Descriptive essay writing

MODULE 2

2A DESCRIBING OBJECTS

practice

1. The way you describe and write about an object depends on who you are writing for and why.

a) Where were these descriptions taken from, and why were they written?

b) What helped you to decide?

A Rucksack: a bag in which you carry things on your back, for example when you are walking or climbing. It has straps that go over your shoulders. Also knapsack, haversack, backpack. B all three having a capacity of over 75 litres and describing themselves as ‘ergonomic’. Both the Tramonte and the Cougar have adjustable back systems, whereas the Rockman comes in choice of three back lengths. The Rockman is also the only one to be made of cotton (with synthetic shoulder straps), the other two using proprietary nylon fabrics. Although possibly more agreeable against the back on a hot day, the cotton adds to the weight of the bag; our tests also found this fabric to have 30% less resistance to abrasion than the nylon fabrics. C I’m having problems with one of your rucksacks, a Rockman, which I bought at the Wild Rover camping shop, Bradford, in March 2000. I’m writing to you directly, confident that you will be able to repair the damage under the terms of your “Lifetime Guarantee’. There are two problems: firstly, one of the aluminium tubes has broken through the fabric at the base of the bag, and the other is threatening to do the same. Secondly, the stitching of the zip of the lid pocket has failed, rendering the pocket useless. G The walker’s rucksack, a bold, angular mass of vivid reds and greens painted in short, fine strokes, dominates the lower left-hand quarter of the canvas, while the walker’s pale, naked right arm, a strikingly human element, stretches diagonally upwards to the right.

D The Sisyphus Rockman is the classic hardwearing ergonomic rucksack. Crafted out of 100% colour-fast waterproof cotton in a choice of attractive colours around a superlightweight aluminium frame, it is as ideal for walking and climbing as it is practical for tourism. With its capacity of 80 litres, the Rockman will always be able to cope, whether you’re in Harrods or the Himalayas. And among the many original design features, the locking lid pocket and the adjustable, detachable waist belt are unuque to the Rockman. The Sisyphus Rockman: a head and shoulders above the rest. E It is a 12-year-old faded-blue 80 litre ‘Sisyphus’ rucksack made of thick cotton. The only external pocket, on top of the bag, is ripped, and one of the two aluminium tubes that make up the internal frame has broken through the canvas at the bottom. The arm straps and the two small straps with buckles on either side are good-coloured; there is no waist strap. There is an embroidered badge on the top pocket, a souvenir of the Lake District. F An experienced traveling companion for only £15. Sisyphus Rockman rucksack, tried, tested and well-travelled. Good working order. Blue cotton, lightweight, huge capacity. Phone Eric, 773524.

(Advanced Writing with English in Use CAE. p.38)

2. Put the adjectives in brackets into the correct order.

1. One of the most precious gifts I have ever received is a …………… mask my best friend gave me. (Venetian, beautiful, ceramic)

2. As Mary was going through the trunks in the attic, she came across her great-grandfather’s …………… radio. (old-fashioned, wooden, carved)

3. Peter and I went to the local bazaar yesterday and we bought a …………… rug. (hand-woven, fantastic, multicoloured, late 19^th century)

4. Two …………… deckchairs for sale at an excellent price. Call John on 8553212 for more information. (oak, brand-new, long)

(Successful Writing. Intermediate. St’s book. p.55)

3. Read the following descriptions and choose the correct word. Where could each description have been taken from?

1. The pocket watch is made of 1) brass/ chrome and is attached to a long chain. It has an 2) ebony/ ivory face with 3) roman/ Arabic numerals and a separate dial for the 4) second/ hour hand. There is a small inscription on the back which reads “J.G.W. 1927”.

2. She stared across the cold dark room at the solitary candlestick on the table. A weak, 1) flickering/ flashing flame rose from the tall 2) dark/ pale stem which appeared to have been fashioned from 3) mud/ clay. Intrigued by its 4) obscure/ dim design, she lifted herself off the bench and walked towards the candlestick.

3. This beautiful piece is just one of Juliet Potter’s new collection of brooches, now available at all branches of Woodchesters. A spray of 1) shimmering/ shuddering mother-of-pearl leaves rest on a 2) sickly/ delicate gold stem. Below the leaves nestles a 3) single/ lonely, 4) round/ cylindrical pearl.

4. The soloist lifted the small 1) wood/ wooden violin and settled it carefully under his chin. Then his 2) slender/ skinny bow began to dance over the 3) taut/ distraught strings while his left hand moved to a different rhythm at the other end of the instrument creating a 4) raspy/ sweet sound which filled the entire concert hall.

(Successful Writing. Proficiency. St’s book. pp.32-33)

4. Write a description of a lost item.

Dear Sir,

I am writing to you to report the loss of my sun-glasses and case. I lost them while staying at the Sunny Days Resort last month. Unfortunately, when I was packing up to leave at the end of my stay, I neglected to include these items, which I believe must have fallen under the bed. Your records will show that I was in room 314 until 26 August.

………

I would appreciate it if you could contact me on (0731) 9503 10 between the hours of 9am – 5pm daily, should you find the glasses and case.

Yours faithfully,

Benjamin J. McGillicuddy

Mission. T’s book. p.18)

5. Make sure you know what the following shapes look like.

Circle, semi-circle, square, triangle, rectangle, diamond, star, crescent, heart, oval, parallelogram, trapezoid, trapezium, rhombus, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, sphere, cone, pyramid, cylinder, cube, L-shape, pointed.

(Macmillan English Dictionary for Advanced Learners. p. 1306)

(English Vocabulary Organiser. p.203)

6. Look at the following list of words and decide what the correct adjective form is, A, B or C.

1. sphere	A. spherous	B. spherical	C. spherocous
2. cube	A. cubed	B. cubous	C. cubal
3. cone	A. conacular	B. conous	C. conical
4. rectangle	A. rectanglous	B. rectanglis	C. rectangular
5. triangle	A. triangular	B. trianglous	C. triangled
6. circle	A. circled	B. circulous	C. circular
7. square	A. square	B. squaret	C. squarous
8. cylinder	A. cylindrous	B. cylindral	C. cylindrical

(Check Your Vocabulary for English for the IELTS Examination. Workbook. p.32)

7. Match the descriptions on the left with the objects, geographical features, etc., on the right.

1. a sharp edge with jagged teeth	A. a country road in a very poor condition
2. steep, with a pointed peak	B. somebody’s hair
3. rolling, with undulating wheat fields	C. a very old tree
4. curved, with a smooth surface	D. a knife
5. flat, with words and dotted lines	E. a slow-moving river
6. wavy, with blonde hi-lights	F. a mountain
7. meandering, with a calm surface	G. a banana
8. winding and bumpy, with deep potholes	H. agricultural countryside
9. hollow, with rough bark	I. an application form

(Check Your Vocabulary for English for the IELTS Examination. Workbook. p.32)

2B DESCRIBING PLACES AND BUILDINGS

practice

1. Read the model below and give the paragraph plan. Underline the topic sentences.

Describe а town or city you have visited and explain

why you found it particularly impressive

Situated on two rivers near the Yorkshire Moors York is а fascinating and memorable place to explore. My first visit there was organised while I was in my last year at school. Since it was а history trip, York seemed to be the best choice as it is such а well-preserved city which has been of historical importance for nearly two thousand years.

Surrounded by high, medieval stone walls, the old part of the town is like а journey back in time. As you wander through the maze оf busy, narrow streets, you cannot fail to be struck by the quaintness of the irregular, half-timbered houses. Rising above these and dominating the skyline are breathtaking examples of medieval and Gothic architecture.

Of the many things York has to offer, there are several which stand out in my mind. York Minster, in particular, with its intricate stonework and stainеd-glass windows, is an awe-inspiring sight. There are museums of all kinds, including а railway museum and Jorvik Viking Centre, where visitors can learn more about the individual periods of the city's rich history. Finally, many tea-rooms, coffee-shops and restaurants, еасh with its own brand of charm are ideal places to relax for а while and take in the atmosphere.

One thing that makes York unique among English towns is the саге with which it has been preserved. There are few cities where such attention has been paid to detail in an attempt to preserve the authenticity of many historic buildings. Medieval and Gothic structures have been painstakingly restored and the present residents seem to share а sense of pride in the splendour of their surroundings.

York is also notable for the fact that it has managed to incorporate modern life into such а historic setting. Shops and offices offer а full range of goods аnd services while still maintaining the charm and dignity of а bygone аge. All the usual twentieth century requirements аrе catered for in an atmosphere reminiscent of а time when the pace of life was much slower.

The combination of ancient and modern held such а fascination fоr me during that first visit that I have been back many times since, еасh time discovering something new.

(Successful Writing. Proficiency. St’s book. p.28)

2. Read the model below and write out the details relating to the senses.

Describe a large, busy city

Built around а small peninsula in the south east of China, Hong Kong, now one of the most densely populated places on earth, is а city of extreme contrasts, where East meets West, and the latest technology is equally as important as ancient customs are.

The streets of Hong Kong are а frenzy of activity and deafening noise. The roads are congested with vehicles, from sparkling limousines to dusty rickshaws, while countless hordes of people stream past on the pavements, and in the crowded narrow alleyways, the senses of the pedestrian are bombarded with а bewildering variety of exotic sights and smells. In contrast, not far from the chaotic, cramped city centre lie parks with cool streams, shrines and chirping birds. Meanwhile, tranquil mountains form а breathtaking backdrop to the towering skyscrapers of steel and concrete packed closely around the harbour, where huge modern ships float alongside little Chinese junks.

Below the bright neon lights, garishly advertising every brand name conceivable, visitors will find an endless variety of shops and restaurants competing for space on Hong Kong's maniс streets. You can buy anything here, ranging from state-of-the-art computer technology to hand-made silk suits. There are also fish and bird markets all over the city, where heaps of gleaming silver fish can be found displayed next to brilliantly-coloured squawking parrots. Tourists and locals alike flock to the Jade Market, hidden on а side street, with its intricately-carved pieces depicting Chinese icons, Buddhas and dragons made of smooth green stone. For food, Hong Kong is second to nоnе, as it offers а wide choice of dishes in all sorts of eating establishments. The city's nightlife, like its shops and restaurants, caters for all tastes, whether you are searching for the opportunity to serenade your loved one in а karaoke bar or are simply after а beer and а bit of dancing.

Perhaps the strangest thing about Hong Kong is the way all of its dramatically contrasting features со-exist so harmoniously. However, unless you witness it for yourself, you will never know what а pleasant atmosphere this creates. So, for an unforgettably unique ехреriеnсе, try Hong Kong – you won’t regret it.

(Successful Writing. Proficiency. St’s book. p.19)

3. Read the model below. What are the techniques to make the description more vivid?

Describe a famous capital city

Budapest, the Hungarian capital, is situated on the glorious Danube River in western Нungаrу. Before amalgamation in 1873, the site was home to two separate towns, Buda and Pest, located on either side of the river. The city's fascinating variety of architectural styles brings its long and turbulent history alive for the visitor, and because of this it is a fabulous location for a trip into the past.

Once you have arrived from the city centre from nearby Ferihegy Airport, take a tour round the entire city so you can find your bearings and get a taste of this fantastic city’s atmosphere. Buda, which can be reached by means of the cheap and efficient underground train or the Szecheny Chain Bridge, is the oldest part of the city. First settled in the Middle Ages, its cobbled streets and Gothic houses are dominated by the recently-restored Buda Castle and the Citadel on their imposing hilltop sites. The castle is definitely worth visiting as it houses the National Library, the Castle Museum and the National Gallery. Across the river, in Pest, you will find stunning examples of Baroque architecture, and a number of fascinating museums. Impossible to miss is Millennium Monument, a striking colonnade displaying statues of Hungarian kings and leaders, along with a huge statue of the archangel Gabriel surmounting a 188-foot-high central column.

But Budapest is not just a place to look at. There are excellent shopping facilities, a fascinating zoo, and plenty of theatres and concert halls offering fine performances. You can end your day by having a delicious meal in one of the many traditional restaurants, and if you are lucky enough to be in Budapest on St Stephen's day, you can witness the stunning fireworks display which is launched from the Citadel.

All in all, Budapest is a delightful city which embodies centuries of the Eastern European past. Its fascination is partly due to the Hungarian’s resourcefulness, a quality necessary to ensure the survival of a city which has had to be rebuilt so many times. Budapest is well worth a visit at any time of the year.

(Successful Writing. Proficiency. St’s book. p.27)

4. Rewrite the text putting the adverbs into the correct place. Make sure you know word order of adverbs before you do the exercise.