Introduction
‘Show, don’t tell’ is one of the first rules of good story-telling. Rather than make bald statements about a person or situation, the author assigns actions or dialogue to his characters from which the reader infers facts that he has not been explicitly told — much more satisfying for everyone. How would you show (without actually saying in so many words) the following?
In describing people, you may choose to picture a person of either sex, as you think appropriate.
1.
That a man was old.
Stoop.
Shuffle.
Grey.
2.
That a horse was underfed.
Rib.
Hang.
Dull.
3.
That a bull was angry.
Snort.
Ground.
Stamp.
4.
That a number of people were plotting.
Whisper.
Head.
Pore.
5.
That a train was about to leave.
Whistle.
Flag.
Door.
6.
That a goal had just been scored.
Cheer.
Punch.
Hug.
7.
That a man was late for an appointment.
Run.
Watch.
Push.
8. That it was springtime.
9. That there had been a loud noise.
10. That a football pitch was unplayable.
11. That a room had been left in a hurry.
12. That a man was popular.
13. That it was a windy day.
14. That two people were quarrelling.
15. That it was early morning.
16. That a room had been thoroughly searched.
17. That a man was worried.
18. That two friends had not met for many years.
19. That a book was someone’s favourite reading.
20. That a remark was funny but not tactful.
21. That a speaker was not holding his audience’s attention.
22. That a man had been fighting.
23. That a man had received bad news.
24. That a child was bored.
25. That a man was having trouble with his motorbike.
26. That a woman was offended.
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