Descriptive Writing: Structure

Begin by drafting an enticing introduction: Your first lines should strive to capture the reader’s attention. Set the scene or introduce a character; a powerful and fascinating opening will pique the reader’s interest and pave the way for the narrative to naturally unfold.
Organize your content into paragraphs: Groups of sentences should be clustered together to discuss a single idea or detail in your story. This helps make your narrative clear and easy to understand.
Apply Chronological ordering: Try as much as possible to ensure your descriptive writing follows a logical sequence of events, for instance, starting with the beginning of the event then moving to the middle and then finally the end (conclusion). This orderly structure will help your writing naturally flow.
Employ the use of transitional phrases: Include such words and phrases to ensure your paragraphs and ideas flow smoothly. This can also guide your reader through the string of events or descriptions in your writing.
Show, don’t tell: It’s more compelling to show your reader what’s happening in the story through vivid descriptions and details rather than directly telling them. Use sensory language to help the reader visualise and engage with your narrative.
Variation in sentence structure: Vary your sentence lengths and structures to keep your reader engaged. A combination of simple, compound, and complex sentences can add texture to your writing.
Develop a purposeful conclusion: Your ending should leave a lasting impression on your reader. You could bring your narrative full circle by referring back to the initial scene or detail you described, or you could reveal something surprising about your character or story.
Ensure consistent narrative perspective: If you start writing the story from a first person perspective, continue with the same unless it is necessary to change. Changing the narrative viewpoint mid-story can often be confusing for those reading your work.
Revise your text: Like other forms of writing, descriptive writing can always be improved with thorough revision and editing. Look out for areas where you could add more detail, or where your descriptions need to be clarified or condensed.
Act on feedback: If possible, have a friend, tutor, or family member read your work and provide comments. They can help point out areas that may need more detail or areas that you did a great job in, both of which would be beneficial for you to know for your future writings.