Show-Not-Tells--Third 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. frog typing like crazy

Prompt #1

Writing Situation: On January 15th we celebrate the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., a man known for his non-violent approach to gaining civil rights for Black Americans.

Planning for Writing: Before you begin writing, research the history of Martin Luther King, Jr. and then think about why we celebrate the life of such a person. List or cluster your ideas.

Directions for Writing: Now write an expository show-not-tell explaining why Martin Luther King, Jr. was a great man.

Prompt #2

Writing Situation: Cooperation means working effectively with others. It involves friendship, sharing, teamwork, selflessness, problem solving and helpfulness.

Planning for Writing: Before you begin writing, think of a time that cooperation was important to you or someone you know. How did the people involve show their selflessness? How did they share, help, and problem solve? What was the outcome of the cooperation? What might the outcome have been without it? List or cluster your ideas.

Directions for Writing: Now write an essay that shows the importance of cooperation.

Prompt #3

Writing Situation: Even if you've never been in love, you've read about it, seen it in the movies, or witnessed it with important people in your life.

Planning for Writing: Before you begin writing, think about all the signs that tell you someone is in love. What does the person say? How does s/he act? What behaviors change and how do the people around the love-sick person react? List or cluster your ideas.

Directions for Writing: Now write a showing description of a person in love.

Prompt #4

Writing Situation: We often take for granted the place where we live. We are so used to it that we don’t even notice all that it offers us.

Planning for Writing: Before you begin writing, think about Gainesville. Think about its natural attractions, its proximity to beaches and tourist attractions, and the educational and medical facilities here. What about its cultural diversity, its shopping, its sports programs? Think about all the other wonderful things that make Gainesville a great place. List or cluster your ideas.

Directions for Writing:Now write an essay that shows why Gainesville is a great city.

Prompt #5

Writing Situation: Courage means confronting challenges with integrity. This month we have both Presidents' Day and Black History Month–full of examples of people of courage, people who have shown self-discipline, conviction, integrity, assertiveness, and a willingness to stand up for what is right.

Planning for Writing: Before you begin writing, think about someone who has shown courage. It could be a historical figure, or someone you know personally. How has that person shown courage? What challenge did s/he face and how was it faced with integrity? List or cluster your ideas.

Directions for Writing: Now write a show-not-tell essay describing a courageous person.

Prompt #6

Writing Situation: It seems that everyone is talking about role models and mentors--people that young adults should look up to and want to model themselves after.

Planning for Writing: Before you begin writing, think of a person you admire. What is it about that person that makes you want to be like him or her? What are all the qualities that make this person admirable? List or cluster your ideas.

Directions for Writing: Now write an essay that shows the reader why this is the person you most admire.

Prompt #7

Writing Situation: There are many disappointments in life--many times when things do not come out the way we expected.

Planning for Writing: Before you begin to write, imagine that you are going to get your hair cut. Imagine that you have a perfect idea of what it will be like. Imagine that something happens and it doesn't come out as you had pictured it at all. What could cause that? What would it look like? What would your reaction be? List or cluster your ideas.

Directions for Writing: Now write an essay that shows the reader what happened when the haircut was not what was expected.

Prompt #8

Writing Situation: Everyone has experienced having a substitute teacher at some time or another. Most of them are very good teachers, but once in a while you come across one you'll never forget.

Planning for Writing: Before you begin writing, think of a time when you had an unusual substitute teacher. What did he or she look like? How did s/he act? What was said or done? Use your imagination to expand on those ideas and create the most interesting substitute teacher you can think of. List or cluster your ideas.

Directions for Writing: Now write a show-not-tell essay describing a memorable substitute teacher.

POINTS TO REMEMBER

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.

Return to Table of Contents
Return to Course Content
Return to Due Dates and Assignments

Possible Term Four SNT's