Which term refers to a purpose where the author uses sensory, descriptive language to tell about a topic?

• A. To Describe
• B. To Explain
• C. Genre
• D. Audience

Answer: (A)

Describing is the purpose that uses sensory, descriptive language to tell about a topic. When a writer describes, they focus on details that appeal to the senses—how something looks, sounds, smells, tastes, or feels—so readers can picture it vividly. This approach aims to paint a scene or object in the reader’s mind rather than explain how or why something happens. Explaining, by contrast, provides reasons, causes, or steps and relies less on sensory detail. Genre refers to the category of writing (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, etc.), and audience is who the piece is written for, which affects tone and content but not the act of describing itself. A sentence that fills a scene with sensory detail—colors, textures, sounds—shows describing in action, helping you experience the topic rather than analyze it. So the best term is To Describe.