What is a descriptive essay?

A descriptive essay is characterized by its use of sensory details to vividly portray a person, place, object, or event. This type of essay immerses the reader in the experience by appealing to the senses—sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch—to create a rich and engaging depiction. The goal is to evoke emotions and provide a deeper understanding through detailed observations, allowing readers to feel as though they are experiencing the subject firsthand.

In contrast, the other options represent different types of essays. Summarizing key points describes an informative or expository essay, which focuses on presenting facts or an overview rather than detailed descriptions. The option related to visual storytelling without details misrepresents the essence of a descriptive essay, as it emphasizes the importance of details in crafting vivid imagery. Lastly, the essay arguing for or against a position refers to a persuasive essay, which is aimed at convincing the reader of a particular viewpoint rather than describing a scene or experience in detail. This highlights the distinct purpose and technique used in descriptive writing.