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Descriptive Writing Worksheets

Language arts categories, free weekly worksheets, worksheets by email, what is descriptive writing.

When it comes to writing in English, there are thought be four different types of pieces. These include expository, persuasive, narrative, and descriptive. In this section, our focus will be on descriptive writing. As its name suggests, this type of English writing gives a clear and concise description of everything. Be it a location, character, event, or object; this writing describes everything in a way that it creates an image in the minds of the readers. The description should be of a form that evokes the senses in a reader. Learning the skills of descriptive writing can benefit students in a multitude of ways. It teaches the students the art of expressing through writing. By adding details, they can excel in expressing through writing. It also helps them enhance their vocabulary bank as describing something in detail requires a writer to have a vast bank of words in their minds.

Imagine That...

You are given as simple scenario to work through. Once you soak that in, give three details about how this happened and what you will do next.

Concrete Descriptions

Write three details about this picture in the boxes below. Then write a descriptive paragraph using these details on the next page. Use as many adjectives as necessary to give concrete descriptions.

How to Ensure That Your Writing is Descriptive Enough

Let us face it; writing is not everybody's cup of tea. You have to have that knack for creativity that would help you in your writing. In case you have been struggling with your descriptive writing, you may consider these tips to keep your words flow in all the new ways. Make use of Analogies and Figurative Language. From analogies to keeping the use of metaphors subtle, you may hone your descriptive writing skills. Most writers utilize figurative language while they are at writing descriptions. However, you may ensure you are not going overboard. Chances are it might only make your writing forced and not true to your talent. Keep it Less Wordy So, this one is the most obvious! The overflow of words only makes descriptions forced and not creative. So, while you are creating descriptions, ensure you are not going too far adding words to your writing. You may take on the subtle approach. Construct sentences with few and the truest to the context words. Chances are you will find your writing a lot better and well-constructed than before.

Adjectives Say It All

Look at the picture. Write adjectives in the boxes to describe the picture.

Beginning, Middle, and End

LYou are given a topic and asked to flesh a complete paragraph for it.

Families Are Fun!

Fill in the organizer and use it to write a descriptive paragraph about your family on the next page. Circle all the adjectives in your paragraph.

Proud to Be an American

What makes you proud? Things I can do because I am an American. Descriptive words about America.

An Endangered Animal

Name an animal that is endangered? Why? Descriptive words for the animal.

Global Warming

What is global warming? How does this happen?

Things you like to do during summer. Descriptive words for summer.

How to Ensure You Write Descriptively

Descriptive writing is a tough art to master, and we have very few writers in history who have successfully adopted a descriptive writing style. You need to experience your surroundings to its core to write about it. Descriptive writers usually see things around them from a different perspective. They observe details that we generally ignore. The best part of descriptive writing is that a descriptive writer observes every tiny detail in the scene surrounding them and puts them artistically on the paper. There is a reason why descriptive writing is tough. Putting all the details together and writing them down on the paper so that the reader doesn’t lose their interest is surely an art. You must write down every detail you can observe to write descriptively.

Dinosaur Essay

A descriptive paragraph describes a person, place, or thing. Use words that help the reader to see, hear, smell, feel, and taste the subject. Write a paragraph about a dinosaur from long ago.

Your Favorite Dessert

What is it? Who makes it? How does it taste and smell? What does it look like?

Interesting Person

Who is this person and what do you like about them?

Descriptive Writing Prompt 1

Think about a place where you like to go to be alone. Write about this place and explain why you like to go there to be alone. Are there certain times in particular you like to be alone? How does this place help you?

Writing Prompt 2

Describe a really fun day. Think about where you went and what you did that made it so fun. Describe the location, season, activities, etc. Use all of your senses to paint a picture for your reader.

Writing Prompt 3

If you could create your own country, what would it look like? Who would live there? What would people be like? What kind of food would there be?

Writing Prompt 4

What is the best day you have ever spent with your family? What are the reasons why it was so special? Write a paper telling about the best day you ever spent with your family. Be sure to include three reasons to support why it was the best day. Be sure to use specific details to support each of your reasons. Use descriptive words and phrases to make your words come alive.

Writing Prompt 5

Describe your favorite room in your house. Why is it your favorite? What does the room look like? What kinds of activities do you do in this room?

Writing Prompt 6

Everyone is afraid of something - heights, spiders or flying just to mention a few. What are you afraid of the most? What do you think caused this fear? Write a story about a situation in which you had to face your fear. Explain what you did to overcome that fear. Identify other fears you would also like to overcome.

Writing Prompt 7

What is one of the funniest things that has ever happened to you? Explain the event in as much detail as you can so that the reader understands what makes the event so funny.

Writing Prompt 8

Imagine you have just been given the name and address of a pen pal across the country. Your pen pal has no idea what you look like or who you are. Describe yourself to that person.

Writing Prompt 9

What was the proudest moment of your life? What made that moment so special? Use all of your sensory details to describe that moment.

Writing Prompt 10

Write a story about waking up in a story. What would you do if you woke up in the middle of a story? What story would it be? Which scene would it be? What would you do to escape? How do the other characters respond to you in that scene? How do you react to the situation? How do you plan on escaping?

Writing Prompt 11

Write about the worst day of your life. Think of a day in your life when everything seemed to be going wrong. Give at least three things that went wrong that day and explain each one using supporting details.

Delightful Descriptive Writing Exercises and Worksheets

Descriptive writing is an attempt to give a clear description of people, places, objects, or events using descriptive language and informative details. Descriptive writing exercises can include:

• brainstorming
• word sorting
• sentence writing with pictures
• transitions exercises

1 Descriptive essay outline template

This is an essay outline worksheet to help students focus on organization and planning when preparing to write essays. It helps them write clearly and logically.

Descriptive essay outline template  (PDF)

2 Brainstorming for a descriptive essay about a place

This is an English language writing exercise for students to brainstorm ideas for a descriptive essay.

Brainstorming descriptive writing ideas (PDF)

3 Descriptive writing word sorting (with answers)

This is an exercise that helps students expand their vocabulary and shows them that there are many words available to help them write more creatively and with more attention to detail.

Descriptive writing word sorting (PDF)

4 Essential shapes vocabulary

This worksheet is designed to help students learning English become familiar with vocabulary for shapes. Students match the vocabulary to the pictures. 

(download PDF)

Related Resources:

6 narrative essay writing templates and worksheets

8 comparison/contrast templates and exercises

10 cause/effect writing activities

11 essential basic exercises for paragraph/essay writing 

3 kinds of exercises for teaching transitions

5 Descriptive sentences practice

This is an English language writing exercise for students to practice writing descriptive sentences. Students look at the pictures and try to write between two and five sentences.

Writing descriptive sentences (PDF)

6 The Weekend Market (descriptive essay transitions with answers)

This is a transitions and linking words exercise for a descriptive essay. Well placed transitions help make essays easier to read and understand.

Descriptive essay transitions exercise (PDF)

(see the video on YouTube)

7 Descriptive Paragraphs ( transitions exercise with answers)

This is an English language exercise to help students understand transitions.  Students try to fill in the blanks with the words below each paragraph.

Descriptive paragraph transitions exercise (PDF)

14 Replies to “Descriptive writing exercises and worksheets”

Necesito saber las respuestas del ejercicio 4 porfa???

Great resource! Thank you

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Useful resource.Thank you

Thanks fo the comments!

These are very fruitful. Thanks indeed.

These have been some wonderful exercises for my students as we learn descriptive writing.

terima kasih

Excellent and exactly what we need! Thank you :))

Very useful. Thank you.

great worksheets

It is a wonderful teaching writing source. I thank you!

The content is awesome… Very apt for beginners. Thank You

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Descriptive Writing

Here’s a huge variety of resources on descriptive writing: lesson ideas, graphic organizers, worksheets, and practice pages for book reports, how-to, science, and explanatory writing. Plus, activities for selecting sensory words, adjectives, adverbs, and interesting synonyms.

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Descriptive Writing Worksheets

Related ela standard: w.4.3.

We use descriptive writing to, do just as the name says; describe a noun in depth. We want to make the sure we write something in a vivid fashion to cover the entire scene for the reader. In order to pull this off we need to captures the use of our five sense and portrait that to readers. I often have my students use a flow chart to brainstorm the ideas and the writing process when working in a descriptive forum. The worksheets found below will empower students to use the descriptive technique when authoring their own works.

Descriptive Writing Worksheets To Print:

It's All In The DETAILS – They make just about anything more interesting. They also bring things to life.

It's in the Bag! – You have to have a plan for this worksheet. I would outline the approach you plan to take before you start it.

The Five Senses – If you want to make your work pop, include some sense words in it. Make things lively and fun.

Words That Have Sense... – At first, this seems like an easy task. It is more difficult than it looks.

What Makes Sense? – Match the picture to the words that fit it. Which sense is being used for each word that is present.

Break It Down – Underline the sentences, or parts of sentences, which help form the best visual mental picture.

Mystery Classmate – You are holding the name of a classmate. SHHHHH! It's a secret! You can find them for sure.

Seasons – Write one sentence to describe each of the four seasons with descriptive words (adjectives.) Use at least 3 adjectives in each sentence.

Self Portrait – Students are going to create a "self portrait with adjectives." You will get a strong sense of your students confidence with this sheet.

Sensory Paragraphs With Targeted Words – You are going to build an idea for a paragraph using the organizational template.

It's a Smile – These are some well-known and often used similes.

Smell and Taste It – You need to use adjectives that make your friend experience the smell as vividly as you did when you first experienced the odor.

All Five – Think of something you have tasted. It can be a good taste or one that is not so tasty.

Paint a Picture With Words – Fill in the blanks using the appropriate parts of speech. You do not have to make the first noun a "cat."

When I Grow Up – Time to think ahead to your future. Even grown ups have fun with this one.

More Descriptive Worksheet Topics:

Descriptive Paragraph Writing

Precise Words and Relvaent Details

Habits of Highly Effective Descriptive Writers

Any time you put together a descriptive piece, you need to put as much description as you can in there for your readers. You need to be Rembrandt with a writing tool. You need to hit their sense of smell (make them feel the flowers through their nose), sense of taste (how delicious is it?), sense of touch (how sharp is it?), sense of sight (that is an easy one), and sense of smell (that is pretty easy too).

Descriptive writers employ the use of well stated figurative language. When you use an analogy to pinpoint the differences or likenesses in things, it can be very powerful. Similes and metaphors can also get the job done.

Good description are exact, they don’t leave anything to chance in the readers mind. You won’t find the use general words in a solid piece of work. For example, the sentence: The apple was shiny; needs a much deeper description such as: The vibrant apple was so shiny; you could see your reflection in it. I did go a little over the top with that one, but you get the point.

Elements to Include in a Descriptive Paragraph

A descriptive paragraph is usually written as a part of any story or essay and gives details about an event or person. Writing a descriptive paragraph is not easy since it requires a lot of observation and careful crafting of the ideas on part of the author. A descriptive paragraph helps readers in understanding things to the very core and makes an image in their head of whatever they are reading about.

The elements that must be present in a descriptive paragraph are largely dependent on what kind of descriptive information is being written in that paragraph. Here are a few types of such paragraphs and elements to include in them:

Elements to Include in a Descriptive Paragraph about a Person

A descriptive paragraph can be used to define a specific character, story or some important person from history. Such a descriptive paragraph should start with a description of the person’s individuality and standing in society. It can talk about the profession of that person or the role which is being mainly contributed by him in the story. Other elements to include about the person in a descriptive paragraph are his or her facial features, physical stature, clothing, some evident aspects of his body language, and things which distinguish that one person from other people in the story or essay being described.

Elements to Include in a Descriptive Paragraph about an Event

If a descriptive paragraph is describing details of an event, then it must include the reference to the era or the particular year in which it took place, the place of the event’s occurrence, the season at the time of event's occurrence, the settings of the place where the event took place, the people involved in the event, etc.

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Descriptive Writing Worksheets

Make It More

Replacing The Plain

The Five Senses

Improving The Overused

Describe Something

Strong Imagery

Enriching Statements

What Is Happening?

A Recent Happening

The First Scene

My Favorite Activity

An Interesting Animal

A Familiar Location

Sounds Like

All about these 15 worksheets.

Descriptive writing is a genre of writing that uses sensory details and vivid language to create a mental picture or evoke emotions in the reader’s mind. These worksheets provide exercises and prompts that encourage students to enhance their descriptive writing abilities.

The worksheets may include various activities, such as:

Sensory Details – Students are given a topic or scene and they need to brainstorm and write down sensory details associated with that topic. This activity helps students develop their ability to incorporate sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures into their writing.

Figurative Language – Students are provided with sentences or paragraphs and they have to identify and analyze the use of figurative language, such as similes, metaphors, personification, or hyperbole. This activity helps students understand how to use figurative language effectively to make their writing more descriptive.

Descriptive Paragraphs – Students are given a picture or a prompt, and they have to write a descriptive paragraph that vividly describes the scene, object, or experience. This activity allows students to practice using descriptive language and organizing their ideas in a coherent manner.

Editing and Revision – Students are provided with descriptive paragraphs that contain errors or lack specific details. They have to identify the errors and revise the paragraphs to make them more descriptive and engaging.

Descriptive Essay Writing – Students are given a specific topic or prompt, and they have to write a descriptive essay that provides a detailed description of the subject. This activity challenges students to apply their descriptive writing skills in a longer and more structured piece of writing.

What is Descriptive Writing?

Descriptive writing is a genre of writing that uses sensory details, vivid language, and imagery to create a mental picture or evoke emotions in the reader’s mind. It aims to paint a vivid and detailed picture of a person, place, object, or experience through words. Here are three detailed examples of descriptive writing:

“The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow across the tranquil beach. The gentle waves lapped against the powdery sand, leaving delicate patterns in their wake. The salty scent of the ocean mingled with the sweet fragrance of tropical blooms that adorned the shoreline. As I walked barefoot, the soft sand caressed my feet, and the cool water tickled my toes. Seagulls soared gracefully overhead, their cries echoing through the salty breeze. The scene was a perfect harmony of colors, sounds, and sensations, a serene oasis that enveloped me in its peaceful embrace.”

In this example, the descriptive writing transports the reader to a beach at sunset, utilizing sensory details to evoke a vivid image. The use of words like “warm,” “golden,” “tranquil,” “gentle,” and “soft” appeals to the reader’s senses, allowing them to visualize and experience the scene.

“The towering oak tree stood majestically in the heart of the ancient forest. Its gnarled branches stretched out like skeletal fingers, reaching toward the sky. The leaves, a vibrant tapestry of crimson, amber, and gold, whispered in the breeze, creating a symphony of rustling sounds. Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, casting dappled shadows on the moss-covered forest floor. The air was alive with the earthy scent of decaying leaves and the sweet aroma of wildflowers. As I stood beneath the mighty oak, a sense of awe and tranquility washed over me, as if I had entered a sacred realm of nature’s grandeur.”

In this example, the descriptive writing brings the reader into an ancient forest, capturing the essence of the environment through rich sensory details. The language paints a vivid picture of the tree’s appearance, the play of light and shadow, and the scents and sounds of the forest, creating an immersive experience for the reader.

“Her eyes were like two sparkling sapphires, mesmerizing and full of depth. They held a universe of emotions, ranging from joy and laughter to quiet contemplation. Framed by long, silky lashes, they seemed to dance with every expression that crossed her face. Her smile, radiant and infectious, lit up the room, revealing perfectly aligned, pearl-white teeth. Each time she spoke, her voice was a melodic symphony, carrying a gentle warmth that enveloped those around her. She moved with grace and poise, every step exuding confidence and elegance. Her presence commanded attention, leaving an indelible impression on all who crossed her path.”

In this example, the descriptive writing focuses on capturing the physical and charismatic attributes of a person. The detailed descriptions of the eyes, smile, voice, and demeanor allow the reader to form a clear mental image and connect emotionally with the character being portrayed.

What Are the 3 Types of Descriptive Writing?

#1 objective.

Objective descriptive writing focuses on providing an unbiased and factual description of a person, place, object, or event. It aims to present an accurate portrayal without any personal opinions or judgments. Objective descriptive writing relies on concrete details, sensory observations, and precise language to paint a clear picture for the reader. This type of descriptive writing is commonly found in scientific reports, travel guides, and technical descriptions.

Example: “The Taj Mahal stands on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, India. Its grand white marble façade is adorned with intricate carvings and inlaid gemstones. The symmetrical architecture and minarets on each corner give the structure a sense of balance and elegance. The interior houses a breathtaking marble mausoleum with delicate floral motifs and an ornate cenotaph in the center.”

#2 Subjective

Subjective descriptive writing involves adding a personal touch and emotional response to the description. It goes beyond objective facts and incorporates the writer’s feelings, opinions, and interpretations. Subjective descriptive writing often uses sensory details, figurative language, and expressive vocabulary to evoke a specific mood or atmosphere. This type of descriptive writing is commonly found in creative writing, personal narratives, and literary descriptions.

Example: “The sun-kissed meadow spread before me, its lush green carpet swaying gently in the summer breeze. The fragrance of wildflowers filled the air, inviting me to explore their vibrant colors. As I walked through the field, the delicate petals brushed against my fingertips, and the grass tickled my bare legs. A sense of tranquility washed over me, as if I had stepped into a secret paradise, away from the worries of the world.”

#3 Comparative

Comparative descriptive writing involves drawing comparisons between two or more subjects, highlighting similarities, differences, or contrasts. It aims to provide a deeper understanding of the subject by presenting it in relation to something else. Comparative descriptive writing often uses similes, metaphors, and analogies to create vivid and imaginative comparisons. This type of descriptive writing is commonly found in literary analysis, persuasive essays, and critical reviews.

Example: “Her voice was as soothing as a gentle lullaby, calming my restless mind. The notes danced in the air, like butterflies fluttering their delicate wings. Each word she spoke was a brushstroke on a canvas, creating a masterpiece of emotion. In contrast, his voice pierced the silence like a sharp blade, commanding attention with its raw power. The words crashed against my ears like thunder, leaving a trail of intensity in their wake.”

Descriptive Writing - Worksheet

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Year 7 English worksheets – Jungle descriptive writing lesson plan and resources

PDF worksheets and PowerPoint

Use these Year 7 English worksheets, teacher notes and PowerPoint to help pupils get to grips with descriptive writing .

Descriptive writing is an important and enjoyable aspect of English. These free downloadable worksheets are perfect for KS3 English lessons and cover two sessions of content.

Use the descriptive text, themed around the jungle, as a prompt for descriptive writing. The accompanying resources will help students develop their own creative writing and give them the opportunity to practise:

• comprehension
• analysing writers’ methods

The resources will also expose pupils to a wide range of descriptive writing techniques. They’ll learn how to use texts as prompts for writing.

Contents of Year 7 English worksheets pack

• ‘The Jungle’ text with vocabulary definitions
• PowerPoint teaching slides
• Comprehension worksheets (questions and answers)
• Descriptive writing match-up activity sheet
• Planning sheet for writing task

In the first session pupils will read the jungle-themed descriptive writing text, before trying a descriptive writing match-up activity. This involves matching techniques and descriptions before finding examples from the text.

Next pupils can fill out the comprehension questions worksheet, using answers from the text to justify their answers.

Pupils will then annotate a section of the text, identifying writing techniques and the effects these create.

Now it’s time to think about whether or not the writer has created a vivid and exciting description of the jungle, before writing their own What How Why paragraph about it. A model answer and scaffolding is provided in the download to help.

In the final session students will recap the descriptive writing techniques you talked about last session before planning their own descriptive writing piece. They can use the included planning sheet to help them do this.

National curriculum objectives

• Develop an appreciation and love of reading, and read increasingly challenging material
• Read high-quality works from English literature, both pre-1914 and contemporary, including prose, poetry and drama
• Choose and read books independently for challenge, interest and enjoyment
• Learn new vocabulary, relating it explicitly to known vocabulary and understanding it with the help of context and dictionaries
• Check understanding to make sure that what they have read makes sense
• Know how language, including figurative language, vocabulary choice, grammar, text structure and organisational features, presents meaning
• Study setting, plot and characterisation, and the effects of these
• Write accurately, fluently, effectively and at length for pleasure and information through stories, scripts, poetry and other imaginative writing

Bhamika Bhudia ( @MissMika_Eng ) is a head of English at a mixed comprehensive secondary school in London . You can also download Year 8 English worksheets from Bhamika. We also have more descriptive writing lesson ideas .

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Reading Foundation

Reading informational text, reading literature, speaking and listening, vocabulary development, ccss ela standards, ccss math standards, grade 4 descriptive writing worksheets.

Enhance descriptive writing skills in elementary students with our collection of prompts and graphic organizers. These interactive worksheets guide children in crafting vivid and detailed descriptions, fostering creativity and language development in an engaging and printable format.

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