Which term describes words and details that appeal to a reader's senses?

• A. Sensory language
• B. Figurative language
• C. Literal language
• D. Descriptive language

Answer: (A)

Words that describe what we can see, hear, smell, taste, or feel are called sensory language. This kind of language uses vivid details that engage the senses to help you picture the scene in your mind. For example, saying “the aroma of cinnamon drifted through the kitchen and the bread crackled as it cooled” invites you to smell and hear, making the moment feel real. Figurative language uses comparisons like metaphors and similes, and while it can stir imagination, it’s not specifically about describing sensory experiences. Literal language sticks to facts as they are stated, without painting a picture. Descriptive language adds details about how things look or feel, but sensory language targets the reader’s senses directly, which is why it’s the best fit for this prompt.