Imagery - visual, auditory and tactile

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

Groups:

(a) Visual Imagery

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(b) Auditory Imagery

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(c) Tactile Imagery

• the jagged edge of a rock

• the sun's warm rays

• glittering frost on the window

• a sky full of fluffy clouds

• a choir of chirping birds

• the booming thunder

Answer explanation

Phrases are sorted based on the primary sense they appeal to. Visual imagery relates to sight, auditory to sound, and tactile to touch or feeling.

Match each sensory word to the primary sense it describes.

• Sound (Auditory)

• Hissing

• Sight (Visual)

• Prickly

• Touch (Tactile)

• Glistening

Answer explanation

"Glistening" describes how something looks (sight), "hissing" describes a sound (hearing), and "prickly" describes a texture you can feel (touch).

"The moon cast long, skeletal shadows from the bare winter trees." What visual image is created by this sentence?

• The feeling of cold winter air.

• The sound of wind rustling through branches.

• A spooky scene with thin, bony-looking shadows.

• The warmth of the moonlight.

Answer explanation

The words "skeletal shadows" and "bare winter trees" create a picture in the reader's mind that is spooky and related to sight (visual imagery).

Sort these descriptive words into two categories: Words Describing Textures or Words Describing Sounds.

Groups:

(a) Words Describing Textures

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(b) Words Describing Sounds

• Gritty

• Whispering

• Screeching

• Slimy

• Fuzzy

• Rattling

Answer explanation

The words are sorted based on whether they describe a feeling of touch (texture) or something that can be heard (sound).

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

• Tactile Imagery (Touch)

• The fire truck's siren blared through the streets.

• Visual Imagery (Sight)

• The setting sun painted the clouds in shades of orange and pink.

• Auditory Imagery (Sound)

• The icy wind whipped against her face.

Answer explanation

Each sentence is matched to the sense it most strongly appeals to: "blared" is sound, "painted the clouds" is sight, and "icy wind whipped" is touch.

What is the main purpose of imagery in writing?

• To list facts and statistics.

• To appeal to the reader's five senses to create a mental picture.

• To make the writing longer and more complex.

• To argue a point and persuade the reader.

Answer explanation

Imagery is a literary device that uses descriptive language to engage the senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch), helping the reader to experience the world of the story.

Which phrase best completes the sentence with strong auditory imagery? "As the storm approached, we could hear..."

• ...the dark clouds gathering on the horizon.

• ...the deep, rumbling thunder in the distance.

• ...the air growing heavy and humid.

• ...the leaves on the trees turning upwards.

Answer explanation

The phrase "deep, rumbling thunder" is a strong example of auditory imagery because it describes a specific sound, helping the reader to "hear" the storm. The other options appeal to sight or touch.

Classify these phrases into two groups: Appeals to Sight or Appeals to Touch.

Groups:

(a) Appeals to Sight

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(b) Appeals to Touch

• a field of vibrant yellow sunflowers

• the coarse grain of the sandpaper

• a dazzling fireworks display

• the sticky feel of spilled soda

Answer explanation

The phrases are sorted based on whether they describe something you see (sight) or something you feel (touch).

"After walking barefoot on the hot pavement, the cool, soft grass was a relief to her feet." How does the tactile imagery affect the reader's understanding?

• It shows that the character is in a hurry.

• It contrasts two feelings to emphasize the character's sense of relief.

• It describes the color of the grass and the pavement.

• It suggests that the character does not like walking.

Answer explanation

By describing the "hot pavement" and then the "cool, soft grass," the author uses contrasting tactile imagery to help the reader feel the character's discomfort followed by her strong sense of relief.

Match each descriptive phrase to the specific feeling it creates through tactile imagery.

• A feeling of sudden, brief pain

• The gentle pressure of a friendly hand on the shoulder

• A feeling of irritation and discomfort

• The sharp sting of a paper cut

• A feeling of comfort and support

• The rough, scratchy wool sweater

Answer explanation

Each phrase uses tactile words ("sharp sting," "gentle pressure," "scratchy") to evoke a specific physical sensation and emotional response in the reader.