Grade 7 - Descriptive Essay
Due Date: _________________
Description is used to create atmosphere and mood:
films do this visually, writers do this with words. The
choice of words is more determined by their
connotations and by the accuracy of their denotative
use.
When you write descriptively you should:
• Describe someone / something to allow the reader to experience the topic
vividly
• Create a picture in words
• Choose words and expressions carefully to achieve the desired effect –
choose strong verbs and interesting adjective (SIDES).
• Use images of sight, sound, hearing, taste and touch
• Use figures of speech
 Remember – don’t tell but show
Examples:
Telling
Showing
The house was old.
The house frowned with a wrinkled brow,
and inside it creaked with each step,
releasing a scent of neglected laundry.
He was smart.
If you had to pick a study buddy, you
would pick this guy.
The clock had been in our family for The clock stood by our family, faithfully
years.
marking the minutes and hours of our
lives.
Task Instructions:
Read through the topics carefully. You may select only ONE of them.
You are required to write a paragraph of 100-120 words.
Make sure that you indicate the number of the topic you have chosen in the
margin and that you give your paragraph a title.
Guidelines

You should include a mind-map AND rough draft.

You will be penalised if you exceed the word limit.

Look at the rubric before you start. Identify what is important and how
the marks are weighted.

Edit your writing carefully. Be sure to read through it and check where
you can make corrections and improvements.

Presentation is important. Write legibly and use paragraphs.
Topics:
1. Welcome to the 22nd Century
Describe the car, house, or workplace of the future. Which familiar items are
missing? What new technology has developed, and how does it contribute to
our well-being, comfort, or convenience?
2. One Day Each Year
Birthdays are celebrated in many different ways. Describe birthday festivities
in your house, including the food, the gifts, and favorite family traditions.
3. Dare to be Different
Think of the most unusual person you have known: their personality, their
external qualities, and their unique point of view (background and special
knowledge). Try to capture this amazing person on paper.
4. Surfing and Snowflakes
Would you rather spend an evening stoking bonfires by the beach, or throwing
snowballs at your best friend? Describe your favorite season, including the
activities that make it so appealing to you.
RUBRIC FOR DESCRIPTIVE WRITING 100-120 Words
Level 6-7
8-10 Marks
Level 5
6-7 Marks
Level 4
4-5 marks
Mark: ____/ 50 converted to ____/10
Level 3
3-4 marks
Level 2
2 Marks
Level 1
0-1 Mark
Planning/coherence,
introductory
sentence/concluding
sentence, structure,
use of connectors.
Thorough
planning/effective
introduction and
conclusion. Excellent
sentence structure
and effective
connectors used.
Planning evident,
introduction and
conclusion adequate
for the task. Correct
sentence structure.
Logical connectors
between sentences.
Some evidence of
planning. Introduction
and conclusion
vaguely expressed.
Some errors in
sentence structure.
Few connectors
between sentences.
Little evidence of
planning. Ineffective
introduction, weak
conclusion, little
topical unity. Many
errors in sentence
structure.
No evidence of
planning. Absence of
clear beginning and
end. Flawed sentence
structure
No evidence of planning,
no introductory
sentence,
No conclusion, no
topical unity. Very flawed
sentence structure.
Virtually no connectors
used.
Originality in handling
of topic
.
Creative, innovative
interpretation of task.
Evidence of lateral
thinking process.
Handling of topic
shows some
originality but not
sustained throughout.
Clear story line, some
interesting detail, but
nothing extra added.
Generally a mundane
storyline. Absence of
interesting detail
Struggles to maintain
the flow of the story,
little originality.
No originality.
Muddled handling of the
topic.
Descriptions
Polished and captures
the quintessential;
supplies fresh
perspectives and
precise, graphic detail;
accurate and
evocative diction and
innovative structure;
vibrant, original
imagery. Various
senses are used.
Pleasing attempt.
Some good
descriptions although
not always original.
Pupil has used three
or more senses and
created interesting
images.
Competent descriptive
essay: fair expression
and careful structure;
broad, clear
descriptions; lacks
some precision and
creativity.
Has moments of
colour but generally
little attention is given
to detail; often creates
stereotyped rather
than authentic
descriptions. Errors of
expression and
structure detract from
impact of writing.
Descriptive essay
unsuccessful: very
poor expression and
structure; descriptions
are weak and
inaccurate; topic and
essay style
misunderstood or very
poorly interpreted.
No description was
used. Pupil listed events
and did not describe a
moment.
Use of poetic devices
and words
Excellent, discerning
use of figurative
devices and strong
effective choice of
words.
Some good use of
figurative language
although mundane or
clichéd in places.
Has included some
figurative devices but
without attention to
originality or
appropriateness.
Writing is mundane
and contains few
figurative devices.
No attempt to use
words or expressions
in a figurative or
imaginative way.
Insufficient writing to
meet the criteria.
Editing and Language
usage
Editing results in a
flawless, lucid essay.
Few or no errors in
mechanics.
Grammatically
accurate and wellconstructed.
Evidence of editing
improves the final
product. Mostly
correct and consistent
use of punctuation
and spelling
strategies. Grammar
is reasonably wellconstructed.
Some errors in
mechanics and style.
Applies basic spelling
strategies and simple
grammatical
constructions
correctly,
Writing is flawed and
contains many
inaccuracies in
structure, style and
grammatical
application.
Many errors in
mechanics. Poor
spelling strategies and
fraught with
grammatical errors.
Insufficient writing to
meet the criteria.