Descriptive Writing - Lesson 4 - Writing to Describe Example Worksheet

The author vividly brings the scene of a seaside promenade to life through a blend of sensory details and personal reflections. By mentioning the "white houses and hotels along the front," the reader is immediately transported to a classic coastal setting. The inclusion of "shelters occupied by little old ladies" adds a touch of quaintness and character to the scene, suggesting a slow-paced, peaceful environment. The "beach and the ravenous pleading gulls" introduce the dynamic elements of nature and wildlife, creating a sense of liveliness and interaction.

Moreover, the author uses the protagonist's mother as a device to evoke the sensory experience of the seaside. Her action of inhaling "great lungs full of sea air" and exclaiming her delight at the unique fragrance of the sea air not only emphasises the freshness and invigorating quality of the location but also conveys a sense of nostalgia and personal connection to the place. The simile describing the sticks of rock as "like barbers' poles made of sugar" is particularly effective, painting a vivid picture of the colourful, striped confectionery and evoking the sweetness of the experience, both literally and metaphorically. The descriptive language used throughout the passage immerses the reader in the experience, making the place being described come alive in the imagination.