Using Picture-Prompts to Enhance Sensory Details in Descriptive Paragraph Writing: A Quasi-Experimental Approach
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63671/ijeir.v2i3.141Keywords:
Picture Prompts, Descriptive Writing, Sensory Details, Quasi-Experimental Research, Writing Instruction, Grade 11 Students, Visual Learning, Writing SkillsAbstract
Descriptive writing is an important skill that enables students to communicate ideas clearly and creatively. However, many learners experience difficulty in developing organized paragraphs and incorporating meaningful sensory details into their writing. This study investigates the effectiveness of picture prompts in enhancing students’ use of sensory details in descriptive paragraph writing. Using a quasi-experimental research design, the study compares the performance of Grade 11 students who learn through picture prompts with those who use text prompts. Grounded in Dual Coding Theory and Constructivist Learning Theory, the research explores how visual stimuli support idea generation, organization, and the integration of sensory language related to sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. The study also examines the influence of picture prompts on the coherence and overall quality of descriptive writing. The findings are expected to provide practical evidence for teachers and curriculum developers on the value of integrating visual instructional materials into writing lessons to improve students’ descriptive writing performance and creativity.
References
Ahmadi, A., & Mansoordehghan, M. (2014). Task type and prompt effect on test performance: A focus on IELTS Academic Writing Tasks. The Journal of Teaching Language Skills, 6(3), 1–20.
Bourdin, B., & Fayol, M. (2022). Facilitating text production in fourth graders: Effects of script-based knowledge and writing prompts. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.821011
Budiharso, T. (2017). Developing prompts of argumentative essay writing for EFL college students. Indonesian Journal of Language Teaching and Linguistics, 2(3), 227–244. https://doi.org/10.30957/ijoltl.v2i3.531
Carter, K., & Wilhelm, J. (2015). Teaching descriptive writing through visualization and the five senses. English Teaching Forum, 53(2), 37–40. http://www.forumstate.gov
Endarwati, N., Anwar, K., & Maruf, N. (2023). Exploring the challenges faced by teachers in teaching writing skills and how anchor charts can address them. English Review: Journal of English Education, 11(3), 629–640. https://doi.org/10.25134/erjee.v11i3.8421
Greenhoot, A. F., & Semb, J. (2008). Do illustrations enhance preschoolers’ memories for stories? Age-related change in the picture facilitation effect. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 99(4), 271–287. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jecp.2007.06.005
Kurniawan, R., & Malik, A. (2018). Writing prompt through visual exploratory with sequence narrative words. Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Recent Innovations, 584–589. https://doi.org/10.5220/0009912205840589
Laemlaem, M., & Lekatompessy, R. (2024). An analysis of writing problems in descriptive texts faced by third-semester students in the English education study program at PSDKU Aru, Pattimura University. MATAI: International Journal of Language Education, 5(1), 23–33. https://ojs3.unpatti.ac.id/index.php/matail
Marginingsih, R., Wardhani, D., & Mayangseto, U. (2022). The influence of pictures as a media to improve writing description text for students. FRASA: English Education and Literature Journal, 3(1), 35–41. https://doi.org/10.47701/frasa.v3i1.2067
Marpaung, T. (2018). Using collaborative sensory detail chart to increase number of content words of students’ descriptive writing. Saint Michael College of Caraga Journal, 5(1), 179-182. https://doi.org/10.18868/SHER5J.05.01213.10
Marpaung, T., & Hambandima, E. S. N. (2019). Using sensory detail chart in collaborative experiential learning to increase quality of students’ descriptive writing. In International Seminar on Language, Education, and Culture (pp. 85–101). Knowledge E. https://scispace.com/papers/using-sensory-detail-chart-in-collaborative-experiential-4ulvb14zrn
Mukramah, C., Mustafa, F., & Sari, D. F. (2023). The effect of picture and text prompts on idea formulation and organization of descriptive text. Indonesian Journal of English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics, 7(2), 325–341. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1391210
Sadoski, M., & Paivio, A. (2013). Imagery and text: A dual coding theory of reading and writing (2nd ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203801932
Sakkir, G. (2020). The effectiveness of pictures in enhancing writing skill of senior high school students. Interference: Journal of Language, Literature, and Linguistics, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.26858/interference.v1i1.12803
Yuskar, B. O. (2022). Using pictures in teaching English to UBSI students in Jakarta. Journal of English Development, 2(1), 34–43. https://doi.org/10.25217/jed.v2i01.1997
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 International Journal of Educational Innovations and Research

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
How to Cite
Similar Articles
- Abir Mondal, Construction and Standardization of an Achievement Test in Biology: A Study on Secondary Level Students in West Bengal , International Journal of Educational Innovations and Research: Vol. 1 No. 4: October-December 2025
- Dr. Thinawanga Portia Mavhandu, Dr. Ikekhwa Albert Ikhile , Professor Azwihangwisi Helen Mavhandu-Mudzusi , A Transformative Model for Strengthening Teachers' Roles in Fostering Literacy Practices in Under-Resourced Preschool Classrooms , International Journal of Educational Innovations and Research: Vol. 1 No. 2: April-June 2025
- Lovella Jean D. Bade, Francisco M. Espinosa, EdD, The Lived Experiences of Teachers in Handling the Learning Gaps of Grade 4 Learners , International Journal of Educational Innovations and Research: Vol. 2 No. 3: July-September 2026
- Crisel Abad Bandong, Leadership Skills of Organization Advisers, Students’ Attitudes and Their Engagement Toward Environmental Stewardship , International Journal of Educational Innovations and Research: Vol. 2 No. 2: April-June 2026
- Rafy Emoy, Mary Dorothy Alviar, Wilma Mae Mantos, Junna May Sumandag, Erliza Mea Famisaran, Sheila May Esmar, Joana Tudiowan, Jhelmie Equit, English Reading Anxiety and Reading Proficiency in the New Normal Education , International Journal of Educational Innovations and Research: Vol. 2 No. 1: January-March 2026
- Arpan Tewary, Abhishek Bandyopadhyay, Lumbini Bhaumik, Microlearning & Nanolearning: The Future of Bite-Sized Education , International Journal of Educational Innovations and Research: Vol. 1 No. 4: October-December 2025
- Cilule Ndang, Parents' Involvement in Children's Academic Life: A comparative study between Private and Government schools in Peren District , International Journal of Educational Innovations and Research: Vol. 2 No. 2: April-June 2026
- Priyanka Tripathi, Renu Yadav, Government vs. Private Teacher Education Institutions: A Comparative Study of Student Teachers’ Attitudes towards Teaching , International Journal of Educational Innovations and Research: Vol. 1 No. 3: July-September 2025
- Albert Julian D. Arciaga, Emie A. Genton, PhD, The Effect of Performance-Based Incentives on School Performance and Job Satisfaction of Public-School Teachers , International Journal of Educational Innovations and Research: Vol. 2 No. 3: July-September 2026
- Mike R. Canoy, April Dawn B. Ruales, Justriel G. Tutor, Jieza J. Villarino, Riza Mae P. Basa, Natty Lorraine P. Bayocot, Artificial Intelligence in Special Education: Assessing Teachers' Level of Use and Readiness at Tomas Sagun Integrated School, Pagadian City, Philippines , International Journal of Educational Innovations and Research: Vol. 2 No. 3: July-September 2026
You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.
