4.7 "Show, Don't Tell" and Free Verse

Show, Don't Tell - 3

Which do you like better?

Jack:

  • Telling sentence: Jack was afraid.

  • Showing sentence: As the footsteps tapped closer and closer, Jack felt his stomach muscles tighten. He flattened himself to the wall, the gritty bricks against his cheek. Sweat chilled his palms.

Pizza:

  • Telling sentence: The pizza was delicious.

  • Showing sentence: Mushrooms and pepperoni sausage were layered thickly on top of one another while the white mozzarella cheese bubbled over the bright red tomato sauce. The smell of zesty pepperoni and melted mozzarella made my tastebuds quiver in anticipation.