Stories or essays by middle school students are full of statements like "my vacation was fun" or "school is boring." The papers are littered with sentences that tell something rather than show it. Young writers need to learn how to use their words to paint pictures like an artist uses his paint and paintbrushes.
Use Show, Don't Tell to Add Details
One of the first steps in creating descriptive writing is to practice the skill of show, don't tell. Use words to paint a picture and make the reader feel like she is actually in the story. Take a sentence like "the rain ruined our picnic." Everyone can agree that's dull and does not leave an impression on the reader. However, by adding more details, the sentence takes on its own meaning.
Showing: The dark clouds built overhead as we rushed to pack up our picnic supplies. Before we could make it to the car, the rain began to fall in buckets from the sky.
Using Photographs in Writing
Some writers need practice with a more concrete exercise. One way to do this is to write from a photograph. Choose a picture that has action or plenty of color. Once a photo has been selected, take two "L" shaped pieces of paper and put them together to form a frame of about one inch by one inch. Move the "frame" over the photo until a small part of the picture is in focus. Using only the framed part the photo, write a description of it. Who or what is in the picture? What is taking place? Where was the picture taken? Pay special attention to colors and other details.
Using Figurative Language to Add Detail
Figurative language includes similes, metaphors, and personification to name a few. Using these can add a much needed boost to writing. Similes and metaphors are two of the easiest ways to use figurative language. Similes compare one object with another using the words "like" or "as."
Example: Her eyes sparkled like sapphires.
Metaphors also provide a comparison but by stating that one thing is something else. Example: Her eyes were sparkling sapphires. Personification gives human characteristics to an animal or object.
Example: The tree's branches reached toward the sun.
The key to using figurative language is to not overuse it.
Be Specific When Writing
Another way to add detail to writing is to be brand specific. Instead of writing "I got a new pair of shoes" write "I got a new pair of green Converse All-Stars." Instead of "Mom got a new car" write "Mom got a new candy apple red Porsche." The second sentences in both examples are more effective. The more specific the details are, the clearer the picture a writer is painting in the reader's mind.
Like other skills, writing requires practice. Use photographs to work on descriptions and play around with figurative language. Use words that show, don't tell and by include very specific details. With a little revision, writers can easily take their writing from dull to dazzling.
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