What You Need to Know

Key Concept Diagram

Show, don't tell: use specific details, actions, and dialogue rather than stating emotions directly

Sensory details (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch) make writing vivid and immersive

Vary sentence structure for rhythm: short sentences create tension; longer sentences build flow

A strong opening hook draws the reader in immediately — use action, dialogue, or mystery

Key Vocabulary

Show, don't tell

A writing principle that uses specific details and actions to convey meaning rather than stating it directly

Sensory detail

Descriptive language that appeals to the five senses

Hook

An opening sentence or passage designed to capture the reader's attention immediately

Pacing

The speed at which a narrative moves, controlled through sentence length, detail, and action

Knowledge Check

Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.

Question 1

Which sentence "shows" rather than "tells" that a character is nervous?

"She was very nervous." "She felt anxious about the test." "Nervousness overcame her completely." "Her hands trembled and she kept checking the clock."

Question 2

Why should writers vary sentence length?

To create rhythm and control pacing — shorter sentences build tension; longer ones create flow To meet a word count requirement Because long sentences are always better To avoid repetition of words

Question 3

Which is the strongest opening hook for a story?

"This is a story about a brave girl." "The door was already open when she arrived — and inside, the fire was still burning." "Once upon a time, there was a girl who lived near the sea." "The main character is twelve years old and has red hair."

Creative Writing Techniques