120 Descriptive Essay Topics: The Easiest Way of Writing a Descriptive Essay

Assignments and descriptive essays are issues every student faces during studying period. Even if it's extremely hard to complete everything your professor gave you, you still have to learn how to write in different styles, meet all the requirements, including all the essentials you need to have in your text. We all have our own tips and tricks to carry through the assignment period, and we all are professionals in our own type of paper.

If you ask a college student to name the easiest type of paper, he would probably recall a descriptive essay. But what is a descriptive essay and why is it so simple to write? We’re here to help you out on that question and give you additional descriptive essay topics to make your college life easier with a great range of assistance from our essay writing service. And if you are willing to pay for college essay and want a descriptive essay writer to help you, you are very welcome to click the "Hire writer" button at the top of this page.

What is a Descriptive Essay and How Does it Differ from a Simple Description?

The main goal of the description essay is to describe something, be it a person, a situation or just something you want to tell people about. While writing this type of descriptive essay, you have to compose the text using your own experience and thoughts. No researches, no outer opinions, just your mind, and your head. Only sensory information is used to understand the descriptive topic. The description of the things is clear and simple. Imagination, though, creates pictures in the head of the reader, which makes this experience unique and personified.

It would make sense to start the introduction with a description of the context of the subject on which the entire description would focus. Doing so puts things into perspective for the reader.

How does it differ from a description? A simple description can be just several sentences or one long paragraph, while a descriptive essay usually contains five paragraphs. It has its style and includes a thesis in an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

What are descriptive essay elements?

Unlike daily descriptions people share without much effort, description essays are well-structured pieces of text that require students show their creativity and language mastery. Descriptions include many details, appeal to readers’ senses through imagery and dynamic speech.

Although this type of essay writing is rather challenging, it is worth trying. While participating in creative writing process, students develop their writing skills and become more attentive to details. Unlike other essay kinds, descriptive essays usually don’t require students search for evidence from credible sources, although this depends on student’s topic and academic level.

Illustrations make students reflect on their own experiences more closely. Such writing activities teach us share our own thoughts and feelings with others more effectively. Given that such essays make such a great contribution to students’ creativity and writing skills, here are some guidelines on how to write a descriptive essay.

Coming up with Ideas

In descriptive essay assignments, professors often provide students with freedom of choice: students decide on their own what to describe. Lists of possible topics are virtually unlimited, as students write about whatever they are interested in. As you have chosen your individual topic, it is time to think about text organization.

What are the four types of essays?

Descriptive essay is one of four major types of academic essays. Others include narrative essay, expository essay, and persuasive essay. These essays are differentiated into separate types because of particular purposes each of them pursues.

As any other college-level paper, description essay has introduction with thesis statement, body, and conclusion. If you wonder how to start a descriptive essay, start with comprehending its basic structure.

How do you write an introduction for a descriptive essay?

In the introductory paragraph, students should introduce their topic, clarifying their intent for the whole essay. Thesis statement here works as a guide, explaining contents that follow. In it, students directly state what they describe, revealing their own impressions and some reasons for holding such views.

As for body paragraphs, several approaches are possible. When considering how to write a descriptive paragraph, students provide list-like descriptions. They reveal details about the object, event, or person in a point-by-point manner. They can think of some simple plot that will keep readers interested in the topic.

In both cases, students should use lots of sensory details, keeping their illustrations interesting. In the concluding paragraph, students should reassert their impressions about described object or person, briefly reflecting on the content of essay.

What Can You Describe?

There are plenty of topics one may consider when professor assigns description writing. Here are the most common description topics:

• Human  –  talk about people, their characters, appearances, or abilities and capabilities; reflect on their own experiences related to particular people (for instance, how particular person influenced one’s choices or decisions)
• Place essay – in illustrations of places, tell about their own homes, restaurants, libraries, schools, or any other places that somehow impressed them. In these essays, appeal to senses by showing how places look, make one feel, or sound.
• Event – appeal to any relevant sense, while telling about events. The list of possible events is unlimited; it may include family vacations, rock concerts, or any other memorable (or not) activity.
• Animal – talk about pets or animals you feel passionate about. Acknowledge your own experiences, thoughts, feelings when presenting details.
• Memory essay – writers may reflect on their memories, describing something that happened long ago or someone they knew in the past. Unlike person or event illustrations, these essays primarily discuss one’s memories.
• Experience – in these illustrations, authors basically describe themselves by revealing their own experiences and showing some personal outcomes they produced. Cultural identity essay can take a form of experience description.
• Occupation essay – here, try revealing details that distinguish particular occupation from other occupations.
• Behavior – talk about behaviors of people, animals, species, or whole nations. There are truly dozens of options!

No matter which kind of description you are planning to complete, we’ve listed some simple steps and useful tips that makes the assignment completion much easier.

How to Write a Descriptive Essay Step-by-Step

When writing a descriptive essay, consider organizing your work in the following manner. If you organize your writing following these several steps, it will save your time and make writing easier:

• Step 1. Select your subject, create a topic.

For writing a really appealing paper, you should have a clear picture in mind. Try relating to your personal experiences, clearly imagining that restaurant you liked most, or a good friend of yours, or any other subject as task guidelines demand. Mind that the best topic is the one that is interesting for you. If you have difficulties coming up with a topic, use some descriptive essay topics EduBirdie has already prepared for your convenience.

• Step 2. Develop a thesis statement.

Consider your notes and develop a thesis statement for descriptive essay. Make sure your thesis statement has two components: statement about the described subject and reasons supporting it. In the statement part, provide your own evaluation of place, person, or another described subject and then briefly explain what exactly makes you arrive at such conclusions. For instance, instead of just saying that Sarah is a really good friend, briefly explain why.

• Step 3. Select specific details.

Whether you are describing a person, place, experience, or any other subject, think of major impressions this subject often produces on you. What do you particularly like or appreciate about it? Which features of this subject do you find especially interesting? For instance, if you think about describing a restaurant; in the first place, decide whether you believe it is a good or bad place. Then think of particular reasons that make you hold such an assumption. Make notes of both your major impressions and corresponding features of described subject.

• Step 4. Create an outline.

When you came up with an idea, for instance, descriptive essay about a place, and listed some features you’d like to discuss in the essay, create detailed outline.

How do you write descriptive essay outline?

It is particularly convenient when students create detailed outlines. Such outlines should list all the information they plan including in their essays: their thesis statement, topic sentences, several supporting details, and concluding sentences for each of the body paragraphs, and a thesis restatement for a concluding paragraph.

• Step 5. Write a draft, following your outline.

Using outlines, students will easily complete their first drafts: it is enough presenting all the information from an outline in an essay format. At this stage, pay attention to details you’d like to describe rather than to your writing style. Remember that this draft is not an essay yet. It is more like a skeleton of your future paper.

• Step 6. Polish your essay, adding more imagery.

Re-read your draft and now concentrate on your writing style. Mind that descriptive essays are not about telling, but rather about showing. Rather than just stating that the restaurant is good, try showing it to readers by appealing to their senses. It is not necessary to appeal to all six senses, instead employ your own experience and choose senses that are most relevant to your topic.

You wouldn’t appreciate a cat description, in which authors appeal to taste, would you? Students achieve significant effect by adding imagery and dynamic language to their drafts.

• Step 7. Proofread and format your final paper.

After adding all the imagery and making sure that writing style and speech topics are appropriate, proofread your text and format it in accordance with professor’s requirements. Usually, MLA formatting works well for this kind of essays, especially if you are a student at one of the US colleges. If you have doubts regarding formatting or need help with proofreading, writers on the platform will gladly provide affordable editing services.

To further enhance your skills and gain inspiration, it's beneficial to explore a descriptive essay example, which can serve as a valuable reference and provide insights into effective descriptive writing techniques.

Tips for a Great Description

Image credit: Yourdictionary

Here are some descriptive writing tips you may use to ensure the best outcomes. Worthy descriptive essays are virtually impossible without the following:

• Appeal to different senses

Rather than simply listing characteristics or features of the described person or object, include vivid sensory details. By appealing to senses, show details that produce impressions rather than tell about them.

• Pay attention to word choice, use dynamic speech

It is important to use descriptive language in the text. This small example illustrates that word choice matters a lot in such essays. Consider two sentences: Teacher entered the classroom. and Teacher stormed into the classroom. In the first sentence, neutral word is used (entered), and it is impossible to make any assumptions about teacher.

In the second sentence, word choice (stormed) definitely adds some emotional value, because one can conclude that teacher has some particular mood. Try to substitute neutral verbs with more dynamic alternatives in your text.

• Refer to your own experiences

The most appealing descriptions are those in which writers share their emotions. Thus, when describing, try to show how described subject makes you feel.

• Add moment-by-moment descriptions

They are very appealing, especially when students add some humorous or horror details. Depending on the purpose of your writing, you can talk about your own experience in such a manner (for instance, your last dentist visit).

• Use similes and metaphors, among other imagery

Add imagery to your story and use figures of speech like similes and metaphors. Comparing things, objects, and people with other things, objects, or people is very effective.

• But avoid overused similes (which are also known as clichés)

However, avoid overusing clichés like as cold as ice, straight as an arrow, or run like the wind among others. When used too often, such similes simply lose their effect. So while writing a descriptive essay, look for more creative options.

• Gather enough information

Depending on the topic, be it descriptive speech topic, social issues topic, or process essay topic, it may be necessary to do the research. Sometimes, students just don’t have enough personal experience to compose truly appealing illustrations. Good research though provides the lacking insight.

• Cite all sources

Students should cite all the information they borrow from sources. If they won’t do so, plagiarism accusations follow.

The 120 Descriptive Essay Topics for Every Struggling Student

When you can’t choose your own descriptive topic, you can always find descriptive writing topics on the web and choose one for your theme. There are several things you can write about as an author so you have to decide if it will be about a place you’ve visited, a person you know or something completely different. If you're seeking inspiration and guidance, don't forget to look at descriptive essay examples, which can provide valuable insights into different approaches and help you refine your own writing skills. In any case, here are our topics for descriptive essays for struggling students.

Topics to describe a place

1. The serene beauty of a mountain retreat.
2. A bustling metropolitan city at night.
3. The tranquil shores of a secluded beach.
4. The historical charm of an ancient castle.
5. The vibrant life of a rainforest.
6. The eerie silence of a deserted house.
7. The festive atmosphere of a carnival.
8. The architectural marvel of a famous landmark.
9. The cozy ambiance of a favorite café.
10. The stark landscape of a desert.
11. The bustling corridors of an airport.
12. The mystical aura of a religious site.
13. The picturesque scenery of a countryside village.
14. The chaotic energy of a marketplace.
15. The technological wonder of a space station.
16. The tranquil beauty of a Japanese garden.
17. The frozen expanse of an arctic glacier.
18. The cultural vibrancy of a street festival.
19. The solemn atmosphere of a cemetery at dusk.
20. The magical world of a theme park.

If you want to describe a person

1. A mentor who has shaped your life.
2. A historical figure you admire.
3. A family member with a unique trait.
4. A stranger who caught your attention.
5. An artist in the midst of creation.
6. A leader facing a moment of decision.
7. A friend who makes you laugh.
8. A character from a book that has stayed with you.
9. An athlete in the zone during a competition.
10. A teacher who inspired a love of learning.
11. A child experiencing wonder.
12. A craftsman perfecting their art.
13. A musician lost in their music.
14. A chef creating a culinary masterpiece.
15. A scientist on the brink of discovery.
16. A traveler exploring new lands.
17. A hero during a moment of bravery.
18. A villain with a complex motive.
19. An actor transforming into a role.
20. A person experiencing joy in simple pleasures.

Memories and topics about experience

1. Your first day at school.
2. A moment that changed your perspective.
3. An adventure that tested your limits.
4. A lesson learned the hard way.
5. The joy of achieving a long-sought goal.
6. The bittersweet feeling of saying goodbye.
7. An encounter with nature that left you awestruck.
8. A cultural experience that broadened your understanding.
9. The excitement of discovering something new.
10. The warmth of a family tradition.
11. Overcoming a fear.
12. A moment of unexpected kindness.
13. The challenge of learning a new skill.
14. The tranquility of a solitary walk.
15. The thrill of a roller coaster ride.
16. The satisfaction of completing a difficult task.
17. A time when you stood up for what you believe in.
18. The comfort of a familiar scent or sound.
19. The exhilaration of a spontaneous road trip.
20. The peace of a reflective moment alone.

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Things and object in life

1. The intricate design of a snowflake.
2. The worn pages of a beloved book.
3. The vibrant colors of a sunset.
4. The sleek design of a modern smartphone.
5. The rustic charm of an antique clock.
6. The comforting warmth of a winter coat.
7. The delicate fragrance of a blooming flower.
8. The rugged texture of a mountain rock.
9. The soft glow of candlelight.
10. The chaotic beauty of a painter's palette.
11. The steady rhythm of a ticking clock.
12. The ancient mystery of a fossil.
13. The festive decorations of a holiday season.
14. The protective embrace of a family home.
15. The refreshing coolness of a glass of water.
16. The joyful chaos of a child's toy room.
17. The solemn dignity of a war memorial.
18. The innovative simplicity of a paperclip.
19. The relentless power of a storm.
20. The hopeful promise of a sunrise.

Hobbies, processes, and occupations

1. The meticulous art of model building.
2. The rhythmic process of knitting.
3. The adrenaline rush of skydiving.
4. The creative flow of writing a novel.
5. The precision of a surgeon at work.
6. The strategic mind of a chess player.
7. The harmonious movement of a ballet dancer.
8. The culinary magic of baking bread.
9. The ancient practice of calligraphy.
10. The challenging journey of learning a new language.
11. The transformative process of restoring a classic car.
12. The patient cultivation of a garden.
13. The dynamic action of firefighting.
14. The insightful analysis of a psychologist.
15. The adventurous spirit of a travel blogger.
16. The skilled craftsmanship of a jeweler.
17. The analytical approach of a software developer.
18. The nurturing care of a pediatric nurse.
19. The artistic vision of a fashion designer.
20. The investigative curiosity of a journalist.

Behavior and character

1. The resilience of a person overcoming adversity.
2. The infectious enthusiasm of a motivational speaker.
3. The quiet strength of a leader in crisis.
4. The boundless creativity of an inventor.
5. The compassionate heart of a volunteer.
6. The unwavering loyalty of a lifelong friend.
7. The meticulous attention to detail of an artist.
8. The fearless determination of an activist.
9. The gentle kindness of a stranger.
10. The disciplined focus of an athlete in training.
11. The playful mischief of a prankster.
12. The profound wisdom of an elder.
13. The infectious laughter of a joyful child.
14. The steely resolve of a soldier.
15. The humble gratitude of someone receiving help.
16. The fierce independence of a solo traveler.
17. The deep empathy of a therapist.
18. The relentless ambition of an entrepreneur.
19. The serene calmness of a meditation instructor.
20. The passionate intensity of a performer on stage.

Read also: 60 Exemplification essay Topics With Bonus Tips

Don't forget that your descriptive topic reflexes the main reason why you decided to write your essay. You should convey your individual feelings and describe this main point to your readers. Follow the structure, use your ideas and everything will be alright with your future essay. You can use topic sentence generator! Our professional descriptive essay helpers will be glad to help you with your homework. Good luck!