Name: ______
ENG1DB Introductory Writing Activity: ‘Feeling Out’ Your First Week of Grade Nine
Using Sensory Language to Explore your First Days of High School
SENSORY LANGUAGE(otherwise known as imagery) is a figurative language device that is composed of sensory words and rich,written details that are meant to appeal to one or more of a reader’s five senses (sight, touch, taste, hearing, and smell) in order to make a description more vivid, as well as to make the reader feel as though they are actually experiencing what is written on the page with its narrator/characters.
When you read or create descriptive writing, you must first focus upon a clear image, and thisimage will act as the topic of your piece. You can then engage with and/or expand upon this image by using your senses to highlight the details for your reader. The objective is for the reader to experience the moment with the author/narrator through the use of vibrant sensory language.
Now, let’s apply this type of language to something that you can relate to right now…your own experience over the past week – your FIRST week of high school! In order to get a ‘sense’ of how sensory language can make a moment on the page come to life, turn your attention to the example excerpt provided. Once you have had an opportunity to visualize all of the sensory details that the author includes, read the passage on your own, underlining all of the sensory language that you can identify as you go along. Consider if the language used makes the passage more interesting and enjoyable. Does it draw you into the subject matter? Can you connect to this passage as a reader? Why or why not? DISCUSSthese questions with a partner!
SENSORY LANGUAGE EXAMPLE:The Beginning of the Best Years of My Life…
The bright yellow school bus came to a stop with a screech on the street corner. The smell of gasoline filled my nostrils as I stepped anxiously onto the bus that I would ride every day for the next four years. The bus driver greeted me with a kind voice and smiling eyes. I eased myself into one of the stiff leather seats at the front. My tired eyes and yawning mouth became more prominent as the bus grew more stuffy and crowded with each stop. Everyone had an air of nervousness about them, exemplified by the make-up faced girls and cologne-scented guys. The ominous clouds followed our journey, filled with heavy, humid air outside, and inside, the bus was abuzz with the ever-present roar of chatter. Finally, we reached the front of White Oaks Secondary School, and my panic escalated. Bodies began to slowly file out of the vehicle, and I awkwardly squeezed my way through the throng of students until I was standing directly in front of the huge building. All of a sudden, for some reason the butterflies in my stomach disappeared, replaced with excitement. I couldn’t wait for grade nine to begin!
YOUR TASK:
- In 10-12 sentences, you are expected to write your own detailedreflection using as much sensory language (imagery) as you can in order to describe a specific moment from your first week of grade nine. Try your best to appeal to all of the five senses in your piece of writing. You may choose to write about a memorable experience, something strange or interesting that you have observed since your first day, etc. You are encouraged to have fun with this creative piece of writing! Be imaginative and thoughtful!
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