Statement Transformation

Show Don't Tell #7

Worksheet Description

The “Show Don’t Tell” worksheet is an educational tool that provides students with a series of straightforward sentences in the “Tell” column, such as “There are birds outside” or “The girl was bored.” The students’ task is to rewrite these sentences in the “Show” column, creating more descriptive and vivid expressions that convey the same information through imagery and action. This format encourages students to think beyond simple statements and to develop richer, more detailed descriptions that allow the reader to visualize the scene or emotion being described.

The worksheet is intended to teach students the crucial writing technique of ‘showing’ rather than ‘telling,’ which is essential for engaging readers and bringing a story to life. By transforming plain statements into descriptive passages, students practice how to give their readers a more immersive experience. The activity aims to develop their skills in creating a vivid picture in the reader’s mind, allowing them to deduce what is happening or how a character feels based on the description. It ultimately helps students understand the importance of detailed, show-based writing in crafting compelling narratives.