Writing Practice: Describing a Family Member, Grade 5

Prompt: Compose a descriptive essay about a family member

Explore 9 sample essays Writing essays to describe family members

TipHow to craft a captivating descriptive essay

I. Outline Writing an essay describing a family member

1. Introduction: 

Introduce the family member you intend to describe (could be grandparents, parents, siblings)

2. Body of the essay: 

* Describing physical characteristics
- Body figure, walking posture, physique
- Describing hair, skin
- Describing facial features, gaze, smile
- Dressing style: neat, clean, simple...(Continued)

>> See the detailed Outline for Describing a Family Member here.

II. A Sample Essay Describing a Beloved Family Member

1. A Family Member Description - Describing Mother in 5th Grade (Standard)

As soon as I read the prompt about describing a family member, my mother's image flashed immediately in my mind. In my family, my mother is the closest and most cherished person to me.

My father works far from home and only comes back once every six months, leaving just my mother and me at home. My mother is thirty-six years old this year, but due to her hard work and dedication to taking care of me, people often mistake her for being over forty. Sometimes I find myself gazing at my mother's face for a long time. There are freckles on her cheeks, wrinkles around her eyes when she smiles, and even dark circles under her eyes. However, as soon as my mother smiles brightly, she looks as youthful as a twenty-year-old girl again.

2. A Descriptive Essay about a Beloved Family Member - Sample Essay for 5th Grade (Standard)

Is there any mountain higher than the mountain of a father's sacrifice, any emotion more sacred, profound, and multi-layered than the bond between father and child? Reflecting on my father's love, I silently express gratitude to the heavens for making me his child. My father is truly exceptional.

My father is a military officer, forty years old this year. To me, the most beautiful image is when my father wears his military uniform. He has a very balanced physique because he diligently exercises; every muscle in his arms, legs, and abdomen is firm. My father's broad shoulders have provided protection for me since I was born, shielding our family through many difficulties. I fondly remember being carried on my father's shoulders as we roamed around the neighborhood.

My father is my dearest military uncle, with discipline always being his top priority. Whenever my siblings and I gather, my father's face becomes stern, his eyes bright, his lips pressed together as he always reminds us to be tidy, organized, adhere to schedules, and go to bed on time. We must seek permission from our parents wherever we go, and especially if we make mistakes, we must write a clear self-critique. Thanks to my father, I have learned to be independent from an early age. He also teaches me exercises, how to fold clothes, ... My father often has to travel far from home for work, only visiting a few times a year, but every time he returns, he brings gifts for both my siblings and me. Even though I am grown up, my father still buys me dolls and coloring books.

My older brother's name is Hoang, and he has just turned twenty this year. He is currently a student at Hanoi Medical University. Behind his glasses, his bright eyes gleam with intelligence. His neatly trimmed hair accentuates his handsome face, earning him admiration from both family and friends. Despite his tall and slightly slender figure, he has always been fragile since childhood. That's why he chose to study at the medical university; he wants to help children and less fortunate individuals with their health issues. Since I was a naive little girl, I've always looked up to him, hanging on to his every word of wisdom. Though he is significantly older, six years is not just a number to me. We share a strong bond, as he always indulges and sacrifices for me, be it toys or books.

A Short Essay Describing a Fifth Grader, Selected Pieces

My older brother is kind yet incredibly strict. He has never turned a blind eye to my flaws but instead helps me discern right from wrong. Neatness and tidiness are among his admirable qualities, a complete opposite of me. His room is always immaculate and airy, whereas mine, despite my efforts to follow his instructions, remains in disarray. He serves as a shining example, an ideal role model for me to learn and emulate.

Besides being my brother, he also enjoys reading and cooking. Despite these seemingly feminine hobbies, I find his culinary creations delectable, and his choice of books intriguing. He always shows concern and cares for his younger sister, from meals to sleep and even adjusting her TV habits. As he advances in his studies, he has less time for me now. On the day he left for Hanoi to pursue his education, I wished him well with a smile brimming with happiness.

My grandmother is nearly 70 years old. She has a tall figure and her hair is still very dark. She always cares about me, from meals to sleep. Every morning she wakes up early to prepare breakfast for me, sometimes fried rice, sometimes sticky rice, or sandwiches. At noon, she cooks waiting for me to come home from school. My grandmother is very strict. She always reminds me to go to school and eat and sleep on time, and to do my work punctually. There are times when I ask her to go out but come back late, she reminds me and asks me to write a self-criticism afterward and read it to her. She never scolds or speaks harshly to me; she tells me that as a girl, I just need her gentle reminder to obey. There are times when I get low grades, she gets upset, she tells me to always try to study so that my parents far away can work with peace of mind.

An essay describing a family member selected by me

Although my parents lack emotional support, I receive love and care from my grandmother, which makes me feel incredibly happy. On weekends, when I have no school, I help her with household chores like cleaning the house, washing dishes, and combing her hair deeply. In the evenings, we watch movies together, and she tells me about her history and many memories from her past. She teaches me everything in life, from eating habits to how to live in a way that pleases everyone. Because of this, whether at school or at home, I am always praised as a good child, a smart student. Every time she attends parent-teacher meetings for me, she is very happy because my academic achievements always rank first or second in class. When she gets home, she often calls to inform my parents about my academic results, and my parents praise me.

I always cherish and appreciate my grandmother, because she is the one who has worked hard to raise me into who I am. I promise to try my best to study well so that my grandmother and parents always feel satisfied and proud of me.

My older brother is incredibly smart. He receives praise from all the teachers for his intelligence, quick grasp of lessons, and enthusiastic participation in discussions. His dedication to class activities earns him admiration from both teachers and peers. Despite being young, he carries out his responsibilities as the eldest sibling diligently. He takes care of me attentively, especially when our parents are busy with work. Every day, he manages household chores single-handedly, from cleaning and cooking to feeding our pets. He even ensures I get to school safely and helps me with my studies in the evenings.

I am immensely proud to have a brother like him. I love and cherish him dearly, wishing only the best for him.

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12. Describe a family member: My younger brother