Show Not Tell GCSE Descriptive Writing

A fully resourced GCSE English Language Paper 1 Question 5 lesson focused on helping students move from basic “telling” sentences to powerful “show, not tell” descriptive writing.

This lesson builds students’ ability to use body language, actions, setting and sensory detail to create vivid characters and scenes — a key skill for high-mark Q5 responses.

What’s included

**Complete PowerPoint lesson **

Students learn:

• The difference between telling vs showing
• Minor, simple and complex sentences
• How writers reveal character and setting through actions and details

Includes:

• Starter activity (Sentence Detective)
• Model examples of show not tell
• Writing prompts and example starters
• Extended “A Stranger Walks In” writing task

**Sentence Detective Worksheet **

Students will:

• Identify minor, simple and complex sentences
• Fix punctuation errors
• Write their own sentence examples
• Supports SPaG and sentence variety for Q5.

**Show Not Tell Worksheet **

Students rewrite basic telling sentences into vivid showing descriptions using:

• Body language
• Actions
• Facial expressions
• Setting
• Sensory detail

Perfect for building confidence before extended writing.

Perfect for

• GCSE English Language (AQA Paper 1 Q5)
• Year 10 & 11
• GCSE resit groups
• Reluctant or low-confidence writers
• Creative writing lessons

Why teachers love it

• Clear before and after writing improvement
• Works for weaker writers
• Highly engaging and practical
• Ready to teach with minimal prep