Imagery - visual, auditory and tactile

In the sentence, 'The distant rumble of the skateboard on the pavement grew louder,' which sense does the word rumble appeal to?

• Sound (Auditory)

• Sight (Visual)

• Touch (Tactile)

• Smell (Olfactory)

Answer explanation

The word 'rumble' describes a deep, continuous sound, which appeals to the sense of hearing (auditory imagery). The other options relate to seeing, feeling, or smelling.

Sort these descriptive phrases by the type of imagery they primarily use: Visual, Auditory, or Tactile.

Groups:

(a) Visual

,

(b) Auditory

,

(c) Tactile

• the screech of the bus brakes

• the velvety feel of the blanket

• the hissing of the radiator

• the prickly wool sweater

• the vibrant, neon-green sign

• the glittering frost on the window

Answer explanation

Phrases are sorted based on the sense they appeal to. 'Glittering' and 'neon-green' are seen (visual). 'Hissing' and 'screech' are heard (auditory). 'Prickly' and 'velvety' are felt (tactile).

Match each sensory word to the sense it primarily appeals to.

• Tactile (Touch)

• Gleaming

• Auditory (Hearing)

• Shriek

• Visual (Sight)

• Gritty

Answer explanation

Each word is matched to the sense it describes. 'Shriek' is a sound (auditory), 'gleaming' describes appearance (visual), and 'gritty' describes a texture (tactile).

Read the sentence: 'The icy wind whipped against my face, making my skin feel raw and numb.' What is the main purpose of this tactile imagery?

• To show the character is happy about the weather

• To emphasize how intensely cold and harsh the wind feels

• To describe what the wind looks like from a distance

• To suggest the character is safe and warm indoors

Answer explanation

The words 'icy,' 'whipped,' 'raw,' and 'numb' all describe physical sensations of cold and pain, helping the reader feel how uncomfortable the character is.

In the sentence 'I sank into the plush, velvety movie theater seat,' which sense is being appealed to?

• Touch (Tactile)

• Sight (Visual)

• Sound (Auditory)

• Smell (Olfactory)

Answer explanation

The words 'plush' and 'velvety' describe the texture and feel of the seat, which is an example of tactile imagery appealing to the sense of touch.

Match each sentence to the mood its imagery helps create.

• Suspenseful

• The controller felt slick with sweat as the final boss music thundered.

• Peaceful

• The floorboards creaked and a low moan echoed from the empty hall.

• Tense

• Sunlight dappled the grass and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves.

Answer explanation

The auditory imagery in the first sentence creates suspense. The visual and auditory imagery in the second creates peace. The tactile and auditory imagery in the third creates tension.

Sort these words into the sensory category they best fit: Visual Words or Auditory Words.

Groups:

(a) Visual Words

,

(b) Auditory Words

• glowing

• whispering

• thud

• shimmering

• clanging

• shadowy

Answer explanation

Words are sorted by the sense they describe. 'Shimmering,' 'shadowy,' and 'glowing' are related to sight. 'Clanging,' 'whispering,' and 'thud' are related to sound.

Match each sentence to the primary type of imagery it uses.

• Visual Imagery

• The constant drip, drip, drip from the faucet was annoying.

• Tactile Imagery

• The brilliant, star-filled sky stretched on forever.

• Auditory Imagery

• The cat's fur felt like silk against my skin.

Answer explanation

The first sentence describes a feeling (tactile). The second sentence describes a sight (visual). The third sentence describes a sound (auditory).

Which sentence contains the clearest example of auditory imagery?

• The pizza was hot and cheesy.

• The classroom was painted a calm blue.

• The locker door slammed shut with a loud bang.

• The backpack felt heavy on my shoulders.

Answer explanation

The words 'slammed' and 'bang' are strong sound words that create a clear auditory image for the reader. The other options appeal to touch/taste, sight, and touch.

Classify each phrase based on the primary sense it appeals to: Touch or Sight.

Groups:

(a) Touch (Tactile)

,

(b) Sight (Visual)

• a jagged rock

• a crimson sunset

• a blurry shape in the fog

• a smooth, cool stone

• a sticky spill on the table

• a fuzzy peach

Answer explanation

Phrases are sorted by the main sense used. 'Jagged,' 'fuzzy,' 'smooth,' and 'sticky' describe textures felt by touch. 'Crimson' and 'blurry' describe appearances seen by sight.