Descriptive Writing: Show Don't Tell
English
Grade 8
9 questions
~18 mins
1 views0 downloads
About This Worksheet
A worksheet focused on developing students' ability to show rather than tell in descriptive writing, with emphasis on modern fiction techniques.
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Descriptive Writing: Show Don't Tell
Subject: EnglishGrade: Grade 8
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Date:
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Untitled Worksheet
Grade Grade 8
A
Introduction to Show Don't Tell
The room was a mess. Clothes were strewn across the floor, and empty soda cans littered the desk. In the corner, a vacant stare was pasted on her face as she scrolled through her phone, eyes glassy and unfocused. The sunlight streamed through the window, casting long shadows on the chaos around her.
1.
What specific details in the passage suggest the character's emotional state?
[2 marks]2.
Identify one example of a descriptive technique used to show the character's mood without directly stating it.
[2 marks]3.
Which element of the passage helps create a vivid image of the scene?
[1 mark]Aa) The mention of her phone
Bb) The sunlight streaming through the window
Cc) The number of soda cans
Dd) The description of her stare
B
Analyzing Techniques in Modern Fiction
Read the following excerpt. Then identify the literary device or technique used.
1.
Identify two literary devices or techniques used in this excerpt.
[2 marks]2.
Explain how the use of these techniques contributes to the mood or tone of the scene.
[3 marks]C
Creative Writing Prompt
Write a descriptive paragraph about a character experiencing a strong emotion (e.g., joy, fear, anger). Use show-don't-tell techniques to make your writing vivid. Ensure your paragraph is at least 15 lines long.
1.
Your task is to vividly depict your chosen emotion through the character’s actions, surroundings, and sensory details, rather than directly stating how they feel. Use at least five descriptive techniques.
2.
Create a checklist of at least three techniques you will incorporate in your writing to show emotion effectively.
[3 marks]D
Comparative Analysis
Passage 1: The garden was beautiful, with flowers blooming in every color. The scent of roses and jasmine filled the air, and butterflies fluttered lazily from blossom to blossom.
Passage 2: The garden was a riot of colors; reds, yellows, blues, and purples painted the landscape. Bees buzzed while petals danced on a gentle breeze.
1.
Compare how the two passages use descriptive language to depict the same setting. Which passage creates a more vivid image and why?
[4 marks]2.
Identify one technique used in each passage to enhance imagery.
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Details
- Created
- 1/1/2026
- Updated
- 1/1/2026
- Type
- worksheet