Showing Not Telling

Jessica's dress shimmered as the light struck the rhinestones. The sleek train flowed as she walked.

• Showing Sentence

• Telling Sentence

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.L.7.5

CCSS.L.8.5

I watched as the sun glistened against the water as subtle hues of color gleamed throughout the sky.

• Showing Sentence

• Telling Sentence

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.L.7.5

CCSS.L.8.5

Weeds slouched over the yellowish-brown area that once was a lively vibrant garden.

• Showing Sentence

• Telling Sentence

The man's face sagged with wrinkles, and his eyes drooped along with his posture.

• Showing Sentence

• Telling Sentence

What is the main goal of 'Show, Don't Tell' in writing?

• To make the reader care about the characters and be invested in the story

• To provide straightforward information and facts

• To create complex and intricate plotlines

• To establish a clear narrative structure

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

Tom threw his books into his bag, crumpling his half-complete homework; he sighed.

• Show

• Tell

What's the #1 rule of storytelling?

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.10

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

The white, glistening snow started falling, covering up the faded black driveway that was cracked and worn down. It wasn't how I remembered it years ago.

• Show don't tell

• Repetition for effect

• Simile

• Suspense

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

True or False: Writing is better when you "tell" instead of "showing."

• True

• False

The man strutted down the street.

• Showing Sentence

• Telling Sentence