Let’s look at what the chart is asking.
The left side says “SHOW!” — that means you write details so the reader can *see* or *feel* what’s happening, without being told directly.
The right side says “Don’t TELL.” — that means don’t just say how someone feels (like “angry” or “happy”) — show it through actions, expressions, or behavior.
In the first example:
- Left side (SHOW): Brian pursed his lips, clenched fists, couldn’t contain himself, erupted like a volcano → This shows anger without saying “he was angry.”
- Right side (TELL): “Brian was angry. He started to yell.” → Too direct. Doesn’t let the reader imagine it.
Now, the second row starts with:
Left side (SHOW): “A gigantic grin spread across…” → This is showing happiness or excitement by describing a big smile.
So we need to finish the right side (TELL) for Bailey — but remember, on the “Don’t Tell” side, we’re supposed to avoid just stating the emotion. Wait — actually, looking again: the “Don’t Tell” column is where they wrote “Brian was angry” — which is the *wrong* way according to the lesson. So this chart is teaching us to AVOID writing like the right column.
But in the second row, the right column starts with “Bailey was...” — and since this is under “Don’t Tell,” we are meant to complete it as an example of what NOT to do — i.e., just state the feeling plainly.
So if the left side shows Bailey smiling hugely (“a gigantic grin”), then the emotion is happiness or joy.
Therefore, the “Don’t Tell” version would be:
“Bailey was happy.”
That matches the pattern:
Left = Show with action/detail → Right = Tell with simple emotion word.
Final Answer:
Bailey was happy.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of show vs tell worksheet.
