Revising to Use Showing Details

When you write about a memorable time in your life, you will probably include details about how you and others in your story felt. However, good writers don’t just “tell” about an important emotion; instead, they “show” the feeling by sharing the actions and words of the character. The following example demonstrates this rule of writing: “Show, don’t tell.”

Writing That Tells

(The writer “tells” you how Peggy and Sam felt about the sunset.)

Writing That Shows

(The writer uses dialogue, sensory details, and specific words to “show” you how Peggy and Sam felt about the sunset.)

Examples of “Showing” Details

Here are three ways to “show” instead “tell” in your writing.

• Use dialogue to give the characters a voice.

“Anna, your mom and I have signed you up for debate club,” Mrs. Johnson said. “We know you have a strong voice inside you; it’s time to let it out.”

• Add sensory details to help readers see, hear, smell, taste, and feel the experience.

When it was my turn, my face reddened and glistened with sweat.

• Use similes, metaphors, and other creative comparisons.

I went as white as a ghost. There was no turning back.

1. I had never been so scared in my whole life.

   The hair on the back of my neck stood out like the bristles of a scrub brush. I tried to breathe deeply, but the air got stuck just above my diaphragm.

2. I admit it. I was jealous of my little sister.

(Answers will vary.) She pranced down the aisle, tossing handfuls of flower petals in front of the bride. Everyone smiled—everyone except me. The woman next to me whispered, “Isn’t your sister adorable?” “Oh yes, isn’t she?” I sneered.

3. He was angrier than I had ever seen him.

My cousin Martin glared at me and grabbed the game board. Playing pieces scattered everywhere. He heaved the board against the wall and stomped out of the room.

Revising for Style

When you write, you should choose words that convey your message in the best way. Every word has a dictionary definition (denotation), but it also has a connotation. Words can be close in meaning but different in feeling—having either a positive, negative, or neutral connotation. Study the following example.

Positive connotation:

A fearless soldier sought a gap in the enemy’s lines.

(A fearless person takes risks without fearing consequence, but is admirable for doing so. “Fearless” has a positive connotation.)

Negative connotation:

A reckless soldier sought a gap in the enemy’s lines.

(A reckless person takes risks without fearing consequence, but is foolish for doing so. “Reckless” has a negative connotation.)

1. a. The models in the catalog are slender.
   b. The models in the catalog are skinny.

   a. The models in the catalog are slender.
   b. The models in the catalog are skinny.
2. a. Uncle Theo is stingy with his money.
   b. Uncle Theo is thrifty with his money.

   a. Uncle Theo is stingy with his money.
   b. Uncle Theo is thrifty with his money.
3. a. My brother is a picky eater.
   b. My brother is a careful eater. a. My brother is a picky eater.
   b. My brother is a careful eater.
4. a. The speech was unending.
   b. The speech was long. a. The speech was unending.
   b. The speech was long.

1. a. Nick’s answer was blunt.
   b. Nick’s answer was honest. a. Nick’s answer was blunt.
   b. Nick’s answer was honest.
2. a. Janice is steady in her beliefs.
   b. Janice is rigid in her beliefs. a. Janice is steady in her beliefs.
   b. Janice is rigid in her beliefs.
3. a. Clancy is determined.
   b. Clancy is stubborn. a. Clancy is determined.
   b. Clancy is stubborn.
4. a. Toby has a unique personality.
   b. Toby has an odd personality. a. Toby has a unique personality.
   b. Toby has an odd personality.

Revising with a Peer Response

Revising in Action

When you revise, you add, delete, rewrite, and rearrange your writing to make it clearer. Here are some revisions to “Up for Debate.”

• Paragraph Before Edits

  

• A word is replaced for more accurate connotation and "telling" details are revised to "show."

  

• Paragraph After Edits