English Language Arts
Grade 5
15 min
Identify sensory details
Identify sensory details
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define 'sensory details' and explain their purpose in writing.
Identify details related to sight in a given text.
Identify details related to sound in a given text.
Identify details related to smell in a given text.
Identify details related to taste in a given text.
Identify details related to touch in a given text.
Categorize identified sensory details by the correct sense.
Have you ever read a story that made you feel like you were right there, seeing, hearing, and even smelling everything? 👃
In this lesson, you'll learn how to spot special words and phrases called 'sensory details' that authors use to paint vivid pictures in your mind. Understanding these details will help you become a super reader who truly experiences sto...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Sensory DetailsWords or phrases that appeal to one or more of the five senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch), helping the reader imagine what is happening.Instead of 'The dog was big,' a sensory detail would be 'The shaggy, brown dog barked loudly.'
SightDetails that describe what something looks like, including colors, shapes, sizes, and movements.The 'sparkling blue' ocean or the 'tall, jagged' mountain.
SoundDetails that describe what something sounds like, including noises, voices, music, and silence.The 'whispering' leaves or the 'booming' thunder.
SmellDetails that describe what something smells like, including aromas, odors, scents, and fragrances.The 'sweet scent' of blooming roses or...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Five Senses Check
When reading, ask yourself for each descriptive word or phrase: 'Does this describe something I can see, hear, smell, taste, or touch?'
This rule helps you actively look for sensory language. If it doesn't fit one of the five senses, it's probably a general description, not a sensory detail.
Look for Descriptive Words
Pay close attention to adjectives (words that describe nouns) and vivid verbs (action words that show how something is done) that relate to the senses.
Authors often use strong adjectives (e.g., 'sparkling,' 'loud,' 'fragrant') and verbs (e.g., 'shimmered,' 'rumbled,' 'sizzled') to create sensory experiences for the reader.
Use Context Clues
Read the sent...
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Challenging
Read the passage: 'A single drop of icy water trickled down my back. The only sound was the faint, rhythmic drip...drip...drip from the ceiling of the dark cave. A damp, musty odor hung in the air.' What is the most likely purpose of these specific sensory details?
A.To describe a fun and exciting adventure
B.To create a feeling of warmth and comfort
C.To show that the character is hungry
D.To build a mood of suspense and unease
Challenging
The tutorial warns against confusing sensory details with general descriptions. Which of the following sentences completely LACKS a specific sensory detail?
A.The deep bellow of the foghorn echoed across the water.
B.The outcome of the game was very exciting for the fans.
C.She shielded her eyes from the blinding glare of the sun.
D.The pizza was topped with stringy, melted mozzarella cheese.
Challenging
Read this complex sentence: 'While the thunder rumbled softly in the distance, I sat on the porch swing, feeling the rough, splintery wood beneath my fingertips.' Which part of the sentence is a sensory detail of touch?
A.the thunder rumbled softly
B.in the distance
C.I sat on the porch swing
D.the rough, splintery wood
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