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Descriptive Writing Structure

The document outlines the structure and key elements of descriptive writing, emphasizing the importance of setting, positioning, approaching, arriving, and leaving. It provides guidelines on how to engage the reader's senses and create a vivid portrayal of a scene, while also suggesting the use of personal experience and emotional tone. Additionally, it advises on planning the structure and being selective with details to enhance the overall description.

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leisha singh
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3 views

Descriptive Writing Structure

The document outlines the structure and key elements of descriptive writing, emphasizing the importance of setting, positioning, approaching, arriving, and leaving. It provides guidelines on how to engage the reader's senses and create a vivid portrayal of a scene, while also suggesting the use of personal experience and emotional tone. Additionally, it advises on planning the structure and being selective with details to enhance the overall description.

Uploaded by

leisha singh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Topic: Descriptive Writing

Descriptive Writing Structure

1. Setting:

If you are describing a place:

 Location/Surroundings: Describe the location and surroundings of the place,


providing context for the reader.
 Atmosphere: Convey the overall atmosphere of the place, whether it's serene,
bustling, tranquil, or vibrant.
 Time of Day/Week/Month/Season: Specify the time frame in which the
description is taking place. This adds depth and context to the scene.
 Weather/Temperature: Describe the weather conditions and temperature, as
they greatly influence the mood and perception of the place.
 Framework: Establish a logical structure for the description. This could be based
on time (from sunrise to sunset) or distance (from one end to the other).
 Progression: Ensure a smooth progression as you move through different aspects
of the place. This keeps the reader engaged and makes the description cohesive.

2. Positioning:

 Positioning: Describe where the observer is situated in relation to the object or


place being described. This establishes the perspective from which the description
unfolds.
 Distance: Ensure that the observer is positioned at a certain distance from the
object or place. This creates a sense of anticipation for the reader, as they await
closer inspection and details.
 Revelation: Highlight the gradual reveal of details as the observer gets closer to
the object or place to engage the reader's curiosity.
 Sensory Exploration: Engage the senses of sight and sound to create a vivid
portrayal. Describe what the observer sees and hears in detail, allowing the
reader to immerse themselves in the description.
 Time Establishment: If time is the chosen framework, set the time of day or
specific moment within this section. For instance, describe the lighting conditions
(like dusk or the beginning of fading daylight) to enhance the scene’s atmosphere
and mood.

3. Approaching:

 Approaching: Describe the observer’s movement closer to the object or place. As


they get nearer, more intricate details become visible, enriching the description.

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 Detail Enhancement: Emphasize how the closer proximity allows the observer to
notice finer details that might have been obscured from a distance (like intricate
patterns on a building's facade).
 Sense of Smell: Introduce the sense of smell to the description. Mention any
scents or odors that become apparent as the observer gets closer to the object or
place.
 Time Progression: If time is being used as the framework, mention how time has
moved forward since the initial positioning. Describe changes in lighting or other
appearances as the scene shifts (such as the onset of darkness or shifting
shadows).

4. Arriving:

 Arriving: Describe the observer's full immersion into the scene. They have
reached their destination or are in close interaction with the objects described.
 Inclusion in Scene: Explain how the observer becomes a part of the environment,
interacting with its elements or individuals. They are now in the midst of what
they were observing from a distance.
 Sensory Richness: Dive deep into sensory details, particularly vision and sound.
Describe how things look, the sounds that can be heard, and any specific sights
that capture attention.
 Touch and Taste: Introduce the senses of touch and taste, implying that the
observer can now physically engage with the environment. Mention tactile
experiences (like feeling the texture of objects) and any flavors that might be
present (like people eating).
 Time Transition: If time is being used as the framework, describe the current time
in detail. Capture the atmosphere of the specific moment, such as describing the
night sky and the overall ambiance.

5. Leaving:

 Leaving: Describe the observer's departure from the scene. They are moving away
from the environment they were immersed in, with or without a backward glance.
 Departure Details: Highlight how the observer is leaving. They might leave things
as they found them, ensuring that the scene is not altered by their presence.
They may have replaced anything they disturbed in a room and closed the door so
that things are again as they were at the beginning.
 Scene Emptying: Explain how the scene changes as people start to leave or go
about their own activities. The atmosphere might shift from bustling to quiet.
 Final Glance: Mention whether the observer takes a last look at the scene they're
leaving behind. This can add a sense of closure and contemplation.

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 Time or Distance Reference: If time or distance was used as the framework, this is
the point to provide closure by referring back to it. This can give the reader a
sense of completion and continuity in the narrative.

Key Points to remember:

 Base your descriptive writing on your personal experience.

 Decide on your standpoint before beginning to write – first-person or a general,


impersonal approach?

 Plan out the structure of your description.

 Geographical approach - left to right/distant to close

 Different times of the day

 Different senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste.

 Do not include every minute detail, be selective.

 Give a brief context in which you set your description.

 Include your opinions and feelings about your subject.

 Use both complete sentences and non–sentences to create impressionistic descriptions.

 Give plenty of concrete, sensory details (involving all the five senses) so that the reader
can visualize and understand each element of the description.

 Give logical patterns to the details – important and broader details come before the
minor ones.

 Set the tone of the descriptive piece at the start and then gradually build it into one
strong emotion.

 Depending on the content and context, give different aspects of the details in different
paragraphs.

 Give the details and then build the impressions around them.

 Arouse the reader’s senses, capture the reader’s attention and retain it till the end.

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Pls note: The given handout is for reference purposes only.

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