Do you often find it difficult to write a good creative English composition? Does your teacher frequently comment that your composition is not descriptive enough?
To achieve a piece of writing that more vivid and engaging for the reader, one of the things English teachers and PSLE English tutors often tell students to do is “Show, don’t tell”. This technique is great for creative writing compositions as it makes the story come alive, rather than sound too stale and factual.
But doing ‘show, not tell’ is easier said than done! What does it exactly mean to show, and what should we avoid doing? Well, wonder no more, because we’re about to share with you some tips on how to improve your creative writing with this technique!
Paint a picture
Great writing should be able to transport the reader right into your story. So, instead of simple descriptions like ‘The sky was blue,’ try going for something more descriptive, with details like ‘The cloudless blue sky stretched out endlessly.’ The aim is to paint a picture for the reader, as if letting them see the exact picture you have imagined in your head.
Use dialogue wisely
Dialogue is an effective tool for showing instead of telling. Through the things your character says and how they say them, you can reveal the character’s personality and the relationship between your characters. For example, if your character is nervous, you may reflect their stammering through dialogue. Or, if the character is hesitant, they may go ‘Umm,’ in their speech. However, take note that dialogue should not be used extensively in your composition, as it may take away attention from the actual plot and action if too much dialogue is used.
Use actions
Actions speak louder than words, and this is particularly true in writing. A quick trick to use is to minimise using the word ‘is’! For example, don’t just say ‘She was angry’. You might say ‘She let out a loud sigh and stormed off, slamming the door behind her.’ This not only creates a more vivid picture for the reader but also allows them to feel the emotions of the character.
Make use of the 5 senses
Visual descriptions are not the only ones you can use. For more effective storytelling, make full use of the 5 senses, including sight, smell, touch, taste, and sound. You don’t have to use all of them every time, but using them appropriately can make your writing more relatable. For example, instead of writing ‘The weather was extremely hot,’ consider how it feels from the perspective of your character: ‘As the scorching sun hung overhead, beads of sweat trickled down my neck, soaking through the back of my shirt.’
Use metaphors and similes
Metaphors and similes are language devices that allow you to describe abstract concepts in a more relatable way. For example, instead of saying “He was fast,” you can say “He was as quick as a cheetah, darting through the crowd.” Metaphors and similes bring added dimension to your descriptions, letting the reader in on not just what is happening, but also the extent of it. Learn more about using metaphors to describe emotions in our earlier blog post!
Conclusion
The ‘show, not tell’ technique is one you need to master to write impressive creative compositions. The next time your English teacher talks about ‘show, not tell’, try out one or more of these techniques to instantly level up your writing!
You will find ‘show, not tell’ most effective for narrative essays, including personal recounts – and to some extent, personal reflective essays. These are essay types that can also appear in the O Level English exam. If you are unfamiliar with any of them, do consult your secondary school or IP English tutor at Future Academy and have your tutor explain the essay types to you!
Take the first step to better English grades with our June holiday programme happening next month. Upper primary students will benefit from our PSLE English Bootcamp, and Sec 3 and 4 students will sharpen their skills in our Upper Sec English Bootcamp. For regular classes, you may also find us at our tuition centres in Braddell, Bukit Timah, and Bugis to take your English writing to greater heights