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

Updated 25 Jul 2024

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.

How to Write a Descriptive Essay?

When learning how to write a descriptive essay, you should be aware of the structure as it differs from all the other types of descriptive essays. First of all, you should pick the topic from the descriptive speech topics you’ll be interested in. Then, you’re free to plan out your parts. As we already mentioned, a descriptive essay has five parts:

Introduction . In the introduction you should include your thesis statement and dwell on the topic. That's the part, which will grab the attention of the reader, so it should be written simply and smooth, giving some essential background information for the reader to understand your topic better. Don't forget to make a transition from the background data and your thesis statement. In descriptive essays, the thesis usually takes up one full sentence.
3 body paragraphs . Three body paragraphs should have evidences that will prove your thesis. If you find yourself struggling with this part, use five simple tables to arrange sensory information you have about your topic and then pick them right from your notes to prove your thesis.
Conclusion . This last part of the paper concludes all the information and gives a summary of it. You should have your last remarks in this part and rephrase your thesis statement.

Before starting your descriptive essay about a place or a person, you should know what you can write about and describe it in general. Here are some of the ideas:

favorite trip and so on.

Pre-writing stage

First of all, think of what you’d like to write about and pick a topic from descriptive speech topics, social issues topics or process essay topics that will match the theme. Have some inspiration from the essays of other people. Search around for descriptive writing topics and prompts if you can’t think of something unique for yourself. Expository essays are easy to write if you have enough inspiration on the chosen descriptive topic.

How to start a descriptive essay?

If you find yourself struggling after getting some descriptive essay ideas, think of the main statement you can use in your creation. This step is the one that can make out your main thesis statement and keywords that will describe your descriptive topic. As we already mentioned, make five tables for five senses. This arrangement will make it a lot easier to transfer your data to the next step.

Create a draft of your expository essay

Take time to create a draft that will become a close version of your descriptive essay. Pick all the keywords and include them into the five paragraphs. Don’t forget to make three points to prove your thesis statement and describe your topic. Make only an example that will be stretched out by the other details you’ll add at the next step.

Adding details to your descriptive essay with the help of enriched English vocabulary and online dictionaries

It's okay if you have limited vocabulary because this step will add more value to your expository writing. Add everything you want and describe it properly so your reader will be interested in what you wrote. Create an image in their head with the sensory words you can find in online dictionaries like Oxford, Cambridge or Macmillan ones. Make sure that they will touch on your descriptive topic and prolong the body paragraphs.

Take time to revise and edit the paper with the help of various free online grammar checking tools or help by EduBirdie

Before you check your descriptive essays for mistakes by rereading it, make sure to use online grammar checking tools to have your back covered in case your eyes miss something. You are also free to order paper from our writing service in case you want someone else to check it before you do it by yourself.

Edit the descriptive essay

Before you start editing your paper, take a long break. You can always go out with your friends, take a walk, and have a nap or a night of good sleep. Your mind should be fresh before you come back and reread your essay. Take all the time you need, read it out loud, add or remove sentences, check if you have placed everything correctly. It’s useful to double-check grammar in case online tools missed something. Would your paper make sense if you were the reader? Maybe you’ll have to rewrite whole paragraphs so they would make more sense and convey the descriptive topic better.

Tip: Ask your family member or a friend to listen to your descriptive essay, ask them to criticize what you’ve written. It will help your practice in the future.

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 essay for the struggling students.

Topics to describe a place

The serene beauty of a mountain retreat.
A bustling metropolitan city at night.
The tranquil shores of a secluded beach.
The historical charm of an ancient castle.
The vibrant life of a rainforest.
The eerie silence of a deserted house.
The festive atmosphere of a carnival.
The architectural marvel of a famous landmark.
The cozy ambiance of a favorite café.
The stark landscape of a desert.
The bustling corridors of an airport.
The mystical aura of a religious site.
The picturesque scenery of a countryside village.
The chaotic energy of a marketplace.
The technological wonder of a space station.
The tranquil beauty of a Japanese garden.
The frozen expanse of an arctic glacier.
The cultural vibrancy of a street festival.
The solemn atmosphere of a cemetery at dusk.
The magical world of a theme park.

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If you want to describe a person

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

Memories and topics about experience

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

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Things and object in life

The intricate design of a snowflake.
The worn pages of a beloved book.
The vibrant colors of a sunset.
The sleek design of a modern smartphone.
The rustic charm of an antique clock.
The comforting warmth of a winter coat.
The delicate fragrance of a blooming flower.
The rugged texture of a mountain rock.
The soft glow of candlelight.
The chaotic beauty of a painter's palette.
The steady rhythm of a ticking clock.
The ancient mystery of a fossil.
The festive decorations of a holiday season.
The protective embrace of a family home.
The refreshing coolness of a glass of water.
The joyful chaos of a child's toy room.
The solemn dignity of a war memorial.
The innovative simplicity of a paperclip.
The relentless power of a storm.
The hopeful promise of a sunrise.

Hobbies, processes, and occupations

The meticulous art of model building.
The rhythmic process of knitting.
The adrenaline rush of skydiving.
The creative flow of writing a novel.
The precision of a surgeon at work.
The strategic mind of a chess player.
The harmonious movement of a ballet dancer.
The culinary magic of baking bread.
The ancient practice of calligraphy.
The challenging journey of learning a new language.
The transformative process of restoring a classic car.
The patient cultivation of a garden.
The dynamic action of firefighting.
The insightful analysis of a psychologist.
The adventurous spirit of a travel blogger.
The skilled craftsmanship of a jeweler.
The analytical approach of a software developer.
The nurturing care of a pediatric nurse.
The artistic vision of a fashion designer.
The investigative curiosity of a journalist.

Behavior and character

The resilience of a person overcoming adversity.
The infectious enthusiasm of a motivational speaker.
The quiet strength of a leader in crisis.
The boundless creativity of an inventor.
The compassionate heart of a volunteer.
The unwavering loyalty of a lifelong friend.
The meticulous attention to detail of an artist.
The fearless determination of an activist.
The gentle kindness of a stranger.
The disciplined focus of an athlete in training.
The playful mischief of a prankster.
The profound wisdom of an elder.
The infectious laughter of a joyful child.
The steely resolve of a soldier.
The humble gratitude of someone receiving help.
The fierce independence of a solo traveler.
The deep empathy of a therapist.
The relentless ambition of an entrepreneur.
The serene calmness of a meditation instructor.
The passionate intensity of a performer on stage.

Read also: 60 Exemplification 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!

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David is one of those experienced content creators from the United Kingdom who has a high interest in social issues, culture, and entrepreneurship. He always says that reading, blogging, and staying aware of what happens in the world is what makes a person responsible. He likes to learn and share what he knows by making things inspiring and creative enough even for those students who dislike reading.

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100 Descriptive Essay Topics

The list of descriptive essay topics I provided is designed to offer a wide range of subjects for writers to explore. Each category—Place, People, Objects, and Memories—has its own set of unique and thought-provoking topics aimed at sparking creativity and providing an opportunity to practice descriptive writing. Check out our narrative essay topics and writing prompts too. Planning a debate? You’ll also love our funny debate topics .

Structure and Scope

Place : This category focuses on locations that might be personal, fictional, or public. Some topics, like describing your ideal bedroom or favorite place, are closer to the heart and allow for introspection. Others, like describing a famous landmark or a museum, enable the writer to convey a more factual, informative perspective.
People : This section covers a variety of relationships and characters. Topics range from describing family members and friends to fictional heroes and people the writer may have only met once but left a lasting impression. The goal here is to capture the essence of the person and what makes them unique or memorable.
Objects : Objects often hold sentimental, utilitarian, or aesthetic value. This category gives the writer a chance to explore everyday objects or those that hold special meaning. From items like childhood toys and treasured gifts to everyday tools like smartphones and backpacks, the topics encourage detailed observation and description.
Memories : Memories can be powerful writing triggers. They evoke emotions, set scenes, and often include a variety of elements like people, places, and objects. The topics in this category are intended to make writers delve into their past experiences to bring forth descriptive essays filled with nostalgia, lessons learned, or moments that left an impact.

Grade Appropriateness

The topics are designed to be versatile enough for a variety of age groups and skill levels. Younger students can benefit from simpler topics that focus on familiar people or objects. Older or more advanced writers can tackle topics that require deeper thought, like describing a person you disagree with but still respect, or a place that makes you feel nostalgic.

The primary objective of this list is to stimulate creativity and encourage writers to paint vivid pictures with words. The range of topics is broad enough to engage a variety of interests and themes. It also allows the writer to tap into their own experiences, perceptions, and emotions, thus making the essay more authentic and engaging.

Overall, this list aims to be a useful resource for teachers, students, or anyone interested in improving their descriptive writing skills.

Here’s the list!

Descriptive Essay Topics: Place

Describe a place where you feel completely content.
Describe your school’s cafeteria.
Describe a crowded shopping mall.
Describe an amusement park.
Describe your dream house.
Describe a place where you experienced a moment of solitude.
Describe a tourist attraction in your country.
Describe a historical building you’ve visited.
Describe your grandmother’s kitchen.
Describe a fictional place you’d love to visit.
Describe a place you visited as a child but haven’t been back to since.
Describe your workplace.
Describe the inside of a spaceship.
Describe the most frightening place you’ve ever been.
Describe a famous landmark.
Describe a place that makes you feel nostalgic.
Describe a city you’ve always wanted to visit.
Describe your favorite restaurant.
Describe the setting of your favorite book or movie.
Describe a place you would live in if money were no object.
Describe your first apartment.
Describe a scenic spot in nature.
Describe your school library.
Describe an exotic market.
Describe your idea of a utopia.

Descriptive Essay Topics: People

Describe a person you admire from history.
Describe a character from a book or movie.
Describe a neighbor.
Describe a baby.
Describe your childhood hero.
Describe a person you’ve only met once but never forgot.
Describe your favorite fictional hero.
Describe a teacher who inspired you.
Describe your coach.
Describe a person you disagree with but still respect.
Describe a character who is evil but fascinating.
Describe a person who has influenced you.
Describe a family member you are closest to.
Describe someone you know who is very different from you.
Describe the first person you ever fell in love with.
Describe a person who makes you laugh.
Describe someone who is a mentor to you.
Describe someone you find mysterious.
Describe a celebrity who seems down-to-earth.
Describe your best friend from childhood.
Describe someone who is charismatic.
Describe a sibling or cousin.
Describe a friend you lost contact with.
Describe someone you consider a hero.
Describe a person who seems ordinary but has an extraordinary talent.

Descriptive Essay Topics: Objects

Describe an object that you associate with your childhood.
Describe a piece of art that moved you.
Describe a gift you’ve given or received.
Describe a book that has changed your life.
Describe an old photograph.
Describe your favorite watch or piece of jewelry.
Describe a technical gadget you rely on.
Describe your school bag or backpack.
Describe an item you regret losing.
Describe an unusual object you own.
Describe an object that symbolizes your family.
Describe your computer or tablet.
Describe a game board or card game that you enjoy.
Describe a childhood relic you still keep.
Describe your favorite mug or cup.
Describe a piece of clothing that makes you feel confident.
Describe a musical instrument you play.
Describe a souvenir you bought from a trip.
Describe an antique you own.
Describe a letter or postcard you’ve kept.
Describe a collectible item you own.
Describe an object you built or crafted.
Describe an item you own that is environmentally friendly.
Describe an heirloom.
Describe an object that makes you feel nostalgic.

Descriptive Essay Topics: Memories

Describe your most vivid childhood memory.
Describe a time you won something.
Describe a Christmas memory.
Describe the first time you traveled alone.
Describe a time you tried something new.
Describe a time you got lost.
Describe a winter memory.
Describe a time you had to say goodbye.
Describe your first date.
Describe an event that made you grow up quickly.
Describe a summer camp experience.
Describe a family reunion.
Describe a childhood birthday.
Describe a moment you had stage fright.
Describe your graduation day.
Describe a wedding you attended.
Describe a memory related to sports.
Describe the first time you drove a car.
Describe a time you received good or bad news.
Describe an unexpected encounter.
Describe a family holiday tradition.
Describe your first day at a new job.
Describe a funny memory.
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision.
Describe a memorable goodbye.

Descriptive Essay

Descriptive Essay Topics

Last updated on: Nov 20, 2023

Interesting Descriptive Essay Topics Recommended by Experts

By: Cathy A.

Reviewed By: Jacklyn H.

Published on: Dec 24, 2019

Memories, imaginative situations, feelings, and impressions, writing a descriptive essay is absolutely fun for many college or university students. They get a chance to play with their creativity, which makes this type of essay so much fun.

Descriptive essays do not require a lot of research. They are based on the writer’s personal description and explanation of the selected, or given, topic. This essay type is ideal for school/college students because they are not very much into research.

However, one of the most common problems students face while writing an essay is choosing and picking the essay topic. The process of finding a good essay topic could be difficult, confusing, and time-consuming.

The descriptive essay format is the same; introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. However, the topics for a descriptive essay are different and require a high level of descriptive capability.

On this Page

Descriptive Essay Topics for Students

Here is a list of some good descriptive essay topic ideas. These are just topics and ideas, and you can customize them according to your requirements.

Descriptive Essay Topics for College Students

One week of a newly wedded couple.
A crazy jump with bungee.
Importance of college education.
The day when everything went wrong.
Education before anything.
How can one make the world a better place?
The magnificence of this universe.
The demand for love In everyone’s life.
Future of cloning on planet Earth.
Describe your day as a new college student.

Descriptive Essay Topics for Middle School Students

Finding the best writing topics for a descriptive essay is an important task to accomplish. Also, keep in mind that you will easily create the thesis statement if your topic is good. Here are some of the great essay topics for different grades.

Descriptive Essay Topics for Grade 7

Favorite cartoon character.
My favorite song.A special photograph.
A special place.An important time in history.
Building a fort.Creepy things.
Do I want to be famous?
Doing homework.
Going for fishing.

Descriptive Essay Topics for Grade 8

Favorite hobby.
What is your favorite movie?
Do you like gaming, and which game is your favorite?
Do you enjoy playing a sport?
Do you have an unusual talent?
What is your favorite subject, and why?
How to stop hiccups?
Let's help the animals.
Looking at the globe.
My favorite clothes.

Descriptive Essay Topics for High School Students

For your help, we categorized the descriptive essay topics into different academic grades. Choose the best one that you find interesting.

Descriptive Essay Topics for Grade 9

Where do you like to vacation and why?
What is the greatest lesson you have learned?
Who is your hero, and why?
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
Who is your favorite band?Where do you want to go to college?
Important reasons why kids should have chores.
The benefits of summer school.
Staying at a friend's house.
What I use a computer for.

Descriptive Essay Topics for Grade 10

A game close to my heart.
Mobile Phone: boon or a curse?
What is your most treasured item?
Your favorite restaurant.
Your dream house.
Five qualities of a good roommate.
A note on your closet.
Your favorite childhood memory.
The ride on a subway train.
The street from home to school.

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Good Descriptive Essay Topics

Descriptive essays are only difficult when you have to decide what to write about. Here are some good and easy descriptive essay topics that you can explore to create one of your own.

My first day at the job and how I feel about it.
Most suffocating day at the workplace and how I survived it.
How to avoid negativity in the workplace?
How to be more positive with troublesome employees?
The best way to resolve a conflict and to avoid it in the future.
Miracles of staying focused at the workplace.
Importance of maintaining a healthy routine even if you have a tough job.
Most embarrassing moment in my office.
How to deal with deadline pressure?
Top 10 tips to invoke creativity and move ahead in your work.

Descriptive Essay Topics About Person

Describe your mother.
Discuss my pet.
Meeting a famous person.
A particular family or family member.
I miss them.
Memorable person.
My dad is the most interesting person.
Describe a person you hate.
My favorite school teacher.
Describe your favorite celebrity.

Easy Descriptive Essay Topics

Describe your favorite scene from the most recent movie that you have watched.
Describe the physical setting of your favorite soft drink’s TVC.
Describe the emotions depicted in the famous Mona Lisa painting.
Describe the plot of your favorite movie.
Describe your favorite fictional character and discuss why you like it.
Choose one abstract painting and describe the emotions depicted in it.
How your religious book impacted your inner thoughts?
A writer with whom you can relate the most.
What is your favorite type of dance; describe your emotions while dancing.
Describe your favorite tv-series and why you like watching it.

Best Descriptive Essay Topics

Describe an important event that impacted your personality.
Describe the psychological events that influenced your personality for the worse.
Describe the psychological events that influenced your personality for the better.
Describe your first or last day at your college.
Why do you enjoy bike riding?
Why do you think writing will impact your personality at a deeper level?
What did you feel when you held a baby for the first time?
Describe the loss of a family member in 800 words.
Describe how you would look without hair on your scalp in 900 words.
Why are stars compared with human personalities in poems?

Interesting Descriptive Essay Topics

All-time favorite movie character.
Movie of the century.
House that I have always wanted.
Most heart-touching poem.
Meeting my best friend after a long time.
My favorite book.
The most amazing thing that I remember.
First time I fell in love.
My first date.
The first time I went shopping on my own.

Descriptive Essay Topics About Memory

Describe the oldest memory that you can recall and why it has stuck with you.
Describe a time you were the happiest; who were you with?
Describe when something completely unexpected caught you off-guard.
Describe a memory that you hold close to someone who has passed away.
Describe your most embarrassing day or moment.
Describe a cold winter evening.
Describe the time you went to the beach on a bright sunny day.
Describe your first day at preschool; what do you remember about it?
Describe the first concert you attended.
Describe the time that you felt the most scared.

Descriptive Essay Topics About Object

Select five objects from the kitchen and describe their appearance.
Describe your prized possession.
Describe a room in your house and its most valued objects.
Describe your favorite outfit that you can never get rid of.
How will you describe a smartphone to someone from ancient times?
What role does the computer play in your life?
Objects you come across on the way to your school.
Describe your favorite toy as a kid.
Describe your safety blanket.
What objects would you bury in a time capsule?

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Descriptive Essay Topics About a Place

A trip to the mountains.
Describe your ideal bedroom.
Describe your favorite coffee shop.
The place I don’t forget.
A garden in the gas station.
My favorite classroom.
Describe the loudest place you visit.
An amazing trip to a beautiful valley.
Describe your favorite restaurant.
Describe your favorite park.

These are the best ideas or topics for a descriptive essay. Make sure you choose a topic of your interest that you are passionate about.

Once you have decided on the essay topic, the next step is to write a descriptive essay. With us, you can learn how to write a descriptive essay with helpful tips and samples.

However, if you are still confused about picking a topic for a descriptive essay, worry not! Consult 5StarEssays.com.

You only have to request to write my essay and leave all the work on our writers. We offer high-quality paper writing services for high school, college, and university students at affordable rates.

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How To Write An Impactful Descriptive Essay?

Descriptive Essay Examples - 8 Examples To Help You Write Better

50 Descriptive Essay Topics

Make your reader see, smell, hear and feel with these inspirational descriptive essay topics ! We’ve collected 50 descriptive essay topics to sprout some flowery language. Our descriptive essay topics are designed to spark creative thinking and can be modified for students in elementary, middle and high school. They are grouped by topic for easy student and teacher reference. Feel free to print the entire list for plenty of inspiration for your next descriptive essay assignment!

Descriptive Essay Topics: Place

Describe your favorite place.
Describe your ideal bedroom.
Describe the house in which you grew up.
Describe what the first house on the moon would look like.
Describe some of your favorite places in your hometown.
Describe a peaceful place that you’ve visited.
Describe a place that exists only in your imagination.
Describe a friend’s or family member’s house where you enjoy spending time.
Describe your perfect fantasy vacation destination.
Describe your favorite store.
Describe your favorite teacher’s classroom.
Describe a museum that you’ve visited recently.
Describe a place you have dreamed about that doesn’t exist in real life.
Describe a place where your pet likes spending time.
Describe an outdoor place that you know well.

Descriptive Essay Topics: People

Describe your favorite person.
Describe each of your family members.
Describe a famous person that you would like to meet.
Describe one of your friends.
Describe one aspect of someone that you like (for example: laugh, style of dress, words that the person likes to use, etc.)
Describe yourself to someone who has never met you.
Describe the average human to an alien who has never before seen a person.
Describe your pet.
Look at some old family photos and describe an older family member as he or she was when at your age.
Describe someone whom you miss.

Descriptive Essay Topics: Objects

Describe an object that is special to you.
Give a tour of one room in your house by describing the most important objects in that room.
Describe one of your favorite outfits.
Describe your favorite toy as a child.
Describe how you get around (for example: a bicycle, skateboard, sneakers, your parents’ car, the school bus).
Describe your favorite piece of furniture where you like to spend time and relax.
Describe something that you would bury in a time capsule to tell people about what life is like today.
Describe an object that has been in your family for a long time.
Choose a piece of food to eat; then, write a description of it that includes the way it looks, smells and tastes.
Describe a smartphone to a time traveler from the 1900s.

Descriptive Essay Topics: Memories

Describe your oldest memory.
Describe your best summer vacation.
Describe a memorable concert you attended.
Describe a memorable trip you took.
Describe a special time that you and your family had together.
Describe the first time you met one of your friends.
Describe a time you met someone famous.
Describe one of your happiest memories.
Describe one of your saddest memories.
Describe a time that you felt scared.
Describe a time that you felt excited.
Describe a time that something totally unexpected happened.
Describe a memory of someone whom you miss.
Describe one of your most memorable first days of school.
Describe one of your most embarrassing moments.

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How to write a descriptive essay | Example & tips

How to Write a Descriptive Essay | Example & Tips

Published on July 30, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on August 14, 2023.

A descriptive essay gives a vivid, detailed description of something—generally a place or object, but possibly something more abstract like an emotion. This type of essay , like the narrative essay , is more creative than most academic writing .

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Descriptive essay topics, tips for writing descriptively, descriptive essay example, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about descriptive essays.

When you are assigned a descriptive essay, you’ll normally be given a specific prompt or choice of prompts. They will often ask you to describe something from your own experience.

Describe a place you love to spend time in.
Describe an object that has sentimental value for you.

You might also be asked to describe something outside your own experience, in which case you’ll have to use your imagination.

Describe the experience of a soldier in the trenches of World War I.
Describe what it might be like to live on another planet.

Sometimes you’ll be asked to describe something more abstract, like an emotion.

If you’re not given a specific prompt, try to think of something you feel confident describing in detail. Think of objects and places you know well, that provoke specific feelings or sensations, and that you can describe in an interesting way.

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The key to writing an effective descriptive essay is to find ways of bringing your subject to life for the reader. You’re not limited to providing a literal description as you would be in more formal essay types.

Make use of figurative language, sensory details, and strong word choices to create a memorable description.

Use figurative language

Figurative language consists of devices like metaphor and simile that use words in non-literal ways to create a memorable effect. This is essential in a descriptive essay; it’s what gives your writing its creative edge and makes your description unique.

Take the following description of a park.

This tells us something about the place, but it’s a bit too literal and not likely to be memorable.

If we want to make the description more likely to stick in the reader’s mind, we can use some figurative language.

Here we have used a simile to compare the park to a face and the trees to facial hair. This is memorable because it’s not what the reader expects; it makes them look at the park from a different angle.

You don’t have to fill every sentence with figurative language, but using these devices in an original way at various points throughout your essay will keep the reader engaged and convey your unique perspective on your subject.

Use your senses

Another key aspect of descriptive writing is the use of sensory details. This means referring not only to what something looks like, but also to smell, sound, touch, and taste.

Obviously not all senses will apply to every subject, but it’s always a good idea to explore what’s interesting about your subject beyond just what it looks like.

Even when your subject is more abstract, you might find a way to incorporate the senses more metaphorically, as in this descriptive essay about fear.

Choose the right words

Writing descriptively involves choosing your words carefully. The use of effective adjectives is important, but so is your choice of adverbs , verbs , and even nouns.

It’s easy to end up using clichéd phrases—“cold as ice,” “free as a bird”—but try to reflect further and make more precise, original word choices. Clichés provide conventional ways of describing things, but they don’t tell the reader anything about your unique perspective on what you’re describing.

Try looking over your sentences to find places where a different word would convey your impression more precisely or vividly. Using a thesaurus can help you find alternative word choices.

My cat runs across the garden quickly and jumps onto the fence to watch it from above.
My cat crosses the garden nimbly and leaps onto the fence to survey it from above.

However, exercise care in your choices; don’t just look for the most impressive-looking synonym you can find for every word. Overuse of a thesaurus can result in ridiculous sentences like this one:

My feline perambulates the allotment proficiently and capers atop the palisade to regard it from aloft.

An example of a short descriptive essay, written in response to the prompt “Describe a place you love to spend time in,” is shown below.

Hover over different parts of the text to see how a descriptive essay works.

On Sunday afternoons I like to spend my time in the garden behind my house. The garden is narrow but long, a corridor of green extending from the back of the house, and I sit on a lawn chair at the far end to read and relax. I am in my small peaceful paradise: the shade of the tree, the feel of the grass on my feet, the gentle activity of the fish in the pond beside me.

My cat crosses the garden nimbly and leaps onto the fence to survey it from above. From his perch he can watch over his little kingdom and keep an eye on the neighbours. He does this until the barking of next door’s dog scares him from his post and he bolts for the cat flap to govern from the safety of the kitchen.

With that, I am left alone with the fish, whose whole world is the pond by my feet. The fish explore the pond every day as if for the first time, prodding and inspecting every stone. I sometimes feel the same about sitting here in the garden; I know the place better than anyone, but whenever I return I still feel compelled to pay attention to all its details and novelties—a new bird perched in the tree, the growth of the grass, and the movement of the insects it shelters…

Sitting out in the garden, I feel serene. I feel at home. And yet I always feel there is more to discover. The bounds of my garden may be small, but there is a whole world contained within it, and it is one I will never get tired of inhabiting.

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The key difference is that a narrative essay is designed to tell a complete story, while a descriptive essay is meant to convey an intense description of a particular place, object, or concept.

Narrative and descriptive essays both allow you to write more personally and creatively than other kinds of essays , and similar writing skills can apply to both.

If you’re not given a specific prompt for your descriptive essay , think about places and objects you know well, that you can think of interesting ways to describe, or that have strong personal significance for you.

The best kind of object for a descriptive essay is one specific enough that you can describe its particular features in detail—don’t choose something too vague or general.

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Caulfield, J. (2023, August 14). How to Write a Descriptive Essay | Example & Tips. Scribbr. Retrieved August 12, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/descriptive-essay/

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125 Descriptive Essay Topics

Writing a descriptive essay is an excellent way for students to detail a particular experience related to a person, place, object, situation, emotion, or abstract feeling.

However, while this exercise in creativity showcases a student’s ability to put words into sensory focus, it can be rather challenging to complete because the subject matter is so open-ended.

This is especially true when choosing the topic for a descriptive essay since finding a suitable topic will depend on a student’s ability to find the right words to describe it.

If you are a student that has received a descriptive writing essay assignment from your professor, fear not! This incredible list of 125 descriptive essay topics will ensure that you have a great starting point from which to craft your essay.

Before choosing a topic, check out the secrets to writing a descriptive essay that will help get you the grade you deserve on your writing assignment.

Critical Elements of a Descriptive Essay

Unlike essay styles that are fact-based, it is essential to remember that a descriptive essay is based on abstract observation. Its purpose is to describe a topic, person, place, object, situation, emotion, or abstract feeling.

To do this, descriptive essays require sensory words that create vivid imagery in the reader’s mind to make them feel like they are in the moment being described. Sensory words include, but are not limited to:

Taste – sweet, salty, bitter, sour, metallic, spicy, and tart.
Touch – smooth, bumpy, coarse, prickly, wet, sticky, dry
Sight – colorless, colorful, blurry/blinding/too bright to see clearly
Season – fall, winter, summer, spring, crisp, humid, wet, freezing,
Sound – hectic, chaotic, quiet, thunderous, loud, jarring
Smell – musty, earthy, damp/wet, dusty, smoky, stinky, fragrant
Appearance – sharp, glossy, faded, gleaming, sleek, shiny/glossy
Feelings – happy, sad, angry, frustrated, excited, afraid/scared

Other sensory words may describe the color of a person’s hair, the mood or energy in a room, and even the temperature. When choosing a topic for your descriptive essay, be sure to pay close attention to sensory words that could serve as the backbone of your paragraphs.

Additionally, because of the nature of the writing, it is 100% okay to embellish or even exaggerate certain sensory words to make them seem even more engaging and tangible for the reader.

How to Structure a Descriptive Essay

Even though this essay will rely on sensory words to create a vivid image of what is being described, it is essential to remember that a descriptive essay still needs to have an intro, body, and conclusion.

Introduction

The first sentence of an introduction paragraph for a descriptive essay should contextualize the scene. Take the time to describe the place where the event takes place, including setting details like time of day, weather, season, and the current mood of the scene.

Body of the Essay

Once a student has established where they are, it is essential to detail what else is happening in the following paragraphs. This means describing elements of the scene in detailed description using humor, sensory language, and vivid imagery.

Consider incorporating details about what people are doing, the noises they are making, the smells permeating the air, visible colors, and surrounding textures.

A descriptive essay conclusion should serve as a recap in which you describe one final element of the scene or an observation about what was seen, heard, smelled, or touched.

Additionally, this is when you could include a reflection of how the scene made you feel in order to leave your reader with an intangible lasting impression.

What Should Never Go into a Descriptive Essay

To make sure that you are writing a descriptive essay and not another form of writing, students should be careful not to mention or use the following:

Dialogue. Remember that the descriptive essay is meant to retell one single image, moment, or experience.
Chain of events. The scene should exist in its own bubble of storytelling, free from erroneous events before or after the scene takes place.
Characters. While secondary details may go along with the scene, such as people who add to the mood, this is still not an appropriate essay to mention, create, or develop the backstory for a literary character.

With the do’s and don’ts of descriptive essay writing above, students can choose any of these topics to help spark inspiration during their next descriptive essay writing assignment.

Descriptive Essay Topics About People

My favorite teacher
My first crush
My best friend
The girl I have a massive crush on right now
My newborn baby sibling
A member of my family
My partner in crime
The cutest baby I have ever seen
The most annoying person I know
Someone who has inspired me the most
My first job
The student that I want to be like
A significant mentor in my life
My closest friend’s child
The most intelligent person I know

Descriptive Essay Topics About Places

My hometown
The most beautiful place in nature that I have ever seen
A favorite spot on the school campus
My favorite coffee shop
My favorite country
A place I want to visit before I die
My favorite movie theater
The best beach in the area
My favorite retail store
The worst place on campus
A place where I have experienced fear
Where I was happiest
The place where I am the most relaxed
A place I can’t seem to get enough of
My dream house
My favorite art gallery
The museum that always seems to disappoint me
A location I know well
Where I would choose to live if money were no object

Descriptive Essay Topics About Objects & Things

My favorite book
A piece of jewelry that holds a special meaning for me
The best meal I have ever eaten
My favorite decoration in my room
The best painting I have ever seen
A piece of clothing that makes me feel beautiful
An item that brings back a fond memory for me
My favorite sports team’s jersey
My favorite outfit to wear while hanging out with friends
A book that changed my life
My favorite book series
The next book I want to read
An item that is very special to me
My most treasured possession
A movie that holds a very dear place in my heart
Something I would never throw away despite its flaws
A personal memento from someone who has passed away
A ridiculous thing I own
An item that makes my life easier
A piece of technology that has changed my life for the better
My favorite poem or short read
The best song I have ever heard
What I collect obsessively

Descriptive Essay Topics About Animals

The most intelligent animal I have ever known
A pet that has been with me through thick and thin
An animal that fascinates me most
The most dangerous animal I’ve encountered
An extinct creature I would love to see resurrected
A dangerous animal I have a healthy respect for
The cutest animal in the world
What creature would be my best friend if it could talk?
My favorite wildcat
An experience I had with an animal that genuinely touched me
The strangest pet I’ve ever owned
My favorite zoo animal when I was a child
What I love most about being a pet owner
My favorite farmyard animal
The most exotic animal I have ever seen
One animal that should be extinct
A farm animal that is my spirit creature

Descriptive Essay Topics About Food

My favorite meal to cook for myself on a day off
The best meal I ever ate out at a restaurant
What makes the perfect sandwich to me
My go-to comfort food when I’m having a bad day
My local specialty
My favorite dish at a restaurant I frequent
The best meal I have ever had in my life is
My most embarrassing/funniest food-related story
What I always order when dining out with friends
A new flavor combination of food that intrigues me
A dish I love to cook when I’m in a happy mood
The best dish at a restaurant I don’t want to admit I frequent
A food I wish didn’t exist because it makes me fat
The best meal my mom ever made for me

Descriptive Essay Topics About Nature

A creature I met in the wild
A tree outside my house
Something I would save if a forest were on fire
A stream that runs near my home
The most beautiful sunset I have ever seen
My favorite type of plant or flower
An outdoor activity I enjoy
My favorite forest animal
A flower I want to grow in my garden
Something about nature that makes me feel small
The most dangerous/fascinating type of weather phenomenon I have ever seen
The best view I have ever seen
Where I go to relax outside
What natural phenomenon fascinates me the most
The most beautiful place in nature that I’ve ever visited
A moment with nature that left a lasting impression on me.
My favorite park or garden

Descriptive Essay Topics About Memories & Personal Experiences

The weirdest dream I ever had
One of my worst nightmares
My biggest fear in life is
A memory from my childhood that brings a smile to my face
The worst thing that has ever happened to me unexpectedly
The best thing that has ever happened to me unexpectedly
One of my most treasured memories is
My first memory of meeting someone who changed my life
An event that inspired me to start this blog
A random act of kindness I received unexpectedly
Something amazing about myself that I never thought possible
A time I wished I didn’t have to grow up/be an adult
The best vacation I’ve ever taken
What makes a perfect day for me
One of my favorite things to do when it’s raining outside is
The moment that made me realize I was officially an adult
The most exciting dream I’ve ever had
My biggest regret is

With these 125 descriptive essay topics and the handy writing guide above, students can craft a vivid and engaging descriptive essay!

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75 Interesting Descriptive Essay Topics

Working on academic papers is a must, no matter how intensely students hate this task. Descriptive writing could be interesting, but for reaching success here, it is essential to find good descriptive essay topics. A lot of things depend on creativity and imagination, but your personal interest is even more important. We’re going to help you find a topic that will suit your tastes, but first, let’s figure out what is a descriptive essay ? These assignments are a piece of writing focused on re-creating a specific experience, place, person, or event: a writer’s goal is to present it in a detailed and clear way. So, each student must pick a subject and describe it, building a vivid picture of it in the minds of their audience.

Descriptive writing prompts are important because they help you sharpen your memory, analyze your thoughts and reactions, and train your writing as well as expand your vocabulary. They are also exciting, but of course, this factor relies on which topic you select. There are some tips and suggestions that could guide you in this process, so if you need assistance, we are here to help you.

Strategies for Choosing Great Descriptive Essay Ideas

Many students underestimate the importance of topics. They are happy to grab the first one they see, and then they face hours or even days of boring research and inefficient drafts, ending up with a mediocre paper a professor cannot evaluate highly. This is a big mistake, so if you’d like to avoid such unfortunate results, keep tips below in mind.

Go for personal focus. Never choose descriptive essay prompts that you don’t care about. They should be personally interesting for you — this is the only way to make sure that your paper is pleasing to everyone related to it. Writers can do a good job only if they enjoy what they’re doing (unless they are already experienced enough, but it’s a rarity among students). So, look into your memory. Think about something you’d like to describe: it could be a trip somewhere, a favorite place, or even a beloved person.
Consider the volume. It is vital to base a topic on the word count you’ll have to cover and the amount of details available to you. Let’s look at these examples: you decided to write about an instance where you met your favorite actor. The problem is, you saw him briefly and nothing truly of note happened, so you could come up with several descriptive paragraph topics, but it won’t be enough for a 5-page essay. You’d have to choose another theme in this case. Equally, if you have a large idea that could make for 10 pages while the task requires you to write only 1, this isn’t the best decision. So never forget about word count and adjust volume of your ideas accordingly.
Adjust topic based on vocabulary. If you study at college, you likely have an average vocabulary fitting the academic sphere. In case you study at university, your word supply is more complex, so you could afford to look at more creative descriptive topics. High school students have less diverse vocabulary, so evaluate your skills objectively. This factor affects the choice you will make, so if you plan to describe a fight you witnessed, you should assess whether you know enough words and expressions for it.
Look for supporting sources. They are not always necessary, but they’ll definitely be a plus. If you choose a more scientific kind of work, you should support your opinions and impressions with other people’s words. Look for such sources, but be sure they are credible. Focus on articles and books, not on blogs and general sites.

75 Topics for Descriptive Essay on Different Levels

Another option for choosing an inspiring topic entails looking through relevant lists. We composed one specifically for the sake of students who are looking for inspiration yet can’t settle on any exciting ideas. You won’t experience any troubles with using it: either pick an option directly from it or use some of them as a foundation for developing your own. We concentrated on five major categories, each having 15 descriptive topics in it.

Descriptive Essay Topics About Famous People

There are lots of ideas for descriptive essay in this category. With how many famous people have changed our world, you could pick any of them to craft your essay.

Donald Trump: Describe His Rise to Power and His Eventual Downfall
Explain What Diaries Belonging to Marilyn Monroe Revealed About Her Past
Why Is Mother Theresa Known All Over the World? Describe Her Life and Personality
Describe the Real Circumstances Surrounding Discoveries That Christopher Columbus Made
Describe the Productive Life of Walt Disney & His Legacy
Explain Why Leonardo Da Vinci Is Considered Unique: Focus on His Discoveries and Inventions
Explore Rise of Any Popular Soviet Leader to Absolute Power
Who Is Greta Thunberg? Talk About Her Personality as Expressed By Her Ideas

There are also fictional famous people: they could make for good descriptive essay titles.

Harry Potter: Describe His Heroic Attributes and How They Relate to His Personality
Explain the Mystery Posed by the Figure of Merlin: What Do We Know About Him?
Describe All Heroics Attributed to King Arthur
Describe Changes in Attitude toward Vampires That Jacob Black Experienced
Talk About the Love Story between Jack and Rose from Titanic
Voldemort: What Events in the Life of Tom Riddle Created a Monster
Describe What Makes Katniss from Hunger Games an Inspiring Power Leader

Descriptive Topics About Celebrities

We are surrounded by celebrities. If you’d like to explore one of them, check this descriptive essay topics list.

Mads Mikkelsen as the Most Atypical Star in the Global Movie Industry
Describe Problems that Johnny Depp Has Been Experiencing Recently
Tragedy and Comedy of Jim Carrey’s Life: Describe This Mix
Describe the Changing Array of Roles Performed by Emma Watson
Daniel Radcliffe and His Attempts to Move On From Harry Potter
Explore and Explain Leonardo DiCaprio’s Struggles to Receive Oscar
Dive Into Descriptions of Reasons for Charles Chaplin’s Popularity
How Morgan Freeman Changed Entertainment Industry
Acting in Violent Movies: Describe What Roles Sylvester Stallone Played
Elaborate on How George Clooney Started Being Considered an Icon of Attractiveness
Describe Career of Steven Spielberg Along with His Success and Failures
Sad Stories: Describe What Choices Kate Winslet Makes in Her Movies
Being a Pirate: Talk About Adventures Orlando Bloom Had When Playing Will Turner
Creativity and Elegance of Keira Knightley: Describe Life Journey of This Actress
Describe Singing Career of Hugh Jackman and How It Mixed with His Actor Choices

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Descriptive Essay Topic Ideas About Places

People love travelling all over the world, so there is a thousand of descriptive writing topics to select from.

Talk About the Most Beautiful City You Have Ever Visited
Quiet Night in a Forest: Describe Beauty Around It
Seeing Red Sea for the First Time: Focus on Details Surrounding This Experience
Describe Your Home and Elements That Make It Dear to You
The Coziest Café with the Most Delicious Food: Share Your Experience
Garden That Stays in Your Memory: Describe What Plants It Had
Visiting Museum: Discuss Atmosphere, Interior, and Displayed Objects
First Visit to 3D Movie: How Did It Go?
Moving to a New House: Describe First Impressions of How It Looked Liked
Choose a Church That Impressed You & Share Details About Its Design

How about descriptive writing ideas for fictional places? They could be just as exciting.

Describe Hogwarts As It Is Portrayed in Harry Potter Books
Narnia, Its Delights and Horrors: Focus On Attributes That Make It Memorable
Describe Gritty Setting of Games of Thrones (TV Show or Book)
How Does Universe of Hunger Games Function? Describe Its Major Features
House of Cullens From Twilight: Talk About Its Inward and Outward Appearance

Descriptive Essay Prompts About Objects

Wherever you look, you’ll see objects of different kinds. Pick a good descriptive essay topic from the ones that trigger your interest.

How Cell Phone of Your Dreams Would Look Like
The Most Comfortable Bed in This World: Give a Detailed Description
Describe Each Component of Your Make-Up: What Are They, What Color They Have, & What Are They For?
Describe the Scent of Your Favorite Perfume: Focus on Each Undertone to Create a Clear Image
Your Favorite Food: Describe a Meal Complete with Three Different Dishes
Talk About Diary You Had: Its Cover, Pages, Purpose, & Importance
Describe How the Most Exquisite Box of Chocolates You Have Seen Looks
Book Cover That Made You Immediately Want to Buy Book Itself
Backpack You Carry Every Day: What Makes It Comfortable & Special?
Describe How You Choose Your Handbag From Start to Finish
Kitchen in Your House: Describe Its Design, Key Objects, & Their Purposes
The Most Exquisite Bouquet of Flowers That Stands Out in Memory
Blanket You Use During Winter: What Is Its Appearance, Thickness, and Warmth Level?
Movie You Watched for More Than Ten Times
A Pair of Shoes That Begs to Be Bought: How Would You Describe It?

Memories Topics

We all have memories that make us into who we are. These examples of descriptive essay topics could help you recall meaningful events that deserve to be written about.

Describe the Best Birthday Celebration You Have Ever Had
The Day When Someone You Love Broke Your Heart
Seeing My Future Pet for the First Time & Falling in Love With It
Day of Heartbreaking Loss and My Reaction to It
Finale of a Movie I Watched That Made Me Feel Over the Moon From Joy
Terrible Disappointment After the Show I Loved Ended Badly: Details & Reaction
How My Best Friend and I Shared Our First Serious Secret We Never Disclosed to Others
Your First Joined Trip with Family: Fun and Excitement of It
Guilt I Felt After Betraying Someone I Loved
How Going on the First Date Felt Like: Describe This Time and Your Emotions
Getting a Gift I Always Dreamed About: Celebration That I Could Never Forget
Describe an Event That Helped You Understand What Career You Would Like to Have
City I Used to Live In: Describe Its Physical Appearance and Places It Had
Visiting Escape Room: Challenges, Excitement, Fear, & Complexity
The Happiest Day I Could Remember in My Life

Make Writing Exciting and Look for Help When In Need

As you had a chance to see, there are plenty of diverse ideas for descriptive essays. So, if you cannot come up with something on your own, don’t let it worry or embarrass you. Look for assistance: check related lists online, talk to other people, visit forums for discussions and brainstorm with your classmates. If you aren’t sure whether you feel up to writing, you could always let us know, and our team will gladly help. Inspiration is a big part of writing success, so it’s vital not to make a mistake when choosing what your paper is going to be about. Try to find it, and your chances at succeeding will grow!

Can’t come up with a topic for you paper? We’ve prepared a collection of essay topics for you

Want to write a winning essay but lack experience? Browse our free essay samples

Interesting Descriptive Essay Topics - 2024

14 min read

Published on: Jun 2, 2023

Last updated on: Jul 23, 2024

Descriptive Essay Topics: Favorite Things And Activities

Describing the ritual of Sunday morning pancake breakfasts
The comfort of a well-worn reading nook
A walk through the blossoming rose garden
Exploring the delights of stargazing
The joy of crafting personalized handwritten letters
Describing the thrill of a roller coaster ride
The tranquil routine of sunset yoga by the seashore: a mindful retreat.
A culinary adventure in the kitchen
The excitement of exploring antique markets
Describing the cozy atmosphere of a family movie night

Descriptive Essay Topics: Geography And Traveling

Navigating the hidden gems of an ancient city
Describing the mesmerizing colors of a remote tropical sunset.
Journey through the dynamic landscapes of a national park
The bustling energy of a local bazaar
Exploring the mysteries of an underwater cave
A descriptive study of traditional architecture in a foreign country.
Describing the rich cultural tapestry of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The awe-inspiring beauty of the Northern Lights
A descriptive exploration of the diverse flora and fauna in a rainforest.
The tranquil serenity of a remote desert oasis

Descriptive Essay Topics: Memories And Associations

Unraveling the nostalgia of childhood hide-and-seek games
Describing the aroma of Grandma's kitchen
A walk down memory lane
The timeless melody of a family heirloom
Recalling the excitement of a first day at school
A descriptive exploration of a sentimental family photograph album.
The echoes of laughter in an old family home
Describing the texture of a childhood blanket
A day in the life of a cherished childhood toy
The significance of a faded ticket stub

Descriptive Essay Topics: Philosophy, Science, And Religion

Describing the intersection of science and spirituality
The philosophy of time
The ethical implications of genetic engineering
Describing the metaphysical aspects of quantum physics
The philosophy of consciousness
Navigating the intersection of religion and environmental ethics
Describing the aesthetics of mathematics
The philosophy of mind-body dualism
Exploring the ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence
Describing the role of rituals in religious practices

Descriptive Essay Topics: Tv, Literature, Art

Describing the impact of television on modern culture
The artistry of surrealistic paintings
A literary analysis of dystopian fiction
The evolution of TV series finales
Describing the symbolism in classic literature
The influences of pop art on contemporary visual culture
A descriptive exploration of magical realism in literature
The cinematic world of film noir
The impact of digital media on traditional art forms
Describing the multifaceted characters in a favorite TV drama

Descriptive Essay Topics: History

A descriptive exploration of ancient civilizations
The historical significance of a local landmark
Describing the impact of a historical invention on society
A journey through the streets of a historical city
The role of women in a historical revolution
Describing the cultural exchange along the Silk Road
The influence of historical wars on art and literature
A descriptive study of everyday life in a historical period
The economic evolution of a historical trading port
Describing the architectural marvels of a historical era

Descriptive Essay Topics: Daily Life

A descriptive analysis of morning routines
Describing the culinary delights of a family dinner
The tranquil routine of evening strolls
A day in the life of a remote worker
Describing the bustling energy of a local market
The sounds and sights of a city commute
A descriptive exploration of weekend rituals
The comforts of home
The dynamics of family game night
Describing the joys and challenges of parenthood

Descriptive Essay Topics: Professions

Describing the real-life struggles of a firefighter
The precision of a surgical theatre
A day in the life of a wildlife photographer
Describing the challenges of a humanitarian aid worker
The creative chaos of a graphic designer's studio
A descriptive exploration of archaeology
The rhythm of a musician's practice
Describing the dynamic world of event planning
The artistry of culinary professions
A day in the shoes of a space scientist

Descriptive Essay Topics for Students

Before selecting the topic for a descriptive essay, make sure it tells the reader about the essay. Here, we have compiled a list of topics for students from different academic levels to write a good essay.

Descriptive Essay Topics for University Students

Exploring the intricate details of an ancient architectural masterpiece.
Describing the rich biodiversity within a pristine rainforest ecosystem.
Painting a verbal picture of the subatomic realms in quantum physics.
Unveiling the diverse cultures thriving in a bustling urban landscape.
Crafting a vivid portrayal of a serene sunset atop a remote mountain peak.
Delving into the marvels of the human brain through descriptive language.
Illuminating the traditional artisan crafts that persist in a globalized world.
Indulging the senses in a descriptive exploration of global culinary delights.
Detailing the silent witnesses to history in centuries-old trees of ancient woodlands.
Capturing the awe-inspiring beauty of a starlit night sky in the cosmos.

Descriptive Essay Topics for College Students

Analyzing details in modern art installations for a descriptive study.
Exploring visual and textural aspects of urban graffiti.
Describing light and shadow in contemporary photography.
Investigating the unseen microorganism world descriptively.
Experiencing sensory delights at an open-air market.
Unraveling the urban soundscape
Navigating fashion trend evolution
Describing subtle expressions in dance: Body language and emotion.
Capturing rustic charm in forgotten countryside villages verbally.
Inside a musician's mind: describing creative processes.

Descriptive Essay Topics for High School

Exploring the impact of social media on teenage identity.
A day in the life of a local ecological reserve.
The intricacies of high school subcultures.
The sounds of a high school cafeteria.
Describing the journey of a historical figure.
A walk through a local farmer's market.
The essence of high school sports events.
The artistry of a high school theater production.
Describing the charm of a historical landmark in your community.
A descriptive exploration of a science fair.

Descriptive Essay Topics for Middle School

Exploring historical marvels: artifacts revealing tales.
Pet escapades: a day in furry companions' life.
Neighborhood park enchantment: a magical nature journey.
Middle school science buzz: the thrill of experiments.
Vibrant carnival world: an adventure of colors.
Fire station dynamics: heroes in action unfold.
Intriguing library ambiance: a study in fascination.
Cosmic wonders unveiled: a descriptive journey.
Mural masterpieces: creativity painted on walls.
Historical event unraveling: past tales brought alive.

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Descriptive Essay Topics for Different Grades

The selection of a good descriptive essay topic is a difficult task for school students. Have a look at the following list of topics.

Descriptive Essay Topics For Grade 4

A magical day in a candy wonderland
The curious adventures of friendly robots
Exploring the whimsical world of talking animals
My enchanted garden
A day in the life of a silly superhero
The mystical kingdom under my bed
Describing the colorful personalities of classroom pets.
The incredible journey of my lost toy
A picnic with alien friends
The rainbow circus

Descriptive Essay Topics for Grade 6

A funny memory
Your favorite item of clothing
Performing in front of a crowd
Your lucky charm
Your favorite movie
Your worst nightmare
The perfect day on the beach
An embarrassing moment
The perfect meal for you
The most beautiful place for you

Descriptive Essay Topics for Grade 7

A day in the life of an imaginary creature
Exploring volcanic eruptions
Secret time-traveling machine adventures
Enchanted forest walk
Whimsical talking animal world
Joyful chaos at a school carnival
My time as a detective
Journey to the center of the Earth
Feast with extraterrestrial friends
Colorful universe in my toy box

Descriptive Essay Topics for Grade 8

The street from home to school
The pet you love the most
The best habit of your favorite person
Your dream house
Your favorite childhood memory
Your favorite hideout while playing hide and seek
A list of your favorite restaurants
What makes me laugh
What is the worldâs biggest secret?
My first school teacher

Descriptive Essay Topics for Grade 9

The relationship between productivity and musical tones
Life is beautiful if we stop complaining
A day spent in school after vacations
How does the solar system work?
Things to learn from life
Effects of domestic violence on children
My favorite sport
My love for country people
My first visit to a mosque
Changing a car tire

Descriptive Essay Topics for Class 10

Exploring the cultural mosaic of a vibrant city market
A day in the life of an urban street artist
Intricacies of technological evolution
Descriptive exploration of historical monuments in your city.
Sensory symphony of a night market
Unveiling the architecture of sustainable green buildings
Dynamic energy of a music festival
Day in the shoes of a social activist
Artistry of cinematic masterpieces
Describing the serenity of a coastal landscape

Descriptive Essay Topics For Grade 12

Philosophy and AI Intersection
Decoding quantum entanglement
Postmodern literature analysis
Bioethical dilemmas in medical tech evolution.
Socioeconomic impacts of global climate change.
Intricacies of International Diplomacy
Identity intersection in societal constructs.
Cybersecurity impact on global economies
Ethical quandaries in genetic engineering.
Architectural innovations in urban sustainability.

Common Descriptive Essay Topics

Here is a compilation of descriptive essay topics that have been categorized into different groups.

Descriptive Essay Topics about an Event

Describe the electric atmosphere of a music festival.
Describe a thrilling sporting event: the roar of the crowd.
Describe behind the scenes at a carnival: colors and chaos.
Describe the unveiling magic of a fireworks display.
Describe the enchanting glow of a night market.
Describe a vibrant parade: colors, costumes, and celebrations.
Describe exploring the buzz of a busy street fair.
Describe the serenity of a sunrise yoga event.
Describe a cultural festival: tastes, sounds, and traditions.
Describe the dynamic energy of a political rally.

Descriptive Essay Topics about Objects

Describe the elegance of a vintage pocket watch.
Describe the intricate details of an antique writing desk.
Describe the simplicity and charm of a well-worn teddy bear.
Describe the mesmerizing glow of a stained glass lamp.
Describe the rugged beauty of a weathered leather journal.
Describe the delicate craftsmanship of a porcelain teapot.
Describe the sleek design of a modern smartphone.
Describe the timeless allure of a classic wristwatch.
Describe the vibrant colors of a handwoven tapestry.
Describe the rustic charm of a vintage typewriter.

Descriptive Essay Topics on Places

Describe the tranquility of a hidden beach cove.
Describe the bustling energy of a busy city street.
Describe the serenity found in a mountain retreat.
Describe the historic charm of an old town square.
Describe the vibrant atmosphere of a local farmers' market.
Describe the awe-inspiring beauty of a dense forest.
Describe the eclectic charm of a neighborhood coffee shop.
Describe the grandeur of an ancient cathedral.
Describe the coziness of a quaint mountain cabin.
Describe the futuristic appeal of a modern art gallery.

Easy Descriptive Essay Topics

If you are seeking easy topics, we have a range of simple descriptive essay options that are perfect if you're new to this genre.

Narrative Descriptive Essay Topics

My favorite restaurant to check out
An Adventure in the Andes
A perfect companion for me
Describe your favorite celebrity.
The birth of a child
Describe something that made you laugh to death.
An encounter with an online criminal
Whatâs your favorite scene from a book?
Describe all heroics attributed to King Arthur
The wonders of Australia and New Zealand

Funny Descriptive Essay Topics

Describe the antics of your mischievous pet.
Describe a hilarious encounter at a comedy club.
Describe the chaotic scene of a family game night.
Describe the amusing sights at a quirky local fair.
Describe the funny mishaps during a camping trip.
Describe the comical chaos of a surprise birthday party.
Describe the eccentric characters at a neighborhood potluck.
Describe the laughter-filled moments at a comedy movie night.
Describe the humorous chaos of a kitchen cooking adventure.
Describe the amusing incidents at a lively karaoke party.

How to Select a Descriptive Writing Topic?

Crafting a compelling descriptive essay requires a suitable topic. It's crucial to consider the following points:

Factors for Selecting a Descriptive Essay Prompt

Interest Alignment: Choose a topic aligning with personal experiences or passions.
Vivid Imagery Potential: Opt for a subject allowing vibrant descriptions and sensory details to create a vivid description.
Audience Engagement: Consider topics relatable or intriguing to your intended readers.
Abundance of Details: Pick a subject providing ample material for rich descriptions.
Emotional Connection: Select prompts evoking strong emotions or personal connections.

Utilizing Descriptive Essay Samples

Understanding Structure: Review examples to grasp the descriptive essay outline and its components.
Techniques and Language: Analyze how vivid descriptions are crafted and sensory details are used.
Inspiration Source: Use examples to spark ideas and creativity for your chosen prompt. You can read and get inspiration from expertly crafted samples in our descriptive essay examples blog!

The Bottom Line!

We hope that these descriptive essay topics have inspired you and given you some ideas for your own essay. Writing a descriptive essay requires vivid descriptions and sensory details, and it's a chance to paint a picture with words. Remember choosing the right topic is essential for writing a good descriptive essay. And if you're struggling to choose one or feeling uncertain about your writing skills, seek professional help.

Unlock the potential of your writing with our professional essay writing help , specializing in crafting vivid and engaging descriptive essays.

Our descriptive essay writing service is designed to bring your ideas to life, painting a picture with words that capture the reader's imagination. Whether you're struggling with structure, style, or just getting started, we're here to guide you every step of the way. And for those seeking an innovative edge, explore our AI essay generator . This tool is your key to effortless, high-quality writing.

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100 descriptive essay topics for easy writing.

July 18, 2019

What is descriptive writing? Descriptive writing is used as a tool to help develop your ability to paint a picture – in a sense – by using citing details that bring the subject to life. You see this often in fiction writing, but it has its merits in academic writing as well since writers are always trying to capture the reader’s attention. It is, then, a great skill to learn early in your academic life (like in high school or early college) since it can assist you in a number of other writing assignments by having you expand your vocabulary and keep the reader captivated with your descriptions.

What Is a Descriptive Essay?

This kind of writing assignment asks you to describe an object, a place, a person, or something that evokes the use of the five senses. It’s really open to anything the writer chooses and does not require an argument or opinion. It is usually limited to about a few hundred words, but some assignments may be as long as several pages. The trick is to write on a subject that you are comfortable with describing in extended detail since this is what most grading rubrics will be scoring on.

How to Start a Descriptive Essay

So now you’re probably wondering “How to start a descriptive essay?” The best approach is to simply start writing with keenness to the five senses. Write about sight, smell, touch, sound, and taste. A great descriptive paragraph will paint a picture in the reader’s mind. Professional writers can help you get started. Afterward this you can create a basic outline and then revise your content accordingly. You will always want to stick with your chosen subject, but the more vivid your writing is the great your success will be in creating a great written work.

100 Good Descriptive Essay Topics

Our descriptive essay topics list was put together by educators, students, and college admissions officers as a means to expose students to the most interesting ideas worth writing and reading about. They aren’t the only things you can write about but you can certainly get a sense of what piques their mind. Even if you don’t’ have a descriptive essay assignment on the horizon, you can benefit from a little practice, and the descriptive essay topics below are great places to find a little inspiration.

Easy Essay Topics

Write a descriptive essay about a place you’ve never visited in your life.
Describe something that you are addicted to (e.g., a food, an activity, a song, etc.).
Write about a favorite vacation spot from your childhood.
Describe a favorite “natural” location such as a forest or a desert.
Write an essay about a favorite photograph from your childhood.
Describe your favorite book, movie, song, or television show.
Write about a childhood memory that scares you.
Describe a room that has a special memory or evokes a feeling.
Write about a favorite place that you have visited in the past.
Describe a person you have met that you are afraid of or threatened by.

Essay Topics about Sports

Describe your favorite sport in a way that would convince others to try.
Write about your favorite professional sports memory.
Describe the worst sports injury you have personally suffered.
Write about your favorite professional athlete and the reasons why.
Describe your favorite moment from 2019’s Women’s World Cup.
Write about your all-time inspired sports moment.
Describe the best professional sporting event you have seen.
Write about an oddball sport that no one knows about.
Describe the positive effects of participating in sports.
Write about motorsports and their place in American sports.

Topics on Politics and Government

Describe government choices that have changed a country’s history.
Write about the different types of political terrorism.
Describe the different consequences and early causes of war.
Write about a political figure that has influenced you.
Describe the different types of election processes.
Write about one of the major political parties in the U.S.
Describe a progressive ideal which has been accepted widely.
Write about a political bargaining tool used in negotiations.
Describe government branches and their different purposes.
Write about socio-political changes in your city or town.

Topics on Information Technology

Describe how social media has changed the landscape of communication.
Write about the most popular trends in marketing and social media.
Describe how dictatorships limit internet access for political gain.
Write about how mobile technology is making Americans illiterate.
Describe how social media helps poorer populations’ access benefits.
Write on the place information technology has affected globalization.
Describe how home health care managed is changed by information tech.
Write about how the nuclear family home as changed because of IT.
Describe how information technology improves our abilities to invest.
Write about small business needs when considering information tech.

Topics on the Globalization and Environment

Describe the cultural and social manifestations of environmental issues.
Write about the effects of globalization on international politics.
Write about intelligence sharing and how globalization affects it.
Describe how brain-drain has been affected by environmentalism.
Write about how the world’s environmental landscapes are changing.
Describe the difference between globalization and knowledge exchange.
Write about how political parties influence environmental global issues.
Describe the needs populations have to protect environmental areas.
Write about the main reasons globalization has affected international trade.
Explain how environmental issues have increased in the last 20 years.

Topics on Local Government and Public Issues

Write about your community’s efforts to clean up public pollution.
Explain why it is important to keep your streets clean and safe.
Write about a problem that affects your community because of nature.
Describe a local issue that has brought the public in turmoil.
Write on how public community service helps bring people together.
Describe small government rules to protect gun owners’ rights.
Write about the rules and regulations concerning elderly rights.
Describe how local governments benefit from more recreational spots.
Write about local rules regarding abortion rights for women.
Describe Planned Parenthood funding through taxes in your town.

Topics on Space Exploration and More

Write about the reasons why the U.S. should consider a Mars expedition.
Describe how a mixed group of astronauts from different nations is best.
Write about the needs to invest in more space research for human advances.
Explain how the United States should invest in more spaceship technology.
Describe your favorite interstellar space mission from the last half-century.
Write about how non-rocket space launches revolutionize NASA’s program.
Explain why companies like Space-X should be sharing technology internationally.
Describe what it means for the world to invest in space exploration in general.
Write about the benefits of returning for a manned mission to the earth’s moon.
Explain the different types of spacecraft that are most popular around the world.

Topics on Educational Issues in Public Schools

Describe the benefits of having shorter school days at the high school level.
Explain why students are more inspired when they receive less standard homework.
Write about the subjects that are most important in today’s curriculum.
Describe what it’s like to have new, more socially conscious subjects in the curriculum.
Explain the benefits of teaching religion in public schools in today’s society.
Write about the educational system’s use of cursive writing lessons today.
Describe the use of homework each day to evaluate elementary students’ progress.
Explain how technology is used to enhance daily lessons and encourage learning.
Explain the reasons why schools are considering late start times for students.
Describe how standardized tests are created and scored by administrators.

Topics on Descriptive Personal Experiences

Write about a childhood adventure that is something you want to do again.
Describe a situation at school or in your personal life where you have been stressed.
Write about something that motivates you to put in more effort than usual.
Explain a difficult obstacle high school students must learn to overcome.
Write about the different types of common household pets that are friendly.
Describe something that makes people fail and ways to overcome the challenge.
Write about something that elementary students find annoying in their daily lives.
Explain how people use comfort zones to avoid trying new cultural foods or cuisines.
Describe a type of food from an international culture you have recently discovered.
Write about different types of desserts offered at five or four-star restaurants.

Topics about Travelling to Distant or International Places

Explain what it’s like to attend school abroad in cultural and societal terminology.
Describe how different countries treat leisurely travelers from the United States.
Explain what travel agencies do to ensure travelers feel welcome and safe abroad.
Explain how traveling with friends adds an element of safety when one is abroad.
Write about a country you would like to visit that isn’t a popular tourist destination.
Describe a travel-based piece of writing that explains everything about going abroad.
Write about a historic city with plenty of public places that emphasize local culture.
Describe the most visually stunning religious sites most people know little about.
Explain the ways European travel between countries is easier than on other continents.
Write about traveling with the military or similar opportunities by armed forces.

The above descriptive essay topics for college students are completely free to use. Share them with your classmates and don’t hesitate to brainstorm modifications to them. These are all suggestions and should be customized to your specific needs. If you need more help, you should try to find descriptive essay examples on the web, preferably those created by professional writing sites. You can also find a lot of great resources to help with different types of academic assignments such as expository writing, persuasive writing , narrative writing, and more.

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Tags: Academic Writing , Essay , Essay Writing

A descriptive essay is the most creative of all essay types. It involves the use of sensory descriptors and impactful narratives to depict an object, person, or even something abstract like an emotion. This type of essay is administered by teachers and professors to gauge your understanding of language.

In this article, we will guide you through everything there is to know about descriptive essays. This includes the descriptive essay definition, some descriptive essay topics, and various examples. To help you in your essay-writing process, we have also included an outline of a descriptive essay.

But let’s start from the beginning: What is a descriptive essay?

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What is a descriptive essay?

A descriptive essay is a highly creative form of writing which describes an object, person, location, experience, emotion, or situation. It makes use of vivid imagery and different figures of speech to create a beautiful and immersive experience for the reader.

This type of essay is often assigned in creative writing courses in schools or colleges. It does not involve the presentation of arguments or information. It just involves creatively expressing yourself with the help of various language devices.

Unlike a narrative essay which involves telling a story, a descriptive essay only focuses on one particular object or idea. Although most essay topics are non-fictional, descriptive essay topics can either be fictional or non-fictional.

Let us look at a few examples of topics for a descriptive essay.

Descriptive essay topics

Since writing a descriptive essay is a creative form of writing, it can cover a wide range of topics. These topics can range from practical experiences such as “My Grandpa’s Couch” to thought experiments such as “Living in a world with no concept of time”.

Here are a few more descriptive essay topics:

Exploring a ghost town
A starry night in the mountains
A day in the life of an explorer
Trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Wandering through the Swiss meadows
My childhood home
Memories of grandma’s farm
Experiencing euphoria for the first time
My description of utopia
My most treasured possession

Descriptive essay structure

Since descriptive essays are highly creative in nature, the descriptive essay structure is much more fluid as compared to most academic essay types. Although they do follow a general structure, there is no specific descriptive essay format. It serves more as a guideline than a hard and fast rule.

Descriptive essays generally don’t revolve around proving a point or making an argument. The goal is to simply provide a vivid and detailed description of a particular subject.

Let’s study the basic structure of a descriptive essay:

1. Introduction

Wondering how to start a descriptive essay? Like all essay types, the introduction of a descriptive essay is composed of three key elements: A hook, some background information, and a thesis statement.

However, the thesis statement of a descriptive essay is different from the thesis statements of most academic essays. It simply makes a claim regarding the subject of your choosing.

Here’s an example of a descriptive essay introduction:

Background information
Thesis statement

The last day of school—a momentous occasion that marks the culmination of a year’s worth of hard work and growth. Excitement hangs in the air as students gather for one final day of shared experiences and unforgettable memories. The hallways buzz with chatter and laughter, mingling with the anticipation of summer freedom. It’s a day of mixed emotions, as the promise of lazy days ahead clashes with the bittersweet farewell to teachers and classmates who have become like family. The last day of school is a mosaic of emotions, a snapshot of a moment that holds the weight of an entire academic journey, and a prelude to the new adventures that lie just beyond the horizon.

2. Body paragraph

A descriptive essay usually has three body paragraphs. However, the length and number of paragraphs may vary depending on the complexity and scope of your essay topic.

A body paragraph comprises of a topic sentence that focuses on a particular aspect of the subject. The topic sentence is elaborated upon by sensory, contextual, and emotional descriptors. Each paragraph ends with a transition sentence that provides context for the next paragraph.

Let’s understand this better with the help of an example:

Topic sentence
Description
Transition sentence

Classrooms brim with finality and accomplishment. Doodles and scribbles now grace once-neat desks, testifying to idle daydreams and shared laughter. Colorful displays and academic achievements adorn the walls, silently witnessing each student’s growth. Empty lockers echo the countless exchanges and whispered secrets they once held. Yearbooks circulate like cherished artifacts, pages filled with smiling faces and heartfelt messages. Laughter and hugs fill the hallways as friends make promises to keep in touch and embark on summer adventures. The last day of school etches indelible memories, a tapestry of nostalgia and celebration that encapsulates the joy, camaraderie, and growth of their academic journey.

3. Conclusion

The conclusion of your essay should begin with the restatement of your thesis statement along with its broader implications. You can then provide a quick summary of all the important aspects mentioned in the body paragraphs.

Finally, you can end your essay with a powerful statement or a clincher. This can include anything from a powerful lesson to a thought-provoking quote. The goal is to leave the reader with something to think about.

Here’s an example:

Restated thesis statement
Summary of body paragraphs
Concluding statement

As the final bell echoes through the hallways and students scatter in all directions, school leaves behind a lingering sense of closure and anticipation. It is a day filled with mixed emotions—a blend of nostalgia for the memories created, gratitude for the knowledge gained, and excitement for the new chapter that awaits. The last day of school symbolizes a milestone in each student’s journey, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. It is a time to reflect on the growth, challenges overcome, and friendships forged along the way. The last day of school is not an end, but rather a stepping stone towards new horizons, where each student will continue to learn, explore, and thrive.

Now that we’ve understood how to structure a descriptive essay, let’s figure out how to write it!

How to write a descriptive essay

In order to write a perfect descriptive essay you must effectively make use of multiple creative writing devices. These creative writing devices include figures of speech, imagery, sensory and emotional descriptors, as well as evocative language.

If you find the essay writing process challenging, we’re here to equip you with essential tips on writing a descriptive essay. Let’s take a look at how to write a descriptive essay:

1. Use figures of speech

Literary devices such as similies, metaphors, and imagery are creative devices that describe an object or a person in a figurative sense. These creative devices add an element of interest to your essay, making it more vivid, vibrant, and colorful.

The use of figures of speech can turn an otherwise boring piece of writing into a masterpiece. Take a look at the following example:

On that spot stood an old banyan tree with thick bark and intertwining branches.

Although this example is a good start, it can be made much more interesting with the use of figures of speech.

On that spot stood an old banyan tree with its resolve as strong as iron. Its arms intertwined as they reached for the skies, yearning for the sun.

The use of literary devices such as personification and metaphor makes the banyan tree in the second example come to life. This is how you can make your writing more vivid, descriptive, and poetic.

2. Use your senses

Sensory descriptors are one of the most important aspects of a descriptive essay. The key is to make the reader experience what you’ve experienced. This means appealing to all five senses of the reader.

Although the visual aspect is important, you should also focus on how something sounds, feels, and smells. The experience of touching, smelling, or feeling something is more evocative than simply viewing it.

Some sensory descriptors are used in a literal sense:

The smell of rain in July takes me back to my childhood. The pitter-patter reminds me of my mother’s footsteps, bringing us delicious snacks.

They can also be used metaphorically:

The beautiful, cold gaze of the moon stunned us all.

3. Use evocative language

It is a good idea to use strong, evocative language that conveys an intense action or emotion. Creative use of words is an important factor in writing a descriptive essay since passive language leads to a dull, boring essay. Let’s take a look at the following sentences:

The 100-meter race was completed by Usain Bolt in under 10 seconds.

Usian Bolt whizzed through the 100-meter race in under 10 seconds!

The use of the word “completed” indicates no action and the use of passive voice makes the example dull. On the other hand, the phrase “whizzed through” indicates speed and intensity which makes the second example much more interesting to read.

Now that we’ve understood the different methods of writing a descriptive essay, let’s understand its outline.

Descriptive essay outline

The outline of a descriptive essay is less structured compared to most academic essay types. It merely serves as a guideline that you can use to flesh out your essay. It also helps you develop a coherent structure and logical flow for your topic sentences.

In order to help you further develop your essay, we’ve created an outline for your reference. The following descriptive essay outline revolves around the nostalgia experienced when going through an old diary.

Turning the Pages of Time

I. Introduction

A. Hook: Engaging opening sentence to grab the reader’s attention.

B. Background: Briefly explain the significance of finding your old diary and the memories associated with it.

C. Thesis statement: Clearly state the main idea of the essay, highlighting the emotional journey of rediscovering your old diary.

II. The discovery

A. Setting the scene: Describe the circumstances and location where you stumbled upon your old diary.

B. Initial emotions: Express the range of emotions that flooded your mind upon finding the diary.

C. Anticipation: Share the anticipation and curiosity about what lies within the pages of the diary.

III. The diary’s contents

A. Opening the pages: Describe the physical act of opening the diary and the smell and texture of the pages.

B. Memories unfolded: Reflect on the memories and experiences captured in the diary entries.

C. Emotional impact: Discuss the emotional response evoked by reading your own words and reliving past moments.

IV. Nostalgic reflections

A. Time traveling: Explain how reading the diary transported you back to the time and place when the entries were written.

B. Reconnecting with your past self: Describe the process of reconnecting with your past self and reevaluating your thoughts and experiences.

C. Lessons and insights: Highlight any valuable lessons, self-discoveries, or personal growth revealed through the diary’s contents.

V. Resonating with present self

A. Relevance to current life: Discuss how the insights and reflections from the diary still resonate with your present self.

B. Perspective shifts: Explain any shifts in perspective or newfound understanding that arose from revisiting the diary.

C. Appreciation: Express gratitude for the diary and its role in preserving and enriching your personal history.

VI. Cherishing the rediscovery

A. Preservation: Discuss the steps you took to preserve and protect the diary after finding it.

B. Future reflections: Share your intentions and plans for continuing the habit of journaling or preserving personal memories.

C. Closing thoughts: Reflect on the lasting impact of finding your old diary and the value of personal reflection and self-expression.

VII. Conclusion

A. Recap: Summarize the emotional journey of rediscovering your old diary.

B. Significance: Emphasize the personal and emotional significance of reconnecting with your past self through the diary.

C. Closing remarks: Conclude with a reflection on the power of personal artifacts and the importance of preserving one’s history.

Now that we have taken a look at the descriptive essay structure let’s look at an example.

Descriptive essay example

To help you better understand the process of descriptive essay writing, we’ve constructed an example. The following example revolves around an imaginary situation. It describes the writer’s voyage through the cosmos.

Exploring the Cosmos

As the rocket engines ignited, the powerful thrust propelled us into the vast expanse of space. The vibrations rattled through the cabin, merging with the palpable anticipation that filled the air. We were embarking on a remarkable journey through the cosmos, leaving behind the familiarity of Earth and venturing into the unknown.

Outside the small window, the twinkling stars grew brighter, casting a mesmerizing glow on the infinite darkness. The view was awe-inspiring as if we were floating amidst a sea of diamonds, each one beckoning us to explore its mysteries. The depth and grandeur of space stretched out before us, reminding us of the minuscule nature of our existence in the universe.

As we traversed through the cosmic void, weightlessness engulfed our bodies, releasing us from the Earth’s gravitational pull. Every movement became a ballet, effortlessly gliding from one corner of the spacecraft to another. The sensation was both exhilarating and disorienting as if the boundaries of physical limitations had dissolved.

The silence in space was profound, a symphony of tranquility. Without the interference of atmospheric sounds, we were left with the gentle hum of the spaceship’s systems and the rhythmic beating of our own hearts. It was a humbling reminder of the vastness and serenity that lay beyond our home planet.

Farther into our journey, celestial bodies came into view, captivating us with their sheer beauty. The fiery hues of neighboring planets illuminated the darkness, displaying their own distinct personalities. We marveled at the majestic rings of Saturn, a delicate masterpiece encircling the giant planet, and the crimson swirls of Jupiter, a tempestuous giant with its own cosmic dance.

Time seemed to lose its grip on the vastness of space. Hours felt like mere moments as we traveled through light-years, witnessing the unimaginable beauty of celestial phenomena. We were reminded of the sheer magnitude of the cosmos, a testament to the wonders that lie beyond our earthly confines.

Eventually, the time came for us to return to our home planet. As we reentered Earth’s atmosphere, the fiery descent illuminated the sky, marking our triumphant return. The journey through space left an everlasting mark on our souls, forever changing our perception of our place in the universe.

Our journey was more than a physical exploration; it was a voyage of wonder and introspection. It taught us the fragility and interconnectedness of all things and ignited an insatiable curiosity to continue unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos. We were forever transformed by the immensity and beauty that awaited us beyond our pale blue dot in the vast expanse of space.

After writing the essay, it’s important to edit and proofread it, which is a not easy. If you find essay editing challenging, you can consider taking the help of an essay editing service .

Want to keep reading? Here are the newest articles we’ve worked on:

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of a descriptive essay, how to conclude a descriptive essay, how long should a descriptive essay be, what are the five parts of a descriptive essay, what are the two types of descriptions.

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Are you going to write a descriptive essay and are looking for appropriate ideas? Look no further! Here are 220+ top-notch descriptive essay topics recommended by essay writers . For sure, you will find one that interests you and sparks your creativity. We have topics about various places: from rural farmlands to bustling cities. We have topics about people: from friends and family to strangers. We have descriptive writing topics about both concrete objects and abstract ideas. Whatever your writing project is, we have the perfect descriptive essay ideas to help you create a masterpiece. So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring our long list of descriptive topic ideas and find your inspiration!

What Are Descriptive Essay Topics?

Descriptive essay topics focus on describing an object, person, place, experience, emotion, or situation. They can also be used to give a recount of something that happened or that someone has seen or heard. When writing this type of essay, you should aim to provide a vivid and detailed description of the subject so that the reader can fully understand, imagine, or visualize it. When it comes to writing a descriptive essay , there are many descriptive essay topics to select from. Depending on topics for descriptive writing you choose, you may be required to rely on your memory, your observation skills, or your historical knowledge to complete the essay. You can also focus on an object or event that has significantly impacted your life. Other topics for a descriptive essay can include describing a favorite hobby or activity, a memorable trip, or a special moment.

Things we can describe in a descriptive essay

Characteristics of Good Descriptive Essay Topics

Good topics for a descriptive essay are interesting to write about. The primary objective of descriptive essays is to relate the unique qualities of objects, persons, or events vividly and comprehensively to readers. Good descriptive essay topics can evoke strong emotions and feelings in people. Here are some characteristics of good descriptive essay prompts:

Creative Consider creativity and originality when selecting your essay topic.
Clear The topic should be clear and concise.
Interesting Select a topic that you will not only enjoy writing about, but that will also be compelling to your readers.
Researchable The topic should be easy to research.

How to Choose a Descriptive Essay Topic?

Choosing a good descriptive essay topic can be difficult. The writing style used for descriptive essays is very expressive. Thus, it may be rather challenging to complete your paper if you do not select topics for descriptive essays that suit your preference, knowledge, or experience. Here are a few steps to help you select an interesting title that will make your essay stand out. Follow the tips in provided order.

Think of a title that interests you. Consider a subject that you are passionate about. You should never select a topic blindly.
Brainstorm ideas. When thinking about your topic, don’t hesitate to write down words or phrases that come to mind.
Research potential topics. You can look for the right content online or visit a library and skim specialized books.
Narrow down your topic for descriptive essays. As a result, choose the best idea that you feel will make an interesting and engaging essay.

Best Descriptive Essay Topics

The art of describing an event, a place, or a character through vivid writing allows you to take readers to another world. Choosing the right topic is the key to success and it makes a lot of difference in preparing an essay or a speech. Discover the best topics for a descriptive essay listed below to help unleash your creative writing skills.

The most beautiful place you have ever visited.
The appalling state of Guantanamo Bay.
Ancient pyramids and settlements in the Bolivian Amazon.
An embarrassing moment in your life.
Walking the Great Wall of China: the ultimate experience.
My strange “addiction” to jogging.
Canadian night festivals.
Voyages of Christopher Columbus.
The best gift ever received from my parents.
Weekend living at the cabin.
The ultimate daring thing you will always remember.
How I discovered my personal hobby.
My most challenging moment in school.
Women’s suffrage movement.
My biggest superstition and its impact on my lifestyle.

The best topic for a descriptive essay can often come from your experience. Thus, it should be easy to write about, since you already have necessary information and do not need to do any serious research. Using the above list, if you fail to find a topic that connects with previous incidents in your life, just choose a similar subject matter but such that is somehow related your to your own experience or is easy to explore.

Interesting Descriptive Essay Topics

There are descriptive ideas that are relatively more interesting compared to others. Essays about such ideas can help readers better understand an interesting experience or event, imagine and see a vivid picture, or observe and analyze a person from a more intriguing perspective. Here are 15 interesting ideas for a descriptive essay to consider:

The feeling of being in love.
A holiday on a secluded island.
Traits of people you really admire.
A woman’s life in the Middle East.
Your biggest life-changing moment.
My first sleepover.
Best FIFA World Cup final ever.
Recounting the joyous moment of your day.
My biggest fear or terror.
Earth’s appearance from out of space.
My imaginary best friend from childhood.
The TV series you enjoyed the most.
Apollo 11: the 1969 NASA moon landing.
Surviving the cold Arctic conditions.
My backpack adventure in Australian rainforest.

Good Topics for Descriptive Essays

If you are wondering what are some good topics for a descriptive essay, you’ll probably find a suitable answer in this segment. The section outlines topic examples you can use for your essay. A good descriptive essay topic should capture your reader’s attention. You can write about multiple ideas, including a person you admire, a special place or object, a favorite childhood memory, or a beautiful landscape. Good descriptive essay titles should be creative, engaging, and thought-provoking. Below are some examples:

My first time on a cruise ship.
This year’s Thanksgiving dinner with my family.
Your first experience with a foreign culture.
Your most treasured childhood toy.
How New York looks from Empire State’s 86th floor observatory.
My sweet 16 birthday party.
Picturing a clear night sky in the countryside.
The first time seeing the northern lights in Iceland.
My best friend’s wedding reception.
One day in the army.
A walk through the Central Park.
Challenges of living with food allergy.
The prom night experience.
Main features of Twitter.
Most beautiful beaches around the world.

Easy Descriptive Essay Topics

Easy ideas for descriptive essays require you to use just your five senses, your imagination, or memory to create a vivid image of the subject in the reader's mind. It also should take you a relatively shorter period to work on such uncomplicated descriptive ideas. You can choose descriptive paper topics from some of the examples provided below:

Special days spent with your grandparents.
Best places to explore in my hometown.
A perfect summer day.
The house of my dream.
The most beautiful sunset you’ve ever seen.
Your ideal picnic spots.
Your favorite moment in “ Avengers: Endgame ”.
Describing my family members.
Walking tour through Times Square in New York City.
How does freshly-baked bread smell?
My sense of humor.
Perfect gifts for your partner.
My first public speech: a recount of how I felt inside.
World’s greatest conspiracy theory.
My favorite school teacher.

Funny Descriptive Essay Topics

Allowing the imagination to run wild can lead to interesting ideas, particularly when looking for funny descriptive essay topics. Here we have compiled fifteen funny descriptive essay topic ideas for you to write about. The topics will help you produce a unique and humorous essay. From describing some weird costume to documenting habits of a quirky pet, these topics for descriptive writing are sure to inspire your creativity and provide you with a fun writing experience.

An outlandish Halloween outfit to fit my body.
People’s attempts to break odd world records.
Charlie Chaplin: the funniest silent play character.
How I fell for an April Fool’s Day prank.
Most hilarious Super Bowl commercials ever.
Funny moments during Donald Trump’s presidency.
Funny experience in an eating competition.
Diving into the mysterious world of wild street cats.
The “No Sweets for Adults” law in Chesapeake City, Virginia.
Funny life of Peter Griffin in the “Family Guy” TV show.
Amusing ghost stories as presented in Hollywood movies.
Funniest punishment ever experienced for losing a bet.
An encounter with a celebrity lookalike.
My queer self-made alternatives to online entertainments.
Explaining the behavior of an eccentric pet.

If you are searching for other paper ideas such as division and classification essay topics or informative essay topics , you will find them on our platform.

Descriptive Essay Ideas for Students

Students often struggle with finding the right ideas for their descriptive essays. While some topics may seem easier than others, there are plenty of creative and unique directions that can be explored. This section compiles descriptive writing ideas for various learning levels. From descriptive research topics in education to discussing the effects of climate change on nature, these ideas enable students to grow their knowledge and develop their researching skills.

Descriptive Writing Topics for Middle School

Descriptive writing topics for middle school can range from describing a favorite vacation spot to giving a detailed characterization of a person or place. Working on descriptive essays can help students to hone their writing skills, enabling them to better observe and detail their surroundings. Below are fifteen descriptive paper ideas for middle school students to explore:

My dream smartphone.
My favorite activities in the gymnasium.
Fishing and camping with my father.
Most important and cherished tradition in my family.
Recounting the visit to Jurassic Park.
Your most enjoyable activities outside school.
An unforgettable moment of wisdom with my teacher.
My best outfit.
My first time in a live sports event.
Game night experiences with my family.
A rollercoaster ride with friends.
Most beautiful success story in my life.
A summer vacation memory.
Why my best friend is my security blanket.
My lucky charm.

Descriptive Essay Topics for High School

Ideas for descriptive writing at high school level are relatively more demanding in terms of the effort needed to develop them comprehensively. You may be required to provide more descriptive details compared to the lower learning levels or even conduct additional research. In certain instances, suitable topics may only be derived from the high school curriculum. Here are some of the examples of descriptive essay topics for high school students:

Importance of summer school.
How I trained my dog.
How the solar system works.
Kobe Bryant: the mamba mentality.
A unique family heirloom.
Effect of domestic violence on students’ performance.
Qualities of a good roommate.
Abraham Lincoln: the greatest American president.
My journey as an artist: the development of skills.
America’s Independence Day: the Fourth of July celebration party.
Thomas Edison’s light bulb invention.
Greatest moment of personal growth.
The Pleiades star cluster.
Dream career: my aspiration to be an engineer.
Assassination of J.F. Kennedy .

Descriptive Essay Topics for College Students

Descriptive essay topics for university students are even more in-depth compared to the two previous academic levels. Learners tend to focus on topics within their area of specialization. College students are expected to think big and be more creative. Students in high learning institution can be additionally asked to provide educated opinion on the subject matter. Learn some of the descriptive essay topics for college students to get your creative juices flowing:

My online virtual learning experience in college.
Yuri Gagarin’s journey to space.
The role of your mentor in shaping your life.
How did you get your first tattoo?
Causes of college dropout: my personal experience.
The Holocaust: its history and consequences.
Greta Thunberg’s inspirational story.
Experiencing the pilgrimage to Mecca.
Preparing for a date: things to do.
Inside an anthill: a view from a tiny camera inside the colony.
How do you prepare for exams.
Muhammad Ali: his life and achievements.
Components of Martin Luther’s greatest speech.
Most beautiful locations in Europe.
Fastest travel route from Alaska to Ushuaia.

Topics for Descriptive Writing by Categories

A descriptive writing topic can come from many different categories. To help you select an essay idea based on your preference, we have compiled multiple topics and arranged them into various groups. We have focused on six primary categories in this section: objects, family and people, events, traveling, experience, and hobbies. You are free to either pick descriptive writing ideas from the lists provided, or use them as foundation for developing your own ones.

Descriptive Essay Topics About an Object

Do you want to write impressive descriptive topics about an object? In this section, you can explore the list of proper descriptive essay ideas revolved around specific entities. When analyzing objects, your sharp observation skills and basic knowledge about these items are important. Here are examples of topic ideas for descriptive essays:

My most valued object.
Toys I own as an adult.
The rarest metal on Earth.
World’s most powerful supercomputer.
Components of my living room.
Things you will find in my wallet.
World’s oldest tree: its physical appearance and history.
Items in my bank safety deposit box.
A detailed description of the most comfortable bed in USA.
Burj Khalifa : world’s tallest building.
Historical significance of Eiffel Tower.
Features of iPhone 13.
Inside a Tesla Cybertruck.
The largest flower in the world.
Japanese katana: appearance, types, materials.

Family and People Descriptive Essay Topics

You can base your depictive essay on matters pertaining to family and people. Relationships with friends and relatives constitute an integral part of every person’s life, so you will definitely have enough matter and stories to address. In this section, we have outlined sample descriptive essays topics that draw their talking points from the subject of family bonds and friendship. You can deliver a narrative involving memories of time spend together, or expressively discuss some outstanding features of your loved ones. Below are some of the descriptive paragraph topics for papers to get you started:

My favorite family member.
The best part of my Christmas holiday with my family.
Effect of divorce on childhood development.
Pillars of a strong family.
Financial benefit of a marriage institution.
Challenges of being a last-born in a family.
Things I miss the most about my childhood friend.
The relationship between my step-family and me.
The day I met my best friend.
Our secret family recipe.
The best Valentine’s Day experience with my partner.
Growing up in a multi-cultural family.
Biblical definition of marriage.
Components of our family portrait.
Impact of extended family on my personal growth.

Look through our definition essay topics to find more ideas on family.

Descriptive Essay Topics About Events

Over the course of our lives, we witness multiple events ranging from personal parties to ceremonies of national magnitude. Generally, rather than giving personal opinions or using rhetoric approach, you should prioritize providing objective information and key facts when working on topics for descriptive essay writing about events. Below is a list of essay topics for descriptive papers to help you in brainstorming.

Saint Patrick’s Day celebration in America.
Assassination of Abraham Lincoln.
Chronological events leading to start of World War I.
End of Cold War.
September 11 terrorist attacks.
My first job interview: how I performed.
The birth of my first born and how it affected me.
Relevance of the Ramadan celebration in the Islam religion.
Effect of “Tomorrowland Music Festival” on today’s morality.
2026 FIFA World Cup: the next tournament in Canada, Mexico, and USA.
The incident between Will Smith and Chris Rock at the 2022 Grammy Award.
How I proposed to my partner.
The best sports event I ever attended.
The Winner of the 2022 Formula 1 Series.
How I survived an extreme weather condition: a close call.

Once you have selected your preferred essay topics for descriptive papers, you should strive to expound particulars related to the occurrence in a chronological manner. This ensures that the reader is able to seamlessly follow the directions of your thoughts.

Traveling Descriptive Essay Topics

Writing a descriptive paragraph idea about traveling can be a great way to capture the moments and memories of your journey. These topics for descriptive writing can help you create a vivid and interesting essay about your travels.

Tourist destinations that left me with a lasting impression.
Exploring unfamiliar culture of Amazon tribes.
The most stunning natural landscape you’ve seen.
Best cheap meal you have ever had while traveling.
Most memorable people you met on your trip.
The most thrilling journey to the Maldives.
Unique souvenirs you brought back from Africa.
Exploring local customs and traditions of Native American communities.
The Swiss Alps train: The Glacier Express.
Magical views of Niagara waterfalls in Canada.
A journey to the Himalayas : the city of immortal beings.
Challenges you faced while traveling through a non-English speaking country.
Exploring the local cuisine of Istanbul.
The most interesting thing you learned on your recent trip
How I met my travel companion.

Descriptive Essay Topics About an Experience

Writing topics for a descriptive essay about an experience can be a great way to explore and share recollections of your life. Although not everyone is ready or comfortable to share their past, there are people who enjoy talking about the affairs that touched them to their friends, families, and even strangers. Find 15 topics for descriptive papers about an experience to get you started listed below:

An experience that changed your outlook on life.
A summer night that was particularly memorable.
Witnessing Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory.
An experience that made you feel scared and develop a phobia for height.
Places that fill you with joy and nostalgia.
A moment of relief.
My experience learning abroad.
The biggest public humiliation that I will never forget.
A dream that stayed with you.
A time when you felt overwhelmed.
A special experience with a family member.
Self-realization in my time of adversity.
The story of my first heartbreak.
How I coped with being hospitalized for weeks.
Recounting my visit to a home for the elderly.

Ideas for a Descriptive Essay About Hobbies

Writing descriptive essay topics about hobbies can be a great way to express yourself and explore your passions. Whether it's a hobby you've been doing for years or something new that you've recently taken up, there are countless topics to pick from when it comes to creating a descriptive essay. Below are ideas for descriptive essays to get you started:

My inspiration for taking up a new hobby.
Athletics as hobbies: their conversion to professions.
How my parents helped me pick my hobby.
Impact of hobbies on my relationship with family and friends.
Effect of sedentary hobby on your health.
Recounting the event that made me fall out of love with my traveling hobby.
How physical hobbies improved my physiological health.
My favorite childhood hobby.
Financial implication of having a hobby.
My best friend’s unusual hobby.
Extreme and dangerous hobbies taken up by my friends.
How sharing hobbies with my neighbor developed our friendship.
Pressures resulting from doing ballet dancing as a hobby.
My hobby’s contribution to my career development.
Biggest lessons learned from my childhood hobbies.

If you need more essay ideas, don’t forget that we have an extensive blog that offers different titles, including narrative essay topics and ideas for expository essays .

Bottom Line on Descriptive Essay Topics

Descriptive writing essay topics can range from narrating a personal experience to describing a place, person, or thing. It is important to include enough details in your essay so the reader can form a vivid picture. When choosing topics to write a descriptive essay on, you should consider the age and other specifics of the target audience and know your primary intentions in delivering information. It is also vital to be creative and use unique language to make the essay stand out. With the right topic and approach, a descriptive essay can be an engaging and enjoyable writing experience. Do not forget to adhere to grammar rules and employ appropriate lexis when working on topics for descriptive essays!

Our team of professionals provides top-notch academic writing service. Order your perfect descriptive essay from us. We will get it done as soon as possible. Our writers are ready to help you find the easiest path to success!

Daniel Howard is an Essay Writing guru. He helps students create essays that will strike a chord with the readers.

120 Descriptive Essay Topics to Spark Your Creativity

Writing a descriptive essay is a creative task. It requires using sensory language and expressive means, such as similes, metaphors, personifications, etc., for creating a vivid description of an object, place, person, or experience. The best descriptive essays are usually based on the writer's personal lived reality. However, some good descriptive essay topics require research and imagination to explore. Your instructors might give you one of such assignments to see how well you have absorbed class materials and how confident you are with the knowledge.

Finding a suitable topic to explore is no mean feat. With this blog, we hope to help you with the task. Below, you will find 120 topics grouped by a common theme and academic level they are suitable for. Some of the ideas for descriptive essays are linked to full samples in our free database. Read them to understand descriptive writing better and maybe borrow a trick or two to make your own essay even more compelling.

How to Choose a Descriptive Essay Topic

Before we proceed to our descriptive essay topics list, let's first prime you on brainstorming the ideas and finding suitable topics independently.

The first thing you need to ask yourself is, "What are my limits?" Are you free to use your imagination, or are you restricted to the facts you have witnessed? For example, for your history class, they might ask you to write a descriptive essay of an archeological site you've been digging. That would be a description based on your experience. However, they could also ask you to reconstruct the site and describe what it could look like centuries ago. That would be an assignment based on research but also requiring your imagination and creativity.

With that in mind, you need to inspect what resources you have at your disposal. If you have to base your essay on research, look at what literature you have readily available. If sources abound, you can narrow your topic down for a more efficient search. If, however, the information is scarce, scale up a bit to find more data.

If you have to write a description based on your experience, the best strategy for a good descriptive essay topic would be to go for something that made a strong impression on you. This way, it would be easier to create a powerful description from memory. Also, make sure you touch on points relevant to your class or this particular assignment. For example, you need to write about the importance of emotional intelligence in your practice as a nurse. For this, you must select a case that is both memorable to you and relevant to the topic.

Descriptive Essay Topics for Middle School

First, let us zero in on the academic level. Here are some fun descriptive paper ideas suitable for middle-school students. Some of the suggestions are easy; others are more challenging. However, they all provide an opportunity to give a colorful description and tell a story through images.

Describe your favorite animal
Describe a fantastical journey through a human body affected by fast food
My last weekend and how I spent it
Describe the dawn or the sunset
Describe your pet (or your friend's pet if you don't keep pets)
Describe your favorite item of clothing
Describe your last weekend
Describe the best journey you ever had
Describe your best friend
Describe your classroom
Describe your street
Describe your house

Descriptive Essay Topics for High School Students

If you have been given a descriptive writing assignment but no prompt hinting what to write a descriptive essay on, try these suggestions. Feel free to change them. Treat them as brainstorm starters.

A childhood memory that stuck with you
A time you lost someone dear to you and how you persevered
What are your personal reactions to The Princess Bride movie ? Be descriptive.
Retell Frankenstein from the POV of the Creature
Describe your family home
Describe the last party you've been to
Describe a book character (how you picture them based on the information from the book)
Describe waking up early
Describe your favorite smell
Describe a chance encounter that left a lasting impression
Describe the most fun activity you have ever participated in
Describe a thing that annoys you the most. What makes it so noxious?

Descriptive Essay Topics for College Students

As a college student, you must be looking for more original topics to write a descriptive essay on since you've most likely already explored the easier ones from above. Look in this section or further – in the thematic groups. Read the papers attached as examples if the topic interests you but seems too challenging. Also, don't forget that you can get personalized essay writing help for any type of assignment – creative descriptions included.

Describe your favorite place on campus
Describe your experience with contemplating art
Describe a hot day
Describe events from The Great Gatsby from an unconventional POV
Describe a vivid childhood memory
Describe a gathering (a club meeting, a political rally, etc.)
Describe a construction site
Describe a frightening experience you went through
Describe building a healthy habit (or breaking a bad one)
Describe a wedding you have attended
Describe a trip home during the break
Describe your new room away from home

Descriptive Essay Ideas About an Object

Describing an object is probably on the easier side of this assignment. However, with these original descriptive writing topics, an essay about an ordinary thing can be just as impressive and sophisticated as a description of unique experiences.

My notebook
Describe a tool you use every day and its importance
The thing that has shaped your childhood
Describe your most treasured possession
Describe a piece of jewelry you wish you owned
Describe a thing that has a story attached to it (a family heirloom, a museum exhibit, a memento, etc.)
Describe your favorite piece of furniture
Describe a thing that used to scare you as a child
Judge a book by its cover: pick up and describe a book you've never read
Describe a remarkable door
You are living in the Iron Age. Describe the most valuable thing you own
Describe an item that belongs to a friend or a family member. What can it tell about its owner?

Topics for a Descriptive Essay About an Experience

Speaking of experiences. If you are tired of well-thumbed issues like triumphs and defeats, choose your next topic for a descriptive essay from the list below. Write a different story that is meaningful and impactful.

Describe how you tried something for the first time
Describe a music concert or a festival you've been to
Describe the feelings of an unfairly incarcerated person
Describe a difficult situation that taught you something valuable
Describe living through a natural disaster
Describe the feeling of sorrow
Describe your experience watching a classic movie
Describe how you combat stress
Describe the sadness of leaving
Describe recovering from an illness
Do you remember how you learned reading? Tell about the experience
Describe your visit to a beauty salon or a barbershop

Examples of Descriptive Essay Topics About a Place

Descriptive paper topics suggested below give you only a general direction for your thoughts. In contrast, a sample attached to each title describes a concrete and very specific place. That is why we advise you to explore the attached pieces for more inspiration.

Write about a public place that continues to evoke powerful, emotional memories for you
Describe a restaurant in your area
Describe a house
Describe your hometown
Describe ocean shore
Describe a museum or an art gallery you've attended
Describe a park or a natural spot you like
Describe your favorite place on earth
Describe the best place to study
Imagine a public space designed for teens. Describe it. Where would you place it?
Do you remember your first trip out of town? Where did you go? Be descriptive.
Describe a place where you feel most safe

Interesting Descriptive Essay Topics About a Person

Describing a person is not an easy task, especially if you need to remain neutral and objective. These topics for descriptive essays about people will be an excellent exercise for you.

Describe a person from your class that you find interesting
Describe a person you have helped recently
Describe a stranger who showed you kindness
Describe one of your parents
The most unforgettable person in your life
Describe a person you can call your mentor
Describe your professor
Describe someone you see often but not acquainted with (a cash-desk clerk, a bus driver, a dog-walker from your street, etc.)
Describe a celebrity you find the most inspiring
Describe a fictional character you had a crush on
Describe an influential political figure of today
If you could interview any historical personality, who would it be? Describe them

Descriptive Essay Topics About Art, Culture, and Esthetics

The area we have outlined in the subheading is vast, so these topics are there to give your creativity a little nudge. Play with them and transform them to suit your assignment.

Describe a cultural artifact (a sculpture, a painting, a museum exhibit, etc.)
Describe a creative work you have produced
A documentary that fascinated you
Describe an impact of a poetic work on you
Describe characters on your favorite TV show
Describe a dance show
Describe a thing you would call kitschy. Explain your choice
Describe a ceremony or a ritual you partook in
Describe a night in a movie theater from the perspective of a first-time goer
Describe a consumer good from the point of view of its esthetic value
Describe a building. What's its purpose? How is it conveyed through architecture?
Describe a historical costume representative of a particular era

Imaginative Topics for a Unique Descriptive Essay

How about running away with your imagination and creating something that doesn't exist? No one said that your description must be documental.

If you could rule the world, how would it look like? Describe your perfect vision
Describe the art to an alien
Describe how your childhood experiences have formed your personality
Describe a magical creature you wish existed
Describe a robot you could befriend
Describe an ordinary day from the point of view of an inanimate object
Describe a technological artifact from another planet
Describe a day in a park without using sight
Describe a sci-fi landscape
Describe an immortal being
Describe flying over your hometown
Describe turning into an animal

Descriptive Essay Topics About Business and Technology

Serious topics can be approached creatively as well. Descriptive essays give a human dimension to business and tech – which is always good for a better understanding their purposes.

Internet hoaxes you've come across
Describe a product to a potential consumer
Describe your short-term (3 years) career goals
Describe customer experience in a chain restaurant or reseller's
Describe an innovative shop window display
Describe your workday or shift
Describe a place of work you see yourself in 5 years
Describe an ergonomic design you admired
Describe a perfect gadget that doesn't exist yet
Describe your first computer
Describe a technology that should replace human labor. Why would it be better this way?
Describe an item that will be in each household twenty years from now

If one of the topics above caught your fancy, but there is no sample, don't despair. We can write one exclusively for you. Moreover, if you have written a draft but you think it could be more expressive and vivid, send it to us for editing, and we will make it shine!

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Jana Rooheart came to WOWESSAYS™ with a mission to put together and then slice and dice our vast practical experience in crafting all kinds of academic papers. Jana is an aspired blogger with rich expertise in psychology, digital learning tools, and creative writing. In this blog, she willingly shares tricks of pencraft and mind-altering ideas about academic writing any student will find utterly beneficial.

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Descriptive Essays

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What is a descriptive essay?

The descriptive essay is a genre of essay that asks the student to describe something—object, person, place, experience, emotion, situation, etc. This genre encourages the student’s ability to create a written account of a particular experience. What is more, this genre allows for a great deal of artistic freedom (the goal of which is to paint an image that is vivid and moving in the mind of the reader).

One might benefit from keeping in mind this simple maxim: If the reader is unable to clearly form an impression of the thing that you are describing, try, try again!

Here are some guidelines for writing a descriptive essay.

Take time to brainstorm

If your instructor asks you to describe your favorite food, make sure that you jot down some ideas before you begin describing it. For instance, if you choose pizza, you might start by writing down a few words: sauce, cheese, crust, pepperoni, sausage, spices, hot, melted, etc. Once you have written down some words, you can begin by compiling descriptive lists for each one.

Use clear and concise language.

This means that words are chosen carefully, particularly for their relevancy in relation to that which you are intending to describe.

Choose vivid language.

Why use horse when you can choose stallion ? Why not use tempestuous instead of violent ? Or why not miserly in place of cheap ? Such choices form a firmer image in the mind of the reader and often times offer nuanced meanings that serve better one’s purpose.

Use your senses!

Remember, if you are describing something, you need to be appealing to the senses of the reader. Explain how the thing smelled, felt, sounded, tasted, or looked. Embellish the moment with senses.

What were you thinking?!

If you can describe emotions or feelings related to your topic, you will connect with the reader on a deeper level. Many have felt crushing loss in their lives, or ecstatic joy, or mild complacency. Tap into this emotional reservoir in order to achieve your full descriptive potential.

Leave the reader with a clear impression.

One of your goals is to evoke a strong sense of familiarity and appreciation in the reader. If your reader can walk away from the essay craving the very pizza you just described, you are on your way to writing effective descriptive essays.

Be organized!

It is easy to fall into an incoherent rambling of emotions and senses when writing a descriptive essay. However, you must strive to present an organized and logical description if the reader is to come away from the essay with a cogent sense of what it is you are attempting to describe.

501 Topic Suggestions for Writing Essays and Speeches

Melissa Ling / ThoughtCo

Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
B.A., English, State University of New York

If getting started is the hardest part of the writing process , close behind it (and closely related to it) may be the challenge of finding a good topic to write about. Of course, sometimes an instructor will solve that problem for you by assigning a topic. But other times you'll have the opportunity to choose a topic yourself, and you should really think of this as a great opportunity to write about something you care about and know well.

So relax. Don't worry if a great topic doesn't immediately spring to mind. Be ready to play with a number of ideas until you settle on one that truly interests you. To help get you thinking, we've prepared more than 500 writing suggestions—but they are only suggestions. Together with some freewriting and brainstorming (and maybe a good long walk), these should inspire you to come up with plenty of fresh ideas of your own.

501 Topics You Could Write About

We've organized the suggested topics into nine broad categories, loosely based on some of the most common types of essays. But don't feel limited by these categories. You'll find that many of the topics can be adapted to suit almost any kind of writing assignment.

Now follow the links to find more than 500 topic suggestions and see where they take you.

40 Descriptive Topics

Descriptive writing calls for close attention to details —details of sight and sound, smell, touch, and taste. Read these 40 topic suggestions for descriptive paragraphs or essays to get started. It shouldn't take you long to discover at least 40 more on your own.

50 Narrative Topics

Another word for "narration" is "storytelling," and narrative essays give accounts of events that actually happened. Narratives can serve to illustrate an idea, report an experience, explain a problem, or simply entertain and they are the perfect opportunity to practice countless writing techniques. Here are 50 ideas for a narrative paragraph or essay. Remember to tell a story of your own.

50 Process Analysis Topics

Process analysis essays explain how something is done or should be done, one step at a time. You don't have to be an expert on a topic to write a process analysis essay for it, but you should have at least some familiarity beforehand. These 50 topics will help you start thinking about potential processes you might be equipped to explain.

101 Compare and Contrast Topics

Anything that you've ever had to make a decision about could form the basis of a compare and contrast essay. Here you'll find 101 more ideas that might be explored in a piece of writing meant to find similarities and differences between two things.

30 Analogy Topics

A good analogy can help your readers understand the ways in which two or more vastly dissimilar subjects or concepts are alike. You can think of an analogy like a compare and contrast essay without the contrast (often, two things compared via analogy are naturally contrasted in obvious ways). Consider each of these 30 topics from multiple different perspectives to uncover original analogies of your own.

50 Classification Topics

Are you ready to get organized? If so, you'll probably be applying the principle of classification —perhaps to one of these 50 topics or to a brand new topic of your own.

50 Cause and Effect Topics

Cause and effect composition is an important skill for writers to master if they are to be effective at illustrating important connections. These 50 topic suggestions should get you started thinking about why? and so what?

60 Topics for Developing Extended Definitions

Abstract and/or controversial ideas can often be clarified through extended definitions . The 60 concepts listed here can be defined in various ways and from different points of view, a craft that all writers should hone.

70 Persuasive Essay Topics

These 70 statements may be defended or attacked in an argument essay, also called a persuasive essay. Students are taught to write persuasively as early as second grade, but the ability to craft a well-supported argument takes years to master. Consider what issues really matter to you when deciding on a persuasive essay or speech topic .

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Descriptive Essay Guide With Excellent Essay Topics

Table of Contents

An essay is a short literary piece. Descriptive writing are a genre of essay aimed at describing something – they provide a vivid and detailed explanation of the topic in question. If you need to write a descriptive essay but can’t find a suitable topic, this guide on descriptive essay topics is for you!

Crafting an enthralling piece that readers can engage with is the over-arching aim of every writer. It is not enough to tell the readers something — give them a clear picture of it.

This guide offers some creative descriptive writing topics, including the parts of a descriptive essay.

What is a Descriptive Essay?

A descriptive essay aims to describe something. It could be an event, a predicament, or someone. Typically, descriptive essays are written based on the experience or imagination of the writer.

They test your ability to use language originally and creatively to convey a memorable image of what you’re describing. Such essays are common writing exercises in high school and composition classes.

Descriptive essay topics are those that describe something in great detail . They let students develop the ability to create a written account of a particular experience. Descriptive essays allow for artistic freedom (the goal is to paint a vivid, moving image in the reader’s mind).

Descriptive essays have a distinct structure consisting of the introduction, body, and conclusion. You must build a strong and engaging writing style to write a successful descriptive essay.

Parts of A Descriptive Essay

It’s important to note the difference between a description and a descriptive essay.

A description has one or several paragraphs with no specific structure. It aims to describe something without following a particular pattern. On the other hand, a descriptive essay consists of five or more paragraphs with a well-defined and complete structure. It is written coherently and consists of an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Let’s see what goes into crafting a compelling descriptive essay.

1. Introduction.

The introduction should provide the reader with background information about the topic. It should tell the reader what the piece is about without giving away spoilers.

Use catchy words that will grab the reader’s attention and hook them. End your introductory paragraph with your thesis statement. It should concisely summarize what you will say in the following sections.

2. Body paragraphs

The body paragraphs should provide detailed information about the topic. It typically consists of three sections with evidence to back up your thesis. The last sentence of the body paragraph should allow for a smooth transition into the conclusion.

3. Conclusion

The conclusion section should give the reader a summary of the essay and its overall purpose. It should summarize the critical points with a restatement of the thesis to allow the reader view the topic in a particular light. Ending the essay in an impactful and exciting way is essential to leave the reader with a sense of awe.

Descriptive Essay Topics for Struggling Students

Here are some of the best descriptive essay topics for struggling students.

Favorite Activities and Things.

My favorite movie
My favorite movie character
The book I love the most
My best friend
The house of my dreams
My first trip overseas
My first memory
The concert I will never forget
My first tears of joy

Geography and Traveling (Real and Imaginable)

The most exciting cruise
The most beautiful place on earth
Top 10 destinations in Europe
The most attractive places in Asia
The wonders of Australia and New Zealand
A space journey
The beauty of the starry sky
What can an astronaut see?
Canadian White nights
A seaman: one day on a ship
In the heart of Africa
Napoleon: the king of Europe
The Mayflower – the Voyage of hope
A visit to the historical museum
The tragedy of Pearl Harbor
A pirate of the Caribbean
The most important event in our history.
Julius Caesar: the legendary commander.
The greatest person in our history.
A hot summer day
One day in school
A Christmas story
My childhood
An exciting picnic with my parents
My first date
A warm winter evening
One day at the seaside
My favorite pet
A fairy tale from my childhood

man wearing blue shirt writing in book with white pen

An easy way to write a compelling descriptive essay is to draft an outline. Begin with an introduction, setting the pace for the rest of the piece. Provide background information that lets the reader understand what the writing is about .

Proceed to the body paragraphs, discussing the topic of the essay in detail. End with a conclusion that summarizes your essay. If you’re struggling to choose a topic to write on, our list will come in handy.

Descriptive Essay Guide With Excellent Essay Topics

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Best Descriptive Essays: Examples & How-to Guide [+ Tips]

A descriptive essay is an academic paper that challenges a school or college student to describe something. It can be a person, a place, an object, a situation—anything an individual can depict in writing. The task is to show your abilities to communicate an experience in an essay format using vivid, illustrative language.

To understand how to write this paper, you’ll need to study some descriptive essay examples for college. Besides, you need to contemplate these aspects:

how someone or somewhere looks;
what happens with the person or place;
what historical record you can add, if at all possible.

Our team has prepared this guide so that you’ll manage to write a famous descriptive essay. Learn how to outline your paper, nail the structure and the thesis statement. See the tips and explanations below, along with descriptive essay samples.

🖌️ Why Descriptive?

Research & Prepare

Outline your essay, write descriptively, revise & polish.

🖼️ Essay Examples

🖌️ What Makes an Essay Descriptive?

It’s time to make clear what we mean by a descriptive essay . For example, let’s suppose we were asked to write about a sports stadium. Here are two introductions we might come up with:

Example 1: A stadium is a place where sports, concerts, or other events take place. Usually, there will be a field or a stage, which most often will be surrounded completely or partially by a structure where spectators can sit or stand to watch.

Example 2: American sports nuts got what was probably their first sight of Twickenham rugby stadium when the Rugby World Cup Final was played there in 2015. Rugby has been played at Whitton Road in Twickenham since 1907, and the first international match took place three years later in 1910; when no game was scheduled, horses grazed the pitch. What is now the shining steel and glass double-decker West Stand was still, in the 1960s, a car park. Currently one of the world’s most state-of-the-art grounds, Twickenham holds 82,000 people, and it’s no longer horses when rugby is not being played but world-famous bands like U2, The Rolling Stones, and Bon Jovi who fill the place.

The first introduction is excellent for analytical essays as it’s a definition of what a sports stadium is. The second one depicts a specific stadium, and that – that act of describing – is what makes it descriptive.

When you’re writing a descriptive essay, it’s the style of the second example and not the first that you should be striving for. Try to use living, vivid language to draw a picture in words of whatever it is you’re writing about.

🎨 How to Write Good Descriptive Essays

When you’re writing a paper, the standard advice would be:

Say what you’re going to tell your reader.
Say what you’ve told your reader.

The same fundamental structure applies to a descriptive essay. Yet, there are numerous nuances that you should keep in mind to produce an outstanding paper. In the following sections, we’ll elaborate on them in detail.

So, you are ready to write your excellent descriptive essay, but you don’t know how to start? Don’t be lost. While writing any kind of paper, start with the research and preparation. Take a look at our tips!

Consider the topic that you’re working with. Whether it’s assigned or picked by you, make sure you understand it completely. Make sure that it’s a descriptive essay that you’re supposed to write.
Have a brainstorming session. Jot down some notes on what you think about the matter. Some of them will be useless, but it’s okay: among all the ideas, you’ll find something useful for your paper.
Do some research. Find out what other people think about the place or event, if possible. Make notes about essential historical facts and people’s opinions.
Add details. A good descriptive essay should be full of specifics. So, include background information, dates, names, physical characteristics, etc. This trick will help the reader to dive deep into the story and get the idea better.
Are you going to go with your perspective?
Are you going to go with other people’s opinions?
Would the best result for this particular essay come from weighing the options? (So, you’d write, “Some people think this and some people believe in that ).

After all these steps, you’ll have enough material to create your descriptive essay structure.

When you have enough facts and memories, you can move on to the next step – outlining. We highly recommend you create an outline before you start writing an essay. It will help you to structure your ideas logically and coherently.

Your essay outline should include the following elements:

Introduction . A good introduction should be catchy and concise. Start with the hook—an attention-grabbing element (rhetorical question, joke, statistics, etc.). Then, provide the general background and highlight the issues your essay will cover. End your intro with a clear thesis statement—a sentence that reflects your position.
Body paragraphs . Each body paragraph should contain only one idea and start from the topic sentence, so the reader knows what to focus on. Make your body paragraphs full of details and specific examples. Don’t be too general because you risk losing the reader’s attention very fast.
Conclusion . Wrap up your essay by restating the main points and summarizing your key ideas. Don’t include any new facts in the last paragraph. If you suspect that you miss an essential argument, better add it in the body.

Besides having a good structure, the best descriptive essay should be composed of strong and dynamic words. In this section, we will explain how to make your paper illustrative and memorable.

To make your writing descriptive , try the following:

Choose your POV.

Decide who is the narrator of your story and filter the vocabulary through the narrator’s perspective. For example, you are describing your memories of childhood. Thus, your character is a child. Think how the kid’s perception of the world differs from reality and try to convey the feelings using appropriate words. Note that you can still write in the third person.

Rely on precise words.

Avoid too abstract terms and general words. Instead, use dynamic vocabulary that precisely conveys your feelings. For example, you might write, “I felt bad.” Let’s make it more specific! How about writing, “I felt exhausted/ horrified/ anxious/ sick/ stressed, etc.”?

Use figures of speech.

Don’t forget about the wide variety of literary devices! Use comparisons, metaphors, onomatopoeia, or exaggeration. You might say, “my girlfriend has beautiful eyes.” But Shakspeare would say. “My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun” ( Sonnet, 130 ). Strive to be this creative!

Keep connotations and variations in mind.

Use the richness of the language to improve your creative writing skills. English is full of synonyms and various grammar structures. Take the maximum benefit from them. BUT! Avoid using the word if you are unsure about its meaning.

Compare and contrast.

Nothing can help to describe things better than comparison. So, deepen your sentences by examining the contrast and similarities between the objects or emotions.

Implement sensory details.

Do you remember the five basic human senses? They are sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell. Rather than just telling the story, try to appeal to the reader’s five senses. This trick will help you to make the audience more engaged in your narrative.

When you reach the end, you haven’t finished. What you’ve done is to create the first version of your descriptive essay. Professional writers know how vital the first draft is because it isn’t possible to edit a blank page.

To revise and polish your text, follow these steps:

Check the structure. Your essay has to contain all the fundamental parts (introduction, main body, conclusion). Also, make sure that there are transitions between the key points and topic sentences at the beginning of each paragraph.
Check the balance. All the essay parts should be approximate of the same significance. Keep in mind that each point should have the same number of details and arguments.
Make sure you explored all the points. Read your introduction, paying extra attention to the thesis statement. Then, look through the entire essay and check whether you discussed every aspect you introduced in the first paragraph.
Examine your information. Every piece of data and detail has to be valid. Make sure your arguments are logical, and your examples are appropriate. If something seems weak, rewrite it or consider cutting that part down.
Polish your conclusion. The last paragraph of your essay should correspond to the introduction. Moreover, it should summarize your points and make a final impression on the reader. Make your conclusion memorable and dynamic.

You may go through this revision and rewriting process several times. Or you may become so skilled at writing descriptive essays that you’re good to go after the first revision.

🖼️ Famous Descriptive Essay Examples

Now that we’ve discussed how to write a descriptive essay, we should tell you the last crucial tip. Your chances of composing a perfect paper are low when you don’t check the samples first.

Here, you can find specific descriptive essay examples in these guides:

Coral Reef Essay :

Do you admire wildlife? Are you fascinated by the divine beauty of the sea and ocean creatures? If you have a task to write about nature, or you can choose the topic yourself, think about composing a descriptive essay about coral reefs!

Harriet Tubman Essay :

Do you need to talk about an outstanding historical figure? Or you need to compose a descriptive essay about a person? Choose an American political activist Harriet Tubman. Her biography and achievements won’t leave you indifferent!

Americanism Essay :

Americanism is one of the most common paper topics for college students in the U.S. Has your instructor gave you the assignment to write about the USA identity? Compose a descriptive essay on Americanism!

Halloween Essay :

Everybody loves holidays! And the teachers like to give the tasks to write about them. If you are wondering what celebration to select, consider choosing Halloween. It offers a bunch of traditions to describe.

Descriptive Essay Topics

Description of punk culture.
The beauty of Dresden.
Give a description of Sweetbay Magnolia ornamental tree.
Memorable design of Apple Company’s logo.
Representation of emotions while viewing art or nature.
Describe the Paricutín volcano .
Give a description of Diana Krall’s concert at Jazz Festival in San Sebastián.
Compare the interior and exterior of the Palatine Chapel and St. Michael’s Chapel.
Discuss the design principles and visual elements of the Baptistery of San Giovanni’s south doors.
The unusual style of the Graduate House of the University of Toronto.
The description of the Jewish religious service.
The magnificence of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
The overview of my dream car .
Discuss the design of Britam Tower in Nairobi.
An exceptional scenery of the Lake Geneva, Switzerland.
Description and analysis of the film The Joker .
The day I was buying a laptop .
Give a description of main types of friendship .
Main holidays in Pakistan and how they are celebrated.
The historical atmosphere of Ellis Island.
The unique culture of Cook Island inhabitants.
Describe the impressions of the picture.
Describe traditions and culture of the Kootenai Indians.
What does my dream home look like?
Discuss the visual elements of Lady Sennuwy statue .
Balinese wedding ceremonies and traditions.
Recount your first day at college .
Describe and analyze Susan Anthony’s life and achievements .
The unique beauty of the Amazon rainforest .
The important elements of the Haitian flag.
Values and specifics of Brazilian culture .
The magnificence of Shark Valley.
Describe the activities and personality of Eleanor Roosevelt.
Describe the writing process.
The peculiarities of a tapa and it’s role in cultural ceremonies.
Give the description of the statue of Osiris-Antinous.
Discuss the Ways of Christmas Sweater Day celebration.
What impresses you the most in Cézanne’s art.
Description of Atlantis Paradise Island site .
Describe the peculiarities of your favorite music.
Analyze the characteristics of contemporary design in Evolution Queen Wall Bed.
Movements, symbolism, and transformation of the Chinese Dragon Dance and Lion Dance.
Describe the falling in love process.
Narrate about your first try to ride a bicycle .
Representation of the ancient Greek design: the marble column from the Temple of Artemis at Sardis.
Discuss the thematic elements of Indian Fire God painting by Frederic Remington.
The personality and art of Tracey Emin.
Describe the history of PayPal company.
Describe the features and historical meaning of the Column of Trajan.
Overview of the painting Toy Pieta by Scott Avett.

In case these ideas aren’t for you, you can find more descriptive essay topics on our website.

Thanks for visiting our page! Share it with your friends and explore the other articles on our website. We have more useful information for you.

🔗 References

Descriptive Writing, Organization and Structure: Writing Center, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Examples of How to Write a Good Descriptive Paragraph: Richard Nordquist, ThoughtCo
How Can I Write More Descriptively: Sweetland Center for Writing, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, the University of Michigan
Revising the Draft: Laura Saltz, the Writing Center at Harvard University
Descriptive Essays: Purdue Writing Lab, College of Liberal Arts, Purdue University
Paragraph Development, Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper: Research Guides at the University of Southern California
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Home » Articles » 50 Essay Writing Topics Asked in the Past Few Years – Check Here

50 Essay Writing Topics Asked in the Past Few Years – Check Here

Bank Exams like IBPS PO , SBI PO , RBI Grade B , as well as the SSC CGL and SSC CHSL , have papers wherein you have to write essays. Once you have qualified the preliminary exams, you will have to gear up to tackle descriptive English papers and essays are an important and challenging segment of this paper. Essays usually require you to discuss recent socio-political-economic developments. To give you an idea on what kind of current topics for descriptive paper 2019 you should prepare for, here are 50 essays that showed up in various competitive exams in recent years.

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Topics for Descriptive Paper 2019

50 essay writing topics asked in the past few years.

How can we make women empowerment a reality?
The benefits and drawbacks of ‘One Rank One Pension Scheme’.
Women’s safety is our responsibility.
GST- One Nation, One Tax
Global warming and its effects on our lives.
How to solve the problem of ‘Brain Drain’ in the medical field?
Rights of the LGBTQ community
‘Make in India’ is it jargon or is it a reality?
Social Media- Does it help or hinder social progress?
How to tackle the menace of NPAs in banks?
The challenges encountered by ‘Namami Gange’?
E-commerce and its ethical problems.
How overdependence on monsoon is affecting our crop cycle?
Is the presidential form of government viable in India?
Generation gap: Is it a reality?
What are your suggestions for lifting people above the poverty line?
Unskilled labour: Its contribution to our economy.
What are the pros and cons of bank accounts for 10-year-olds?
United Nation aggravated the turmoil in Ukraine: Your thoughts.
Is technology enslaving humans?
Why should the common people be worried about the economy?
Swadeshi vs. Globalization.
Examples from Indian politics that prove that there is no permanent foe or friend in politics.
Delhi smog, what is the solution?
What are the benefits of investing in mutual funds?
Do you think the Election Commission was justified in banning the use of symbols when votes are cast?
Those who saved more were taxed more: your opinions
Fewer students are interested in research work
Can we solve the unemployment problem?
Are newspapers still influencing the youth?
What does the future hold for the banking industry?
Travelling vs. watching documentaries
Environment and genes contribute to forming personality: Your opinions
How can we avert the problems that arise during the monsoon?
Can the Bankruptcy Code enhance Financial Inclusion?
How will Brexit impact India?
Tourism and its relation to religious pilgrimage
How is technology influencing education?
Small and Payment Banks and their contribution to Financial Inclusion
Did the nationalization of banks improve the economy?
Why stability of government is crucial for economic growth
Why is NABARD a boon for Indian agriculture?
Outsourcing of banking activities: its pros and cons.
Why it’s important to have a financial goal early in life?
Your opinions on Bitcoins
Banking risk and management
Can India become a developed country?
How is Indian tourism improving the economy?
How has information technology changed the workplace?
Distance learning vs classroom education.

Now that you have a clearer idea of what kind of topics you may be expected to write based on previous years’ essays, you can start your preparation for current topics for descriptive paper 2019 ASAP.

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Announcing the 2024-2025 Common Application for NYU

Billy Sichel

Assistant Vice President of Undergraduate Admissions

It’s August 1st and that means the application at NYU has officially opened. This year, we’ve made some pretty big changes to NYU’s Common Application to simplify the process for our applicants, and to help us learn a little more about you!

When you start NYU’s member questions on the Common App, you’ll see 6 sections that you’ll need to complete. We give you a little bit of a head start by checking off the “Writing” section. This section is optional – but also new and exciting! More on that later.

The General Information Section

In the “General” section, you’ll be asked a few questions about how you want us to handle your application – Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision? – and which campus you want to apply to. As you (hopefully!) already know, NYU has three degree-granting campuses: in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai. Our Common App will let you apply to any combination of our campuses.

Screenshot of General Section of Common Application

Once you make your campus selections, an additional set of questions will show up that are specific to your campus(es) of interest. Nothing too tricky here! You’ll be able to tell us about your academic area of interest for each campus, and a few other quick-and-easy questions about program eligibility, housing preferences, etc. so that we’re ready for you if you are ultimately admitted.

The Academics Section

Once you have those sections squared away, you’ll move on to the Academics section. This section will walk you through the information we’ll need you to submit outside of the Common App itself. Nothing to do here, except confirm that you’re clear on the next steps and additional requirements.

The Optional Supplemental Question

Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for: The optional, pre-checked-off Writing section. Last year, we made the decision to update our supplemental question. However, what we heard from our applicants was that people really wanted to tell us more! But the thing is…we already know why NYU is a great place to spend your 4 years, so we thought: if you want to tell us more about your passion for NYU, let’s make the question about you .

The new writing question says:

“In a world where disconnection seems to often prevail, we are looking for students who embody the qualities of bridge builders—students who can connect people, groups, and ideas to span divides, foster understanding, and promote collaboration within a dynamic, interconnected, and vibrant global academic community. We are eager to understand how your experiences have prepared you to build the bridges of the future. Please consider one or more of the following questions in your essay :

What personal experiences or challenges have shaped you as a bridge builder?

How have you been a bridge builder in your school, community, or personal life?

What specific actions have you taken to build bridges between diverse groups, ideas, or cultures?

How do you envision being a bridge builder during your time at our university and beyond?”

So, if it feels right for you to tell us a little more about yourself in the application, we want to know where you will turn to for inspiration, and what experiences have shaped you and resonate with you. Four years at NYU will propel you into a future you might not even be able to imagine yet, but take a minute (if you want – it really is optional!) to tell us about the ideas that have gotten you to this point, and those that might shape you into the person you’re about to become.

These are just a few of the changes we have made this year, so make sure to carefully read each question carefully before you answer them. If you ever have any questions for us about our questions, we are always here to help . We wish you the best of luck this application season, and can’t wait to learn more about you!

How to Approach the Common Application

There’s no wrong way to approach the Common Application, but here’s two different strategies you might want to choose from when you apply to NYU.

Submitting a Transfer Application to NYU

Everything you need and everything you need to know about the transfer process.

Why You Should Start Your Common Application Early

There are many benefits to getting an early start on your Common Application to NYU.

Independence Day 2024: 8 thought-provoking essay ideas for students

Aug 12, 2024

8 Insightful Essay Ideas for Students

Independence Day commemorates our country’s journey to freedom and the enduring values that define it. For students, writing essays on this topic offers a unique opportunity to delve into the historical, cultural, and personal significance of this monumental day.

Image Source: Canva

Modern-day relevance of Independence Day: Why it still matters in today's world

Independence Day comes as a powerful reminder of past victories and is also a living testament to the values etched in the history of our nation. This essay could explore how the ideals of freedom remain relevant in addressing the challenges of the modern world.

How diverse traditions enhance national unity

Picturing the multicultural fabric of the nation, this essay topic can highlight how diverse cultural traditions weave and strengthen the national bond. You can delve deeper by capturing the subtleties of each culture and its contribution to India’s cultural richness.

How Independence Day principles have influenced national policies and social change?

The principles of Independence Day such as freedom, equality, and justice have had a lasting impact on the development of national policies and social reforms. The essay can demonstrate how these ideals have translated into action over the years.

Post-Independence: The journey of India's educational system

Analyze how India’s education system has evolved since independence. This could include changes in curriculum, the introduction of new institutions, and the challenges and achievements in making education accessible to all.

Voices of the youth: What independence means today

Conduct interviews with students across India to understand what independence means to the younger generation. Explore their thoughts on freedom, national identity, and the challenges India faces in maintaining its independence in a globalized world.

Role of education in preserving Independence Day

Education is key to ensuring that the significance of Independence Day is passed down to future generations. The topic can explore the importance of integrating Independence Day into the curriculum and the role of schools, and teachers in fostering patriotic values in students.

Impact of media on Independence Day

The essay can talk about the role of media in instilling national pride and fostering a national bond in the nation. You can depict the efforts of media in reinforcing the narratives of Independence and its significant role in shaping the perceptions of the viewers.

Thanks For Reading!

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120 Unique Descriptive Essay Topics for Students
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 ...
100 Descriptive Essay Topics
The list of descriptive essay topics I provided is designed to offer a wide range of subjects for writers to explore. Each category—Place, People, Objects, and Memories—has its own set of unique and thought-provoking topics aimed at sparking creativity and providing an opportunity to practice descriptive writing. Check out our narrative essay topics and writing…
100+ Best Descriptive Essay Topics for Your Essay
However, one of the most common problems students face while writing an essay is choosing and picking the essay topic. The process of finding a good essay topic could be difficult, confusing, and time-consuming. ... Descriptive Essay Topics for Middle School Students. Finding the best writing topics for a descriptive essay is an important task ...
50 Descriptive Essay Topics
Descriptive Essay Topics: Place. Describe your favorite place. Describe your ideal bedroom. Describe the house in which you grew up. Describe what the first house on the moon would look like. Describe some of your favorite places in your hometown. Describe a peaceful place that you've visited. Describe a place that exists only in your ...
How to Write a Descriptive Essay
An example of a short descriptive essay, written in response to the prompt "Describe a place you love to spend time in," is shown below. Hover over different parts of the text to see how a descriptive essay works. On Sunday afternoons I like to spend my time in the garden behind my house. The garden is narrow but long, a corridor of green ...
125 Descriptive Essay Topics
Writing a descriptive essay is an excellent way for students to detail a particular experience related to a person, place, object, situation, emotion, or abstract feeling. However, while this exercise in creativity showcases a student's ability to put words into sensory focus, it can be rather challenging to complete because the subject matter is so …
75 Descriptive Essay Topics & Ideas
75 Topics for Descriptive Essay on Different Levels. Another option for choosing an inspiring topic entails looking through relevant lists. We composed one specifically for the sake of students who are looking for inspiration yet can't settle on any exciting ideas. You won't experience any troubles with using it: either pick an option ...
260+ Trending Descriptive Essay Topics for Students
Common Descriptive Essay Topics. Here is a compilation of descriptive essay topics that have been categorized into different groups. Descriptive Essay Topics about an Event. Describe the electric atmosphere of a music festival. Describe a thrilling sporting event: the roar of the crowd. Describe behind the scenes at a carnival: colors and chaos.
100 Great Free Descriptive Essay Topics For College
Describe a favorite "natural" location such as a forest or a desert. Write an essay about a favorite photograph from your childhood. Describe your favorite book, movie, song, or television show. Write about a childhood memory that scares you. Describe a room that has a special memory or evokes a feeling.
Guide to a Perfect Descriptive Essay [Examples & Outline Included]
The use of literary devices such as personification and metaphor makes the banyan tree in the second example come to life. This is how you can make your writing more vivid, descriptive, and poetic. 2. Use your senses. Sensory descriptors are one of the most important aspects of a descriptive essay.
Choosing the Perfect Descriptive Essay Topic
The descriptive essay asks the writer to describe something—an object, person, place, experience, emotion, or situation. This essay attempts to convey how that subject looked, felt, tasted, sounded, smelled, and so on, and express the emotion or sensation so clearly and vividly that the reader can feel it, too.
40 Topic Suggestions for a Descriptive Paragraph
If 40 is not enough, try this list of more than 400 writing topics . If you need some advice for the drafting phase, see "Composing Descriptive Paragraphs and Essays" and " How to Write a Descriptive Paragraph ." A waiting room. A basketball, baseball glove, or tennis racket. A smartphone. A treasured belonging. A laptop. A favorite restaurant.
Ultimate List Of 100+ Descriptive Essay Topics
Ultimate List Of 100+ Descriptive Essay Topics. 2021-03-13. Impressions and feelings, imaginative situations, memories, composing a descriptive paper are fun for most university or college students. They get an opportunity to use their creativity, making this essay type be such fun! You are not supposed to do a lot of reading or research ...
Descriptive Essay Examples │ A Level, GCSE and O Level
Embark on a journey of vivid descriptions with our extensive collection of 100+ descriptive essay topics, outlines, and examples. Explore a world of sensory delights, hone your descriptive writing skills, and bring your ideas to life with the power of words. Start crafting captivating descriptions today!
220 Descriptive Essay Topics & Ideas for Every Student
Here are 220+ top-notch descriptive essay topics recommended by essay writers. For sure, you will find one that interests you and sparks your creativity. We have topics about various places: from rural farmlands to bustling cities. We have topics about people: from friends and family to strangers.
120 Descriptive Essay Topics to Spark Your Creativity
10 min read. 29 Jul 2021. Writing a descriptive essay is a creative task. It requires using sensory language and expressive means, such as similes, metaphors, personifications, etc., for creating a vivid description of an object, place, person, or experience. The best descriptive essays are usually based on the writer's personal lived reality.
30 Captivating Descriptive Essay Topics for Students
Tip #1 — Encourage your students to brainstorm the topics and ideas that they are passionate about. When they relate to what they are writing about, the words will come more naturally. Tip #2 — Tell your students to pick a topic and get organized before they start writing. (Indeed, multiple drafts may be needed prior to creating the final ...
270 Good Descriptive Essay Topics and Writing Tips
Hearing: mewing, loud, quiet, etc. Vision: sizes, colors, movements, etc. Taste: sweet milk, refreshing water, etc. Tip: use transition words, such as afterwards, before that, in the meantime. It will make your essay logically flow. Just in 1 hour! Our expert will write you a plagiarism-free paper in less than 1 hour.
Descriptive Essays
What is a descriptive essay? The descriptive essay is a genre of essay that asks the student to describe something—object, person, place, experience, emotion, situation, etc. This genre encourages the student's ability to create a written account of a particular experience. What is more, this genre allows for a great deal of artistic ...
501 Different Topics for Essays and Speeches
40 Descriptive Topics. Descriptive writing calls for close attention to details —details of sight and sound, smell, touch, and taste. Read these 40 topic suggestions for descriptive paragraphs or essays to get started. It shouldn't take you long to discover at least 40 more on your own. Read More. Creative Descriptive Writing Prompts to Inspire.
Descriptive Essay Guide With Excellent Essay Topics
Such essays are common writing exercises in high school and composition classes. Descriptive essay topics are those that describe something in great detail. They let students develop the ability to create a written account of a particular experience. Descriptive essays allow for artistic freedom (the goal is to paint a vivid, moving image in ...
Best Descriptive Essays: Examples & How-to Guide [+ Tips]
It's time to make clear what we mean by a descriptive essay. For example, let's suppose we were asked to write about a sports stadium. Here are two introductions we might come up with: Example: Example 1: A stadium is a place where sports, concerts, or other events take place.
Topics for Descriptive Paper
Essays usually require you to discuss recent socio-political-economic developments. To give you an idea on what kind of current topics for descriptive paper 2019 you should prepare for, here are 50 essays that showed up in various competitive exams in recent years. Take a Free Oliveboard Mock Test for Bank, SSC, Insurance & Other Govt. Exams.
Outline for Essays
Outline Examples for Essays: 3 Most Common Essay Types. To help you start writing your essay outline, here are three outline examples for essays of different types. 1. A Descriptive Essay Outline Example. Creating a clear outline for a descriptive essay helps ensure your writing is organized and engaging. Here's an example of a descriptive ...
Announcing the 2024-2025 Common Application for NYU
It's August 1st and that means the application at NYU has officially opened. This year, we've made some pretty big changes to NYU's Common Application to simplify the process for our applicants, and to help us learn a little more about you!. When you start NYU's member questions on the Common App, you'll see 6 sections that you'll need to complete.
Independence Day 2024: 8 thought-provoking essay ideas for students
8 Insightful Essay Ideas for Students. Independence Day commemorates our country's journey to freedom and the enduring values that define it. For students, writing essays on this topic offers a ...
Outline for Essays
To help you start writing your essay outline, here are three outline examples for essays of different types. 1. A Descriptive Essay Outline Example. Creating a clear outline for a иншои тавсифӣ helps ensure your writing is organized and engaging. Here's an example of a descriptive essay you might write at college.

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

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

How to Write a Descriptive Essay?

The 120 Descriptive Essay Topics for Every Struggling Student

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