Showing and Telling Quiz

What does the phrase “show, don’t tell” encourage writers to do?

• Use more abstract language

• Summarize actions quickly

• Use detailed sensory descriptions

• Ignore character development

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.L.7.5

CCSS.L.8.5

Why are concrete details important in writing?

• They help readers experience the story through their senses.

• They allow the writer to cover large spans of time quickly.

• They focus on summarizing events.

• They make stories shorter and easier to read.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Which of the following is an example of "showing" instead of "telling"?

• She was sad.

• He was angry.

• His hands trembled as he tried to speak, his voice shaking with each word.

• They were excited.

Tags

CCSS.W.9-10.3

CCSS.W.9-10.3B

CCSS.W.9-10.3D

What is one disadvantage of using too much “telling” in a story?

• It slows the pace of the story.

• It disengages the reader’s creativity.

• It makes the story more emotional.

• It creates suspense.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

In storytelling, “telling” often serves to:

• Provide detailed descriptions

• Compress time and summarize events

• Expand time and focus on emotions

• Focus only on the main character

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.5

How does "showing" affect the pacing of a story?

• It speeds up the story.

• It slows down the story.

• It has no effect on the pacing.

• It makes the story confusing.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.5

Which of the following is NOT a key characteristic of “showing” in writing?

• Using vivid sensory details

• Writing dramatic scenes with dialogue

• Summarizing actions quickly

• Focusing on specific moments

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RI.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

When is it more appropriate for a writer to “tell” rather than “show”?

• When describing a character’s appearance

• When compressing time to move the story along

• When revealing a character’s emotions

• When focusing on a significant plot event

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

CCSS.RI.11-12.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Which sentence is an example of “telling”?

• She bounced down the street, her smile bright and wide.

• He clenched his fists, his face red and eyes narrowed.

• She was excited about the trip.

• They stared at each other in silence, unsure of what to say.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.3A

CCSS.L.4.3A

CCSS.L.5.3A

CCSS.L.6.3A

CCSS.L.6.3B

What is one of the benefits of showing through dialogue?

• It shortens the story.

• It helps reveal characters' emotions and thoughts.

• It makes the story harder to follow.

• It avoids emotional involvement.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.5