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Show Don't Tell

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Show Don't Tell

Show Don't Tell

Explorer with telescope looking at whales

🔍 Part 1: Spot the Difference

1. Read these two descriptions. Which one helps you 'see' the character better? Circle your choice:

Description A: Captain Sarah was tall and brave. She had long hair and wore old clothes.

Description B: Captain Sarah towered above her crew, her weathered hands gripping the ship's wheel. Her copper hair whipped like ocean waves in the salty breeze, and her coat bore the scars of a thousand storms.

Description A

Description B

2. Explain why your chosen description is better:

🎨 Part 2: Transform the Telling

3. Rewrite these 'telling' sentences to 'show' instead. Use sensory details and actions!

Telling: The whale explorer had messy hair.

Showing: ________________________________________________

Telling: She was excited about finding whales.

Showing: ________________________________________________

Telling: The captain was tired.

Showing: ________________________________________________

4. Choose three senses you could use to describe a character. Tick all that apply:

Sight (what you see)

Sound (what you hear)

Touch (what you feel)

Smell (what you smell)

Taste (what you taste)

📝 Part 3: Create Your Character

5. Write a paragraph describing a whale explorer or sea captain using 'show, don't tell'. Include sensory details and actions that reveal their appearance and personality:
6. Draw your character in the box below:

🔗 Part 4: Match the Techniques

7. Match each 'showing' technique with its example:
1. Simile
2. Action description
3. Sensory detail
4. Metaphor
A. She stomped across the deck
B. His beard was a tangled fishing net
C. The salty spray stung her cheeks
D. Eyes like sparkling emeralds

⭐ Part 5: Peer Review Checklist

8. When you review your partner's writing, tick the boxes for what they did well:

Uses sensory details (sight, sound, touch, smell, taste)

Shows character through actions

Creates a clear picture in my mind

Uses interesting vocabulary

Avoids simple 'telling' words

9. Write one compliment for your partner's description:
10. Write one suggestion to help improve their writing:

About This Worksheet

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