Students can be taught to create vivid, colorful descriptions. To train their senses and sharpen their word choices and images, they can be asked to (1) list specific adjectives to describe such an image-producing word as "ocean," (2) substitute sharply-etched verbs for general ones in a given sentence, (3) record day-to-day observations in a notebook, (4) divide the description of a meal cooked at home into the categories of the five senses, (5) describe accurately a number of items to be touched, tasted, heard, smelled, or seen, (6) study sensory appeals in advertising and compose commercials themselves, (7) list the sensory experiences possible in an English classroom and compose a theme incorporating items from the list, and (8) visit a location which has outstanding sensory appeal, taking detailed notes and later writing about it. Such activities as these teach students to observe detail carefully, sense subtle shades of meaning, select exactly the right word, make fresh observations, and become aware of the stylistic differences of authors. (JB)