Descriptive Writing: Using Describing Words — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the correct answer for each question.
1. Which word is a describing word in this sentence: 'The tall giraffe ate leaves'?
A) giraffe
B) ate
C) tall
D) leaves
In the sentence, tall is the word that tells us about the giraffe, and words that tell about a noun are describing words.
2. Which sentence uses a describing word for how something SOUNDS?
A) The red ball bounced.
B) The loud drum banged.
C) The big dog sat.
D) The old man walked.
Loud is a word for sounds, and a drum that bangs makes a sound, so that sentence describes how something sounds.
3. Which word BEST describes a piece of sandpaper?
A) smooth
B) rough
C) sweet
D) quiet
Sandpaper is made to be gritty and scratchy so it can rub wood smooth, and rough is the word for that bumpy feel.
4. Which sentence has the MOST describing words?
A) The dog ran.
B) The big brown dog ran fast.
C) The dog ran fast.
D) A dog ran home.
The sentence 'The big brown dog ran fast' has three describing words: big tells size, brown tells color, and fast tells how. That is more describing words than the other sentences have.
Part B: Add Describing Words
Write the best describing word on the line to complete each sentence.
1. The giant ocean waves crashed on the shore.
Ocean waves that crash on the shore can be very large, so giant describes their huge size.
2. A creepy spider spun a web in the corner.
Spiders that spin webs in dark corners can seem a little spooky, and creepy is the word for something that gives you that feeling.
3. The fluffy pancakes were ready for breakfast.
Pancakes that are full of air and puff up are called fluffy, which describes their light, airy texture.
4. We played outside on the crisp autumn day.
Autumn days have cool, fresh air that feels nice on your skin, and crisp is the word for that clean, cool feeling.
5. The lively music made everyone want to dance.
Music that makes everyone want to dance has lots of energy, and lively describes that fun, full-of-life sound.