A descriptive text is a kind of writing that paints a picture with words. Its main purpose is to describe a person, place, thing, or event in such a way that the reader can clearly imagine what is being talked about. Writers often use descriptive language and sensory details—words that appeal to t...
A descriptive text is a kind of writing that paints a picture with words. Its main purpose is to describe a person, place, thing, or event in such a way that the reader can clearly imagine what is being talked about. Writers often use descriptive language and sensory details—words that appeal to the five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. For example, instead of simply saying, “The garden is beautiful,” a descriptive text might say, “The garden is filled with bright red roses, their petals soft like velvet, and the sweet fragrance of jasmine floats in the warm morning air.”
Descriptive texts usually focus on giving a vivid image and often use adjectives, adverbs, comparisons, and figurative language like similes and metaphors. They can describe physical appearances, emotions, or even the atmosphere of a place. This type of text does not just inform the reader but also helps them feel as if they are experiencing the scene themselves. In short, descriptive text turns simple information into a rich, imaginative experience.
Learning Objectives By the end of this lesson, students will be able to: 1. Explain the purpose and structure of descriptive text (Identification + Description). 2. Identify and use sensory details and figurative language in writing. 3. Compose a 150–200 word descriptive paragraph incorporating at least 5 vivid adjectives and 3 sensory details. 4. Use peer review to revise and improve descriptive writing.
Lesson Overview & Time Allocation Warm-up: 5 min Direct instruction: 10 min Modeling: 10 min Guided practice (group): 15 min Independent practice: 12 min Closing & assessment: 8 min
Materials & Resources • Projector / screen • Pictures (beach, market, classroom, park) • Worksheets: Scaffolded writing sheet, peer-review checklist • Word bank chart, rubric handout • Markers, chart paper
Structure of Descriptive Text 1. Identification — introduce the subject (what/who). 2. Description — details that explain appearance, feelings, and impressions using senses.
Language Features & Examples • Sensory details (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch) — e.g., 'the salty breeze', 'crisp leaves underfoot' • Figurative language — simile: 'as bright as...'; metaphor: 'a sea of...' • Precise adjectives & strong verbs
Annotated Example — Teacher Model The old library at the corner of our street is a sanctuary of silence. Shelves tower like ancient trees, their wooden spines smelling faintly of dust and lemon polish. Light filters through high windows, casting warm, honeyed bands on the creaky floor. Pages whisper as hands turn them, and a soft, worn armchair invites you to sink in and forget the bustle outside.
Scaffolded Writing: Sentence Starters & Word Bank Sentence starters: - My favorite place is... - I can see/hear/smell/taste/feel... - It feels/looks/smells like... Word bank: fragrant, glittering, dusty, bustling, tranquil, fragrant, ancient, gleaming, crisp
Guided Group Activity (15 min) 1. Form groups of 3–4. 2. Each group receives a photo card and chart paper. 3. Role assign: Scribe, Speaker, Timekeeper, Editor. 4. Task: Write an identification sentence and 4–6 descriptive sentences using at least 3 senses. 5. Prepare a 1-minute oral share.
Peer Review Checklist • Does the paragraph have a clear subject? • Are there at least 3 sensory details? • Are there at least 5 descriptive words/adjectives? • Is the paragraph organized and easy to follow? • Are there sentence-level errors to fix?
Independent Practice (12 min) Write a descriptive paragraph (150–200 words) about your favorite place. Include: • Identification sentence • At least 3 sensory details • At least 5 adjectives • One example of figurative language
Sample — Emerging The park is nice. There are trees and a pond. Birds sing. The grass is soft. I like it.
Sample — Proficient The neighborhood park is my peaceful place. Tall trees rustle above, and sunlight dances on the pond’s surface. I can smell fresh-cut grass and hear children laughing in the distance. A wooden bench feels warm under my hands.
Sample — Advanced The neighborhood park unfolds like a gently exhaled secret — a tapestry of emerald leaves and dappled light. Dragonflies stitch silver threads above the pond, and the air tastes faintly of citrus and cut grass. Each step on the dew-brushed path releases a soft, earthy perfume. Even the wind seems to hum an old, comfortable tune.
Differentiation & Accommodations • ELL / struggling writers: provide sentence starters, bilingual word bank, pair with stronger peer. • Advanced learners: add a second paragraph focusing on mood or atmosphere, request multi-sensory metaphors. • Students with IEP: allow extra time, one-to-one support, oral response option.
Formative Checks & Exit Slip Quick checks during lesson: thumbs up/down, one-sentence summary, peer checklist. Exit slip (collect): Write one sensory detail and explain which sense it appeals to and why.
Homework / Extension Assignment: Write a 200-word descriptive text about a family member or special place. Underline sensory words and label the senses used. Extension: Create an illustrated page or digital collage that pairs images with your paragraph.
Teacher Reflection Prompts After the lesson, reflect: What worked well? Which students struggled? Which example produced the best discussion? Adjustments for next time: More modeling, extra scaffolds, different pictures?
Additional Resources • Suggested readings: short descriptive passages from age-appropriate books • Online: interactive adjective/sensory activities • Printable: word banks and figurative language charts
Closing Thank you! Any questions? Collect worksheets and exit slips.