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• How to write a descriptive essay | Example & tips

How to Write a Descriptive Essay | Example & Tips

Published on July 30, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on August 14, 2023.

A descriptive essay gives a vivid, detailed description of something—generally a place or object, but possibly something more abstract like an emotion. This type of essay , like the narrative essay , is more creative than most academic writing .

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Table of contents

Descriptive essay topics.

• Tips for writing descriptively
• Descriptive essay example
• Other interesting articles
• Frequently asked questions about descriptive essays

When you are assigned a descriptive essay, you’ll normally be given a specific prompt or choice of prompts. They will often ask you to describe something from your own experience.

• Describe a place you love to spend time in.
• Describe an object that has sentimental value for you.

You might also be asked to describe something outside your own experience, in which case you’ll have to use your imagination.

40 Topics to Help With Descriptive Writing Assignments

A Helpful List for Writing Paragraphs, Essays, and Speeches

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Descriptive writing calls for close attention to factual and sensory details: show, don't tell . Whether your subject is as small as a strawberry or as large as a fruit farm, you should begin by observing your subject closely. Examine it with all five senses, and write down any details and descriptions that come to mind.

Next, go a little further afield with your list and associate your chosen topic or object with memories, opinions, and impressions. This list may give you some ideas for metaphors and possibly even a direction for your paragraph or essay. Then make a list of verbs that could be associated with your topic or object. This will help you have more variety than just "buzzing be" verbs and keep the writing and imagery descriptive and active.

After your brainstorming phase, go through your list and decide which details and descriptions you like the most and are most significant. Don't cross off the others, though. At this point in the project, you want to be open to any direction your imagination and writing take you.

Good advice from Steven King from his book On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft :

If you want to be a successful writer, you must be able to describe [your subject], and in a way that will cause your reader to prickle with recognition. ... Thin description leaves the reader feeling bewildered and nearsighted. Overdescription buries him or her in details and images . The trick is to find a happy medium.

40 Topic Suggestions

To get you started, here are 40 topic suggestions for a descriptive paragraph, essay, or speech. These suggestions should help you discover a subject that especially interests  you . If you don't start out with a topic that you're willing to spend some time with, your writing will show your lack of enthusiasm. If 40 is not enough, try this list of more than 400 writing topics .

If you need some advice for the drafting phase, see " Composing Descriptive Paragraphs and Essays " and " How to Write a Descriptive Paragraph ."

• a waiting room
• a basketball, baseball glove, or tennis racket
• a smartphone
• a treasured belonging
• a laptop computer
• a favorite restaurant
• your dream house
• your ideal roommate
• your memory of a place that you visited as a child
• an accident scene
• a city bus or subway train
• an unusual room
• a child's secret hiding place
• a bowl of fruit
• an item left too long in your refrigerator
• backstage during a play or concert
• a vase of flowers
• a restroom in a service station
• a street that leads to your home or school
• your favorite food
• the inside of a spaceship
• the scene at a concert or athletic event
• an art exhibit
• an ideal apartment
• your old neighborhood
• a small-town cemetery
• a photograph
• a hospital emergency room
• a particular friend or family member
• a storefront window
• an inspiring view
• a work table
• a character from a book, movie, or television program
• a refrigerator or washing machine
• a Halloween costume

King, Stephen. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft . Scribner, 2000.

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12 Creative Descriptive Essay Prompts

by Suzanne Davis | Dec 12, 2019 | Writing Essays and Papers , Writing Prompts | 13 comments

“Description is what makes the reader a sensory participant in the story.”  –Stephen King

Stephen King wrote about description in stories. But the same advice is correct for descriptive essays.  Get your readers engaged by making them sense and connect with everything you’ve written in your essay.  How can you do that?  Begin with descriptive essay prompts that inspire you to write more.

Then add important details and characteristics or features about the person, place, object, or experience in your essay.  The more detail and elements you add to a descriptive essay, the better it will be.

So, check out these descriptive writing topics and find the one that will work best for you.

How to Select a Descriptive Essay Prompt

Before you select a descriptive essay topic, see if you can show and not tell your readers about the characteristics, actions, and emotions in that essay.

Maybe you’ve heard writers say, “ Show Don’t Tell .”   This motto is an approach some writers use to make their writing more descriptive.  The word “show” means to portray or illustrate feelings and actions.  And “tell” is when a writer says what the emotions and actions are.

For example, “ The black poodle snarled and growled.” (showing) vs. “The black poodle was angry and fierce.” (telling)

In the example above, the first sentence shows that the black poodle was angry because it snarled and growled.  The second sentence says or tells us that the dog was angry and fierce.

Use the “ Show Don’t Tell”  approach in your descriptive essay by asking these questions about the 5 senses:

• What did you see?
• What did you hear?
• What did you touch?
• What did you smell?
• What did you taste?

You probably won’t have answers to all these questions.   (Or at least if you write about a mountain, I hope you can’t describe how tastes.) But write “Show Don’t Tell ” content wherever you can in your essay.

The 12 descriptive essay prompts here, give you the freedom to develop your content in different ways, and with a lot of sensory details. They are divided into 4 categories: person, place, object, and experience.  Each type has 3 descriptive essay writing ideas.   For each writing prompt, brainstorm how you can develop that essay.

Descriptive WritingTopics About a Person

# 1 describe the strangest person you ever met.

Strange people are easy to remember, and if you remember a different, odd, or unique person, you’ll have a lot of information you can write on.  Before you choose this topic, brainstorm a few ideas about this person.

Questions to develop this essay topic : What seemed strange about this person?  What characteristics did he/she possess? How did you feel about this person?

# 2 Describe a person you envied .

Envy or jealousy is a powerful emotion.  When you focus on a person you were jealous of, there are reasons and characteristics for why you felt that way.

Questions to develop this essay topic: What traits or characteristics did this person have?  How did that person look? How did this person act?  What made you envy him/her?

# 3 Describe an inspiring friend or family member.

We remember people who inspire us.  And people love to read about inspiring individuals.  If you describe an inspiring person, think about the impact that a person made on you.

Questions to develop this essay topic:   What did this person do that was inspiring?   How did that person act toward others?

Descriptive Writing Topics About a Place

# 4 describe a spooky or haunted place ..

If you describe a scary place, include a lot of sensory details.  Spooky and haunted places are memorable.

Questions to develop this essay topic:   What did this place look like?  Where was it located?  What did you see, hear, smell, or feel at this place?  Did you find someone or something that scared you?  Why is this place, spooky?

# 5 Describe a place you loved as a child.

People love to know things about another person’s childhood. A great way to show who you are is to describe a place that was important to you.  If you select this writing topic, make sure you remember this place well.

Questions to develop this essay topic : How did this place look? What did you do at this place?  Was anyone else at this there?  How did you feel about the area?

# 6 Describe a beautiful location in nature.

You could describe a mountain, body of water, campground, desert, etc.  Or any other place that is outdoors and part of nature.

Questions to develop this essay topic:   What did this place look like?  How did you feel when you were there? Did you hear, smell, taste, or touch anything at the location? Was there anyone else with you?  What did you do at this place?

Descriptive WritingTopics About an Object

# 7 Describe a lucky object.

It can be any lucky object, a good luck charm, an heirloom object, etc.  Select something you believe brings you good luck.

Q uestions to develop this essay topic:   What are the characteristics of this object? How is it used?  What makes this a lucky object?

# 8 Describe a piece of art.

It can be a photograph, painting, sculpture, etc.  There are a lot of sensory details you can include in a descriptive essay about a piece of art.

Questions to develop this essay topic:  What does this work of art look?  Can you touch it?  If so, how does it feel?   What are the emotions you have when you see this sculpture, painting, photograph, etc.?

# 9 Describe an object used in your favorite sport or hobby.

If you have a favorite sport or hobby, describe an object that is relevant to that sport.  For example, if you play tennis, describe a tennis racket.  Or, if you collect coins, describe a unique coin from your collection.

Questions to develop this essay topic:   What are the characteristics or features of this object?  How is it used?  What is significant about this object?  What are some sensory details you can add?

Descriptive Essay Topics About an Experience

# 10 describe the first time you drove a car or rode a bicycle..

First-time experiences are emotional and significant to people.  If you haven’t driven a car or ridden a bicycle, write about another first-time experience.

Questions to develop this essay topic:   What did you see, hear, touch, smell, or taste during this experience?  What did you do?  Were others involved?  If so, what did they do? How did you feel during this experience?  How do you feel about it now?

# 11 Describe a hike or special walk you took .

Do you recall a hike you took or a walk on a trail, path, or street? If so, describe that memory.

Questions to develop this essay topic:   What was the place you were at like? What did you hear, see, smell, taste, or touch during this experience?  What did you do?  What did anyone else do?

# 12   Describe a happy memory.

Write about a happy experience you can remember clearly.    This topic involves remembering what occurred and how you felt during that experience.

Questions to develop this essay topic:   What made this experience happy? What happened?  Who else was there?  Can you describe them?

Writing a Descriptive Essay

The key to writing a descriptive essay is to show or portray to a reader the significant elements of a person, place, object, or experience.  So, select an essay topic that you connect with, and develop it with sensory details.  If you do this, you’ll achieve what Stephen King does in his writing and “make the reader a sensory participant.”  When you do that, your readers will want to keep reading until the end.

Make them wish your essay continued so that they could read even more!

So which descriptive essay prompt inspires you?  And if you want more creative writing prompts, check out my blog post, “13 Thought-Provoking Personal Narrative Prompts” https://www.academicwritingsuccess.com/13-thought-provoking-personal-narrative-prompts/.

Suzanne,I enjoy reading your articles. Loved your sense of humour ‘(Or at least if you write about a mountain, I hope you can’t describe how tastes.)’. I tried to share this article in my Pinterest account, but somehow something went wrong and it did not allow me to do it.

I’m glad you enjoyed the article. I do try to be funny whenever I can. I’m having a problem right now with my article pinning. I’m working on it.

Loved the “show, not tell” explanation. It really made sense. I’m a visual learner, so I really liked the visual for the 12 descriptive essay prompts in both written form and as a image. You gave me a lot of good ideas for starting a descriptive essay!

Terri, I’m glad you liked my infographic for the post. I love designing visual images for articles. Let me know if you use one of the descriptive essay prompts. I’d love to know how it worked for you.

Excellent. I like the sensory detail questions. It brings the writing to a new level.

Raven, thank you. Sensory details are great for developing writing. They really help writers of all ages.

Nice article, Suzanne. I love using prompts with my students. I might be nervous of the prompt “Describe the strangest person you ever met.” For many of my students I would have the starring role in that one! 🙂 Using the basic five senses to help students expand upon their writing is also very good. So many students write one sentence and then get stuck. Prompting questions can really help them broaden their thoughts.

Ron, thank you. I might be nervous about the “strangest person you ever met” prompt too. But, I’m hoping there are other strange people students could write about too!

Love these! In this generation of “just getting the point across”, it is so difficult to get some students to be descriptive in their writing.It would be hard for any student to not be descriptive using these prompts. When working on writing with students, I always use the five senses to show them how their writing will be more interesting to any reader when it is descriptive. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you,Randy. Descriptive writing is a challenge, but finding a good descriptive writing prompt and using the 5 senses makes a huge difference.

Also, that is a great quote by Stephen King!

Hi Suzanne! Excellent post! I love the creative prompts. They’re helpful, whether one is writing fiction or non-fiction.

You have a great site. Will stop by again. I know I’ll learn lots here.

P.S. Thanks for stopping by my site. I appreciate your feedback.

Hi Nadine, Thanks so much. I am glad you stopped by and checked out my post on descriptive writing prompts. I love prompts because they can make you think about writing in different ways. And sometimes I just need help getting started. I enjoyed your post on writing spaces. I’ll be visiting your site again.

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How to Write a Descriptive Essay

270 Good Descriptive Essay Topics and Writing Tips

As simple as it is, the purpose of the descriptive essay is to explain or portray its subject. It can focus on any topic or issue you want to write about. Be sure that any middle school, high school, or college student can manage this type of creative writing assignment! You just need a good descriptive writing topic.

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This article will help you find the best idea for your paper. Read on to see a list of descriptive essay topics, prompts, tips, and a writing guide. And don’t hesitate to ask our custom writing experts to help you write a short story or a complicated paper. They will help with any topic for descriptive essay.

• 🔝 Top 10 Topics

✅ Types of Descriptive Essays

• ✍️ Writing Tips
• ⚙️ Process Description
• 💭 Narrative
• 🖥️ Technical
• 🤔 Associations
• ❤️ Favorite Things

🔍 References

🔝 top 10 descriptive essay topics.

• Your go-to confidant
• Your own superstition
• How you revise for exams
• Your favorite time of the day
• Your favorite character trait
• What makes you respect a person
• What makes you dislike a book
• How you overcome hardships in life
• Something you can’t imagine your life without
• The most memorable movie you watched as a child

The first thing you need to know is that there are two types of descriptive essays:

• Concrete – an essay about something specific that human senses can perceive. Describe the things you can see, touch, smell, feel, and hear.
• Abstract – an essay about something you feel emotionally or perceive cognitively. Write about emotions, situations, experiences, relationships, and art.

This article lists topics for concrete as well as abstract descriptive essays. Choose one you like the most, and get down to writing!

✍️ Descriptive Essay Writing Tips

Writing a descriptive essay is about making the readers want to taste the food or watch a movie you discussed. Here are a few things that will help you write an excellent descriptive essay on any topic.

• Topic and a thesis. Review this article and choose a subject you like the most. Next, come up with the thesis statement. The statement should be attention-catching and reflect the main focus of the paper.
• An outline. This step is essential for essays of any length. Start the outline with an introduction and finish with a conclusion. Write out the main themes/thoughts, make them into paragraphs.
• Introduction (with a thesis)
• The moment Oreo got into my arms
• Choosing the name
• Playing with Oreo for the first time
• The five senses. Including sensory details will take your paper on another level! Write out the details and adjectives that engage each of the senses.
• Smell: sweet, fresh, pleasant, etc.
• Touch: fluffy, soft, warm, scratching, etc.
• Hearing: mewing, loud, quiet, etc.
• Vision: sizes, colors, movements, etc.
• Taste: sweet milk, refreshing water, etc.

Tip: use transition words, such as afterwards, before that, in the meantime . It will make your essay logically flow.

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• Write, write, write. Time to fill out your outline! Choose clear and vivid language. In conclusion, leave the reader with an “I’ve been there with you” or “I know what you’re talking about” feeling.
• Review and turn in. Proofread what you wrote and ask a peer to do the same. Make as many changes as needed. After polishing your paper, turn it in and expect a good grade.

⚙️ Process Description Topics for an Essay

A process essay explains how to do something. It can also describe how something occurs. Cooking instructions, a tutorial, or chronology of events can serve as a basis for a descriptive paper. Take a look at this list of interesting topics:

• Learning to drive a car.
• How to a cook a Thanksgiving dinner .
• Ways to match colors in clothing.
• Giving a cozy look to a room.

• How to build a wooden table.
• How can you open a coffee shop ?
• Organizing a road trip .
• Easy way to save money for a car.
• The process of learning to ride a bike.
• How can you become a professional Instagram influencer ?
• Describe the development of an embryo .
• What is water cycle in nature?
• Learning to play an instrument .
• How to choose a university degree .
• How does the wind form?
• The process of creating a video game .
• Describe the lifecycle of a flower.
• The stages of making a movie.
• How is electricity generated?
• The process of launching a spaceship.

💭 Descriptive Narrative Essay Topics

The main objective of a narrative essay is to tell a story. Descriptive words can help your audience to relive the event with you. Write out your memories, and use them as a foundation for the paper.

• The day you got a pet .
• Describe a life-threatening experience.
• The moment you realized you are in love .
• When was the happiest day of your life?
• A day when you changed your opinion about someone.
• Describe an experience of losing something valuable.
• Write about overcoming the saddest event in your life.
• Describe the beginning of a precious friendship .
• Your favorite vacation experience.
• A day when you got a bad grade.
• What is your most vivid childhood memory?
• Describe a case of misunderstanding.
• The toughest task you had to fulfill.
• Recall a day when you broke something.
• A situation when you had to act like an adult.
• What was the hardest conversation you’ve ever had?
• The experience of going through heartbreak.

• Describe a situation where you had to make a difficult decision .
• Write about moving to another city.
• One time when you ate eating something very delicious.

🖥️ Technical Description Topics for an Essay

If you’re a tech lover, this section is just what you need. A technical descriptive essay can focus on any mechanism or invention. Help the reader to understand the function of a piece of technology. But first, check out the following list of ideas for a technical descriptive paper:

• Functions of a smart watch .
• What’s the purpose of an iPod ?
• Describe the parts of an AK-47.
• How does touch screen work?
• Explain how a smartphone can count steps.
• What are the main features of virtual assistants?
• How do computers read CDs ?
• Describe the structure of a camera lens.
• The functioning of wireless headphones.
• What’s the purpose of car cylinders?
• How does artificial intelligence evolve?
• What are the parts of an old-fashioned TV screen?
• How do solar panels work?
• Describe the functions of unmanned vehicles .
• How do ATMs detect values of bills?
• How does traffic pulse technology work?
• How does virtual reality function?
• Purpose of 5G mobile technology.
• Describe the parts of a speed sensor.
• Explain the functioning of a weather station.

🏫 Descriptive Essay Topics about School

School life is diverse and filled with all kinds of events. This section is all about your personal experience at school. Tell the reader about a memorable episode or a significant person from your life as a student.

• Describe your favorite subject to study.
• Who is your favorite teacher ?
• The best holiday you’ve ever celebrated at school.
• Tell the reader about a recent field trip with your class.
• Describe an event during a school bus ride.
• What it’s like being in a school choir.
• The prom night of your dreams.
• How do you usually do your homework ?
• Bonding with friends from school.

• What is your best friend like?
• Recall the first visit to a principal’s office.
• The experience of playing on a football team.
• Say why you like taking part in the drama class.
• Giving a speech in front of your class.
• What is it like to win a school competition?
• The saddest day in school.
• Recall an embarrassing moment during a break.
• The most memorable art class .
• Describe your favorite science project.
• Reasons why you like your school.

🧶 Descriptive Essay Topics about Hobbies

Everybody has some sort of hobby. Choose one of the things you enjoy doing the most. You can imagine describing it to people who barely know anything about your hobby. Make sure to provide insightful information on your favorite activity. This list of ideas will help you come up with an exciting topic for an essay!

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• How to explore cooking as a hobby.
• What do you like about knitting?
• Why do you enjoy fishing ?
• What dancing means to you.
• Do you play sports as a hobby?
• Playing card games can be a hobby.
• What instrument do you play?
• Say why you love singing.
• What is great about recording videos?
• Why do you like journaling ?
• Playing video games for relaxation.
• How did you start painting?
• What do you enjoy about crafting?
• Why is car repair fun?
• Do you consider shopping a hobby?
• Your favorite thing about gardening .
• Meditation as a way to relax.
• Your favorite thing about magic tricks.
• Do you watch movies as a hobby?
• What do you enjoy about reading ?

🎨 Descriptive Writing Topics about Art

Writing a descriptive essay on art can be an exciting assignment. It will require your observations and knowledge. Research the necessary information about the chosen subject. It will be better if you spend some time observing and appreciating the artwork before writing about it. Use these elements as a foundation for your paper.

• What are the peculiarities of abstract paintings ?
• Describe the process of creating a portrait.
• What are the main features of the still life genre?
• Why are shades essential in a drawing?
• Variations of texture in art.
• Use of focal points in photography.
• How can a person appreciate a painting ?
• What do you like about Van Gogh’s art?
• Your impression of The Kiss by Klimt .
• Primary colors of Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa .

• Describe the process of creating a marble sculpture.
• Essential elements of sculpting.
• Your impression of Michelangelo’s David .
• What makes Dama Velata by Corradini beautiful?
• Describe the process of carving.
• What are the main features of poetry ?
• The artwork of your favorite album.
• Write about your impression of Greek mythology .
• Describe the life of a famous artist .
• A piece of art that impacted you the most.

🎥 Descriptive Essay Topics about Movies

A descriptive essay about a movie might seem like an easy assignment. However, it’s not that simple when your task is to review a film. You can focus on the characters, the plot, or the film’s technical side. Use critical thinking and analytical skills.

• Describe the Corleone family from The Godfather . 
• What makes Doctor Zhivago poetic? 
• The use of slow motion in The Matrix . 
• Write about your impression of Knives Out . 
• Cinematography in Gravity . 
• Visual effects used in City Lights . 
• What do you like about music from Singin’ in the Rain ? 
• Character development in Forrest Gump . 
• The ending of Inception . 
• What was your reaction to the twist in A Beautiful Mind ? 
• Describe the main characters from Catch Me if You Can . 
• Speak about the plot of Shawshank Redemption . 
• What’s your favorite scene from Dark Knight Rises ? 
• The plot of Titanic . 
• What makes The Truman Show funny? 
• The pivotal scene from Braveheart . 
• What was your impression of The Help ? 
• Family dynamics in the Pursuit of Happiness . 
• Friendship in Green Book . 
• What makes Groundhog Day heartbreaking? 

📚 Descriptive Writing Topics about Books

As a student, you are getting familiar with various books and authors. Think about the book that you enjoyed reading the most. Write about characters, the storyline, your impressions, or the lesson learned from a book.

• What’s your favorite book, and why? 
• A novel that played a significant role in your life. 
• Write about a book character that impressed you the most. 
• A fictional world where you would like to live. 
• What’s your favorite scene from a book? 
• Which fictional character could become your friend? 
• The novel that resonates with you the most? 
• Your impression of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland . 
• Graphic elements used in The Book Thief . 

• Summarize the plot of Gone with the Wind . 
• Describe the character of Huck Finn from Mark Twain’s books. 
• Share your impression of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald . 
• What’s your favorite scene from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott ? 
• Describe the relationship between the main characters in Pride and Prejudice . 
• The plot of The Da Vinci Code . 
• Love in The Little Prince . 
• The dystopia of The Hunger Games . 
• Describe the main characters from Frankenstein . 
• What is the central scene in Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden? 
• Share your impression of War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy. 

🏝️ Descriptive Paper Topics about Places

In a descriptive essay places can be real or imaginary. Consider the location that impressed you the most or a place you want to visit. You can describe your favorite spot in the city or a fiction kingdom. This list will help you land on the best topic for the descriptive essay.

• Your favorite corner in your house. 
• Describe your dream room. 
• The house you want to live in: what does it look like? 
• Your favorite coffee shop . 
• Study spot of your choice. 
• Describe a perfect restaurant . 
• What is your grandparents’ house like? 
• Write about your favorite place to hang out. 
• Your favorite vacation destination . 
• A place where you got lost. 
• Which fiction location do you want to visit? 
• A European city you’d like to see. 
• What is the most beautiful place you’ve seen? 
• Which state do you want to visit? 
• Describe the most beautiful tropical island in the world. 
• What historical site do you wish to see? 
• The mall where you like to go shopping. 
• Which century would you like to time-travel to? 
• A place you’d never want to visit. 
• Describe a perfect park. 

🤔 Descriptive Essay Topics: Associations

Associations are mental connections between ideas, feelings, objects, or events. The human brain makes them automatically. Take your time to write a descriptive essay about associations. The following list will help you choose a good topic for a paper:

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• What do you associate with family holidays? 
• Feelings while listening to your favorite song. 
• What does a favorite TV show remind you of? 

• What comes to your mind when you’re looking at an old caste? 
• Associations you have when watching a favorite movie. 
• How does rainy weather make you feel? 
• What does your favorite painting remind you of? 
• Your feelings after reading a poem. 
• Memories associated with your childhood house. 
• What comes to your mind when talking about family ? 
• What do you picture when thinking about traveling overseas? 
• Thinking about a vacation . 
• What do you mentally picture when looking at business clothes? 
• What emotions do you connect with sports activity? 
• What do you associate with saying goodbye? 
• A mental image you have of yourself. 
• What comes to your mind when talking about love ? 
• What does the taste of chocolate remind you of? 
• What do you think about while eating your favorite food? 
• Things you associate with your name. 

👫 Descriptive Essay Topics about People

A descriptive essay about people can focus on several aspects of a person. You can describe somebody’s appearance, behavior, or personality. But there is one important thing to keep in mind: be polite!

• A famous person from my city. 
• Describe your parents’ personalities. 
• The appearance of your favorite movie star. 
• Describe your best friend. 
• An athlete you look up to. 
• The person you miss the most. 
• What are your grandparents like? 
• The personality of your childhood toy. 
• A historical figure you’d like to meet. 
• What character traits do you value in people? 
• A person you will remember forever. 
• A person you have strong feelings for. 
• Describe your siblings . 
• Somebody you respect . 
• The kind of person you want to become. 
• Which celebrity would you like to meet? 
• Describe your appearance . 
• Your favorite teacher’s personality . 
• Someone you ran into recently. 
• Cultural differences you notice in people. 

❤️ Descriptive Writing Topics: Favorite Things

Did you ever have a favorite toy? Or maybe you’ve bought something special recently? Describe an object that you have appreciated at some point in your life. This list will help choose the topic for your essay:

• Your favorite breakfast food. 
• What hot beverage do you enjoy? 
• The most beautiful sea landscape you’ve ever seen. 
• The prettiest building in your city. 
• A doll you treasure. 

• Your first bicycle ride.  
• Which outfits are you always ready to wear? 
• A car you wish to have. 
• Your favorite sports equipment. 
• An electronic device you use daily. 
• Flowers you enjoy the most. 
• A sculpture you wish to have at your house. 
• Which pair of shoes you wish would never wear out? 
• A notebook you want to keep your whole life. 
• Your favorite genre of literature . 
• A musical Instrument you cherish the most. 
• A must-have household object. 
• Which kitchen item does your family often use? 
• The painting you admire the most. 
• What’s your most prized possession? 

📅 Descriptive Essay Topics about Events

Did you notice how often you describe events to people around you? It happens naturally! Review your memories for exciting or significant events. Practice your storytelling skills and use descriptive vocabulary in your paper:

• Cruise you wish to go to. 
• The most memorable day at school. 
• The best Christmas in your life. 
• Fun memories you share with your friends. 
• An unusual historical event . 
• The most exciting birthday party . 
• Describe an event when you got lost. 
• A memorable camping trip. 
• Fun hiking experience. 
• A story of how you took part in a competition. 
• Experience while attending a sports game . 
• What childhood events impacted you the most? 
• Describe your dream trip. 
• An event that made you nervous. 
• Describe your first date . 
• A fun movie night experience. 
• Write about your favorite sleepover. 
• A memorable event you watched on TV. 
• Your first time being on stage. 
• The worst experience at the doctor’s office. 

We hope this article was helpful. Good luck with your descriptive essay!

• Writing Descriptive Essays: Purdue University
• Descriptive Essay: Excelsior College
• Descriptive Writing: Indiana University of Pennsylvania
• The Descriptive Narrative Essay: Southeastern Louisiana University
• This List of 50 Low-cost Hobbies Will Excite You: Lifehack
• 40 Most Beautiful Places in the World: Harper’s Bazaar
• 30 Books Everyone Should Read At Least Once In Their Lives: Lifehack
• A Definition of Descriptive Detail: Colorado State University
• Different Kinds of Association: Wall Street International Magazine
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Descriptive Essay

Descriptive Essay Topics

Last updated on: Nov 20, 2023

Interesting Descriptive Essay Topics Recommended by Experts

By: Cathy A.

Reviewed By: Jacklyn H.

Published on: Dec 24, 2019

Memories, imaginative situations, feelings, and impressions, writing a descriptive essay is absolutely fun for many college or university students. They get a chance to play with their creativity, which makes this type of essay so much fun.

Descriptive essays do not require a lot of research. They are based on the writer’s personal description and explanation of the selected, or given, topic. This essay type is ideal for school/college students because they are not very much into research.

However, one of the most common problems students face while writing an essay is choosing and picking the essay topic. The process of finding a good essay topic could be difficult, confusing, and time-consuming.

The descriptive essay format is the same; introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. However, the topics for a descriptive essay are different and require a high level of descriptive capability.

On this Page

Descriptive Essay Topics for Students

Here is a list of some good descriptive essay topic ideas. These are just topics and ideas, and you can customize them according to your requirements.

Descriptive Essay Topics for College Students

• One week of a newly wedded couple.
• A crazy jump with bungee.
• Importance of college education.
• The day when everything went wrong.
• Education before anything.
• How can one make the world a better place?
• The magnificence of this universe.
• The demand for love In everyone’s life.
• Future of cloning on planet Earth.
• Describe your day as a new college student.

Descriptive Essay Topics for Middle School Students

Finding the best writing topics for a descriptive essay is an important task to accomplish. Also, keep in mind that you will easily create the thesis statement if your topic is good. Here are some of the great essay topics for different grades.

Descriptive Essay Topics for Grade 7

• Favorite cartoon character.
• My favorite song.A special photograph.
• A special place.An important time in history.
• Building a fort.Creepy things.
• Do I want to be famous?
• Doing homework.
• Going for fishing.

Descriptive Essay Topics for Grade 8

• Favorite hobby.
• What is your favorite movie?
• Do you like gaming, and which game is your favorite?
• Do you enjoy playing a sport?
• Do you have an unusual talent?
• What is your favorite subject, and why?
• How to stop hiccups?
• Let's help the animals.
• Looking at the globe.
• My favorite clothes.

Descriptive Essay Topics for High School Students

For your help, we categorized the descriptive essay topics into different academic grades. Choose the best one that you find interesting.

Descriptive Essay Topics for Grade 9

• Where do you like to vacation and why?
• What is the greatest lesson you have learned?
• Who is your hero, and why?
• If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
• Who is your favorite band?Where do you want to go to college?
• Important reasons why kids should have chores.
• The benefits of summer school.
• Staying at a friend's house.
• What I use a computer for.

Descriptive Essay Topics for Grade 10

• A game close to my heart.
• Mobile Phone: boon or a curse?
• What is your most treasured item?
• Your favorite restaurant.
• Your dream house.
• Five qualities of a good roommate.
• A note on your closet.
• Your favorite childhood memory.
• The ride on a subway train.
• The street from home to school.

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Good Descriptive Essay Topics

Descriptive essays are only difficult when you have to decide what to write about. Here are some good and easy descriptive essay topics that you can explore to create one of your own.

• My first day at the job and how I feel about it.
• Most suffocating day at the workplace and how I survived it.
• How to avoid negativity in the workplace?
• How to be more positive with troublesome employees?
• The best way to resolve a conflict and to avoid it in the future.
• Miracles of staying focused at the workplace.
• Importance of maintaining a healthy routine even if you have a tough job.
• Most embarrassing moment in my office.
• How to deal with deadline pressure?
• Top 10 tips to invoke creativity and move ahead in your work.

Descriptive Essay Topics About Person

• Describe your mother.
• Discuss my pet.
• Meeting a famous person.
• A particular family or family member.
• I miss them.
• Memorable person.
• My dad is the most interesting person.
• Describe a person you hate.
• My favorite school teacher.
• Describe your favorite celebrity.

Easy Descriptive Essay Topics

• Describe your favorite scene from the most recent movie that you have watched.
• Describe the physical setting of your favorite soft drink’s TVC.
• Describe the emotions depicted in the famous Mona Lisa painting.
• Describe the plot of your favorite movie.
• Describe your favorite fictional character and discuss why you like it.
• Choose one abstract painting and describe the emotions depicted in it.
• How your religious book impacted your inner thoughts?
• A writer with whom you can relate the most.
• What is your favorite type of dance; describe your emotions while dancing.
• Describe your favorite tv-series and why you like watching it.

Best Descriptive Essay Topics

• Describe an important event that impacted your personality.
• Describe the psychological events that influenced your personality for the worse.
• Describe the psychological events that influenced your personality for the better.
• Describe your first or last day at your college.
• Why do you enjoy bike riding?
• Why do you think writing will impact your personality at a deeper level?
• What did you feel when you held a baby for the first time?
• Describe the loss of a family member in 800 words.
• Describe how you would look without hair on your scalp in 900 words.
• Why are stars compared with human personalities in poems?

Interesting Descriptive Essay Topics

• All-time favorite movie character.
• Movie of the century.
• House that I have always wanted.
• Most heart-touching poem.
• Meeting my best friend after a long time.
• My favorite book.
• The most amazing thing that I remember.
• First time I fell in love.
• My first date.
• The first time I went shopping on my own.

Descriptive Essay Topics About Memory

• Describe the oldest memory that you can recall and why it has stuck with you.
• Describe a time you were the happiest; who were you with?
• Describe when something completely unexpected caught you off-guard.
• Describe a memory that you hold close to someone who has passed away.
• Describe your most embarrassing day or moment.
• Describe a cold winter evening.
• Describe the time you went to the beach on a bright sunny day.
• Describe your first day at preschool; what do you remember about it?
• Describe the first concert you attended.
• Describe the time that you felt the most scared.

Descriptive Essay Topics About Object

• Select five objects from the kitchen and describe their appearance.
• Describe your prized possession.
• Describe a room in your house and its most valued objects.
• Describe your favorite outfit that you can never get rid of.
• How will you describe a smartphone to someone from ancient times?
• What role does the computer play in your life?
• Objects you come across on the way to your school.
• Describe your favorite toy as a kid.
• Describe your safety blanket.
• What objects would you bury in a time capsule?

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Descriptive Essay Topics About a Place

• A trip to the mountains.
• Describe your ideal bedroom.
• Describe your favorite coffee shop.
• The place I don’t forget.
• A garden in the gas station.
• My favorite classroom.
• Describe the loudest place you visit.
• An amazing trip to a beautiful valley.
• Describe your favorite restaurant.
• Describe your favorite park.

These are the best ideas or topics for a descriptive essay. Make sure you choose a topic of your interest that you are passionate about.

Once you have decided on the essay topic, the next step is to write a descriptive essay. With us, you can learn how to write a descriptive essay with helpful tips and samples.

However, if you are still confused about picking a topic for a descriptive essay, worry not! Consult 5StarEssays.com.

You only have to request to write my essay and leave all the work on our writers. We offer high-quality paper writing services for high school, college, and university students at affordable rates.

Our highly qualified essay writers are ready round the clock to help you. We submit all the work after diligent plagiarism and grammar checking so that you don't have to check it again.

Or you can also get help from our AI essay generator? to get an essay by just adding in your selected topic and waiting for 90 seconds!

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Descriptive Essays

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The Modes of Discourse—Exposition, Description, Narration, Argumentation (EDNA)—are common paper assignments you may encounter in your writing classes. Although these genres have been criticized by some composition scholars, the Purdue OWL recognizes the wide spread use of these approaches and students’ need to understand and produce them.

What is a descriptive essay?

The descriptive essay is a genre of essay that asks the student to describe something—object, person, place, experience, emotion, situation, etc. This genre encourages the student’s ability to create a written account of a particular experience. What is more, this genre allows for a great deal of artistic freedom (the goal of which is to paint an image that is vivid and moving in the mind of the reader).

One might benefit from keeping in mind this simple maxim: If the reader is unable to clearly form an impression of the thing that you are describing, try, try again!

Here are some guidelines for writing a descriptive essay.

• Take time to brainstorm

If your instructor asks you to describe your favorite food, make sure that you jot down some ideas before you begin describing it. For instance, if you choose pizza, you might start by writing down a few words: sauce, cheese, crust, pepperoni, sausage, spices, hot, melted, etc. Once you have written down some words, you can begin by compiling descriptive lists for each one.

• Use clear and concise language.

This means that words are chosen carefully, particularly for their relevancy in relation to that which you are intending to describe.

• Choose vivid language.

Why use horse when you can choose stallion ? Why not use tempestuous instead of violent ? Or why not miserly in place of cheap ? Such choices form a firmer image in the mind of the reader and often times offer nuanced meanings that serve better one’s purpose.

• Use your senses!

Remember, if you are describing something, you need to be appealing to the senses of the reader. Explain how the thing smelled, felt, sounded, tasted, or looked. Embellish the moment with senses.

• What were you thinking?!

If you can describe emotions or feelings related to your topic, you will connect with the reader on a deeper level. Many have felt crushing loss in their lives, or ecstatic joy, or mild complacency. Tap into this emotional reservoir in order to achieve your full descriptive potential.

• Leave the reader with a clear impression.

One of your goals is to evoke a strong sense of familiarity and appreciation in the reader. If your reader can walk away from the essay craving the very pizza you just described, you are on your way to writing effective descriptive essays.

• Be organized!

It is easy to fall into an incoherent rambling of emotions and senses when writing a descriptive essay. However, you must strive to present an organized and logical description if the reader is to come away from the essay with a cogent sense of what it is you are attempting to describe.

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75 Interesting Descriptive Essay Topics

Working on academic papers is a must, no matter how intensely students hate this task. Descriptive writing could be interesting, but for reaching success here, it is essential to find good descriptive essay topics. A lot of things depend on creativity and imagination, but your personal interest is even more important. We’re going to help you find a topic that will suit your tastes, but first, let’s figure out  what is a descriptive essay ? These assignments are a piece of writing focused on re-creating a specific experience, place, person, or event: a writer’s goal is to present it in a detailed and clear way. So, each student must pick a subject and describe it, building a vivid picture of it in the minds of their audience.

Descriptive writing prompts are important because they help you sharpen your memory, analyze your thoughts and reactions, and train your writing as well as expand your vocabulary.  They are also exciting, but of course, this factor relies on which topic you select. There are some tips and suggestions that could guide you in this process, so if you need assistance, we are here to help you.

Strategies for Choosing Great Descriptive Essay Ideas

Many students underestimate the importance of topics. They are happy to grab the first one they see, and then they face hours or even days of boring research and inefficient drafts, ending up with a mediocre paper a professor cannot evaluate highly. This is a big mistake, so if you’d like to avoid such unfortunate results, keep tips below in mind.

• Go for personal focus. Never choose descriptive essay prompts that you don’t care about. They should be personally interesting for you — this is the only way to make sure that your paper is pleasing to everyone related to it. Writers can do a good job only if they enjoy what they’re doing (unless they are already experienced enough, but it’s a rarity among students). So, look into your memory. Think about something you’d like to describe: it could be a trip somewhere, a favorite place, or even a beloved person.
• Consider the volume. It is vital to base a topic on the word count you’ll have to cover and the amount of details available to you. Let’s look at these examples: you decided to write about an instance where you met your favorite actor. The problem is, you saw him briefly and nothing truly of note happened, so you could come up with several descriptive paragraph topics, but it won’t be enough for a 5-page essay. You’d have to choose another theme in this case. Equally, if you have a large idea that could make for 10 pages while the task requires you to write only 1, this isn’t the best decision. So never forget about word count and adjust volume of your ideas accordingly.
• Adjust topic based on vocabulary. If you study at college, you likely have an average vocabulary fitting the academic sphere. In case you study at university, your word supply is more complex, so you could afford to look at more creative descriptive topics. High school students have less diverse vocabulary, so evaluate your skills objectively. This factor affects the choice you will make, so if you plan to describe a fight you witnessed, you should assess whether you know enough words and expressions for it.
• Look for supporting sources. They are not always necessary, but they’ll definitely be a plus. If you choose a more scientific kind of work, you should support your opinions and impressions with other people’s words. Look for such sources, but be sure they are credible. Focus on articles and books, not on blogs and general sites.

75 Topics for Descriptive Essay on Different Levels

Another option for choosing an inspiring topic entails looking through relevant lists. We composed one specifically for the sake of students who are looking for inspiration yet can’t settle on any exciting ideas. You won’t experience any troubles with using it: either pick an option directly from it or use some of them as a foundation for developing your own.  We concentrated on five major categories, each having 15 descriptive topics in it.

Descriptive Essay Topics About Famous People

There are lots of ideas for descriptive essay in this category. With how many famous people have changed our world, you could pick any of them to craft your essay.

• Donald Trump: Describe His Rise to Power and His Eventual Downfall
• Explain What Diaries Belonging to Marilyn Monroe Revealed About Her Past
• Why Is Mother Theresa Known All Over the World? Describe Her Life and Personality
• Describe the Real Circumstances Surrounding Discoveries That Christopher Columbus Made
• Describe the Productive Life of Walt Disney & His Legacy
• Explain Why Leonardo Da Vinci Is Considered Unique:  Focus on His Discoveries and Inventions
• Explore Rise of Any Popular Soviet Leader to Absolute Power
• Who Is Greta Thunberg? Talk About Her Personality as Expressed By Her Ideas

There are also fictional famous people: they could make for good descriptive essay titles.

• Harry Potter: Describe His Heroic Attributes and How They Relate to His Personality
• Explain the Mystery Posed by the Figure of Merlin: What Do We Know About Him?
• Describe All Heroics Attributed to King Arthur
• Describe Changes in Attitude toward Vampires That Jacob Black Experienced
• Talk About the Love Story between Jack and Rose from Titanic
• Voldemort: What Events in the Life of Tom Riddle Created a Monster
• Describe What Makes Katniss from Hunger Games an Inspiring Power Leader

Descriptive Topics About Celebrities

We are surrounded by celebrities. If you’d like to explore one of them, check this descriptive essay topics list.

• Mads Mikkelsen as the Most Atypical Star in the Global Movie Industry
• Describe Problems that Johnny Depp Has Been Experiencing Recently
• Tragedy and Comedy of Jim Carrey’s Life: Describe This Mix
• Describe the Changing Array of Roles Performed by Emma Watson
• Daniel Radcliffe and His Attempts to Move On From Harry Potter
• Explore and Explain Leonardo DiCaprio’s Struggles to Receive Oscar
• Dive Into Descriptions of Reasons for Charles Chaplin’s Popularity
• How Morgan Freeman Changed Entertainment Industry
• Acting in Violent Movies: Describe What Roles Sylvester Stallone Played
• Elaborate on How George Clooney Started Being Considered an Icon of Attractiveness
• Describe Career of Steven Spielberg Along with His Success and Failures
• Sad Stories: Describe What Choices Kate Winslet Makes in Her Movies
• Being a Pirate: Talk About Adventures Orlando Bloom Had When Playing Will Turner
• Creativity and Elegance of Keira Knightley:  Describe Life Journey of This Actress
• Describe Singing Career of Hugh Jackman and How It Mixed with His Actor Choices

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Descriptive Essay Topic Ideas About Places

People love travelling all over the world, so there is a thousand of descriptive writing topics to select from.

• Talk About the Most Beautiful City You Have Ever Visited
• Quiet Night in a Forest: Describe Beauty Around It
• Seeing Red Sea for the First Time: Focus on Details Surrounding This Experience
• Describe Your Home and Elements That Make It Dear to You
• The Coziest Café with the Most Delicious Food: Share Your Experience
• Garden That Stays in Your Memory: Describe What Plants It Had
• Visiting Museum: Discuss Atmosphere, Interior, and Displayed Objects
• First Visit to 3D Movie: How Did It Go?
• Moving to a New House: Describe First Impressions of How It Looked Liked
• Choose a Church That Impressed You & Share Details About Its Design

How about descriptive writing ideas for fictional places? They could be just as exciting.

• Describe Hogwarts As It Is Portrayed in Harry Potter Books
• Narnia, Its Delights and Horrors: Focus On Attributes That Make It Memorable
• Describe Gritty Setting of Games of Thrones (TV Show or Book)
• How Does Universe of Hunger Games Function? Describe Its Major Features
• House of Cullens From Twilight: Talk About Its Inward and Outward Appearance

Descriptive Essay Prompts About Objects

Wherever you look, you’ll see objects of different kinds. Pick a good descriptive essay topic from the ones that trigger your interest.

• How Cell Phone of Your Dreams Would Look Like
• The Most Comfortable Bed in This World: Give a Detailed Description
• Describe Each Component of Your Make-Up: What Are They, What Color They Have, & What Are They For?
• Describe the Scent of Your Favorite Perfume: Focus on Each Undertone to Create a Clear Image
• Your Favorite Food: Describe a Meal Complete with Three Different Dishes
• Talk About Diary You Had: Its Cover, Pages, Purpose, & Importance
• Describe How the Most Exquisite Box of Chocolates You Have Seen Looks
• Book Cover That Made You Immediately Want to Buy Book Itself
• Backpack You Carry Every Day: What Makes It Comfortable & Special?
• Describe How You Choose Your Handbag From Start to Finish
• Kitchen in Your House: Describe Its Design, Key Objects, & Their Purposes
• The Most Exquisite  Bouquet of Flowers That Stands Out in Memory
• Blanket You Use During Winter: What Is Its Appearance, Thickness, and Warmth Level?
• Movie You Watched for More Than Ten Times
• A Pair of Shoes That Begs to Be Bought: How Would You Describe It?

Memories Topics

We all have memories that make us into who we are. These examples of descriptive essay topics could help you recall meaningful events that deserve to be written about.

• Describe the Best Birthday Celebration You Have Ever Had
• The  Day When Someone You Love Broke Your Heart
• Seeing My Future Pet for the First Time & Falling in Love With It
• Day of Heartbreaking Loss and My Reaction to It
• Finale of a Movie I Watched That Made Me Feel Over the Moon From Joy
• Terrible Disappointment After the Show I Loved Ended Badly: Details & Reaction
• How My Best Friend and I Shared Our First Serious Secret We Never Disclosed to Others
• Your First Joined Trip with Family: Fun and Excitement of It
• Guilt I Felt After Betraying Someone I Loved
• How Going on the First Date Felt Like: Describe This Time and Your Emotions
• Getting a Gift I Always Dreamed About: Celebration That I Could Never Forget
• Describe an Event That Helped You Understand What Career You Would Like to Have
• City I Used to Live In: Describe Its Physical Appearance and Places It Had
• Visiting Escape Room: Challenges, Excitement, Fear, & Complexity
• The Happiest Day I Could Remember in My Life

Make Writing Exciting and Look for Help When In Need

As you had a chance to see, there are plenty of diverse ideas for descriptive essays. So, if you cannot come up with something on your own, don’t let it worry or embarrass you. Look for assistance: check related lists online, talk to other people, visit forums for discussions and brainstorm with your classmates. If you aren’t sure whether you feel up to writing, you could always let us know, and our team will gladly help. Inspiration is a big part of writing success, so it’s vital not to make a mistake when choosing what your paper is going to be about. Try to find it, and your chances at succeeding will grow!

Can’t come up with a topic for you paper? We’ve prepared a collection of essay topics for you

Want to write a winning essay but lack experience? Browse our free essay samples

Related Topics

Related essays to descriptive essays.

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Got to the bottom and still stuck with essay ideas?

How to Write a Descriptive Essay

This could be something as simple as your favorite flavor of ice cream or as complicated as the politics of 13th century Vienna. Different than a simple description, a descriptive essay allows the writer to really show off both their imagination as well as their writing skills.

What is a Descriptive Essay?

A descriptive essay is a type of academic writing that asks the writer to fully describe a place, person, situation, event, or thing. They can be simple or they can be very complex depending on the subject matter and audience written for. These types of essays train a writer’s ability to express themselves accurately as well as build compelling sentences and arguments.

Descriptive Essay Ideas

There is no exhaustive list of things that can be described, but these are some of the most common things you may be asked to write about. 

A Location - The goal of writing about a place is to make the reader feel as if they are there. Words, similes, and metaphors that ignite the reader’s imagination are essential. Try and immerse the reader in the sights, smells, and sounds of the place you are describing. Examples could be a city, a view, a particular building like your house, etc. 

A Time Period - Similar to writing about a location, the goal is to make the reader lose themselves in the time you are describing. This requires great research to be able to describe physical characteristics as authentically and as well as possible. This could include how you felt a year ago, an ancient time period, or the future.

An Event - The goal of describing an event is to explain a series of interesting circumstances. Typical storytelling elements like describing the plot, setting, and characters are useful, but make sure you focus on the chain of events.

An Emotion - The goal of describing an emotion is to make the reader feel the sentiments of the character you are describing. Metaphors and similes are very useful when trying to evoke an emotion in a reader along with physical descriptions that express the emotion. 

A Person - The goal of writing about a person is to make the reader understand something about that person. This includes physical descriptions of what they look like, what kind of clothing they wear, a sense of the physical presence along with their profession,  as well as how they behave. 

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Descriptive Essay Outline and Structure

Though a descriptive type of essay is quite different from a typical academic paper, it still follows a classic 5 paragraph format. Always follow any directions though, sometimes you may need more or fewer body paragraphs. This is a general structure you should keep in mind for this type of essay.

Introduction

• Introduction/background information

Body Paragraphs

• Topic Sentence
• Sensory Information
• Physical Descriptions
• Transition Sentence
• Summary of the main points
• Restate the thesis

An outline is always a good idea for any kind of writing, but it is particularly useful for this type of essay because it collects your thoughts and makes sure your essay stays on track. 

Introduction 

• Hook - The sting of salty water, the hypnotic crash of the waves, the breathtaking sunsets, the best vacation spot?
• Background information - Everyone is different and everyone likes different types of things. When it comes to vacations though, there is a place that almost everyone enjoys.
• Thesis - In my opinion, the beach is the best possible vacation spot because of the variety of ways one can enjoy it. 

Body Paragraph 1 

• Topic Sentence - The beach has many kinds of natural beauty
• Sensory information - The unlimited expanse of the ocean combined with glorious sunrises and sunsets.
• Physical descriptions -The crunch of sand below your bare feet and the crash of waves on your body.
• Transition sentence - There’s more than just natural beauty though, there are physical activities to enjoy as well 

Body Paragraph 2

• Topic Sentence - The beach has unlimited activities for physical enjoyment.
• Sensory information - The thrill of battling with the ocean, the joy of falling on the sand, the wind streaming through your hair, and the pleasant tingling of the sun on bare skin.
• Physical descriptions - Water sports like surfing, jet skiing, and the like allow you to exercise in one of the most fun ways possible. Not to mention sports like frisbee, volleyball, beach soccer, and more.
• Transition sentence - If you just want to relax, the beach is perfect for that too!

Body Paragraph 3

• Topic Sentence - The beach is ideal just to relax, destress, and take it easy. 
• Sensory information - To relax as you are massaged by either human hands or the sun is a pleasure. Lazing around might be frowned upon, but the beach is the ideal place to spend some time taking care of yourself and letting the stresses of the world melt away.
• Physical description - Whether it’s reading a book, or enjoying a refreshing beverage with umbrellas in it, you can get taken care of on the beach. Building sandcastles, painting, and meditating are other activities easily and freely enjoyed. 
• Transition sentence - The beach has so much to offer.
• Summary of the main points - Whether it’s nature, physical exercise, or simple relaxation, the beach can offer all of that and more. 
• Restate the thesis - That’s the main reason that a beach is the ideal vacation spot, it allows for diverse ways of having fun. 
• Closing statement/Clincher - Think about the last time you went to the beach, don’t you want to go again?

What is the Purpose of a Descriptive Essay?

It should leave the reader with a clear idea of the topic of the essay. The goal is to explain things in a comprehensive and interesting way so that the information stays with the reader. Let’s go into the details of how to accomplish this. 

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Writing Process & Descriptive Essay Examples

It may seem challenging to write a successful essay of this type, but if you follow the advice below, it will be a breeze. 

How to Start a Descriptive Essay

Making sure you choose the right topic is the first hurdle to cross. A topic for a descriptive essay is vital because it is the main subject you will be writing about. Spend at least 20 minutes brainstorming different topic ideas and make sure you choose a topic that you know well.

Next, create an outline to better structure your thoughts and figure out the pieces of information you need to find out more about. The more time you spend creating a well-researched outline, the better your endpaper is going to be, and you’ll end up spending less time on actually writing the paper. Now you can move on the writing the descriptive essay introduction.

How to Write a Descriptive Essay Thesis

A thesis statement is the main argument you are trying to make in your paper. It is the main point you are trying to describe. A good thesis statement for descriptive essay is particular without being too brief. It should include not only just what the topic is, but also mention why the topic is important.

How to Write Body Paragraphs

You can have as many body paragraphs as you think are necessary to achieve the goal of describing something clearly. This means you could have just one body paragraph, the standard three, or more. 

Start every paragraph with a topic sentence that explains what the main purpose of the paragraph is. Next fill in sensory details, describing the emotions before moving on to describing the actual physical details. End each body paragraph with a transition sentence that helps each paragraph flow into the other. Not only does this make your writing stronger, but it also helps you create an immersive experience.

How to Write the Conclusion 

Summarize the main points of your essay and make sure that you reiterate the thesis statement. This reminds people of the point of your essay and ensures that when writing, you don’t stray too far from the point. 

Descriptive Essay Format 

There are 3 main formats of citation types for essays. Though the most common one is MLA, it is possible that you may have to use APA or Chicago Style citations. 

MLA stands for Modern Language Association and is used primarily for the arts and humanities.  MLA uses in-text parenthetical citation in the format of (Author, Page). The page at the end that contains all the sources is called the Works Cited page. The format of these entries is unique to MLA but is easy to make with a citation generator. 

APA stands for American Psychological Association and is used mostly for the sciences and social sciences. APA uses in-text parenthetical citations in the format (Author, Date). The page at the end that contains all the sources is called the References section

Chicago Style is used primarily for Business, History, and the Fine Arts. In-text citation can be either as footnotes or parenthetical citation in the format (Author, Date). The page at the end that contains all the sources is called the Bibliography. 

Most descriptive essays will follow the MLA style of citation, but if you need any more help, find a guide on Studyfy.com for more information about citation styles in general. 

Descriptive Essay Topics

The topic is crucial, because all the research you do, and the entire paper, will specifically be about describing the topic. Here are some descriptive essay prompts to inspire you!

The person you’ve most admired in your life

A movie scene that made you feel strong emotions

The time period you would travel to if you had a time machine

Why a beach is better than the mountains for a vacation (or vice versa)

The taste of a drink when you are incredibly tired

An author that inspired you 

Your favorite cuisine

The best place in the world to be by yourself

The best Christmas morning you’ve ever had

An accent that you really enjoy 

A time when you wanted something so much it burned

Describe the day in the life of your favorite celebrity 

The joy of escaping into a video game

What dancing means to you 

A life philosophy you believe in 

The feeling of holding a baby in our arms

The sound of crashing waves

Standing in front of a gorgeous view

A vacation that was meaningful 

Why fireworks are magical 

The first time you cosplayed 

How it feels to listen to music that you hate 

The best thing you have ever eaten in your life

What would it be like to live 100 years in the future

Why hearing people laugh is beautiful 

A day in the life of your favorite animal 

A strange superstition you believe in

The strangest person you’ve ever met

Your favorite tv show 

Playing your favorite sport 

What it’s like to be in love

Descriptive Essay Tips

Before we end, let’s go over some of the key points of information in this article.

• Use figurative language including metaphors and similes 
• Use your senses
• Choose appropriate words
• Show don't tell 
• Focus on specific details
• Spend time choosing the right topic
• Create a detailed outline
• Forget about the purpose of the essay
• Submit your first draft
• Make it too complicated
• Ignore your audience 
• Ignore any directions

In addition to the information provided in this article, there are various resources available to help with your writing needs. If you are struggling to write your descriptive essay, you can turn to professional writers and editors for assistance. You may consider hiring a research paper writing service or seeking help from dissertation writers .

Additionally, if you need someone to " write my admission essay ", there are various options available. You can hire a writer for a custom writing service or seek help from online tutors and teachers. Furthermore, if you need to write a strong admission essay, there are services available that specialize in providing guidance and assistance with this type of writing.

It is important to note that before submitting any work, it should be proofread and edited thoroughly to ensure its quality. Studyfy offers a range of services to help with this, including professional proofreaders and editors who can check your work for grammatical errors and ensure that it meets academic standards.

In summary, there are various resources available to help with your writing needs, including professional writing services, proofreaders, and editors. By utilizing these resources and following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can write a successful descriptive essay that effectively conveys your ideas and engages your readers.If you are looking for the query " I need someone to write an essay for me ", Studyfy has got you covered

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120 Descriptive Essay Topics to Spark Your Creativity

Writing a descriptive essay is a creative task. It requires using sensory language and expressive means, such as similes, metaphors, personifications, etc., for creating a vivid description of an object, place, person, or experience. The best descriptive essays are usually based on the writer's personal lived reality. However, some good descriptive essay topics require research and imagination to explore. Your instructors might give you one of such assignments to see how well you have absorbed class materials and how confident you are with the knowledge.

Finding a suitable topic to explore is no mean feat. With this blog, we hope to help you with the task. Below, you will find 120 topics grouped by a common theme and academic level they are suitable for. Some of the ideas for descriptive essays are linked to full samples in our free database. Read them to understand descriptive writing better and maybe borrow a trick or two to make your own essay even more compelling.

How to Choose a Descriptive Essay Topic

Before we proceed to our descriptive essay topics list, let's first prime you on brainstorming the ideas and finding suitable topics independently.

The first thing you need to ask yourself is, "What are my limits?" Are you free to use your imagination, or are you restricted to the facts you have witnessed? For example, for your history class, they might ask you to write a descriptive essay of an archeological site you've been digging. That would be a description based on your experience. However, they could also ask you to reconstruct the site and describe what it could look like centuries ago. That would be an assignment based on research but also requiring your imagination and creativity.

With that in mind, you need to inspect what resources you have at your disposal. If you have to base your essay on research, look at what literature you have readily available. If sources abound, you can narrow your topic down for a more efficient search. If, however, the information is scarce, scale up a bit to find more data.

If you have to write a description based on your experience, the best strategy for a good descriptive essay topic would be to go for something that made a strong impression on you. This way, it would be easier to create a powerful description from memory. Also, make sure you touch on points relevant to your class or this particular assignment. For example, you need to write about the importance of emotional intelligence in your practice as a nurse. For this, you must select a case that is both memorable to you and relevant to the topic.

Descriptive Essay Topics for Middle School

First, let us zero in on the academic level. Here are some fun descriptive paper ideas suitable for middle-school students. Some of the suggestions are easy; others are more challenging. However, they all provide an opportunity to give a colorful description and tell a story through images.

• Describe your favorite animal
• Describe a fantastical journey through a human body affected by fast food
• My last weekend and how I spent it
• Describe the dawn or the sunset
• Describe your pet (or your friend's pet if you don't keep pets)
• Describe your favorite item of clothing
• Describe your last weekend
• Describe the best journey you ever had
• Describe your best friend
• Describe your classroom
• Describe your street
• Describe your house

Descriptive Essay Topics for High School Students

If you have been given a descriptive writing assignment but no prompt hinting what to write a descriptive essay on, try these suggestions. Feel free to change them. Treat them as brainstorm starters.

• A childhood memory that stuck with you
• A time you lost someone dear to you and how you persevered
• What are your personal reactions to The Princess Bride movie ? Be descriptive.
• Retell Frankenstein from the POV of the Creature
• Describe your family home
• Describe the last party you've been to
• Describe a book character (how you picture them based on the information from the book)
• Describe waking up early
• Describe your favorite smell
• Describe a chance encounter that left a lasting impression
• Describe the most fun activity you have ever participated in
• Describe a thing that annoys you the most. What makes it so noxious?

Descriptive Essay Topics for College Students

As a college student, you must be looking for more original topics to write a descriptive essay on since you've most likely already explored the easier ones from above. Look in this section or further – in the thematic groups. Read the papers attached as examples if the topic interests you but seems too challenging. Also, don't forget that you can get personalized essay writing help for any type of assignment – creative descriptions included. 

• Describe your favorite place on campus
• Describe your experience with contemplating art
• Describe a hot day
• Describe events from The Great Gatsby from an unconventional POV
• Describe a vivid childhood memory
• Describe a gathering (a club meeting, a political rally, etc.)
• Describe a construction site
• Describe a frightening experience you went through
• Describe building a healthy habit (or breaking a bad one)
• Describe a wedding you have attended
• Describe a trip home during the break
• Describe your new room away from home

Descriptive Essay Ideas About an Object

Describing an object is probably on the easier side of this assignment. However, with these original descriptive writing topics, an essay about an ordinary thing can be just as impressive and sophisticated as a description of unique experiences.

• My notebook
• Describe a tool you use every day and its importance
• The thing that has shaped your childhood
• Describe your most treasured possession
• Describe a piece of jewelry you wish you owned
• Describe a thing that has a story attached to it (a family heirloom, a museum exhibit, a memento, etc.)
• Describe your favorite piece of furniture
• Describe a thing that used to scare you as a child
• Judge a book by its cover: pick up and describe a book you've never read
• Describe a remarkable door
• You are living in the Iron Age. Describe the most valuable thing you own
• Describe an item that belongs to a friend or a family member. What can it tell about its owner?

Topics for a Descriptive Essay About an Experience

Speaking of experiences. If you are tired of well-thumbed issues like triumphs and defeats, choose your next topic for a descriptive essay from the list below. Write a different story that is meaningful and impactful.

• Describe how you tried something for the first time
• Describe a music concert or a festival you've been to
• Describe the feelings of an unfairly incarcerated person
• Describe a difficult situation that taught you something valuable
• Describe living through a natural disaster
• Describe the feeling of sorrow
• Describe your experience watching a classic movie
• Describe how you combat stress
• Describe the sadness of leaving
• Describe recovering from an illness
• Do you remember how you learned reading? Tell about the experience
• Describe your visit to a beauty salon or a barbershop

Examples of Descriptive Essay Topics About a Place

Descriptive paper topics suggested below give you only a general direction for your thoughts. In contrast, a sample attached to each title describes a concrete and very specific place. That is why we advise you to explore the attached pieces for more inspiration.

• Write about a public place that continues to evoke powerful, emotional memories for you
• Describe a restaurant in your area
• Describe a house
• Describe your hometown
• Describe ocean shore
• Describe a museum or an art gallery you've attended
• Describe a park or a natural spot you like
• Describe your favorite place on earth
• Describe the best place to study
• Imagine a public space designed for teens. Describe it. Where would you place it?
• Do you remember your first trip out of town? Where did you go? Be descriptive.
• Describe a place where you feel most safe

Interesting Descriptive Essay Topics About a Person

Describing a person is not an easy task, especially if you need to remain neutral and objective. These topics for descriptive essays about people will be an excellent exercise for you.

• Describe a person from your class that you find interesting
• Describe a person you have helped recently
• Describe a stranger who showed you kindness
• Describe one of your parents
• The most unforgettable person in your life
• Describe a person you can call your mentor
• Describe your professor
• Describe someone you see often but not acquainted with (a cash-desk clerk, a bus driver, a dog-walker from your street, etc.)
• Describe a celebrity you find the most inspiring
• Describe a fictional character you had a crush on
• Describe an influential political figure of today
• If you could interview any historical personality, who would it be? Describe them

Descriptive Essay Topics About Art, Culture, and Esthetics

The area we have outlined in the subheading is vast, so these topics are there to give your creativity a little nudge. Play with them and transform them to suit your assignment.

• Describe a cultural artifact (a sculpture, a painting, a museum exhibit, etc.)
• Describe a creative work you have produced
• A documentary that fascinated you
• Describe an impact of a poetic work on you
• Describe characters on your favorite TV show
• Describe a dance show
• Describe a thing you would call kitschy. Explain your choice
• Describe a ceremony or a ritual you partook in
• Describe a night in a movie theater from the perspective of a first-time goer
• Describe a consumer good from the point of view of its esthetic value
• Describe a building. What's its purpose? How is it conveyed through architecture?
• Describe a historical costume representative of a particular era

Imaginative Topics for a Unique Descriptive Essay

How about running away with your imagination and creating something that doesn't exist? No one said that your description must be documental.

• If you could rule the world, how would it look like? Describe your perfect vision
• Describe the art to an alien
• Describe how your childhood experiences have formed your personality
• Describe a magical creature you wish existed
• Describe a robot you could befriend
• Describe an ordinary day from the point of view of an inanimate object
• Describe a technological artifact from another planet
• Describe a day in a park without using sight
• Describe a sci-fi landscape
• Describe an immortal being
• Describe flying over your hometown
• Describe turning into an animal

Descriptive Essay Topics About Business and Technology

Serious topics can be approached creatively as well. Descriptive essays give a human dimension to business and tech – which is always good for a better understanding their purposes.

• Internet hoaxes you've come across
• Describe a product to a potential consumer
• Describe your short-term (3 years) career goals
• Describe customer experience in a chain restaurant or reseller's
• Describe an innovative shop window display
• Describe your workday or shift
• Describe a place of work you see yourself in 5 years
• Describe an ergonomic design you admired
• Describe a perfect gadget that doesn't exist yet
• Describe your first computer
• Describe a technology that should replace human labor. Why would it be better this way?
• Describe an item that will be in each household twenty years from now

If one of the topics above caught your fancy, but there is no sample, don't despair. We can write one exclusively for you. Moreover, if you have written a draft but you think it could be more expressive and vivid, send it to us for editing, and we will make it shine!

Jana Rooheart

Jana Rooheart came to WOWESSAYS™ with a mission to put together and then slice and dice our vast practical experience in crafting all kinds of academic papers. Jana is an aspired blogger with rich expertise in psychology, digital learning tools, and creative writing. In this blog, she willingly shares tricks of pencraft and mind-altering ideas about academic writing any student will find utterly beneficial.

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How To Write A Descriptive Essay?

26 April, 2020

11 minutes read

Author:  Tomas White

Descriptive essay is one of the hardest forms of writing. To master descriptive writing, you must be creative and craft a scene that all readers can picture with words alone. This freedom and creativity can make it one of the most rewarding and fun essays to write. It is the backbone of all artful writing like poetry, novels, and even television scripts. We prepared this guide for You to learn all you need to know about descriptive writing. Let's start!

What is a Descriptive Essay?

The goal of a descriptive essay is simple, choose a subject and describe it. The subject could be anything:

A descriptive essay is all about describing the subject in great detail. Being a type of expository writing , it gives you great freedom to paint a picture with your words, shares a once in a lifetime event with the reader or makes them feel something.  It is better to choose a descriptive essay topic that has lots of qualities to discuss for example a person might have a more interesting feature to describe than a paper towel. Choose a subject you connect with emotionally or have a personal history with. The best descriptions come from retelling an experience.

The Difference Between Descriptive and Narrative Essays

The main difference between descriptive and narrative essays lies in the structure and purpose of the essay. A descriptive essay is used to describe a subject to present a clear picture of it. As such, it only requires you to describe the item in a logic fashion. A narrative essay’s purpose is to tell a story. As such, it requires a plot and logical progression to an outcome. A person’s face can be the subject of a descriptive essay. But it would be hard to write a narrative piece that follows the person’s face as the central plot of a story.

Showing VS Telling

A descriptive essay values details over facts. This is also known as showing vs. telling. To  show  something is to describe using the five senses, how it looks, how it smells, how it tastes, how it feels and how it sounds. Imagine the reader as an alien, who has never experienced the subject for themselves. How would you describe it then?

To give you an understanding of how to differentiate between showing and telling I’ll write an example of a descriptive paper that describes my favorite place.

The above example tells you, as it doesn’t evoke any of your senses. It is a senseless description . It’s vague and hard to imagine.

This description is more detail and easier to imagine because of the following changes:

• The choice of words like ‘haven’ instead of ‘like’ add a showing element as it is showing in what way I like the library.
• Putting describers before items like ‘brightly colored’ books makes it easier to see.
• And choosing words with more like ‘towering’ instead of ‘tall’ makes the description less full.
• The description of the books shows what they do, not what they are. These are important points to consider when writing a descriptive essay.

A good exercise for descriptive writing and is to read descriptive essay examples and pick out the words that do the four points outlined above. Analyzing other’s descriptive writing will make your own descriptive work stronger. Can you pick out another place in the descriptive essay example above where those four changes occur and what it lends to the description?

Still having problems with your descriptive paper? All you need is to request help from our top-notch essay writing service and our essay writer make it for you !

How to Choose a Descriptive Essay Topic?

When deciding what to highlight about your topic, take a step back and look at what draws you to it. A campfire has bright, flickering colors, a satisfying crackling sound, and a sort of flow as it moves from the bottom to the tip of the flame. Place yourself in proximity to the subject and describe the parts that stimulate your senses the most.

Title Examples of Descriptive Essays

Here are some examples of descriptive essay topics that are fun to write:

Pick something you can see right now and think about how you’d describe that.

Related Posts: Argumentative essay topics | Compare&Contrast essay topics

How to Set Up a Proper Description?

Slow down and think about what you want to invoke. Don’t rush into a description or you’ll likely end up with something weaker than you could have. Take your topic aside and write some sentences describing how it charms each sense – the five senses being:

Keep a thesaurus on hand to switch some of the more basic words out. If you can read your paragraph back and vividly imagine the item you’ve described, you’ve done it.

How to write a Descriptive Essay Outline

Starting your descriptive essay without a plan can lead to a messy and sprawling description.  Learning to outline your ideas is just as important as knowing how to write them.

Related Posts: How to write an Essay outline  | How to write an Essay introduction  

 Creating an Introduction for a Descriptive Writing

Once you have chosen the subject to write you need to plan the introduction for your descriptive paper. An introduction needs to include a thesis statement and three features of the thing you are describing.   The introduction should start with a thesis statement that states how you feel about your topic. This should then be supported with three qualities defining those feelings.

These thesis statements aren’t meant to be complex. All they’re meant to do is to set up your reader for your descriptions. It is important to include three reasons that you can expand on describe in great detail as they will form the paragraphs of your descriptive paper.

Planning and Writing the Body of a Descriptive Essay

Looking at your thesis statement, take those three reasons and break them down into their own paragraphs. Describe hanging out with your friends at the beach, talk about the food you’d eat, the activities you’d participate in. Detail what huskies do when they’re energetic, what shows that they get along with other dogs?

It helps to write about each way you can describe an item on a separate sheet of paper. Use that sheet as your descriptive essay outline. Take each item and write what sense you can use to describe the item in each paragraph.

For example, if you want to talk about eating a popsicle on the beach you could include how cold against your tongue for touch, that it smelt and tasted like raspberries, it was a bright red, and shaped like a rocket for sight, and the sound you made it as you bit on it, or the sound you made as it rocketed into your mouth. Expand this into a paragraph keeping the most vivid description.

Force your reader to imagine these objects in their head. Help them visualize it, pour your vision into the paper and focus on both the small and the big details. Just don’t go overboard. It’s important to have a few great descriptors rather than a ton of average ones.

When describing an object, go about it in a practical sense. Don’t just throw details on the page, talk about them in order. Describe a mountain from its peak to it’s middle all the way down to its base. You wouldn’t go from the middle to the base to the peak, would you? This way, you’re keeping your reader engaged with the topic.

Concluding a Descriptive Essay

Concluding descriptive writing is easy. All you have to show why the subject you described is important to you. All you have to do is show the reader what you implied. Show why it has meaning, and why they should care.

Descriptive Essay Example

Drafting your essay.

Where the organization comes to fruition. When writing your essay, keep the reader in your head at all times. Constantly as yourself: “Is this vivid enough?” Don’t focus much on grammar, get the content onto the paper.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Once you’ve finished writing your essay, read it back and make sure it responds positively to each of these questions:

• Are these descriptions making my writing visual? Could I make them more vivid?
• Have I used these descriptions to detail my emotions to the reader?
• Do these descriptions convey each of the five senses?
• Have I gone into enough details in each paragraph?
• Are my descriptions in an orderly fashion?

If you believe your essay fits these criteria, then you’re good to go on the content side.

Perfecting the Essay

Read it through a couple more times. Take some time away from it and then come back with a fresh mindset.  Correct any grammar issues you see, and double check that it answers all of the questions mentioned above. Once that’s done, you’ll have an essay worthy of an A+ grade.

From Our Writers: Tips on How to Write a Good Descriptive Essay

• Be sensitive. Some writers are scared to show their true selves, but the point of a descriptive essay is to talk about how an object affects your senses and emotions. Keep this in mind during all stages of the essay.
• Put effort into unique descriptions. Don’t settle for standard words, spend some time searching out alternatives to common descriptive words. It will only help the reader envision your thoughts.
• Write about something that you care about. If you choose something you don’t have much personal experience with, you can’t truly write from the heart.

A life lesson in Romeo and Juliet taught by death

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Descriptive Essay

Descriptive Essay Topics

Top 250+ Descriptive Essay Topics & Ideas

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Are you a student struggling to find that perfect descriptive essay topic that not only ignites your creative flair but also captivates your readers? 

The quest for the ideal subject for your descriptive essay can be a challenging one. It might leave you feeling stuck in the initial phase of your writing journey. But fear not!

In this blog, we'll address this issue head-on, providing you with 100+ best descriptive essay topic ideas. We will also provide you with the tips to choose the right topic for your academic needs.  So without further delay let’s get started!

• 1. General Descriptive Essay Topics
• 2. Descriptive Essay Topics for Different Academic Levels 
• 3. Descriptive Essay Topics For High School Students
• 4. Descriptive Essay Topics For College Students
• 5. Descriptive Essay Topics For University Students 
• 6. Descriptive Essay Topics About  Daily Life 
• 7. Descriptive Essay Topics About Favorite Things And Activities 
• 8. Descriptive Essay Topics About  Memories and Associations
• 9. Descriptive Essay Topics About Science
• 10. Descriptive Essay Topics About History
• 11. Descriptive Essay Topics About TV, Literature, Art 
• 12. Descriptive Essay Topics About  Geography and Traveling  
• 13. Descriptive Essay Topics About Philosophy and Religion
• 14. Descriptive Essay Topics about Professions
• 15. Narrative Descriptive Essay Topics
• 16. Funny Descriptive Essay Topics 
• 17. Good Descriptive Essay Topics 2024
• 18. Descriptive Essay Topics: Miscellaneous
• 19. How to Select the Right Descriptive Essay Topic

General Descriptive Essay Topics

Descriptive essay topics can fall into various categories, each offering a unique lens through which you can explore your creativity. Here are the four general categories of descriptive essay topics:

Descriptive Essay About a Place

• Describe a serene beach at sunrise.
• Describe a bustling street market in your city.
• Describe a hidden waterfall in a lush forest.
• Describe the interior of a historic cathedral.
• Describe a cozy corner in your favorite cafe.
• Describe a vibrant and colorful flower garden.
• Describe the atmosphere of a crowded concert venue.
• Describe the view from the top of a mountain.
• Describe the charm of a quaint European village.
• Describe the ambiance of a local library during a rainy day.

Explore our comprehensive guide for a deeper understanding of crafting a descriptive essay about a place .

Descriptive Essay About a Person

• Describe a remarkable teacher who influenced your life.
• Describe a close family member who inspires you.
• Describe a childhood friend and the adventures you shared.
• Describe a mentor or role model from your community.
• Describe a famous historical figure you admire.
• Describe a compassionate healthcare professional you've encountered.
• Describe a talented musician and their impact on you.
• Describe a remarkable athlete and their dedication.
• Describe a wise and experienced grandparent.
• Describe a stranger whose kindness left a lasting impression on you.

For an in-depth understanding of crafting a descriptive essay about a person , explore our comprehensive guide.

Descriptive Essay About a Memory

• Describe a vivid childhood memory that shaped your personality.
• Describe a memorable family holiday celebration.
• Describe the excitement and nervousness of your first day at school.
• Describe a cherished memory of a special family meal.
• Describe a moment of personal triumph that you'll never forget.
• Describe the sights, sounds, and emotions of a childhood birthday party.
• Describe a bittersweet memory of saying goodbye to a close friend.
• Describe a memorable road trip with friends or family.
• Describe the feeling of achieving a long-standing personal goal.
• Describe a moment of unexpected kindness that touched your heart.

Descriptive Essay About an Object

• Describe your most treasured childhood possession.
• Describe a piece of artwork that resonates with you.
• Describe an antique family heirloom and its significance.
• Describe your favorite piece of clothing and why you love it.
• Describe a technological gadget that you can't live without.
• Describe a musical instrument and its role in your life.
• Describe a book that has had a profound impact on you.
• Describe a piece of jewelry with sentimental value.
• Describe a quirky or unique souvenir from your travels.
• Describe an everyday item with personal significance, like a favorite coffee mug. 

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Descriptive Essay Topics for Different Academic Levels 

When it comes to descriptive essays, the choice of topics can vary greatly depending on your academic level. To help you find the perfect descriptive essay topic, we've curated a list that caters to students at different academic levels. Let’s check out:

Descriptive Essay Topics For Grade 5

• Describe your favorite place in your house.
• Describe a special day at the park with your friends.
• Describe your favorite meal and why you like it.
• Describe a memorable school field trip.
• Describe your favorite book characters and why you like them.
• Describe your dream treehouse or hideout.
• Describe a fun and exciting family game night.
• Describe a pet (real or imaginary) that you would love to have.
• Describe a visit to the zoo or an animal sanctuary.
• Describe a memorable moment from a recent family vacation.

Descriptive Essay Topics For Grade 6 

• Describe your ideal superhero and their special powers.
• Describe a unique and magical land you've imagined.
• Describe your favorite fictional place from a book or movie.
• Describe a special tradition your family has during the holidays.
• Describe a fascinating historical event that interests you.
• Describe a place you'd like to explore in the future.
• Describe a creative invention you'd like to create and how it works.
• Describe a sport or game you enjoy playing or watching.
• Describe an interesting art exhibit or museum you visited.
• Describe a talent or skill you'd like to develop and why.

Descriptive Essay Topics For Grade 7 

• Describe a place you find truly mysterious and explain why.
• Describe an important lesson you've learned in life and how it changed you.
• Describe a famous historical event from multiple perspectives.
• Describe a work of art or sculpture you find intriguing and its symbolism.
• Describe the sights, sounds, and emotions of a bustling city street.
• Describe your favorite spot in a local park and its significance to you.
• Describe the interior of a unique and fascinating museum.
• Describe a childhood memory that holds a special place in your heart.
• Describe the process of a hobby or activity you are passionate about.
• Describe an interesting and significant cultural celebration or festival.

Descriptive Essay Topics For Grade 8 

• The moment I conquered my biggest fear.
• An unforgettable encounter with a wild animal.
• A day in the life of an influential person from history.
• The sensory experience of a busy metropolitan area.
• The most important lesson I've learned in middle school.
• My ideal futuristic city and how it functions.
• The experience of solving a complex puzzle or problem.
• A piece of art that has left a lasting impression on me.
• An exploration of a local urban legend or mystery.
• The emotions and events surrounding my first school dance.

Descriptive Essay Topics For High School Students

Whether you're a freshman or a senior in high school, these descriptive essay topics are designed to challenge your descriptive writing abilities. Check out the topics below:

Descriptive Essay Topics For Grade 9

• Share your experience of overcoming a significant personal challenge.
• Explain the impact of a novel that influenced your perspective on life.
• Detail a memorable day when you ventured out of your comfort zone.
• Elaborate on the emotional journey of leaving behind your childhood home.
• Provide an account of a scientific discovery or theory that fascinates you.
• Unpack the sights, sounds, and culture of a foreign destination you've visited.
• Depict the essence and symbolism of a famous work of art or sculpture.
• Tell the story of a historical figure's life and their lasting legacy.
• Examine the role of technology in shaping modern society.
• Reveal the emotions and transformations experienced during your first year of high school.

Descriptive Essay Topics For Class 10

• Explore the impact of a historical event on the present day.
• Investigate the portrayal of gender roles in modern cinema.
• Discuss the societal effects of a prominent technological advancement.
• Elaborate on the importance of environmental conservation efforts.
• Uncover the cultural significance of a local festival or tradition.
• Examine the challenges and rewards of volunteering in your community.
• Tell the story of a prominent figure who has shaped your worldview.
• Depict the complex and evolving nature of friendship in adolescence.
• Share the experience of a life-changing travel adventure.
• Explain the role of social media in shaping youth culture and relationships.

Descriptive Essay Topics For College Students

As college students, your descriptive essays can reflect the myriad experiences and perspectives that shape your academic journey. Here are some thought-provoking descriptive writing topics to inspire your next piece.

Descriptive Essay Topics For Grade 12

• Examine the impact of a significant historical figure on today's society.
• Explore the evolution of your personal beliefs and values over time.
• Investigate the representation of societal issues in contemporary art.
• Discuss the role of ethics in modern scientific research and innovation.
• Elaborate on the challenges and rewards of pursuing a creative passion as a career.
• Uncover the complex dynamics of familial relationships in the digital age.
• Depict the influence of technology on the future of education.
• Explain the impact of a current global event on international relations.
• Share the transformative experience of a meaningful community service project.
• Examine the intersection of culture, identity, and social justice in the 21st century.

Descriptive Essay Topics For University Students 

• Investigate the impact of social media on mental health and well-being.
• Explore the cultural significance of a local tradition or festival.
• Examine the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in healthcare.
• Discuss the environmental effects of urbanization and city planning.
• Elaborate on the role of technology in reshaping the workplace of the future.
• Uncover the challenges and solutions in addressing global climate change.
• Depict the influence of contemporary art movements on society and culture.
• Explain the evolution of feminist theory and its relevance in today's world.
• Share the experiences and impact of studying abroad on personal growth.
• Explore the intersections of psychology, technology, and human behavior in the digital age.

Descriptive Essay Topics About  Daily Life 

• Explore the daily routines and habits that contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
• Examine the role of technology in shaping our daily interactions and relationships.
• Discuss the sensory experiences and rituals of a morning routine.
• Investigate the impact of cultural diversity on everyday life in a multicultural society.
• Depict the challenges and rewards of balancing work and personal life.
• Uncover the small, meaningful moments that make up a typical day.
• Explain the influence of daily news consumption on individual perspectives.
• Elaborate on the role of time management in achieving daily goals.
• Share the experience of adapting to new daily routines during a significant life change.
• Discuss the importance of mental health practices in managing the stresses of daily life.

Descriptive Essay Topics About Favorite Things And Activities 

• Explore the joys of your favorite childhood toy or game.
• Investigate the role of a beloved hobby in your life and personal development.
• Discuss the sensory experience of savoring your favorite meal.
• Examine the significance of a treasured book in your collection.
• Depict the emotions and memories associated with your favorite vacation destination.
• Uncover the impact of your preferred sport or physical activity on your well-being.
• Elaborate on the role of music in your life and your favorite musical genre.
• Explain the fascination and inspiration provided by your favorite work of art.
• Share the excitement and memories linked to your preferred outdoor adventure.
• Discuss the cultural significance of a favorite tradition or celebration in your life.

Descriptive Essay Topics About  Memories and Associations

• Explore a childhood memory that has profoundly shaped your values.
• Investigate the memories and emotions tied to a significant family event.
• Discuss the impact of personal achievement on your self-esteem.
• Examine the associations and significance of a treasured family heirloom.
• Depict the sensory experiences and emotions linked to your first love.
• Uncover the lessons and personal growth resulting from a challenging life experience.
• Elaborate on the memories and significance of a place you once called home.
• Explain the nostalgia and emotions connected to a favorite childhood game.
• Share the cultural associations and experiences tied to a traditional holiday celebration.
• Discuss the transformative influence of a mentor or role model in your life.

Descriptive Essay Topics About Science

• Describe the process of photosynthesis in plants and its importance.
• Explain the impact of climate change on ecosystems and biodiversity.
• Discuss the principles of genetic inheritance and their real-world applications.
• Elaborate on the role of renewable energy sources in combating climate change.
• Investigate the phenomenon of black holes and their significance in astrophysics.
• Explore the potential benefits and ethical concerns of gene editing technology.
• Depict the inner workings of the human circulatory system and its vital functions.
• Examine the impact of artificial intelligence on various industries and society.
• Uncover the principles of quantum mechanics and their implications in technology.
• Explain the process of geological plate tectonics and its role in shaping the Earth's surface.

Descriptive Essay Topics About History

• Describe the events and consequences of a significant historical battle.
• Discuss the cultural and architectural aspects of an ancient civilization.
• Explain the impact of a historical treaty or agreement on global relations.
• Elaborate on the life and achievements of a prominent historical figure.
• Investigate the causes and effects of a major revolution in history.
• Explore the social and political aspects of a pivotal historical movement.
• Depict the cultural exchange and influence of the Silk Road in ancient times.
• Analyze the historical development of a specific art or architectural style.
• Uncover the role of propaganda in shaping public opinion during a historical period.
• Discuss the impact of a historical migration or diaspora on different regions.

Descriptive Essay Topics About TV, Literature, Art 

• Describe the impact of a classic novel on your perspective and values.
• Explain the intricate plot and character development in a popular TV series.
• Explore the cultural significance of a famous work of art or sculpture.
• Investigate the symbolism and themes in a renowned piece of literature.
• Discuss the role of technology in the evolution of modern art forms.
• Depict the emotional resonance of a memorable scene from a favorite movie.
• Analyze the influence of a specific art movement on contemporary artists.
• Uncover the historical context and social commentary in a classic film.
• Elaborate on the use of color, composition, and techniques in a famous painting.
• Examine the impact of a renowned playwright's work on theater and culture.

Descriptive Essay Topics About  Geography and Traveling  

• Describe the geographical features and natural beauty of your dream travel destination.
• Explore the cultural diversity and traditions in a specific region you have visited.
• Explain the significance of a historical landmark in a foreign country.
• Discuss the impact of climate and weather on your travel experience.
• Depict the mesmerizing sights and sounds of a bustling international market.
• Analyze the influence of geography on the development of different cuisines.
• Investigate the role of eco-tourism in preserving natural wonders and wildlife.
• Elaborate on the historical and cultural context of a remote village you've explored.
• Uncover the experience of traveling alone and the lessons it taught you.
• Examine the effects of mass tourism on a popular vacation destination.

Descriptive Essay Topics About Philosophy and Religion

• Describe the teachings and core beliefs of a major world religion.
• Explore the ethical and moral dilemmas presented in a philosophical thought experiment.
• Discuss the influence of a specific philosopher's ideas on contemporary society.
• Elaborate on the historical and cultural context of a religious pilgrimage.
• Investigate the symbolism and rituals of a religious ceremony or festival.
• Uncover the philosophical arguments for and against the existence of a higher power.
• Examine the impact of religious art and architecture on sacred spaces.
• Analyze the principles of a philosophical movement and its influence on thought.
• Depict the evolution of a particular religious tradition and its adaptations.
• Discuss the role of philosophy and religion in shaping individual values and ethics.

Descriptive Essay Topics about Professions

• Describe the day-to-day life of a firefighter and the challenges they face.
• Explore the responsibilities and skills required for a career in nursing.
• Discuss the impact of modern technology on the field of journalism.
• Depict the work environment and tasks of a marine biologist.
• Investigate the role of a social worker in supporting individuals and communities.
• Explain the significance of ethics in the legal profession.
• Elaborate on the art and science of being a chef in a high-end restaurant.
• Analyze the daily routines and decision-making of a software developer.
• Uncover the evolving role of a teacher in the digital age.
• Examine the challenges and rewards of being an environmental scientist.

Narrative Descriptive Essay Topics

• Describe a life-changing journey you embarked on.
• Narrate the story of a significant personal achievement.
• Share an account of a memorable family reunion or gathering.
• Recount a day when you had to make a difficult decision.
• Describe a unique cultural festival or event you attended.
• Share the experience of overcoming a personal fear or phobia.
• Narrate the story of a close friendship that has stood the test of time.
• Describe a turning point in your academic or professional life.
• Recount an adventure in the great outdoors that challenged and inspired you.
• Share the story of a significant encounter with a stranger that left a lasting impact on you.

Funny Descriptive Essay Topics 

• Describe the chaos of preparing for a surprise birthday party.
• Share the hilarious mishaps of a family camping trip.
• Narrate the comical events of a memorable April Fools' Day prank.
• Recount the antics of a mischievous pet in your household.
• Describe the humorous challenges of learning a new dance style.
• Share the comical misunderstandings during a language barrier encounter.
• Describe the quirks and idiosyncrasies of a funny coworker or classmate.
• Narrate the lighthearted moments of a quirky family holiday tradition.
• Recount the humorous experiences of trying to assemble a piece of furniture.
• Share the story of a hilariously disastrous cooking experiment.

Good Descriptive Essay Topics 2024

• Describe the enchanting beauty of a secluded forest.
• Describe a day in the life of a bustling city street.
• Describe the sensory experience of a local farmer's market.
• Describe the soothing sounds of waves on a tranquil beach.
• Describe the intricate details of an antique family heirloom.
• Describe the charm and character of a quaint European village.
• Describe the cultural richness of a traditional ethnic festival.
• Describe the architectural wonders of a historic city.
• Describe the emotions and camaraderie of a family gathering.
• Describe the vibrant colors and flavors of a street food market.

Easy Descriptive Essay Topics

• Describe the first time you rode a bicycle
• Describe your grandfather’s favorite chair
• Write about your wardrobe.
• Describe the clock hanging on your kitchen’s wall
• Describe your pet
• Describe your favorite toy from childhood
• Describe the scariest memory of your childhood
• Describe the day you met your best friend after years
• Describe your favorite restaurant
• Write about the day when you first time saw the movie at the cinema.

Descriptive Essay Topics: Miscellaneous

• Describe the serenity of a starry night in the countryside.
• Describe the sensory delight of a summer thunderstorm.
• Explore the aura of an ancient and historic library.
• Depict the intricate details of a beloved childhood toy.
• Explain the bustling energy of a busy urban subway station.
• Share the captivating beauty of an underwater coral reef.
• Describe the tantalizing aroma of a gourmet kitchen.
• Elaborate on the charm of a cozy, old-fashioned bookshop.
• Discuss the breathtaking sights from the top of a skyscraper.
• Share the nostalgia and magic of a vintage movie theater.

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How to Select the Right Descriptive Essay Topic

Selecting the perfect topic for a descriptive essay is a crucial step in the writing process. To make the most of your writing prompts and capture real-life moments effectively, consider these tips.

• Personal Connection: Choose a topic that resonates with you. Whether it's a person, place, or object, your passion will shine through your writing.
• Vivid Memories: Think about your life experiences. Recall moments, whether heartwarming or embarrassing moments, that left a lasting impression. These can be excellent essay topics.
• Uniqueness: Opt for something distinctive. While common topics have their place, selecting an unusual topic can make your essay stand out.
• Spending Time: Dedicate time to brainstorming. Allow yourself to explore various options, and don't rush the decision. It's all part of the creative process.
• Real-Life Stories: Real-life situations often make for compelling essays. They're relatable and offer ample material for vivid descriptions.
• Objects and Places: Objects or places with sentimental value can be incredibly descriptive. The emotional connection will fuel your writing.
• Writing a Descriptive Essay: Keep the purpose of the essay in mind. Ensure your topic aligns with the goal of painting a vivid picture for your readers.

Need examples to grasp the concept of writing a descriptive essay? Check out our descriptive essay examples blog!

Wrapping Up! With this comprehensive list of top 250+ descriptive essay topics, you now have a vibrant palette from which to paint your narratives. However, if you have time constraints, do not hesitate to ask for professional help. 

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Are you going to write a descriptive essay and are looking for appropriate ideas? Look no further! Here are 220+ top-notch descriptive essay topics recommended by essay writers . For sure, you will find one that interests you and sparks your creativity. We have topics about various places: from rural farmlands to bustling cities. We have topics about people: from friends and family to strangers. We have descriptive writing topics about both concrete objects and abstract ideas. Whatever your writing project is, we have the perfect descriptive essay ideas to help you create a masterpiece. So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring our long list of descriptive topic ideas and find your inspiration!

What Are Descriptive Essay Topics?

Descriptive essay topics focus on describing an object, person, place, experience, emotion, or situation. They can also be used to give a recount of something that happened or that someone has seen or heard. When writing this type of essay, you should aim to provide a vivid and detailed description of the subject so that the reader can fully understand, imagine, or visualize it. When it comes to writing a descriptive essay , there are many descriptive essay topics to select from. Depending on topics for descriptive writing you choose, you may be required to rely on your memory, your observation skills, or your historical knowledge to complete the essay. You can also focus on an object or event that has significantly impacted your life. Other topics for a descriptive essay can include describing a favorite hobby or activity, a memorable trip, or a special moment.

Characteristics of Good Descriptive Essay Topics

Good topics for a descriptive essay are interesting to write about. The primary objective of descriptive essays is to relate the unique qualities of objects, persons, or events vividly and comprehensively to readers. Good descriptive essay topics can evoke strong emotions and feelings in people. Here are some characteristics of good descriptive essay prompts:

• Creative Consider creativity and originality when selecting your essay topic.
• Clear The topic should be clear and concise.
• Interesting Select a topic that you will not only enjoy writing about, but that will also be compelling to your readers.
• Researchable The topic should be easy to research.

How to Choose a Descriptive Essay Topic?

Choosing a good descriptive essay topic can be difficult. The writing style used for descriptive essays is very expressive. Thus, it may be rather challenging to complete your paper if you do not select topics for descriptive essays that suit your preference, knowledge, or experience. Here are a few steps to help you select an interesting title that will make your essay stand out. Follow the tips in provided order.

• Think of a title that interests you. Consider a subject that you are passionate about. You should never select a topic blindly.
• Brainstorm ideas. When thinking about your topic, don’t hesitate to write down words or phrases that come to mind.
• Research potential topics. You can look for the right content online or visit a library and skim specialized books.
• Narrow down your topic for descriptive essays. As a result, choose the best idea that you feel will make an interesting and engaging essay.

Top List of Descriptive Essay Topics

This section provides you with some of the top descriptive writing topics. Writers enjoy working on depictive papers because they give them unrestricted freedom of selecting their means of expression. Besides, these top topics can come from totally different categories. Below is a descriptive essay topics list to help you with your brainstorming:

• The Pearl Harbor attack.
• My scariest dream.
• The political journey of Barack Obama.
• Remembering my graduation ceremony.
• My first childhood memory.
• The most difficult decision you have ever made.
• Life with a pet monkey.
• Your childhood hero.
• A perfect journey.
• The best book I have read recently.
• My all-time favorite movie.
• Great migration of wildebeests across the Mara River .
• My Coachella music festival experience.
• Effect of cyberbullying on today’s society.
• The Mona Lisa: components of the legendary piece of art.

Best Descriptive Essay Topics

The art of describing an event, a place, or a character through vivid writing allows you to take readers to another world. Choosing the right topic is the key to success and it makes a lot of difference in preparing an essay or a speech. Discover the best topics for a descriptive essay listed below to help unleash your creative writing skills.

• The most beautiful place you have ever visited.
• The appalling state of Guantanamo Bay.
• Ancient pyramids and settlements in the Bolivian Amazon.
• An embarrassing moment in your life.
• Walking the Great Wall of China: the ultimate experience.
• My strange “addiction” to jogging.
• Canadian night festivals.
• Voyages of Christopher Columbus.
• The best gift ever received from my parents.
• Weekend living at the cabin.
• The ultimate daring thing you will always remember.
• How I discovered my personal hobby.
• My most challenging moment in school.
• Women’s suffrage movement.
• My biggest superstition and its impact on my lifestyle.

The best topic for a descriptive essay can often come from your experience. Thus, it should be easy to write about, since you already have necessary information and do not need to do any serious research. Using the above list, if you fail to find a topic that connects with previous incidents in your life, just choose a similar subject matter but such that is somehow related your to your own experience or is easy to explore.

Interesting Descriptive Essay Topics

There are descriptive ideas that are relatively more interesting compared to others. Essays about such ideas can help readers better understand an interesting experience or event, imagine and see a vivid picture, or observe and analyze a person from a more intriguing perspective. Here are 15 interesting ideas for a descriptive essay to consider:

• The feeling of being in love.
• A holiday on a secluded island.
• Traits of people you really admire.
• A woman’s life in the Middle East.
• Your biggest life-changing moment.
• My first sleepover.
• Best FIFA World Cup final ever.
• Recounting the joyous moment of your day.
• My biggest fear or terror.
• Earth’s appearance from out of space.
• My imaginary best friend from childhood.
• The TV series you enjoyed the most.
• Apollo 11: the 1969 NASA moon landing.
• Surviving the cold Arctic conditions.
• My backpack adventure in Australian rainforest.

Good Topics for Descriptive Essays

If you are wondering what are some good topics for a descriptive essay, you’ll probably find a suitable answer in this segment. The section outlines topic examples you can use for your essay. A good descriptive essay topic should capture your reader’s attention. You can write about multiple ideas, including a person you admire, a special place or object, a favorite childhood memory, or a beautiful landscape. Good descriptive essay titles should be creative, engaging, and thought-provoking. Below are some examples:

• My first time on a cruise ship.
• This year’s Thanksgiving dinner with my family.
• Your first experience with a foreign culture.
• Your most treasured childhood toy.
• How New York looks from Empire State’s 86th floor observatory.
• My sweet 16 birthday party.
• Picturing a clear night sky in the countryside.
• The first time seeing the northern lights in Iceland.
• My best friend’s wedding reception.
• One day in the army.
• A walk through the Central Park.
• Challenges of living with food allergy.
• The prom night experience.
• Main features of Twitter.
• Most beautiful beaches around the world.

Easy Descriptive Essay Topics

Easy ideas for descriptive essays require you to use just your five senses, your imagination, or memory to create a vivid image of the subject in the reader's mind. It also should take you a relatively shorter period to work on such uncomplicated descriptive ideas. You can choose descriptive paper topics from some of the examples provided below:

• Special days spent with your grandparents.
• Best places to explore in my hometown.
• A perfect summer day.
• The house of my dream.
• The most beautiful sunset you’ve ever seen.
• Your ideal picnic spots.
• Your favorite moment in “ Avengers: Endgame ”.
• Describing my family members.
• Walking tour through Times Square in New York City.
• How does freshly-baked bread smell?
• My sense of humor.
• Perfect gifts for your partner.
• My first public speech: a recount of how I felt inside.
• World’s greatest conspiracy theory.
• My favorite school teacher.

Funny Descriptive Essay Topics

Allowing the imagination to run wild can lead to interesting ideas, particularly when looking for funny descriptive essay topics. Here we have compiled fifteen funny descriptive essay topic ideas for you to write about. The topics will help you produce a unique and humorous essay. From describing some weird costume to documenting habits of a quirky pet, these topics for descriptive writing are sure to inspire your creativity and provide you with a fun writing experience.

• An outlandish Halloween outfit to fit my body.
• People’s attempts to break odd world records.
• Charlie Chaplin: the funniest silent play character.
• How I fell for an April Fool’s Day prank.
• Most hilarious Super Bowl commercials ever.
• Funny moments during Donald Trump’s presidency.
• Funny experience in an eating competition.
• Diving into the mysterious world of wild street cats.
• The “No Sweets for Adults” law in Chesapeake City, Virginia.
• Funny life of Peter Griffin in the “Family Guy” TV show.
• Amusing ghost stories as presented in Hollywood movies.
• Funniest punishment ever experienced for losing a bet.
• An encounter with a celebrity lookalike.
• My queer self-made alternatives to online entertainments.
• Explaining the behavior of an eccentric pet.

If you are searching for other paper ideas such as division and classification essay topics or informative essay topics , you will find them on our platform.

Descriptive Essay Ideas for Students

Students often struggle with finding the right ideas for their descriptive essays. While some topics may seem easier than others, there are plenty of creative and unique directions that can be explored. This section compiles descriptive writing ideas for various learning levels. From descriptive research topics in education to discussing the effects of climate change on nature, these ideas enable students to grow their knowledge and develop their researching skills.

Descriptive Writing Topics for Middle School

Descriptive writing topics for middle school can range from describing a favorite vacation spot to giving a detailed characterization of a person or place. Working on descriptive essays can help students to hone their writing skills, enabling them to better observe and detail their surroundings. Below are fifteen descriptive paper ideas for middle school students to explore:

• My dream smartphone.
• My favorite activities in the gymnasium.
• Fishing and camping with my father.
• Most important and cherished tradition in my family.
• Recounting the visit to Jurassic Park.
• Your most enjoyable activities outside school.
• An unforgettable moment of wisdom with my teacher.
• My best outfit.
• My first time in a live sports event.
• Game night experiences with my family.
• A rollercoaster ride with friends.
• Most beautiful success story in my life.
• A summer vacation memory.
• Why my best friend is my security blanket.
• My lucky charm.

Descriptive Essay Topics for High School

Ideas for descriptive writing at high school level are relatively more demanding in terms of the effort needed to develop them comprehensively. You may be required to provide more descriptive details compared to the lower learning levels or even conduct additional research. In certain instances, suitable topics may only be derived from the high school curriculum. Here are some of the examples of descriptive essay topics for high school students:

• Importance of summer school.
• How I trained my dog.
• How the solar system works.
• Kobe Bryant: the mamba mentality.
• A unique family heirloom.
• Effect of domestic violence on students’ performance.
• Qualities of a good roommate.
• Abraham Lincoln: the greatest American president.
• My journey as an artist: the development of skills.
• America’s Independence Day: the Fourth of July celebration party.
• Thomas Edison’s light bulb invention.
• Greatest moment of personal growth.
• The Pleiades star cluster.
• Dream career: my aspiration to be an engineer.
• Assassination of J.F. Kennedy .

Descriptive Essay Topics for College Students

Descriptive essay topics for university students are even more in-depth compared to the two previous academic levels. Learners tend to focus on topics within their area of specialization. College students are expected to think big and be more creative. Students in high learning institution can be additionally asked to provide educated opinion on the subject matter. Learn some of the descriptive essay topics for college students to get your creative juices flowing:

• My online virtual learning experience in college.
• Yuri Gagarin’s journey to space.
• The role of your mentor in shaping your life.
• How did you get your first tattoo?
• Causes of college dropout: my personal experience.
• The Holocaust: its history and consequences.
• Greta Thunberg’s inspirational story.
• Experiencing the pilgrimage to Mecca.
• Preparing for a date: things to do.
• Inside an anthill: a view from a tiny camera inside the colony.
• How do you prepare for exams.
• Muhammad Ali: his life and achievements.
• Components of Martin Luther’s greatest speech.
• Most beautiful locations in Europe.
• Fastest travel route from Alaska to Ushuaia.

Topics for Descriptive Writing by Categories

A descriptive writing topic can come from many different categories. To help you select an essay idea based on your preference, we have compiled multiple topics and arranged them into various groups. We have focused on six primary categories in this section: objects, family and people, events, traveling, experience, and hobbies. You are free to either pick descriptive writing ideas from the lists provided, or use them as foundation for developing your own ones.

Descriptive Essay Topics About an Object

Do you want to write impressive descriptive topics about an object? In this section, you can explore the list of proper descriptive essay ideas revolved around specific entities. When analyzing objects, your sharp observation skills and basic knowledge about these items are important. Here are examples of topic ideas for descriptive essays:

• My most valued object.
• Toys I own as an adult.
• The rarest metal on Earth.
• World’s most powerful supercomputer.
• Components of my living room.
• Things you will find in my wallet.
• World’s oldest tree: its physical appearance and history.
• Items in my bank safety deposit box.
• A detailed description of the most comfortable bed in USA.
• Burj Khalifa : world’s tallest building.
• Historical significance of Eiffel Tower.
• Features of iPhone 13.
• Inside a Tesla Cybertruck.
• The largest flower in the world.
• Japanese katana: appearance, types, materials.

Family and People Descriptive Essay Topics

You can base your depictive essay on matters pertaining to family and people. Relationships with friends and relatives constitute an integral part of every person’s life, so you will definitely have enough matter and stories to address. In this section, we have outlined sample descriptive essays topics that draw their talking points from the subject of family bonds and friendship. You can deliver a narrative involving memories of time spend together, or expressively discuss some outstanding features of your loved ones. Below are some of the descriptive paragraph topics for papers to get you started:

• My favorite family member.
• The best part of my Christmas holiday with my family.
• Effect of divorce on childhood development.
• Pillars of a strong family.
• Financial benefit of a marriage institution.
• Challenges of being a last-born in a family.
• Things I miss the most about my childhood friend.
• The relationship between my step-family and me.
• The day I met my best friend.
• Our secret family recipe.
• The best Valentine’s Day experience with my partner.
• Growing up in a multi-cultural family.
• Biblical definition of marriage.
• Components of our family portrait.
• Impact of extended family on my personal growth.

Look through our definition essay topics to find more ideas on family. 

Descriptive Essay Topics About Events

Over the course of our lives, we witness multiple events ranging from personal parties to ceremonies of national magnitude. Generally, rather than giving personal opinions or using rhetoric approach, you should prioritize providing objective information and key facts when working on topics for descriptive essay writing about events. Below is a list of essay topics for descriptive papers to help you in brainstorming.

• Saint Patrick’s Day celebration in America.
• Assassination of Abraham Lincoln.
• Chronological events leading to start of World War I.
• End of Cold War.
• September 11 terrorist attacks.
• My first job interview: how I performed.
• The birth of my first born and how it affected me.
• Relevance of the Ramadan celebration in the Islam religion.
• Effect of “Tomorrowland Music Festival” on today’s morality.
• 2026 FIFA World Cup: the next tournament in Canada, Mexico, and USA.
• The incident between Will Smith and Chris Rock at the 2022 Grammy Award.
• How I proposed to my partner.
• The best sports event I ever attended.
• The Winner of the 2022 Formula 1 Series.
• How I survived an extreme weather condition: a close call.

Once you have selected your preferred essay topics for descriptive papers, you should strive to expound particulars related to the occurrence in a chronological manner. This ensures that the reader is able to seamlessly follow the directions of your thoughts.

Traveling Descriptive Essay Topics

Writing a descriptive paragraph idea about traveling can be a great way to capture the moments and memories of your journey. These topics for descriptive writing can help you create a vivid and interesting essay about your travels.

• Tourist destinations that left me with a lasting impression.
• Exploring unfamiliar culture of Amazon tribes.
• The most stunning natural landscape you’ve seen.
• Best cheap meal you have ever had while traveling.
• Most memorable people you met on your trip.
• The most thrilling journey to the Maldives.
• Unique souvenirs you brought back from Africa.
• Exploring local customs and traditions of Native American communities.
• The Swiss Alps train: The Glacier Express.
• Magical views of Niagara waterfalls in Canada.
• A journey to the Himalayas : the city of immortal beings.
• Challenges you faced while traveling through a non-English speaking country.
• Exploring the local cuisine of Istanbul.
• The most interesting thing you learned on your recent trip
• How I met my travel companion.

Descriptive Essay Topics About an Experience

Writing topics for a descriptive essay about an experience can be a great way to explore and share recollections of your life. Although not everyone is ready or comfortable to share their past, there are people who enjoy talking about the affairs that touched them to their friends, families, and even strangers. Find 15 topics for descriptive papers about an experience to get you started listed below:

• An experience that changed your outlook on life.
• A summer night that was particularly memorable.
• Witnessing Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory.
• An experience that made you feel scared and develop a phobia for height.
• Places that fill you with joy and nostalgia.
• A moment of relief.
• My experience learning abroad.
• The biggest public humiliation that I will never forget.
• A dream that stayed with you.
• A time when you felt overwhelmed.
• A special experience with a family member.
• Self-realization in my time of adversity.
• The story of my first heartbreak.
• How I coped with being hospitalized for weeks.
• Recounting my visit to a home for the elderly.

Ideas for a Descriptive Essay About Hobbies

Writing descriptive essay topics about hobbies can be a great way to express yourself and explore your passions. Whether it's a hobby you've been doing for years or something new that you've recently taken up, there are countless topics to pick from when it comes to creating a descriptive essay. Below are ideas for descriptive essays to get you started:

• My inspiration for taking up a new hobby.
• Athletics as hobbies: their conversion to professions.
• How my parents helped me pick my hobby.
• Impact of hobbies on my relationship with family and friends.
• Effect of sedentary hobby on your health.
• Recounting the event that made me fall out of love with my traveling hobby.
• How physical hobbies improved my physiological health.
• My favorite childhood hobby.
• Financial implication of having a hobby.
• My best friend’s unusual hobby.
• Extreme and dangerous hobbies taken up by my friends.
• How sharing hobbies with my neighbor developed our friendship.
• Pressures resulting from doing ballet dancing as a hobby.
• My hobby’s contribution to my career development.
• Biggest lessons learned from my childhood hobbies.

If you need more essay ideas, don’t forget that we have an extensive blog that offers different titles, including narrative essay topics and ideas for expository essays .

Bottom Line on Descriptive Essay Topics

Descriptive writing essay topics can range from narrating a personal experience to describing a place, person, or thing. It is important to include enough details in your essay so the reader can form a vivid picture. When choosing topics to write a descriptive essay on, you should consider the age and other specifics of the target audience and know your primary intentions in delivering information. It is also vital to be creative and use unique language to make the essay stand out. With the right topic and approach, a descriptive essay can be an engaging and enjoyable writing experience. Do not forget to adhere to grammar rules and employ appropriate lexis when working on topics for descriptive essays!

Our team of professionals provides top-notch academic writing service. Order your perfect descriptive essay from us. We will get it done as soon as possible. Our writers are ready to help you find the easiest path to success!

Daniel Howard is an Essay Writing guru. He helps students create essays that will strike a chord with the readers.

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50 Descriptive Essay Topics

Make your reader see, smell, hear and feel with these inspirational descriptive essay topics ! We’ve collected 50 descriptive essay topics to sprout some flowery language. Our descriptive essay topics are designed to spark creative thinking and can be modified for students in elementary, middle and high school. They are grouped by topic for easy student and teacher reference. Feel free to print the entire list for plenty of inspiration for your next descriptive essay assignment!

Descriptive Essay Topics: Place

• Describe your favorite place.
• Describe your ideal bedroom.
• Describe the house in which you grew up.
• Describe what the first house on the moon would look like.
• Describe some of your favorite places in your hometown.
• Describe a peaceful place that you’ve visited.
• Describe a place that exists only in your imagination.
• Describe a friend’s or family member’s house where you enjoy spending time.
• Describe your perfect fantasy vacation destination.
• Describe your favorite store.
• Describe your favorite teacher’s classroom.
• Describe a museum that you’ve visited recently.
• Describe a place you have dreamed about that doesn’t exist in real life.
• Describe a place where your pet likes spending time.
• Describe an outdoor place that you know well.

Descriptive Essay Topics: People

• Describe your favorite person.
• Describe each of your family members.
• Describe a famous person that you would like to meet.
• Describe one of your friends.
• Describe one aspect of someone that you like (for example: laugh, style of dress, words that the person likes to use, etc.)
• Describe yourself to someone who has never met you.
• Describe the average human to an alien who has never before seen a person.
• Describe your pet.
• Look at some old family photos and describe an older family member as he or she was when at your age.
• Describe someone whom you miss.

Descriptive Essay Topics: Objects

• Describe an object that is special to you.
• Give a tour of one room in your house by describing the most important objects in that room.
• Describe one of your favorite outfits.
• Describe your favorite toy as a child.
• Describe how you get around (for example: a bicycle, skateboard, sneakers, your parents’ car, the school bus).
• Describe your favorite piece of furniture where you like to spend time and relax.
• Describe something that you would bury in a time capsule to tell people about what life is like today.
• Describe an object that has been in your family for a long time.
• Choose a piece of food to eat; then, write a description of it that includes the way it looks, smells and tastes.
• Describe a smartphone to a time traveler from the 1900s.

Descriptive Essay Topics: Memories

• Describe your oldest memory.
• Describe your best summer vacation.
• Describe a memorable concert you attended.
• Describe a memorable trip you took.
• Describe a special time that you and your family had together.
• Describe the first time you met one of your friends.
• Describe a time you met someone famous.
• Describe one of your happiest memories.
• Describe one of your saddest memories.
• Describe a time that you felt scared.
• Describe a time that you felt excited.
• Describe a time that something totally unexpected happened.
• Describe a memory of someone whom you miss.
• Describe one of your most memorable first days of school.
• Describe one of your most embarrassing moments.

Looking for more essay topics? Compare and Contrast Essay Topics Cause and Effect Essay Topics Narrative Essay Topics Persuasive Essay and Speech Topics

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100 descriptive essay topics for easy writing.

July 18, 2019

What is descriptive writing? Descriptive writing is used as a tool to help develop your ability to paint a picture – in a sense – by using citing details that bring the subject to life. You see this often in fiction writing, but it has its merits in academic writing as well since writers are always trying to capture the reader’s attention. It is, then, a great skill to learn early in your academic life (like in high school or early college) since it can assist you in a number of other writing assignments by having you expand your vocabulary and keep the reader captivated with your descriptions.

What Is a Descriptive Essay?

This kind of writing assignment asks you to describe an object, a place, a person, or something that evokes the use of the five senses. It’s really open to anything the writer chooses and does not require an argument or opinion. It is usually limited to about a few hundred words, but some assignments may be as long as several pages. The trick is to write on a subject that you are comfortable with describing in extended detail since this is what most grading rubrics will be scoring on.

How to Start a Descriptive Essay

So now you’re probably wondering “How to start a descriptive essay?” The best approach is to simply start writing with keenness to the five senses. Write about sight, smell, touch, sound, and taste. A great descriptive paragraph will paint a picture in the reader’s mind. Professional writers can help you get started. Afterward this you can create a basic outline and then revise your content accordingly. You will always want to stick with your chosen subject, but the more vivid your writing is the great your success will be in creating a great written work.

100 Good Descriptive Essay Topics

Our descriptive essay topics list was put together by educators, students, and college admissions officers as a means to expose students to the most interesting ideas worth writing and reading about. They aren’t the only things you can write about but you can certainly get a sense of what piques their mind. Even if you don’t’ have a descriptive essay assignment on the horizon, you can benefit from a little practice, and the descriptive essay topics below are great places to find a little inspiration.

Easy Essay Topics

• Write a descriptive essay about a place you’ve never visited in your life.
• Describe something that you are addicted to (e.g., a food, an activity, a song, etc.).
• Write about a favorite vacation spot from your childhood.
• Describe a favorite “natural” location such as a forest or a desert.
• Write an essay about a favorite photograph from your childhood.
• Describe your favorite book, movie, song, or television show.
• Write about a childhood memory that scares you.
• Describe a room that has a special memory or evokes a feeling.
• Write about a favorite place that you have visited in the past.
• Describe a person you have met that you are afraid of or threatened by.

Essay Topics about Sports

• Describe your favorite sport in a way that would convince others to try.
• Write about your favorite professional sports memory.
• Describe the worst sports injury you have personally suffered.
• Write about your favorite professional athlete and the reasons why.
• Describe your favorite moment from 2019’s Women’s World Cup.
• Write about your all-time inspired sports moment.
• Describe the best professional sporting event you have seen.
• Write about an oddball sport that no one knows about.
• Describe the positive effects of participating in sports.
• Write about motorsports and their place in American sports.

Topics on Politics and Government

• Describe government choices that have changed a country’s history.
• Write about the different types of political terrorism.
• Describe the different consequences and early causes of war.
• Write about a political figure that has influenced you.
• Describe the different types of election processes.
• Write about one of the major political parties in the U.S.
• Describe a progressive ideal which has been accepted widely.
• Write about a political bargaining tool used in negotiations.
• Describe government branches and their different purposes.
• Write about socio-political changes in your city or town.

Topics on Information Technology

• Describe how social media has changed the landscape of communication.
• Write about the most popular trends in marketing and social media.
• Describe how dictatorships limit internet access for political gain.
• Write about how mobile technology is making Americans illiterate.
• Describe how social media helps poorer populations’ access benefits.
• Write on the place information technology has affected globalization.
• Describe how home health care managed is changed by information tech.
• Write about how the nuclear family home as changed because of IT.
• Describe how information technology improves our abilities to invest.
• Write about small business needs when considering information tech.

Topics on the Globalization and Environment

• Describe the cultural and social manifestations of environmental issues.
• Write about the effects of globalization on international politics.
• Write about intelligence sharing and how globalization affects it.
• Describe how brain-drain has been affected by environmentalism.
• Write about how the world’s environmental landscapes are changing.
• Describe the difference between globalization and knowledge exchange.
• Write about how political parties influence environmental global issues.
• Describe the needs populations have to protect environmental areas.
• Write about the main reasons globalization has affected international trade.
• Explain how environmental issues have increased in the last 20 years.

Topics on Local Government and Public Issues

• Write about your community’s efforts to clean up public pollution.
• Explain why it is important to keep your streets clean and safe.
• Write about a problem that affects your community because of nature.
• Describe a local issue that has brought the public in turmoil.
• Write on how public community service helps bring people together.
• Describe small government rules to protect gun owners’ rights.
• Write about the rules and regulations concerning elderly rights.
• Describe how local governments benefit from more recreational spots.
• Write about local rules regarding abortion rights for women.
• Describe Planned Parenthood funding through taxes in your town.

Topics on Space Exploration and More

• Write about the reasons why the U.S. should consider a Mars expedition.
• Describe how a mixed group of astronauts from different nations is best.
• Write about the needs to invest in more space research for human advances.
• Explain how the United States should invest in more spaceship technology.
• Describe your favorite interstellar space mission from the last half-century.
• Write about how non-rocket space launches revolutionize NASA’s program.
• Explain why companies like Space-X should be sharing technology internationally.
• Describe what it means for the world to invest in space exploration in general.
• Write about the benefits of returning for a manned mission to the earth’s moon.
• Explain the different types of spacecraft that are most popular around the world.

Topics on Educational Issues in Public Schools

• Describe the benefits of having shorter school days at the high school level.
• Explain why students are more inspired when they receive less standard homework.
• Write about the subjects that are most important in today’s curriculum.
• Describe what it’s like to have new, more socially conscious subjects in the curriculum.
• Explain the benefits of teaching religion in public schools in today’s society.
• Write about the educational system’s use of cursive writing lessons today.
• Describe the use of homework each day to evaluate elementary students’ progress.
• Explain how technology is used to enhance daily lessons and encourage learning.
• Explain the reasons why schools are considering late start times for students.
• Describe how standardized tests are created and scored by administrators.

Topics on Descriptive Personal Experiences

• Write about a childhood adventure that is something you want to do again.
• Describe a situation at school or in your personal life where you have been stressed.
• Write about something that motivates you to put in more effort than usual.
• Explain a difficult obstacle high school students must learn to overcome.
• Write about the different types of common household pets that are friendly.
• Describe something that makes people fail and ways to overcome the challenge.
• Write about something that elementary students find annoying in their daily lives.
• Explain how people use comfort zones to avoid trying new cultural foods or cuisines.
• Describe a type of food from an international culture you have recently discovered.
• Write about different types of desserts offered at five or four-star restaurants.

Topics about Travelling to Distant or International Places

• Explain what it’s like to attend school abroad in cultural and societal terminology.
• Describe how different countries treat leisurely travelers from the United States.
• Explain what travel agencies do to ensure travelers feel welcome and safe abroad.
• Explain how traveling with friends adds an element of safety when one is abroad.
• Write about a country you would like to visit that isn’t a popular tourist destination.
• Describe a travel-based piece of writing that explains everything about going abroad.
• Write about a historic city with plenty of public places that emphasize local culture.
• Describe the most visually stunning religious sites most people know little about.
• Explain the ways European travel between countries is easier than on other continents.
• Write about traveling with the military or similar opportunities by armed forces.

The above descriptive essay topics for college students are completely free to use. Share them with your classmates and don’t hesitate to brainstorm modifications to them. These are all suggestions and should be customized to your specific needs. If you need more help, you should try to find descriptive essay examples on the web, preferably those created by professional writing sites. You can also find a lot of great resources to help with different types of academic assignments such as expository writing, persuasive writing , narrative writing, and more.

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Descriptive Essay Writing

Descriptive Essay Examples

Amazing Descriptive Essay Examples for Your Help

Published on: Jun 21, 2023

Last updated on: Mar 1, 2024

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Descriptive Essay: Definition, Tips & Examples

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Descriptive essays are very commonly assigned essays. This type of essay enhances students' writing skills and allows them to think critically. 

A descriptive essay is often referred to as the parent essay type. Other essays like argumentative essays, narrative essays, and expository essays fall into descriptive essays. Also, this essay helps the student enhance their ability to imagine the whole scene in mind by appealing senses.

It is assigned to high school students and all other students at different academic levels. Students make use of the human senses like touch, smell, etc., to make the descriptive essay more engaging for the readers. 

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Examples make it easy for readers to understand things in a better way. Also, in a descriptive essay, different types of descriptions can be discussed. 

Here are some amazing examples of a descriptive essay to make the concept easier for you. 

Descriptive Essay Example 5 Paragraph

5 paragraphs essay writing format is the most common method of composing an essay. This format has 5 paragraphs in total. The sequence of the paragraphs is as follows;

• Introduction
• Body Paragraph 1
• Body Paragraph 2 
• Body Paragraph 3
• Conclusion 

Following is an example of a descriptive essay written using the famous 5 paragraph method. 

5 Paragraph Descriptive Essay

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Descriptive Essay Example About A Person

Descriptive essays are the best option when it comes to describing and writing about a person.  A descriptive essay is written using the five human senses. It helps in creating a vivid image in the reader’s mind and understanding what the writer is trying to convey. 

Here is one of the best descriptive essay examples about a person. Read it thoroughly and try to understand how a good descriptive essay is written on someone’s personality.

Descriptive Essay Example About a Person

Descriptive Essay Example About A Place

If you have visited a good holiday spot or any other place and want to let your friends know about it. A descriptive essay can help you explain every detail and moment you had at that place. 

Here is one of the good descriptive essay examples about a place. Use it as a sample and learn how you can write such an essay. 

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Descriptive Essay Example for Grade 6

Descriptive essays are frequently assigned to school students. This type of essay helps the students enhance their writing skills and helps them see things in a more analytical way.

If you are a 6 grader and looking for a good descriptive essay example, you are in the right place.  

Descriptive Essay Example for Grade 7

Here is one of the best descriptive essay examples for grade 7. 

Descriptive Essay Example for Grade 8

If you are looking for some amazing descriptive essay examples for grade 8, you have already found one. Look at the given example and see what a well-written descriptive essay looks like. 

Descriptive Essay Example for Grade 10

Essay writing is an inevitable part of a student's academic life . No matter your grade, you will get to write some sort of essay at least once. 

Here is an example of a descriptive essay writing for grade10. If you are also a student of this grade, this example might help you to complete your assignment.

Descriptive Essay Example for Grade 12

If you are a senior student and looking for some essay examples, you are exactly where you should be. 

Use the below-mentioned example and learn how to write a good essay according to the instructions given to you. 

Descriptive Essay Example College

Descriptive essays are a great way to teach students how they can become better writers. Writing a descriptive essay encourages them to see the world more analytically.

Below is an example that will help you and make your writing process easy.

College Descriptive Essay Example

Descriptive Essay Example for University

Descriptive essays are assigned to students at all academic levels. University students are also assigned descriptive essay writing assignments. As they are students of higher educational levels, they are often given a bit of difficult and more descriptive topics. 

See the example below and know what a descriptive essay at the university level looks like. 

Short Descriptive Essay Example

Every time a descriptive essay isn't written in detail. It depends on the topic of how long the essay will be.  

For instance, look at one of the short descriptive essay examples given below. See how the writer has conveyed the concept in a composed way. 

Objective Descriptive Essay Example

When writing an objective description essay, you focus on describing the object without conveying your emotions, feelings, or personal reactions. The writer uses sight, sound, or touch for readers' minds to bring life into pictures that were painted by words.

Here is an example that you can use for your help. 

Narrative and Descriptive Essay Example

A narrative descriptive essay can be a great way to share your experiences with others. It is a story that teaches a lesson you have learned. The following is an example of a perfect narrative descriptive essay to help you get started.

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How to Start a Descriptive Essay? - Example

If you don't know how to start your descriptive essay, check this example and create a perfect one. 

How to Start a Descriptive Essay - Example

Subjective Descriptive Essay Example

It is a common concept that a descriptive essay revolves around one subject. Be it a place, person, event, or any other object you can think of. 

Following is one of the subjective descriptive, easy examples. Use it as a guide to writing an effective descriptive essay yourself. 

Writing a descriptive essay is a time-consuming yet tricky task. It needs some very strong writing, analytical, and critical thinking skills. Also, this is a type of essay that a student can not avoid and bypass. 

But if you think wisely, work smart, and stay calm, you can get over it easily. Learn how to write a descriptive essay from a short guide given below. 

How to Write a Descriptive Essay?

A writer writes a descriptive essay from their knowledge and imaginative mind. In this essay, the writer describes what he has seen or experienced, or ever heard from someone. For a descriptive essay, it is important to stay focused on one point. Also, the writer should use figurative language so that the reader can imagine the situation in mind. 

The following are some very basic yet important steps that can help you write an amazing descriptive essay easily. 

• Choose a Topic

For a descriptive essay, you must choose a vast topic to allow you to express yourself freely. Also, make sure that the topic you choose is not overdone. An overdone will not grab the attention of your intended audience. Check out our descriptive essay topics blog for a variety of intriguing topic suggestions.

• Create a Strong Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is the essence of any academic writing. When you select the descriptive essay topic, then you create a strong thesis statement for your essay.  

A thesis statement is a sentence or two that explains the whole idea of your essay to the reader. It is stated in the introductory paragraph of the essay. The word choice for creating the thesis statement must be very expressive, composed, and meaningful. Also, use vivid language for the thesis statement.  

• Collect the Necessary Information

Once you have created the thesis statement and are done writing your essay introduction . Now, it's time to move toward the body paragraphs. 

Collect all necessary information related to your topic. You would be adding this information to your essay to support your thesis statement. Make sure that you collect information from authentic sources. 

To enhance your essay, make use of some adjectives and adverbs. To make your descriptive essay more vivid, try to incorporate sensory details like touch, taste, sight, and smell.

• Create a Descriptive Essay Outline

An outline is yet another necessary element of your college essay. By reading the descriptive essay outline , the reader feels a sense of logic and a guide for the essay. 

In the outline, you need to write an introduction, thesis statement, body paragraphs and end up with a formal conclusion.

Proofreading is a simple procedure in which the writer revises the written essay. This is done in order to rectify the document for any kind of spelling or grammatical mistakes. Thus, proofreading makes high-quality content and gives a professional touch to it. 

You might be uncertain about writing a good enough descriptive essay and impress your teacher. However, it is very common, so you do not need to stress out. 

Hit us up at CollegeEssay.org and get an essay written by our professional descriptive essay writers. Our essay writing service for students aims to help clients in every way possible and ease their stress. Get in touch with our customer support team, and they will take care of all your queries related to your writing. 

You can always enhance your writing skills by leveraging the power of our AI essay writing tools .

Place your order now and let all your stress go away in a blink! 

Barbara P (Literature)

Barbara is a highly educated and qualified author with a Ph.D. in public health from an Ivy League university. She has spent a significant amount of time working in the medical field, conducting a thorough study on a variety of health issues. Her work has been published in several major publications.

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100 Creative Writing Prompts for Middle & High School – 2024

April 15, 2024

Some high school students dream of writing for a living, perhaps pursuing an English major in college, or even attending a creative writing MFA program later on. For other students, creative writing can be useful for school assignments, in English and other subjects, and also for preparing their Common App essays . In a less goal-oriented sense, daily freewriting in a journal can be a healthy life practice for many high schoolers. Not sure where to start? Continue reading for 100 creative writing prompts for middle school and high school students. These middle/high school writing prompts offer inspiration for getting started with writing in a number of genres and styles.

Click here to view the 35 Best Colleges for Creative Writing .

What are Creative Writing Prompts?

Similar to how an academic essay prompt provides a jumping-off point for forming and organizing an argument, creative writing prompts are points of initiation for writing a story, poem, or creative essay. Prompts can be useful for writers of all ages, helping many to get past writer’s block and just start (often one of the most difficult parts of a writing process).

Writing prompts come in a variety of forms. Sometimes they are phrases used to begin sentences. Other times they are questions, more like academic essay prompts Writing prompts can also involve objects such as photographs, or activities such as walking. Below, you will find high school writing prompts that use memories, objects, senses (smell/taste/touch), abstract ideas , and even songs as jumping-off points for creative writing. These prompts can be used to write in a variety of forms, from short stories to creative essays, to poems.

How to use Creative Writing Prompts

Before we get started with the list, are a few tips when using creative writing prompts:

Experiment with different formats : Prose is great, but there’s no need to limit yourself to full sentences, at least at first. A piece of creative writing can begin with a poem, or a dialogue, or even a list. You can always bring it back to prose later if needed.

Interpret the prompt broadly : The point of a creative writing prompt is not to answer it “correctly” or “precisely.” You might begin with the prompt, but then your ideas could take you in a completely different direction. The words in the prompt also don’t need to open your poem or essay, but could appear somewhere in the middle.

Switch up/pile up the prompts : Try using two or three prompts and combine them, or weave between them. Perhaps choose a main prompt, and a different “sub-prompt.” For example, your main prompt might be “write about being in transit from one place to another,” and within that prompt, you might use the prompt to “describe a physical sensation,” and/or one the dialogue prompts.  This could be a fun way to find complexity as you write.

Creative Writing Prompts for Middle School & High School Students (Continued)

Write first, edit later : While you’re first getting started with a prompt, leave the typos and bad grammar. Obsessing over details can take away from your flow of thoughts. You will inevitably make many fixes when you go back through to edit.

Write consistently : It often becomes easier to write when it’s a practice , rather than a once-in-a-while kind of activity. For some, it’s useful to write daily. Others find time to write every few days, or every weekend. Sometimes, a word-count goal can help (100 words a day, 2,000 words a month, etc.). If you set a goal, make sure it’s realistic. Start small and build from there, rather than starting with an unachievable goal and quickly giving up.

100 Creative Writing Prompts for Middle School & High School Teens

Here are some prompts for getting started with your creative writing. These are organized by method, rather than genre, so they can inspire writing in a variety of forms. Pick and choose the ones that work best for you, and enjoy!

Prompts using memories

• Begin each sentence or group of sentences with the phrase, “I remember…”
• Describe a family ritual.
• Choose an event in your life, and write about it from the perspective of someone else who was there.
• Pick a pathway you take on a regular basis (to school, or to a friend’s house). Describe five landmarks that you remember from this pathway.
• Write about your house or apartment using a memory from each room.
• Write an imaginary history of the previous people who lived in your house or apartment.
• Write about an ancestor based on stories you’ve heard from relatives.
• What’s your earliest memory?
• Who was your first friend?
• Write a letter to someone you haven’t seen since childhood.
• Write about yourself now from the perspective of yourself twenty, or eighty, years from now.
• Write about the best month of the year.
• Write about the worst day of the year.
• Rant about something that has always annoyed you.
• Write about the hottest or coldest day you can remember.
• Visualize a fleeting moment in your life and as though it’s a photograph, and time yourself 5 minutes to write every detail you can remember about the scene.
• Draw out a timeline of your life so far. Then choose three years to write about, as though you were writing for a history book.
• Write about a historical event in the first person, as though you remember it.
• Write about a memory of being in transit from one place to another.

Objects and photographs as creative writing prompts

• Describe the first object you see in the room. What importance does it have in your life? What memories do you have with this object? What might it symbolize?
• Pick up an object, and spend some time holding it/examining it. Write about how it looks, feels, and smells. Write about the material that it’s made from.
• Choose a favorite family photograph. What could someone know just by looking at the photograph? What’s secretly happening in the photograph?
• Choose a photograph and tell the story of this photograph from the perspective of someone or something in it.
• Write about a color by describing three objects that are that color.
• Tell the story of a piece of trash.
• Tell the story of a pair of shoes.
• Tell the story of your oldest piece of clothing.

Senses and observations as creative writing prompts

• Describe a sound you hear in the room or outside. Choose the first sound you notice. What are its qualities? It’s rhythms? What other sounds does it remind you of?
• Describe a physical sensation you feel right now, in as much detail as possible.
• Listen to a conversation and write down a phrase that you hear someone say. Start a free-write with this phrase.
• Write about a food by describing its qualities, but don’t say what it is.
• Describe a flavor (salty, sweet, bitter, etc.) to someone who has never tasted it before.
• Narrate your day through tastes you tasted.
• Narrate your day through sounds you heard.
• Narrate your day through physical sensations you felt.
• Describe in detail the physical process of doing an action you consider simple or mundane, like walking or lying down or chopping vegetables.
• Write about the sensation of doing an action you consider physically demanding or tiring, like running or lifting heavy boxes.
• Describe something that gives you goosebumps.
• Write a story that involves drinking a cold glass of water on a hot day.
• Write a story that involves entering a warm house from a cold snowy day.
• Describe someone’s facial features in as much detail as possible.

Songs, books, and other art

• Choose a song quote, write it down, and free-write from there.
• Choose a song, and write a story in which that song is playing in the car.
• Choose a song, and write to the rhythm of that song.
• Choose a character from a book, and describe an event in your life from the perspective of that character.
• Go to a library and write down 10 book titles that catch your eye. Free-write for 5 minutes beginning with each one.
• Go to a library and open to random book pages, and write down 5 sentences that catch your attention. Use those sentences as prompts and free-write for 5-minutes with each.
• Choose a piece of abstract artwork. Jot down 10 words that come to mind from the painting or drawing, and free-write for 2 minutes based on each word.
• Find a picture of a dramatic Renaissance painting online. Tell a story about what’s going on in the painting that has nothing to do with what the artist intended.
• Write about your day in five acts, like a Shakespearean play. If your day were a play, what would be the introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution?
• Narrate a complicated book or film plot using only short sentences.
• Read a short poem. Then write a poem that could be a “sister” or “cousin” of that poem.

Abstract ideas as creative writing prompts

• Write about an experience that demonstrates an abstract idea, such as “love” or “home” or “freedom” or “loss” without ever using the word itself.
• Write a list of ways to say “hello” without actually saying “hello.”
• Write a list of ways to say “I love you” without actually saying “I love you.”
• Do you believe in ghosts? Describe a ghost.
• Invent a mode of time travel.
• Glass half-full/half-empty: Write about an event or situation with a positive outlook. Then write about it with a miserable outlook.
• Free-write beginning with “my religion is…” (what comes next can have as much or as little to do with organized religion as you’d like).
• Free-write beginning with “my gender is…” (what comes next can have as much or as little to do with common ideas of gender as you’d like).
• Write about a person or character that is “good” and one that is “evil.” Then write about the “evil” in the good character and the “good” in the evil character.
• Write like you’re telling a secret.
• Describe a moment of beauty you witnessed. What makes something beautiful?

Prompts for playing with narrative and character

• Begin writing with the phrase, “It all started when…”
• Tell a story from the middle of the most dramatic part.
• Write a story that begins with the ending.
• Begin a story but give it 5 possible endings.
• Write a list of ways to dramatically quit a terrible job.
• Write about a character breaking a social rule or ritual (i.e., walking backwards, sitting on the floor of a restaurant, wearing a ballgown to the grocery store). What are the ramifications?
• You are sent to the principal’s office. Justify your bad behavior.
• Re-write a well-known fairytale but set it in your school.
• Write your own version of the TV show trope where someone gets stuck in an elevator with a stranger, or a secret love interest, or a nemesis.
• Imagine a day where you said everything you were thinking, and write about it.
• Write about a scenario in which you have too much of a good thing.
• Write about a scenario in which money can buy happiness.
• Invent a bank or museum heist.
• Invent a superhero, including an origin story.
• Write using the form of the scientific method (question, hypothesis, test, analyze data conclusion).
• Write using the form of a recipe.

Middle School & High School Creative writing prompts for playing with fact vs. fiction

• Write something you know for sure is true, and then, “but maybe it isn’t.” Then explain why that thing may not be true.
• Write a statement and contradict that statement. Then do it again.
• Draft an email with an outlandish excuse as to why you didn’t do your homework or why you need an extension.
• Write about your morning routine, and make it sound extravagant/luxurious (even if it isn’t).
• You’ve just won an award for doing a very mundane and simple task. Write your acceptance speech.
• Write about a non-athletic event as though it were a sports game.
• Write about the most complicated way to complete a simple task.
• Write a brief history of your life, and exaggerate everything.
• Write about your day, but lie about some things.
• Tell the story of your birth.
• Choose a historical event and write an alternative outcome.
• Write about a day in the life of a famous person in history.
• Read an instructional manual, and change three instructions to include some kind of magical or otherwise impossible element.

Prompts for starting with dialogue

• Write a texting conversation between two friends who haven’t spoken in years.
• Write a texting conversation between two friends who speak every day and know each other better than anyone.
• Watch two people on the street having a conversation, and imagine the conversation they’re having. Write it down.
• Write an overheard conversation behind a closed door that you shouldn’t be listening to.
• Write a conversation between two characters arguing about contradicting memories of what happened.
• You have a difficult decision to make. Write a conversation about it with yourself.
• Write a conversation with a total lack of communication.
• Write a job interview gone badly.

Final Thoughts – Creative Writing Prompts for Middle School & High School 

Hopefully you have found several of these creative writing prompts helpful. Remember that when writing creatively, especially on your own, you can mix, match, and change prompts. For more on writing for high school students, check out the following articles:

• College Application Essay Topics to Avoid
• 160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics
• 150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics
• Good Transition Words for Essays
• High School Success

Sarah Mininsohn

With a BA from Wesleyan University and an MFA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Sarah is a writer, educator, and artist. She served as a graduate instructor at the University of Illinois, a tutor at St Peter’s School in Philadelphia, and an academic writing tutor and thesis mentor at Wesleyan’s Writing Workshop.

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