Introduction to Writing a

Descriptive Paragraph

By Ms. Preston

What is a Descriptive Paragraph?

The purpose of descriptive writing is to

describe a person, place, or event so that

the topic can be clearly seen in the

reader's mind.

The writer must use vivid (clear or lively)

details that paint a picture for the reader.

There are three parts to a descriptive

paragraph.

What you will learn…

How do you choose a topic?

Show, Don’t tell descriptive writing.

Learning to Freewrite.

Using adjectives in your writing (smart-

board lesson).

Produce a Final descriptive paragraph.

What is a Topic Sentence?

The topic sentence is the attention

getting sentence of the paragraph.

Example:

My neighbor Mr. Finkle is a dog lover, a

baseball fan, and a kind, generous person.

What are supporting sentences?

Supporting sentences are the body to the paragraph. These sentences support the topic.

Supporting sentences use vivid details that show your readers what you are describing.

These sentences show, don’t tell the reader the authors experience and often use experiences focused on the five senses.◦ Sight◦ Sound◦ Smell◦ Touch◦ Taste

Examples of Three Supporting

Sentences.

1. Every morning he energetically walks his

two Irish setters past our house.

2. He wears a beat-up old Mets baseball

cap and is a big fan.

3. The best thing about Mr. Finkle is that he

treats kids special by buying warm

cinnamon rolls from the deli where he

works.

What is a concluding sentence?

This sentence is the last sentence in the

paragraph and sums up what you wrote

about.

Example:

Everyone should have a friendly and

caring neighbor like Mr. Finkle.

Final Descriptive Paragraph

Mr. Finkle

My neighbor Mr. Finkle is a dog lover, a baseball fan, and a kind, generous person. Every morning he energetically walks his two Irish setters past our house. He wears a beat-up old Mets baseball cap and is a big fan. The best thing about Mr. Finkle is that he treats kids special by buying warm cinnamon rolls from the deli where he works. Everyone should have a friendly and caring neighbor like Mr. Finkle.

Continue on to the lesson

Show, Don’t Tell

Example of a Descriptive Paragraph.

The New Room

As I walked into the room, the warmth radiated from all four walls. The sound of a saw is still fresh in my mind. The smooth wooden kitchen floor which I helped sand not so long ago. I can smell mom's mouth-watering meals fresh out of the oven already. If you were to walk into my kitchen today, you would see the brightly painted walls and shiny new appliances. I would see love and hard work.