Question 5: Descriptive Writing Top Tips
Aim to write 2 – 2 ½ sides and you should spend 45minutes on this question; spend 5
minutes planning and 35mins writing. Then spend 5 minutes checking your answer. Check for:
◦ Accurate spelling
◦ Accurate grammar
◦ Accurate use of punctuation
To write a successful piece of descriptive writing you must appeal to all the senses. This
includes: What you see? What you hear? What you smell? What you taste? What it feels
like? (touch)
1. The first thing you need to do is decide on your perspective. Avoid just
describing the picture.
2. Then think about the mood and atmosphere. Make sure that the words and images
that you create match the mood! This should be clearly identifiable to the reader.
3. Once you’ve considered each of these items you could include some of the following
devices in your writing:
• Imagery – use a selection of words to create a clear and vivid image in the readers
mind.
• Adjectives: a range of interesting descriptive words.
• Metaphors: You create an image and you describe something to be something
else; “You are the apple of my eye”.
• Simile: When something is described as something else using the words like or as;
“She shone as bright as the sun”.
• Onomatopoeia: The words used are the actual sounds made; “Bang, Smash,
Crash”
• Short sentences – to create tension and build drama
• Alliteration – two or more words begin with the same letter for an effect.
• Triple Emphasis – 3 adjectives to describe something
• Repetition – repeat the same word/ phrase for emphasis.
What does the examiner want to see?
Long and short sentences. Including one word sentences and two word sentences.
This may be an interesting way to start!
Range of different punctuation used sophisticatedly and for effect (. , ! ? “ ‘ ; :)
Spelling must be accurate
Paragraphs of different lengths –include one line paragraphs.
Clear and logical structure – linked paragraphs
Sophisticated range of different words – Interesting adjectives, verbs and adverbs
Remember to get the attention of the reader from the start!
Carefully plan the order of your description and think carefully about using some of the
ACE PROFIT Techniques.
Aim to write 2 – 2 ½ sides and you should spend 45minutes on this question; spend 5
minutes planning and 35mins writing. Then spend 5 minutes checking your answer. Check for:
◦ Accurate spelling
◦ Accurate grammar
◦ Accurate use of punctuation
To write a successful piece of descriptive writing you must appeal to all the senses. This
includes: What you see? What you hear? What you smell? What you taste? What it feels
like? (touch)
1. The first thing you need to do is decide on your perspective. Avoid just
describing the picture.
2. Then think about the mood and atmosphere. Make sure that the words and images
that you create match the mood! This should be clearly identifiable to the reader.
3. Once you’ve considered each of these items you could include some of the following
devices in your writing:
• Imagery – use a selection of words to create a clear and vivid image in the readers
mind.
• Adjectives: a range of interesting descriptive words.
• Metaphors: You create an image and you describe something to be something
else; “You are the apple of my eye”.
• Simile: When something is described as something else using the words like or as;
“She shone as bright as the sun”.
• Onomatopoeia: The words used are the actual sounds made; “Bang, Smash,
Crash”
• Short sentences – to create tension and build drama
• Alliteration – two or more words begin with the same letter for an effect.
• Triple Emphasis – 3 adjectives to describe something
• Repetition – repeat the same word/ phrase for emphasis.
What does the examiner want to see?
Long and short sentences. Including one word sentences and two word sentences.
This may be an interesting way to start!
Range of different punctuation used sophisticatedly and for effect (. , ! ? “ ‘ ; :)
Spelling must be accurate
Paragraphs of different lengths –include one line paragraphs.
Clear and logical structure – linked paragraphs
Sophisticated range of different words – Interesting adjectives, verbs and adverbs
Remember to get the attention of the reader from the start!
Carefully plan the order of your description and think carefully about using some of the
ACE PROFIT Techniques.
