Example of a Descriptive Paragraph

The Sights and Sounds of the Chao Phraya River

     On our trip to Bangkok last year, my friends and I took a boat trip on the Chao Phraya River, which is the principal river of Thailand. This busy river is crowded with river buses, water taxis, fishing boats, and tourist boats. Every day local people use these boats because they are faster than the thousands of cars that overfill Bangkok's busy streets. Our river boat was so crowded that we couldhardly move, yet we seem to fly down the river, enjoying the cool breeze. The scenery along the shore surpirsed me. My mind had a hard time accepting the sight of massive, brand-new skyscrapers and tall modern hotels so near beautiful golden palaces and temples that are more than 200 years old. While the city of Bangkok is loud from the noise of so many cars, the river is actually peaceful in spite of all the boat activity. I will never forget the beautiful red sun setting as we arrived at our final destination. Because of all the things I experienced that day on our trip, I highly recommend that you take a boat trip along the Chao Phraya River.

Vocabulary:

principal - main, most important

crowded - with many people

scenery - view, what can be seen

massive - huge, very big

a skyscraper - very tall building that seems to touch the sky

in spite of - although, regardless of

the destination - the place you are travelling to

TEACHER'S NOTES FOR STUDENTS:

     This is a good example of a descriptive paragraph. When you write your descriptive essays, consider using ADJECTIVES, and words that express EMOTION. A descriptive essay tries to make the reader EXPERIENCE what the writer is describing. 

Activity:

Read and answer these questions:

1. What are the top five adjectives that come to mind when you try to describe a very busy place?

2. Where is the busiest place you have ever been? What other words can you use to decribe that place?