i am an observant person essay

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Pros and cons of being an observant person

Who doesn’t like to think that they are an observant person? We prefer to believe that we do not miss any details. That our eyes are always attentive and our ears sharp. However, there really aren’t that many truly observant people. And if you want to know if you are part of that group, answer these simple questions:

How many steps are there in front of your house or up to your apartment?

What color is the building right in front of or next to your office?

Does your neighbor wear glasses? What color are they?

When you visit the same places, every day and in the same way, it is common to ignore the details. In the age of digital distraction, it is also easy to become engrossed in our mobile phones and forget about what is around us. However, even in these situations, observant people continue to pay attention to the details, it is as if they have a sixth sense for details and changes that go unnoticed by others.

The 5 characteristics of an observant person

Observant people have a kind of “superpower” that allows them to live and relate differently:

1. They notice small details . Few things escape those who have the “gift” of observation. They are not usually distracted, but pay attention to their surroundings, so they are the first to notice changes, even the most insignificant ones. It is difficult for anything to escape their attentive eyes and ears.

2. They are good at “reading” people . Observant people not only pay attention to the environment, they also tend to be very sensitive to others. Often that means they are able to pick up on micro facial expressions and small variations in body posture or tone of voice, so they can sense when someone is feeling bad, lying, or happy. If they watch a movie, for example, they will be able to notice the subtleties and realize the plot twist long before others thanks to a seemingly insignificant detail or phrase.

3. They have a good memory . Most observant people have a good memory, at least for details. They can remember things from their past quite clearly, as well as recover conversations and experiences in great detail. Although they do not have a photographic memory , the truth is that their ability to remember all kinds of details often impresses the others. Generally, this unusual ability is due to the fact that they tend to be fully present, so that their experiences are more vivid and better recorded in their memory, compared to those who always have their minds elsewhere.

4. They are very analytical . The ability to pay attention to small details makes an observant person a great analyst. Analytical thinking involves breaking problems down into smaller pieces to understand how they interact and be able to find a solution. Therefore, these are people who detect patterns that go unnoticed by others, which usually gives them an advantage for the future.

5. Great ability to concentrate . Observation goes hand in hand with attention. It could not be otherwise. Therefore, observant people are able to stay focused for long periods of time. This means that they can read for several hours without getting lost in their thoughts, be fully present in a conversation or even enjoy a landscape absorbed by what they see or feel.

The bad thing about being an observant person

Have you ever heard the expression “The devil is in the details”? If you are an observant person, you will feel fully identified because sometimes that insight is also experienced as a “curse.”

When most people do not pay attention to details, the propensity to see what others do not perceive can cause great problems and complications. In fact, on many occasions the observer may feel like an alien and wonders how it is possible that the others do not see what is so obvious to them.

Sometimes, these different perspectives of the situation can give rise to conflicts and discussions, creating friction in interpersonal relationships.

The ability to see small details can also work against them during interactions. In the end, emotionally “undressing” the other is not always convenient, unless we are able to manage the inconsistencies we perceive.

Observant people also run the risk of falling into pathological perfectionism . If they are not able to go beyond the details, they can get caught in their loop, so that the trees prevent them from seeing the forest.

How to take advantage of this observational capacity?

In 2007, Grammy winner Joshua Bell put on a baseball cap and played Bach on his violin during rush hour in a D.C. subway station as part of a social experiment . People hurriedly passed by him without realizing who he was, even though two days before he had sold out tickets to play at a theater in Boston, at an average price of $100.

During the 45 minutes he played, only 6 people stopped to listen to him. About 20 gave him money, but they just continued on their way. The musician only raised $32 and the experiment showed that the vast majority of people go through life on autopilot.

In fact, in the age of distraction, attention, concentration and observation are an even more precious commodity. The key is to be aware of its “adverse effects” to keep them under control.

Observation is much more than looking, it is about paying attention to details, patterns and nuances that often go unnoticed. It means involving all our senses and being completely present in the here and now.

When we observe, we can extract valuable information, detect opportunities and identify potential risks. That ability allows us to see beyond the surface to discover those underlying truths that are normally kept hidden in plain sight.

If you’re already good at paying attention to details, occasionally try to take a step back – metaphorically speaking – so you can get a glimpse of the bigger picture. Analyze, but don’t forget to synthesize. By having a more general picture of the situation, you will be able to make better decisions.

Use that “privileged” information tactfully and sensitively to navigate the social world. The ability to detect the deepest emotions of those around you should help you get closer to them, with empathy as your standard.

Use that “superpower” to reach a deeper understanding of people, situations, and environments. By actively observing, you can decipher non-verbal cues, discover motivations, and better understand human behavior.

And do it with curiosity, without judging. Ask questions and challenge your own assumptions to try to understand different points of view. All with an open mind. In this way, the downside of being an observant person will be minimized, giving way to the enormous potential that this incredible ability contains.

Jennifer Delgado

I am a psychologist and I spent several years writing articles for scientific journals specialized in Health and Psychology. I want to help you create great experiences. Learn more about me .

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16 Things Incredibly Observant People Do (That Others Don’t)

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Do you ever stop to soak in the world?

Have people compared you to Sherlock Holmes or Matt Murdock?

Do you use all your senses, not just your sight?

We receive a lot of sensory information every waking second, but to be truly observant means responding to it as well.

When you notice absolutely everything, you must learn what to focus on and what to filter out. Observant people are good at this, and they’re often at least one step ahead of others.

Observant people really do have it better than others.

Because the world is a fascinating place if you really pay attention to it. Observant people enjoy a richer experience because they are so attuned to the world around them.

Here are some things that incredibly observant people consistently do that make them different from everyone else:

1. They notice the details.

The devil is in the detail, they say, and observant people know this. So, they pay attention to even the tiniest of details. For instance, they might notice their coworker’s red nose which indicates that they are sick or have been crying.

In addition to being detail oriented , these people have great deductive reasoning and critical thinking skills, so they can conclude a lot from these details.

For example, they might notice that their partner has changed their hairstyle or that a coworker has skipped their lunch break. These details tell them that their partner is putting in some extra effort for their date night or that their coworker is running behind on their work.

Paying attention to the details is useful in all aspects of life.

2. They analyze everything.

Observant people don’t only notice the details; they analyze them as well. As a matter of fact, they analyze everything. For instance, if you notice that your coworker came in late today and wore socks that don’t match, you could conclude that they’ve overslept and are having a rough morning.

Sherlock Holmes and other popular fictional detectives all have one thing in common—the power of observation and deduction. Observant people use the same power. Although they might not use it to solve crimes, they use it to solve problems in their daily lives.

3. They soak in their surroundings.

This type of person always scans their surroundings. They observe their environment and the people around them, instead of looking at their phones or getting distracted in other ways.

They might isolate each sense to see what they can hear, smell, see, feel through touch, and even taste. Then they can put all this information together and bask in the complete experience of life.

4. They keep their mind busy.

The mind of an observant person is constantly active. They are searching for things to focus on while prioritizing information. Obviously, this type of person is busy even when they appear to be doing nothing. While most people will reach for their phone when bored, observant people soak in their surroundings and enjoy people-watching.

They don’t like distractions and are never bored; their mind is busier than a bee. They are focused, mindful, aware of their senses, and present in the moment.

5. They read the signs and body language.

Are you tired? Bored? Deceitful? Amused? An observant person can tell how you feel or what you might be thinking based on the signs you’re giving off. They notice body language and the way it changes, so it’s easy for them to tell when you’re lying or when you’re having a difficult day.

They are good at reading the vibe, the room, the people, or however you wish to phrase it. They’re great at sensing what you’re feeling, even if you’re good at hiding it.

6. They are curious.

It’s important to keep your inner child happy. When that inner child belongs to an observant person, it never stops asking “Why?” Their curious mind is constantly learning. Being curious makes life more fascinating, so observant people can be happy because of their curiosity.

Like a three-year-old child who is constantly asking questions, observant people are eager to learn. They learn from daily experiences and everything around them; they are always analyzing things.

7. They repeat everything.

You will often find an observant person reading the same book or watching the same movie multiple times. This is because they gain some new information each time. Also, these people know that you learn through repetition, and there’s nothing that they value more than learning.

8. They notice patterns.

Everything in life is made up of patterns, whether it’s the patterns of nature or patterns in the behavior of humans that form their habits. Noticing patterns helps us prepare for what’s going to happen in the future, and observant people use it to improve themselves and their lives.

It’s easy to embark on the road of personal development when you have identified the old patterns that no longer serve you—or maybe they’ve never served you. You can also notice some new patterns that you could improve upon.

9. They’re good listeners.

Highly observant people know how to listen. They know that to understand someone, it pays to listen to what they are saying rather than getting distracted or focusing solely on what you are going to say next.

In addition, they are good at reading between the lines and hearing what isn’t said and deducing things from this too. After all, what someone chooses not to tell you can be just as enlightening as what they do say.

For instance, if a coworker complains about a small task at work, others might conclude that they are being petty. An observant person, however, might conclude that the coworker is having personal problems that are causing them to be frustrated at work.

10. They are tidy and organized.

When you’re the type of person who notices everything, you want it to be easy to pick up on these things. So, you’ll be tidy and organized. Observant people keep their home, and especially their office, tidy and organized so that it’s easy to reach for something when they need it.

They are likely to be organized in other ways as well. For instance, they’ll keep a calendar, their computer files will be organized, they’ll plan their goals and write down the steps, and they’ll do a great job at planning events or projects.

All in all, this person is likely to have a “to-do” list on their tidy desk, and they regularly cross off completed tasks because observant people are also very productive.

11. They have great orientation and navigation skills.

An observant person never, or very rarely, gets lost in a new place or a big crowd. This is because they have great orientation and navigation skills. They are usually good drivers, but they also find their way quickly when on foot. They always notice important things for orientation, such as landmarks in big cities.

It’s always a good idea to bring an observant person with you when you’re going to a music festival or a large shopping mall. They will easily find a way out when they’re stuck in large places with a lot of people.

12. They soak up facts and information.

Did you know that stop signs were once yellow or that dolphins keep one eye open when sleeping? An observant person is a source of interesting facts that no one really needs to know, but they also know a lot of useful information that helps them in everyday life.

If you are this type of person, you probably store a lot of detailed facts, even random ones that you collect over time. Basically, you’re a living encyclopedia, and people love this about you because they can always come to you for answers instead of searching for them online.

13. They are focused and mindful.

You already learned that observant people are very much aware of their surroundings and other people, but they’re also aware of themselves. They notice how they are interacting with others, as well as the times when they’re being unproductive or lazy. This helps them adjust things accordingly.

For instance, if an observant person notices that they are being lazy in the morning when they should be working, they may adjust their schedule and focus on their jobs in the afternoon.

They are constantly dealing with a lot of facts, so focusing can be a challenge, but they’re great at it due to prioritizing and practicing mindfulness.

14. They enjoy people-watching.

It can be interesting to observe people as if you’re new to the concept of humans. These fun little creatures go about their days while you gaze at them and guess what they’re all about. This is called people-watching, and it’s a hobby for those who are imaginative and curious, and observant people are definitely those things.

People-watching can sound stalkerish, but it really isn’t. It’s more like you’re putting yourself into the role of a scientist who is studying human behavior and developing more skills.

15. They’re good judges of character.

Observing what someone says, does, and might not be saying helps this type of person read other people like open books. Don’t be surprised if an observant person tells you something about yourself that you never told them. They didn’t hear it from anyone else; they got it from you, even if you never said it directly.

As already mentioned, they are good at reading your body language, so this, along with your actions compared to your words, helps them identify things about you that you might not be saying. Again, they’re good at reading between the lines, so if you have hinted at something, whether knowingly or unknowingly, they’re all caught up with that.

16. They form healthy relationships.

In the end, observant people tend to form healthy relationships with others. This is probably due to some of the skills that you’ve read about so far. Reading body language, as well as reading between the lines, comes in handy in romantic relationships, and so does paying attention to the details.

These people are good at picking up on any changes in mood that their partner is exhibiting, which obviously helps in relationships. They’re the ones who’ll ask you what’s wrong if you’re usually chatty but suddenly turn distant, or if you frown while you’re usually cheerful.

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• 9 Things You’ll Understand If You’re a Really Observant Person

9 Things You’ll Only Understand If You’re a Really Observant Person

There are benefits to being an observant person. There are some things in life that only observant people understand or take note of.

You are more aware of your surroundings and so this often means that you are one step ahead of everyone else. It's a special kind of intelligence.

When we think of characters that are known to be observant, I instantly think Sherlock Holmes, especially Benedict Cumberbatch's portrayal. But that also brings us to the fact that being so observant can be incredibly overwhelming, both for yourself and those who have to deal with you.

• Noticing everything means that you have to choose what to concentrate on and what to filter out.
• Not only do you see, you have to respond to the billions of sensory information you pick up.

Note that in this post we go from talking about an observant person's perspective to how their friends might see things.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my  disclosure  for more information.

1. When Others are Bored But You Aren't Because You Are Soaking Up Your Surroundings

People seem to love distractions. They just love to do everything else but acknowledge the silence of a situation.

For example, at the bus stop people will often be on their phones, playing candy crush to avoid being bored or feeling alone.

• In fact most people are on their phone most of the time, just to kill the stillness.
• But not highly observant people.

Your Boredom is not theirs, what you consider 'quiet' is their happy place. They use quiet and still circumstances as a chance to be mindful and soak up their surroundings .

• If you are a really observant person, you know that this is golden time. An opportunity for you to hone your sense and look at the way people dress and their little mannerisms.
• An observant person tends to even make up scenarios in their head, stories involving the people they meet, just to keep their minds active.

It keeps them grounded in the beauty of the moment.

2. When They Judge You, They Are Scarily Accurate

Observant people are great judges of character, although they themselves may sometimes seem out of place in social settings.

When you are with an observant person, you will see that they read you, without even really looking at you.

That's because they have become skillful at it.

• They pick up messages from your body language in order to discern what you're really feeling.
• An observant person can tell how close you actually are to your friend, by the most basic things such as your Instagram feed and those Facebook replies.

They may even start referring to things about you that you never even told them .

They don't have some secret labyrinth of hidden knowledge - they just listen really carefully to what you say- compared with what you do.

3. They know When You're Lying

Don't even bother telling porkies to anyone, especially a really observant person.

They'll know you're about to lie even before you open your mouth.

Observant people will notice your changes in breathing, your facial expressions and so on, they know the tell-tale signs.

• So here's a tip: just tell them all about it.

Because chances are, they already know.

4. Want to Rant? They'll Listen

It's no surprise that observant people are good listeners.

They tend to be keenly interested in what is running thorough your brain, so when you talk you can be sure that they will pay attention (as creepy as that sounds).

• Observant people engage their entire body and mind as you speak about whatever's bothering you.
• They know the importance of listening in a conversation and won't say a single word until you've finished expressing yourself.

Even then, they won't necessarily tell you all the things you should do. They will likely just give you a hug and be there for you in that moment.

Observant people are highly responsive.

They'll nod, assure you with their eye contact and ask appropriate questions when its right to do so.

Observant people enjoy some of the best relationships because of this. They develop the skills to be highly charismatic and attractive to others, because they learn what others care about.

5. They Store The Most Random, Non-Essential Facts 

Peanuts are an ingredient of dynamite.

• Yes, a ridiculously observant person seems to know all the facts that no-one actually needs to know in addition to the library of relevant facts.
• Whether you have such geeky friends or you are the geeky friend, you'll relate to this.

If you are a really observant person, you may realize that you store many, many random (and detailed) facts that you've collected over the years. 

An observant person is often known as a living enclycopedia. You can feel secure in their infinite geeky expressions and remarks.

These are the people that seem to know the answers to most Trivia questions out there, so you'll want to keep them around ;)

By the way, did you know that Bluebirds can't actually see the colour blue?

6. Tendency For Perfectionism

Observant people notice the smallest things that are out of place, so this often means that they strive for perfection in their own lives, and when things aren't done a certain way - they become frustrated.

• This is a down side, because they find it hard to just let things slide. Order and organization are paramount to them.
• If you are an observant person, this may be a reason that you come across as bossy sometimes.

You want things done to a very specific standard that others don't seem to understand.

• Therefore, an observant person usually needs to make some effort not to be too hard on both themselves and others.

On the other side, an observant person may be the most productive member of a team, simply because they believe that when you do something, you should do it properly.

They put their heart and soul into what they achieve.

7. Longer Life Expectancy

To state the obvious, observant people are better drivers.

They are more careful.

The AAA Foundation says that 80% of drivers feel unsafe on the roads because of distractions. 

More observant people are more likely to live longer because they perceive dangers ahead of time and are deeply insightful.

They process possible risks and make plans to dodge trouble.

8. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

An observant person will generally repeat actions,  a lot.

They will read the same book many times, and experience the thrill of noticing something new each time.

• As we noted before, boredom is not a familiar concept to them.
• One of the reasons an observant person is so fond of repetition is that they may be afraid of something slipping under their radar.

They are aware that people often tend to miss key facts, so they make that extra effort to miss nothing .

Repetition is a main reason why observant people are able to store huge amounts of information and why they tend to perform well on tests of their knowledge.

9. They Know When You're Having a Bad Day.

An observant person notices the way you walk into the room or how hard you throw your papers down onto the table.

If you walk into the office with mismatched socks, they know that perhaps you are in a rush and haven't had the best morning, so won't talk to you about that looming project deadline.

So...Are You an Observant Person? 

Did you relate to the above points about observant people? I'm sure this post will make you more observant in the future, either way. 

If you want to enhance your observation skills and take them to the next level, I recommend checking out the book Captivate: The Science of Succeeding with People by Vanessa Van Edwards.

It's a book that provides interesting insights on human behaviour and shows you how speed-read people you've just met. You can actually get the audiobook version (or another book of your choice) for free here .

Thanks for reading!

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So that's my breakdown of 9 things you'll understand if you're a really observant person or friends to one! Is there anything you would add to the list? Feel free to share below!

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Becoming a Great Observer

Observation is key to survival, yet few of us do it well..

Posted January 2, 2012

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Recently I saw the National Geographic series, " Brain Games ." If you get a chance, take a look; what an eye-opener. The show convincingly demonstrated that humans are terrible observers as we are easily distracted and for the most part, are unwilling to critically assess the world around us.

It hasn't always been this way. For tens of thousands of years, our predecessors lived in very small groups, and for them, it was critical to carefully observe others and the world around them. Observation was crucial for survival and fortunately, no one was there to say, "It's not polite to stare." If they had followed that admonition, we probably would have died out as a species.

For most of history, we humans have been very good observers because we had to. We utilized all of our senses: touch, smell, taste, hearing, and sight to detect and discern. The sudden vocalization of animals or the scampering of birds alerted the knowing that someone was approaching. Even the sweat of a sojourner let our ancestors know who was in the area and what they had eaten. At a distance, by examining posture, gait, arm swing, clothing, and accouterments (weapons, water vessels, etc.) our ancestors could discern friend from foe.

As generations evolved and eventually moved to cities, close proximity changed how we viewed and assessed each other. Because everyone was so close, we had less time to observe. Close quarters and circumstances dictated we interact first rather than later. This was the opposite of what we had done for thousands of years which was to assess first at a distance and then interact. This close proximity also made us more sensitive to being observed, which is why we are made uncomfortable when others stare at us.

The question I often ask is, "Have we become observationally lazy?" Have we allowed ourselves to become careless when it comes to our own safety and that of our loved ones? This is not a pointless question. I ask because, like you, I see people distracted (applying makeup, making phone calls, texting) while driving and getting into traffic accidents. Or someone knocks at the front door and we open it without first seeing who it is and asking what they want. Perhaps, in an attempt to be nice and polite, we have abrogated our responsibility to ourselves, and each other, to be good observers.

It is bad enough when I ask in class, where is the nearest fire exit and only one hand goes up. Or worse, as I saw last week, a young student leaves the supermarket pushing a cart, talking on her mobile phone, without looking around. As she reached her car and opened the door she found herself trapped by someone begging for money at such a close distance that fear and surprise dominated her face. Fortunately, the man merely wanted a handout; but it could have been a sexual predator or a robber. Had she been observing her environment she could have better anticipated this event.

Almost twenty years ago, Gavin de Becker wrote The Gift of Fear , in an effort to warn and educate us about being more observant and aware. He encouraged us to look around and to listen to that that " inner voice ," which is really our limbic brain telling us to be careful that something is wrong.

It is a shame that twenty years on few people know de Becker's work. I say that because we really need to improve our ability to observe and especially our situational awareness. We know this by how many times someone has been victimized or has been taken advantage of and later we hear, "You know I had a feeling, in the beginning, that something wasn't right." Failure to observe, if we are honest, leads to avoidable circumstances as well as accidents but it can also help us to avoid being victimized.

I talked last year with a mother whose son was sexually abused by a camp counselor. She related to me how, "from the very beginning," she had a "sense" not to trust that counselor. I have no doubt that the Penn State, Sandusky case will also evince such comments.

Likewise, I am sure many an investor with Bernie Madoff (or any other swindler for that matter) has had that same feeling of revulsion after realizing that they too had "hints," "feelings," or "an intuition ," that something was not quite right. This is important to remember because how we feel about something often completes the picture so that we can fully understand it.

It is never too late to start observing, but what do we observe for? First, let's get some things clear about proper observation. Observation is not about being judgmental, it is not about good or bad, it is about seeing the world around you, having situational awareness, and interpreting what it is that others are communicating both verbally and nonverbally. To observe is to see but also to understand and that requires listening to how you feel, which was basically de Becker's admonition in Gift of Fear .

Good observation skills give us the opportunity to test and validate what others think, feel, or intend for us. Are they kind, unselfish, and empathetic ? Or are they selfish, cruel, indifferent, and apathetic? Because if they are and we discover it early enough, we have spared ourselves, some might even say saved ourselves. But if we don't, we pay the heavy price of a burdensome relationship with someone that does not have us in his or her best interest. Perhaps this is why when we are young we have so many "friends" and as we get older we have fewer of them, but they are better. We have gotten rid of the ones that drained us or caused us pain. If only we had been more observant and judicious when we were young and paid attention to how we felt.

As I often say, we have no social responsibility to be a victim. If someone acts or even hints at anti-social tendencies it is best to avoid them and this can only be determined through critical observation. And that means we are always testing and validating. This is important because when we deal with individuals who have anti-social tendencies, we will pay the price either through their negativity, lack of genuine empathy, or through their indifference, callousness, or criminality.

Being observant does not mean being obnoxious or intrusive. In fact, a good observer knows that intrusive observations affect what is observed; so it needs to be done with subtlety as well as purpose.

What finally do we assess for? Two things primarily: danger and comfort . Just that? No, but let's start with that. Simply ask yourself at all times, "How does this situation or this individual make me feel?" For example, you are walking to your car at night and you see someone out of the corner of your eye walking briskly and you sense that you will both intersect. Your limbic brain senses this for you and lets you know something is not right - but you have to heed that inner voice. That discomfort is your brain saying "warning - possible danger" so you become more alert, you look for a well-lit area, and you wisely change your pace, or return to the safety of the store.

Assessing for comfort can really open your eyes. When you are with someone new ask yourself, "Does this person make me feel comfortable at all times?" If he or she doesn't, then the question is "Why?" We must never ignore clues that say something is wrong, no matter how badly we want a friendship to work. Your subconscious is always working to protect you, it is there for a reason, but you have to be prepared to observe and recognize what you sense.

Conclusion: Observation is no less important now than it was ten thousand years ago. The only difference is now we have to do it more quickly and more efficiently because we may run into fifty strangers in a day whereas our ancestors saw but a few. We can improve this skill, and we can even teach it to our children, but like everything else, it takes effort (cont.).

Copyright © 2012 Joe Navarro

de Becker, Gavin. 1997. The Gift of Fear. New York: Dell Publishing.

Navarro, Joe. 2010. Body Language Essentials. Amazon Kindle.

Navarro, Joe. 2008. What Every Body Is Saying . New York: Harper Collins.

Navarro, Joe and John R. Schafer. 2003. Universal principles of criminal behavior : a tool for analyzing criminal intent. FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, (January): 22-24

Joe Navarro is a former FBI Counterintelligence Agent and is the author of What Every Body is Saying . He is an expert on nonverbal communications and body language.

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Observation Essay

Observation essay generator.

To properly observe something, you need to make use of all your five senses. Paying attention to all the details and being level-headed is a must. That said, a lot of effort goes into the act of observing something. The data gathered in your observation, whatever it may be, is necessary. Therefore you should write an observation essay and share your findings with the readers. 

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What Is an Observation Essay?

An observation essay is a piece of academic essay that incorporates the observer’s perspective over a situation, event, behavior, phenomenon, and even a person. In this document, the writer should state everything he or she directly noticed on the subject. In addition, they can also use first-person narration in this paper.

How to Write a Well-Versed Observation Essay

Whether you are a student writing an essay of your observation for a school assignment or educational research , or maybe a professional conducting a business analysis , you should compose it critically. The findings you present in your observation essay could be necessary to your field or industry. To keep it professional and informative, incorporate appropriate elements and organize it properly. 

1. Follow Guidelines

If there are guidelines provided, ensure to read them beforehand. The list usually includes instructions regarding the format, the length, essential questions, the structure, and the deadline. To avoid forgetting the items to remember, you can secure a checklist beforehand. These details will act as your guide and will set the limits for your essay writing . 

2. Devise an Outline

Considering that you already finished observing, take out your notes, and start constructing your outline. Consider basing its structure on the guidelines. You should decide what information goes on in a particular paragraph and organize it to be comprehensive to the general readers. You can save your energy by researching sample blank outline templates online instead of starting from scratch.

3. Compose Your Thesis Statement

Write your thesis statement in your introduction. After writing your hook and engaging your readers, it is now time to state what the essay will discuss. What did you observe? What are the general idea and nature of your essay? Your thesis statement will act as the central idea of your descriptive writing. Its length must only be one sentence. 

4. Close With a Detailed Conclusion

After presenting the main ideas and supporting your claims, you should provide a conclusion statement that would sum it all up. In the last paragraph, you should restate the thesis statement and explain how all of these ideas are relevant to each other. Your conclusion should link back to the idea in your introduction.

How do you observe something properly?

The practice of observing is necessary for writing field reports of studies, especially in science and psychology. When you do an observation of something, it is advisable to research the subject you are studying. Also, you need to focus on your visual and hearing senses and your thought process. Avoid or get rid of factors that can distract you.

What are the different methods of observing?

The various methods of observing are categorized based on the level of involvement of the observer with the subject. If an observer is not noticed or personally seen by the participants, then he or she is employing the complete observer method. On the other hand, if the subjects recognize and interact with the observer, the implemented method is observer as participant.

How should you note your observations?

The first step in taking field notes of your observation is, write down the necessary details of the subject. Also, you should include the time and place. In writing your findings, you should stay objective and factual. Also, don’t forget to write a description of the setting and the materials involved.

The readers of your observation essay are not present at the time you did your observation. An observation essay is effective if its content is enough to supply information that would make the readers feel as if they are personally present at that time. Secure an observation essay, and earn an award certificate from your school or your work. 

Text prompt

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• Professional

Discuss the behavior of animals at a zoo and what it reveals about them in your Observation Essay.

Reflect on the atmosphere of a music concert you attended in your Observation Essay.

How to Write an Observation Essay: Observation Paper Guide and Observation essay Example

What is an observational essay

Definition of an observational essay, types of observational essays, main components of an observational essay, how to start writing an observation essay, choosing an observation topic, gathering information through observation, creating a strong thesis statement, observation essay structure, writing the introduction paragraph, organizing the body paragraphs effectively, concluding an observation essay, tips for writing an effective observation paper, using descriptive language, incorporating the five senses, observation essay examples and topics, 20 observation essay topics for college, reviewing observation essay examples, creating an observation essay outline.

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to write an observation paper . Whether you’re a student looking to enhance your writing skills or an individual interested in honing your observation skills , this guide will provide you with valuable insights and tips on how to create a compelling and descriptive observation paper .

Here's What You'll Learn

Observation essay example

Write an observation essaytoggle, key takeaways.

• Recording observations, interpreting notes, and organizing them are crucial processes in writing an observation paper .
• Be mindful of important details such as date, time, and locality when taking field notes.
• Use qualitative and descriptive language to convey your observations effectively.
• Structure your observation paper around a research question and employ a clear and plain writing style.
• An observation essay focuses on diligently observing and describing the subject, without requiring analysis or problem-solving.

Now that you have a glimpse of what this guide will cover, let’s dive deeper into the definition and goals of an observation essay in the next section.

Understanding the Definition and Goals of an Observation Essay

An observation essay is an academic paper that focuses on making detailed observations and providing a rich description of objects, events, natural phenomena, or individuals. Unlike other types of essays, an observation essay does not require analysis or problem-solving. Instead, it aims to immerse the reader in the observation by diligently describing the subject.

When writing an observation essay, it is essential to employ vivid language and present tense to create a sense of immediacy and realism. By using descriptive and sensory details, the writer can effectively engage the reader and transport them into the observation itself.

The structure of an observation essay typically follows a standard essay format, consisting of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion . In the introduction, the writer provides background information about the observation and presents a clear thesis statement. The body paragraphs serve as a platform for presenting the observations in a logical and organized manner, supported by relevant details and examples. Finally, the conclusion restates the thesis and offers a reflection on the overall observation, leaving the reader with a lasting impression.

Tips for Writing an Effective Observation Essay

In order to write an effective observation essay, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. First and foremost, choose a subject that truly fascinates you. Writing about something you are genuinely interested in will make the entire process more enjoyable and will also help you to stay engaged throughout.

When it comes to actually observing the subject of your essay, use all of your senses to create a vivid and detailed picture. This will not only make your writing more immersive for the reader, but it will also help you to capture the essence of what you are observing. Whether it’s sights, sounds, smells, tastes, or textures, paying attention to these sensory details will elevate your observation essay to the next level.

Another important tip is to apply the present tense in your writing. By using the present tense, you can create a sense of immediacy and make the events you are describing feel more real. This will help to engage the reader and make them feel as though they are experiencing the observation firsthand.

Lastly, be attentive to details and draw on your personal experiences. Including specific and unique details in your essay will make it more interesting and immersive for the reader. Additionally, sharing your own personal experiences and reflections throughout the essay will add depth and authenticity to your writing.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your observation essay is engaging, descriptive, and effective in capturing the essence of your subject.

Table: Tips for Writing an Effective Observation Essay

In conclusion , mastering the art of writing an observation essay requires honing your writing skills and employing effective descriptive writing techniques. By following the tips provided in this guide, you can enhance your ability to capture the details of your observations and engage your readers.

Writing Skills: Writing an observation essay allows you to develop and showcase your writing skills . Through diligent practice, you can improve your ability to convey your observations in a clear and engaging manner, effectively communicating your experiences to your audience.

Descriptive Writing: Descriptive writing is essential in an observation essay. By utilizing vivid language and sensory details, you can transport your readers into the scene, immersing them in the events and making your essay more captivating.

Conclusion: In conclusion, an observation essay is a powerful tool for exploring and sharing your observations. By selecting a subject that interests you, applying present tense, and structuring your essay in a logical manner, you can effectively convey your observations and leave a lasting impression on your readers.

What is an observation essay?

An observation essay is an academic paper that involves making observations and providing a detailed description of objects, events, natural phenomena, or individuals.

What should be included in an observation essay?

An observation essay should include vivid descriptions, use of present tense, personal experience, and attention to detail.

How should an observation essay be structured?

An observation essay should follow a standard essay structure, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

What is the goal of an observation essay?

The goal of an observation essay is to diligently observe and describe the subject without analysis or problem-solving.

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