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Language Arts Grade 6-8 Answer Key

Language Arts: Descriptive Writing: Show Dont Tell

Using details and actions to create vivid writing

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Language Arts: Descriptive Writing: Show Dont Tell

Using details and actions to create vivid writing

Language Arts - Grade 6-8

Instructions: Read each problem carefully. Rewrite or answer using descriptive details that show the feeling, action, or scene instead of simply telling it.
  1. 1

    Rewrite this telling sentence so it shows the feeling: Mia was nervous before the speech.

    Use body language and small actions to reveal the feeling.

    One possible answer is: Mia gripped her note cards so tightly that the edges bent, and her voice shook as she stepped toward the microphone.
  2. 2

    Rewrite this telling sentence so it shows the scene: The room was messy.

    One possible answer is: Clothes spilled off the chair, books lay open across the floor, and empty cups crowded the desk.
  3. 3

    Rewrite this telling sentence so it shows the emotion: Carlos was excited about the game.

    Think about how someone acts when they cannot wait for something to start.

    One possible answer is: Carlos bounced on his toes, grinned at his teammates, and kept checking the clock until the game began.
  4. 4

    Read the sentence: The soup was hot. Rewrite it to show that the soup was hot without using the word hot.

    One possible answer is: Steam curled up from the bowl, and Jenna pulled back after the first spoonful burned the tip of her tongue.
  5. 5

    Rewrite this telling sentence so it shows the weather: It was a cold morning.

    Use sensory details such as what someone feels, sees, or breathes.

    One possible answer is: Frost coated the sidewalk, and Sam shoved his hands deep into his pockets as his breath drifted in white clouds.
  6. 6

    Which sentence is a better example of show dont tell? A: Leah was sad. B: Leah stared at the empty seat beside her and wiped her eyes with her sleeve. Explain your choice.

    Sentence B is a better example because it uses actions and details to help the reader infer that Leah is sad instead of stating the feeling directly.
  7. 7

    Rewrite this telling sentence so it shows the character trait: Mr. Chen was kind.

    Show kindness through what the person says or does.

    One possible answer is: Mr. Chen stayed after class to help Jamal with his assignment and slipped an extra snack into his backpack for later.
  8. 8

    Add one sensory detail to make this sentence show more clearly: The beach was beautiful.

    One possible answer is: The beach glowed with golden light, waves hissed against the shore, and the salty breeze lifted Maya's hair.
  9. 9

    Rewrite this telling sentence so it shows the action: Devon was in a hurry.

    Use quick movements and strong action verbs.

    One possible answer is: Devon snatched his backpack off the table, nearly tripped over his untied shoe, and raced out the door without finishing his toast.
  10. 10

    Write one original showing sentence for this telling idea: The dog was tired.

    One possible answer is: The dog dropped onto the rug with a heavy sigh and barely lifted its head when the doorbell rang.
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