What is the difference between showing and telling in writing?

Showing and telling are two different approaches to conveying information in writing. Telling is when the writer simply states information, without providing any description or detail. This can be useful for conveying information quickly, but can be boring and disengaging for the reader. Showing, on the other hand, is when the writer uses description, dialogue, and action to convey information in a more immersive and engaging way. By showing rather than telling, the writer can create a more vivid and memorable reading experience.

One way to illustrate the difference between showing and telling is to consider an example. If a writer wanted to convey that a character was angry, they could simply tell the reader “she was angry.” However, this approach is not very engaging for the reader. Instead, the writer could show the character’s anger through her actions and dialogue, such as having her slam a door or raise her voice. By showing the character’s anger, the writer creates a more immersive and engaging reading experience that draws the reader into the story. Overall, showing and telling are two different approaches to writing that can have a significant impact on the reader’s experience, and it is important for writers to understand when to use each approach effectively.

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