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Descriptive Writing Prompt: Deserted Island

Posted on: 11-14-2011 by: Brian Wasko

Being washed ashore on a strange or deserted island is one of the most popular ideas in literature and pop culture. Think about how many well-known stories involve this idea: Robinson Crusoe , Gulliver’s Travels , The Tempest , Lord of the Flies , Swiss Family Robinson , and The Cay , not to mention TV and film versions like Lost, Gilligan’s Island and Castaway .

Obviously, the idea itself isn’t very original, but what is interesting is the different approaches each of these stories takes. This assignment is to write a brief description of a mysterious island from your own unique perspective.

A deserted island might be an amazing, beautiful place that you might not want to leave. On the other hand, it could be a dark, dangerous, or lonely place that has you yearning for home. In this assignment, we want you think consider both options: an island as a dream come true and an island as a nightmare.

First, we’ll start with a prewriting exercise:

1 Imagine being stranded on a deserted island paradise. What you discover is a dream come true . Think about what that place would look like, sound like, smell, and feel like. Use the chart below to brainstorm descriptive words and images that appeal to the five senses:

2 Now imagine the same experience as a complete nightmare . What might a horrible, terrifying island be like? Use the chart below to brainstorm words and phrases that describe this very different image:

3 Now look through your two lists and circle the words and phrases that you think are the most interesting, original and vivid — the ones you are most likely to use in your description. Don’t worry about how many you circle or how many you leave out. It’s up to you.

4 Using these words and images, write a description of one of these islands — you decide which one. Remember, this is description, not narration. You are not telling a story, you are painting a word-picture. Still,  it is okay to include action . Things can move, including your narrator.  Just be sure that your main purpose is to communicate the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of the island. Try to be original and include specific details that will make the island come alive for your reader.

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Categories:   Writing Assignments/Prompts Tags:   assignment , descriptive , dream come true , islands , nightmare , writing

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About the author.

Brian Wasko Brian is the founder and president of WriteAtHome.com. One of his passions is to teach young people how to write better. View all posts by Brian Wasko

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WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®

Helping writers become bestselling authors

Setting Description Entry: Desert

August 30, 2008 by BECCA PUGLISI

A landscape of sand, flat, harsh sunlight, cacti, tumbleweeds, dust devils, cracked land, crumbing rock, sandstone, canyons, wind-worn rock formations, tracks, dead grasses, vibrant desert blooms (after rainfall), flash flooding, dry creek…

Wind (whistling, howling, piping, tearing, weaving, winding, gusting), birds cawing, flapping, squawking, the fluttering shift of feasting birds, screeching eagles, the sound of one’s own steps, heavy silence, baying wild dogs…

Arid air, dust, one’s own sweat and body odor, dry baked earth, carrion

Grit, dust, dry mouth & tongue, warm flat canteen water, copper taste in mouth, bitter taste of insects for eating, stringy wild game (hares, rats) the tough saltiness of hardtack, biscuits or jerky, an insatible thirst or hunger

Torrid heat, sweat, cutting wind, cracked lips, freezing cold (night) hard packed ground, rocks, gritty sand, shivering, swiping away dirt and sweat, pain from split lips and dehydration, numbness in legs, heat/pain from sun stroke, clothes…

Helpful hints: –The words you choose can convey atmosphere and mood.

Example 1: When I started my journey across the winding dunes of sand, the sky was clear blue glass. Now, as I stagger toward mountains growing no bigger despite three days of walking, that blue glass is marred by flecks of swirling ash…vultures waiting for their next meal…

–Similes and metaphors create strong imagery when used sparingly.

Example 1: The dust devil swirled across the canyon like a rattlesnake on the hunt. (Simile)…

Think beyond what a character sees, and provide a sensory feast for readers

Setting is much more than just a backdrop, which is why choosing the right one and describing it well is so important. To help with this, we have expanded and integrated this thesaurus into our online library at One Stop For Writers . Each entry has been enhanced to include possible sources of conflict , people commonly found in these locales , and setting-specific notes and tips , and the collection itself has been augmented to include a whopping 230 entries—all of which have been cross-referenced with our other thesauruses for easy searchability. So if you’re interested in seeing a free sample of this powerful Setting Thesaurus, head on over and register at One Stop.

On the other hand, if you prefer your references in book form, we’ve got you covered, too, because both books are now available for purchase in digital and print copies . In addition to the entries, each book contains instructional front matter to help you maximize your settings. With advice on topics like making your setting do double duty and using figurative language to bring them to life, these books offer ample information to help you maximize your settings and write them effectively.

Becca Puglisi is an international speaker, writing coach, and bestselling author of The Emotion Thesaurus and its sequels. Her books are available in five languages, are sourced by US universities, and are used by novelists, screenwriters, editors, and psychologists around the world. She is passionate about learning and sharing her knowledge with others through her Writers Helping Writers blog and via One Stop For Writers —a powerhouse online library created to help writers elevate their storytelling.

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Reader Interactions

March 10, 2020 at 4:15 am

Wow this helped me so much on my essay thanks I have altleast 20 things down for it from this website 😊❤️✨

October 7, 2019 at 5:11 pm

this is a very helpful extract where I could pick out some descriptions of the desert and how the climate is Thank you very much for doing this because it gives me the feel and the imagination that I am there now in the desert

February 23, 2019 at 9:35 am

helpful school work !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

October 7, 2018 at 1:43 pm

this has helped me so much for my gcse exams.that i am glad that somebody helped me

September 7, 2017 at 1:56 am

Such vivid descriptions creates a desert picture in my mind. Feel like am already there. Was doing last chapters of my novel wanted to write something about cold deserts. I come from the tropics and have no idea about cold deserts, any information will see me through.

May 6, 2017 at 3:13 pm

This was very helpul for my essay, love it.

May 7, 2017 at 3:41 pm

I’m so glad it was timely!

September 4, 2008 at 8:08 am

I do have one story that’s set in a desert land. But the greatest influence on me – in terms of living in so many different places – is that I always have people of different cultures and species having to live together, cooperate or deal with the various tensions that arise from their varying natures and customs. It’s a lot of fun. And because these stories are fantasies, they can be bizarre while still being realistic.

September 1, 2008 at 6:20 pm

Wow Marian–what a great culture to draw on. Does your work ever reflect where you lived?

And yes please–if you have descriptiors to add, go for it. Often I think of stuff after the fact, and each setting is so vast, there are infinite ways to describe!

Thanks everyone as always for visiting and commenting!

September 1, 2008 at 1:26 pm

I liked the low crime rate (because of the draconian penalties). It was so low that once, when my mom arrived at work to find the office open and burgled, 21 police officers showed up in response to her call (probably the most excitement they had had all week). The forensics people had to shove their way through the crowd.

There’s also the lack of taxes. So provided you’re an indoor person, which I am, you might find it tolerable. Oh, and women always got to go to the front of any line (e.g. at the post office), and had the front seats of buses reserved for them.

One thing I didn’t like was the censorship, which at times bordered on the ridiculous. For instance, the single government-owned ISP wouldn’t let you access the site http://www.ralan.com , which contains lots of useful information about markets in publishing. Why? Because there’s some prominent Israeli whose last name is Ralan. It’s not the same person, but no one bothered to check before blocking the site.

Television programs censor kisses or references to making love, and when I bought a scientific book on human anatomy, the naughty bits were blacked out with a Magic Marker. I once smuggled a Boris Vallejo book into the country and felt very daring. 🙂

So it wasn’t a completely unpleasant experience, but I escaped to Canada as quickly as I could, and I prefer it here.

September 1, 2008 at 6:17 am

Am starting to catch up on these wonderful posts! Is it OK to mention things I would include in your list of sights? Reptiles: snakes, lizards etc. Insects: spiders, biting ants, beetles etc. And sounds? The slither of sand sliding under the belly of a snake or lizard.

Great stuff. Bish

August 31, 2008 at 8:52 pm

Gosh, Marian, that sounds intense. Did you like it there?

August 31, 2008 at 4:56 pm

I actually lived in a desert (well, in the Middle East) for twelve years. Unbearable heat during the summer, up to 45 degrees Celsius, and equally unbearable humidity, since we were on the Gulf Coast.

Since I didn’t have a car, I used to go grocery shopping after sunset, thinking it would be cooler. But the pavement had been baked in the sunlight, so the heat rose off it like a solid wave. And during the day, objects in the distance shimmered, it was so hot. Sometimes I would walk past stores just so their automatic doors would open and I’d feel cool air for a moment.

The least little wind would raise puffs of dust, and a full-out sandstorm was a nightmare. Of course, one good thing about the heat and dryness was that the place was remarkably sterile. You don’t get too much insect or rodent life in an oven. The few plants that grew wild tended to be small, shrubby and tenacious.

Now, of course, I am living in a country that is the exact opposite and I shiver my way through the endless winter months. 🙂

August 31, 2008 at 10:05 am

Thanks for all of your detailed posts!

August 31, 2008 at 12:04 am

I love how I feel like I’m getting mini lessons here! Do ya’ll give out diploma’s? ;0)

thanks for all your work!

August 30, 2008 at 8:42 pm

Angela thanks you, Pema! Or, I’m sure she will when she gets back ;).

And PJ, thanks for the reminder. When Angela’s gone, this place just goes to pot…

August 30, 2008 at 10:18 am

Perfect! I have deserts, too! And how I remember to spell it right – with dessert you always want more, so there are two s letters. With desert, you want less, so there is only one. Hey – Please add this to your sidebar! I know you will, but I use your blog like every day and never want to forget something. It ROCKS!

August 30, 2008 at 8:33 am

Your words are so descriptive, it almost sounds like you’re posting this entry from the Arabian desert! 😉

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Writing Tips Oasis - A website dedicated to helping writers to write and publish books.

10 Words to Describe a Tropical Island

By Isobel Coughlan

Do you need some words to describe a tropical island setting in your novel? Use the following 10 to create a picturesque island, which will make readers feel like they are right there with the characters in your story.

1. Soothing

Somewhere that gives a  calming  or relaxing effect.

“The  soothing  island left the group feeling at ease, the stresses of the journey simply melted away.”

“It was a  soothing  island, everyone felt safe despite the fact they were miles away from home.”

How it Adds Description

The adjective  “soothing” provides the reader with a clear sense of relaxation, showing the tropical island is a pleasant place to be. This can help you imply your characters are safe, and it can also contrast any unpleasant settings in your novel.

A place with weather that’s very damp,  humid , or warm.

“He tried to stroll around the  muggy  island, but he couldn’t make it two meters without breaking a sweat.”

“The  muggy  island was more uncomfortable than she expected, and she wished she’d booked a room with AC.”

Tropical islands tend to have hot weather and humidity, and “muggy” provides a very clear image of how it feels to be there. Whether you want to add lots of setting description or show how a character’s feeling, this term can give greater insights into how the island makes you feel.

3. Blistering

A place with  extreme  heat or excess sun.

“No matter how far he ran, he could not escape the  blistering  tropical island.”

“The  blistering  tropical island offered no shade, water, or respite — it was a recipe for disaster.”

If you’re searching for a word that describes hot or tropical weather, “blistering” is an adjective that offers an extreme image. This word can be used to show your character’s discomfort, and it can also further the plot by showing how uncomfortable the island is.

4. Captivating

Somewhere or someone that  fascinates  or attracts others.

“The  captivating  island always stole the tourists’ attention, they couldn’t get enough of the sky-high palms and white sands.”

“As she traversed the  captivating  island, she realized that she was going in circles and didn’t quite know her way any more.”

If you want to highlight your character’s awe or fascination with the tropical island, the word “captivating” can assist you. This word emphasizes how impressed your characters are, and it can be used to further their obsession with the location. It can also be used to just show appreciation for the island’s beauty, signaling its pleasantness to your readers.

5. Outstanding

Something or  somewhere  that’s very attractive, impressive, or very remarkable.

“She glanced around the  outstanding  island, though it wasn’t her first time here she was still impressed by the natural beauty.”

“They captured the  outstanding  island on their camera phones, ensuring they had proof of its existence before they left.”

The word “outstanding” places the island above other places, proving to the reader that it’s one of a kind. This helps your reader understand your island is a special place, thus helping them remember it as the plot advances. If you want to make your island stand out, this adjective can help.

Somewhere that has lots of  greenery  or healthy plant life.

“The  lush  island proved difficult to travel across, especially without a machete for path clearing.”

“She lazed on the shore of the  lush  island and took the scenery in — it was green as far as the eye could see.”

Often, tropical islands have an abundance of green palms, jungle plants, and rare tropical nature. If this sounds like your island, “lush” will convey the plentiful setting to your reader with ease. This adjective can add a clear image in your reader’s mind, helping them understand where your characters are without dense descriptions.

7. Isolated

A place that’s far from  civilization  or difficult to travel to.

“They kept traveling towards the  isolated  island, but it didn’t seem to be getting any closer.”

“She screamed until her lungs burned, but the  isolated  island concealed her attempts at communication with the outside world.”

If you’re writing a thriller or horror novel, you might want to show how alone your characters are. The word “isolated” describes how far away your island is from any other people or help. This can forward the plot and describe your character’s feelings of desperation to the reader.

8. Overgrown

Somewhere that’s  untidy  with an excess of unruly plants/nature.

“The  overgrown  island blocked out the sunlight, leaving the group unaware of which way was up.”

“He continued to explore, despite the fact the  overgrown  island was making his path more and more difficult to walk.”

The word “overgrown” explains the power of nature on the island. If you want to provide an image of a tropical island with unruly trees and thick jungle, the word “overgrown” can help. This can further the story by showing your character’s struggle to explore the island, and it can also hint at future troubles as the jungle becomes more overpowering.

Somewhere or  something  quiet and calm.

“She decided to ignore their advice, the  serene  island called her name and she would go there without them.”

“When he arrived, he realized the  serene  island was quieter than he’d ever imagined.”

The word “serene” is a great option if you want to portray your tropical island in a positive light. “Serene” has connotations of relaxation, illustrating how comfortable and calm your setting is.

Somewhere that’s simple or  unsophisticated .

“The island was  rustic , but this didn’t bother him too much.”

“She felt comfortable on the  rustic  island, surviving without modern amenities came naturally to her.”

If your tropical island is undiscovered, the word “rustic” helps your reader understand its lack of modern comforts and facilities. This adjective provides a clearer image of life on the island, making your character’s plot also easier to understand.

Sands of Creativity: Mastering the Art of Describing Sand in Creative Writing

My name is Debbie, and I am passionate about developing a love for the written word and planting a seed that will grow into a powerful voice that can inspire many.

Unleashing Your Imagination: The Intriguing World of Describing Sand

Capturing the essence: exploring the texture and color of different sands, painting a picture with words: crafting vivid descriptions of sand, playing with metaphors: infusing emotion and depth into sand descriptions, mastering the art of sensory detail: evoking sights, sounds, and feelings of sand, choosing the right words: enhancing descriptions through precise vocabulary, going beyond the obvious: uncovering the unique qualities of various sands, inspiring your readers: techniques to bring sand descriptions to life, frequently asked questions, concluding remarks.

Have you ever stopped to truly observe the mesmerizing qualities of sand? This omnipresent substance that effortlessly slips through our fingers is more fascinating than meets the eye. Its texture alone can transport us to a multitude of landscapes, from silky smooth shores to rough and grainy dunes. But describing sand goes far beyond its mere sensation. Join us as we embark on a journey to unravel the intriguing world of sand and let your imagination run wild .

Sand, with its infinite variety, holds a treasure trove of colors. From dazzling white beaches to golden desert expanses, it embraces shades that beckon the wanderlust within us. Each grain tells a unique story, composed of minerals, rocks, and even seashells. Imagine the soft, powder-like feel of finely ground quartz sliding through your fingers, or the coarser, uneven grit of volcanic ash-shaped particles. The diversity of sand is as astounding as the landscapes they form. Palettes of ochre, beige, caramel, or ebony awaken our senses and paint vivid pictures in our minds.

Welcome to a captivating journey where we delve into the mesmerizing world of sands! Join us as we uncover the diverse range of textures and colors found in sands across the globe. From sun-kissed beaches to arid deserts, each grain has its own story to tell.

The texture of sands can vary significantly, providing a truly unique tactile experience. Fine sands, with their powdery consistency, effortlessly slip through your fingers, creating a velvety sensation. In contrast, coarse sands offer a grainier touch that exudes a sense of rawness and ruggedness. Embark on an adventure of touch, allowing your fingertips to explore the vast differences that sands have to offer.

• Jagged Sands: Some sands display jagged edges, formed from elements like crushed shells or volcanic rocks. These rough textures not only add intrigue but also depict the turbulent history of their origin.
• Silky Sands: As smooth as silk, these ultra-fine grains are like caressing a cloud. Often found on serene beaches, their velvety texture feels luxurious beneath your toes.
• Glistening Sands: Certain sands shimmer like precious gems under the sunlight. Infused with tiny crystal fragments, they create a mesmerizing spectacle that sparkles and captivates all who behold their beauty.

Colors also play a significant role in the allure of sands. Some beaches boast pristine white sands, where the pureness reflects the surrounding sunlight, creating an ethereal atmosphere. Other shores embrace warm golden tones, reminiscent of endless summer days. Certain volcanic regions unveil striking black sands, drenched in mystery and history. The kaleidoscope of colors found in sands truly invites us to observe the fascinating tapestry of our planet.

Color: The sand sparkled like golden silk under the bright rays of the sun, spreading hues of warmth and radiance. As the coastline stretched far into the distance, the sand gradually lightened to a delicate shade of beige, reminiscent of a creamy cappuccino. In some areas, where the sea gently lapped against the shore, the sand appeared damp and darker, contrasting beautifully with the dry, powdery texture surrounding it.

Texture: Running your fingers through the sand felt like sifting through thousands of tiny, velvety granules. It was as if nature had taken the softest down feathers and transformed them into a flooring of delicate particles. The sand was cool to the touch, offering a refreshing respite from the heat of the sun. With each step, the sand gently yielded beneath your weight, leaving behind little footprints and revealing its resilient nature.

When it comes to describing sand, the use of metaphors can add a whole new dimension of emotion and depth to your writing. Metaphors allow you to create vivid imagery and engage the reader’s senses, making your descriptions more captivating and memorable.

One way to infuse emotion into sand descriptions is by comparing the texture of the sand to something familiar yet evocative. For example, you could liken the softness of the sand to a baby’s skin, instantly conjuring feelings of tenderness and delicacy. Alternatively, you might compare the roughness of the sand to a warrior’s calloused hands, evoking a sense of strength and resilience. By using metaphors, you can transform a mundane description into a powerful visual experience that resonates with your readers.

• Compare the warmth of the sand to a cozy fireplace on a winter’s night.
• Describe the color of the sand as golden, like an ethereal sunbeam at sunset.
• Portray the sound of the sand as a gentle whisper, reminiscent of secrets shared between loved ones.

Ultimately, the key to infusing emotion and depth into sand descriptions lies in the artful use of metaphors. By carefully selecting metaphors that resonate with your intended emotions and creating a sensory experience, you can transport your readers to the sandy shores and make your descriptions come alive.

Evoke the beauty and essence of a sandy landscape by mastering the art of sensory detail. By incorporating vivid sights, sounds, and feelings, you can transport your readers to a world of sun-kissed shores and shifting dunes.

When describing the sight of sand, imagine the golden grains glistening in the sunlight like a million tiny stars. The fine texture and undulating patterns create a mesmerizing sight, painting a picture of tranquility and endless possibility. Picture the way the sand stretches out before you, seemingly infinite, inviting you to explore and lose yourself in its soft embrace. To amplify this visual imagery, consider using descriptive adjectives like “powdery,” “radiant,” or “undulating.”

• Sound: Close your eyes and listen closely to the soundscape of sand. As you walk, the grains gently shift under your feet, creating a soothing, rhythmic sound – a gentle dance of nature. The sound of sand blowing in the wind is a whispered melody, harmonizing with the symphony of crashing waves in the background. To convey these auditory sensations, incorporate words like “whisper,” “rustle,” or “murmur.”
• Feelings: The sensation of sand beneath your toes is an unparalleled experience. As you sink your feet into its warmth, you can almost feel its soft caress against your skin. The playful texture lends itself to building sandcastles or creating intricate patterns with your fingertips. Let your readers feel the sensation of sand slipping through their fingers, the gentle exfoliation as it meets their skin. Use words like “gritty,” “grainy,” or “velvety” to transport your audience to the tactile wonderland of sand.

Incorporating sensory detail in your writing enables you to paint a vivid and immersive picture of the sandy landscape. By harnessing the sights, sounds, and feelings of sand, you can evoke a sensory experience that resonates with your readers, enticing them to embark on their own journeys through the mesmerizing world of sand.

The art of effective communication lies not only in the ideas we express but also in the words we choose to convey those ideas. When it comes to descriptions, the use of precise vocabulary can elevate the impact and clarity of our message. By carefully selecting the right words, we can paint a vivid picture in the minds of our readers, capturing their attention and evoking specific emotions.

First and foremost, precision in vocabulary allows us to be more specific with our descriptions. By utilizing words that are exact and concrete, we provide the reader with a clear image of what we are describing. Rather than simply stating that something is “big,” we can use words like “monstrous” or “towering,” providing a much more evocative and memorable depiction. Additionally, precise vocabulary helps us to express nuanced differences. For example, instead of describing an object as “old,” we can choose words like “antique” or “vintage” to convey a sense of history and value. These subtle word choices add depth and richness to our descriptions, making them more engaging and captivating.

• Precision in vocabulary provides clarity and specificity in descriptions.
• Exact and concrete words create clear mental images.
• Evocative vocabulary helps capture the reader’s attention.
• Subtle differences can be expressed through nuanced word choices.
• Precise vocabulary adds depth and engages the reader.

In conclusion, choosing the right words is key to enhancing descriptions. By incorporating a precise vocabulary, we can ensure clarity, evoke emotions, and captivate our readers. So, let us dive into the vast sea of words and select those that best convey our intended meaning, creating descriptions that truly come alive in the minds of those who read them.

When it comes to sand, we often take it for granted as simply a gritty substance beneath our feet. However, delve deeper into the world of sands, and you’ll be amazed by their diverse characteristics and rich histories. From the serene beaches of the Caribbean to the mystical deserts of Africa, sands hold unique qualities that set them apart. Let’s embark on a journey to explore the hidden wonders of these fascinating granules!

1. The Singing Sands of Lovers Beach, Mexico: Have you ever heard sand sing? Well, you can experience this enchanting phenomenon at the pristine Lovers Beach in Cabo San Lucas. As you step on the sand, the friction between the tiny grains produces a gentle melody resembling the sound of a distant flute. This extraordinary occurrence is due to the silica-rich content of the sand particles. It’s truly a magical experience cherished by locals and visitors alike.

2. The Magnetic Sands of Tenerife, Spain: Prepare to be amazed by the magnetic sands of Tenerife’s Playa de las Teresitas. Unlike ordinary sand, these unique black grains are formed from volcanic materials, giving them their magnetic properties. Locals believe that the sand possesses healing powers, and visitors flock to this stunning beach to relax and indulge in its alleged therapeutic benefits. So, next time you’re in Tenerife, don’t miss the opportunity to lounge on these captivatingly magnetic sands!

When describing sandy landscapes, it is crucial to paint a vivid picture in your reader’s mind. By incorporating sensory details and using descriptive language, you can transport your audience to the breathtaking beauty of sandy shores. Here are some techniques to infuse life into your sand descriptions:

• 1. Appeal to the senses: Engage your reader’s senses by describing the texture of the sand – is it powdery, fine, or gritty? Highlight the scent of the ocean breeze as it mingles with the salty sea air. Captivating your reader’s senses creates a more immersive experience.
• 2. Evoke emotions: Describing the sand in a way that elicits emotions can create a deeper connection with your readers. A phrase like “the golden sand shimmered under the sun, inviting you to feel its warmth beneath your toes” sparks feelings of comfort and tranquility.
• 3. Use vibrant comparisons: Enhance your descriptions by drawing comparisons to relatable objects. For instance, you could compare the color of the sand to “pale vanilla” or liken its texture to “sifting through a thousand crushed pearls.”

By employing these techniques, you can revitalize your descriptions of sandy landscapes and transport your readers to coastal paradises. Remember to be creative and let the sand come alive in their minds, enabling them to feel the warmth, smell the sea, and hear the gentle whisper of the waves in the distance.

Q: What is the importance of describing sand in creative writing? A: Describing sand in creative writing can add depth and realism to your storytelling. It helps create vivid imagery and transports readers to different settings, whether it’s a tropical beach or a desert landscape.

Q: How can I effectively describe sand in my writing? A: To describe sand effectively, use sensory language to engage readers’ senses. Focus on the texture, color, temperature, and even the sound of sand to make your description come alive on the page. Be specific and pay attention to small details that can enhance the overall atmosphere of your writing.

Q: What are some ways to capture the texture of sand in descriptive writing? A: To capture the texture of sand, consider its graininess, roughness, or smoothness. You can compare it to other familiar textures, such as silk, granulated sugar, or even the rough skin of a lizard. By using descriptive adjectives and similes, you can effectively convey the unique properties of sand.

Q: How does the color of sand impact descriptive writing? A: The color of sand plays a significant role in setting the scene in creative writing. Whether it is white, golden, or even black, the color of sand can evoke different emotions and moods. For example, white sand may convey a sense of purity or tranquility, while golden sand can symbolize warmth and paradise.

Q: How can I describe the temperature of sand in my writing? A: Describing the temperature of sand can help readers experience the scene more fully. You can convey warmth by mentioning the hot sand beneath one’s feet, or alternatively, describe the coolness of sand in the shade. By incorporating the temperature element, you can accentuate the overall atmosphere of your writing.

Q: Is it important to describe the sound of sand as well? A: Absolutely! Incorporating the sound of sand can make your writing even more immersive. Describe the crunching sound underfoot as someone walks on dry sand, or the gentle swishing sound of sand slipping through fingers. By including auditory details, you engage another sense and make the scene feel more realistic.

Q: How can I avoid generic descriptions when writing about sand? A: To avoid generic descriptions, focus on using unique and specific details. Instead of simply stating “the sand was white,” you could describe it as “powdery white sand, so fine that it slipped right through my fingers.” By using more descriptive language, you make the description more engaging and memorable.

Q: Are there any pitfalls to avoid when describing sand in creative writing? A: One common pitfall to avoid is overusing cliches or generic phrases. Aim to create original descriptions that paint a vivid picture in readers’ minds. Additionally, be cautious of excessive description that might slow down the pace of your writing. Strike a balance between providing enough detail to engage the reader, while keeping the story flowing smoothly.

Q: Can you provide some examples of effective descriptions of sand in creative writing? A: Certainly! Here are a few examples: 1. “The sand, warm as freshly baked bread, cushioned my every step as I strolled along the beach.” 2. “Golden grains of sand shimmered under the scorching sun, creating a radiant tapestry as far as the eye could see.” 3. “As the wind whispered through the dunes, the fine sand rose and fell like dancing tiny diamonds in a desert waltz.”

Q: Any final tips for mastering the art of describing sand in creative writing? A: Practice observing sand in real-life situations , paying attention to its various characteristics and how it interacts with the environment. This practice will help you develop a keen eye for detail, enabling you to describe sand more authentically in your writing. Remember to engage the reader’s senses and use language that is unique, specific, and evocative.

In conclusion, mastering the skill of describing sand in creative writing is a powerful tool that can take your prose to new heights.

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TROPICAL ISLAND

Never struggle with Show-and-Tell again. Activate your free trial or subscribe to view the Setting Thesaurus in its entirety, or visit the Table of Contents to explore unlocked entries.

HELPFUL TIP:

Textures and sensations:, possible sources of conflict:, people commonly found in this setting:, setting notes and tips:, related settings that may tie in with this one:, setting description example:, techniques and devices used:, descriptive effects:.

Planning a desert island scene

I can plan a descriptive scene about a hot desert island.

Lesson details

Key learning points.

• Precise and ambitious vocabulary related to the five senses should be included in the plan.
• Linguistic devices such as figurative language (similes and personification) should be included in the plan.
• The plan should be written in note-form and notes are not written in full sentences.
• The 'zoom-in' structure guides the descriptive writing paragraph.

Common misconception

Planning needs to be detailed and plans should be written in full sentences.

Planning should log precise and ambitious vocabulary, linguistic devices and be written in note-from.

Plan - a framework that writers create before they write a section or whole text

Notes - written out of full sentences

Figurative language - the use of simile and personification to paint vivid pictures for the reader

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited ( 2024 ), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Starter quiz

6 questions.

The palm trees -  

whispered secrets to each other in the gentle breeze.

The waves -  

played a never-ending game of tag with the shore.

The relentless sun -  

scowled down on the island's shimmering shoreline.

fine, golden

sea water -  

warm, salty

sweet, tropical

blistering, scorching

Postcrossing Blog

Blog > june writing prompt: a desert island.

The writing prompts invite postcrossers to write about a different topic on their postcards’ messages every month. These are just suggestions though — if you already know what you want to write about, or the recipient gives you some pointers, that’s great too!

This month’s writing prompt is a classic: imagine you’re about to be stuck on a desert island. If you could choose three objects to keep with you, what would they be?

I’m personally inclined to cheat and say a motorboat, along with an umbrella to keep off the sun and a way to store fresh water… but if I’m taking it seriously, and thinking about if I had to live on a desert island, the first object would have to be Helen Hippo , because we’ve not been separated since I was two days old.

After that… assuming that all the basic needs of food, water, etc, are already taken care of, the other two objects would probably have to be books. Unless there’s internet or electricity on that island, and then I’ll just take my laptop and my ereader!

But if you’re really twisting my arm and I have to choose two books, I’d choose Katherine Addison’s The Goblin Emperor , and the illustrated edition of Ursula Le Guin’s Earthsea books.

Alright, that’s enough of me—it’s your turn! What three objects would you take with you to a desert island? Feel free to be as practical or as wishful as you like. You can answer in the comments here, or use this prompt to guide what you write on your postcards this month. We look forward to hearing from you!

55 comments so far

My kindle 😀. I couldn't do without something to read.

a football, a diaryand a lot ice cream i would take with me on au island Konrad (beer-boy18)

When you say a desert island, means you are in a place where there is heat, sand and scarcity of water, so my survival kit would include a white headgear, a water tracking device and good pair of shoes.

My dream island would have to be lonely, but not deserted. So that I can satisfy my basic needs (food, water).

Then all I need is my reading glasses, a suitcase full of books and a comfortable beach chair!

HI, I would take lots of books; sunscreen and bathing suit. NO one said how long a stay would be. :) Demaris

A beach chair is a great idea. I'll add a big, sturdy umbrella, a table for my laptop, my laptop (with magical internet connections), a hammock, and some easy-going companions. I guess I'd use the desert island food delivery service, arriving by boat each day at cocktail hour!

in that case I would like to take with me my spectacles (bad eyes), hat (white skin) ánd my drawingarticles ( I like to make some impressions as souvenir) ... + at the beach I will write in the sand very big WELCOME = you can recognise "my" island and after a great fishlunch you may "rescue" me haha :-)

I am an artist and writer so I would take an art journal, pens, and all my watercolor art supplies, plus a picture of my son, and grand baby.

Hello everyone. I would take books with me to a desert island (perhaps it's banal), I just love to read. I would also take a blanket, since I am a cold person and I need it even in warm weather. Most likely , the third thing I will take is knitting threads , I love to create something with my own hands . Thank you to everyone who read to the end, with love Olya!

The most important question is: does this Island have a Post Box? 😀 Otherwise I might just take my hammer and some nails to build one out of some flotsam on the beach. My second idea is to take pen, paper and a bottle with me to create a message in a bottle and sent it out into the wide ocean. That's exciting!

My wife isn't going to read this is she? Well then I would take our Dog ! Lots of his favorite food. For me a well stocked source of Food. How long is this going to be? I would Not take any device to connect to the outside world,. I know somewhere there is a Hermit live a happy Blissful life, not knowing the constant terrible news caused by stupid people !!! Come on Dog you can be off lease and run to you hearts content.

I need Sun protection, a lough chair and a radio. Then I'm OK. I will find food and something to drink. I can swim naked because no-one is there...hihi. I'm gonna be in "heaven" for a while.

Assuming food and water are provided, I would take with me: a very comfortable (beach) chair, Tolkien's 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy and an unholy amount of yarn and a crochethook (to me, that's one item!)

Wow! Earthsea is very good idea! And Tolkien too!

1. Flint for fire 2. Knife We agreed to be honest, right? 3. Bible

I would take a tent, flint and a pan to boil water and cook any food I could get ! 🤷🏻‍♀️ Honestly I hope it never happens as when I watch survivor I don’t know how they do it. And they aren’t alone ( oh so maybe I would take my family)

BIG BRIMMED HAT and hand held water sprayer a dried ice machine.

A knife, something to dig and matches, all for the primitive life on a (deserted) island ..

A blanket , a knife, and a filter water straw.

I would take Babesushka (a toy that I've had since i was 2 yo, Bible and my best friend :)

I am assuming there will be water, some kind of food and ways to make shelter with that said: I would have to first take my dogs, I have decided I never want to be with out them by my side. Some way to have music all kinds of music, folk, classic, blue grass, pop, swing and so on. and books.

Magicwand and two wishes.

A diary a dog and my ipod

I would bring my iPad so I could keep posting regularly to my POD Postcard blog.

I'll take my favorite concert grand piano with me ;)

I'm a survival expert after watching every episode of the TV show Naked and Afraid (it's a joke haha). These are my survival items to use on a desert island (uninhabited and without electricity): 1. Camping tent to protect me from the heat and cold. Trying to sleep a little more comfortable haha 2. A knife for: chopping firewood, hunting, preparing food, etc. 3. A flint to make fire. With that I could boil water, cook and heat myself. It makes the days I would spend in this place a lot easier.

I would take Bear Grylls with me,,,he’ll keep me alive...his expertise to build shelter, source food and drinkable water, his survival skills will keep us safe until rescued. 🤔😉

I don't know if it's considered cheating, but I have what I call my "GO-BAG," which is like my emergency bag that has all my essentials. I have one at home and one in my car. So either one will be my #1 choice to bring.

Love all of your choices, ok some more than others 😆 I am an UNHIDE lover, so my blanket would have to come with me, it is thick enough to sleep on and warm enough for those cool nights, second thing, sunscreen, I wear it all year round, I am so light skin, i used to be called Casper. ( need a few cases of this) and third, well that is easy, a how to survive on a desert island book….

You so make my ❤️ smile…some of you are darn funny

Nice to read all the comments, my survival kit would be a knife , a boat and some food .

A Bible, a cap and a knife! :)

A warm blanket, lipbalm and Raoul Bova

a spade to dig for water a tent a fishing rod

big knife, magnifying glass, sturdy shoes

my husband...he's a modern "MacGyver," a big blank art journal, and a canvas bag full of artistic supplies

My favorite pottery mug, a small painting showing a gothic brick house from my home town and a cosy blanket..

I think I would choose more practical things like a knife, notebook (for taking notes about the experience and, overall, not losing the mind) and flint.

Sunblock , tent , camera , water, books. And more sunblock. :)

Cellphone and connection Postcrossing things, postcards pen stamps washitape Return ticket to leave

Snorkeling equipment would be nice. And a knife; assuming there's trees there and I could try to make items out of wood, only using that knife. Not that I've tried that before, except making a stick to stick the hot dogs on when heating them on the fire.... Not sure what else to bring. It should be something that I could use everyday, which could help me "kill some time".

I would take a hat, sunglasses and my cellphone :-)

Some great books I have'nt read yet... A confortable tent... A camera.

A lifetime supply of SPF- and because I can't leave them behind, my 2 crazy kittens... XD

What are all the books and stuff worth, if you don`t have some big bags of coffee with you ?!

I would take a solar powered generator to charge my iPad. In addition I would the bits and peices of a model railway I have collected over the years and hopefully complete it!

A homing beacon for when I get sick of living on the island, a knife and a huge box of matches

I would take my woman's survival kit better known as my handbag!! It has everything in it. The complete set of Harry Potter books. Biscuits. As long as I have biscuits I can survive anything.

My three things would be my bible my hubby and grandson. No matter how many times I read it there is always something new to learn in it. My hubby is there for companionship and he's a great helper. My grandson because I couldn't imagine being there without him! With him our imaginations combined there is unlimited potential in having fun. Not just sand castles to be built but forts and imaginary animals to defend.

I would take my fishing equipment, my awesome wife and a hammock made for two!

Assuming that all basic needs such as food, water, electricity are met, I'll bring my dog, my family's picture and my camera I don't need internet because I want to enjoy life alone. I need electricity because I want to charge my camera, I want to use it to record my life, like sunrise and sunset, every meal, every day changes and how I'm getting old~😆 I want to take my dog, he can walk with me and listen to me~~ I am worried about losing my language skills🤔

I love the previous answer of a photograph. I would bring a photograph of all those I love, good chocolate and the Bible.

For anyone who enjoyed this topic, you might enjoy the programme "Desert Island Discs" of the BBC - the person has to select 7 songs from their life, pick which one they'd save if they could only save 1 and also choose a luxury object and a book to take with them. This programme is still on and has an archive dating back decades, some very famous people and some less famous people - most really interesting to listen! https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qnmr

Notebook, pen/pencil kit, and camera

Hello,as for me I would take the sun buttery, phone and equipment for getting normal water from salty!

Wonderful ! On a desert island ? situation a- Water, food and Mosquito net/Fly Screen. Island with distant human presence Mosquito net/ Fly screen, much paper..very much and pens or pencils... good life all you

A packet of jelly babies My pet ant An adjustable spanner

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Desert Island Writing Prompts

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Creative Writing - Stranded on a Deserted Island

Writing Prompt: Stranded on a Deserted Island

Deserted on an island! What five items would you bring? Use this creative prompt to peek into your young writer’s imagination and cultivate their writing skills.

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creative writing desert island

Subject: English

Age range: 11-14

Resource type: Worksheet/Activity

Last updated

22 February 2018

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You have been stranded on a desert island. Describe your first 24 hours alone on the island.

Hannah Greenslade   Y10 Coursework Assignment 2   5/11/01

Task; You have been stranded on a desert island. Describe your first 24 hours alone on the island.

The first thing that hit me was the smell. Even before I opened my eyes, I knew where I was. The tantalizing scent of washed-up waves and bananas all rolled into one. I felt the millions of grains of sand, hot against my fingers and the cool breeze against my face, - a relief from the sweltering sun. I heard the sea crawling onto the sand and, further away, the same monster dashing against the rocks. As I opened my mouth to take in a gulp of air, I tasted salt in my throat. Not the same taste as on Brighton Pier, when you look over into the sea, but a fresh, clean one, as if taking in pure oxygen. Only then, when my four other senses had taken in their share of my surroundings, did I allow myself to open my eyes.

I was amazed at how easily fantasy and reality intertwined at that moment. It was like continuing a dream after waking up. As I lifted my eyelids, as the barrier between my imagination and actuality was removed, the accuracy of my prediction astounded me.

As I sat up and looked around, I realized that I must have been asleep for a long time, as my sopping wet clothes were completely dry. I could just see the island on which I had been staying, a strip of land on the contrasting horizon. The rubber dinghy, my means of travel, was almost flat now, having carried my body weight so far across the sea. This place, where I had ended up, was the best case scenario. I didn’t really have any idea where I wanted to go, but anywhere was better than that resort. You know when you see holiday disaster programs on television about families who had to stay on a building site or put up with drunken neighbors? Well think of those and imagine it ten times worse. I hadn’t bargained for a brothel as an apartment building or Ibiza style clubs, it was pretty much my idea of hell. When I let myself drift away on the inflatable, all I could think of was the peace and quiet of somewhere like this.

It was only when I looked up that I realized how dark it was becoming. The sand had a more dull quality and the sea looked grey. I was aware of how much more happy and relaxed I was to be alone, and in a place like this!

This is a preview of the whole essay

I set about looking for a good resting-place and soon came across a shallow cave. I collected enough grass and leaves to line the floor and made a circle of rocks outside for a fire. I felt so excited, as if I was on one of the school camps I used to go on when I was younger. After I had arranged the firewood into a wigwam like formation, I fished my lighter out of my pocket. To my surprise and delight, a flame sprang up straight away and I attempted to light some of the smaller twigs. I found it slightly ironic that my lighter worked after being wet for so long, but the wood from this boiling hot island was too damp to light.

After several attempts, I coaxed a small blaze from the pile, which I fed until it got going properly. Then I lay on my back and gazed at the stars, “Swallows and Amazons” style, until my campfire was down to its last orange embers. I folded my jumper into a pillow and lay down in my cave- bedroom. Soon I was drifting into the land which they call sleep, the land where nothing really matters. I don’t know whether I dreamed that night or not, but I knew that for the first time in my life, I was genuinely happy.    

The sun awakened me, beating down hot and yellow. My watch said 4:15, it obviously wasn’t waterproof! I stood up and wandered down to a large, smooth, flat rock by the water, a perfect diving board. I stripped down to my underwear, took a deep breath and dived into the luxuriously cool water. I rose to the surface, spluttering. After regaining myself, a rush of sudden happiness took over my body. I splashed about, screaming and yelling, beating the water with my palms and turning somersaults in the water. I was ecstatic to be completely stress-free with nothing and no one to bother me. I could stay there as long as I liked, no one would miss me and no one would come looking for me.

I had an overwhelming desire to discover everything about the island right then. Was there anyone living there? I hoped not, I came here to get away from civilisation. Was it really an island? From what I could see, it was, but it could be part of a mainland. How big was it? I wanted to know all about it right now, so I clambered out of the water. I started to make my way to the place where you could walk between the rocks and the sea, a little way from where I was originally washed up. I hummed to myself as I squeezed my way along the narrow path. Soon, the walkway became wider and an obvious path up over the rocks became clear. I started to scramble up, making sure I was still keeping close to the sea.

What I saw at the top nearly made me jump out of my skin. A crater, it must have been 100 metres across, dominated the island. From my spot, I could see that apart from my little home area, this was the whole space. It really was the tiniest piece of free-standing land I had ever seen in my life. The crater must have come from the Second World War and I could see that at one end, a great deal of the cliff had collapsed into the sea.

Now that I had a good picture of what I inhabited, I headed back down to my camp. What I had seen shocked me, and led me to wander whether any lives were lost when that bomb struck. It was obviously a significant island before, and it was probably assumed that all that was left was in ruins. I didn’t suppose that anyone had visited since and I doubted that it was on the map. I could have been the only person that knew about this place in the whole world, what a thought!

I remembered my slightly uncomfortable sleep the night before and set about trying to construct some sort of hammock. I found several long branches, bend them into the right shape and secured them with thick grasses. I then found some large, plate sized leaves which I placed over the holes. I pulled the stuffing out of the coat that I no longer needed and arranged it on top. I secured the mattress with more big leaves pegged down with little twigs. I used my bootlaces to hang it with so it was with great strain that it managed to take my weight. My construction was a darn sight more comfortable than the ground and I was quite proud of it. I settled down on my hammock to reflect on the day.

I wasn’t worried about being stranded forever. One, there were regular ships which passed by, so if I really wanted to, I could make a smoke signal to be rescued. And two, I was having the time of my life and probably would stay for weeks, months, maybe even years to come. I was glad that I was the only one on this tiny island. It was no one else’s but mine and I could do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. Maybe someday I would return home, but at that moment, I was perfectly happy where I was.

Teacher Reviews

Here's what a teacher thought of this essay.

Jeff Taylor

This is an almost flawless essay. The scenario is effectively set at the beginning and the story is developed smoothly as the protagonist explores her new home. The joy of finding herself alone is well expressed in the final paragraph. Sentence and paragraph structure are well-controlled, with only one or two small slips. A few compound sentence structures would be improved by the comma being replaced by a semicolon, but this is nit-picking. One IS left wondering how the protagonist is going to find food.... 5 stars.

Document Details

• Word Count 1357
• Page Count 3
• Subject English

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This idea is based on Desert Island Discs.

Explain the scenario… you are going to be on a desert island, alone, for one month (or more, according to age). Let the class come up with a story as to why they are there. Make sure you write out this story and display it. Make lists for the following which will help you to survive (make the time there be a good one), and say why each item is included.

You can have 5 of each of the following. Tools, clothes, food, drinks, books, records, animals, friends, plus one luxury which can not be alive.

This is a project which has a half-term life. The presentation can be verbal, produced with ICT, or any combination of words & pictures from any source. In the last week of half term, each group has 5 min to present their choice. This must be displayed in some form.

On the last day of half term, the class votes for the choice they like best. You can’t vote for your own choice! There must be an appropriate prize.

Next term, do your best to get as many of the items from all of the lists into the classroom and prepare a Desert Island Survival Kit. Use the book lists to find books to read to your class and record lists to play them into and out of class at the start and end of each day or week. Each group’s presentation should be prepared as a displayable sheet (this could be done during computer time) and displayed in the classroom.

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