Creative Writing

 

Show, Don't Tell (2)

Compare the following descriptions.

Telling Showing
I was nervous. My palms were sweaty. I popped my knuckles. I looked in my backpack three times for no reason. My leg kept shaking, and I turned my head to look at the clock every few seconds.
She was angry. She kicked open the screen door, letting it slam against the wall as she dashed outside. Down the steps and into the yard she flew. Grabbing the first rock in her path, she hurled it back toward the house. It crashed through the living room window with an explosion of shattered glass.
My sister is talented. My sister competes in weightlifting championships, sings lead vocals in a rock band, and speaks five languages.
I like many different sports, but I would have to say that ping-pong is my favorite sport. He’s drenched in sweat, his knuckles are white, he’s on the other side of the ping-pong table, and I’m about to bring him down.

Lesson Steps

  1. Open your writing portfolio.
    • Level 14
      • Show, Don't Tell (2)
  2. Choose one of the following statements and expand on it by showing me details that allow me to picture it in my mind. (Minimum word count: 100 words)
  1. The classroom was out of control.
  2. Jessica dresses unusually.
  3. The movie was boring.
  4. My room needed cleaning.
  5. Alex was forgetful.
  6. The roller coaster ride was scary.
  7. Gabriel’s cooking was not great.
  8. Yumiko was sad.
  1. When you are finished, return to this page and take the quiz.

Instructions for the Quiz

Answer the questions

Quiz