1. Descriptions in Writing
How to Incorporate
Descriptions in Writing

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

3. Sensory Details (Imagery)

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

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

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

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

8. 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.

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

10. 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

11. 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?

12. 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.