Descriptive Writing

Some SET Stage 2 prompts will ask you to write a purely descriptive piece — painting a vivid picture with words rather than telling a story. Even when the prompt asks for a narrative, the strongest writers weave rich description into their stories. Descriptive writing is one of the best ways to impress the examiners at Sutton Grammar, Wilson's, Wallington County Grammar, Nonsuch, and Wallington High, because it shows that you can use language with precision and imagination.

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What Is Descriptive Writing?

Descriptive writing creates a vivid picture in the reader's mind. Its purpose is not to tell a story or argue a point — it is to make the reader see, hear, smell, taste, and feel the scene you are describing. Think of yourself as a camera that can also record sounds, smells, and emotions.

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The Five Senses Toolkit

The foundation of all descriptive writing is the five senses. Weaker writers rely only on sight. Stronger writers bring in sound, smell, touch, and even taste.