You would have probably heard several times that any compelling piece of write-up needs vivid descriptions. There is a reason why teachers are relentless in their pursuit of inculcating the techniques of writing vivid descriptions. Firstly, any write-up that serves its purpose can be described as good writing. Many are of the opinion that good writing is effective writing. Any piece that is clear, cohesive, and follows a logical pattern can be construed as effective writing. In order to elevate your writing to a level that captivates the reader completely, you need something more. You need to write vivid descriptions. So what do we mean by the phrase ‘vivid descriptions’ anyway? Let us discuss this in detail.
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What do we mean by vivid descriptions?
Vivid descriptions simply mean presenting your descriptions in such a way that it evokes powerful graphic images in your mind and induces strong emotions. They stimulate your five senses – sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste. Let’s say you are describing your experience at a haunted house. You would want your reader to feel every bit of the thrill and chill that you faced yourself. You would want to accurately convey the fear that gripped you, the sense of dread that overwhelmed you.
Whatever be the purpose of your text, vivid descriptions will allow the reader to experience every idea or thought limned in your composition. Such lucid narratives and arresting imageries transform your piece from a boring one to a memorable one.
Why do we need vivid descriptions?
As a writer, you always want your piece to create an indelible impression upon the reader. Bland writing is off-putting. It is unwanted as it does not serve its purpose. In order to grab attention, your writing needs to evoke interest and excite the senses. Vivid accounts transport the readers to a realm where they become one with your story. Compelling narratives enable them to experience the story first-hand. When the readers form an intimate connection with your writing, you have achieved your purpose.
What are the ways to achieve vivid descriptions?
There are a few writing techniques that will enable you to write vividly and describe accurately. Remember, too many vivid descriptions and embellishments can clutter your text. You need to strike a balance. Let us discuss the writing tips that will help you write compelling pieces.
1. Using literary devices
Literary devices are tools employed used by writers to express their ideas in a more effective way and enhance the quality of their writing. Literary devices bolster the narrative and pave the way for a better reading experience. These poetic tools help you convey a deeper meaning and keep your readers hooked by building drama or suspense.
Most of the literary devices employ figurative language that forms the basis of creative writing. They help you to write creatively and at the same time put forth your point effectively. Figures of speech like metaphor, simile, hyperbole, personification, etc., play with the meaning of words (tropes) and use comparison to make it more interesting and riveting. Figures of speech like alliteration, antanaclasis, ellipsis, chiasmus, etc., play with the structure of sentences or the arrangement of the words (schemes) to create rhythm and creatively depict thoughts and ideas.
Examples
- The nurses at the hospital were angels. (metaphor)
- Brad is as cunning as a fox. (simile)
- You will live for a hundred years. (hyperbole)
- “We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.” ~ Benjamin Franklin (antanaclasis)
2. Using sensory language
When we talk about sensory language or sensory words, we mean that your writing must appeal to the five senses – sight, touch, hearing, smell, and taste. Instead of telling the course of events that accounts for dull writing, a writer must try to show things and describe the events in such a way that a reader feels a part of them. Using appropriate adjectives and verbs will help your audience visualize the text and make them feel as if they are really there to experience everything you have described.
3. Using descriptive verbs
Using advanced vocabulary can help you portray the action effectively and accurately. Avoid using common verbs. That will make your text monotonous and boring. Strengthen your vocabulary so that you can use descriptive verbs. Therefore, instead of playing an important role in the team, your character can play a crucial role. Instead of scolding the pupil, the teacher can admonish him. Or your protagonist can amble along the beach and not walk in a leisurely manner. Get creative with descriptive verbs to elicit a response from your readers.
4. Avoiding passive voice
Passive voices make sentences longer and more complex. Readers will always prefer concise words and simpler structures. Pithiness is a virtue, and every writer must know it. Try to write in the active voice that will not alienate the subject from the action. It will create a natural flow and make your piece exciting to the readers.
Take inspiration from the greatest of writers. Immerse yourself in classics. There is no better way to learn the tricks of this trade. Read and discover how these writers composed their text, structured their sentences, and used literary devices and other similar techniques to create a riveting reading experience. Do their words appeal to your senses? That means they have resorted to sensory language while describing the incident. You will come across several literary motifs and descriptive phrases that you can employ in your own text. This, in turn, will expand the horizon of your imagination and help your write more creatively.
Read more
Comprehensive list of adjectives for kids
BBC – Writing description using adjectives for Y1
BBC – Adding description to your writing for Y2
BBC – Describing a setting for Y3
BBC – Describing a story setting for Y4
BBC – Setting the scene in story writing for Y5
BBC – How to use effective techniques in descriptive writing – GCSE
