Descriptions in Writing How to Incorporate Descriptions in Writing

Using Descriptions There are 3 basic ways to use descriptions in your narrative. Sensory Details (Imagery) Figurative Language Vivid Words

Sensory Details (Imagery)

Are facts that are collected through the 5 senses. Sensory Details Are facts that are collected through the 5 senses.

Ask What do you see? What do you hear? What do you feel? What do you smell? What do you taste?

Use sensory details in writing to give the read a clear idea of what you are describing. Example

Figurative Language Sometimes we can’t quite put into concrete terms what we are sensing. This is where figurative language comes in handy.

Figurative Language Simile: Where we create a comparison using like or as. Metaphor: Where we create a direct comparison to something else. Personification: Where we give non-human objects, human qualities. Hyperbole: Where we exaggerate.

Vivid Word Choice Word choice also plays a big role in creating imagery. So select vivid words!

Sight Sound Touch Taste Smell Brilliant Clamor Cool Bland Foul Dingy Hiss Dusty Creamy Perfumed Gloomy Mumble Fluffy Gingery Putrid Shadowy Rant Gooey Nauseating Spicy Striped Squeal Prickly Peppery Sweet Tarnished Thud Slippery Rotten Rancid Twinkling Whimper Velvety Scrumptious Musty

Revising a Descriptive Paragraph Ask yourself, have I created a vivid mental image through the use of sensory details? Have I used concrete words/descriptive adjectives? Do my details support the main idea of the paragraph?

Revise your Intro Paragraph Reread your introductory paragraph. Find a noun or person you could describe further. Underline that word. Choose one way to add a description to that word so that it improves your paragraph. Add sensory details (use the 5 senses). Add at least one simile or metaphor. Remove a boring word and replace it with a more vivid, or descriptive word. Be ready to share with a partner.