Show, Don't Tell
The most powerful writing technique separates average responses from high-scoring ones. Instead of telling readers how someone feels, you show it through physical actions and sensory details.
The One-Line Transformation
See the difference in action:
"She was nervous."
"Her fingers drummed against her thigh, and she couldn't stop glancing at the clock."
What Is "Show, Don't Tell"?
When we tell, we use abstract labels: "He was angry," "She felt sad," "The day was beautiful." These words inform but don't engage.
When we show, we paint a picture using concrete details: physical actions, facial expressions, body language, and sensory experiences. Readers experience the emotion rather than being told about it.
Why It Works
Research shows readers form stronger emotional connections when they deduce feelings from evidence rather than being told directly. It's the difference between reading a police report and experiencing a story.
Before & After Examples
Click through these examples from our exercise library. Notice how each "showing" version uses specific physical details.
"She was nervous."
This tells us the emotion directly but creates no mental image.
"Her fingers drummed against her thigh, and she couldn't stop glancing at the clock."
Why NSW Markers Love This
Language Score
"Show, don't tell" directly improves your Language score by demonstrating sophisticated vocabulary, varied sentence structures, and engaging descriptions.
Content Score
It also boosts your Content score by creating more engaging narratives that draw readers into the story and create emotional resonance.
What Markers See
When a marker reads "She was nervous," they see a Year 4 writer. When they read "Her fingers drummed against her thigh," they see a mature writer who understands how to engage readers. That's the difference between a 3/5 and a 5/5 in Language.
Try It Yourself
Transform this "telling" sentence into a "showing" version. Think about physical actions, sensory details, and specific moments.
"The children were excited about Christmas."
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over-describing
Don't show every single emotion. Sometimes "He nodded" is better than a paragraph about his head movement. Save "showing" for key emotional moments.
Purple Prose
"Her crystalline tears cascaded like a waterfall down her porcelain cheeks" is too much. Good showing is specific but not overdone. "Tears streaked her dusty cheeks" works better.
When Telling Is Actually Better
For transitions or minor moments, telling is fine: "Three days later, she arrived at the station." You don't need to show every moment—save your showing for what matters.
Practice This Skill in the Writing Gym
Reading about "show, don't tell" is step one. Our Writing Gym gives you dozens of exercises with instant AI feedback, tracking your progress as you master this skill.