Show Don't Tell

Open Ended

Why is it important for writers to use sensory details and actions in their stories?

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the purpose of using sensory language in narrative writing?

• To make the story longer

• To help readers visualize and experience the story

• To use more adjectives

• To summarize the main events

Multiple Select

According to the lesson, which elements help writers 'show' rather than 'tell'?

• Vivid description

• Actions

• Dialogue

• Sensory detail

Multiple Choice

Which of the 5 senses does "The sweet scent of newly bloomed flowers fill the air." describe?

• Sight (See)

• Sound (Hear)

• Smell

• Taste

Open Ended

Explain the difference between 'telling' and 'showing' in narrative writing, using examples from the lesson.

Open Ended

What changed in the revised example, and why is it more effective at showing excitement?

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the difference between a 'telling' statement and a 'showing' statement in writing?

• A telling statement simply states facts without sensory details, while a showing statement uses sensory details and actions to create vivid imagery.

• A telling statement uses more adjectives, while a showing statement uses more verbs.

• A telling statement is always longer than a showing statement.

• A telling statement is used only in fiction, while a showing statement is used in non-fiction.

Multiple Choice

The little girl looked in the window.

• Show
• Tell

Multiple Choice

She tripped and fell backward, then stood up with blushing cheeks and shaking hands.

• Show
• Tell

Multiple Choice

 My mother and I would take walks to watch the glow of the chapel’s stained glass.

• Show
• Tell

Multiple Choice

To describe "Angry", I can say

• I yawned

• I clapped my hands and giggled

• I put on a jacket and rubbed my hands together

• I clenched my fists and stomped my feet

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an example of 'Show, Don't Tell'?

• James stormed out of the room.

• That’s it! James shouted. Standing, he shoved his chair in, its legs scraping against the yellowed linoleum flooring with a shriek that made me wince. Behind me, the door slammed, a splinter of wood falling to the ground from the impact.

• She had been crying.

• Her eyes were puffy, and red-rimmed. Dried streaks ran down her face, leaving discolored patches on her makeup.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an example of 'Show, Don't Tell' using dialogue?

• She laughed.

• "And then he went—he went—" Maria shook her head, her laughter so hard she couldn’t get the words out. Holding up a hand, she tried to catch her breath. "He went head over heels over the chair!" she howled, clutching her sides.

• He was cold.

• "I'm freezing," he said, shivering and wrapping his jacket tightly around himself.

Multiple Choice

How can dialogue be used to 'Show, Don't Tell'?

• By allowing the reader to understand the thoughts of the protagonist

• By providing straightforward information and facts

• By creating suspense and mystery

• By using emotional dialogue tags

Open Ended

Why is it important for writers to 'show' rather than 'tell' when creating narratives?

Poll

give your emoji-con about our lesson activity today!

• Excited

• bored

• happy

• not bad