Description Essay ISE I and II

You can be asked to write different kinds of descriptive essays when taking a Trinity exam. For ISE I candidates, the most common ones are those about places and / or events. For ISE II candidates, the essays can be a little bit more abstract, maybe about a job or lifestyle. But, the structure is mainly the same in all of the cases. A very important thing descriptions have in common is the use of colourful vocabulary – adverbs and adjectives are the key. Let’s take a description of a place as an example.

The title: it should be the name of

Zermatt

the place, event or idea described.

Zermatt is a resort town in southern Switzerland. It’s located at the foot of the majestic Matterhorn, one of the most famous mountains in the

1st paragraph: name, location and

Alps.

special or interesting details.

Zermatt is a picturesque village with lovely houses, streets and shops as well as breathtaking Alpine scenery. It is quiet and clean because no cars are allowed there. Electric buses and taxis and horse-drawn carriages are the only forms of public transport.

2nd / 3rd paragraphs: Description with more detail, examples of things to see and do (when describing a place). Describe the

The village is a world-famous ski resort with skiing all year round.

atmosphere, the people, the culture or way of life. Historical

Visitors can also enjoy hiking, biking or riding a cable-car to the top of

details, sounds, smells and

the mountain. Bars, restaurants, clubs and casinos provide lively night-

personal feelings about the place

time entertainment.

/ event.

In summer or winter, Zermatt is unforgettable. It’s a great place to Summary: concluding sentence

spend a holiday.

and opinion or recommendation.

1. Adjectives – word order: a.

opinion adjectives come before fact adjectives: A great movie.

b. fact adjectives appear as follows: size – age – colour – origin – material:  A great big green car. 2. Adjectives in <-ed> or <-ing>: a.

<-ed> to describe how you feel: I’m bored.

b. <-ing> to describe what it is that makes you feel that way: The movie is boring. 3. Adjective or adverb? a.

adjectives: they used to describe nouns. He’s a beautiful singer.

b. adverbs: are used with verbs to say how things are done. He sings beautifully. They also modify adjectives. He was extremely furious. 4. Extreme adjectives: we can use extreme adjectives to make the description more intense. Angry → furious

Bad → awful, terrible

Big → huge, gigantic

Clean → spotless

Cold → freezing

Crowed → packed

Dirty → filthy

Funny → hilarious

Good → wonderful

Hot → boiling

Hungry → starving

Interesting → fascinating

Old → ancient

Pretty → gorgeous

Scary → terrifying

Small → tiny

Surprising → astounding

Tired Tir ed → exhausted

Ugly →hideous

Wet → drench