Elements of Language: Third Course, Chapter 1

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Writer's Model

Description of a Place

A description of a place is a short narrative that conveys a writer's thoughts and feelings about a specific place. A good description uses details, facts, and figures of speech to create a word picture that makes a place seem real to the reader.

Many descriptions use the structure illustrated in the framework below. Print this framework and use it as a guide when you write your own description of a place.

Introduction
• Clearly identify the place you are describing.
• Include a statement that hints at a dominant impression.

Prepare your readers Start with an interesting impression or piece of information that will make readers want to learn more about the place you are describing.
Present a dominant impression This helps to organize your essay into something more than a random, unrelated set of impressions.

Body
• Use a variety of details (sensory, factual, and figurative).
• Include thoughts and feelings.
• Use either spatial order or order of importance.

Pile on the details Bring your place to life by engaging all of the senses—not just sight—in your essay. Tell how things smell, taste, sound, and feel. Remember that factual details such as size or age can help paint a picture for your readers.
Reflect Telling why a place is special to you also helps your readers bring the place into focus.
Move your readers along The order in which you present your description helps your readers visualize the place you are describing. Use either spatial order or order of importance to organize your details.

Conclusion
• End with a statement that wraps up your description.

Close with a flourish To remind your readers why the place you are describing is important, restate your dominant impression.