WorksheetsShow Don't Tell Writing
Total questions: 15
Worksheet time: 15mins
Which sentence is the best example of sensory details?
I like chocolate.
Chocolate is made from roasted, ground cacao seeds.
Chocolate is delicious and I love to eat it.
The chocolate melted on my tongue as I placed the heart shaped candy into my mouth.
To show the reader how the character feels, the writer uses the five senses to describe the event which helps the reader imagine what they are reading.
True
False
Dominique graciously presents sweet treats of sugar-dusted wafers and creamy milk chocolate to her customers. The author is _____ in this sentence.
Showing
Telling
Whenever I am scheduled to give a speech, I suffer with wet, clammy hands and butterflies in my stomach. The author is _____ in this sentence.
Showing
Telling
The sisters cheerfully decorated the halls with green garlands and streamers of gold and silver crepe paper.
The author is _____ in this sentence.
Showing
Telling
What are sensory details?
Descriptions that appeal to our 5 senses
Personal reflections or feelings
Memories that we have had
Real life experiences in writing
She walked slowly, her head down, dragging her feet along the floor.
She was clueless.
She was hesitant.
She was excited.
She was prepared.
I was in the waiting room. I was nervous.
Rewrite this description by ‘showing’ the reader what it was like to be nervous. Appeal to the senses and focus on the physical body’s response to the emotion. Focus on the face, the eyes, the mouth, the hair, the skin, the heart, the blood, the pulse, the sweat, the breath and the tears, etc.
Show, don’t tell!
When describing a character’s feelings, skilful writers do not just ‘tell’ the reader how the character feels. They ‘show’ the reader by using imagery.
I understand
I don't undrstand
Which sentence best illustrates the 'show, don't tell' technique?
A) She was very angry.
B) Her face turned red, and her fists clenched tightly.
C) She said she was angry.
D) She was not happy.
What is the primary purpose of using 'show, don't tell' in writing?
A) To make the writing longer.
B) To engage the reader's imagination and emotions.
C) To confuse the reader.
D) To provide a summary.
Which of the following sentences uses sensory details effectively?
A) The cake was good.
B) The cake was sweet and moist, with a hint of vanilla.
C) The cake was okay.
D) The cake was not bad.
How can a writer 'show' a character is nervous without directly stating it?
A) By saying 'He was nervous.'
B) By describing his sweaty palms and quickened heartbeat.
C) By stating 'He felt nervous.'
D) By writing 'He was not calm.'
In the context of 'show, don't tell', which of the following is an example of telling?
A) The sun warmed her skin as she lay on the beach.
B) She felt happy.
C) The aroma of fresh coffee filled the air.
D) The leaves rustled in the gentle breeze.
Why is 'show, don't tell' considered an important technique in creative writing?
A) It helps to fill pages with more words.
B) It allows readers to experience the story through action, words, thoughts, senses, and feelings.
C) It makes writing more complicated.
D) It is a rule that must always be followed.
