what type of essay relies on sensory and feeling words

Descriptive Essay Tips: Using Sensory & Feeling Words

1. define your focus, choose a specific topic, identify your audience, create a thesis statement, 2. build your vocabulary, use thesaurus, read broadly, practice writing, 3. apply sensory words, describe sight, describe sound, describe touch, 4. utilize feeling words, express emotions, capture the mood, convey atmosphere, 5. create vivid imagery, use metaphors, apply similes, incorporate symbolism, 6. revise and edit, review your work, check for clarity, polish your essay.

Delving into the world of descriptive essays, one question that often comes up is "which type of essay relies on sensory and feeling words?" Well, you've guessed right—the descriptive essay. It's like painting a picture with words, where each stroke is a sensory or feeling word. This blog post will guide you through the process of enhancing your descriptive essays with sensory and feeling words, along with other essential elements, which will help you create a masterpiece every time.

Before you begin writing your descriptive essay, it's important to have a clear focus. This involves choosing a specific topic, identifying your audience, and creating a compelling thesis statement.

Choosing a topic for your descriptive essay can be exciting, yet daunting. It's like being at a buffet where you can pick anything, but you need to choose wisely. The key is to pick a subject that you can describe vividly—something that piques your interest and evokes strong senses or emotions. It could be a person, a place, an object, or an experience. For instance, writing about the Grand Canyon can provide ample opportunities to use sensory and feeling words.

Knowing your audience is like having a GPS for your essay—it helps you navigate the content. Are you writing for your peers, your teacher, or the public? Understanding your audience will help you determine the level of detail and the type of language to use. For example, if you're writing for your classmates in middle school, you might want to avoid complex words and keep the descriptions simple and relatable.

Last but not least, you need a solid thesis statement—a compass to guide your essay. Your thesis statement should give a hint about what your essay is about and how you are going to describe it. For instance, if you're writing about a summer day at the beach, your thesis statement could be: "A summer day at the beach is like a symphony where the elements of nature come together to create a sensory extravaganza."

Writing a descriptive essay is like painting with words, and your vocabulary is your color palette. The more words you have at your disposal, the richer and more vivid your description will be. So, how can you expand your vocabulary? Here are some ways.

Thesaurus is your best friend when it comes to finding synonyms and antonyms. It's like a treasure chest of words waiting to be discovered. Want to describe how delicious the apple pie tasted? Instead of using the word 'delicious', you can find alternatives like 'scrumptious', 'mouthwatering', or 'delectable'. This not only makes your essay more interesting but also increases its sensory appeal.

Reading is like taking a journey through different worlds and times. Each book, article, or blog post you read is an opportunity to learn new words and phrases. Pay attention to how authors describe characters, settings, and events. Notice the sensory and feeling words they use. From the crisp autumn air in a mystery novel to the palpable tension in a thriller, reading widely will equip you with a wealth of words to use in your essays.

Just as a musician practices scales or a basketball player practices shooting hoops, a writer should practice writing. Regular writing exercises will help you become comfortable with using new words and expressions. Try describing your morning routine, your favorite meal, or a memorable vacation. Remember, practice makes perfect, and in the case of descriptive essays, practice makes vivid!

Now that you've got your vocabulary toolbox ready, it's time to dive into the core of descriptive writing. Which type of essay relies on sensory and feeling words? You guessed it - a descriptive essay. Using sensory words is like adding spices to a dish—it brings out the flavors, making it more appealing and enjoyable. So, let's explore the sensory words associated with sight, sound, and touch.

Sight is perhaps the most utilized sense in descriptive writing. It's about painting a picture with words. When describing a place, don't just say it's 'beautiful'. Is it a serene lakeside with glistening waters reflecting the dazzling sunset? Or is it a bustling cityscape with towering skyscrapers piercing the cerulean sky? The more specific you are with your visuals, the more vivid your essay will be.

Sound adds another layer to your descriptions. It's not just about what the reader can see, but also what they can hear. Was the rain 'pattering' against the window, or was it 'drumming' heavily on the rooftop? Did the wind 'whisper' through the trees, or did it 'howl' in the night? Choosing the right words can make your descriptions come alive.

Touch is a powerful sense that can add depth to your descriptions. Was the blanket 'soft and fluffy' like a cloud, or was the pavement 'rough and gritty' under your feet? By including tactile details, you engage your reader's sense of touch, making your descriptions more immersive and realistic.

Now, let's dive a bit deeper. Sensory words help your reader visualize, hear, and feel the physical aspects of your description. But what about the emotional landscape? That's where feeling words come into play. They evoke emotions and set the mood, further enriching the descriptive essay experience. So, which type of essay relies on sensory and feeling words? Still wondering? Let's solidify your understanding through the power of emotion.

Feeling words are like the soul of your descriptive essay. They bring the emotions of your characters or your own feelings to life. Saying 'I was happy' is fine, but wouldn't it be more impactful to say 'I was overjoyed, elated, my heart brimming with happiness'? The right choice of feeling words can make your reader feel right there with you.

Setting the mood is a powerful storytelling technique. It's about creating an emotional atmosphere that pulls the reader in. Was the abandoned house 'creepy', making your heart pound with 'fear'? Or was the spring morning 'refreshing', filling you with 'calm and serenity'? The mood you set can shape the reader's experience and interpretation of your essay.

Atmosphere goes hand in hand with mood. It's about the overall feeling or vibe of a place or situation. It can be a 'tense' atmosphere in a thriller, a 'romantic' atmosphere in a love story, or a 'melancholic' atmosphere in a tale of loss. Selecting the right feeling words can help you build a compelling atmosphere that resonates with your readers.

Alright, you're almost there. You've got your focus, you've built your vocabulary, learned how to apply sensory and feeling words, but now comes the fun part: creating vivid imagery. This is where your descriptive essay truly comes alive. It's like painting a picture with words. Which type of essay relies on sensory and feeling words? The one that paints a vivid picture in the reader's mind.

Metaphors are a powerful tool for creating vivid imagery. They compare two things without using 'like' or 'as'. For instance, saying 'time is a thief' is more impactful and creates a stronger image than simply saying 'time goes by quickly'. Metaphors allow you to express complex ideas or emotions in a simple, relatable way.

Similes, like metaphors, create strong images. The difference is that similes use 'like' or 'as' for the comparison. Saying 'she ran like the wind' paints a more vivid picture than just saying 'she ran fast'. Similes can help your readers better understand and visualize your descriptions.

Symbolism allows you to convey a deeper meaning through objects, actions, or people. For example, a dove often symbolizes peace. So, if a dove appears in your essay at a critical moment, it could symbolize the arrival of peace. Symbolism can add an extra layer of depth to your essay, making it more engaging and thought-provoking for your readers.

Now, you’ve done the hard work of creating your descriptive essay, but hold on, you're not quite finished yet. Remember, the magic happens in the editing. This is your opportunity to really make your essay shine. So, let's dive into those final steps: Review, Check, and Polish.

First things first, take a break. Yes, you read that right! Step away from your work for a while. This will allow you to come back with a fresh set of eyes and spot things you might have missed. Once you're ready, read through your essay. Does it flow well? Have you painted a clear picture? Have you used enough sensory and feeling words? Remember, a descriptive essay— which is the type of essay that relies on sensory and feeling words— should make your reader feel like they're right there with you.

After a thorough review, it's time to check for clarity. Make sure your sentences are clear and concise. Remove any unnecessary words or phrases. Check if your metaphors, similes, and symbolism are clear and add value to your essay. At the end of this stage, your reader should have no trouble understanding your essay and visualizing your descriptions.

Last but not least, polish your essay. This is where you check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. But don't just rely on spell check, read your essay out loud. This helps catch awkward phrases or sentence structures. And remember, perfection is a myth. The goal is to create an engaging, vivid, and clear descriptive essay.

So, there you have it! You're now ready to write a descriptive essay that not only paints a vivid picture but also engages and captivates your readers. Happy writing!

If you want to dive deeper into using sensory and feeling words in your descriptive essays, don't miss Celina Rodriguez's workshop titled ' How to Use Your Senses for Inspiration .' This workshop will guide you through techniques and exercises that will help you harness the power of your senses to create more vivid and engaging written content.

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Chapter 10 Rhetorical Modes

10.3 description, learning objectives.

• Determine the purpose and structure of the description essay.
• Understand how to write a description essay.

The Purpose of Description in Writing

Writers use description in writing to make sure that their audience is fully immersed in the words on the page. This requires a concerted effort by the writer to describe his or her world through the use of sensory details. As mentioned earlier in this chapter, sensory details are descriptions that appeal to our sense of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Your descriptions should try to focus on the five senses because we all rely on these senses to experience the world. The use of sensory details, then, provides you the greatest possibility of relating to your audience and thus engaging them in your writing, making descriptive writing important not only during your education but also during everyday situations.

Avoid empty descriptors if possible. Empty descriptors are adjectives that can mean different things to different people. Good , beautiful , terrific , and nice are examples. The use of such words in descriptions can lead to misreads and confusion. A good day , for instance, can mean far different things depending on one’s age, personality, or tastes.

Writing at Work

The structure of a description essay.

Description essays typically describe a person, a place, or an object using sensory details. The structure of a descriptive essay is more flexible than in some of the other rhetorical modes. The introduction of a description essay should set up the tone and point of the essay. The thesis should convey the writer’s overall impression of the person, place, or object described in the body paragraphs. The organization of the essay may best follow spatial order , an arrangement of ideas according to physical characteristics or appearance. Depending on what the writer describes, the organization could move from top to bottom, left to right, near to far, warm to cold, frightening to inviting, and so on. For example, if the subject were a client’s kitchen in the midst of renovation, you might start at one side of the room and move slowly across to the other end, describing appliances, cabinetry, and so on. Or you might choose to start with older remnants of the kitchen and progress to the new installations. Maybe start with the floor and move up toward the ceiling.

• Train station
• Your office
• A coffee shop
• Lobby of a movie theater
• Mystery Option* *Choose an object to describe but do not indicate it. Describe it, but preserve the mystery.

Writing a Description Essay

Choosing a subject is the first step in writing a description essay. Once you have chosen the person, place, or object you want to describe, your challenge is to write an effective thesis statement to guide your essay. The remainder of your essay describes your subject in a way that best expresses your thesis. Remember, you should have a strong sense of how you will organize your essay. Choose a strategy and stick to it. Every part of your essay should use vivid sensory details. The more you can appeal to your readers’ senses, the more they will be engaged in your essay. See Chapter 15 “Readings: Examples of Essays” to read a sample description essay.

On a separate sheet of paper, choose one of the topics that you started in Note 10.37 “Exercise 2”, and expand it into a five-paragraph essay. Expanding on ideas in greater detail can be difficult. Sometimes it is helpful to look closely at each of the sentences in a summary paragraph. Those sentences can often serve as topic sentences to larger paragraphs. Mystery Option: Here is an opportunity to collaborate. Please share with a classmate and compare your thoughts on the mystery descriptions. Did your classmate correctly guess your mystery topic? If not, how could you provide more detail to describe it and lead them to the correct conclusion?

Key Takeaways

• Description essays should describe something vividly to the reader using strong sensory details.
• Sensory details appeal to the five human senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.
• A description essay should start with the writer’s main impression of a person, a place, or an object.
• Use spatial order to organize your descriptive writing.
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Home / Education / Which Type Of Essay Relies On Sensory And Feeling Words

Which Type Of Essay Relies On Sensory And Feeling Words

The descriptive essay: an art of words.

• Engaging the Senses : Descriptive essays rely on words that engage the five senses – sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. These essays aim to make the reader feel like they are not just reading about an experience but actually living it. For example, describing the salty sea breeze, the sound of crashing waves, and the warm touch of the sun creates a multisensory experience that transports the reader to a beach.
• Creating Vivid Imagery : Sensory and feeling words are used to create vivid mental images. Instead of telling the reader that a place is beautiful, the author describes the sparkling emerald waters, the rustling leaves, and the scent of wildflowers. These details bring the setting to life in the reader’s mind.
• Eliciting Emotions : Descriptive essays are not just about what you see; they are about what you feel. These essays use feeling words to evoke emotions in the reader. For instance, describing a character’s nervous fidgeting, racing heartbeat, and sweaty palms can make the reader feel the character’s anxiety.
• Invoking Empathy : Descriptive essays are a powerful tool for invoking empathy. By using feeling words, writers can help readers step into another person’s shoes and understand their emotions. This is particularly useful when writing about social issues, personal experiences, or empathizing with characters in a story.
• Creating Atmosphere : Sensory and feeling words help create the atmosphere of a scene or setting. Whether it’s a cozy, dimly lit cafe with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee or a bustling, noisy street market, these words set the stage and immerse the reader in the environment.

Examples of Sensory and Feeling Words

• Sight : dazzling, radiant, vibrant, dimly lit, sparkling
• Sound : cacophonous, melodic, deafening, hushed, harmonious
• Smell : fragrant, pungent, aromatic, musty, tantalizing
• Taste : savory, bitter, sweet, tangy, mouthwatering
• Touch : rough, velvety, prickly, soft, scorching

The descriptive essay is an art form that relies on sensory and feeling words to take readers on a sensory and emotional journey. By engaging the senses and evoking emotions, it transforms an essay into a vibrant, living experience. Whether you’re describing a serene forest, a bustling market, a cherished childhood memory, or a character’s emotional turmoil, the descriptive essay is a powerful vehicle for writers to convey their vivid, sensory-rich worlds to their readers.

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Jun 27, 2023

Descriptive Essay Examples: Bring Your Writing to Life with Vivid Descriptions and Engaging Language

Dive into the vibrant world of descriptive writing! Discover how to captivate your audience with rich details and stirring language, creating immersive experiences with your words!

Immerse yourself in the vibrant art of descriptive writing in this comprehensive guide. Throughout this article, we'll explore the intricacies of crafting descriptive essays, offering you useful tips, and showcasing compelling examples.

 You'll learn the essence of sensory details in creating vivid imagery, the structure of a captivating essay, and pointers for picking engaging topics. Our journey will feature rich examples like a description of the Grand Canyon, demystifying the language techniques used.

 So, are you ready to amplify your writing skills and charm your readers with words? Dive right into the world of descriptive essays and let your creativity flow!

Understanding Descriptive Essays

Before we delve into crafting engaging descriptive essays, let's clarify their fundamental purpose. Each essay type serves a unique role, and for descriptive essays, the objective is to paint an elaborate picture using vivid language and sensory details. As a writer, your goal is to transport readers to a particular location, event, or time, allowing them to experience it through their senses.

Among different essay types, each comes with a specific objective. Let's consider a few:

Narrative Essays: These essays recount a story or event. Your goal here is to craft a captivating narrative that keeps your reader engrossed from beginning to end.

Descriptive Essays: The focus of a descriptive essay is to create a vivid mental image for your reader. By using intricate details and expressive language, you invite readers into a sensory experience, making them feel as if they're part of the story.

Expository Essays: In an expository essay, the aim is to clarify or inform. You should present information in a clear, concise manner, educating your reader about a particular topic or issue.

Persuasive Essays: Persuasive essays aim to convince the reader to adopt a certain viewpoint or perform a specific action. Your task here is to utilize evidence and logical reasoning to support your argument, persuading your reader to agree with your stance.

In the context of creative writing, which includes forms like short stories, poetry, novels, and memoirs, descriptive writing serves as an essential tool. Through the use of metaphors, vivid descriptions, and other literary devices, writers can create a powerful impact and engage readers in an imaginative experience.

Whether you are aiming for fiction or non-fiction, creative writing offers a platform to explore your creativity, express your thoughts, ideas, and experiences in an original and unique way. It invites experimentation with styles, genres, and techniques, allowing for the creation of unique literary pieces.

Improving creative writing skills is an ongoing journey, with numerous resources available, including online courses and writing workshops. So, embark on your creative journey, explore your imagination, and unlock your creative potential!

In conclusion, understanding an essay's objective is a crucial step towards successful writing. A clear definition of the essay's purpose guides you to develop a robust thesis statement and structure your arguments effectively, making your essay a compelling read.

The Framework of a Descriptive Essay

Descriptive essays breathe life into words by painting a vivid picture of a person, place, thing, or experience. They employ sensory details and expressive language to make the subject come alive for the reader. Here's a basic yet effective structure you might use when crafting a descriptive essay:

1. Introduction

Your introduction should pique the reader's interest and provide some context for your essay's subject. Begin with an engaging statement about your subject, an intriguing rhetorical question, or an interesting fact to hook your audience. Subsequently, introduce your thesis statement, a clear declaration of the particular aspect or impression of the subject you will be describing.

2. Body Paragraphs

The body of your essay should dive into a detailed description of your subject. Each paragraph should spotlight a unique facet of your subject, using sensory details to paint a vibrant image for the reader. Language techniques such as metaphors, similes, and personification can enhance your descriptions. Depending on your subject and its characteristics, you may want to organize your paragraphs in chronological or spatial order.

3. Conclusion

The conclusion should encapsulate the key points of your essay, leaving a lasting impression on your reader. Restate your thesis statement and offer a brief summary of your main points. Conclude with a striking statement or image that underscores your essay's primary theme.

Bear in mind that this structural blueprint for a descriptive essay is flexible and may require adjustments based on the specific topic or purpose of your essay. Still, this basic outline provides a robust foundation to organize your thoughts and guide your journey in crafting a compelling descriptive essay.

Expanding Your Imagination: Descriptive Essay Writing Inspiration Ideas

Crafting a remarkable descriptive essay involves bringing a scene to life with your words. This immersive style of writing can be applied to a variety of topics. Here are some areas you might want to explore:

1. Recalling Cherished Memories

Our minds are vaults of experiences just waiting to be unraveled. Dive into your childhood memories and bring forth a moment that left an indelible mark on you. Remember to describe the environment, your emotions, people around you, and why this memory has remained so vivid over the years.

2. Exploring Unfamiliar Territories

Have you always dreamt about a certain place but never had the chance to visit? This is your opportunity to transport your readers to this location using your imagination. Research, craft an image, and explore this place in your mind, then share it with your audience.

3. The Magic of the Seasons

Every season carries its unique charm. Pick your favorite season and describe its essence. Use sensory details to communicate the change in the atmosphere, the transformation in the landscape, and how these alterations make you feel.

4. Delving into Personal Relationships

Consider a person who has made a significant impact on your life. It could be a family member, a friend, or even a celebrity. Describe them and explain why they are so influential. Discuss their characteristics, their words, actions, or ideas that have inspired you.

5. Relishing in the Gastronomic Delights

Food can elicit powerful memories and emotions. Describe your favorite dish or a memorable meal in great detail. Use descriptive language to convey its flavors, textures, and aromas, and share why it holds a special place in your heart.

6. Reimagining Historical Events

Historical events offer rich ground for descriptive essays. Choose an event that interests you and imagine you're a part of it. Describe the environment, the people, their emotions, and the atmosphere during this event.

Remember, the key to writing a compelling descriptive essay is to paint a vibrant picture using your words. By carefully selecting your subject and using detailed, sensory language, you can create a narrative that captivates your readers and provides them an experience to remember. Be creative, have fun with your writing, and let your imagination roam free.

Descriptive Essay Examples

Example essay 1: "my favorite place" .

My favorite place in the world is my grandparents' farm in the countryside. As I walk down the dirt road that leads to the farmhouse, I am greeted by the sweet smell of hay and the sound of crickets chirping in the distance. The rolling hills that surround the farm are covered in lush green grass and dotted with wildflowers of every color. The old wooden barn and weathered farmhouse are a testament to the many years of hard work and love that my grandparents have put into this land. I can't help but feel a sense of peace and belonging when I am here, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the memories of my family.

Example Essay 2: "The Haunted House" 

As I stepped through the creaky gate and onto the overgrown path that led to the abandoned mansion, I felt a chill run down my spine. The house's ivy-covered walls and broken windows loomed over me like a giant beast waiting to pounce. The air was thick with the scent of decay and mold, and the sound of rustling leaves and distant whispers made me feel as if I was not alone. As I explored the dark and eerie interior of the house, I couldn't help but feel as if I was stepping into a nightmare. The peeling wallpaper and rotting floorboards added to the sense of dread, and the only light came from the occasional flash of lightning that illuminated the shadows. I left the haunted house feeling as if I had been transported to another world, a world of darkness and fear.

Example Essay 3: "A Day at the Beach" 

The sun was blazing down on the white sand and turquoise waters of the beach as I settled onto my towel and let the warm breeze wash over me. The sound of crashing waves and seagulls filled the air, and the salty smell of the ocean mingled with the sweet scent of coconut oil and sunscreen. The water was crystal clear, and I could see schools of brightly colored fish darting in and out of the waves. As the day wore on, I built sandcastles with my nieces and nephews, went for a swim in the cool water, and soaked up the sun until my skin was golden brown. As the sun began to set and the sky turned fiery orange and pink, I knew that this was a day I would never forget.

Example Essay 4: "The City at Night" 

The city comes alive at night, its streets bathed in the glow of neon lights and the hum of activity. The air is filled with the scent of roasted peanuts and hot dogs, and the sound of honking horns and chatter of people fills your ears. The towering skyscrapers loom above you, casting long shadows that stretch across the sidewalks. The city never sleeps, and you feel alive in its energy and vibrancy.

Example Essay 5: "My First Love" 

The moment I laid eyes on her, I knew I was in love. Her eyes were like pools of emerald green, and her smile was like sunshine on a cloudy day. Her voice was soft and musical, and I could listen to her talk for hours. We spent every moment we could together, exploring the city, watching movies, and talking about everything and nothing at all. Even now, years later, I can still feel the warmth of her hand in mine and the thrill of our first kiss.

Example Essay 6: "A Winter Wonderland" 

As I stepped outside into the winter wonderland, I was struck by the beauty of the snow-covered landscape. The trees were draped in a blanket of white, and the snow sparkled like diamonds in the sunlight. The air was cold and crisp, and my breath formed puffs of steam as I exhaled. I bundled up in my warmest coat and gloves and set out to explore the snowy wonderland, feeling like a child again.

Example Essay 7: "The Perfect Day" 

The perfect day for me is one where the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the world is filled with endless possibilities. I wake up early and savor a cup of hot coffee as I watch the sunrise from my front porch. Then, I spend the day exploring the great outdoors, hiking in the mountains, swimming in a crystal-clear lake, and soaking up the beauty of nature. In the evening, I enjoy a delicious meal with my loved ones, and we laugh and share stories until the stars come out.

Example Essay 8: "A Magical Place" 

As I stepped through the door of the tiny bookstore, I felt as if I had been transported to a magical world. The shelves were lined with books of every size and color, and the air was thick with the scent of old paper and ink. The cozy armchairs and crackling fireplace invited me to curl up with a good book and get lost in a story. I spent hours exploring the aisles and discovering hidden treasures, feeling as if I had found a secret portal to another world.

Example Essay 9: "The Taste of Home" 

The taste of my grandmother's cooking is something that will always hold a special place in my heart. Her homemade apple pie was the perfect combination of sweet and tangy, with a buttery crust that melted in my mouth. Her hearty beef stew warmed my soul on cold winter nights, and her homemade bread was the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Every bite was infused with love and care, and I can still taste the flavors of my childhood in every dish she made.

Example Essay 10: "The Seashore"

 As I walked along the sandy shore, the sound of crashing waves filled my ears and the salty ocean air tickled my nose. The sun beat down on my skin, warming me from the inside out. I closed my eyes and listened to the seagulls calling overhead and the laughter of children playing in the distance. The water lapped at my toes, sending chills up my spine. It was the perfect day at the beach, and I never wanted it to end.

Example Essay 11: "The Concert" 

The roar of the crowd and the pulsing beat of the music filled the arena, making my heart race with excitement. The lights flashed in time with the music, casting the performers in a rainbow of colors. The lead singer's voice soared through the air, and I felt as if I were transported to another world. The energy was electric, and I couldn't help but dance along with the crowd, lost in the music.

Example Essay 12: "Autumn Leaves" 

The trees were ablaze with color, their leaves a riot of red, orange, and gold. The air was crisp and cool, and the sound of rustling leaves echoed through the quiet streets. The smell of wood smoke and pumpkin spice filled the air, and I felt a sense of peace and contentment wash over me. As I walked through the park, I kicked up piles of leaves and marveled at the beauty of the season.

Example Essay 13: "The Old House" 

The old house was a thing of beauty, its weathered exterior and ivy-covered walls telling the story of years gone by. As I stepped inside, the creaking floorboards and musty smell of old books greeted me, transporting me back in time. The rooms were filled with antique furniture and intricate wallpaper, and the sunlight streaming through the dusty windows cast a warm glow over everything. I felt as if I were a character in a novel, exploring the secrets of this forgotten place.

Example Essay 14: "The First Snowfall" 

As I looked out the window, I saw the first snowflakes of the season drifting down from the sky. The world outside was transformed, the trees and buildings dusted with a layer of pristine white. The air was cold and crisp, and the sound of snow crunching underfoot was a satisfying crunch. I couldn't help but smile as I stepped outside, feeling the snowflakes land on my cheeks and melt against my skin.

Example Essay 15: "The Mountain" 

As I hiked up the mountain, the air grew cooler and the scenery became more breathtaking with every step. The rugged landscape was dotted with trees and boulders, and the sound of rushing water filled the air. I paused to catch my breath and took in the panoramic view of the valley below, feeling small and insignificant in the face of such natural beauty. It was a humbling experience, and I felt grateful for the opportunity to witness it.

Example Essay 16: "The Market"

 The market was a cacophony of sights, sounds, and smells. The vendors called out their wares in a dozen different languages, and the smell of spices and fresh produce mingled in the air. I wandered through the crowded stalls, admiring the handmade crafts and sampling the local delicacies. It was a feast for the senses, and I couldn't help but be swept up in the energy of it all.

Example Essay 17: "The Sunrise" 

As the sun rose over the horizon, the sky was painted with hues of pink, orange, and gold. The world was quiet, and the only sound was the gentle lapping of the waves on the shore. I watched in awe as the sun slowly crept higher into the sky, casting its warm glow over everything in its path. It was a peaceful moment, and I felt a sense of renewal and hope for the day ahead.

Remember, when writing a descriptive essay, it's important to use sensory details to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind. These examples demonstrate how descriptive language can help to bring a place, experience, feeling, or season to life. Use these examples as inspiration for your writing and experiment with different techniques to find your unique style.

In conclusion, the art of crafting a compelling descriptive essay lies in harnessing sensory details and vivid language to immerse readers in your narrative. Constant practice and experimentation with various literary techniques will help refine your unique style.

To further boost your writing skills, consider leveraging the power of AI tools like Jenni.ai . This advanced writing assistant provides features such as AI Autocomplete, In-text Citations, and Paraphrase & Rewrite, effectively enhancing your writing process. With global acclaim, Jenni.ai accelerates your writing speed, offers plagiarism checks, and caters to a broad spectrum of writing needs.

In essence, combining your creativity with potent AI assistance can elevate your writing quality, efficiency, and overall experience, ultimately taking your descriptive essay skills to the next level.

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• The four main types of essay | Quick guide with examples

The Four Main Types of Essay | Quick Guide with Examples

Published on September 4, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

An essay is a focused piece of writing designed to inform or persuade. There are many different types of essay, but they are often defined in four categories: argumentative, expository, narrative, and descriptive essays.

Argumentative and expository essays are focused on conveying information and making clear points, while narrative and descriptive essays are about exercising creativity and writing in an interesting way. At university level, argumentative essays are the most common type. 

In high school and college, you will also often have to write textual analysis essays, which test your skills in close reading and interpretation.

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Table of contents

Argumentative essays, expository essays, narrative essays, descriptive essays, textual analysis essays, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about types of essays.

An argumentative essay presents an extended, evidence-based argument. It requires a strong thesis statement —a clearly defined stance on your topic. Your aim is to convince the reader of your thesis using evidence (such as quotations ) and analysis.

Argumentative essays test your ability to research and present your own position on a topic. This is the most common type of essay at college level—most papers you write will involve some kind of argumentation.

The essay is divided into an introduction, body, and conclusion:

• The introduction provides your topic and thesis statement
• The body presents your evidence and arguments
• The conclusion summarizes your argument and emphasizes its importance

The example below is a paragraph from the body of an argumentative essay about the effects of the internet on education. Mouse over it to learn more.

A common frustration for teachers is students’ use of Wikipedia as a source in their writing. Its prevalence among students is not exaggerated; a survey found that the vast majority of the students surveyed used Wikipedia (Head & Eisenberg, 2010). An article in The Guardian stresses a common objection to its use: “a reliance on Wikipedia can discourage students from engaging with genuine academic writing” (Coomer, 2013). Teachers are clearly not mistaken in viewing Wikipedia usage as ubiquitous among their students; but the claim that it discourages engagement with academic sources requires further investigation. This point is treated as self-evident by many teachers, but Wikipedia itself explicitly encourages students to look into other sources. Its articles often provide references to academic publications and include warning notes where citations are missing; the site’s own guidelines for research make clear that it should be used as a starting point, emphasizing that users should always “read the references and check whether they really do support what the article says” (“Wikipedia:Researching with Wikipedia,” 2020). Indeed, for many students, Wikipedia is their first encounter with the concepts of citation and referencing. The use of Wikipedia therefore has a positive side that merits deeper consideration than it often receives.

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An expository essay provides a clear, focused explanation of a topic. It doesn’t require an original argument, just a balanced and well-organized view of the topic.

Expository essays test your familiarity with a topic and your ability to organize and convey information. They are commonly assigned at high school or in exam questions at college level.

The introduction of an expository essay states your topic and provides some general background, the body presents the details, and the conclusion summarizes the information presented.

A typical body paragraph from an expository essay about the invention of the printing press is shown below. Mouse over it to learn more.

The invention of the printing press in 1440 changed this situation dramatically. Johannes Gutenberg, who had worked as a goldsmith, used his knowledge of metals in the design of the press. He made his type from an alloy of lead, tin, and antimony, whose durability allowed for the reliable production of high-quality books. This new technology allowed texts to be reproduced and disseminated on a much larger scale than was previously possible. The Gutenberg Bible appeared in the 1450s, and a large number of printing presses sprang up across the continent in the following decades. Gutenberg’s invention rapidly transformed cultural production in Europe; among other things, it would lead to the Protestant Reformation.

A narrative essay is one that tells a story. This is usually a story about a personal experience you had, but it may also be an imaginative exploration of something you have not experienced.

Narrative essays test your ability to build up a narrative in an engaging, well-structured way. They are much more personal and creative than other kinds of academic writing . Writing a personal statement for an application requires the same skills as a narrative essay.

A narrative essay isn’t strictly divided into introduction, body, and conclusion, but it should still begin by setting up the narrative and finish by expressing the point of the story—what you learned from your experience, or why it made an impression on you.

Mouse over the example below, a short narrative essay responding to the prompt “Write about an experience where you learned something about yourself,” to explore its structure.

Since elementary school, I have always favored subjects like science and math over the humanities. My instinct was always to think of these subjects as more solid and serious than classes like English. If there was no right answer, I thought, why bother? But recently I had an experience that taught me my academic interests are more flexible than I had thought: I took my first philosophy class.

Before I entered the classroom, I was skeptical. I waited outside with the other students and wondered what exactly philosophy would involve—I really had no idea. I imagined something pretty abstract: long, stilted conversations pondering the meaning of life. But what I got was something quite different.

A young man in jeans, Mr. Jones—“but you can call me Rob”—was far from the white-haired, buttoned-up old man I had half-expected. And rather than pulling us into pedantic arguments about obscure philosophical points, Rob engaged us on our level. To talk free will, we looked at our own choices. To talk ethics, we looked at dilemmas we had faced ourselves. By the end of class, I’d discovered that questions with no right answer can turn out to be the most interesting ones.

The experience has taught me to look at things a little more “philosophically”—and not just because it was a philosophy class! I learned that if I let go of my preconceptions, I can actually get a lot out of subjects I was previously dismissive of. The class taught me—in more ways than one—to look at things with an open mind.

A descriptive essay provides a detailed sensory description of something. Like narrative essays, they allow you to be more creative than most academic writing, but they are more tightly focused than narrative essays. You might describe a specific place or object, rather than telling a whole story.

Descriptive essays test your ability to use language creatively, making striking word choices to convey a memorable picture of what you’re describing.

A descriptive essay can be quite loosely structured, though it should usually begin by introducing the object of your description and end by drawing an overall picture of it. The important thing is to use careful word choices and figurative language to create an original description of your object.

Mouse over the example below, a response to the prompt “Describe a place you love to spend time in,” to learn more about descriptive essays.

On Sunday afternoons I like to spend my time in the garden behind my house. The garden is narrow but long, a corridor of green extending from the back of the house, and I sit on a lawn chair at the far end to read and relax. I am in my small peaceful paradise: the shade of the tree, the feel of the grass on my feet, the gentle activity of the fish in the pond beside me.

My cat crosses the garden nimbly and leaps onto the fence to survey it from above. From his perch he can watch over his little kingdom and keep an eye on the neighbours. He does this until the barking of next door’s dog scares him from his post and he bolts for the cat flap to govern from the safety of the kitchen.

With that, I am left alone with the fish, whose whole world is the pond by my feet. The fish explore the pond every day as if for the first time, prodding and inspecting every stone. I sometimes feel the same about sitting here in the garden; I know the place better than anyone, but whenever I return I still feel compelled to pay attention to all its details and novelties—a new bird perched in the tree, the growth of the grass, and the movement of the insects it shelters…

Sitting out in the garden, I feel serene. I feel at home. And yet I always feel there is more to discover. The bounds of my garden may be small, but there is a whole world contained within it, and it is one I will never get tired of inhabiting.

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Though every essay type tests your writing skills, some essays also test your ability to read carefully and critically. In a textual analysis essay, you don’t just present information on a topic, but closely analyze a text to explain how it achieves certain effects.

Rhetorical analysis

A rhetorical analysis looks at a persuasive text (e.g. a speech, an essay, a political cartoon) in terms of the rhetorical devices it uses, and evaluates their effectiveness.

The goal is not to state whether you agree with the author’s argument but to look at how they have constructed it.

The introduction of a rhetorical analysis presents the text, some background information, and your thesis statement; the body comprises the analysis itself; and the conclusion wraps up your analysis of the text, emphasizing its relevance to broader concerns.

The example below is from a rhetorical analysis of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech . Mouse over it to learn more.

King’s speech is infused with prophetic language throughout. Even before the famous “dream” part of the speech, King’s language consistently strikes a prophetic tone. He refers to the Lincoln Memorial as a “hallowed spot” and speaks of rising “from the dark and desolate valley of segregation” to “make justice a reality for all of God’s children.” The assumption of this prophetic voice constitutes the text’s strongest ethical appeal; after linking himself with political figures like Lincoln and the Founding Fathers, King’s ethos adopts a distinctly religious tone, recalling Biblical prophets and preachers of change from across history. This adds significant force to his words; standing before an audience of hundreds of thousands, he states not just what the future should be, but what it will be: “The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.” This warning is almost apocalyptic in tone, though it concludes with the positive image of the “bright day of justice.” The power of King’s rhetoric thus stems not only from the pathos of his vision of a brighter future, but from the ethos of the prophetic voice he adopts in expressing this vision.

Literary analysis

A literary analysis essay presents a close reading of a work of literature—e.g. a poem or novel—to explore the choices made by the author and how they help to convey the text’s theme. It is not simply a book report or a review, but an in-depth interpretation of the text.

Literary analysis looks at things like setting, characters, themes, and figurative language. The goal is to closely analyze what the author conveys and how.

The introduction of a literary analysis essay presents the text and background, and provides your thesis statement; the body consists of close readings of the text with quotations and analysis in support of your argument; and the conclusion emphasizes what your approach tells us about the text.

Mouse over the example below, the introduction to a literary analysis essay on Frankenstein , to learn more.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific advancement unrestrained by ethical considerations. In this reading, protagonist Victor Frankenstein is a stable representation of the callous ambition of modern science throughout the novel. This essay, however, argues that far from providing a stable image of the character, Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to portray Frankenstein in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as. This essay begins by exploring the positive portrayal of Frankenstein in the first volume, then moves on to the creature’s perception of him, and finally discusses the third volume’s narrative shift toward viewing Frankenstein as the creature views him.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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At high school and in composition classes at university, you’ll often be told to write a specific type of essay , but you might also just be given prompts.

Look for keywords in these prompts that suggest a certain approach: The word “explain” suggests you should write an expository essay , while the word “describe” implies a descriptive essay . An argumentative essay might be prompted with the word “assess” or “argue.”

The vast majority of essays written at university are some sort of argumentative essay . Almost all academic writing involves building up an argument, though other types of essay might be assigned in composition classes.

Essays can present arguments about all kinds of different topics. For example:

• In a literary analysis essay, you might make an argument for a specific interpretation of a text
• In a history essay, you might present an argument for the importance of a particular event
• In a politics essay, you might argue for the validity of a certain political theory

An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.

An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn’t have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.

The key difference is that a narrative essay is designed to tell a complete story, while a descriptive essay is meant to convey an intense description of a particular place, object, or concept.

Narrative and descriptive essays both allow you to write more personally and creatively than other kinds of essays , and similar writing skills can apply to both.

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Sensory Language: What Is It, and How Can It Improve Your Writing?

by Holly Riddle

We experience every element of life and the world around us through our five senses. It just makes sense, then, that these five senses are crucial to crafting fully immersive stories that draw your readers in. However, using descriptive language that appeals to the senses isn’t as easy as it sounds.

Here’s everything you need to know about creating beautiful language that appeals to all the senses.

What is sensory language?

Sensory language is language that uses the senses of sight, smell, sound, touch, and taste to invoke mental images and sensations in the reader. By using sensory imagery to engage the reader’s senses, the writer can give them a deeper connection to the story’s setting, characters, and plot.

Using sensory words makes a huge difference in your prose, turning a “just fine” story into a masterful, memorable one.

How sensory language makes a difference in your prose

Among all the other literary devices, sensory language matters to such a large degree because sensory language helps you, as a writer, do a few key things.

1. Sensory language makes your words more “real” to the reader

Using sensory language helps your readers imagine and more thoroughly visualize the fictional world you’ve crafted.

The right vocabulary, adjectives, and sensory details can ensure your reader actually “sees” your setting in their mind’s eye. The best imagery includes depictions of not just your story’s visual elements, but also your story’s sounds, smells, tastes, and textures.

2. Sensory language helps your reader connect with your characters

If you’re working on a story that includes a first-person narrator or deep point-of-view in which it’s crucial that the reader really feel as if they’re in the narrator’s shoes, sensory language can help. If you describe what your main character is experiencing through all five of their senses—sight, sound, etc.—your reader will be able to connect with the main character’s emotions more thoroughly.

3. Sensory details create emotion

Beyond connecting your reader to your characters’ emotions, sensory language is fantastic for inspiring a genuine emotional response within your reader themselves. Certain sensory details are intrinsically connected with certain emotions (for most individuals, at least).

For example, when you write a scene describing a character waking up in a pitch-black room with the smell of blood in the air and a metallic taste in the character’s mouth, and the sounds of moaning in the distance, you’re likely to inspire fear or dread within your reader—never mind what your character feels!

7 different types of sensory imagery (with some examples from literature)

Here’s a closer look at the different senses you can use to bring your story to life, with some tips on how to go about actually adding these powerful descriptions and sensory details into your writing—and some examples of sensory imagery in popular works to get you started.

Tactile imagery

Tactile imagery refers to descriptions of anything that your character is feeling against their skin. As such, don’t limit yourself to tactile descriptions only when your character is actively putting out their hand and touching something. Tactile description options are nearly limitless.

Just think about how many things you’re likely touching or being touched by right now—your clothing, your phone screen or laptop keys, the breeze from the air conditioner, and on and on. These are the types of details you can describe in your prose, using sensory words to tap into your reader’s imagination.

As is the case with any sensory language, pick tactile words that are as specific and descriptive as possible. Don’t rely on generic sensory words. Here’s an example from from Plays Well with Others , by Allan Gurganus:

The tree feels splintery, nasty to my touch; it feels Floridian, more reptile than vegetable, more stucco than stone. I do loathe this state, they’re Elba.

In this passage, the narrator could have simply said “the tree feels rough,” but that would have hardly had the same sensory experience effect as “more reptile than vegetable.”

Kinesthetic imagery

While kinesthesis isn’t technically one of the five senses, it is a handy tool to have in your writer’s toolkit. It refers to the sense of movement.

If a sensation is kinesthetic, it’s something that you feel or experience in relation to your own body—your muscles clenching when you’re nervous, a pain in your joints when you get up, etcetera.

Some also use “kinesthetic imagery” to refer to any imagery that invokes a full-body sensation that occurs on multiple levels—not just a sensation that you feel within yourself. So, if a motion or force affects your character across their entire body, then this imagery could be considered kinesthetic.

Examples of this might be your character’s entire body being jostled as they ride on horseback, or their entire body being swept away in a swift tide.

Because this type of sensory experience is internal, it won’t work for every story (for example, if you’re writing in objective point of view , which employs a narrator who does not know what is going on inside the characters’ heads and/or bodies).

However, for first-person narratives or those that employ deep point-of-view, kinesthetic imagery can come in very handy in helping you put your reader in your character’s shoes.

Here is an excellent example of how Ian McEwan uses kinesthetic imagery in his novel Atonement .

She raised one hand and flexed its fingers and wondered, as she had sometimes before, how this thing, this machine for gripping, this fleshy spider on the end of her arm, came to be hers, entirely at her command. Or did it have some little life of its own? She bent her finger and straightened it. The mystery was in the instant before it moved, the dividing moment between not moving and moving, when her intention took effect. It was like a wave breaking. If she could only find herself at the crest, she thought, she might find the secret of herself, that part of her that was really in charge.

In this passage, nothing necessarily Earth-shattering occurs. However, the character is paying attention to the sensations occurring within her own body as it operates, and describing them—and relating that to a greater feeling as a result.

Auditory imagery

Auditory words describe the things your character can hear.

When choosing your auditory words, try to be as specific as possible in order to create the most impact. The character didn’t just yell; they screamed, shrieked, squealed, or howled. The character didn’t just whisper; they stage-whispered, hissed, mumbled, or muttered. Use some great onomatopoeic adjectives .

Additionally, when describing the sense of hearing, remember just how many things around you create sounds—from passing traffic to your own heartbeat.

Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart” makes excellent use of auditory imagery, as the whole story (spoiler!) hinges on the sound (real or imagined) of a murdered man’s heart coming up through the floorboards.

Check out this example.

There came to my ears a low, dull, quick sound, such as a watch makes when enveloped in cotton. I knew that sound well, too. It was the beating of the old man’s heart. It increased my fury, as the beating of a drum stimulates the soldier into courage.

Olfactory imagery

Olfactory imagery is imagery that relates to the sense of smell.

As smell is strongly linked to memory and emotions, you can use the sense of smell in your stories to inspire these memories and emotions in your readers—both positive and negative.

Describing the rich, buttery smell of baking cookies wafting among the pine-y scent of a fresh Christmas tree might bring up a readers’ fond memories of holidays past. Describing the metallic smells of blood and antiseptic ointment, alongside the faint rubbery smell of a bandage, might bring up memories of a past injury.

Here’s an example from Patricia Hampl’s The Florist’s Daughter :

The flower shop was here and it was my father’s domain, but it was also marvelously other, this place heavy with the drowsy scent of velvet-petaled roses and Provencal freesias in the middle of winter, the damp-earth spring fragrance of just-watered azaleas and cyclamen all mixed up with the headachey smell of bitter chocolate.

Hampl uses olfactory imagery to such success in these few sentences that little other imagery is necessary in order to set a tone and mood.

Gustatory imagery

Gustatory imagery is any imagery related to taste.

Often writers think that, in order to use gustatory imagery, their characters need to be actively eating something, but that’s not always the case.

Your character might taste the remnants of their late-night snack for the day before still stuck in their teeth. They might taste the ghost of a mint that they popped right before an important meeting.

Have you ever smelled something so strong you could taste it? Whether it’s a harsh chemical or a sea breeze, your characters can, too—so write it!

Rick Riordan uses gustatory imagery effectively to describe how food and emotions are interconnected, in Percy Jackson and The Lightening Thief .

I recoiled at the taste, because I was expecting apple juice. It wasn’t that at all. It was chocolate-chip cookies. Liquid cookies. And not just any cookies—my mom’s homemade blue chocolate-chip cookies, buttery and hot, with the chips still melting.

A gustatory imagery example from A Room with a View by E.M. Forster likewise shows layers of taste within a single item, inspiring emotion and not just a mere sensory observation.

The hour was approaching at which the continental breakfast begins, or rather ceases, to tell, and the ladies bought some hot chestnut paste out of a little shop, because it looked so typical. It tasted partly of the paper in which it was wrapped, partly of hair oil, partly of the great unknown.

Visual imagery

Last, but certainly not least, visual imagery is the most common form of sensory imagery that you’ll find throughout just about any work, including your own.

Visual imagery engages your reader’s imagination. Visual descriptions are necessary in order to paint your characters’ surroundings. Even if you don’t describe a single taste or smell, chances are good you’ve used your fair share of visual imagery in your writing.

But to use visual imagery effectively, it needs to be lifelike and vivid.

Here’s an example from Great Expectations by Charles Dickens.

It was a rimy morning, and very damp. I had seen the damp lying on the outside of my little window… Now, I saw the damp lying on the bare hedges and spare grass… On every rail and gate, wet lay clammy; and the marsh-mist was so thick, that the wooden finger on the post directing people to our village—a direction which they never accepted, for they never came there—was invisible to me until I was quite close under it.

This excerpt only uses the sense of visual imagery and, yet, it’s so effective, descriptive, and vivid that you can just about feel the damp mist settling into your skin.

Another equally effective example of visual imagery can be found in “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman.

The color is repellant, almost revolting; a smouldering, unclean yellow, strangely faded by the slow-turning sunlight. It is a dull yet lurid orange in some places, a sickly sulphur tint in others.

While readers will eventually come to associate the yellow wallpaper in this story with its negative representations, this first description sets the tone for the rest of the story.

Composite imagery

You can easily combine multiple senses to form one image. This is called composite imagery. It’s a little trickier to pull off, but when used correctly, can be both very effective and beautiful.

The easiest way to think about composite imagery?

Whatever sense you want to use, just say “XYZ tasted/smelled/felt/sounded/looked like [insert something you cannot possibly taste/smell/feel/sound/look].”

Her hair smelled like sunshine. The ice water tasted like his mother’s voice calling him in from a day of play in the hot summer. The cologne smelled of rough stubble and rippling muscles.

Sensory language pitfalls to watch out for

Feel like you’re ready to start adding that five senses-powered, vivid imagery into your story? For best results, watch out for these sensory language pitfalls as you write.

Describing all five senses at once

Sensory language is a powerful tool. That said, you have to use this type of language with a little bit of finesse.

Just like you wouldn’t describe a character from head to toe, detailing every little bit of their physical attributes in one paragraph as soon as you introduce them (as it would interrupt the reader experience and feel jarring or awkward), you don’t want to launch into a long paragraph of full-body sensations.

Instead, use your sensory language with care, sprinkling in taste and smell, sight and sound, and tactile imagery as it feels natural.

If you’re not quite sure you’re accomplishing this, ask another writer to read your work and provide feedback on the sensory imagery. Also, pay special note to how your favorite authors use sensory descriptions.

Using generic sensory words

The more specific and descriptive your sensory language can be, the more powerful it will be. Don’t rely on generic words and descriptions. Instead, what imagery will best serve both your writing and your readers?

For example, in our excerpt from Plays Well with Others above, Allan Gurganus could have just said “The tree feels rough.” But that would have hardly been as impactful as what he went with instead: “The tree feels splintery, nasty to my touch; it feels Floridian, more reptile than vegetable, more stucco than stone.”

Similarly, put some thought into which sensory words are best suited to your work. See if you can find fresh new images that no one else has thought of. (Having trouble with finding the best words for your sensory imagery? A thesaurus is your friend!)

Overdoing it

Remember: Just as you don’t want to over-describe your characters’ physical appearances, or constantly re-describe the same settings over and over again, you likewise don’t want to overdo it with your sensory language.

Use sensory language sparingly and effectively, rather than abundantly. If you find that sensory descriptions will not really add anything to your scene, leave them out.

Sticking to the literal

All forms of literary imagery can be either literal or figurative—so don’t feel as if you’re stuck describing things in a literal sense only. That can make for some pretty boring passages.

Literal imagery refers to descriptions that describe only what is actually happening, while figurative imagery incorporates similes and metaphors to paint a broader (and sometimes more effective) picture for your reader.

For example, you could say that a character’s voice “bounced off the trees with a great echo”—which would be literal, as echoes bounce and it’s entirely possible for a voice to echo— or you could go the figurative route and say that a character’s voice “crashed through the trees with the clanging force of a thousand crashing symbols.”

Is it dramatic? Yes. Is it figurative? Absolutely, as it’s not possible for a voice to do so. However, it creates a certain image in the reader’s mind.

Both literal and figurative imagery have their place.

Practice is the best way to learn to write language that appeals to the senses

As is the case with mastering any literary device , learning how to use sensory language takes practice. You may not perfect using the right sensory words in every story right away. You might find that you have trouble striking the right balance between too many sensory descriptions and too few.

Just remember to keep sensory descriptions as part of your writer’s toolkit—and continuously practice using them—and you’ll be well on your way to crafting richly vivid stories, scenes, and characters that stick in readers’ imaginations for years to come.

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If your class needs to transition from essay writing to a poetry unit, your students may have a hard time shifting gears to match the new genre. For fifth-grade teacher Julie Ballew, the exercise below was a great way for her young writers to practice expressive writing by exploring their feelings and using their five senses.

Start With a List of Feelings

To begin this exercise, give each student a list of feeling words. You can create your own list, or use the sample list below which was created by the UCSB Children’s Center .

Invite your students to highlight the feelings that they have previously experienced or the feelings with which they feel a strong connection. They should copy those words into their writer’s notebook for reference and can jot down details from their memories of times they’ve experienced those emotions.

Have Your Students Use Their Senses to Describe These Feelings

Remind your students that writers sometimes use sensory language (or each of their senses) to describe something. To get them in the mindset, read a poem or two that exemplifies sensory writing. 

Have each student choose one of their highlighted words from the feelings list and give them time to think about that feeling through each of their senses. 

Finally, have your students create a flipbook for their chosen feeling, with one flap for each of their senses. Students should write about how their chosen feeling might smell, taste, look, hear, or feel. Students may use comparisons to things they already know, like describing “plain white rice” as the taste of loneliness.  

RELATED READING: 5 Tips for Teaching Poetry to Your Students

Invite Your Students to Respond

Talk to your students about their experience with this exercise. Here are two example questions that elicited thoughtful responses from Ballew’s young writers.

That’s a pretty long list of feeling words—what made you choose this word?

Student: Well, I knew we were about to write poetry. I’ve written poetry before, so I know that my best poems usually come from my miserable side.

How do you think this activity will help you as a writer?

Student: Well, I never thought about describing my feelings like this before. I can paint a good picture with descriptions like this that use my senses.

RELATED READING: 7 Ways Love That Dog Helps Students See Poetry in a New Light

To inspire your students, shop books about emotions below! You can find all books and activities at The Teacher Store .