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. Write Express: How to Write a Descriptive Essay LEO: Literacy Education Online: Descriptive Essays The RSCC Online Writing Lab InfoPlease: Descriptive Essays Descriptive Essay Examples Young Lions, Young Ladies The Old Fence The Curse of the Dump Diller's Dilemma Lou's Place | 