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Show Don't Tell

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Show Don't Tell

Choose the sentence that gives clues, or add details that help a reader imagine what is happening. Use actions, words, and sensory details.

A quick example

Telling: The boy was cold. Showing: He rubbed his hands together and shivered beneath his thin jacket. The second sentence gives the reader clues instead of naming the feeling.

Spot the clues

Choose the option that shows what is happening through details.

1.Which sentence shows that a puppy is pleased?
  • The puppy was pleased.
  • The puppy's tail swished as it bounced towards the open gate.
  • The puppy looked nice.
2.Which sentence gives clues that Grace is frustrated?
  • Grace was frustrated.
  • Grace sighed, rubbed out her drawing, and pressed her pencil hard against the page.
  • Grace was drawing at the table.
3.Which sentence uses sensory details to help you imagine a bowl of soup?
  • The soup was good.
  • The soup was in a bowl.
  • Steam curled above the bowl as the peppery smell tickled my nose.
4.Which sentence shows that Eli is nervous about speaking to the class?
  • Eli was nervous.
  • Eli's knees wobbled, and he shuffled his notes from one hand to the other.
  • Eli stood at the front of the room.

Add details

Rewrite each telling sentence so the reader can work out what is happening. There are many possible answers.

5.Rewrite this sentence to show that the cat is frightened: “The cat was scared.”
6.Rewrite this sentence to show what the weather is like: “It was a sunny day.”
7.Rewrite this sentence to show that the child is tired: “Matilda was tired.”
8.Match each telling sentence with the detail that best shows it.
  • Jai was excited.
  • The old shed was spooky.
  • The lemon was sour.
  • The runner was exhausted.
  • A loose shutter banged while shadows stretched across the dusty floor.
  • Jai bounced on her toes and grinned at the birthday cake.
  • He puckered his lips and squeezed his eyes shut after one bite.
  • She bent over, breathing heavily, with sweat dripping from her forehead.
9.Write one sentence that shows a person is delighted without using the word “delighted”. Include an action or something the person says.

3 printable pages

  • Show Don't Tell, page 1 of 3: A quick example, Spot the clues

    Page 1

  • Show Don't Tell, page 2 of 3: Add details

    Page 2

  • Show Don't Tell, page 3 of 3: 8. Match each telling sentence with the detail that best shows it.

    Page 3

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