How to Write a Band 6 Story: The "Show, Don't Tell" Secret — Selective online practice for the NSW exam

The Most Common Mistake Examiners hate reading stories that sound like a shopping list of emotions: "He was sad. Then he was angry. Then he was scared." This is Telling. It is boring.

The Fix: Show It You need to describe the physical signs of the emotion. Don't say: "He was scared." Do say: "His hands trembled and his throat went dry." Don't say: "It was a hot day." Do say: "The asphalt shimmered, and sweat trickled down his neck."

Exercise for Home Give your child an emotion (e.g., "Boredom") and forbid them from using the word. They have to describe a character acting bored (tapping a pencil, staring at the clock, sighing) until you guess what it is.