Descriptive Paragraph

1.0Introduction

A descriptive paragraph is a focused and detailed account of a specific topic. The descriptive paragraphs often have a concrete focus on the detailed information provided about the person or the place. It can also convey something abstract, such as an emotion or a memory. A descriptive paragraph is not personal in nature. It focuses on objectively describing something to the reader. A descriptive paragraph provides a vibrant experience to the reader through vivid pieces of information and the varied descriptions of someone or something with different perspectives. In order to provide the various details, the writer must use a type of language that appeals to the reader's five senses: sight, smell, sound, taste, and touch. To appeal to these senses, the writer must use descriptive language, usually in the form of adjectives, that describes the sensations felt by the senses.

2.0Value Points for Writing a Descriptive Paragraph

• The whole description of the person concerned should be in a single paragraph.
• Generally, the use of simple present tense for the alive people and the simple past for the demised people is followed.
• A descriptive paragraph should include the details like - age, qualifications, designation, approach to life, relations with others, reasons for the popularity/ unpopularity of that person, but in short.
• The word limit should be 100 to 120 words.

Tips for Writing a Descriptive Paragraph:

• The first step in writing a strong descriptive paragraph is to identify the topic.
• Identification of the topic will let us identify whether the description of a place is required or a person or an event.
• After identifying the topic, examining and exploration is required which should give us an idea regarding the types of details that should be included while writing the paragraph.
• Examining of the details also includes arranging them into a logical and a structured paragraph during the prewriting phase.
• The next step includes organizing the descriptive paragraph.
• The details and the pieces of information to be included in the paragraph should be chosen keeping in mind the topic, the specific ideas, and the vivid ways to present the information.
• A concluding sentence that circles back to the topic's significance should also be included.
• Once the paragraph writing is completed, it should be assessed properly in order to avoid any kind of awkward phrasing or cumbersome sentences.
• Also, while proofreading, the correct use of grammar should also be checked precisely.

Way of Writing a Descriptive Paragraph:

The sentences of a descriptive paragraph should be combined to reveal the specific idea, main point and the complete topic. The main theme and the specific ideas are conveyed by using the following three sections:

• Introduction- The idea should be introduced such that the readers may get the gist of the paragraph just by reading the introduction of the paragraph.
• Body- The idea should be explained keeping in mind each important piece of information which does not include any kind of personal opinion or views.
• Conclusion- The final concluding statement should comprise of not only the main theme and gist of the sentence but also help the readers understand the connection and the logical interpretation of the sentence.

3.0Solved Example

Q. Of the many applications received for the editorship (part-time) of your health club magazine 'Health Line', the biodata of Dr. Ashok, given below is suitable. Using the information, give a write up about him to be presented before the managing committee:

NOTES:

Qualification : M.D. (Medicine) and Dip. In Child Health. Age : 30 years Working at : Hindu Charitable Hospital, Sonipat, in the evening from ( 6.00 p.m. To 8.00 p.m.) Paper Published : (i) Diseases common among factory workers (ii) Cure for ordinary diseases (iii) Respiratory problems

Expert in childcare

Ans. Dr. Ashok is one of the many applicants for the post of Editor (part-time) for our monthly magazine 'Health Line'. Besides a Master's Degree in Medicine, he holds a diploma in Child Health. He is quite young and is working at Hindu Charitable Hospital, Sonipat in the evening. The papers he has published shows that he is aware of many concepts in medicine such as diseases common among factory workers, ordinary diseases and respiratory problems. He can write articles on areas relating to child care. He seems to be the most deserving candidate for consideration.

4.0Descriptive Paragraph

A descriptive paragraph is a focused and detailed account of a specific topic through which the detailed information about a person, an event or a place can be provided.

Tips for Writing a Descriptive Paragraph:

• Identifying the topic.
• Examination and exploration.
• Arranging the information.
• Organising the descriptive paragraph.
• Providing a concluding sentence.
• Proofreading.

A descriptive paragraph should cover the following three sections:

• Introduction
• Body
• Conclusion

Descriptive Paragraph is of three types:

• Descriptive Paragraph of a Person
• Descriptive Paragraph of a Place
• Descriptive Paragraph of an Event

Descriptive Paragraph of a Person: The descriptive paragraph of a person is basically a biographical sketch of his life which includes events and his detailed account from birth to the mentioned time. It highlights the major events and achievements of that person during the mentioned life span. It entails a person's characteristics and events related to his life and the impact of these events on his life.

Descriptive Paragraph of a Place: The descriptive paragraph of a place includes the detailing of the important descriptions of the place in two to three paragraphs depending on the amount of information provided. Each and every paragraph should proceed with a different theme and a topic sentence wherein each paragraph should deal with a different aspect and should consists of a different sets of information pieces. While writing the descriptive paragraph of a place, it should be ensured that in case there is only one paragraph then the information should be included precisely and to the point. Hence, there should not be any kind of opinion included in it. Descriptive Paragraph of an Event The descriptive paragraph of an event includes all the factual details in a chronological sequence. While writing the descriptive paragraph of an event all the factual details should be included wisely and that too in a chronological sequence. Usually, the events are described after their completion, the use of tense should be specifically restricted to past tense. All the details about the event should be included keeping in mind the accuracy and the sequence of their occurrence. No personal opinions or remarks should be included while describing an event.