Question

Any writer can tell a reader what is happening in a story. Good writers show readers what is happening by creating pictures in readers’ minds. They do this by using sensory language to create vivid details. These details allow readers to connect to images, actions, and scenes through their senses. Sensory language and vivid details improve the style and diction of writing. Examples of sensory language are

words related to sight: glittering, bright, blurred, shadowy, grimy, hazy
words related to sound: thump, cackle, roar, screech, howl, creak, buzz
words related to touch: scratchy, hot, greasy, icy, fuzzy, velvety
words related to taste: creamy, rotten, salty, sweet, refreshing, zesty
words related to smell: musty, acrid, fragrant, old, perfumed, rancid
Prompt:

Rewrite and then post the following paragraph to include sensory language. Be sure to choose words that create vivid details that create connections to readers’ senses.

The alarm went off, and I got out of bed. I stretched and walked to the window to open the blinds. Light entered the room. I could smell breakfast cooking, so I walked to the kitchen. My mom was standing at the stove, making bacon. I sat down at the table and got ready to eat.

Answer 1

Answer and Explanation:

The instructions in the question already offer an explanation of what sensory language is. All we need to do now is rewrite the paragraph. First, let's underline every detail that can be turned into sensory language:

The alarm went off, and I got out of bed. I stretched and walked to the window to open the blinds. Light entered the room. I could smell breakfast cooking, so I walked to the kitchen. My mom was standing at the stove, making bacon. I sat down at the table and got ready to eat.

Now, let's use words that appeal to the senses to rewrite the actions above:

I woke up to the earsplitting shriek of the alarm clock and got out of bed. My stiff muscles and joints seemed to thank me as I pushed and pulled, stretching them loose. I walked to the window, opened the blinds, and let the glowing sun greet me. As I took a deep breath, I could smell the fragrant breakfast, so I soared to the kitchen. My mom was standing at the stove, bacon sizzling in the frying pan before her. I sat down at the table and got ready to eat.