Final answer:
The main purpose of descriptive writing is to create a detailed and significant portrayal of a subject by using descriptive language that appeals to the senses, showing rather than telling, and emphasizing the subject's importance to the reader.
Step-by-step explanation:
Main Purpose of Descriptive Writing
The main purpose of descriptive writing is to provide a detailed account and the significance of something, by using descriptive language to appeal to the reader's five senses: sight, smell, sound, taste, and touch. The goal is to create a vivid experience by showing and not telling, making the reader feel as though they are there in the moment. A descriptive essay focuses on describing either a person, a place, an object, or an event.
Effective descriptive writing requires showing the significance of the subject being described. The author must go beyond mere description to convince the reader of its importance. By using descriptive language and imagery, the writer creates a picture in the mind of the reader, making the experience immersive. This illustrative approach is what distinguishes descriptive essays from other forms of writing, such as narrative or expository essays.