EnglishFreePrintable

Show, Don't Tell

A free english worksheet ready for your classroom. Open in Kuraplan to grab the print-ready PDF, customize it for your students, or generate a fresh version in seconds.

Download now

Name:Date:

Show, Don't Tell

Help the reader picture what is happening without naming the feeling or quality. Use actions, dialogue, precise details and the senses. Read each mini-scene carefully; all the information you need is on this page.

Spot the clues

At the weekend market, Talia clutched his paper bag. A warm, buttery smell curled into the air. He took one bite of the still-hot pie, closed his eyes and grinned. Which details help the reader work out how Talia feels about the pie?

1.Choose the sentence that tells the reader directly rather than showing through clues.

Isla was nervous about the speech.
Isla rubbed her damp palms on her skirt and peered at the audience.
Isla's first word came out in a squeak.

2.Which sentence best shows that a character is furious?

Arun was furious.
Arun felt very cross.
Arun's jaw tightened. He shoved the chair back with a scrape.

3.In the market mini-scene, write two clues that suggest Talia enjoys the pie. Use details from the scene.

Upgrade the sentences

Rewrite each telling sentence so that a reader can infer the idea. You might use an action, a sound, dialogue or a sensory detail. There is more than one good answer.

4.Show that the boy is angry without using the word “angry” or “mad”. Write one sentence.

5.Show that the cake tastes delicious without using the word “delicious” or “yummy”. Include a sensory detail and an action.

6.Improve this sentence by replacing the weak verb “went” with a precise verb and adding one useful detail: “The magpie went across the oval.”

7.A storm is approaching. Write one sound detail and one sight detail that could help a reader picture it. Avoid simply saying “The storm was scary.”

Build a scene

Choose one situation for your paragraph: a surprised cat, a sudden downpour on the walk home, or the first bite of a favourite breakfast. Show what is happening instead of announcing the main feeling or quality.

8.Plan your paragraph by naming two details the reader could see and one detail they could hear, smell, taste or feel. Then use these details in your writing.

9.Write a paragraph of 4–6 sentences about one of the three situations. Include at least two precise verbs and details from at least two senses. Do not directly name the main feeling or quality; let the reader infer it.

10.Reread your paragraph. Copy one phrase that helps the reader picture the scene, then explain what the reader can infer from it.