Show Not Tell

What is NOT a common use for for show-not-tell?

• writing about a character's feelings or emotions

• listing facts about a topic

• describing a character's personality traits

• all of the above

Which is true about Sensory Details?

• It expresses how the author is feeling.

• It helps writing become more detailed and interesting for the reader.

• It makes our writing more truthful.

• It gives opportunities for the reader to make inferences instead of just telling.

Kerry was embarrased. Show not tell.

• Kerryn felt so embarrassed and could not face her friend

• Kerryn clenched her fists and gritted her teet.

• Kerryn smilde widely and jumped up and down.

• Kerry bowed her head low, cheeks turned red and could not look at her friend in the eye.

Answer explanation

His actions and reaction of her face showed that she was indeed embarrassed.

Rosie was happy after receiving the gift.

Show Rosie's happiness without using the word 'happy'.

• Rosie's eyes filled with tears and she ran out of the room.

• Rosie's face lit up with a wide smile, and she danced around the room with pure joy.

• The character's shoulders slumped and they let out a heavy sigh.

• The character's face turned red and they started sweating profusely.

Answer explanation

The character's face lit up with a wide smile, and she danced around the room with pure joy. This choice accurately describes the character's happiness without using the word 'happy'.

Mark felt anxious knowing that he might be caught cheating. Show this by describing his reactions.

• Mark's heart raced, his palms grew sweaty. He felt trapped and overwhelmed.

• Mark felt happy and carefree, with a smile on their face.

• Mark was relaxed and content, enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

• Mark was excited and full of energy, ready to take on any challenge.

Answer explanation

Mark's heart raced, his palms grew sweaty. He felt trapped and overwhelmed. This choice accurately describes a situation where a character is feeling anxious.

Dan was angry as his brother broke his handphone. Portray his anger without directly stating the emotion.

• Dan skipped and danced around the room.

• Dan sobbed when he saw his phone on the floor.

• Dan clenched his fists and gritted his teeth as he stared at his broken handphone on the floor.

• Dan smiled calmly and picked up his phone.

Answer explanation

To portray anger without directly stating the emotion, describe the character's action of clenching his fists and gritting his teeth.

Describe Sheila's fear using descriptive language

• Sheila was not feeling very brave

• Sheila was a little nervous

• Sheila felt a little scared

• Sheila's heart pounded in their chest, their breath coming in short, shallow gasps as he looked around, eyes wide with terror.

Answer explanation

The character's heart pounded, breath came in gasps, eyes wide with terror, showing his fear.

Bob felt guilty for lying to his mother. Describe without directly stating the emotion.

• Bob stood tall and confidently denied any wrongdoing to hide his guilt.

• Bob's hands trembled as he struggled to maintain eye contact with his mother.

• Bob smiled and patted his brother on the back to distract from his guilt.

• Bob laughed loudly and made a joke to cover up his guilt.

Answer explanation

The character's trembling hands and struggle to maintain eye contact highlight his guilt.

Describe Siti's confusion without using the word 'confused'.

• Siti's eyes widened, and she let out a joyful gasp.

• Siti's face remained expressionless, and she continued with their usual routine.

• Siti's shoulders slumped, and she let out a heavy sigh.

• Siti's brow furrowed, and she looked around with a puzzled expression.

Answer explanation

The character's brow furrowed, and she looked around with a puzzled expression, indicating her confusion.

Which of the following sentences best demonstrates the 'show, not tell' technique?

• The sun was hot.

• She felt sad.

• He was angry.

• Her hands trembled as she clutched the letter.