Show don't tell

True or False: Writing is better when you "tell" instead of "showing."

• True

• False

Tags

CCSS.W.3.1B

CCSS.W.3.3A

Sarah pulled her collar up, tightened her scarf and shoved her hands deep into her pockets.

• Sarah is angry.

• Sarah is cold.

• Sarah is confused.

• Sarah is tired.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.1

CCSS.RI.5.1

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RL.4.1

CCSS.RL.5.1

Paul's face began flushing, his throat tightened, his voice rose and he slammed his fist on the table.

• Paul is nervous.

• Paul is exhausted.

• Paul is angry.

• Paul is furious.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

CCSS.L.4.6

CCSS.RL.1.4

On the shelf in my bedroom is a first-place football trophy and a first-place chess trophy. Above my bed on one side is a gold medal in track and field and on the other side is a framed photo of me winning “Junior Chef of the Year.” Before you ask me to play cards, you should have a full wallet. If your son wants to play marbles with me, he should know I play for keeps. If you start crying while I’m playing cards with you, I won’t stop until you look me in the eye, and admits, “You won!”

• The character is good at lots of things.

• The character is very competitive.

• The character is not very nice.

• The character is mean to others.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Anger (choose all that apply)

• Butterflies filled her stomach.

• She had a large smile.

• His fists were clenched.

• It felt as if steam would come out of his ears.

• His face was red.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

CCSS.L.4.6

CCSS.RL.1.4

Sick (choose all that apply)

• A tear rolled down her cheek.

• Snot dripped down her nose.

• She clapped gleefully.

• Her chest hurt from coughing.

• She felt hot, yet was shivering.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

CCSS.RL.1.4

Disgust (choose all that apply)

• Butterflies filled his stomach.

• He turned his nose up.

• He pursed his lips and looked away.

• His face grew hot.

• His face scrunched up.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

CCSS.L.4.6

CCSS.RL.1.4

Tired (choose all that apply)

• He couldn't keep his eyes open.

• His hands and knees were shaking.

• He moved slow as a sloth.

• He yawned.

• His face was red.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

CCSS.L.4.6

CCSS.RL.1.4

Nervous (choose all that apply)

• Her hands were sweaty.

• She was coughing so hard her chest hurt.

• Her knees were shaking.

• Butterflies filled her stomach.

• Her eyes were as big as coins.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

CCSS.L.4.6

CCSS.RL.1.4