Descriptive Writing: How to Get Full Marks
Section B requires you to write for a specific purpose and in a specific
form. It is important that you write in the correct format and use the
conventions of this form, as the mark scheme states that you should
adapt your tone, style and register for different forms, purposes and
audiences.
This means:
The tone (the sound of the narrator’s “voice”) is appropriate and
convincing
The register (your vocabulary and phrasing) is suitable for the
purpose
The style of the writing (the sentence structure and the overall
structure of your writing) is dynamic and engaging
When planning your response, it is a good idea to keep the tone, style and
register in mind, as well as the conventions of the form. As with any
extended piece of writing, planning is vital. You should spend 10 minutes
mind-mapping your ideas before you start writing. Here, we will consider
how you can produce an effective piece of descriptive writing.
How to structure your descriptive writing
Descriptive writing is observational writing. This means that the narrator
does not interact with their surroundings, or other characters. In fact, no
characters are crafted. Descriptive writing is like imagining you are behind
the lens of a camera, describing a “snap-shot” of a moment. However, this
does not mean the scene you are describing is static; it is important to
note the movements and action you “witness”.
Below is a suggested step-by-step structure for a piece of descriptive
writing, including the techniques to use during each of the six steps:
Remember, you can include action or movement in your description, but
this should not involve any story progression or interaction. Any action
should only cover a short period of “real time”, such as the wind blowing a
basket over. Something seemingly inconsequential could move in the
background, which is especially effective if you contrast this with things
that remain still.
Your paragraphs should be appropriately linked, but should vary in terms
of size and structure. Variety and accuracy are key; you are bringing a
scene to life for your reader, so they should be able to picture it, hear it,
even smell it!
Descriptive writing techniques
Tone
Descriptive writing should craft a tone of voice in keeping with the mood
of the scene. This means your sentences should reflect the atmosphere.
For example, if the scene is mysterious and frightening, your sentences
should reflect this suspenseful mood.
In order to craft a tone in keeping with the mood of your description,
consider how you can use sentence lengths and types:
Short sentences reflect tension and unease, e.g. “No sound could be
heard.”
Longer sentences and listing can create a sense of being
overwhelmed, or of abundance, e.g. “The market was laden with
apples, grapes, oranges, loaves of bread, chunks of cheese and
every type of vegetable one could imagine.”
Style and register
The style of your descriptive writing is closely related to the language you
use. For example, the best descriptive writing responses show evidence of
careful word choices and the deliberate but judicious use of linguistic
techniques.
Descriptive writing helps the reader to visualise the person, place, or
situation being described. Your word choice and linguistic techniques
should conjure a vivid, sensory impression in the reader’s mind.
The best way to do this is to:
Use vocabulary which is useful to the reader:
o For example, describing something as “brilliant” or “amazing”
is not descriptive
o Be specific and ambitious in your choice of adjectives
Use sensory language to bring the scene to life:
o Focus not just on what can be seen, but also what can be
heard, smelled or felt
Emphasise key ideas or impressions using language techniques and
imagery:
o For example, you could use a simile to create associations
about size or colour
o Personification is a useful technique when describing weather
or objects
Ensure you describe the important details:
o For example, you do not need to describe every inch of a
person or scene bit by bi; instead, focus on key features
When considering the detail you should include in your description, it is
useful to consider the types of things that bring a scene to life. These
things are normally rooted in contrast. For example:
