Centerville-Abington Jr. High School SHOW, DON’T TELL Mrs. Tiffani Thornburg 7th Grade Language Arts Centerville-Abington Jr. High School

What is Show, Don’t Tell? The Show, Don’t Tell method of writing is when the writer is able to create a picture in the reader's mind, to get away from the repetition of such empty words like went, big, or said.

Example 1 TELLING My mornings are crazy. It’s hard to get to school on time! SHOWING I awaken to the deafening buzz of my alarm clock at 7:00 A.M. I hit the snooze button three times before dragging my drowsy self to the bathroom. I brush my teeth, take a shockingly cold shower, and blow dry my wet hair in record time. After trying on nearly every outfit in my closet, I run down the stairs, feed my barking dog, and inhale my peach oatmeal breakfast. I toss my books in my backpack and snatch up my coat. Then I sprint as fast as a cheetah out the front door. I arrive at the bus stop as the yellow bus drives away like a passing sunset. I know this will be the third tardy at school for me and an after-school detention awaits lingers in my future.

Example 2 TELLING My desk is a mess. SHOWING Papers overflowed my cramped desk as I rummaged for the pencil I knew was buried somewhere inside its dark depths.

Ways to Show, Don’t Tell Use descriptive adjectives (Ex. juicy, sweet watermelon) Use vivacious verbs (Ex. sprint, not run) Use sensory words (words that appeal to the senses) Use specific nouns Use literary devices (Ex. similes & metaphors) Create a mood (sad, exciting, worried, etc.)