English Language Arts
Grade 5
15 min
Use sense words
Use sense words
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify words related to the five senses in a text.
Define the five types of sensory language (visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory, tactile).
Brainstorm a list of sense words for a given topic or object.
Revise a simple sentence to include at least two different sensory details.
Write a descriptive paragraph that incorporates at least three of the five senses.
Explain how using sense words makes writing more engaging for the reader.
Have you ever read a description of food that made your mouth water? 🍕 That's the power of using sense words!
In this lesson, you'll learn how to use the five senses—sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch—to make your writing come alive. Using sense words, also called sensory details, helps your reader create a...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Sensory LanguageWords and phrases that appeal to the reader's five senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch) to create a vivid image or experience.Instead of 'The dog was in the kitchen,' you could write, 'The dog's claws *clicked* on the tile floor as the *smell* of sizzling bacon filled the kitchen.'
Sight (Visual)Words that describe how something looks, including color, shape, size, and light.The *glittering*, *golden* trophy sat on the *dusty* shelf.
Sound (Auditory)Words that describe what you can hear, including loudness, pitch, and type of noise.The old stairs *creaked* and *groaned* under his weight.
Smell (Olfactory)Words that describe how something smells, whether pleasant or unpleasant.The *sweet, sugary* scent of freshly...
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Key Rules & Conventions
Show, Don't Tell
Instead of telling the reader an emotion or fact, show it to them using sensory details and actions.
Use this rule to make your writing more active and engaging. Don't just say 'The room was scary.' Instead, describe the 'creaking floorboards,' the 'chilly draft,' and the 'shadows dancing on the wall' to show the reader why it's scary.
Balance the Senses
Try to use a variety of senses in your description, not just sight.
It's easy to only describe what you see. To create a truly immersive experience, remember to include what the character hears, smells, feels, and even tastes. A good goal is to use at least two or three different senses in a descriptive paragraph.
Be Specific with Adjectives and...
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Challenging
A writer wants to revise the sentence 'The old house was creepy' using the 'Show, Don't Tell' rule. Which revision best uses at least three senses to create a creepy feeling?
A.foul, musty odor filled my nose as my feet crunched on unseen debris, and the only light was a pale moonbeam slicing through the grimy window.
B.The house was very old, with peeling paint on the walls and broken windows everywhere. It was dark inside.
C.I felt scared in the house because it was dark and quiet and smelled weird.
D.The house had a creepy smell, a creepy sound, and a creepy look.
Challenging
Read the paragraph: 'Sunlight streamed through the window, warming the fuzzy blanket on the bed. The gentle chirping of birds drifted in from outside, and the air smelled faintly of sweet lavender.' How do the sensory details in this paragraph contribute to the mood?
A.They create a tense and suspenseful mood.
B.They create a calm and peaceful mood.
C.They create a chaotic and noisy mood.
D.They create a sad and lonely mood.
Challenging
If a writer's goal is to describe a library and create a *quiet and studious* mood, which combination of sensory details would be most effective?
A.The loud shouting of children, the bright fluorescent lights, and the smell of sugary snacks.
B.The echoing footsteps on marble floors, the glare of computer screens, and the cold, metallic feel of the chairs.
C.The faint rustle of turning pages, the dusty scent of old books, and the smooth, polished wood of the tables.
D.The constant beeping of scanners, the sticky residue on the tables, and the flickering, dim lights.
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