English Home Language
Formal Assessment
Term 2
Writing and Presenting: Descriptive
Due Date:11th July 2025
Assessor: Mrs Thusi 30
Name: _______________________________________________ Grade: _______
Task Overview
- Task: Write a descriptive essay on one of the given topics.
- Duration: 3-4 class periods (approximately 150 minutes)
- Word Count: 250-350 words
Topic Choices
Choose one of the following topics:
1. The Mysterious Island: You stumble upon a hidden island while on a sailing trip.
Describe the island and the adventures you have there.
2. Day in the Life of an Object: Choose an object (e.g., a chair, a book, a key) and
write a descriptive essay about a day in its life.
3. The Time Traveler's Dilemma: You discover a time machine that takes you back to
a historical event. Write a narrative essay about your experiences.
4. The Magic Paintbrush: You find a magical paintbrush that brings your artwork to life.
Describe the world you create with it.
5. The Future City: Imagine a city 50 years from now. Describe the city and its
innovative features.
NB: Your writing must be structured: introduction, body paragraphs and conclusion
Task Breakdown & Timeline
Date Task Tick
7 July Descriptive Essay writing: Language purpose, form and
structure.
8 July Choose your topic and brainstorm ideas using a mind
map, Write the Introduction.
9 July Write the first draft Body paragraphs.
10 July Write the Conclusion (First Draft Complete) Revise for
clarity, add figurative language, and check structure.
Peer Edit.
11 July Write Final Draft: grammar, spelling, formatting. Submit
your essay!
Expanded Writing Tips for Descriptive Essays
1. Introduction – Hook the Reader
• Purpose: Set the scene and grab attention.
• Tips:
• Start with a vivid image, question, or unusual detail.
• Introduce the main subject without giving everything away.
• Use figurative language early to set the tone.
• Example:
“The scent of rain on dry earth curled through the air like a whispered promise.”
2. Body Paragraphs – Paint with Words
• Purpose: Develop the description using sensory and figurative language.
• Tips:
• Organize by sense (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste) or by spatial
order (left to right, top to bottom).
• Use similes, metaphors, and personification to bring scenes to life.
• Include specific details: instead of “tree,” say “gnarled oak with mossy bark.”
• Vary sentence length and structure for rhythm and flow.
• Example:
“The waves slapped the shore with a lazy rhythm, like a tired drummer keeping time.”
3. Conclusion – Leave a Lasting Impression
• Purpose: Wrap up with reflection or emotional impact.
• Tips:
• Reflect on the meaning or feeling the scene evokes.
• Revisit a detail from the introduction for a circular structure.
• End with a powerful image or thought-provoking line.
• Example:
“Even now, the scent of jasmine takes me back to that quiet evening under the stars.”
Descriptive Writing Checklist
Introduction
☐ Start with a vivid image, question, or unusual detail.
☐ Introduce the main subject clearly.
☐ Use figurative language to set the tone.
Body Paragraphs
☐ Organise by senses or spatial order.
☐ Use similes, metaphors, and personification.
☐ Include specific, vivid details.
☐ Vary sentence length and structure.
Conclusion
☐ Reflect on the meaning or feeling of the scene.
☐ Revisit a detail from the introduction.
☐ End with a powerful image or thought-provoking line.
Assessment Criteria
Assessment Criteria
✓ Content (40%): Relevance, depth, and creativity of ideas
✓ Structure and Organisation (30%): Effective use of introduction, body
paragraphs, and conclusion
✓ Language and Style (20%): Use of descriptive language, grammar,
punctuation, and spelling
✓ Mechanics (10%): Adherence to word count, formatting, and submission
guidelines
----------------------------------------------Goodluck!------------------------------------------------%):
Relevance, depth, an