Show Not Tell - Worksheet | English Year 5 - Free Printable

The task is to convert "tell" sentences into "show" sentences. In writing, "tell" sentences directly state a fact or emotion, while "show" sentences use descriptive details to convey the same idea without explicitly stating it. Here's how we can rewrite each sentence:

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1. Alfie was nervous.

- Tell Sentence: Alfie was nervous.
- Show Sentence: Alfie fidgeted with his fingers and glanced around the room, his breath shallow as he awaited the teacher's announcement.

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2. The dog was excited.

- Tell Sentence: The dog was excited.
- Show Sentence: The dog wagged its tail vigorously, jumping up and down, and barked joyfully as it saw its owner return home.

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3. The house was derelict.

- Tell Sentence: The house was derelict.
- Show Sentence: The house stood abandoned, its windows shattered and boarded up, with overgrown ivy creeping across the walls and the roof sagging under years of neglect.

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4. Mrs White was very rich.

- Tell Sentence: Mrs White was very rich.
- Show Sentence: Mrs White arrived in a sleek, black limousine, her diamond necklace sparkling in the sunlight as she stepped out, surrounded by personal assistants carrying designer bags.

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5. The man was acting suspiciously.

- Tell Sentence: The man was acting suspiciously.
- Show Sentence: The man kept glancing over his shoulder, his hands trembling slightly as he stuffed something into his pocket, his eyes darting nervously around the room.

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Explanation:

- "Tell" Sentences: These are straightforward statements that directly inform the reader about a character's emotions, actions, or situation. They are often less engaging because they don't allow the reader to visualize or infer the scene.
- "Show" Sentences: These sentences use sensory details, actions, and descriptions to paint a vivid picture for the reader. Instead of telling the reader what is happening, they show it through specific behaviors, surroundings, or dialogue.

By converting "tell" sentences into "show" sentences, the writing becomes more engaging and allows the reader to experience the scene more deeply.

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Final Answer:
1. Alfie fidgeted with his fingers and glanced around the room, his breath shallow as he awaited the teacher's announcement.
2. The dog wagged its tail vigorously, jumping up and down, and barked joyfully as it saw its owner return home.
3. The house stood abandoned, its windows shattered and boarded up, with overgrown ivy creeping across the walls and the roof sagging under years of neglect.
4. Mrs White arrived in a sleek, black limousine, her diamond necklace sparkling in the sunlight as she stepped out, surrounded by personal assistants carrying designer bags.
5. The man kept glancing over his shoulder, his hands trembling slightly as he stuffed something into his pocket, his eyes darting nervously around the room.

Boxed Final Answer:
\boxed{
\begin{aligned}
1. & \text{Alfie fidgeted with his fingers and glanced around the room, his breath shallow as he awaited the teacher's announcement.} \\
2. & \text{The dog wagged its tail vigorously, jumping up and down, and barked joyfully as it saw its owner return home.} \\
3. & \text{The house stood abandoned, its windows shattered and boarded up, with overgrown ivy creeping across the walls and the roof sagging under years of neglect.} \\
4. & \text{Mrs White arrived in a sleek, black limousine, her diamond necklace sparkling in the sunlight as she stepped out, surrounded by personal assistants carrying designer bags.} \\
5. & \text{The man kept glancing over his shoulder, his hands trembling slightly as he stuffed something into his pocket, his eyes darting nervously around the room.}
\end{aligned}
}