1. Showing vs. Telling

2. A Game of Show and Tell
Partner Talk: What do you remember from show and tell in elementary school?

3. Showing vs. Telling
In writing, we want to show the reader what is happening rather than just tell what is happening.
Vs.

4. Three Reasons Why Showing is more specific than telling.
Showing helps readers make pictures in their heads.
Showing is more interesting than telling.

5. Telling
A ‘telling’ statement gives information, but in a dull and lifeless manner.
It leaves out the action, emotion, and sensory detail – all the vital ingredients that make the reader believe in the story.
Ex. The pizza was delicious.

6. Showing ‘Showing’ dramatizes the events of a plot.
The reader experiences the story as if he/she’s right there. The reader can see what is happening.
Ex. Mushrooms and pepperoni sausage were layered thickly on top of one another while the white mozzarella cheese bubbled over the bright red tomato sauce.

7. Example Telling: Jack was afraid.
Showing: As the footsteps tapped closer and closer, Jack felt his stomach muscles tighten. He flattened himself to the wall, the bricks gritty against his cheek. Sweat chilled his palms. He used both hands to steady the gun.

8. Example Telling: Dave thought Brenda was acting secretive.
Showing: Brenda slammed his dresser drawer shut and spun around, her hands hidden behind her back. Her lips jerked into a stiff smile. "Dave! I-I thought you wouldn't be home until six o'clock."

9. Creating Showing Scenes
Use all the senses, such as sight, smell, sound, taste, and texture to describe the scene.
For example, if you’re describing a room, try to answer questions like:
What kind of room could it be?
What kinds of things would be in this room?
What sounds would be part of this room?
Would there be any smells associated with this room?

10. Creating Showing Scenes
Use figurative language, such as similes and metaphors.
Ex. “Prim’s face is as fresh as a raindrop, as lovely as the primrose for which she was named.”
–The Hunger Games

14. Practice Task
Choose one of the ‘telling’ statements below and turn it into a ‘showing’ scene.
His locker is disgustingly dirty.
The concert was a disaster.
The forest was beautiful.
The test was a nightmare.
Spring is coming.
We won the game in overtime
I was embarassed

15. Apply to your story
Find telling statements in your story and think about how you can change them to be showing scenes.
Use the Tell and Show handout to help you organize your thoughts.