Writing with the Five Senses

Great descriptive writing makes the reader feel like they are right there in the scene. The best way to do this is to include details from all five senses, not just what things look like.

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Sight

Colours, shapes, sizes, movements

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Sound

Loud, quiet, sharp, humming

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Smell

Fresh, musty, sweet, smoky

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Taste

Salty, bitter, sweet, tangy

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Touch

Rough, smooth, cold, sticky

Example: Instead of writing "The beach was nice", try: "Golden sand scorched the soles of my feet as the salty breeze ruffled my hair. Waves crashed and hissed, and the tang of seaweed drifted up from the shore."

Show, Don't Tell

"Show, don't tell" is one of the most important writing rules. Instead of telling the reader how a character feels or what something is like, you show them through actions, dialogue, and sensory details.

Telling (weak)

"Sam was scared."

Showing (strong)

"Sam's hands trembled as he pressed his back against the cold wall. His heart hammered in his chest and every shadow seemed to move."

Telling (weak)

"It was a hot day."

Showing (strong)

"The sun blazed down without mercy. Heat shimmered off the bitumen and the dog lay panting in the thin strip of shade beneath the verandah."

Top Tip

If you catch yourself writing an emotion word (scared, happy, sad, angry), stop and ask: "What does this look like? What would the character DO?" Then describe that instead.

Describing Settings

A great setting description does more than list what a place looks like. It creates a mood or atmosphere that makes the reader feel something. The same place can feel different depending on the words you choose.

Peaceful Mood

"Sunlight filtered through the canopy, dappling the mossy path with golden spots. Birds sang softly in the branches above, and a gentle creek murmured nearby."

Words like "gentle", "softly", and "murmured" create a calm feeling.

Threatening Mood

"Twisted branches clawed at the sky like bony fingers. The path had vanished beneath a carpet of dead leaves, and somewhere in the darkness, a twig snapped."

Words like "twisted", "clawed", and "darkness" create a tense, uneasy feeling.

Notice: Both descriptions are about a forest, but the word choices create completely different moods. Choosing the right words is the key to powerful descriptive writing.

Figurative Language in Descriptions

Figurative language makes your descriptions more vivid and interesting. Here are three techniques to use:

Simile (comparing using "like" or "as")

"The stars glittered like diamonds scattered across black velvet."

Metaphor (saying something IS something else)

"The classroom was a zoo after lunch."

Personification (giving human qualities to non-human things)

"The wind whispered secrets through the trees."

Key Vocabulary

Sensory Details

Descriptions that appeal to the five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.

Atmosphere

The mood or feeling that a piece of writing creates for the reader.

Simile

A comparison using "like" or "as" to create a vivid image in the reader's mind.

Personification

Giving human qualities, actions, or feelings to non-human things (e.g., "the sun smiled").

Worked Examples

See how to improve writing by adding descriptive techniques.

Example 1: Adding Sensory Details

Before: "We went to the market."

After: "We wove through the bustling market, where the sweet aroma of roasting chestnuts mingled with spices. Stall holders called out their prices, and bright fabrics swayed in the breeze."

Senses used: smell (roasting chestnuts, spices), sound (calling out), sight (bright fabrics), touch (breeze).

Example 2: Show Don't Tell

Telling: "Mia was excited about her birthday."

Showing: "Mia bounced on her toes, peering around the doorway. A grin stretched across her face as she spotted the pile of wrapped presents on the table."

Instead of naming the emotion, we show it through actions (bouncing, peering, grinning).

Example 3: Creating Atmosphere

Before: "The house was old and empty."

After: "Cobwebs draped across the doorway like ragged curtains. The floorboards groaned underfoot, and a musty smell hung in the air, as though the house itself was holding its breath."

Techniques: simile ("like ragged curtains"), personification ("the house was holding its breath"), sensory details (touch, sound, smell).

Knowledge Check

Test your understanding of descriptive writing. Select the correct answer and click "Check Answer".

Question 1

Which sentence uses the "show, don't tell" technique to describe happiness?

"She was very happy." "Her eyes sparkled and she leapt into the air with a whoop of delight." "She felt happy about the news." "She was the happiest person ever."

Question 2

Which sense does this sentence appeal to? "The tangy lemon juice made her lips pucker."

Sight Sound Taste Smell

Question 3

Which technique is used in: "The old gate groaned in protest as he pushed it open"?

Simile Alliteration Metaphor Personification

Question 4

Which description creates a peaceful atmosphere?

"A warm breeze drifted across the lake, carrying the faint scent of eucalyptus." "Thunder cracked overhead and rain lashed against the windows." "Sirens wailed in the distance and people rushed past." "The ice cracked beneath his feet and he froze in terror."

Question 5

Which sentence contains a simile?

"The moon was a silver coin in the sky." "Her smile was as bright as the morning sun." "The waves danced along the shore." "The trees whispered in the wind."

Descriptive Writing