Imagery: Descriptive Writing
Sensory detail is the backbone of descriptive writing, and good writers skillfully use several descriptive
techniques to bring their setting to life. Some of the best techniques for descriptive writing can be explored
through using the five types of imagery.
Visual What can the character see? What colors? What is the weather and the
season? Are there natural features? Is there furniture?
Auditory What can the character hear? Are there sounds of nature? Can the
writer use onomatopoeia to describe the sounds of the weather?
Gustatory What can the character taste? Is there food? What flavour is it? Can the
sense of taste be used to describe other elements of the setting, like the
taste of the wind or snow?
Tactile What can the character touch? What does the weather feel like against
their skin? Do they feel the touch of furniture, or of the other characters,
or even the ground beneath their feet?
Olfactory What can the character smell? Is there food? What flavour is it? Can the
sense of smell be used to describe other elements of the setting, like the
smell of the wind or sea?
PROMPT 1: HORROR SETTING DESCRIPTION
PROMPT: WRITE VOCABULARY BANK
Setting: whispering, chilling,
lurking, rustling, shivers, murmurs,
hushed, glistening, echoing, hazy,
looming, quivering, pallid,
menacing, petrifying, sibilant,
ephemeral, unearthly, hesitant,
shuddering, dim, obscure, murky,
misty, shadowy, overcast,
nebulous, somber, gloomy, dusky,
opaque, blurred, clouded, smoky,
indistinct, fogged, obscured,
enigmatic, tenebrous, veiled, dusky,
vaporous, cloud-covered, sunless,
bleary, unclear, pallid, dreary
Emotions: horrified, terrified,
The last thing Samaira remembers, she was on
petrified, panicked, alarmed,
her way to school. Now she is stranded alone, in
anxious, unnerved, apprehensive,
the middle of a dark, mysterious forest, and all uneasy, jittery, spine-chilling,
her classmates are missing. Write the opening fearful, heart pounding with terror,
scene, developing her sense of terror as she looks hands shaking in the cold, nervous,
around at her setting after emerging from the bus. worried, desperate
(Max. 120 words)
PROMPT 2: CAVE SETTING DESCRIPTION
PROMPT: WRITE VOCABULARY BANK
Setting: azure, turquoise, gleaming,
resplendent, shining, mossy, jagged,
rocky, iridescent, precious, treasure
chest, golden, shiny radiant,
luminous, cascading, caressing,
echoing, rippling, cavernous,
verdant, rugged, majestic,
enigmatic, moss-covered, towering,
ambient, ethereal, glowing in the
sunlight
Emotions: mesmerized, spellbound,
astonished, awestruck, marveling,
captivated, enraptured, fascinated,
staggered, dumbfounded,
PROMPT: A curious explorer discovers a secret cave speechless, overwhelmed,
with a glowing treasure chest. As the explorer entranced, stupefied, delighted,
unlocks the chest, describe his emotions at his impressed, reverent, sublime,
stunned.
discovery, as well as what he sees, smells and
hears. Create a mood of wonder and awe at the
discovery through your writing. (Max. 120 words)
PROMPT 3: HOT CHOCOLATE ON A WINTER EVENING
PROMPT: WRITE VOCABULARY BANK
Setting: aromatic, sweet,
chocolatey, comforting
visual, soft glow, flickering
flames, warm hues taste, rich,
creamy, touch, cozy fabric,
warmth, crackling, cozy, toasty,
snug, comforting, inviting,
radiant, hearthside, hugged by
warmth
Emotions: serene, tranquil,
soothing, peaceful, placid,
relaxed, tension unwinding from
her shoulders, mellow, at ease,
undisturbed, satisfying, calming,
gratitude, relaxation, tranquility,
PROMPT: Maya curls up on the sofa after a long day joy, satisfaction, happiness, bliss,
pleasure, fulfillment, ease,
at work, sipping hot chocolate in front of a warm
contentment
fireplace. Describe her sense of calm, warmth and
contentment as she relaxes after a long and tiring
day. (Max. 120 words)
EXTENSION TASK
Directions: Pick one of the prompts above, and write an extended version of the scene.
(Approximately 500 words).
Prompt chosen:
