Good description uses specific, concrete details to create the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures that support and show your main impression.
| SIGHT | SOUND | SMELL |
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Loud/soft | Sweet/sour |
| Shapes | Piercing/soothing | Sharp/mild |
| Sizes | Continuous/off- |
Good (like what?) |
| Patterns | Pleasant/unpleasant (how?) | Bad (rotten?) |
| Brightness | High/low | New (like what?) |
| Does it look like anything else? | Does it sound like anything else? | Does it smell like anything else? |
| TASTE | TOUCH |
|---|---|
| Good (What does good taste like?) | Hard/soft |
| Bad (What does bad taste like?) | Liquid/solid |
| Bitter/sugary | Rough/smooth |
| Metallic | Dry/oily |
| Burning/spicy | Textures |
| Does it taste like anything else? | Does it feel like anything else? |
As you think about the main impression you want to convey, ask yourself: What sensory details might bring this subject to life? Add additional details to convey each sensation more accurately or vividly.