appealing to their various senses. A list of additional goals is as follows: – Spark feeling and imagination – Create a vivid experience – Paint a mental picture – Pique curiosity – Convey a mood or atmosphere – Highlight specific details

Although they both fall within the creative writing category, narrative essays and descriptive essays have different storytelling focuses. While the main goal of a narrative essay is to tell a story based on a real-life experience or a made-up event, the main goal of a descriptive essay is to vividly describe a person, location, event, or emotion.

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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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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.

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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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40 Descriptive Writing Prompts for Elementary School

1. Describe a place you always wanted to visit.

2. Describe the most beautiful scene in nature that you can imagine.

3. Describe a kitchen that you have seen or would love to see.

4. Describe the ocean.  Think about what it looks like on and below the  surface.

5. Describe a storm.  This could be a thunder storm, a snow storm, a hurricane, a tornado, a hail storm,  a rain storm, or any type of storm.

6. Describe a place where you feel safe and protected.

7. Describe a toy you love(d).  Think of all its good points.

8. Describe your ideal playground.

9. Describe the perfect shopping mall.

10. Describe a place where people congregate (like a zoo, a church, a circus, etc.)

11. Describe your bedroom the way you want it to be.

12. Describe your favorite dessert (or food).

13. Describe a beach (a desert, a mountain, a city, or a plain).

14. Think of your favorite animal and describe that animal.

15. Describe your best friend so that the reader can picture him or her.

16. Think of your favorite place.  What do you like about this place? What do you do there?  How does it look, smell, and feel?  Now write an essay describing your favorite place so that your reader will be able to picture it.

17. Some people prefer dogs as pets, some like cats, and others prefer birds, snakes, fish, rabbits, pigs, horses, and other animals.  What is your perfect pet?  What does it look like?  Is it soft or hard?  Does it make any sounds?  Now describe your idea of a perfect pet so that your reader can picture it.

18. Different teachers decorate their classes in different manners. Think of your idea of the perfect classroom.  Is it colorful?  Does it have desks or tables?  What does it look like?  How does it smell? Are there any sounds in it?  Write an essay describing your idea of the perfect classroom.

19. Each season of the year is beautiful in some way.  Think of which season is your favorite:  winter, summer, spring or fall.  Think of what your town looks like during that season.  What does it feel like?  Is there a smell or taste to it?  Now write an essay describing an outdoor scene during your favorite season of the year.

20. Everyone has a favorite object that they treasure.  Think of some object in your room that you really like.  It could be a toy, or a doll, a game, a stuffed animal, or a book, but whatever it is, it is special to you.  What does it look, feel, smell, and sound like?  Now, describe this object to your reader so that he or she will be able to picture it clearly.

21. Every person has a favorite place to play.  Think of your favorite place to play.  It may be your backyard, or a playground, or a nearby woods, or an open field.  What does this place look like?  What are the sounds you hear there?  What does it feel and smell like?  Describe your favorite place to play so that your reader can see it without being there.

22. Almost all houses have kitchens.  Some are big and some are tiny. Think of the kitchen at your home.  Think of how you might change it to make it even better.  What is in it?  What does it smell like?  Now, describe this perfect kitchen to your reader so that he or she can see it clearly.

23. There are trees everywhere, even in the middle of big cities.  Think of a tree you have seen.  What does it look, feel, and sound like? Describe that tree so that your reader can picture it too.

24. People gather at places like malls, fairgrounds, schools, gymnasiums, sports fields and swimming pools.  Think of a place in your town where there are lots of people.  How does it look, sound, smell, and feel to be there?  Now, describe that crowded place so that your reader can feel as if he or she is there.

25. Every child enjoys playing on a playground.  Think of the playgrounds you have played in.  Think of what makes them better.  Maybe you’ve already seen it, but think of what makes the perfect playground. Think of how it looks, sounds, feels, and smells.  Now, describe your idea of a perfect playground so that your reader can see it clearly.

26. Even in the desert it rains sometimes.  Think of what the world looks like outside your window when it rains.  Think about how it looks, smells, and feels.  What sounds do you hear?  What does rain taste like?  Describe what the world looks like outside a window when it rains.

27. Flowers always make a yard or a room look very pretty.  Think of a garden or a bunch of flowers you have seen.  Make it even better and prettier in your mind.  What does it look and feel like?  Does it smell? Describe the garden or a bunch of flowers so that your reader can see it and smell it in his or her mind.

28.Cities and towns have lots of things going on in them, lots of stores, traffic, people, churches, schools, parks, and maybe even a zoo.  Think of your city or a city you have visited.  As you walk down the sidewalk in the middle of that city, what do you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel?  Describe that city for your reader and what it is like to be there.

29. Even in big cities, there are parks where there are woods (or forest).  There are woods everywhere in this big country of ours.  Think of a forest you have been in or played in.  What does it look like?  Now describe this forest so that the reader can see it.

30. Alice visits Wonderland in Alice in Wonderland.  Wonderland is the land of her dreams.  What is the ideal place for you?  What place do you dream about?  What does it look like?  Does it have a smell?  How does it feel?  Do you hear sounds there?  Describe the ideal place of your dreams in such a way that the reader can picture it, too.

31. We all eat to stay alive, but everyone has a favorite food.  What is your favorite food in the world?  What does it look like?  How does it smell and taste in your mouth?  Describe your favorite food so that your reader can see it and almost taste it as well.

32. Many people love the beach and others love the mountains for a vacation.  Which do you like better; the beach or the mountains?  Even if you have never been to either, you have seen pictures.  Choose one— either a beach or the mountains.  What does the place look like?  Does the place have a feel to it?  What smells are there?  What sounds do you hear?  Describe your beach or mountains so that your reader can picture the scene you see in your mind.

33. Everyone has a favorite game, dominoes, checkers, cards, Clue, Chutes and Ladders, Monopoly, and so on.  What is your favorite game?  What does it look like when you play?  What sounds do you hear as you play? Describe your favorite game so that the reader can see it and hear the action as you play.

34. Everyone has to shop for food or clothes sometime.  Think of a store to which you like to go.  What does it look like inside the store?  Are there sounds?  What do things feel like there?  Does the store have a smell?  Write a description of a store you like to visit so that your reader can feel as if he or she were there.

35. People live in houses, apartments, tents, cabins, trailers, and other buildings.  Where do you live?  Think of your ideal living place. Perhaps it’s where you live now.  What does it look like?  Does it have a smell?  Describe your ideal living place or the place where you live so that your reader can picture it clearly.

36. Imagine that you were on a ship in the middle of the ocean.  What does your ship look like?  How does the ocean look?  What does the sky look like above you?  What do you see, hear, feel, smell, and taste as you look about?  Describe your ship in the middle of an ocean of water.

37. Everyone has been in a thunder storm. Think back to when you last experienced a thunder storm.  What was it like?  What were the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and feelings during the storm? Describe a thunder storm so that your reader can experience and picture it.

38. Imagine that someone gave you a very special ring.  What does this ring look like as it sits on your finger?  How does it feel?  Is it heavy? Is there a taste to it?  How does it sound if you rap it on the desk? Does it smell?  Describe this ring down to the last detail so that your reader can picture it on your hand.

39. Our country has a flag with fifty stars representing the fifty states and thirteen stripes representing the thirteen colonies.  Your state has a flag, too, with things that represent important historical events and items of your state.  Imagine that you had a flag which represented you.  What would it look like?  How does it feel?  Does it have a smell?  Does it make a sound as it waves in the breeze?  Think of some images it would have on it to represent you to the world. Now, describe your personal flag so that your reader can see it clearly.

40. Almost everyone has had an encounter with a spider, has read the book Charlotte’s Web and has seen pictures of spiders in their webs. Think of a spider and web you have seen.  It could have been real, in a book, or in your imagination.  What do this spider and web look like? Do they make a sound?  What do they feel like if you touch them?  Do they have a smell?  Now, describe your spider and its web so vividly that your reader can see it as if it were right in front of him or her.

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14 thoughts on “ 40 Descriptive Writing Prompts for Elementary School ”

I have students describe their pencil. Then, we put all the pencils in the middle of the floor, sit in a circle, and read the descriptions aloud. Based on the description, we try to pick out the matching pencil. Since most kids have a yellow #2, it gets pretty interesting!

This is an excellent idea! Thanks so much for sharing! 🙂

I totally agree with you

Yeah, it’s a super good idea!

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How To Write A Descriptive Essay?

26 April, 2020

11 minutes read

Author:  Tomas White

Descriptive essay is one of the hardest forms of writing. To master descriptive writing, you must be creative and craft a scene that all readers can picture with words alone. This freedom and creativity can make it one of the most rewarding and fun essays to write. It is the backbone of all artful writing like poetry, novels, and even television scripts. We prepared this guide for You to learn all you need to know about descriptive writing. Let's start!

What is a Descriptive Essay?

The goal of a descriptive essay is simple, choose a subject and describe it. The subject could be anything:

A descriptive essay is all about describing the subject in great detail. Being a type of expository writing , it gives you great freedom to paint a picture with your words, shares a once in a lifetime event with the reader or makes them feel something.  It is better to choose a descriptive essay topic that has lots of qualities to discuss for example a person might have a more interesting feature to describe than a paper towel. Choose a subject you connect with emotionally or have a personal history with. The best descriptions come from retelling an experience.

The Difference Between Descriptive and Narrative Essays

The main difference between descriptive and narrative essays lies in the structure and purpose of the essay. A descriptive essay is used to describe a subject to present a clear picture of it. As such, it only requires you to describe the item in a logic fashion. A narrative essay’s purpose is to tell a story. As such, it requires a plot and logical progression to an outcome. A person’s face can be the subject of a descriptive essay. But it would be hard to write a narrative piece that follows the person’s face as the central plot of a story.

Showing VS Telling

A descriptive essay values details over facts. This is also known as showing vs. telling. To  show  something is to describe using the five senses, how it looks, how it smells, how it tastes, how it feels and how it sounds. Imagine the reader as an alien, who has never experienced the subject for themselves. How would you describe it then?

To give you an understanding of how to differentiate between showing and telling I’ll write an example of a descriptive paper that describes my favorite place.

The above example tells you, as it doesn’t evoke any of your senses. It is a senseless description . It’s vague and hard to imagine.

This description is more detail and easier to imagine because of the following changes:

• The choice of words like ‘haven’ instead of ‘like’ add a showing element as it is showing in what way I like the library.
• Putting describers before items like ‘brightly colored’ books makes it easier to see.
• And choosing words with more like ‘towering’ instead of ‘tall’ makes the description less full.
• The description of the books shows what they do, not what they are. These are important points to consider when writing a descriptive essay.

A good exercise for descriptive writing and is to read descriptive essay examples and pick out the words that do the four points outlined above. Analyzing other’s descriptive writing will make your own descriptive work stronger. Can you pick out another place in the descriptive essay example above where those four changes occur and what it lends to the description?

Still having problems with your descriptive paper? All you need is to request help from our top-notch essay writing service and our essay writer make it for you !

How to Choose a Descriptive Essay Topic?

When deciding what to highlight about your topic, take a step back and look at what draws you to it. A campfire has bright, flickering colors, a satisfying crackling sound, and a sort of flow as it moves from the bottom to the tip of the flame. Place yourself in proximity to the subject and describe the parts that stimulate your senses the most.

Title Examples of Descriptive Essays

Here are some examples of descriptive essay topics that are fun to write:

Pick something you can see right now and think about how you’d describe that.

Related Posts: Argumentative essay topics | Compare&Contrast essay topics

How to Set Up a Proper Description?

Slow down and think about what you want to invoke. Don’t rush into a description or you’ll likely end up with something weaker than you could have. Take your topic aside and write some sentences describing how it charms each sense – the five senses being:

Keep a thesaurus on hand to switch some of the more basic words out. If you can read your paragraph back and vividly imagine the item you’ve described, you’ve done it.

How to write a Descriptive Essay Outline

Starting your descriptive essay without a plan can lead to a messy and sprawling description.  Learning to outline your ideas is just as important as knowing how to write them.

Related Posts: How to write an Essay outline  | How to write an Essay introduction  

 Creating an Introduction for a Descriptive Writing

Once you have chosen the subject to write you need to plan the introduction for your descriptive paper. An introduction needs to include a thesis statement and three features of the thing you are describing.   The introduction should start with a thesis statement that states how you feel about your topic. This should then be supported with three qualities defining those feelings.

These thesis statements aren’t meant to be complex. All they’re meant to do is to set up your reader for your descriptions. It is important to include three reasons that you can expand on describe in great detail as they will form the paragraphs of your descriptive paper.

Planning and Writing the Body of a Descriptive Essay

Looking at your thesis statement, take those three reasons and break them down into their own paragraphs. Describe hanging out with your friends at the beach, talk about the food you’d eat, the activities you’d participate in. Detail what huskies do when they’re energetic, what shows that they get along with other dogs?

It helps to write about each way you can describe an item on a separate sheet of paper. Use that sheet as your descriptive essay outline. Take each item and write what sense you can use to describe the item in each paragraph.

For example, if you want to talk about eating a popsicle on the beach you could include how cold against your tongue for touch, that it smelt and tasted like raspberries, it was a bright red, and shaped like a rocket for sight, and the sound you made it as you bit on it, or the sound you made as it rocketed into your mouth. Expand this into a paragraph keeping the most vivid description.

Force your reader to imagine these objects in their head. Help them visualize it, pour your vision into the paper and focus on both the small and the big details. Just don’t go overboard. It’s important to have a few great descriptors rather than a ton of average ones.

When describing an object, go about it in a practical sense. Don’t just throw details on the page, talk about them in order. Describe a mountain from its peak to it’s middle all the way down to its base. You wouldn’t go from the middle to the base to the peak, would you? This way, you’re keeping your reader engaged with the topic.

Concluding a Descriptive Essay

Concluding descriptive writing is easy. All you have to show why the subject you described is important to you. All you have to do is show the reader what you implied. Show why it has meaning, and why they should care.

Descriptive Essay Example

Drafting your essay.

Where the organization comes to fruition. When writing your essay, keep the reader in your head at all times. Constantly as yourself: “Is this vivid enough?” Don’t focus much on grammar, get the content onto the paper.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Once you’ve finished writing your essay, read it back and make sure it responds positively to each of these questions:

• Are these descriptions making my writing visual? Could I make them more vivid?
• Have I used these descriptions to detail my emotions to the reader?
• Do these descriptions convey each of the five senses?
• Have I gone into enough details in each paragraph?
• Are my descriptions in an orderly fashion?

If you believe your essay fits these criteria, then you’re good to go on the content side.

Perfecting the Essay

Read it through a couple more times. Take some time away from it and then come back with a fresh mindset.  Correct any grammar issues you see, and double check that it answers all of the questions mentioned above. Once that’s done, you’ll have an essay worthy of an A+ grade.

From Our Writers: Tips on How to Write a Good Descriptive Essay

• Be sensitive. Some writers are scared to show their true selves, but the point of a descriptive essay is to talk about how an object affects your senses and emotions. Keep this in mind during all stages of the essay.
• Put effort into unique descriptions. Don’t settle for standard words, spend some time searching out alternatives to common descriptive words. It will only help the reader envision your thoughts.
• Write about something that you care about. If you choose something you don’t have much personal experience with, you can’t truly write from the heart.

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270 Good Descriptive Essay Topics and Writing Tips

As simple as it is, the purpose of the descriptive essay is to explain or portray its subject. It can focus on any topic or issue you want to write about. Be sure that any middle school, high school, or college student can manage this type of creative writing assignment! You just need a good descriptive writing topic.

This article will help you find the best idea for your paper. Read on to see a list of descriptive essay topics, prompts, tips, and a writing guide. And don’t hesitate to ask our custom writing experts to help you write a short story or a complicated paper. They will help with any topic for descriptive essay.

• 🔝 Top 10 Topics

✅ Types of Descriptive Essays

• ✍️ Writing Tips
• ⚙️ Process Description
• 💭 Narrative
• 🖥️ Technical
• 🤔 Associations
• ❤️ Favorite Things

🔍 References

🔝 top 10 descriptive essay topics.

• Your go-to confidant
• Your own superstition
• How you revise for exams
• Your favorite time of the day
• Your favorite character trait
• What makes you respect a person
• What makes you dislike a book
• How you overcome hardships in life
• Something you can’t imagine your life without
• The most memorable movie you watched as a child

The first thing you need to know is that there are two types of descriptive essays:

• Concrete – an essay about something specific that human senses can perceive. Describe the things you can see, touch, smell, feel, and hear.
• Abstract – an essay about something you feel emotionally or perceive cognitively. Write about emotions, situations, experiences, relationships, and art.

This article lists topics for concrete as well as abstract descriptive essays. Choose one you like the most, and get down to writing!

✍️ Descriptive Essay Writing Tips

Writing a descriptive essay is about making the readers want to taste the food or watch a movie you discussed. Here are a few things that will help you write an excellent descriptive essay on any topic.

• Topic and a thesis. Review this article and choose a subject you like the most. Next, come up with the thesis statement. The statement should be attention-catching and reflect the main focus of the paper.
• An outline. This step is essential for essays of any length. Start the outline with an introduction and finish with a conclusion. Write out the main themes/thoughts, make them into paragraphs.
• Introduction (with a thesis)
• The moment Oreo got into my arms
• Choosing the name
• Playing with Oreo for the first time
• The five senses. Including sensory details will take your paper on another level! Write out the details and adjectives that engage each of the senses.
• Smell: sweet, fresh, pleasant, etc.
• Touch: fluffy, soft, warm, scratching, etc.
• Hearing: mewing, loud, quiet, etc.
• Vision: sizes, colors, movements, etc.
• Taste: sweet milk, refreshing water, etc.

Tip: use transition words, such as afterwards, before that, in the meantime . It will make your essay logically flow.

• Write, write, write. Time to fill out your outline! Choose clear and vivid language. In conclusion, leave the reader with an “I’ve been there with you” or “I know what you’re talking about” feeling.
• Review and turn in. Proofread what you wrote and ask a peer to do the same. Make as many changes as needed. After polishing your paper, turn it in and expect a good grade.

⚙️ Process Description Topics for an Essay

A process essay explains how to do something. It can also describe how something occurs. Cooking instructions, a tutorial, or chronology of events can serve as a basis for a descriptive paper. Take a look at this list of interesting topics:

• Learning to drive a car. 
• How to a cook a Thanksgiving dinner.
• Ways to match colors in clothing.
• Giving a cozy look to a room.

• How to build a wooden table.
• How can you open a coffee shop? 
• Organizing a road trip.
• Easy way to save money for a car.
• The process of learning to ride a bike.
• How can you become a professional Instagram influencer? 
• Describe the development of an embryo. 
• What is water cycle in nature?
• Learning to play an instrument .
• How to choose a university degree. 
• How does the wind form?
• The process of creating a video game.
• Describe the lifecycle of a flower.
• The stages of making a movie.
• How is electricity generated?
• The process of launching a spaceship.

💭 Descriptive Narrative Essay Topics

The main objective of a narrative essay is to tell a story. Descriptive words can help your audience to relive the event with you. Write out your memories, and use them as a foundation for the paper.

• The day you got a pet .
• Describe a life-threatening experience.
• The moment you realized you are in love .
• When was the happiest day of your life?
• A day when you changed your opinion about someone.
• Describe an experience of losing something valuable.
• Write about overcoming the saddest event in your life.
• Describe the beginning of a precious friendship .
• Your favorite vacation experience.
• A day when you got a bad grade.
• What is your most vivid childhood memory?
• Describe a case of misunderstanding.
• The toughest task you had to fulfill.
• Recall a day when you broke something.
• A situation when you had to act like an adult.
• What was the hardest conversation you’ve ever had? 
• The experience of going through heartbreak.

• Describe a situation where you had to make a difficult decision.
• Write about moving to another city.
• One time when you ate eating something very delicious.

🖥️ Technical Description Topics for an Essay

If you’re a tech lover, this section is just what you need. A technical descriptive essay can focus on any mechanism or invention. Help the reader to understand the function of a piece of technology. But first, check out the following list of ideas for a technical descriptive paper:

• Functions of a smart watch.
• What’s the purpose of an iPod?
• Describe the parts of an AK-47.
• How does touch screen work?
• Explain how a smartphone can count steps.
• What are the main features of virtual assistants?
• How do computers read CDs?
• Describe the structure of a camera lens.
• The functioning of wireless headphones.
• What’s the purpose of car cylinders?
• How does artificial intelligence evolve?
• What are the parts of an old-fashioned TV screen?
• How do solar panels work?
• Describe the functions of unmanned vehicles.
• How do ATMs detect values of bills?
• How does traffic pulse technology work?
• How does virtual reality function? 
• Purpose of 5G mobile technology. 
• Describe the parts of a speed sensor.
• Explain the functioning of a weather station.

🏫 Descriptive Essay Topics about School

School life is diverse and filled with all kinds of events. This section is all about your personal experience at school. Tell the reader about a memorable episode or a significant person from your life as a student.

• Describe your favorite subject to study.
• Who is your favorite teacher?
• The best holiday you’ve ever celebrated at school.
• Tell the reader about a recent field trip with your class.
• Describe an event during a school bus ride.
• What it’s like being in a school choir.
• The prom night of your dreams.
• How do you usually do your homework? 
• Bonding with friends from school.

• What is your best friend like?
• Recall the first visit to a principal’s office.
• The experience of playing on a football team.
• Say why you like taking part in the drama class.
• Giving a speech in front of your class.
• What is it like to win a school competition?
• The saddest day in school.
• Recall an embarrassing moment during a break.
• The most memorable art class.
• Describe your favorite science project.
• Reasons why you like your school.

🧶 Descriptive Essay Topics about Hobbies

Everybody has some sort of hobby. Choose one of the things you enjoy doing the most. You can imagine describing it to people who barely know anything about your hobby. Make sure to provide insightful information on your favorite activity. This list of ideas will help you come up with an exciting topic for an essay!

• How to explore cooking as a hobby. 
• What do you like about knitting?
• Why do you enjoy fishing?
• What dancing means to you.
• Do you play sports as a hobby?
• Playing card games can be a hobby.
• What instrument do you play? 
• Say why you love singing.
• What is great about recording videos?
• Why do you like journaling?
• Playing video games for relaxation. 
• How did you start painting?
• What do you enjoy about crafting?
• Why is car repair fun?
• Do you consider shopping a hobby?
• Your favorite thing about gardening. 
• Meditation as a way to relax. 
• Your favorite thing about magic tricks.
• Do you watch movies as a hobby? 
• What do you enjoy about reading ?

🎨 Descriptive Writing Topics about Art

Writing a descriptive essay on art can be an exciting assignment. It will require your observations and knowledge. Research the necessary information about the chosen subject. It will be better if you spend some time observing and appreciating the artwork before writing about it. Use these elements as a foundation for your paper.

• What are the peculiarities of abstract paintings? 
• Describe the process of creating a portrait.
• What are the main features of the still life genre?
• Why are shades essential in a drawing?
• Variations of texture in art.
• Use of focal points in photography.
• How can a person appreciate a painting ?
• What do you like about Van Gogh’s art?
• Your impression of The Kiss by Klimt .
• Primary colors of Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa .

• Describe the process of creating a marble sculpture.
• Essential elements of sculpting.
• Your impression of Michelangelo’s David. 
• What makes Dama Velata by Corradini beautiful?
• Describe the process of carving.
• What are the main features of poetry ?
• The artwork of your favorite album.
• Write about your impression of Greek mythology .
• Describe the life of a famous artist.
• A piece of art that impacted you the most.

🎥 Descriptive Essay Topics about Movies

A descriptive essay about a movie might seem like an easy assignment. However, it’s not that simple when your task is to review a film. You can focus on the characters, the plot, or the film’s technical side. Use critical thinking and analytical skills.

• Describe the Corleone family from The Godfather .
• What makes Doctor Zhivago poetic?
• The use of slow motion in The Matrix . 
• Write about your impression of Knives Out .
• Cinematography in Gravity .
• Visual effects used in City Lights . 
• What do you like about music from Singin’ in the Rain ?
• Character development in Forrest Gump .
• The ending of Inception .
• What was your reaction to the twist in A Beautiful Mind ? 
• Describe the main characters from Catch Me if You Can .
• Speak about the plot of Shawshank Redemption .
• What’s your favorite scene from Dark Knight Rises ? 
• The plot of Titanic .
• What makes The Truman Show funny?
• The pivotal scene from Braveheart .
• What was your impression of The Help ?
• Family dynamics in the Pursuit of Happiness .
• Friendship in Green Book .
• What makes Groundhog Day heartbreaking?

📚 Descriptive Writing Topics about Books

As a student, you are getting familiar with various books and authors. Think about the book that you enjoyed reading the most. Write about characters, the storyline, your impressions, or the lesson learned from a book.

• What’s your favorite book, and why?
• A novel that played a significant role in your life.
• Write about a book character that impressed you the most.
• A fictional world where you would like to live.
• What’s your favorite scene from a book?
• Which fictional character could become your friend?
• The novel that resonates with you the most?
• Your impression of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland .
• Graphic elements used in The Book Thief .

• Summarize the plot of Gone with the Wind .
• Describe the character of Huck Finn from Mark Twain’s books.
• Share your impression of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
• What’s your favorite scene from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott ?
• Describe the relationship between the main characters in Pride and Prejudice .
• The plot of The Da Vinci Code .
• Love in The Little Prince .
• The dystopia of The Hunger Games .
• Describe the main characters from Frankenstein .
• What is the central scene in Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden?
• Share your impression of War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy.

🏝️ Descriptive Paper Topics about Places

In a descriptive essay places can be real or imaginary. Consider the location that impressed you the most or a place you want to visit. You can describe your favorite spot in the city or a fiction kingdom. This list will help you land on the best topic for the descriptive essay.

• Your favorite corner in your house.
• Describe your dream room.
• The house you want to live in: what does it look like?
• Your favorite coffee shop .
• Study spot of your choice.
• Describe a perfect restaurant.
• What is your grandparents’ house like?
• Write about your favorite place to hang out.
• Your favorite vacation destination.
• A place where you got lost.
• Which fiction location do you want to visit?
• A European city you’d like to see.
• What is the most beautiful place you’ve seen?
• Which state do you want to visit?
• Describe the most beautiful tropical island in the world.
• What historical site do you wish to see?
• The mall where you like to go shopping.
• Which century would you like to time-travel to? 
• A place you’d never want to visit.
• Describe a perfect park.

🤔 Descriptive Essay Topics: Associations

Associations are mental connections between ideas, feelings, objects, or events. The human brain makes them automatically. Take your time to write a descriptive essay about associations. The following list will help you choose a good topic for a paper:

• What do you associate with family holidays?
• Feelings while listening to your favorite song.
• What does a favorite TV show remind you of?

• What comes to your mind when you’re looking at an old caste?
• Associations you have when watching a favorite movie.
• How does rainy weather make you feel?
• What does your favorite painting remind you of?
• Your feelings after reading a poem.
• Memories associated with your childhood house.
• What comes to your mind when talking about family?
• What do you picture when thinking about traveling overseas?
• Thinking about a vacation .
• What do you mentally picture when looking at business clothes?
• What emotions do you connect with sports activity?
• What do you associate with saying goodbye?
• A mental image you have of yourself.
• What comes to your mind when talking about love? 
• What does the taste of chocolate remind you of?
• What do you think about while eating your favorite food?
• Things you associate with your name.

👫 Descriptive Essay Topics about People

A descriptive essay about people can focus on several aspects of a person. You can describe somebody’s appearance, behavior, or personality. But there is one important thing to keep in mind: be polite!

• A famous person from my city.
• Describe your parents’ personalities.
• The appearance of your favorite movie star.
• Describe your best friend.
• An athlete you look up to.
• The person you miss the most.
• What are your grandparents like? 
• The personality of your childhood toy.
• A historical figure you’d like to meet.
• What character traits do you value in people?
• A person you will remember forever.
• A person you have strong feelings for.
• Describe your siblings. 
• Somebody you respect .
• The kind of person you want to become.
• Which celebrity would you like to meet?
• Describe your appearance .
• Your favorite teacher’s personality. 
• Someone you ran into recently.
• Cultural differences you notice in people.

❤️ Descriptive Writing Topics: Favorite Things

Did you ever have a favorite toy? Or maybe you’ve bought something special recently? Describe an object that you have appreciated at some point in your life. This list will help choose the topic for your essay:

• Your favorite breakfast food.
• What hot beverage do you enjoy?
• The most beautiful sea landscape you’ve ever seen.
• The prettiest building in your city.
• A doll you treasure.

• Your first bicycle ride.
• Which outfits are you always ready to wear?
• A car you wish to have.
• Your favorite sports equipment.
• An electronic device you use daily.
• Flowers you enjoy the most.
• A sculpture you wish to have at your house.
• Which pair of shoes you wish would never wear out? 
• A notebook you want to keep your whole life.
• Your favorite genre of literature.
• A musical Instrument you cherish the most. 
• A must-have household object.
• Which kitchen item does your family often use?
• The painting you admire the most.
• What’s your most prized possession?

📅 Descriptive Essay Topics about Events

Did you notice how often you describe events to people around you? It happens naturally! Review your memories for exciting or significant events. Practice your storytelling skills and use descriptive vocabulary in your paper:

• Cruise you wish to go to.
• The most memorable day at school.
• The best Christmas in your life. 
• Fun memories you share with your friends.
• An unusual historical event.
• The most exciting birthday party .
• Describe an event when you got lost.
• A memorable camping trip.
• Fun hiking experience.
• A story of how you took part in a competition.
• Experience while attending a sports game. 
• What childhood events impacted you the most?
• Describe your dream trip.
• An event that made you nervous.
• Describe your first date .
• A fun movie night experience.
• Write about your favorite sleepover.
• A memorable event you watched on TV.
• Your first time being on stage.
• The worst experience at the doctor’s office.

We hope this article was helpful. Good luck with your descriptive essay!

• Writing Descriptive Essays: Purdue University
• Descriptive Essay: Excelsior College
• Descriptive Writing: Indiana University of Pennsylvania
• The Descriptive Narrative Essay: Southeastern Louisiana University
• This List of 50 Low-cost Hobbies Will Excite You: Lifehack
• 40 Most Beautiful Places in the World: Harper’s Bazaar
• 30 Books Everyone Should Read At Least Once In Their Lives: Lifehack
• A Definition of Descriptive Detail: Colorado State University
• Different Kinds of Association: Wall Street International Magazine
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Descriptive Essay: Your Guide to Writing an Effective One

A descriptive essay is one of the four main types of essays, alongside narrative, argumentative, and expository essays. Among these, descriptive essays can be particularly challenging because they demand a keen eye for detail and an appreciation for aesthetics. By vividly describing scenes and details, you engage your reader’s senses, making your essay memorable and engaging. In this guide, our essay writers will break down the writing process for you, offering step-by-step instructions, practical examples, and clear definitions to help you excel in your next assignment.

What is a Descriptive Essay?

Descriptive writing aims to vividly portray something through essays, helping readers visualize and feel the scene or object being described. Such essays draw on detailed descriptions to create a clear and impactful image that not only presents the subject but also evokes emotions and memories.

There are three main techniques used in descriptive writing: naming, detailing, and comparing .

Naming identifies the subject and its characteristics, answering questions like 'What is it?' and 'What features does it have?'

Detailing elaborates on these features, providing answers to detailed questions such as 'How many are there?' and 'What is its value?' Techniques like synesthesia and comparisons enhance these descriptions.

Comparing uses similes and metaphors to make descriptions more vivid, linking the subject to familiar concepts.

What Is the Purpose of a Descriptive Essay?

The purpose of a descriptive essay is multifaceted. Primarily, it allows writers to give readers a vivid impression of a person, place, or event, making the subject come alive through words. By using detailed descriptions, writers can help readers visualize settings and characters as if they were seeing them firsthand.

Additionally, descriptive essays can serve to clarify abstract ideas. By describing these concepts with concrete images and examples, writers make complex ideas easier to understand and more relatable to the reader.

Descriptive essays also aim to make information more memorable. When details are vivid, they are more likely to stick in the reader's mind, enhancing recall and engagement with the text.

Lastly, it can bolster an argument by providing concrete, detailed evidence that supports a point of view. This helps persuade the reader by making the argument more tangible and credible.

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Descriptive Essay Topics

When you're tasked with writing a descriptive essay, you'll usually get a prompt that asks you to describe something. These descriptive essay prompts allow you to explore different settings, time periods, and imaginative scenarios in your essays. 

Personal Prompts:

• Describe a favorite childhood memory.
• Describe a treasured family heirloom.

Imaginative Prompts:

• Describe a day in the life of a pirate.
• Describe what it would be like to explore an underwater city.

Historical Prompts:

• Describe the atmosphere of a bustling ancient marketplace.
• Describe the experience of witnessing a significant moment in history, like the moon landing or the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Nature Prompts:

• Describe the sights and sounds of a peaceful forest at dawn.
• Describe the feeling of standing at the edge of a majestic waterfall.

Everyday Prompts:

• Describe the chaos of a busy morning commute in a big city.
• Describe the tranquility of a sunset picnic in the countryside.

If you need topic ideas for other essay genres, consult our guide on narrative essay topics .

How to Write a Descriptive Essay in 8 Steps

Now that you understand the essence and purpose of this type of essay let's explore some fundamental yet valuable tips for writing a descriptive essay. 

Step 1: Select Your Topic

The first step in creating a captivating descriptive essay is choosing the right topic. Start by paying close attention to your surroundings. 

• Consider describing a person you know well in your life, like a sibling, a close friend, or a teacher who has made a significant impact on you.
• Alternatively, you could focus on a specific place or object that holds sentimental value to you, such as a favorite vacation spot, a cherished childhood toy, or a meaningful piece of jewelry.
• Another option is to explore a strong emotion that you have experienced, like excitement, nostalgia, or determination. 

Avoid using overly technical or jargon-filled language in your topic selection. Instead, aim for simplicity and clarity to ensure that your chosen topic resonates with your audience and allows you to convey your unique perspective effectively.

Step 2: Gather Details

Once you've selected your topic for your descriptive essay, the next step is to gather details that will bring your chosen subject to life on the page. Start by closely observing your subject, whether it's a person, place, object, or emotion. Pay attention to its appearance, characteristics, and any unique features that stand out to you.

For example, if you've chosen to describe your childhood home, take note of its architectural style, color scheme, and any distinctive elements like a front porch or a cozy fireplace. Recall memories associated with the home, such as family gatherings or quiet moments spent reading in your favorite spot.

If your topic is a person, like a close friend or family member, observe their physical appearance, mannerisms, and personality traits. Consider the ways in which they interact with others and the impact they have on your life.

Step 3: Draft an Outline

When structuring your essay, you can organize your paragraphs from top to bottom or near to far, chronologically, or from general to specific. Here's a simple descriptive essay outline from our custom writers to guide you: 

Step 4: Develop a Thesis Statement

When developing your thesis statement, consider the main points or aspects of your subject that you want to highlight in your essay. Think about the emotions or impressions you want to evoke in the reader and tailor your thesis statement accordingly.

For example, if you're writing about your favorite childhood memory, your thesis statement could be: 'My summers spent at my grandparents' farm were filled with laughter, adventure, and a sense of belonging.'

Or, if you're describing a beautiful sunset, your thesis statement might be: 'The breathtaking colors and serene atmosphere of the sunset over the ocean evoke a sense of peace and wonder.'

Step 5: Craft the Introduction

Start your descriptive essay introduction by hooking the reader with an engaging opening sentence or anecdote related to your topic. This could be a vivid description, a thought-provoking question, or a surprising fact. For example:

• Growing up on my grandparents' farm, each summer brought new adventures and unforgettable memories that still warm my heart to this day.

After hooking the reader, provide some background information or context for your topic. This could include brief details about the setting, time period, or significance of your subject. For instance:

• Nestled in the rolling hills of the countryside, my grandparents' farm was a sanctuary of simple pleasures and cherished traditions.

Finally, end your introduction with your thesis statement, clearly stating the main point of your essay. This ties everything together and gives the reader a roadmap for what to expect in the rest of your essay. 

Step 6: Compose the Body Paragraphs

Once you've crafted your introduction, it's time to compose the body paragraphs, where you delve into the details and descriptions that bring your topic to life.

Each body paragraph should focus on a specific aspect or detail of your topic, expanding upon the ideas presented in your thesis statement. Use vivid language, sensory details, and descriptive devices to paint a clear picture for the reader.

For example, if you're writing about summers spent at your grandparents' farm, you could dedicate one body paragraph to describing the sights and sounds of the farm:

• The rolling fields stretched out before me, golden waves of wheat swaying gently in the breeze. The air was filled with the sweet scent of wildflowers, mingling with the earthy aroma of freshly turned soil.

In another body paragraph, you might explore the adventures and activities that filled your days:

• From sunrise to sunset, there was never a dull moment on the farm. Whether we were exploring the woods, splashing in the creek, or helping with chores, each day brought new excitement and adventure.

Continue with additional body paragraphs, each focusing on a different aspect of your topic and providing rich, detailed descriptions. Be sure to vary your language and sentence structure to keep the reader engaged and interested.

Step 7: Conclude the Essay

The conclusion should bring together all the ideas presented in your essay. Avoid introducing any new information in the conclusion. Instead, focus on evaluating your thoughts and reflections on the topic. End with a strong final sentence that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

For example, if you were writing about summers spent at your grandparents' farm, your conclusion might reflect on the significance of those memories:

• 'As I reminisce about the summers spent amid the rustic charm of my grandparents' farm, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude for the simple pleasures and cherished moments that shaped my childhood. The laughter echoing through the fields, the adventures awaiting around every corner, and the sense of belonging that enveloped me there will forever hold a special place in my heart.'

Step 8: Refine Your Essay

Once you've finished writing your essay, it's time to refine it for clarity and impact. Start by reading your essay aloud to yourself. Listen for any sentences that sound awkward or unclear. Mark these sentences so you can revise them later.

You can also read your essay aloud to others and ask for their feedback. Invite friends, family members, teachers, or mentors to listen to your essay and share their thoughts. Ask them if there are any parts that are difficult to understand or if they have trouble picturing the subject you're describing.

Be receptive to constructive criticism and feedback. Use it as an opportunity to improve your essay and make it stronger. And if it sounds too demanding right now, you can buy cheap essay to sidestep the hassle and reclaim some much-needed free time.

Descriptive Essay Format

The standard format for a descriptive essay typically includes five paragraphs: an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. However, you can also organize your essay into sections, allowing for flexibility in the length of the body paragraphs.

Introductory Paragraph: This paragraph sets the scene by describing where, when, and to whom the experience occurred. It should include descriptive words to capture the reader's attention.

First Body Paragraph: Here, the writer provides details that allow the reader to visualize the situation. Descriptive language is key in painting a clear picture for the reader.

Second Body Paragraph: More details are provided, with a focus on using descriptive adjectives. Figurative language, such as metaphor (e.g., describing the city as a 'jungle of concrete'), can enhance the imagery.

Third Body Paragraph: The writer continues to appeal to the reader's senses with visually descriptive words. Figurative language, like personification (e.g., describing the wind as a playful dancer), adds depth to the description.

Conclusion: The conclusion alludes to another sense, such as touch or sound, and uses strong words to signify closure. It ends with a powerful concluding sentence to leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Descriptive Essay Examples

In this section, you'll discover essay examples that demonstrate how to captivate your readers' attention effectively. After exploring these examples, you might find yourself tempted to ask, 'Can someone do my homework for me?' - and that's completely understandable! We're here to help you become more confident and articulate communicators through your writing!

3 Additional Tips for Writing

While writing a descriptive essay, your goal is to make your subject come alive for the reader. Unlike more formal essays, you have the freedom to be creative with your descriptions, using figurative language, sensory details, and precise word choices to make your writing memorable.

Use Figurative Language: Figurative language, like metaphors and similes, adds flair to your descriptions. Instead of sticking to literal descriptions, use comparisons to create unique and memorable imagery. 

• For instance, describing a city as a bustling beehive of activity ' or a forest as ' a blanket of whispers ' adds an unexpected twist that captures the reader's attention.

Engage Your Senses: In a descriptive essay, don't just focus on what something looks like; appeal to all the senses. Describe how things smell, sound, feel, and even taste, if applicable. This adds depth and richness to your descriptions, making them more immersive. 

• For example, instead of just describing a beach visually, include sensory details like feeling the warm sand between your toes , hearing the rhythmic crash of waves , and t asting the salty sea breeze.

Choose Your Words Carefully: Use effective adjectives, verbs, and nouns to convey your impressions vividly. Avoid clichés and opt for original, precise language that reflects your unique perspective. Take the time to review your sentences and consider if there are better word choices that could enhance your description.

In Wrapping Up

To sum it up, descriptive essays are all about encouraging students like you to explore your surroundings and unleash your creativity by describing scenes in detail with words. When you carefully select and organize these descriptive details, it not only enhances your writing but also sharpens your critical thinking skills. Plus, diving into this expressive writing style allows you to appreciate the beauty of language and feel more connected to written communication. And remember, if you ever need a little boost in your writing journey, our descriptive essay writing service is here to help!

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How To Write A Descriptive Essay?

What is a descriptive essay, what is the purpose of a descriptive essay.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

• New samples
• New information on each of the rest sections 

Axelrod, R. B. and Cooper, R. C. (2008). The st martin’s guide to writing. (English Edition). New York: Bedford/St Martins

Okono, U. M. (2021). Descriptive essay: An assessment of performance by undergraduates of AkwaIbom State University. Erudite Journal of Linguistics and Languages . https://www.globalacademicstar.com/download/article/descriptive-essay-an-assessment-of-performance-by-undergraduates-of-akwa-ibom-state-university.pdf

Okono. U. M. (2020). “Qualities of a good essay: An assessment of the writings of Nigerian undergraduates.” International Journal on integrated Education. 3: vi.

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