One of the most important elements of the descriptive essay is that it not only describes the simple facts, but also gives the reader a particular feeling, impression or effect of the subject of the essay. This is accomplished by using detailed and vivid descriptions using concrete language. At the end of reading the essay, the reader should feel that he has been drawn into the world that the author has created.
Attention to detail is of paramount importance in a descriptive essay. It is not enough just to describe what the scene looks like; the author must utilize the other senses as well. Good essays in this genre will often show us a scene and tell us how it smelled, how it felt (both emotionally and physically), what it sounded like, and perhaps, depending on the subject, what it tasted like. All of these elements together draw the reader in and flesh out a more tangible picture of the scene.
Descriptive essays will often go beyond just describing the scene as it is in reality, and the author will describe how he himself experienced it. This may include telling us what the most vivid parts of the scene were, what he was focused on, and sometimes, what the experience reminded the author of from his past. He will relate how he felt at the time and where he fit into the scene.
Quality descriptive essays use concrete language instead of more abstract language. For instance, instead of writing that "It was a pleasant night," the author may describe the coolness of the breeze and the calming sounds of the rustling of the trees and the lapping of the ocean, and so on. Small details, such as the specific type of rain that was falling, also help the reader have a clearer picture of the scene.