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Descriptive essays.

In descriptive essays, you have to describe a person, place or thing. If the question states “describe a person that helped you in the time of need”, don’t just go on about how the person helped you, you have to describe the person and his attributes as well.

Describing people:

  • Add the characteristics of the person such as “tall, well built, shiny black hair, etc.”. Remember to describe the height, age, build, face, eyes, hair and clothing of the person.
  • Describe the attributes and hobbies of the person and why he/she inspires/motivates you.

Example(s):

  • When he laughed, he revealed a set of horribly discoloured teeth.
  • Everybody stared at her. She had beautiful dark hair piled high on her head, a delicately shaped face, large soft eyes and the most dazzling smile I had ever seen.

Describing places:

  • State where and what the place is (For example Lulu Island in Abu Dhabi).
  • Describe how far the place is from your house (how you got there) and why do you like the place.
  • Describe the unique features of the place and what is so good about it. Describe the weather and how it felt “hot” or “cold” when you were there.
  • Would you recommend the place to others (for vacations, etc.)? If yes, then why?

She strolled to the back of the house by herself, and she saw the most beautiful backdrop. Trees were everywhere and sunlight was trying its best to penetrate the thick lush greenery. Right at the very middle of the trees was a small lake. Danielle leaned against the fence and admired the scene before her with awe.

Describing things:

  • Name the thing and what type of gadget/thing it is (For example your 24-carrot Rolex WATCH 😛 )
  • Describe the appearance of the thing, remember to be precise in mentioning the color, shape and size of the object.
  • Describe the features of the object and why it is so special to you.

Starting Descriptives; start by naming the person/place/thing. For person, describe if he’s popular or not. For places, describe it’s location and popularity. For things, name the brand and how the people world – wide adore it.

Main body; go into further detail on the topic.

  • If you’re describing a person then go in detail of the appearance, characteristics and qualities of the person (in separate paragraphs).
  • If you’re describing a place, go in depth about the wonders of the place, the key features and leisure facilities, the weather (decide paragraphing accordingly).
  • If you’re describing things, most preferably two paragraphs in detail of its appearance and how its features and background make it an important object for you.

Ending your essay; conclude your essay by summarizing all you’ve described and recommending (in case of place) or wishing best of luck (in case of people such as teachers/sportsmen) or admiring the object that you hold so dear.

Key point; in descriptive, VOCABULARY is very important because you want the reader to imagine what you’re describing! Nobody just likes to read a description of a person or place or object. With appropriate vocabulary you have to make it an interesting read.

Vocabulary for Describing People’s outlook

Vocabulary for Describing types of People

Here are a few links to help you build your vocabulary: Link 1 Link 2 Link 3 Link 4

IGCSE Examiner Tips for Descriptive Writing:

  • It is difficult to write interesting descriptions, so this type of composition should not be attempted unless you have had practice and success at this type of writing. To write a strong descriptive answer you will need to use a wide range of vocabulary and even use imagery to engage reader interest. Unless the reader can see the picture they will not be able to relate to the experience.
  • You will need to use a variety of sentence structures. All forms of repetition should be avoided – unless you are deliberately using it carefully for effect.
  • You will need to evoke all five senses to create an environment and atmosphere, as well as details of size, shape and colour. Make colour precise, e.g. ‘scarlet’, ‘azure’, ‘off-white’, ‘bluish-grey’.
  • Try to avoid common, overused, vague, short and childish vocabulary, such as ‘nice’, ‘big’, ‘little’, ‘a lot of’, ‘good’, and ‘bad’.
  • Each noun probably needs one or more adjectives in front of it to give sufficient detail.
  • Don’t let your description become static – give structure and progression to your description e.g. moving towards or through something, such as a street market or busy shoppingmall, or going through a period of time, an hour or a day for instance, and recording the changes.

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IGCSE First Language English – How to Write a Descriptive Story

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  2654 Reads     Updated on: February 17, 2023

what is descriptive writing igcse

IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) offers up to 70 subjects to its students, including more than 30 languages. Students can take them in any combination. The groups under which the subjects are ordered are

  • Group 1 – Languages
  • Group 2 – Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Group 3 – Sciences
  • Group 4 – Mathematics and Business
  • Group 5 – Creative and Professional and Vocational

THIS BLOG INCLUDES:

1. Assessments of EFL and ESL – Writing 2. What is Descriptive Writing and How to Plan it?

There are two options for the language English – English as the first language (EFL) and English as the second language (ESL)

Cambridge IGCSE First Language English (EFL) is curated for students whose first language is English. The course enables the students to

  • Enhance their speaking and writing skills
  • Expand their vocabulary, and use correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation
  • Develop a personal style
  • Develop an awareness of the audience being addressed

Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English (ESL) is curated for students whose native language is not English but who have a working knowledge. The course enables the students to

  • Understand and use English in a range of situations
  • Enhance the awareness of the four language-learning skills – reading, writing, listening, and speaking
  • Focus on the use of the language in everyday communication
  • Learn to complement the other areas of the curriculum by developing the transferable skills

Thus, the students improve their communication abilities in this language, increasing their opportunities for further studies or for a planned career.

To choose the right option, consider two major parameters

  • How comfortable and fluent are you in the English language
  • What are your future goals – either academic or career are

Assessments of EFL and ESL – Writing

Paper 1 and Paper 2 of the EFL require the students to respond to texts provided in the examination.

Paper 1 – Extended response to reading – requires the students to respond in 250-350 words to one of the following text types – speech, letter, report, journal, interview, and article Paper 2 – Directed Writing – two questions

  • Evaluate the information in the text to write a 250-350 worded discursive/argumentative/persuasive speech, letter, or article
  • Descriptive or Narrative 350-450 worded composition

Paper 1 and Paper 2 of the ESL require the students to attempt the followingly. Students need to

  • Make brief notes related to a text printed on the paper
  • Write an 80-word summary related to a text printed on the paper
  • Write 100-150 words of continuous prose in response to a picture and short prompts printed on the paper
  • Write a 100-150 review, report, or article in response to a picture and shore prompts printed in the paper

Let us learn more about the descriptive writing question which is part of Paper 2 of English as the first language (EFL). This question tests the following assessment objectives:

  • Articulate experience and express what is thought, felt, and imagined
  • Arrange and structure ideas and opinions for calculated effect
  • Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures related to the context
  • Make accurate use of spelling, punctuation, and grammar
  • Vary the usage as per the context

What is Descriptive Writing and How to Plan it?

Descriptive writing describes a person, place, or thing in a way that enables the reader to actually visualize and feel it.

  • The student is presented with a question paper booklet with two questions for descriptive writing
  • He has to choose one and plan his writing accordingly.
  • Beginning with the sensory detailing is considered to be easy

Sensory Details 

Sight, Smell, Touch, Hear, Taste

Begin with Sight

Talking vividly about what he sees and what emotions that action evokes in him.

At nine o’clock in the morning, Global Computer Graphics was already bustling with activity. There were eight modular cubicles, occupied by computer whizzes, all young and busily building websites. The employees in their crisp uniforms were walking up and down. This hustle and bustle were slowly building into my monotonous morning.

Hear Clearly

Now the student can add on the sounds he hears and write how it impacts him.

Ashley Patterson was taking a hurried shower, late for work, when she heard a sound. A door opening? Closing? She turned off the shower, listening, her heart pounding. A shiver ran through her wet body. Was it a burglar?

The element highlighted here – is fear.

Let Us Move to the Smell Sensory

Smell always has the power to link us to the past and familiar smells can trigger our memories and emotions. This is referred to as olfactory imagery. The student can elaborate on the smell sensory to recreate a past memory.

The sweet fragrance of the honeysuckle always reminded Jenny of her mother’s perfume. He woke up to the smell of burnt toast and all he wanted now was a hot cup of coffee.

The element highlighted in both the above examples is memory – but first, a pleasant one and in the second, an unpleasant one.

Look at This Example

The kid took a bite at the red juicy apple and smiled as sweet as the sweet, soft fruit filled her mouth and the juice ran down her chin. The reader already would be feeling hungry and want to bite into an apple now.

Finally, the Tactile Imagery

The masseuse rubbed the lightly fragranced warm lavender oil across her stress-riddled shoulders. The gentle rubs felt so comfortable and made her sleep.

The reader can feel the effect of a good massage.

Writers must do their best to lure the readers into the story. And that is the reason, we love a good novel or script. We can step out of our everyday lives and walk into the descriptive fantasies of the stories with new adventures. And as such, writers should be doing more than describing a green grassy hillock or mentioning the sound of the crashing waves on the rocks in rough weather. There are many ways to develop a sense of imagery. Apart from the sensory imagery discussed above, more ways are:

  • Precise language – Tulip instead of a flower, mansion instead of home
  • Comparisons – As lazy as a snail: She walks in beauty, like the night
  • Strong verbs – She slammed the door on his face
  • Hyperbole – I am dying of thirst; I love you to the moon and back

After the student has done planning out the response using the sensory imagery, he needs to choose an apt title. If the title is already mentioned, he needs to use it. He has to make sure that the title he chooses is relevant to the themes of the descriptive.

It is not necessary that all 5 sensory imagery needs to be used. In fact, sometimes there may be no need for the imagery at all. So, the student needs to plan the story carefully.

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How do you write a descriptive essay in IGCSE English?

Comparable to discussing a photo or a video clip is descriptive writing. When someone reads your description, they should be able to virtually exactly recreate the vision you described in their minds. Like telepathy, in a way. It’s crucial to be specific, so keep that in mind.

What is the structure of descriptive writing?

A descriptive essay typically comprises three body paragraphs, a conclusion, and a strong thesis statement at the end of the introduction. Yet, a description need not follow a set pattern.

What is the format of the descriptive paragraph?

A statement that introduces the subject and briefly discusses its importance. supporting phrases that use the specifics you listed during brainstorming to explain the topic in clear, vivid terms. a short summary that links back to the relevance of the subject.

What is the difference between narrative and descriptive writing in IGCSE?

A descriptive essay is supposed to provide a detailed description of a certain place, item, or concept, whereas a narrative essay is intended to present a whole story.

What are the 3 types of descriptive writing?

The three types of descriptive writing are:

  • Writing about an object
  • Writing about a person
  • Writing about a place

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The English Language for IGCSE

Tuesday, june 7, 2016, descriptive writing, 29 comments:.

what is descriptive writing igcse

really good, recommended this.

Thanks Rabia!

Your blog is really, really helpful!!!!!

Thanks, glad you liked it!

A good website for childrens

“Childrens”

Teachers are giving SA from this website and students can copy them

I think it's up to teachers to recognize when students are plagiarizing work and up to students to be honest and realize that copying answers isn't going to help them on the final exam, when they won't know what question will be asked. I don't think it's fair to take down resources that are helping the majority just because a minority may be using them dishonestly.

big fax tellem my g

One thing I would say is that it is in the wrong tense to the question

You're right - in hindsight, I should have written it in present tense. Thanks for pointing this out!

do you have a website for english ib as well?

Unfortunately not - I have taken English Lang & Lit SL, though, so if you need help with that feel free to email me!

I really need help with literature if you could help me. my teacher is very ‘stupid’ and I have 3 months till my final igcse exams. i dont even know how to properloy frame an answer and how many quotes/points i need to present

Hi Het, feel free email me if you need help! I can talk about this in greater detail.

We dont use 'I' in descriptive writings - its an observation.

Helpfully blog

Do you give advice on other type of writing

Very good! I'm sooo impressed, at least now I know, what my teacher was actually expecting from me, and that I gave her serious bullshit!

Very impressive. But for your descriptive essay, shouldn't be not include the narrator performing any actions that adds to any form of plotline?

Amazing blog 👍👌

The mood and imagery was excellent! I felt, even I was in a theme park. Great stuff!

This comment has been removed by the author.

i dont think i would ever be able to write something like this

This was really helpful thanks a lot

really nice

How do you write so good? Please give some tips

Can you help me in English IGCSE

Lux Writing Center

Personal writing instruction for all ages, igcse first language english paper 2: descriptive writing.

what is descriptive writing igcse

The Cambridge IGCSE First Language English Paper 2 is title Directed Writing and Composition. Section A tests both reading and writing skills. You can check out our previous post on genres to learn more about that. Section B, though, tests only the student’s writing skills.

Section B of Paper 2 gives the student four options to choose from: two descriptive prompts and two narrative prompts. This post will give some suggestions for succeeding in the descriptive writing .

Below are sample descriptive prompts:

  • Write a description with the title ‘The playground.’
  • Write a description with the title, ‘The factory’.
  • Write a description of a place where animals are kept in captivity, such as a zoo, wildlife park or sea-life centre.
  • Describe the inside of an interesting shop.
  • Describe waking up to find the scene around you has changed.
  • Describe a group of tourists outside an attraction.

Mark Scheme

24 marks are given for style and accuracy: Precise, well-chosen vocabulary and varied sentence structures, chosen for effect; consistent well-chosen register suitable for the context; spelling, punctuation, and grammar almost always accurate.

16 marks are given for content and structure: Many well-defined and developed ideas and images create a convincing overall picture with varieties of focus.

Tips, Practice, and Feedback

If you would like individualized, daily instruction to help prepare for the IGCSE English or AS English exams, Mr. Lux is a trained Cambridge teacher who can help you. Mr. Lux can provide tips, practice, and feedback as you prepare for your exams.

For $85 USD a month, you receive daily communication with a trained Cambridge teacher who has more than 10 years of teaching experience. Visit the About and Enrollment pages for more information. You can also learn more about what Lux Writing Center offers through other posts .

2 thoughts on “ IGCSE First Language English Paper 2: Descriptive Writing ”

  • Pingback: IGCSE First Language English Paper 2: Narrative Writing | Lux Writing Center

Nice post really helpful and straight to the point Would definately recomend to others

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Topic outline

  • Resource Plus Writing
  • Teaching Packs
  • Figurative language
  • Narrative structure
  • Summary skills

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The Teaching Packs below contain detailed lesson plans and worksheets to help develop your learners' writing skills

Each pack focuses on a specific element of writing and the skills associated with this.

How to Score High for Descriptive Writing

Descriptive writing is one of those tasks where the instructions sound simple.

For example:

Describe a little village.

The question is too simple. Already, you may start picturing a ‘little village’. And then it dawns upon you - this is for 40 marks ! What do I DO?

Suddenly it feels like you are going round in circles - you have already described the little houses and the sunset. You have described the trees and maybe a farm somewhere, and a church. What now? You are deciding whether you should mention a pond. And maybe the houses again?

This is the descriptive writing trap.

You run out of things to describe.

There are some things we can do to avoid this. One thing we can do before we start writing is thinking - Okay I will mention the mountains near the little village, the sun lavishly rising up from beyond them, and the general feel of the village.

There are 2 main methods to describe things vividly, and also not run out of things to say:

1) Use adjectives and provide details

There was a farm a bit far away.

This is not a bad sentence by any means. However, we can instantly liven up the sentence by adding a few adjectives:

There was a pleasant old farm at the very edge of the village, from where the grasslands began.

By mentioning the farm as 'a pleasant old farm', there is an understanding about the farm itself now, which was not clear in the previous sentence.

Also, by replacing ‘a bit far away’ with a bunch of details concerning the distance, there is now a bit more of a visualisation available in your writing!

If you are not getting ideas, resort to your favourite books or movies to gain inspiration from, and get an insight from. This is something you need a lot of guidance in, but with some patience, you might figure out a way!

As another example, let us try to describe something that has nothing to do with a village. We will try to describe something completely fictional, so brace yourselves:

It was a large dog with three heads - it also had three eyes, three noses and three mouths!

Here, I am trying to describe a creature which belongs only in stories - only within the imagination. In my mind, I had a clear visualisation, of a creature which is quite scary and foreboding. My visualisation looked something very similar to this:

hp-fluffy--1-

Remember this scary dog from the Harry Potter movies?

This is the image I had in mind while I was describing the fictional creature. It is actually the image of Cerberus - the hound of Hades, the three-headed monstrosity which is prevalent in Greek mythology.

Describing something fictional is harder than describing something that is not - because you are describing something that only you are understanding! Such a dog does not exist of course, so you have to help your reader understand what you are imagining.

In the Harry Potter books , this is how the description of the creature goes:

… straight into the eyes of a monstrous dog, a dog that filled the whole space between ceiling and floor. J. K Rowling, Chapter 10, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

The use of the adjective, ‘monstrous’, immediately has us realizing that the creature is not pleasant, and is in fact, dangerous. This, as well as the size of the dog, were necessary details that was missing in my own description above.

And the quote continues:

… It had three heads. Three pairs of rolling, mad eyes ; three noses, twitching and quivering in their direction ; three drooling mouths, saliva hanging in slippery ropes from yellowish fangs.

Here, there is detail being added to each visual.

  • The eyes are rolling, and mad.
  • The noses are twitching, quivering in an upward motion.
  • The mouths are drooling, with sticky saliva dropping from yellow fangs.

Do you not think this is descriptive?

The adjectives and the details are giving life to the description. You may think details are hard to think of, but all it takes is a bit of practice and guidance - and keep an eye out for descriptions of anything.

2) Focus on the setting and atmosphere

Winter light

If the setting is something smaller, like just a room - you are limited in your description of the landscape. However, the setting is now the room, so only the scope of your description has changed, and not the description itself.

You can now describe all the intricate details you are noticing in a fascinating room - if you are spending a lot of time describing a room, why not make it an interesting one?

How many windows does the room have? What are the windows made of, and what is their shape? Can you imagine how the windows would let the light enter the room on a bright sunny day? What is the view from the window? Can you see the landscape from the window?

Here, we have an extract by Charlotte Bronte in Jane Eyre, as she is describing a garden inside a school compound:

The garden was a wide enclosure, surrounded with walls so high as to exclude every glimpse of prospect; a covered verandah ran down one side, and broad walks bordered a middle space divided into scores of little beds: these beds were assigned as gardens for the pupils to cultivate, and each bed had an owner. Chapter 5

Here, the garden is surrounded by an enclosure, so the outside world is excluded - you now have to describe everything within the wall. Would you do the same when you write, by intentionally leaving out the landscape by cutting the character’s access to it?

Here, she is continuing with the description of the garden:

When full of flowers they would doubtless look pretty; but now, at the latter end of January, all was wintry blight and brown decay. I shuddered as I stood and looked round me: it was an inclement day for outdoor exercise; not positively rainy, but darkened by a drizzling yellow fog; all under foot was still soaking wet with the floods of yesterday.

Here, with the limited landscape, she is now looking at the sky, and then at the wet ground under her feet, while musing about the rain from the previous day.

What else will she describe now?

The stronger among the girls ran about and engaged in active games, but sundry pale and thin ones herded together for shelter and warmth in the verandah; and amongst these, as the dense mist penetrated to their shivering frames, I heard frequently the sound of a hollow cough.

Her lines here are describing the people present in the garden! This is enough visual imagery for a setting, because right after this, she speaks about her thoughts and feelings while she is in that setting.

How can the description move forward? She can surely visit another section of the school? She can notice something important in the garden, which will carry things forward, and add more meaning to the scene? The possibilities are endless.

Descriptive writing is easier and more effective than writing a story, especiallly in IGCSE English, with a limited wordcount. If you will like a little bit of guidance, we can make sure you score well for your exams. Click here to get equipped with tools for your English skills.

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Sunday, June 16, 2013

Writing a* composition for igcse or as - descriptive writing.

  •   pre-write - read the question carefully, 
  • do a quick plan (Nerdvark did a spider diagram to make sure he was mentioning all five senses in his descriptive piece, and using a very short time span. You'll notice that he also paid attention to atmosphere, and has a switch part way through, from a pleasant atmosphere of a welcoming island where he feels relieved to be safe, to a dangerous island where he is under attack, but there is a bit of foreshadowing in the diction at the beginning of the passage. All this comes from planning .), 
  • draft (Nerdvark wrote like crazy for about 45 minutes without stopping - he knew what he was aiming for because he read the question carefully and did a good plan, and he knew he'd have time to revise and edit before handing in his paper.)
  • revise (Nerdvark ended up with too many words at first, in other words he was wordy, and had to revise it to be more succinct and more clear. He also tends to be a bit repetitive. You'll notice that the marking guide specifically mentions not to be repetitive. Don't be repetitive. Nerdvark crossed out the repeated bits when he revised the piece.), 
  • and a final edit for errors (in the marking guide it says "linguistically strong and accurate"; i.e. no errors.)

24 comments:

Wow..write up is worth A*

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Igcse first language english descriptive composition essay bank.

what is descriptive writing igcse

Welcome to the best Descriptive Composition Bank for the IGCSE First Language English exam on the internet.

Some of the essays were written by students who are working with me or have worked with me in the past, students who would like to contribute their essays for grading, and each essay is graded by a teacher and moderated as well 🙂

Generally, a site membership (free or premium) is required for you to view this Composition essay bank. Still, please feel free to view the samples below!

October/November

  • Describe walking or riding along a path or track you have not explored before.
  • Write a description with the title, ‘Getting busier and busier’.
  • Describe a flying object or creature as it takes off, moves through the air and then lands again.
  • Write a description with the title, ‘A moment of stillness’.
  • Describe a journey through, on or over water.
  • Describe a group of people celebrating a special occasion.
  • Write a description with the title, ‘The nest’.
  • Describe the preparations you make for an important journey.
  • Describe an outdoor event which is ruined by bad weather.
  • Describe a group of people who are on holiday.
  • Describe a group of people meeting for the first time after a long separation.
  • Describe a city street in very bad weather.

2021 and beyond:

  • Describe the inside of an interesting shop.
  • Write a description of a place where animals are kept in captivity, such as a zoo, wildlife park or sea-life centr e.
  • Describe a wild place.
  • Write a description with the title, ‘An unexpected meeting’.
  • Describe a busy workplace.
  • Write a description with the title, ‘The beach by night’.
  • Describe an object you find hidden somewhere outdoors.
  • Describe the moment you receive some welcome news.
  • Describe trying to sleep before an important day.
  • Write a description with the title, ‘The view from the other side’.
  • Describe a group of tourists outside an attraction.
  • Write a description with the title, ‘Floating’.

Describe an outdoor event which is ruined by bad weather. (Essay #1)

As I walked out of the house, the warmth of the wind passed my face while a little whoosh sound was made. I was going to play football with my friends at the top of the hill. The view at the peak of the hill was stunning and magnificent. Each step I took, the clouds covered the Sun; it was about to rain soon. I pushed the thought away from my mind trying to fool myself that it was just cloudy. 

PLAKK!! I was walking next to the tree  and thunder struck the branch of the tree. I was only inches away from the tree. Calming myself down, I continued to walk while hoping that it would only be a drizzle. 

However, the weather stayed the same, if not worse. The sky was getting darker and darker as I walked higher and higher up the hill. The dark clouds covered the sun from being seen by anyone, almost as if protecting the Sun from the rain. The worst came when raindrops started to pour down. I looked over to see how far my house was from the hill. It was roughly 5 meters away. I knew that it was taking a huge risk to run back to my house but the weather left me with no choice. 

On top of that, that particular hill did not have any benches or gazebo to shelter me from the rain. I slid down the track of the hill; which was now very slippery and full of wet mud. The heavy rain poured down from the sky viciously. The clouds were so dark that I instantly felt like I was sucked into a black hole. The trees below the hill oscillated furiously, trying to fight against the unstoppable wind. I ran from the hill all the way to my house with a clenching feel in my chest. 

I abruptly stopped in my tracks about 3 meters away from my house suddenly realizing that I couldn’t breathe. I tried to take a moment or two breathing in and out slowly. At that moment, I wanted to collapse and I just wanted to be at home watching the storm from my window. I wanted to break down into a million pieces but instead, I told myself that I needed to keep going no matter what, that I needed to push through my limits. Therefore, I continued running this time at least two times or even faster than my normal speed. 

Soon, I was at my house and was glad to finally be at home.

Comment: This essay is a descriptive narrative with some vivid imagery, but there is room for improvement in terms of content, structure, and style.

Table A, Composition: Content and Structure

  • W1: The content is relevant, with some development, and includes a few well-chosen images and details. The descriptions of the dark clouds, rain, and the wind are effective.
  • W2: The structure is competently managed, as the essay progresses from the protagonist’s initial excitement about playing football to the struggle with the storm.

Table B, Composition: Style and Accuracy

  • W3: The essay uses simple vocabulary and sentence structures, with some precise vocabulary (e.g., “stunning and magnificent,” “oscillated furiously”) but could be more varied for greater effect.
  • W4: The register is simple, with a general awareness of the context. The tone is consistent throughout the piece.
  • W5: The spelling, punctuation, and grammar are generally accurate, with some minor errors (e.g., “little whoosh sound,” “5 meters away”).

To improve, the writer could work on creating more compelling and developed imagery, as well as varying sentence structures for greater impact. For example, the phrase “the warmth of the wind passed my face” could be rephrased as “the wind’s gentle warmth caressed my face,” which creates a more vivid image. The writer could also make use of more complex sentences, like combining shorter sentences to create smoother transitions.

The structure could be improved by providing more context and background, such as more information about the protagonist’s motivation to play football despite the worsening weather. This would help the reader better understand and relate to the character’s actions.

Summer 2022, Paper 2 Variant 2.

Describe an outdoor event which is ruined by bad weather. (Essay #2)

As I walked out of the house, a warm wind began to blow, and the leaves whooshed past me in a rhythmic dance, almost as if heralding the epic day that I was going to have today as I played football with my friends at the top of the hill. As I walked past the houses and street crossings that defined this little street on which I had lived for the past fifteen years, a sense of majesty seemed to color it, as the evening light bore down upon my path and I walked towards the entrance of the hiking path that led to the top of Kiara Hill.

As I walked towards the top of the hill, however, a brief crack of thunder resonated in the distance. I tried to shut it out, telling myself that it was just the noise of a bird breaking a tree branch nearby. The clouds started to cover the sun as if they were layers on a Photoshop image that were progressively darkening a canvas all the way to perfect blackness; I told myself that occasionally, clouds just moved in this way, and that there was no way that any rain would do me the dishonor of ruining the perfect evening that I had planned out. 

When the lightning struck the tree branch next to me, that was the moment that I began to have misgivings. When the first raindrops fell on the muddied path, I knew that there was trouble. Before long, there weren’t just a few – a deluge had begun, washing rocks and mud onto my new Nike sneakers as water began to rush down the hill, rendering any hope or prayers that I had of playing football into complete impossibility. 

I started to run down the hill, knowing that evening football had just turned into a lost cause. As I skipped down the mountain, however, the rain continued to fall even more intensely, the droplets bearing down upon me as if a vengeful pursuer seeking his prey down to the ends of the universe. As I made it onto the street right opposite my house, I tried to cross the intersection that led to home sweet home… But just then, two cars crashed into one another, leading one of the cars into a tailspin as it eventually veered to the side of the road, crashed into a trashcan, and eventually broke a telephone pole in two.

It was all I could do to take my keys out of my soggy left pocket by the time I had reached home. Even though I was drained, exhausted, and completely defied in my hopes to play the beautiful game on Kiara Hill that day, I realized that I was deeply lucky: through the entire ordeal that I had just been through I had somehow or another remained safe throughout.

It was with these thoughts that I fell onto my bed and drifted off into a deep sleep.

This essay effectively tells a story of a disrupted plan to play football with friends on Kiara Hill. The writing contains vivid imagery and well-chosen language to convey the protagonist’s experience and emotions. The structure is well-balanced, with a clear progression of events leading to a thoughtful conclusion.

  • W1 (Content): The essay’s content can be considered complex, engaging, and effective due to the writer’s ability to create a vivid atmosphere and convey the protagonist’s emotions throughout the story. The essay maintains the reader’s interest and presents a cohesive narrative.
  • W2 (Structure): The structure of the essay is secure, well-balanced, and carefully managed for deliberate effect. The story unfolds linearly, with a clear progression of events leading to the protagonist’s reflection on their fortunate escape from danger. The essay also effectively balances descriptions with action and character development.
  • W3 (Style): The writer demonstrates excellence in style through the use of precise, well-chosen vocabulary and varied sentence structures chosen for effect. Examples of strong phrases include “heralding the epic day,” “layers on a Photoshop image,” and “a vengeful pursuer seeking his prey down to the ends of the universe,” which create engaging imagery and enhance the essay’s overall impact.
  • W4 (Register): The essay consistently maintains a well-chosen register suitable for the context. The writer’s choice of language effectively reflects the protagonist’s emotions and the unfolding events, creating a cohesive narrative tone.
  • W5 (Accuracy): Spelling, punctuation, and grammar are almost always accurate throughout the essay. There are no significant errors that detract from the reader’s understanding or enjoyment of the text, supporting the Grade 6 designation for accuracy.
  • Based on the justifications provided, it is reasonable to assign a Grade 6 for both Table A (Content and Structure) and Table B (Style and Accuracy) for the essay above.

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September 12, 2023 1:11 am

Hi. I have my igcse exams in 2025. I am really nervous about my descriptive writing and response to reading tasks. Please share some tips.

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What is Descriptive Writing? Learn how to write, Examples and Secret Tips

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  • Created on February 18, 2022
  • Blog , English , Exam Tips , Free Resources

Descriptive Writing Format, Techniques, and Examples

What is Descriptive Writing – Descriptive writing is a style or technique of writing used by the writer to help the reader vividly visualize the story or situation, using words, metaphors, adjectives, and other literary techniques.

This style of writing is useful when you want the reader to imagine or picture the story or situation you are writing about.

The idea is to provide the reader with rich detail for them to picture in their minds the characters, settings, objects, emotions, and places or even events taking place in real-time.

It does sound easy, but many students and adults find that fine-tuning this skill is challenging.

But, it’s not impossible!

By using Tutopiya’s quick manual below, on what is descriptive writing, its techniques, and examples, you can achieve this.

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Descriptive Writing Format

Descriptive writing is a type of writing that uses vivid details to create a mental image for the reader. It is often used to describe people, places, things, or events. Descriptive writing can be used in a variety of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.

Here is a basic format for descriptive writing:

Introduction: Grab the reader’s attention with a strong opening sentence or phrase. Introduce the topic of your description and provide some general background information.

Body: Use sensory details to describe your topic. This means using language that appeals to the five senses of sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing. You can also use figurative language, such as similes, metaphors, and personification, to create a more vivid image for the reader.

Conclusion: Summarize the main points of your description and leave the reader with a lasting impression.

Must Read : IGCSE Journal Writing Guide: 7 Useful tips

5 Main Techniques and Descriptive Writing Examples

 1. five senses rule.

For any novice writer learning the ropes of descriptive writing, the first rule is to appeal to all the five senses of the reader.

Using detail that attracts the five senses, sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell will surely set the tone right for a good piece of descriptive writing.

This kind of detail will make the writing more interesting and engaging.

Take a look at the example below:

‘The gentle warmth of the morning sun caressed my face, the moist yet nostalgic fragrance of wet grass after all that rain transported me back to my childhood.’

2. Removing Appdarent Description

Description or detail that is very normal and apparent should be left out of writing as it takes up undue space.

Using that space to fill your work with fresh new ideas or words will make your writing more convincing.

It will also give you more time and room to think of other ways of making your writing interesting.

Things that are usual, like the color of the grass or the sky.

Even sounds of animals that we come across every day.

Do not waste time thinking of how to make them any more interesting than they are.

‘The old garden was blooming with colorful flowers once again.’

We all know that flowers are colorful and that they grow in gardens.

Hence emphasizing this sentence with ‘colorful’ does not add any new value.

So, saying ‘The old garden was blooming with flowers once again’ makes the same image in the readers’ mind as it is.

Study now : Cambridge IGCSE | English Language | Directed Writing

3. Using Figurative/ Descriptive Literary Techniques

Techniques such as Personification, Similies, Hyperboles, Onomatopoeia, and Metaphors are critical masterstrokes that writers use.

Not only do these enhance the language but also provide richness to the writing.

When you attribute a human quality or emotion to an inanimate object that is called Personification.

For example – ‘The chair squeaked as I started to rock it to and fro..’

Similies are basic comparison techniques that compare one thing with another, using the words ‘as’ and ‘like’.

For example- ‘The warrior was as brave and fearless as a lion on the battlefield’.

Hyperboles are the easiest out of the lot.

They are used to exaggerate and create a lasting impression on the reader.

For example –  ‘The army rained down their arrows as the enemy approached the castle walls’.

‘It seemed like the suitcase weighed a tonne…’

Metaphors are used to compare a thing or person to something else that has similar qualities.

For example – ‘In the morning there was a blanket of snow covering the whole garden’.

‘He was the black sheep of the whole family.

Lastly, Onomatopoeia is a very interesting technique that assigns the sounds to what the words actually mean.

For example – ‘Pitter-patter, pitter-patter, poured the rain on the roof of my treehouse’.

‘As we trudged up the hill, the dry twigs and leaves cracked and crunched under our boots.’

Apart from the main techniques above, there are some subtle yet powerful ones called Emotive Language and Oxymorons.

Emotive Language is a way of evoking a particular emotional response in the reader.

For example – ‘the innocent and infectious smiles of the children filled the room with immeasurable delight’ .

‘As the survivors emerged from the rubble, they gazed upon the shadow of death and destruction. 

Additionally, Oxymorons are phrases that contain two contradictory terms.

For example- Julia hurriedly stuffed a piece of cake in her mouth, and said,” this cake is awfully good Aunt Rose”

4. Using Fresh/New Descriptive Words

Sometimes, fresh and novel words or phrases stick with readers.

That is why descriptive writing is a constantly evolving process.

There is no one correct way of writing in this style.

If the readers connect with your words then you know it’s right.

That is why finding fresh ways to connect with the reader is important.

It is very common to write ‘the gentle breeze touched my face 

Try saying ‘a tender breath of fresh spring air caressed our faces..’

It is all about trying new words or adjectives and seeing which ones best convey the feeling you are trying to write about.

Must Read:  Directed Writing: Format, Benefits, Topics, Common Mistakes and Examples

5. Reading Good Samples of Descriptive Writing

Reading is a very easy yet sublime way to improve any type of writing skill.

It doesn’t matter whether the material is descriptive or narrative in nature.

What matters is that reading is a very subconscious way of learning how to write well and descriptive writing is no different.  If you wish to succeed as a fine descriptive writer then, the most natural way to do so is to read descriptive material yourself.

Reading and writing are a part and partial of our lives, we are surrounded by language and words.

The more we read, the more exposure we get to different writing styles, new words, and phrases, or even new trends of writing.

The mind absorbs several concepts, ideas, signs, words, and detail subconsciously.

The trick is to make reading a constant habit so that the information being synced in can also translate through personal skill and help you tell your story successfully.

Secret Tips for Descriptive Writing

Descriptive writing is a powerful tool that can help you transport your readers to another world. By using vivid language and imagery, you can create a scene that is so real, your readers will feel like they are there.

Here are some secret tips for descriptive writing:

Appealing to the Senses: Engage your readers by incorporating sensory details. Describe not only what things look like but also how they feel, smell, sound, and even taste. This helps create a vivid and immersive experience for the reader.

Show, Don’t Tell: Instead of outright stating facts, paint a picture through your words. Use descriptive language to convey emotions, actions, and settings. Allow readers to draw their own conclusions based on the details you provide.

Utilize Strong Verbs and Adjectives: Choose precise and powerful verbs and adjectives to convey the exact meaning you intend. This adds depth to your writing and makes it more impactful.

Create a Strong Mood: Consider the mood you want to evoke and infuse your writing with appropriate language. Whether it’s suspenseful, nostalgic, or serene, your choice of words should align with the emotional atmosphere you’re aiming for.

Employ Figurative Language: Metaphors, similes, and other forms of figurative language can add layers of meaning to your descriptions. They create connections and comparisons that enhance the reader’s understanding and engagement.

Use Varied Sentence Structures: Keep your writing interesting by varying the length and structure of your sentences. Mix short, punchy sentences with longer, more complex ones to maintain a dynamic flow.

Focus on Specific Details: Rather than overwhelming your readers with a barrage of details, select the most important and evocative elements. This allows readers to focus on what truly matters and helps to avoid unnecessary clutter.

Consider the Setting’s Role: Treat the setting as a character in your narrative. Explore how the environment influences the events and characters in your story. This adds depth and context to your descriptions.

Create Strong Imagery: Aim to create images in the reader’s mind. Use words that paint clear and vivid pictures, allowing readers to easily visualize the scenes you are describing.

Edit with a Critical Eye: After your initial draft, review your writing critically. Trim unnecessary words and phrases, ensuring that every detail serves a purpose. Concise and precise descriptions are often more powerful.

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Descriptive Writing

Writing to describe.

Vividly describe a person, object, event or experience. The reader should feel as if they have entered the writer’s world and imagination.

Do not get this confused with writing a story with a plot! With descriptive writing there is no movement in time.

You are painting a snapshot with your words. The reader cannot see what you can, therefore, you need to entice their five senses. Make the image tangible for them. Use different colours and strokes in your artwork; these will be your stimulating nouns and adjectives. Grab the attention of the viewer and hold it, as you manoeuvre through your piece.

Descriptive Writing, figure 1

See yourself as a tour guide, moving an audience physically and emotionally around a motionless photograph. There are no time elements or a particular logical approach, as to where to begin or end. You are in control.

Take them where you wish but continually ask yourself:

  • Why am I taking them here?
  • Why have I chosen to use this particular time?

Example Question

Sometimes you are given an image to act as a stimulus:

Descriptive Writing, figure 1

For example, an image of an ocean, it will most definitely contain a variety of fish.

Alternatively, you may be given a statement:

For example:

  • Describe a time when you were confined.
  • Write a description of a teenager leaving home.
  • Write a description of a new-born baby.

Planning an Effective Response

If an image is given to you, during your exam, then you are given a handy head start and you can proceed to planning.

Descriptive Writing, figure 1

Annotate the image, squeezing out as much detail as possible. Do not limit yourself to just the obvious details. Dig deeper, what else could you presume would feature in this scene? Could something significant be happening outside of the snapshot? Make sure that you do not make wild assumptions and detract from the true essence of the picture.

If are not given an image to support this question, you have to work a little harder but you are now free from restrictions. What appropriate image can you draw on for inspiration?

Descriptive Writing, figure 4

Keep it minimal and something that can be imagined by all, otherwise, you will overwhelm your reader if there is information overload. Image in mind, make some brief notes or even a sketch so that you can physically see your imagination on paper.

Aim to take your reader on a journey. Remember, the order or presentation if totally up to you. Be clear on your order, before you begin writing anything.

  • Where will you begin? Why?
  • Where do you want them to go? Why?
  • What do you want them to learn? Why?
  • What small detail do you want them to see as significant?
  • Where do you want them to end? Why?

Maybe you might like to think of it this way, if this were a silent movie, which camera angles would you use?

You could start from a wide angle and then zoom in to a significant detail. In reverse, you could start with a small detail and zoom out to reveal the greater context.

The route you take and the details you highlight should reflect conscious crafting.

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GCSE - Improve Your Descriptive Writing

GCSE - Improve Your Descriptive Writing

Subject: English

Age range: 14-16

Resource type: Unit of work

English, Dyslexia and SEN Support

Last updated

15 February 2024

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what is descriptive writing igcse

Based on the AQA (GCSE) Q5, Paper 1, the unit focuses on the ability to use a range of sentence openers and vocabulary to describe clothes.

Writing in depth description of the clothes people wear is complicated. This unit uses model paragraphs, a vocabulary list, pictures, independent writing tasks and a marking rubric to guide GCSE, English Language students to improve their description of people.

Although aimed at AQA, English Language students, the unit is useful for GCSE students who wish to improve their creative writing and descriptions.

The unit has proved successful in raising the attainment of students who struggle with this skill.

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The bundle includes a range of GCSE, English Language Writing materials. It includes model answers, spelling activities, key vocabulary, engaging images, plans, independent writing activities and marking rubrics. Although aimed at the AQA writing papers, the bundle will support all the GCSE exam boards. It includes materials to support: - descriptive writing - persuasive/argumentative writing - creative writing Each unit is structured in an easy to follow format based on model texts. They are useful for students with additional needs who need explicit language support to achieve a higher grade in their GCSE, English Language writing. They have been proven to raise attainment because of the strategies used, namely grammar in context and modeling. The value for money bundle offers weeks of writing support and is beneficial for teachers, English coordinators, teaching assistants and SENDCOs!

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    for the style and accuracy of your writing. EITHER Descriptive writing 2 Describe an occasion when a group of people are eating together. OR Descriptive writing 3 Describe a busy train or bus station. OR Narrative writing 4 Write a story that includes the words, '… nothing could have prepared him for what he saw …'. OR Narrative writing

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