Scribd
Upload
178 views1 page

How To Show Not Tell

This document discusses the technique of "showing not telling" in narrative writing. It encourages using details from the 5 senses to describe actions, feelings, and situations instead of simply stating them. Two examples are given contrasting a telling statement with a showing description using sensory details. The summary advises using similes, metaphors, adjectives, descriptive language, explanations of causes, and figurative language to show emotions and experiences rather than just telling about them.

Uploaded by

Jia Xin
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
178 views1 page

How To Show Not Tell

This document discusses the technique of "showing not telling" in narrative writing. It encourages using details from the 5 senses to describe actions, feelings, and situations instead of simply stating them. Two examples are given contrasting a telling statement with a showing description using sensory details. The summary advises using similes, metaphors, adjectives, descriptive language, explanations of causes, and figurative language to show emotions and experiences rather than just telling about them.

Uploaded by

Jia Xin
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 1

Narrative/Descriptive Writing - How to show not tell

How to show not tell

This is a technique that allows the writer and the reader to experience the story through sense,
actions and feelings. Basically, it’s the use of the 5 senses.

How to show not tell?

E.g.: “I was happy.”

My stomach tingled as I giggled and skipped down the park. The corners of my mouth
rose and my eyes lightened up upon seeing my old friend.

The first was not only short and dull. Whereas the second one was more detailed and gave
insight into the actions and the reasons for her happiness.

E.g.: “He was scared of the dark.”

His breath quickened as the darkness surrounded him. Goosebumps rose on his skin
and he let out a small whimper.

Rather than just simply stating, describe the action. The words ‘breath quickened’, ‘stomach
tingled’, and ‘eyes lightened’ are precisely the words that show rather than tell.

Use:

● Similes
● Metaphor
● Adjectives
● Descriptive languages
● Describe what is causing that certain feeling and why
● Figurative language

Sometimes just telling is fine. You don’t have to write a whole paragraph showing Ray eating
and drinking unless it’s important in the plot.

You might also like