2.  1. Take time to think about who or what you
want to describe and why.
 2. Brainstorm about all the details associated
with the topic.
 3. Consider not just physical characteristics, but
also what memories, feelings, and ideas the
subject evokes.

3.  1. Keep in mind, the most important watchword of writing
a descriptive essay is show, don’t tell.
 2. One of the best ways to show is to involve all of the
senses—not just sight, but also hearing, touch, smell, and
taste.
 3. Write so the reader will see the sunset, hear the
song, smell the flowers, taste the pie, or feel the anger.

4.  Use descriptive and figurative language, as
well as concrete images to describe the
subject.
 Similes and metaphors work well. Here are
some examples:

5. Telling Showing
The house was The house frowned with a wrinkled
old. brow, and inside it creaked with each
step, releasing a scent of neglected laundry.
The clock had The clock stood by our family, faithfully
been in our marking the minutes and hours of our lives.
family for years.
Sabrina felt Sabrina’s face contorted in fury. She was as
angry. angry as a bull. Her cheeks flushed and her
eyes sparkled with ferocity.

6.  1. Do my paragraphs confuse more than
describe?
 2. Does my word choice and figurative language
involve the five senses and convey emotion and
meaning?
 3. Are there enough details to give the reader a
complete picture?

7.  Imagine you are blamed for something that
you didn’t do and as a result, you are
punished unfairly. Describe the anger you
would feel at that moment. [150 words]

8.  Paragraph 1: Describe the situation clearly.
 Paragraph 2: Describe how you felt, what you
said etc.
 Paragraph 3: Describe what you did. Did you
control your anger? Did you hurt anyone? Did
you hurt yourself?

9.  Eyes narrowed with contempt
 Look venomously at
 Withering stare
 Eyes blazing murderously
 Mouth contorted grotesquely
 Eyes bulging from their sockets
 Brow wrinkled in vexation
 Fists convulsing with suppressed rage
 Spew out the words with malicious glee
 Blinding rage enveloped me

10. Ms Baran
Mayaro Secondary