How to Write a Descriptive Essay Outline with Example

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Descriptive essay writing is the simplest type of essay writing which provides a sensory description of a selected subject. A descriptive essay writing guide can help you write an effective descriptive essay.

The first and foremost thing to drafting a splendid descriptive essay is to draw an outline. Creating a descriptive essay outline grants you the ability to compose thoughts prior to writing.

Read on to learn how to craft an excellent descriptive essay outline.

A descriptive essay asks you to create a vivid picture in readers’ minds while engaging all of the human senses. It provides all the sensory details and a complete description of the topic. Creating an outline for a descriptive essay helps in organizing the information and sensory details of the topic.

The typical descriptive essay usually consists of 5 paragraphs. 5 paragraph structure is the most followed structure in essay writing. Here is what a 5 paragraph descriptive essay looks like.

5 Paragraph Descriptive Essay Outline

A 5 paragraph descriptive essay has 1 introductory paragraph, 3 body paragraphs, and 1 conclusion paragraph. These three parts should be included in a descriptive essay. All of these sections are required to fulfill the need for a descriptive essay.

Following the guidelines to fill these sections will help you develop a proper descriptive essay structure. Here is how to write a 5 paragraph descriptive essay.

Descriptive Essay Introduction

An introduction is the first thing that a reader is going to read in your essay. So, it should be interesting, engaging as well as eye-catching. It should be able to hook the reader with your essay and make him want to read the complete essay.

Start the essay introduction by introducing the topic with an interesting hook statement that grabs the reader’s attention. Briefly mention the ideas that give a hint to the reader of what you are going to discuss in the body. Provide a thesis statement that gives an informational description of the topic and also appeals to the reader’s emotions.

Descriptive Essay Body Paragraphs

The body is the section where you provide a complete description and sensory details of the topic. All the ideas should be presented in separate paragraphs. Usually, the typical 5 paragraph essay consists of 3 body paragraphs. But, they can be increased according to the ideas and information that needs to be provided.

Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence that revolves around one of your ideas. The ideas and information in the body paragraph are presented in chronological order. Use easy-to-read words and vivid language to create an actual image in the reader’s mind.

Provide supporting evidence that helps the reader understand the topic in discussion. You can also cite credible outside sources to emphasize your idea. Conclude each body paragraph with an informative analysis of the idea discussed.

Descriptive Essay Conclusion

The conclusion is the final part of the essay; it should leave the reader feeling satisfied with the essay. Reflect on the initial purpose of the essay and spill the beans on why you decided to write on this topic.

Reassert the thesis statement to remind the reader about the topic of the essay. Don’t just copy-paste the thesis statement from the introduction paragraph but rephrase it. Give a brief summary of what you have discussed in your essay and lead the reader toward the conclusion.

The final sentence of the essay should bring the essay to its closure. Provide an impressive analysis or essay conclusion that leaves the reader with an intriguing thought.

Descriptive Essay Outline Example About a Person

Topic: My Best Friend

I. Paragraph I: Introduction
1. A. Topic Sentence:
  - My best friend John has a very pleasant personality.
2. B. General/Background Statements:
  - I have many friends but John is my best friend. We have been friends for almost 6 years. We became friends when we were in grade 6. Although I have a lot of friends, I love Jhon the most.
3. C. Thesis Statement:
  - He is lovable, compassionate, caring, and a loving soul.
II. Body Paragraphs I:
1. A. Topic Sentence:
  - He has a very kind heart.
  1. 1. Support:
    - He is very friendly and thoughtful to everyone.
  2. 2. Support:
    - He cares about others before himself and never puts people down.
III. Body Paragraph II:
1. B. Topic Sentence:
  - He has a good sense of humor.
  1. 1. Support:
    - He is smart and funny. He knows how to use humor without hurting anyone’s feelings.
  2. 2. Support:
    - He also uses his good sense of humor to motivate people and get people to agree with him.
IV. Body Paragraph III

C. Topic Sentence:
- He is honest as well as trustworthy.
1. 1. 1. Support:
    - The best thing about John that I love the most is that he would never turn his back on me.
  2. 2. Support:
    - He never lies to me. I am blessed to have such a kind soul as my best friend.
Paragraph V: Conclusion
- I feel very lucky to have John as my best friend. I can count on him in many ways. He teaches me how to treat other people better. He has shown me that it meant the most to be trustworthy and honest.

Here is another descriptive essay outline sample that will help you craft a perfect outline for a descriptive essay.

Descriptive Essay Outline Template

We also have a worksheet to make the descriptive essay writing process easy for you. You can download it and use it for your next descriptive essay assignment.

Descriptive Essay Outline Worksheet

Descriptive Essay Outline Examples

Descriptive essays are a great way to describe specific details in writing. The best descriptive essay outlines will help you organize your thoughts and make sure that each point has been covered.

We gathered some interesting examples for your help.

Descriptive Essay Outline Example About a Place

Descriptive Essay Outline Example Middle School

Descriptive Essay Writing Tips

Until now you definitely have understood how to craft an outline for a descriptive essay. Here are some amazing tips that will help you craft a flawless essay in no time.

Brainstorm for different ideas and interesting topics. Choose a unique and amazing descriptive essay topic for your essay.
Create a compelling outline. Creating a descriptive essay outline helps you organize your ideas.
Read descriptive essay examples to learn the format of a descriptive essay.
Engage the 5 senses of the reader, i.e., hearing, sight, touch, smell, and taste.
Provide a complete description and sensory details of the subject.
Organize your ideas properly and connect them logically with the help of transition words.
Proofread and edit your essay to make it flawless.

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WRITTEN BY

Caleb S. (Literature, Marketing)

Caleb S. has been providing writing services for over five years and has a Masters degree from Oxford University. He is an expert in his craft and takes great pride in helping students achieve their academic goals. Caleb is a dedicated professional who always puts his clients first.

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Creating a Descriptive Essay Outline - Format & Example