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Text types: Particular Descriptions

Overview

What are particular descriptions?

Particular descriptions are texts (or parts of texts) which describe the characteristic features of living and non-living things, eg people, places, objects. They provide details about specific and individual people, places and things. They are different from general descriptions which organise and display information about a whole category of things.

Particular descriptions use descriptive language in order to 'paint a picture' of what is being described. Often the language also gives a particular feeling or opinion about the object being described.

Sometimes a particular description will be a whole text in itself, for example the description of a holiday resort on a postcard. At other times it may be part of another text, for example a description of a character or a setting at the beginning of a story.

Why do we use particular descriptions?

There are many reasons for using particular descriptions:

	To create an image:
		We use particular descriptions to create an image using words. Listeners or readers of a particular description should be able to form a clear picture in their mind of the person, place or thing being described. For an example of a particular description used to create an image see My dog Tess
	To provide detailed, factual information:
		When we want to describe a particular person, place or thing quite factually we first have to observe or do some research. For example, we might observe a pet, a piece of a scientific equipment or a specimen in a museum; we might research a geographical region or the leader of a country. Then we collect the details together using precise and accurate language to write a description. At school, students often need to write precise and accurate descriptions, eg when they record and gather together observations made on a field trip. For an example of a particular description used to provide detailed, factual information see My camera
	To provide a factual summary:
		Sometimes we describe a particular person, place or thing for administrative or business reasons. For example, when a person is missing or wanted, the police provide the media with a clear and accurate description of the person. Similarly, when a possession is lost or stolen, we describe it very clearly and accurately in the hope that it will be found. For an example of a particular description used to provide a factual summary see Lost dog
	To share experiences:
		Sometimes we describe a particular person, place or thing in order to share our experiences with others and to entertain our listeners or readers. We use descriptive language to create an image, a feeling or a mood. We often use words which reveal our feelings and opinions about the person, place or thing we are describing. Sometimes we play with language to achieve a special effect. Particular descriptions of this kind are often found in stories, plays and poems. They are called literary descriptions. At school, students are often asked to write lively and interesting literary descriptions when they write creatively eg, when they write stories or poems.

When students listen to, read, tell or write particular descriptions, they do the following with language:

	describe people, things and places
	describe actions and abilities
	describe time, place and manner
	compare and contrast
	express feelings and opinions

Where can I find particular descriptions?

Particular descriptions are used in everyday conversations with family and friends. They are also found in the media and in spoken and written stories.

At school we find particular descriptions in all kinds of spoken and written texts. Students listen to particular descriptions given by teachers in the classroom, and they read particular descriptions in textbooks and storybooks.

Particular descriptions are found in the following texts:

biographies
(description of a person's qualities and achievements)

brochures
(description of a travel destination)

news stories
(police descriptions of suspects)

personal letters
and postcards
(a description of a place you have visited)

poems
(description of a special person, place or thing)

stories
(description of a particular character or a physical setting)

reviews
(description of a work of art, or a particular character or the physical setting in a story)

How can these pages help me?

In these pages you will find answers to the following questions:

	How are particular descriptions structured?
	What are the typical grammatical features of particular descriptions?
	How can I use particular descriptions in the classroom?

Sample texts

We have provided you with several examples of particular descriptions. You will find these by clicking on Examples in the menu on the left.

For PrimeTeach teaching activities which provide KS2 students with practice in particular descriptions, see:

Playground games
Animal facts
My penfriend
Three festivals
Witches and vampires