The document provides examples of how to use "show, don't tell" techniques in writing. It advises describing experiences in a way that engages the reader's senses rather than just stating things. For instance, instead of telling that a room is dark, the writer could describe the lack of light and the shadows. The document also shows examples where the writer depicts excitement through sounds and physical descriptions rather than just saying someone was excited. The goal is to help the reader feel like they are experiencing what is being written rather than just being told about it.

1. SHOW NOT TELL – A Year 5 writing exercise
Show, Not Tell is a technique that enables you to write so that you are able to create a
picture in the reader's mind, to get away from the repetition of such empty words as weird,
really neat, beautiful, wonderful, and b-o-r-i-n-g. It’s all about describing what you see in
detail so that reader feels he or she is there.
When you show and don’t tell you…
e.g. Don’t tell the reader something is weird – you show it!
e.g. Don’t tell the reader it is beautiful – you show it!
e.g. Don’t tell the reader it is dark – you show it!
e.g. Don’t tell the reader it is exciting – you show it!
e.g. Don’t tell the reader a room is empty – you show it!
e.g. Don’t say it is wet – show it is wet!
Here are some examples:
Telling: The girls were excited.
Showing: Giggles and screams filled the arena. The soft curls were now damp with perspiration and
the anticipation of the event. They held tight to each other in a mock effort to contain themselves.
Arms flailed upward, and voices echoed in varying tones. The moment was here.
Telling: The room was empty.
Showing: The door opened with a resounding echo that seemed to fill the house. Cobwebs once
attached flowed freely in the air as the open door brought light to a well worn floor. The light gave
notice to the peeling paint on the walls and to the silhouettes once covered by pictures. The new air
gave life to a stuffiness that entrapped the room. Faded and torn white sheets covered once new
furniture now drowning in dust.
Your task is to show and not tell the following sentences. Good luck!
Telling: The room was dark.
Telling: Clarissa was beautiful or Colin was fat.