Descriptive Essays
Free Topic ideas and Essay Plans
Target Exam Papers: A LEVEL, IGCSE, GCSE, and O Level
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Excel in exams by improving your descriptive writing skills
-
Formats and Guidelines: Learn the secrets of crafting evocative descriptions with expert formats and guidelines.
-
Downloadable PDFs: Full essays can be downloaded PDF (With English Essays Pack)
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Describe a very lively, noisy place you know and a very quiet one. (Remember that you are describing
the atmosphere and any people as well as the places.)
In the heart of the city, where skyscrapers kiss the sky and horns blare in a never-ending symphony, I find myself swept up in the whirlwind. The city center at peak hours is a wild dance of chaos and rhythm. The traffic roars in a constant symphony, punctuated by the sharp staccato of horns and the faint melody of street musicians. Pedestrians rush past in a blur of colors, their faces etched with determination, their steps echoing the city's relentless pace.
There's a certain energy in the air, electric and intoxicating. Every sense is heightened: the taste of street food wafting in the air, the touch of jostling bodies, the sight of a city alive and in motion. Yet amidst the cacophony, I feel a disconnect, a yearning for tranquility.
Away from the city's pulsating heart, nestled on its outskirts, lies a haven of tranquility: a secluded park that offers solace. The moment I step onto its worn-out trails, I'm enveloped in a blanket of calm. The only sounds are the rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds, and the whispering wind. It's a stark contrast to the city's clamor, a symphony of silence that soothes the soul.
Each tree, with its gnarled branches reaching out to the sky, seems to have a story to tell. The scent of damp earth and fresh foliage fills the air. Here, time seems to slow, the world seems softer, and the soul feels lighter. The park is a canvas painted with hues of tranquility, a stark contrast to the city's vibrant palette.
These two places, so different yet part of the same city, serve as reminders of life's contrasts. Amidst the city's hustle, the park serves as a sanctuary, a place to pause, breathe, and embrace the quiet. Through these contrasting experiences, I've learned to appreciate the noise for its energy and the silence for its serenity, understanding that both are essential to life's symphony.
Cambridge O level 2020
Describe the scene at a busy roadside bus stop when the bus is very late. (Remember you are
describing the place, the people and the atmosphere.)
Setting: A busy roadside bus stop in the heart of a bustling city during the evening rush hour.
Main Character: I, an everyday commuter and patient observer, find myself amongst the growing crowd waiting for the belated bus.
Theme: The theme revolves around the shared human experience of waiting and the impact of delay on the collective mood.
Tone: The tone is observant and reflective, capturing the tension, frustration, and anticipation that pervades the atmosphere.
Pacing: The pacing is slow, mirroring the delay and the drawn-out wait, with brief bursts of activity adding dynamism.
Cambridge O level 2021
Describe teacher whom you admire
Setting: A bustling, yet warm and inviting, high school in the heart of New York City, during the current school year.
Main character: Mrs. Parker, a 45-year-old English teacher, known for her kindness, intellect, and the unique ability to make each student feel seen and understood.
Theme: The story will focus on the deep admiration for a teacher who makes a significant impact not just in imparting academic knowledge, but also in shaping character and nurturing potential.
Tone: The tone will be heartfelt and respectful, highlighting the deep admiration and respect felt for the teacher.
Pacing: The narrative will be steady, providing ample time to explore different facets of Mrs. Parker's character, teaching style, and the impact she leaves on her students.
Optional: The story will be filled with anecdotes and personal reflections to make it relatable and to highlight Mrs. Parker's unique qualities.
Frequently asked question
Write two contrasting descriptive pieces (300–450 words each) about an aeroplane flight: the first
from the perspective of an experienced pilot; and the second from the perspective of a passenger
who has never flown before. In your writing, create a sense of mood and place.
Setting: The setting is a transatlantic flight from New York to London. The time is the present day, with the flight taking place in the late afternoon and into the night.
Main Characters: The first main character is Captain John, a 50-year-old commercial airline pilot with over 20 years of flying experience. He is calm, professional, and finds peace in the routine of flying. The second main character is Alice, a 30-year-old woman who is flying for the first time due to a new job opportunity. She is anxious, curious, and excited about the journey.
Theme: The central theme is the contrast between familiarity and novelty, exploring how different the same experience can feel depending on one's perspective and experience.
Tone: For the pilot's perspective, the tone should be calm and reassuring, reflecting his familiarity and comfort with the experience of flying. For the first-time flyer, the tone should be a mix of anxiety, excitement, and awe.
Pacing: The pacing should be steady and gradual for the pilot's perspective, reflecting his routine and the procedural nature of his work. For the first-time flyer, the pacing should fluctuate, reflecting her changing emotions and the newness of the experience.
Optional: Each piece should be between 300-450 words, with detailed descriptions and sensory language to immerse the reader in the perspectives of the two characters.
Cambridge A level February/March 2019
A thunderstorm night
1. The author is alone at home during a fierce storm.
2. They decide to indulge in a horror movie marathon.
3. The storm outside is intense, with strong winds and heavy rain.
4. The author is scared but tries to distract themselves with the movies.
5. The power goes out, and the author is plunged into darkness.
6. The author's cat startles them but is not a threat.
7. The author's mother calls and advises them to lock all doors and windows.
8. The author goes to their bedroom and tries to stay awake.
9. The author imagines scary scenarios but eventually falls asleep.
10. The sound of rain helps lull the author to sleep.
Frequently asked question
Describe a group of people who are on holiday
1. The author and their friends went on a holiday to a small island paradise.
2. The island is known for its beaches, rainforests, and culture.
3. Tom is the group leader and always suggests new activities.
4. Sarah is a food lover and explores local restaurants and markets.
5. Emily is adventurous and always eager to try new things.
6. Michael is quiet but passionate about photography.
7. The author is the planner of the group.
8. The group quickly bonded over shared experiences and laughter.
9. They spent their days lounging on the beach, exploring the island, and trying local cuisine.
10. The holiday was about creating memories and reconnecting with each other.
Frequently asked question
Describe a group of people who are on holiday
Setting: A quaint, picturesque coastal town during the peak of summer.
Main Character: Ethan, a 30-year-old travel writer who finds joy in observing and capturing the unique dynamics of different groups of people.
Theme: The shared joy, excitement, and camaraderie of a group holiday.
Tone: The tone will be light-hearted, lively, and slightly humorous, reflecting the high spirits of the holidaying group.
Pacing: The pacing will be fast and dynamic, mirroring the energetic and bustling activities of the group.
Cambridge IGCSEMay/June 2022
Describe a journey by bus.
1. The author takes a two-hour journey from a small village to the city.
2. The author has been taking this route for the past two decades.
3. The bus is old and uncomfortable.
4. The countryside is lush and green.
5. The city is hot and crowded.
6. Most passengers are glued to their phones.
7. Students are the author's least favorite category of passengers.
8. The city is chaotic with slow-moving vehicles and incessant honking.
9. The bus is crammed with people by 7.50 AM.
10. The author feels relief upon disembarking but dreads repeating the journey.
Frequently asked question
Describe a marketplace
Setting: A bustling, open-air marketplace in a small town in Morocco, set in the present day.
Main Character: Samir, a 30-year-old local craftsman, passionate about his trade, who is both a vendor and a customer at the market.
Theme: The marketplace serves as a vibrant, sensory hub of daily life, showcasing the diverse range of goods, the blend of cultures, and the unique interactions between the people.
Tone: The tone will be lively and vivid, reflecting the bustling nature of the marketplace and the wide array of experiences it offers.
Pacing: The pacing will be brisk, mirroring the energetic, ever-changing dynamics of the market.
Frequently asked question
Describe a place where you go to relax and enjoy some free time. (Remember you can describe
the place itself, what happens there and other people you see there.)
Setting: A quaint, small-town public library nestled within a bustling city, providing an oasis of calm amidst the urban cacophony.
Main Character: I, a 28-year-old software engineer, find solace and respite in the quiet corners of the library amidst the relentless pace of my career.
Theme: The theme revolves around the transformative power of a quiet space, and its ability to offer sanctuary, inspiration, and rejuvenation.
Tone: The tone is one of peace and tranquility, reflecting the library's serene ambiance.
Pacing: The pacing is slow and unhurried, mirroring the relaxing atmosphere of the library and the relaxed pace of life within its walls.
Cambridge O level 2019
Describe a street which has changed over time
Setting: A quaint, historical street in a small town, captured over several decades.
Main Character: An elderly woman, Ellen, who has lived on the street for her entire life. She has witnessed the transformation of her beloved street from a quiet, close-knit community to a bustling, modern hub.
Theme: The theme is the evolution of a neighborhood over time, reflecting larger societal changes.
Tone: The tone will be nostalgic, but also accepting of change.
Pacing: The pacing will be slow and reflective, mirroring the gradual passage of time.
Cambridge IGCSEFebruary March 2022
Describe a street which has changed over time
1. Elmwood Avenue was a beautiful street with oak trees and charming houses.
2. Children rode their bicycles and neighbors chatted over white picket fences.
3. The street underwent a drastic facelift with skyscrapers and modern apartment complexes.
4. The cobblestone pavement was replaced with asphalt and the air filled with car exhaust.
5. The sense of community was lost as the street became frenzied with traffic and noise.
6. Some of the old oak trees and quaint houses still remain.
7. The street has transformed from peaceful to frenzied.
8. There are still remnants of the past that remind us of the community and natural beauty.
9. The street has lost its simplicity and charm.
10. Elmwood Avenue has undergone a significant metamorphosis over the years.
Frequently asked question
Descriptive Essays
Target Exam Papers: A LEVEL, IGCSE, GCSE, and O Level students
-
Comprehensive Resources: Our platform offers a wide range of resources to enhance your descriptive writing skills:
-
Formats and Guidelines: Learn the secrets of crafting evocative descriptions with expertly curated formats and guidelines.
-
Downloadable PDFs: Access a variety of downloadable PDFs to support your descriptive writing journey.
-
Exciting Essay Topics: Discover diverse and thrilling essay topic
-
-
-
Achieve Excellence: Excel in exams by improving your descriptive writing skills
English Essays Pack
✅Master the art of essay writing and achieve top grades in your exam
✅High-quality model essays showcase exemplary writing skills, providing inspiration and guidance for crafting outstanding essays
✅Packed with 500 frequently examined questions and essays
✅Covers narrative, argumentative, and descriptive essays, directed writing, letters and speech.
✅Perfect for A Level, GCSE, IGCSE, and O Level students
✅Equipped with practical tips and vocabulary words to enhance your writing, unlock the secrets to academic excellence and elevate your success today!
✅Accessible and convenient! All essays downloadable as PDF
Describe a very lively, noisy place you know and a very quiet one. (Remember that you are describing
the atmosphere and any people as well as the places.)
In the heart of the city, where skyscrapers kiss the sky and horns blare in a never-ending symphony, I find myself swept up in the whirlwind. The city center at peak hours is a wild dance of chaos and rhythm. The traffic roars in a constant symphony, punctuated by the sharp staccato of horns and the faint melody of street musicians. Pedestrians rush past in a blur of colors, their faces etched with determination, their steps echoing the city's relentless pace.
There's a certain energy in the air, electric and intoxicating. Every sense is heightened: the taste of street food wafting in the air, the touch of jostling bodies, the sight of a city alive and in motion. Yet amidst the cacophony, I feel a disconnect, a yearning for tranquility.
Away from the city's pulsating heart, nestled on its outskirts, lies a haven of tranquility: a secluded park that offers solace. The moment I step onto its worn-out trails, I'm enveloped in a blanket of calm. The only sounds are the rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds, and the whispering wind. It's a stark contrast to the city's clamor, a symphony of silence that soothes the soul.
Each tree, with its gnarled branches reaching out to the sky, seems to have a story to tell. The scent of damp earth and fresh foliage fills the air. Here, time seems to slow, the world seems softer, and the soul feels lighter. The park is a canvas painted with hues of tranquility, a stark contrast to the city's vibrant palette.
These two places, so different yet part of the same city, serve as reminders of life's contrasts. Amidst the city's hustle, the park serves as a sanctuary, a place to pause, breathe, and embrace the quiet. Through these contrasting experiences, I've learned to appreciate the noise for its energy and the silence for its serenity, understanding that both are essential to life's symphony.
Cambridge O level 2020
Describe the scene at a busy roadside bus stop when the bus is very late. (Remember you are
describing the place, the people and the atmosphere.)
Setting: A busy roadside bus stop in the heart of a bustling city during the evening rush hour.
Main Character: I, an everyday commuter and patient observer, find myself amongst the growing crowd waiting for the belated bus.
Theme: The theme revolves around the shared human experience of waiting and the impact of delay on the collective mood.
Tone: The tone is observant and reflective, capturing the tension, frustration, and anticipation that pervades the atmosphere.
Pacing: The pacing is slow, mirroring the delay and the drawn-out wait, with brief bursts of activity adding dynamism.
Cambridge O level 2021
Describe teacher whom you admire
Setting: A bustling, yet warm and inviting, high school in the heart of New York City, during the current school year.
Main character: Mrs. Parker, a 45-year-old English teacher, known for her kindness, intellect, and the unique ability to make each student feel seen and understood.
Theme: The story will focus on the deep admiration for a teacher who makes a significant impact not just in imparting academic knowledge, but also in shaping character and nurturing potential.
Tone: The tone will be heartfelt and respectful, highlighting the deep admiration and respect felt for the teacher.
Pacing: The narrative will be steady, providing ample time to explore different facets of Mrs. Parker's character, teaching style, and the impact she leaves on her students.
Optional: The story will be filled with anecdotes and personal reflections to make it relatable and to highlight Mrs. Parker's unique qualities.
Frequently asked question
Write two contrasting descriptive pieces (300–450 words each) about an aeroplane flight: the first
from the perspective of an experienced pilot; and the second from the perspective of a passenger
who has never flown before. In your writing, create a sense of mood and place.
Setting: The setting is a transatlantic flight from New York to London. The time is the present day, with the flight taking place in the late afternoon and into the night.
Main Characters: The first main character is Captain John, a 50-year-old commercial airline pilot with over 20 years of flying experience. He is calm, professional, and finds peace in the routine of flying. The second main character is Alice, a 30-year-old woman who is flying for the first time due to a new job opportunity. She is anxious, curious, and excited about the journey.
Theme: The central theme is the contrast between familiarity and novelty, exploring how different the same experience can feel depending on one's perspective and experience.
Tone: For the pilot's perspective, the tone should be calm and reassuring, reflecting his familiarity and comfort with the experience of flying. For the first-time flyer, the tone should be a mix of anxiety, excitement, and awe.
Pacing: The pacing should be steady and gradual for the pilot's perspective, reflecting his routine and the procedural nature of his work. For the first-time flyer, the pacing should fluctuate, reflecting her changing emotions and the newness of the experience.
Optional: Each piece should be between 300-450 words, with detailed descriptions and sensory language to immerse the reader in the perspectives of the two characters.
Cambridge A level February/March 2019
A thunderstorm night
1. The author is alone at home during a fierce storm.
2. They decide to indulge in a horror movie marathon.
3. The storm outside is intense, with strong winds and heavy rain.
4. The author is scared but tries to distract themselves with the movies.
5. The power goes out, and the author is plunged into darkness.
6. The author's cat startles them but is not a threat.
7. The author's mother calls and advises them to lock all doors and windows.
8. The author goes to their bedroom and tries to stay awake.
9. The author imagines scary scenarios but eventually falls asleep.
10. The sound of rain helps lull the author to sleep.
Frequently asked question
Describe a group of people who are on holiday
1. The author and their friends went on a holiday to a small island paradise.
2. The island is known for its beaches, rainforests, and culture.
3. Tom is the group leader and always suggests new activities.
4. Sarah is a food lover and explores local restaurants and markets.
5. Emily is adventurous and always eager to try new things.
6. Michael is quiet but passionate about photography.
7. The author is the planner of the group.
8. The group quickly bonded over shared experiences and laughter.
9. They spent their days lounging on the beach, exploring the island, and trying local cuisine.
10. The holiday was about creating memories and reconnecting with each other.
Frequently asked question
Describe a group of people who are on holiday
Setting: A quaint, picturesque coastal town during the peak of summer.
Main Character: Ethan, a 30-year-old travel writer who finds joy in observing and capturing the unique dynamics of different groups of people.
Theme: The shared joy, excitement, and camaraderie of a group holiday.
Tone: The tone will be light-hearted, lively, and slightly humorous, reflecting the high spirits of the holidaying group.
Pacing: The pacing will be fast and dynamic, mirroring the energetic and bustling activities of the group.
Cambridge IGCSEMay/June 2022
Describe a journey by bus.
1. The author takes a two-hour journey from a small village to the city.
2. The author has been taking this route for the past two decades.
3. The bus is old and uncomfortable.
4. The countryside is lush and green.
5. The city is hot and crowded.
6. Most passengers are glued to their phones.
7. Students are the author's least favorite category of passengers.
8. The city is chaotic with slow-moving vehicles and incessant honking.
9. The bus is crammed with people by 7.50 AM.
10. The author feels relief upon disembarking but dreads repeating the journey.
Frequently asked question
Describe a marketplace
Setting: A bustling, open-air marketplace in a small town in Morocco, set in the present day.
Main Character: Samir, a 30-year-old local craftsman, passionate about his trade, who is both a vendor and a customer at the market.
Theme: The marketplace serves as a vibrant, sensory hub of daily life, showcasing the diverse range of goods, the blend of cultures, and the unique interactions between the people.
Tone: The tone will be lively and vivid, reflecting the bustling nature of the marketplace and the wide array of experiences it offers.
Pacing: The pacing will be brisk, mirroring the energetic, ever-changing dynamics of the market.
Frequently asked question
Describe a place where you go to relax and enjoy some free time. (Remember you can describe
the place itself, what happens there and other people you see there.)
Setting: A quaint, small-town public library nestled within a bustling city, providing an oasis of calm amidst the urban cacophony.
Main Character: I, a 28-year-old software engineer, find solace and respite in the quiet corners of the library amidst the relentless pace of my career.
Theme: The theme revolves around the transformative power of a quiet space, and its ability to offer sanctuary, inspiration, and rejuvenation.
Tone: The tone is one of peace and tranquility, reflecting the library's serene ambiance.
Pacing: The pacing is slow and unhurried, mirroring the relaxing atmosphere of the library and the relaxed pace of life within its walls.
Cambridge O level 2019
Describe a street which has changed over time
Setting: A quaint, historical street in a small town, captured over several decades.
Main Character: An elderly woman, Ellen, who has lived on the street for her entire life. She has witnessed the transformation of her beloved street from a quiet, close-knit community to a bustling, modern hub.
Theme: The theme is the evolution of a neighborhood over time, reflecting larger societal changes.
Tone: The tone will be nostalgic, but also accepting of change.
Pacing: The pacing will be slow and reflective, mirroring the gradual passage of time.
Cambridge IGCSEFebruary March 2022
Describe a street which has changed over time
1. Elmwood Avenue was a beautiful street with oak trees and charming houses.
2. Children rode their bicycles and neighbors chatted over white picket fences.
3. The street underwent a drastic facelift with skyscrapers and modern apartment complexes.
4. The cobblestone pavement was replaced with asphalt and the air filled with car exhaust.
5. The sense of community was lost as the street became frenzied with traffic and noise.
6. Some of the old oak trees and quaint houses still remain.
7. The street has transformed from peaceful to frenzied.
8. There are still remnants of the past that remind us of the community and natural beauty.
9. The street has lost its simplicity and charm.
10. Elmwood Avenue has undergone a significant metamorphosis over the years.
Frequently asked question
English Essays Pack
✅Master the art of essay writing and achieve top grades in your exam
✅High-quality model essays showcase exemplary writing skills, providing inspiration and guidance for crafting outstanding essays
✅Packed with 500 frequently examined questions and essays
✅Covers narrative, argumentative, and descriptive essays, directed writing, letters and speech.
✅Perfect for A Level, GCSE, IGCSE, and O Level students
✅Equipped with practical tips and vocabulary words to enhance your writing, unlock the secrets to academic excellence and elevate your success today!
✅Accessible and convenient! All essays downloadable as PDF