Let’s look at what this chart is teaching.
The left side says “SHOW!” — that means writing details so the reader can *see* or *feel* what’s happening, instead of just being told.
The right side says “Don’t TELL” — that means avoiding simple statements like “He was angry” or “She was happy.” Instead, you show it through actions, expressions, or body language.
Each row gives an example:
1.
Brian – Instead of saying “Brian was angry,” we SHOW it by describing his lips, fists, and how he erupted like a volcano.
2.
Bailey – Instead of “Bailey was happy,” we SHOW her grin and eyes lighting up like fireworks on July 4th.
3.
Bella – Instead of “Bella was shocked,” we SHOW her jaw dropping and eyebrows flying up.
4.
Girl seeing dad – Instead of “She was excited,” we SHOW her sprinting, jumping into his arms, and burying her head in his chest.
5.
Boy feeling sad – Instead of “He felt sad,” we SHOW the ache in his stomach, turning away, and tears welling up.
This helps make writing more vivid and emotional for the reader.
Final Answer:
The chart teaches writers to “show, not tell” by using descriptive actions and feelings instead of plainly stating emotions. Each example on the left shows how to describe a character’s emotion through behavior, while the right side shows the weak “telling” version to avoid.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of show don t tell worksheet.
