GCSE English: Descriptive Writing Development Worksheet

Objective:
To generate, expand, and organise ideas for an extended piece of descriptive writing.

Task 1: Stimulus Selection

Choose one of the following settings to focus on for your descriptive writing:
– A deserted beach at sunset
– A bustling city street in the rain
– An abandoned house in the woods
– A carnival at night
– A quiet library during a storm

My chosen setting: _______________________________________________

Task 2: Senses Brainstorm

Use the table below to brainstorm vivid sensory details. Be as specific and imaginative as possible.

Task 3: Zoom-In Technique

Choose one object or detail from your setting (e.g., a flickering streetlamp, a broken shell, a wet umbrella).

My object/detail: _______________________________________________

Describe it in detail using imagery and figurative language (e.g., simile, metaphor, personification):

Task 4: Planning Structure

Sketch a rough structure for your descriptive piece. Use the prompts below to guide you.

1. Opening: Introduce the setting — what do we see first?
2. Development: Zoom in on details, build atmosphere, add layers of senses.
3. Climax: What moment or image stands out the most?
4. Ending: Leave a lasting impression — change in mood or tone?

Brief notes:

Opening: ____________________________________________________

Development: _________________________________________________

Climax: ______________________________________________________

Ending: ______________________________________________________

Task 5: Vocabulary Builder

List at least five ambitious adjectives and five strong verbs to use in your writing:

Adjectives: _________________________________________________

Verbs: ______________________________________________________

Extension Challenge:

Write a short paragraph (5–8 sentences) using your setting and sensory ideas. Focus on creating atmosphere.