Top 100 Descriptive Essay Topics

These essays describe impressions, memories or feelings. Because descriptive essays allow students almost unlimited freedom to choose how they want to express themselves, they are very popular with students. Descriptive essays are not meant to be exhaustively researched or theorized.

Here are some examples of topics you could write about. They can be modified or transformed to suit your needs and ideas.

DESCRIPTIVEESSAY TOPICS

This section contains ideas for descriptive essays about your favorite activities or first impressions of specific events.

1. My favourite movie
Describe the movie’s plot and favorite episode.

2. My favorite movie character
Please describe your favorite movie character and why you love him/her.

3. The book that I love most
Write about your favourite book. It could be a novel or a collection of essays. Do you own a copy?

4. My house of dreams
Your imagination is the best tool here. Be creative in describing the interior and exterior of your house. But also consider the feelings that are associated with it.

5. My best friend
Who are your best friends? Do you remember when you first met?

6. My first overseas trip
Which place were you going? What did you expect before you started the trip? What is the most important thing that you remember from your trip?

7. The initial experience I recall
This is a serious topic and one that you should not be writing about.

8. My initial romantic relationship
This topic is great for descriptive essays. Write an essay, not a diary about your romantic feelings.

9. This is the concert I will never forget
You may have attended many concerts. But which one will you remember the most?

10. My first time using the internet

This topic for a descriptive essay is not appropriate if you are part of the Millennium Generation. In any case, you may write about your first impressions and experiences using the internet.

11. My favorite music style
What do like most about this music style? How do you feel about it?

12. My first tear of joy
Sometimes, happiness can be expressed with tears, which is strange. What was the story?

13. My maiden voyage by air
Many people recall feeling scared when they first boarded a plane. What was your experience? What was your experience when you looked up at the earth?

14. My longest journey
Not everyone likes long journeys. What was your experience?

15. My dream job
What’s your favorite profession?

DESCRIPTIVE TOPICS: GEOGRAPHY & TRAVELING (REAL & IMAGINABLE).

These topics are relevant to your observation skills. These topics can be written about anything you’ve seen, as well as objects or things that you have only seen on TV. You can write an essay about the first topic to tell your story, or it can be based on your imagination.

16. The most thrilling cruise
Are you a traveler across the ocean? Share your story with others.

17. The most beautiful spot on Earth
It is a city or a town? How did it feel to you? What is the most memorable thing about being there?

18. Top 10 European destinations
Which of these top 10 lists is your favorite? You don’t have to think only about cities; you can also consider countries and places.

19. Asia’s most stunning places
Tell us about your views on Asia and its beauty.

20. New Zealand and Australia: The marvels of both
Is Australia just Sydney? Is New Zealand the only country where The Lord of the Rings was shot?

21. A space journey
Explore space and take an imaginative journey through it – through solar system galaxies. Where would your journey take you? This descriptive essay topic has a philosophical undertone.

22. The starry sky’s beauty
Describe what you feel about the star observation.

23. What is the best way for an astronaut to see?
Are you curious about the view that an astronaut has from the International Space Station

24. A Himalayan expedition
As if you were a member of this expedition. Describe the thrills and challenges.

25. A trip to the Andes
These lands are home to history, nature, and mystery. Experiment with your imagination and share your personal experience.

26. Iceland – Another world
Iceland is one of most mysterious countries in the globe, known for its volcanoes.

27. The Northern Lights and Their Beauty
Are you a fan of the Northern Lights? Perhaps you’ve seen a TV program about the Northern Lights. Let us know your thoughts.

28. Canadian White Nights
Are you familiar with Canada’s White Nights? Is it possible to witness them?

29. One day as a seaman on board a ship
What does a seaman feel while on board a ship? What is it like to feel far away from your home?

30. Africa’s heart
Is it possible to go on safari and see a lion just a few feet away?

DESCRIPTIVE TOPICS FOR ESSAYS: HISTORY

These topics for descriptive essays are related to important historical events. These topics are important for writing a descriptive paper.

31. Julius Caesar: Legendary commander
What was so special about this man’s life?

32. Napoleon: The King of Europe
What was Napoleon looking for and what did he achieve?

33. The Voyage of Hope – The Mayflower
It is one our greatest historical events. This was the Voyage of Hope.

34. The War of Independence: The Common Americans
What was the perception of this important war by Americans? What does war look like?

35. Pearl Harbor’s tragedy
One of most devastating wars in human history. What was the significance of Pearl Harbor for America? Is there a family history that is related to Pearl Harbor?

36. The most important historical event
What do you think it is? Please describe the phenomenon and tell us about America’s influence.

37. The greatest person we have ever known
What is his/her motivation?

38. Visit the historical museums
What is there to see in a museum like this? You can share your experience here.

39. Lessons from history, lessons for life
Is school always disconnected from real-life? Is it possible to identify a history lesson with a lesson about life and life?

40. Pirate of the Caribbean
How was life like for a pirate? What would you do if you could?

DESCRIPTIVE TOPICS FOR ESSAYS: MEMORIES & ASSOCIATIONS

This section contains descriptive essay topics that are reflective and introversive. These topics are not a set of instructions. You can use your own ideas to make them more interesting.

41. Warm winter evening
This is what you can picture – a scene from childhood, or a night with your children.

42. My childhood fairytale
Although “fairytale” can also refer to a beautiful place, or a moment in time, you shouldn’t take it literally.

43. A hot summer day
Many people love summer. What are you most associated with summer?

44. One day in school
What’s it really like to spend a single day at school? What happens at school and in classes?

45. An educator
Who has been the greatest teacher to you?

46. Christmas Story
What are you most associated with Christmas? How did you feel Christmas spirit in your life?

47. My upbringing
Your childhood doesn’t have to be described. Instead, focus on the most memorable moments and events.

48. My parents and I enjoyed a fun picnic
What were your experiences when you took your parents to the mountains? Was it a memorable experience?

49. One day at seaside
Is spending time at the coast your favorite part of life? What are you going to do?

50. My favorite pet
What are your memories of your pet?

DESCRIPTIVE TABLE OF ESSAY TOPICS

These hints will help you to write a descriptive essay. Your imagination is your best friend. These topics are great for a descriptive essay.

51. A movie from a popular series
What was the most impressive thing about this film?

52. A journalist who works in television news
What is his/her appearance? What is his/her behavior? Are you a fan of the newscaster?

53. A children movie
What made you choose this film? What do it have in common?

54. A verse of words
Who is the author of this poem? What associations are there with the poem?

55. Novel
Different novels are both hard and simple to comprehend. Which novel would you like to tell us about and what emotions it evokes in us? You don’t necessarily need to choose your favourite novel.

56. Writer
Who are you most inspired by? You can call him/her a journalist, a philosopher, or fiction writer.

57. A bookshop
Describe a bookstore.

58. A work of art created with a brush and paint
It’s easy enough to describe a piece of art, but is it possible to properly interpret it?

59. A museum
How does it feel visiting a museum? Which one?

60. A dance
This dance is a great way to feel good.

DESCRIPTIVE TOPICS DAILY LIFE

These topics require you to describe your day. Can you highlight the most interesting parts? It is important to draw conclusions rather than merely describe places or events.

61. Supermarket
What are you looking for in a supermarket? What does it feel like to be a consumer? Are you one of many consumers?

62. My way to school
What is your view of the school journey? What do you think about the way to school?

63. My way to work
What are you thinking or feeling while you’re there? Do you fear anything?

64. My typical day as it looks
This is the best topic for descriptive essays. What are you interested in? What are you most passionate about? What are your dreams?

65. When I visit neighbors
Are you a good neighbor? How does it feel for you? What is it like for you?

66. When I go fishiing
What are you most passionate about in fishing? What do you enjoy most about fishing?

67. My life revolves around cooking
Everybody loves to cook. Are you a good cook?

68. My favorite sport is skiing
Sport is vital. What motivates you to play sports? What is your motivation to get into sports?

69. What I do with my girl/boyfriend
A descriptive essay can also be written about spending time with your single one. Maybe you have some thoughts?

70. The day I hate
These days are part of everyone’s daily life. If you don’t feel like sharing, tell the reader. For example, you can be humorous

DESCRIPTIVE TOPICS FOR ESSAYS: PHILOSOPHY AND SCIENCE.

These topics require you to have a deeper understanding of your writing. A definite point-of-view is not necessary. Another way to express neutrality is through descriptive essays.

71. My religious confession
If you’re not averse to it, tell others.

72. How I see God
This is a serious problem that can easily be tackled in many ways. The easiest question to ask is “What feelings do your have about God?”

73. Meetings for all levels
Share with the reader your personal beliefs.

74. The thinker I admire most
Why are you a fan of him/her? Which is your favorite contribution?

75. My philosophy in life
This essay will discuss your philosophy or worldview. This is a very detailed topic for an essay.

76. The meaning life
It is what? Your personal viewpoint is welcome.

77. My most influential scientific theory
What theory is it? It is part of medicine, biology, or physics.

78. Science and adventure
Your science-related adventures and experiences (metaphorically)

79. Brilliant technology
Describe a technology you have found very inspiring.

80. An incredible scientist
Write a description essay about a scientist whose contributions have been important to mankind.

DESCRIPTIVE TOPICS FOR ESSAYS: PROFESSIONS

These are some ideas for topics in descriptive essays that relate to various professions. You can write about an individual or tell about their job.

81. What’s it like playing football?
The life and work of a American football player.

82. To be a NBA superstar
NBA players can make a lot. Are their lives easy?

83. A champion at the Olympics
Retell the story of this champion. A story filled with dreams and suffering.

84. What is it like being an airplane pilot?
Piloting is a challenging job, but it is an interesting one. Write a descriptive essay about it.

85. One day with a doctor in an ER
What is the role of a doctor in an Emergency room?

86. To be a Hollywood superstar
It is really that easy to become a movie star.

87. Engineers do their work.
Although engineers are not often well-known, their work is essential to our daily lives.

88. What’s it like to be an officer?
Although it’s not easy to become a policeman, what is a typical day for one?

89. Being president of United States
Although this is not a specific profession, it can be combined with diplomacy and politics.

90. One day in army
What is a soldier supposed to do?

DESCRIPTIVE TOPICS FOR ESSAYS: MISCELLANEOUS

91. One day with a married couple
Describe a romantic date between your spouses.

92. A story about a project that failed
Many projects were never realized. Can you tell such a story?

93. One day with the koala
Animals, like humans, have their own stories. You have the option to choose another animal.

94. Take a walk through the zoo
Is it different to be able to walk through the zoo? It is different for adults?

95. Bungee jumping
It is an interesting topic for a descriptive essay.

96. An internet story
Do you have any experience with meeting people online? What was the outcome?

97. The most bizarre party
It was remarkable.

98. A superstition
Are you a believer in superstitions? Perhaps someone in your circle has one. It’s interesting!

99. Computers – a big part of me
What about computers in the daily grind?

100. Heaven for every woman
Which is the favorite place for women? What is the best place for women to shop for shoes? A jewelry shop?
Make sure you apply the right approach to each type or topic for your descriptive essay. It is impossible to write about topics that require reflections or philosophizing in just a few words.

Author

  • isabelhart

    Amy Fox is a 28 year old school blogger, who has been writing for over 10 years. She has been a student at the University of Utah for three years and is now a graduate student.