Show, don't tell facts for kids

Show, don't tell is a special writing technique used by authors. It helps them make their stories more exciting. Instead of just explaining what happens, like in a summary, a writer uses words to help the reader feel what is happening. This creates a clear picture in the reader's mind. When readers get a clear mental picture, the story becomes much more interesting. This technique is used in both fiction (made-up stories) and non-fiction (true stories).

What Does "Show, Don't Tell" Mean?

This writing method means you describe actions, feelings, and details so the reader can imagine them. You don't just state them directly. It's like letting the reader see and feel the story for themselves.

Examples of Showing vs. Telling

Let's look at how "show, don't tell" works with some examples:

• Telling: "The room was perfect. She saw it and was immediately transported back to her childhood because it had all the elements she remembered."

* Why this is telling: The writer tells us the room was "perfect" and that the character felt "transported back." We don't see or feel it ourselves.

• Showing: "She threw open the wide oak door and stepped into a past from twenty years ago. The bedroom she remembered, down to the last detail. Pink candy-striped walls with white trim. A thick white shag carpet, two plush maroon velvet chairs flanking a silent fireplace."

* Why this is showing: The writer describes the door, the walls, the carpet, and the chairs. We can picture the room and understand why it reminds her of her childhood without being told directly. We feel her experience.

In the first example, the author tells us what the character feels. In the second example, the author lets the reader picture what the character was experiencing when she opened the door.

When to Show and When to Tell

Good writing often uses both showing and telling.

Showing in Your Story

A scene is where you "show" the reader what is happening. It lets the reader experience the action and emotions of the people in the story. Showing usually takes more words because you are adding details and descriptions. You use showing for the most important parts of your story. This includes big moments, character feelings, and important events.

Telling in Your Story

"Telling" is often used in a summary. Summaries connect different scenes together to create a smooth story. They are also useful when a part of the story needs to be brief. For example, you might tell about a character's journey over several days in a few sentences. This is better than describing every single step. Less important parts of a story are sometimes mentioned very briefly using telling.

See also

In Spanish: Mostrar, no contar para niños