Show, Don't Tell
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The document discusses showing versus telling in writing. It provides examples of telling versus showing, such as "Marvin was angry" versus a paragraph describing Marvin's angry actions. The document also asks readers to improve upon simple telling statements about a pizza, party, room, and concert by showing those experiences in more detail through unique descriptions rather than cliches. Readers are then prompted to share their improved paragraphs.
Show, Don't Tell
- 2. The sentenceWhen she heard the music, Polly went upstairs to get money for ice cream.
- 3. QuestionsWhat season is it?What kind of music did she hear?How old is Molly (roughly)? Where does Molly live (country, city)?
- 4. The big questionHow do you know?
- 5. Curve ballMolly is 38.How does this information alter your perception of the scene?
- 7. TellingMarvin was angry because Willie spoiled his art project.
- 8. ShowingMarvin stomped up the porch steps and flung open the screen door. “Ooh, I’m gonna clobber that Willie Jordan,” he muttered under his breath, stuffing the muddied painting into the garbage can.
- 9. Sometimes you have to tell.
- 10. TellingShe was the kind of woman who kept a parrot. ~Mark Twain
- 11. Your TurnThe pizza was good.The party was boring.My room is a mess.The concert rocked.School …
- 12. Make it betterNow that you’ve got your rockin’ paragraph written, take a good look at it. Is there anything in it that has been said before? (Boring. Cliché. Unoriginal.) What can you change to make it completely unique?
- 13. Share!