SHOW, DON'T TELL PRACTICE

Match each Telling sentence to the Showing description that paints a better picture for the reader. Mr. Bell is angry. The principal’s eyes flashed like fire and the vein in his forehead popped out as he roared at the kids in the cafeteria. Katie was hungry. Katie felt so hungry that she could eat a horse. She bellied up to the diner counter, her stomach rumbling. If she didn’t eat now, she’d die. It felt like an empty pit had opened up inside her. “A burger, please!” she shouted. The class was interesting. The class taught me how to control stress and manage my time effectively by teaching relaxation exercises and requiring a weekly schedule. Jack was afraid. 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. The new girl was shy. As she peeked out from under her long eyelashes, she blushed as the taller boy asked her name. She mumbled a barely audible reply with a crack in her voice and a shrug. Read the following sentence:John stood on the beach. Imagine you are including this sentence in a story you are writing. Complete the table below to show what descriptions you could include using sensory language. SIGHT (What would John see?) SOUND (What would John hear?) TOUCH(What would John feel? Think textures, temperatures, etc.) TASTE (What tastes are associated with the beach?) SMELL (What might John smell?)