Which mode of writing is best characterized as using metaphors, similes, and descriptive details to create a picture?

The mode of writing characterized by the use of metaphors, similes, and descriptive details to create vivid imagery is known as descriptive writing. This style focuses on painting a picture in the reader's mind, appealing to their senses by providing detailed observations that enhance the reader's experience. By utilizing figurative language such as metaphors and similes, descriptive writing effectively conveys emotions and atmospheres, allowing readers to form a clear mental image of the subject matter.

In contrast, analytical writing focuses on breaking down and examining a topic in detail, emphasizing logical arguments and evidence rather than vivid imagery. Persuasive writing aims to convince the reader of a specific viewpoint or action, often using rhetorical devices and emotional appeals rather than descriptive techniques. Narrative writing, while it can include descriptive elements, primarily revolves around telling a story, which may include characters, plot, and setting, but isn't solely concerned with creating imagery. Thus, descriptive writing stands out for its emphasis on sensory details and figurative language, making it the best answer.