The key word here is "descriptive". What your goal is in a descriptive piece of writing is to describe something, someone, or some place in a way that shows the readers, rather than tells. This is done by using lots of descriptive language and details. Descriptive writing can be done in an essay format (5 paragraphs!), or even as a story or a poem. Here are some great web sites to help you understand descriptive writing and its conventions. LEO: Literacy Education Online: Descriptive Essays The RSCC Online Writing Lab InfoPlease: Descriptive Essays Descriptive Essay Examples The Football Experience An Ocean Adventure Untitled Mother Nature | 