Show-Not-Tells--Second Term

Show-Not-Tell is taking a "telling" sentence and turning it into a "showing" piece of writing. Use so much description that the reader sees what you are writing about in his/her mind's eye. SHOW the reader what you want to say; don't just tell the reader. Bring these to class each week.

This is called "prompted writing" and helps you prepare for such tests as the F-CAT Writing Test. In fact, the format below is the type used on the test so that you can become familiar with it. This activity also helps you learn to write for different audiences and to begin to evaluate others' writing.

You are strongly encouraged to turn your good SNTs into pieces. The SNT you do for class can be your first draft. Or you can go through the entire writing process on your SNT before it is due and the SNT you bring to class is your final copy. Either way you get to "kill two birds with one stone." That is, you get to do one assignment, but you get to use it for two grades.

Prompt # 1

• Writing Situation:  Most of us have been frightened or scared at least once in our lives.  Even if we haven’t personally experienced it, we have vicariously experienced it from books or movies.
• Planning for Writing: Think of a time when you were fearful.  Where were you?  What was happening?  How did you react?  List or cluster your ideas.
• Directions for Writing: Now write a show-not-tell essay that describes a scary situation and show it so well that your readers will feel as if they have experienced the fear also.

Prompt #2

• Writing Situation:
Much of the liberty we enjoy in our country is due to the many men and women who have fought for that freedom. We honor them each November.
• Planning for Writing: Before you begin writing, research the Veterans' Day holiday. Talk to veterans. Think about why this is an important holiday. List or cluster your ideas.
• Directions for Writing: Now write an expository show-not-tell explaining why Veterans' Day is important.

Prompt # 4

Prompt #5
• Writing Situation:
Although most of us enjoy many good feasts, there are some meals that just stand out from all the others.
• Planning for Writing: Before you begin writing, think of a time when you ate food that was just astounding. How much was there? What did it look like--and most importantly, how did it taste? How did you feel when the meal was over? List or cluster your ideas.
• Directions for Writing: Now write an essay describing that incredible food so well that your readers' mouths will water and their stomachs will growl in anticipation.

Prompt # 6

• Writing Situation:
Compassion means being responsive to the concerns or needs of others; treating others with kindness, concern, and generosity; giving of yourself for the benefit of others; and not being mean, cruel, or insensitive.
• Planning for Writing: Before you begin writing, think of a time that you showed compassion, or had it shown to you. What was done? What was said? How did the people involved feel? List or cluster your ideas.
• Directions for Writing: Now write an essay that shows your readers how someone demonstrated compassion.

Prompt # 7

Prompt # 8
• Writing Situation:
What would America be like without sports? Even if we don't play, we enjoy watching, either in person or on TV.
• Planning for Writing: Before you begin writing, think about the sport you like best. What makes it better than all the others? Is it more exciting, more challenging, more fun? Does it teach you more or make you a better person by playing it? Think of all the reasons why it is the best sport. List or cluster your ideas.
• Directions for Writing: Now write an essay that will persuade your readers to believe that your sport is the best.

• Your writing should be full of description–show, don't just tell. Paint a picture in your reader's mind with your words.
  
• Remember who your audience is. In this case, it is your classmates.
  
• You can turn a good SNT into a piece of writing. The SNT you do for class can be your first draft. Just read it to a peer and adult, get feedback (remember to write the feedback on your conference record sheet). Revise and write a second draft. Get feedback again. Do minor revisions, if necessary after feedback. Self-edit and then get a parent or Mrs. Jones to edit it and correct any errors you missed. Write a final copy and attach your drafts and conference record sheet. You've done a piece.
  
• Bring your SNT to class every Friday. If you forget, you'll have to write it in class, but you'll only get half credit. If absent, be sure to put it in the make up box, and write the word "absent" on the paper so that you will get full credit.
  
  
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