Descriptive writing that appeals to what a character sees, hears, smells, tastes, and feels.
What is sensory language.
Let's say this is the writing prompt you receive for the Performance Task:
Imagine that you wake up one morning, look out your window, and see a spaceship parked in the tree outside your room. Write a narrative that tells the story of what happens next. Include a clear beginning, middle, and end.
Which of the planning organizers that we have used this year would be most helpful when planning your response: plot diagram, informational outline, or argumentative outline?
plot diagram
This examples appeals to what 2 senses: "...the loud crack of bones breaking in his forearm."
What is hear and feel
This is the prompt:
Using information from the texts you have just read, write a letter to your principal to persuade her that students should be permitted to use cell phones during your school day. Include a clear opening, reasoning and evidence, and a concluding statement.
Which writing organizer could you make to help you plan your response: plot diagram, informational essay outline, or argumentative essay outline?
argumentative essay outline
This example appeals to what sense? "Vile covered the ground beside his head."
What is smell?
Paper needed! Draw an organizer you could use to help you start planning your response to this prompt:
Create a multi-paragraph brochure that informs students in your school about how to make a land acknowledgement. Use information from the resources you just read to provide steps and details for your readers.
informational essay organizer, or something similar
Revise the sentence using sensory language that focuses on FEEL: Bob fell off his bike.
The scratches from the crash ached like sandpaper being drug across his skin.
Paper needed! Create an organizer you could use as your first step in planning your response to this prompt:
Choose a picture from one of the texts you just read. Create an original story based on the conflict that is shown in the picture. Your story should include a clear protagonist, conflict, and resolution.
Plot diagram or similar
Revise the sentence using sensory language focusing on HEAR and SMELL: There was a thunderstorm.
The smell of the rain evaporating from the hot pavement filled my nose, as the cracking and rumbling of thunder continued to echo in the distance.
Paper needed! Write a thesis statement, two supporting ideas, and a counterclaim you could use to answer this prompt:
Should students have access to YouTube during the school day? Write a multi-paragraph essay arguing your position.
Answers vary; should have an arguable, complete-sentence thesis.