Using Descriptive Language in writing for students
- 2. Descriptive Writing Uses: - Introducing characters, settings and narratives - Creates a specific effect or atmosphere Characteristics: - Showing instead of telling, through the use of active verbs and precise modifiers - Sensory and figurative language Goal: portray people, places, and things in such a way that readers can visualize and immerse themselves in the writer’s experience. 2
- 3. Show, Don’t (Just) Tell Tools: active verbs, adjectives, adverbs and dialogue 3 Purpose: the technique of using carefully selected words to create an image is important for getting your story across and helping the reader experience your journey with you.
- 4. Active Verbs Example: “Your dog bit me!” (active) vs. “I was bitten by your dog.” (passive) * subject * verb 4 Definition: verbs can either be active or passive. - Active: the subject of the sentence does the action. - Passive: the subject of the sentence has the action done to it. Use: active verbs tend to form more efficient and more powerful sentences than passive verbs.
- 5. Adjectives Examples: The older boys. The taller boys. The embarrassed boys. 5 Definition: words that modify or describe nouns. Use: choose adjectives that are precise. Vague descriptors can detract from your statement rather than enhance the reader’s experience.
- 6. Replacing Adjectives Example: “He had a growling voice.” vs. “He growled.” adjective descriptive noun 6 Purpose: if the quality that the adjective indicates can be put in the noun itself, do it. Use: Be precise with your choice of descriptive noun.
- 7. Adverbs Example: An extremely attractive woman entered the room. adverb adjective 7 Definition: Adverbs are words that modifies any other element of language other than nouns, including verbs, adjectives, numbers, clauses, sentences, and other adverbs. Use: Adverbs typically answer questions such as how?, when?, where?, why?, and to what extent? They often end in –ly. modifies
- 8. Replacing Adverbs Example: “They ran quickly to the door” “They raced for the door” 8 Purpose: if the quality that the adverb indicates can be put in the verb (or other element) itself, do it.
- 9. Use: uses your senses (describing the smells, sounds, tastes, feels, sights, and inner feelings and thoughts) to ground your action in settings of time and place so your readers can relate and imagine your past with you. Definition: literally appealing to or evoking one of the senses. 9 Sensory Language
- 10. Figurative Language 10 Definition: writing tools that compare, clarify or add complexity to sentences. Tools: simile, metaphor, personification, onomatopoeia, and hyperbole
- 11. Simile Use: Comparison is drawn clearly by the use of the words “like” or “as.” Definition: A figure of speech that expresses a resemblance or comparison between two things that that have something in common but are actually unlike. 11 Example: “He is as loud as thunder.”
- 12. Metaphor Use: An implied comparison that does not use the words “like” or “as.” Definition: A figure of speech in which an expression is used to refer to something that it does not literally denote in order to suggest a similarity or comparison. 12 Example: Shakespeare called the sun “the eye of heaven.”
- 13. Personification Use: Can be applied to objects, animals, or ideas. Definition: A figure of speech that gives non-human entities, human traits and qualities such as emotions, desires, sensations, physical gestures, or even speech. 13 Example: “The drums were weeping today.”
- 14. Onomatopoeia Definition: Words that sound like their meaning. They appeal to our tactile senses (hearing, touch) and help bring a description to life. 14 Example Words: buzz, rattle, bang, sizzle, tick-tock, cuckoo, meow Example Sentence: “She hissed in response.” (Resembling the sound of steam, or a snake)
- 15. Hyperbole Definition: Overstatement; intentional exaggeration for emphasis or comic effect. It gives prominence to events or concepts without being literally true. 15 Example: “I’ve told you a million times.”