descriptive essay topics grade 11

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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.

Looking for more essay topics? Compare and Contrast Essay Topics Cause and Effect Essay Topics Narrative Essay Topics Persuasive Essay and Speech Topics

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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.

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.

Top List of Descriptive Essay Topics

This section provides you with some of the top descriptive writing topics. Writers enjoy working on depictive papers because they give them unrestricted freedom of selecting their means of expression. Besides, these top topics can come from totally different categories. Below is a descriptive essay topics list to help you with your brainstorming:

• The Pearl Harbor attack.
• My scariest dream.
• The political journey of Barack Obama.
• Remembering my graduation ceremony.
• My first childhood memory.
• The most difficult decision you have ever made.
• Life with a pet monkey.
• Your childhood hero.
• A perfect journey.
• The best book I have read recently.
• My all-time favorite movie.
• Great migration of wildebeests across the Mara River .
• My Coachella music festival experience.
• Effect of cyberbullying on today’s society.
• The Mona Lisa: components of the legendary piece of art.

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.

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30 Essay Writing Topics for Grade 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 and 12

Here is a good list of essay topics you can write about for all grades, starting from Grade 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12. Whether you are writing a descriptive, narrative, argumentative essay, these topics are good for all areas.

Essay Writing Topics for Grade 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 and 12

You can simply learn how to write an essay by using some of examples here.

Descriptive Essay Topics

A descriptive essay presents a detailed picture of a person, place, object, or event. It uses specific details to make the subject come alive for the reader. The goal is to create a vivid image in the reader's mind.

This type of essay focuses on the sensory details like sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. It often uses adjectives and adverbs to describe the subject.

1.           Your favorite place to relax.

2.          A day in the life of your pet.

3.          The best birthday party you’ve ever had.

4.          What your dream school would look like.

5.          Describe your favorite meal and why you love it.

6.          Your most cherished holiday memory.

7.          The view from your bedroom window.

8.          A profile of your best friend – what makes them special?

9.          Your favorite hobby and what it involves.

10.         A memorable trip with your family.

You may also look: 5 Good AI Essay Writers for Students

Narrative Essay Topics

A narrative essay tells a story from the writer's perspective. It has a clear beginning, middle, and end, like a story. The essay includes characters, a setting, and a plot. It often has a lesson or moral at the end . The writer uses descriptive details to make the story interesting and engaging for the reader.

• The day you learned how to ride a bike.
• A time when you helped someone and felt proud of it.
• Your first day at a new school.
• An adventure in the park.
• The best gift you’ve ever received.
• A scary moment that turned out to be funny.
• The day you lost something important and found it.
• A fun family tradition.
• Your first experience with snow (or another weather event).
• How you solved a problem you had with a friend.

You may also read:   How to Write an Essay

Argumentative Essay Topics

An argumentative essay presents a clear position on a topic and supports it with evidence and reasoning. It aims to persuade the reader to agree with the writer's point of view.

The essay includes an introduction with a thesis statement, body paragraphs with arguments and evidence, and a conclusion . The writer must consider and refute counterarguments. The language is formal and logical.

1.           Should homework be banned?

2.          Are school uniforms a good or bad idea?

3.          Should kids have cell phones?

4.          The importance of sports in school.

5.          Can video games be educational?

6.          Should there be pets in school?

7.          The best school lunch food.

8.          Is summer vacation too long?

9.          Should there be more field trips in school?

10.         Reading books vs. watching movies: Which is better for learning?

Understanding the differences between descriptive, argumentative, and narrative essays is crucial for effective writing. Each type serves a distinct purpose: descriptive essays paint a detailed picture, argumentative essays present and support a viewpoint, and narrative essays tell a story with a lesson. By mastering these essay types, writers can communicate their ideas more clearly and engage their readers more effectively.

• essay topics
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• narrative essay
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Descriptive Essay Writing

Descriptive Essay Topics

Interesting Descriptive Essay Topics - 2024

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Published on: Jun 2, 2023

Last updated on: Nov 19, 2024

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A descriptive essay paints a vivid picture through words, capturing intricate details, sensory experiences, and emotions. That is why selecting the right topic is crucial to creating a stimulating reader experience when writing this type of essay . 

A descriptive essay topic should evoke touch, smell, sight, sound, and taste to contribute to the essay's success in conveying a vivid image. So, picking the right topic needs to be done correctly and carefully. 

In this blog, we'll explore various interesting topics to spark your creativity and enhance your descriptive writing skills. Read the blog if you are looking for some interesting descriptive essay ideas.

Let's dig in!

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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

Struggling with describing details? We can fix it!

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 world’s 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
• What’s 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.

Let us improve your essay with clear, strong details!

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.

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The Big List of Essay Topics for High School (150+ Ideas!)

Ideas to inspire every young writer.

High school students generally do a lot of writing, learning to use language clearly, concisely, and persuasively. When it’s time to choose an essay topic, though, it’s easy to come up blank. If that’s the case, check out this huge roundup of essay topics for high school. You’ll find choices for every subject and writing style.

• Argumentative Essay Topics
• Cause-and-Effect Essay Topics
• Compare-Contrast Essay Topics
• Descriptive Essay Topics
• Expository and Informative Essay Topics
• Humorous Essay Topics

Literary Essay Topics

• Narrative and Personal Essay Topics
• Opinion Essay Topics
• Persuasive Essay Topics

Research Essay Topics

Plus, click the button below to get your free printable five-paragraph essay graphic organizers to help your students plan their essays.

Argumentative Essay Topics for High School

When writing an argumentative essay, remember to do the research and lay out the facts clearly. Your goal is not necessarily to persuade someone to agree with you, but to encourage your reader to accept your point of view as valid. Here are some argumentative topics to try. ( Here are 100 more compelling argumentative essay topics. )

• The most important challenge our country is currently facing is … (e.g., immigration, gun control, economy)
• The government should provide free internet access for every citizen.
• All drugs should be legalized, regulated, and taxed.
• Vaping is less harmful than smoking tobacco.
• Parents should be punished for their minor children’s crimes.
• Should all students have the ability to attend college for free?
• Should physical education be part of the standard high school curriculum?
• Schools should require recommended vaccines for all students, with very limited exceptions.
• Animal testing should be banned.
• Does social media do more harm than good?
• Is single-sex education better than co-education?
• Capital punishment does/does not deter crime.
• Are men and women treated equally?
• Should plastic be banned?

Cause-and-Effect Essay Topics for High School

A cause-and-effect essay is a type of argumentative essay. Your goal is to show how one specific thing directly influences another specific thing. You’ll likely need to do some research to make your point. Here are some ideas for cause-and-effect essays. ( Get a big list of 137 cause-and-effect essay topics here. )

• Humans are causing accelerated climate change.
• Fast-food restaurants have made human health worse over the decades.
• What caused World War II? (Choose any conflict for this one.)
• Describe the effects social media has on young adults.
• How does playing sports affect people?
• What are the effects of loving to read?
• Being an only/oldest/youngest/middle child makes you …
• What effect does violence in cartoons, movies, or video games have on kids?
• Traveling to new places opens people’s minds to new ideas.
• Racism is caused by …
• Immigration benefits the United States.

Compare-Contrast Essay Topics for High School

As the name indicates, in compare-and-contrast essays, writers show the similarities and differences between two things. They combine descriptive writing with analysis, making connections and showing dissimilarities. The following ideas work well for compare-contrast essays. ( Find 125 compare-contrast essay topics for all ages here. )

• Public and private schools
• Capitalism vs. communism
• Monarchy or democracy
• Dogs vs. cats as pets
• Paper books or e-books
• Two political candidates in a current race
• Going to college vs. starting work full-time
• Working your way through college as you go or taking out student loans
• iPhone or Android
• Instagram vs. X (or choose any other two social media platforms)
• Gas-powered cars vs. electric cars
• High school vs. college
• Volunteering vs. paid work
• Your teacher vs. your parent/guardian
• Oldest child and youngest child
• Introverts vs. extroverts

Descriptive Essay Topics for High School

Bring on the adjectives! Descriptive writing is all about creating a rich picture for the reader. Take readers on a journey to far-off places, help them understand an experience, or introduce them to a new person. Remember: Show, don’t tell. These topics make excellent descriptive essays.

• Who is the funniest person you know and why?
• What is your favorite childhood memory?
• Tell about the most inspirational person in your life.
• Write about your favorite place.
• When you were little, what was your favorite thing to do?
• Choose a piece of art or music and explain how it makes you feel.
• What is your earliest memory?
• What’s the best/worst vacation you’ve ever taken?
• Describe your favorite pet.
• What is the most important item in the world to you?
• Give a tour of your bedroom (or another favorite room in your home).
• Describe yourself to someone who has never met you.
• Lay out your perfect day from start to finish.
• Explain what it’s like to move to a new town or start a new school.
• Tell what it would be like to live on the moon.

Expository and Informative Essay Topics for High School

Expository essays set out clear explanations of a particular topic. You might be defining a word or phrase or explaining how something works. Expository or informative essays are based on facts, and while you might explore different points of view, you won’t necessarily say which one is “better” or “right.” Remember: Expository essays educate the reader. Here are some expository and informative essay topics to explore. ( You can also get 70+ expository and informative essay topics here. )

• What makes a good leader?
• Explain why a given school subject (math, history, science, etc.) is important for students to learn.
• What is the “glass ceiling” and how does it affect society?
• Describe how the internet changed the world.
• What does it mean to be a good teacher?
• How has modern technology changed teaching and learning?
• Explain how we could colonize the moon or another planet.
• Discuss why mental health is just as important as physical health.
• Describe a healthy lifestyle for a teenager.
• Choose an American president and explain how their time in office affected the country.
• What does “financial responsibility” mean?
• What is video game addiction, and how does it affect teens?

Humorous Essay Topics for High School

Humorous essays can take on any form, like narrative, persuasive, or expository. You might employ sarcasm or satire, or simply tell a story about a funny person or event. Even though these essay topics are lighthearted, they still take some skill to tackle well. Give these ideas a try.

• What would happen if cats (or any other animal) ruled the world?
• What do newborn babies wish their parents knew?
• Explain the best ways to be annoying on social media.
• Invent a wacky new sport, explain the rules, and describe a game or match.
• Explain why it’s important to eat dessert first.
• Imagine a discussion between two historic figures from very different times, like Cleopatra and Queen Elizabeth I.
• Retell a familiar story in tweets or other social media posts.
• Describe present-day Earth from an alien’s point of view.
• Choose a fictional character and explain why they should be the next president.
• Describe a day when kids are in charge of everything, at school and at home.

Literary essays analyze a piece of writing, like a book or a play. In high school, students usually write literary essays about the works they study in class. These literary essay topic ideas focus on books students often read in high school, but many of them can be tweaked to fit other works as well. ADVERTISEMENT

• Discuss the portrayal of women in Shakespeare’s Othello .
• Explore the symbolism used in The Scarlet Letter .
• Explain the importance of dreams in Of Mice and Men .
• Compare and contrast the romantic relationships in Pride and Prejudice .
• Analyze the role of the witches in Macbeth .
• What is the role of resilience and hope in The Hate U Give ?
• Analyze the exploration of racism and social injustice in Dear Martin .
• Dissect the allegory of Animal Farm and its relation to contemporary events.
• Interpret the author’s take on society and class structure in The Great Gatsby .
• Explore the relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia.
• Discuss whether Shakespeare’s portrayal of young love in Romeo and Juliet is accurate.
• Explain the imagery used in Beowulf .
• Explore the use of satire in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy .
• What does Death of a Salesman say about the concept of the American dream?
• Explore the effects of trauma on mental health in The Perks of Being a Wallflower .

Narrative and Personal Essay Topics for High School

Think of a narrative essay like telling a story. Use some of the same techniques that you would for a descriptive essay, but be sure you have a beginning, middle, and end. A narrative essay doesn’t necessarily need to be personal, but they often are. Take inspiration from these narrative and personal essay topics.

• Describe a performance or sporting event you took part in.
• Explain the process of cooking and eating your favorite meal.
• Write about meeting your best friend for the first time and how your relationship developed.
• Tell about learning to ride a bike or drive a car.
• What is your biggest fear?
• Describe a time in your life when you’ve been scared.
• Write about a time when you or someone you know displayed courage.
• Share the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you.
• Tell about a time when you overcame a big challenge.
• Tell the story of how you learned an important life lesson.
• Describe a time when you or someone you know experienced prejudice or oppression.
• Explain a family tradition, how it developed, and its importance today.
• What is your favorite holiday? How does your family celebrate it?
• Retell a familiar story from the point of view of a different character.
• Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision.
• Tell about your proudest moment.

Opinion Essay Topics for High School

When writing an opinion essay, you don’t need to rely as much on facts or persuasive techniques. You’re simply sharing your thoughts on a topic, as well as your justifications for your beliefs. You may include evidence if you like, but an opinion essay is more personal than persuasive. These topics work well for opinion essays:

• Is technology too isolating?
• What animal makes the best pet?
• Everyone should be vegetarian or vegan.
• What is one book that everyone should be required to read?
• Is democracy the best form of government?
• Is capitalism the best form of economy?
• Students should/should not be able to use their phones during the school day.
• Should physical education be graded?
• The best country in the world is …
• What one class should all high schools students be required to take and pass in order to graduate?
• Do we really learn anything from history, or does it just repeat itself over and over?
• Which is better, book smarts or street smarts?
• Who faces more peer pressure, girls or boys?
• Is it better to be kind or truthful?

Persuasive Essay Topics for High School

Persuasive essays are similar to argumentative essays , but they rely less on facts and more on emotion to sway the reader. It’s important to know your audience so you can anticipate any counterarguments they might make and try to overcome them. Try these topics to persuade someone to come around to your point of view. ( Discover 130 more intriguing persuasive essay topics here. )

• Do you think homework should be required, optional, or not given at all?
• Should schools be allowed to ban some books from their libraries?
• Visit an animal shelter, choose an animal that needs a home, and write an essay persuading someone to adopt that animal.
• Who is the world’s best athlete, present or past?
• Should parents use their children’s cell phones to track where they are?
• What’s the best way to handle constantly rising college education costs?
• Should little kids be allowed to play competitive sports?
• Are professional athletes/musicians/actors overpaid?
• The best music genre is …
• Should schools have dress codes?
• Is climate change reversible?
• If I could change one school rule, it would be …
• Is year-round school a good idea?
• Selling tobacco should be banned.

A research essay is a classic high school assignment. These papers require deep research into primary source documents, with lots of supporting facts and evidence that’s properly cited. Research essays can be in any of the styles shown above. Here are some possible topics, across a variety of subjects.

• Which country’s style of government is best for the people who live there?
• Choose a country and analyze its development from founding to present day.
• Describe the causes and effects of a specific war, e.g., “What instigated World War II?”
• Formulate an ideal economic plan for our country.
• What scientific discovery has had the biggest impact on life today?
• Tell the story of the development of artificial intelligence so far, and describe its impacts along the way.
• Explore the impact of income inequality on education in this country.
• Conduct an exploration of healthcare in this country, and make recommendations for improvement.
• Explain the importance of participating in government by voting, running for office, campaigning, etc.
• Analyze the way mental health is viewed and treated in this country.
• Explore the ways systemic racism impacts people in all walks of life.
• Defend the importance of teaching music and the arts in public schools.
• Choose one animal from the endangered species list and propose a realistic plan to protect it.
• Explain how space exploration has changed our understanding of the universe.
• Explore the effects of sleep deprivation on academic and physical performance.

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12 Creative Descriptive Essay Prompts

by Suzanne Davis | Dec 12, 2019 | Writing Essays and Papers , Writing Prompts | 13 comments

“Description is what makes the reader a sensory participant in the story.”  –Stephen King

Stephen King wrote about description in stories. But the same advice is correct for descriptive essays.  Get your readers engaged by making them sense and connect with everything you’ve written in your essay.  How can you do that?  Begin with descriptive essay prompts that inspire you to write more.

Then add important details and characteristics or features about the person, place, object, or experience in your essay.  The more detail and elements you add to a descriptive essay, the better it will be.

So, check out these descriptive writing topics and find the one that will work best for you.

How to Select a Descriptive Essay Prompt

Before you select a descriptive essay topic, see if you can show and not tell your readers about the characteristics, actions, and emotions in that essay.

Maybe you’ve heard writers say, “ Show Don’t Tell .”   This motto is an approach some writers use to make their writing more descriptive.  The word “show” means to portray or illustrate feelings and actions.  And “tell” is when a writer says what the emotions and actions are.

For example, “ The black poodle snarled and growled.” (showing) vs. “The black poodle was angry and fierce.” (telling)

In the example above, the first sentence shows that the black poodle was angry because it snarled and growled.  The second sentence says or tells us that the dog was angry and fierce.

Use the “ Show Don’t Tell”  approach in your descriptive essay by asking these questions about the 5 senses:

• What did you see?
• What did you hear?
• What did you touch?
• What did you smell?
• What did you taste?

You probably won’t have answers to all these questions.   (Or at least if you write about a mountain, I hope you can’t describe how tastes.) But write “Show Don’t Tell ” content wherever you can in your essay.

The 12 descriptive essay prompts here, give you the freedom to develop your content in different ways, and with a lot of sensory details. They are divided into 4 categories: person, place, object, and experience.  Each type has 3 descriptive essay writing ideas.   For each writing prompt, brainstorm how you can develop that essay.

Descriptive WritingTopics About a Person

# 1 describe the strangest person you ever met.

Strange people are easy to remember, and if you remember a different, odd, or unique person, you’ll have a lot of information you can write on.  Before you choose this topic, brainstorm a few ideas about this person.

Questions to develop this essay topic : What seemed strange about this person?  What characteristics did he/she possess? How did you feel about this person?

# 2 Describe a person you envied .

Envy or jealousy is a powerful emotion.  When you focus on a person you were jealous of, there are reasons and characteristics for why you felt that way.

Questions to develop this essay topic: What traits or characteristics did this person have?  How did that person look? How did this person act?  What made you envy him/her?

# 3 Describe an inspiring friend or family member.

We remember people who inspire us.  And people love to read about inspiring individuals.  If you describe an inspiring person, think about the impact that a person made on you.

Questions to develop this essay topic:   What did this person do that was inspiring?   How did that person act toward others?

Descriptive Writing Topics About a Place

# 4 describe a spooky or haunted place ..

If you describe a scary place, include a lot of sensory details.  Spooky and haunted places are memorable.

Questions to develop this essay topic:   What did this place look like?  Where was it located?  What did you see, hear, smell, or feel at this place?  Did you find someone or something that scared you?  Why is this place, spooky?

# 5 Describe a place you loved as a child.

People love to know things about another person’s childhood. A great way to show who you are is to describe a place that was important to you.  If you select this writing topic, make sure you remember this place well.

Questions to develop this essay topic : How did this place look? What did you do at this place?  Was anyone else at this there?  How did you feel about the area?

# 6 Describe a beautiful location in nature.

You could describe a mountain, body of water, campground, desert, etc.  Or any other place that is outdoors and part of nature.

Questions to develop this essay topic:   What did this place look like?  How did you feel when you were there? Did you hear, smell, taste, or touch anything at the location? Was there anyone else with you?  What did you do at this place?

Descriptive WritingTopics About an Object

# 7 Describe a lucky object.

It can be any lucky object, a good luck charm, an heirloom object, etc.  Select something you believe brings you good luck.

Q uestions to develop this essay topic:   What are the characteristics of this object? How is it used?  What makes this a lucky object?

# 8 Describe a piece of art.

It can be a photograph, painting, sculpture, etc.  There are a lot of sensory details you can include in a descriptive essay about a piece of art.

Questions to develop this essay topic:  What does this work of art look?  Can you touch it?  If so, how does it feel?   What are the emotions you have when you see this sculpture, painting, photograph, etc.?

# 9 Describe an object used in your favorite sport or hobby.

If you have a favorite sport or hobby, describe an object that is relevant to that sport.  For example, if you play tennis, describe a tennis racket.  Or, if you collect coins, describe a unique coin from your collection.

Questions to develop this essay topic:   What are the characteristics or features of this object?  How is it used?  What is significant about this object?  What are some sensory details you can add?

Descriptive Essay Topics About an Experience

# 10 describe the first time you drove a car or rode a bicycle..

First-time experiences are emotional and significant to people.  If you haven’t driven a car or ridden a bicycle, write about another first-time experience.

Questions to develop this essay topic:   What did you see, hear, touch, smell, or taste during this experience?  What did you do?  Were others involved?  If so, what did they do? How did you feel during this experience?  How do you feel about it now?

# 11 Describe a hike or special walk you took .

Do you recall a hike you took or a walk on a trail, path, or street? If so, describe that memory.

Questions to develop this essay topic:   What was the place you were at like? What did you hear, see, smell, taste, or touch during this experience?  What did you do?  What did anyone else do?

# 12   Describe a happy memory.

Write about a happy experience you can remember clearly.    This topic involves remembering what occurred and how you felt during that experience.

Questions to develop this essay topic:   What made this experience happy? What happened?  Who else was there?  Can you describe them?

Writing a Descriptive Essay

The key to writing a descriptive essay is to show or portray to a reader the significant elements of a person, place, object, or experience.  So, select an essay topic that you connect with, and develop it with sensory details.  If you do this, you’ll achieve what Stephen King does in his writing and “make the reader a sensory participant.”  When you do that, your readers will want to keep reading until the end.

Make them wish your essay continued so that they could read even more!

So which descriptive essay prompt inspires you?  And if you want more creative writing prompts, check out my blog post, “13 Thought-Provoking Personal Narrative Prompts” https://www.academicwritingsuccess.com/13-thought-provoking-personal-narrative-prompts/.

Suzanne,I enjoy reading your articles. Loved your sense of humour ‘(Or at least if you write about a mountain, I hope you can’t describe how tastes.)’. I tried to share this article in my Pinterest account, but somehow something went wrong and it did not allow me to do it.

I’m glad you enjoyed the article. I do try to be funny whenever I can. I’m having a problem right now with my article pinning. I’m working on it.

Loved the “show, not tell” explanation. It really made sense. I’m a visual learner, so I really liked the visual for the 12 descriptive essay prompts in both written form and as a image. You gave me a lot of good ideas for starting a descriptive essay!

Terri, I’m glad you liked my infographic for the post. I love designing visual images for articles. Let me know if you use one of the descriptive essay prompts. I’d love to know how it worked for you.

Excellent. I like the sensory detail questions. It brings the writing to a new level.

Raven, thank you. Sensory details are great for developing writing. They really help writers of all ages.

Nice article, Suzanne. I love using prompts with my students. I might be nervous of the prompt “Describe the strangest person you ever met.” For many of my students I would have the starring role in that one! 🙂 Using the basic five senses to help students expand upon their writing is also very good. So many students write one sentence and then get stuck. Prompting questions can really help them broaden their thoughts.

Ron, thank you. I might be nervous about the “strangest person you ever met” prompt too. But, I’m hoping there are other strange people students could write about too!

Love these! In this generation of “just getting the point across”, it is so difficult to get some students to be descriptive in their writing.It would be hard for any student to not be descriptive using these prompts. When working on writing with students, I always use the five senses to show them how their writing will be more interesting to any reader when it is descriptive. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you,Randy. Descriptive writing is a challenge, but finding a good descriptive writing prompt and using the 5 senses makes a huge difference.

Also, that is a great quote by Stephen King!

Hi Suzanne! Excellent post! I love the creative prompts. They’re helpful, whether one is writing fiction or non-fiction.

You have a great site. Will stop by again. I know I’ll learn lots here.

P.S. Thanks for stopping by my site. I appreciate your feedback.

Hi Nadine, Thanks so much. I am glad you stopped by and checked out my post on descriptive writing prompts. I love prompts because they can make you think about writing in different ways. And sometimes I just need help getting started. I enjoyed your post on writing spaces. I’ll be visiting your site again.

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Elementary School

Middle school, high school, ets criterion sm library, grade 11 prompts, ws friends (descriptive).

Human beings are social creatures, so friends are an important part of anyone’s life. What qualities and behaviors make a person a good friend? Write an essay explaining three or four traits of a true friend. Use specific details and anecdotes from your own experiences.

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WS Memorable Class (Expository)

Think about the classes you have had so far today. Which was most memorable? Choose one class period and write an essay explaining the main point of the class. Support the main point using at least two different types of details: facts (things that can be proven), statistics (facts with numerical values), quotations (exact words of a speaker), or anecdotes (stories that gives insight).

WS Freedom of Expression (Expository)

The First Amendment to the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression. The framers of the Constitution believed this freedom was essential to a strong democracy. Write an essay that explains how freedom of expression contributes to democracy. Use several examples of freedom of expression to support your response.

WS Transportation (Expository)

People travel by many different means, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Choose two of the following modes of transportation and write an essay comparing and contrasting them: walking, bicycling, driving a car, taking a train, flying, and sailing by ship. Support your viewpoint with specific examples and details for each mode of transport.

WS Similar Sports (Expository)

Cross-country and downhill skiing share certain similarities, yet they offer different experiences to the people who enjoy them. Field hockey and ice hockey also require different skills. Think of two similar sports or activities that you enjoy and write a brief essay to compare and contrast them. Make sure you include specific details for each activity.

WS Proper Punishment (Narrative)

Remember a time when you received a punishment you thought was unfair. Narrate what happened and how you felt about it then, and explain whether you still feel the same way. Suggest a different punishment that may have been more effective. Remember to give details and examples.

WS Add a Class (Persuasive)

Your school budget will allow for an additional class to be offered in the coming school year, and your principal has asked students to make suggestions. Can you think of subjects that you would like to learn or subjects you think need to be taught? Write a letter to the principal convincing him or her to select the class you think would be best. Be sure to support your view with specific reasons and examples.

WS Sports Funding (Persuasive)

Your school board has announced plans to cut funding for sports teams. It has stated that some sports are not supported well by the student body and their funds are better used elsewhere. As a concerned student, write a letter to the school board airing your opinion about funding cuts. Argue your points using specific examples to support your position.

WS Leaky Faucet (Persuasive)

Addressing a problem requires different methods of persuasion. Write a letter of complaint to your landlord, who has put off fixing a leaky faucet in your apartment. Include specific details about why you need it fixed soon. State your case in a cool, neutral tone, and include a call to action for the landlord.

WS Sleep Time (Persuasive)

Teenagers often have different sleep habits than adults. Would you oppose or support moving the start and finish time of school back one hour? As a concerned student, write a letter to the school board convincing them of your position. Include reasons, facts, and examples.

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