Writing Techniques

The phrase "show, don't tell" can best be rephrased as:

• Write long sentences, not short ones.

• Write descriptively, with details.

• Use as many adjectives and adverbs as possible

• Explain everything in details

Descriptive language usually includes:

• Sensory language

• alliteration

• as many details as possible

• dialogue

"John hit a home run."

How can you best re-write this sentence in a descriptive way?

• John's bat emitted a thunderous crack as the ball sailed into the far reaches of the left-field seats

• John swung. His bat met the ball. The ball went over the fence

• In the fifth inning, John hit his 3rd home run of the game. He was a great player.

• The Yankees rallied to victory behind John's home run.

"Jen was happy when she received an A on her quiz ." How can you best re-write this sentence in a descriptive way?

• Jen smiled when she checked her grade

• All the kids in class were jealous of Jen— but none of them studied as much as she did.

• When Jen got her quiz back from her teacher, she was happy to see that she had gotten an A."

• When Jen saw the gold star and the bright red ‘A' at the top of her paper, she did a victory lap around the class.

When might you want to "tell," and not "show?" Choose the best answer

• In a book report

• In a poem

• In a cooking recipe

• In a thank-you letter

Which of the following sentences "tells," and doesn't "show?"

• The water was dark

• The water was black as tar

• The water was a mirror of darkness

• The moon and stars were seemed to drown as they sank into the horizon.

Which of the following sentences "shows," and doesn't "tell?

• The wind was blowing hard.

• It was really windy outside.

• The wind howled and ripped shingles off the roof.

• The wind blew in from the north.

How can you show that a person is crying without saying it in those words? Choose the best answer.

• When she talked about her sister's illness, she was sad.

• She smiled when I entered the room, but I could see that she was crying

• Her face was blotchy and her eyes glassy.

• I took one look at her and could tell she wasn't happy

How can you say "I'm hungry" using descriptive language?

• I can't wait for lunch. I am so hungry.

• My stomach is growling- a monster waiting to be reliease in the lunchroom.

• I could eat a pizza and a half right now.

• I smell bacon.

How is setting portrayed through sensory detail?

"The gasping pools were choked with ash and crawling muds, sickly white and grey, as if the mountains had vomited the filth of their entrails upon the lands about. High mounds of crushed and powdered rock, great cones of earth fire-blasted and poison-stained, stood like an obscene graveyard in endless rows, slowly revealed in the reluctant light." (Tolkien, Lord of the Rings)

• the setting is portrayed as warm and inviting

• the setting is portrayed as evil and deadly

• the setting is portrayed as dangerous but peaceful

• the setting is portrayed as nerve-wracking and confusing