📖 Part 1: Identifying "Show" vs "Tell"

1. Which example uses the "show don't tell" technique? Circle the better option.

A) "Sarah was nervous about the test."

B) "Sarah's hands trembled as she gripped her pen, and she kept glancing at the clock."

2. Read this sentence: "Tom was angry at his sister." Rewrite it using the "show don't tell" technique by describing Tom's actions and dialogue instead.

3. Which of these examples effectively "shows" that a character is excited? Check all that apply.

"Emma was really excited about the party."

"Emma bounced on her toes and couldn't stop smiling."

"Emma felt excited."

"'I can't wait!' Emma exclaimed, clapping her hands together."

4. Complete this sentence using "show don't tell": Instead of writing "The old house was scary," you could write:

"The old house _________________________________________________"

🎭 Part 2: Reading Between the Lines

5. Read this scene and answer the questions below:

Jake stared at his phone screen, then quickly shoved it into his pocket. "Nothing," he muttered when his mum asked what was wrong. He pushed his food around his plate without taking a bite and avoided eye contact with everyone at the dinner table.

a) What emotion do you think Jake is feeling? ____________________

b) List two actions that helped you identify this emotion:

6. What conflict or problem might Jake be experiencing? Explain your reasoning.

✏️ Part 3: Creative Writing Practice

7. Choose one emotion from the list below and write a short scene (3-4 sentences) that SHOWS this emotion through dialogue and actions only. Do not directly state the emotion.

Emotions to choose from: embarrassed, proud, disappointed, confused, relieved

My chosen emotion: ____________________

8. Reflection: Why is "show don't tell" more effective than simply stating how a character feels?