Show, Don't Tell: Mastering Descriptive Writing
This Grade 10 ELA worksheet helps students understand and apply the 'show, don't tell' principle in their descriptive writing.
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Show, Don't Tell: Mastering Descriptive Writing
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Read each section carefully and follow the instructions to demonstrate your understanding of the 'show, don't tell' writing principle. This means using sensory details, actions, and dialogue to convey emotions, traits, and information rather than simply stating them.
1. Which of the following sentences best exemplifies the 'show, don't tell' principle?
The old house was scary.
The house stood silhouetted against the bruised sky, its broken windows like vacant eyes staring into the void.
Everyone felt uneasy near the property.
It was a very frightening place to be.
2. When a writer 'tells' instead of 'shows,' what is the primary consequence for the reader?
The story becomes more concise.
The reader feels more connected to the characters.
The reader is left to imagine less, leading to a less immersive experience.
The plot becomes easier to follow.
Rewrite the following 'telling' sentences to 'show' the emotion or trait. Use vivid verbs, sensory details, and actions.
1. Telling: Sarah was angry.
Showing: Her knuckles as she gripped the steering wheel, her jaw tightly.
2. Telling: The old man was sad.
Showing: He stared out the window, a single tracing a path down his weathered cheek, his shoulders .
3. Telling: The food tasted delicious.
Showing: The aroma of garlic and herbs through the kitchen, and with the first bite, a burst of savory danced on my tongue.
Read the following passage. Identify one instance where the author 'tells' and rewrite that sentence or phrase to 'show.'
Passage: The student was nervous before the presentation. His hands were clammy, and he kept clearing his throat. When it was his turn, he stumbled over his first few words. He was glad when it was over.
Telling sentence/phrase:
Rewritten to 'show':
Write a short paragraph (5-7 sentences) describing a character reacting to unexpected news. Focus on using the 'show, don't tell' principle to convey their emotions and internal state without explicitly stating them. Think about their facial expressions, body language, actions, and any dialogue.
1. Using adjectives and adverbs alone is always enough to 'show' rather than 'tell.'
True
False
2. Dialogue can be an effective tool for 'showing' character traits.
True
False