Show, Don't Tell: Grade 5 Writing Worksheet
This worksheet helps 5th-grade students understand and practice the 'Show, Don't Tell' writing technique by transforming 'telling' sentences into 'showing' descriptions.
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Show, Don't Tell: Grade 5 Writing
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Read each section carefully and answer the questions. This worksheet will help you practice 'Show, Don't Tell' in your writing. Instead of just stating facts or feelings, try to use descriptive language and actions to help the reader imagine what is happening.
What is 'Show, Don't Tell'?
Good writers don't just tell their readers what is happening; they show it! This means using details, actions, sounds, and feelings to paint a picture in the reader's mind. Instead of saying 'The girl was sad,' you might say, 'Tears welled up in her eyes, and her shoulders slumped as she stared at the broken toy.'
1. Which sentence BEST 'shows' that a character is angry?
He was very angry.
His face turned red, and he stomped his foot.
He didn't like what happened.
Someone made him mad.
Read the 'telling' sentence. Then, complete the 'showing' sentence with descriptive words.
2. Telling: The old house was scary.
Showing: The old house stood dark and silent, its windows like empty staring out from under a sagging roof.
3. Telling: She was happy.
Showing: A wide spread across her face, and she skipped down the street with a light step.
Rewrite each 'telling' sentence to 'show' what is happening. Use vivid verbs and descriptive details.
4. Telling: The dog was excited.
Showing:
5. Telling: It was cold outside.
Showing:
6. Think about a time you visited a new place (a park, a store, a relative's house). Instead of telling us how it was, 'show' us with details. Describe what you saw, heard, smelled, and felt. Make the reader feel like they are there with you.