SHOW, Don't Tell

Which of the following does NOT contribute to more vivid, engaging writing?

• Common nouns

• Action verbs

• Imagery

• Figurative language

Which of the following helps to draw the reader into a story? Check all that apply.

• Setting

• Characters

• Background knowledge

• Action

Which sentence has the most showing details?

• When they embraced she could tell he had been smoking and was scared.

• When she wrapped her arms around him, the sweet staleness of tobacco enveloped her, and he was shivering.

Which sentence has the most showing details?

• The temperature fell and the ice reflected the sun.

• Bill’s nose burned in the frigid air, and he squinted against the sun

  reflecting off the street.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.L.7.5

CCSS.L.8.5

Which sentence has the most showing details?

• Suzie felt for the bench with a white cane.

• Suzie was blind.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.6

CCSS.L.3.6

CCSS.RL.1.4

Which sentence has the most showing details?

• Giggles and screams filled the arena.

• The girls were excited.

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Which sentence has the most showing details?

• As I stepped inside, my footsteps created resounding echoes that seemed to fill the house.

• I entered the empty room.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.L.7.5

CCSS.L.8.5

Which sentence has the most showing details?

• She was a plumber and asked where the bathroom was.

• She wore coveralls carried a plunger and metal toolbox, and wrenches of various sizes hung from a leather belt around her waist. “Point me to the head,” she said.

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Which sentence has the most showing details?

• I barely touched my food, riveted by Tim. “Let me tell you another story,” he said.

• I had a great conversation with Tim over dinner and loved hearing his stories.

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Which sentence has the most showing details?

• His eyes were closed, and he was cradling the guitar in his arms like a lover.

• He sat on the couch holding his guitar.