How to Describe a Pen

Use the interaction of the pen with your five senses to come up with a good physical description.

A seemingly straightforward task like providing a description for a pen can be approached from different angles depending on the context. In a job interview for a marketing firm, for example, you may be asked to describe a pen as you would in an advertising campaign. In a college essay, you may be asked to describe the physical aspects of the pen to test your ability to write creatively about an object. Finally, in a technical manual you may be asked to describe the pen in terms of its function. In any case, follow certain steps to complete the task.

Instructions

1. Read your instructions or ask for question clarification to discover if you are to describe a particular pen, or the concept of a pen in general. If you are to describe the concept, think as broadly as possible as you begin to describe your pen. If it is a particular pen you are to describe, analyze it closely and be mindful of its tiny details.

2. Read the instructions for your assignment or listen closely to the question as it is posed. For example, you may have to provide a physical description in one paragraph for a college essay. The question may also be put to you open-ended in an interview. In the latter case, take a moment to identify for yourself which of your own skills you want to bring forth. Your answer may include abstract characteristics that identify the pen as a fashion accessory, status symbol, or reliable writing instrument.

3. Describe the pen's interactions with your five senses. Specifically, describe what it looks like, smells like and feels like. For example, it may be short and stubby, fitting into the palm of your hand with a slick metallic feel. It may have scented ink and make a click sound when the cartridge is activated. If it is a novelty pen, it may even be designed with a particular taste. It may have different colors of ink.

4. Describe the pen's function. This can be a simple description, highlighting its use as a writing instrument. It can be expanded to include the pen's function as a drawing tool or as a tool used in an unorthodox manner. For example, it may be used to tie on the end of a string to play with the cat or to punch open plastic packaging.

References

• Brigham Young University: English Language Center--Writing a Descriptive Essay

Resources

• Job Interview Questions: Types of Questions