These slides aim to explain the concept of showing and not telling used in writing especially for narrative essays. It can be used to enhance your essay should you use it correctly and effectively. For more information, read on to find out.

1. Show, Don’t Tell
Howtowritelikeaprofessionalwriter

2. the writer needs to show, not tell the reader about
InterestingTo create an Story,

3. the writer needs to show, not tell the reader about
InterestingTo create an Story,
people

4. the writer needs to show, not tell the reader about
InterestingTo create an Story,
people places

5. the writer needs to show, not tell the reader about
InterestingTo create an Story,
people places things

6. Showing creates
mental pictures in
the reader’s mind.

7. When readers get a
clear picture, they
are more engaged
in the writer’s story.

8. It was an unusual cat.
Tell

9. With yellow eyes
glowing red, long,
black fur that stood
on end, a mouth full
of sharp pointed
teeth that emitted a
yowl like a tiger, I
knew that the small
animal before me
was no ordinary cat.
Show

10. To develop your story, begin by thinking about the
main character.
You want to show the reader what that character is
like.

11. ™Writers reveal their characters through means.

12. ™Writers reveal their characters through means.
–What they
say…
–What they
think…
–What they
do….
Description…
–What the other
characters say
about them..
–How other
characters
react to them…

13. More examples to illustrate the
difference between ‘telling’ and
‘showing’ how a character feels.

14. 1
Joey was afraid. There was a
storm. The lights went out.
Tell

15. 1
Joey was afraid. There was a
storm. The lights went out.
The lights suddenly went out. In
the darkness, the wind and rain
grew louder and seemed closer…
Joey sat still, his heart beating
fast. It made a ‘thump, thump,
thump’ noise in his chest.
Stuart Mead, ‘A Knock at the Door
Tell Show

16. Alvin’s mother was angry.
She hit Alvin. It was very
painful.
Tell
2

17. Alvin’s mother was angry.
She hit Alvin. It was very
painful.
She had moved so quickly, her
hand going back and across in
one movement, slapping his left
cheek with a crack that silenced
the room. The pain hung hot on
his cheek.
Adrian Tilley, ‘Victim’
Tell Show
2

18. Bill was frightened. He
thought someone was behind
him.
Tell
3

19. Bill was frightened. He
thought someone was behind
him.
It seemed a shadow had fallen
over him. But there was no
shadow. His heart had given a
great jump up into his throat
and was choking him. Then his
blood slowly chilled and he felt
the sweat of his shirt cold
against his flesh.
Jack London, ‘All Gold Canyon’
Tell Show
3

20. The pizza was delicious. Write a Show paragraph.
Tell Show

21. Mushrooms and pepperoni
sausage formed thick layers
on top of one another while
the white mozzarella cheese
bubbled over the bright red
tomato sauce. Each time I
took a bite I planned it so that
I got a taste of every luscious
ingredient. My taste buds
celebrated every single time!
“Oooh, so good!”

22. Mrs. R marched into the
classroom with a stormy look on
her face. She waved her arms and
shouted, “You won’t believe what
just happened!” Someone had just
run into her car in the parking lot.

23. Rewrite these Sentences
She was so sad when she lost her puppy.
The garden was beautiful.
It was a stormy night.
The cake was delicious.
It was an exciting day.
t o s h o w , n o t t e l l .