HBS Creative Writing Skills Flashcards

In creative writing, 'show don't tell' means:

Answer: using description and action instead of stating emotions directly

'Show don't tell' means conveying emotions and events through specific details rather than stating them outright.

Which sentence best uses sensory language?

Answer: The sweet scent of roses drifted through the warm air.

Sensory language appeals to the senses; 'sweet scent', 'warm air' engage smell and touch.

What is the purpose of a 'hook' at the beginning of a story?

Answer: To grab the reader's attention immediately

A hook is an opening device designed to immediately engage and capture the reader's interest.

What is 'third-person limited' point of view?

Answer: The narrator follows one character's perspective using 'he/she'

Third-person limited uses 'he/she' and follows one character's perspective without knowing all characters' inner thoughts.

Which of these is an example of onomatopoeia?

Answer: The bang of the door echoed.

'Bang' is an onomatopoeia because the word mimics the sound it describes.

In a story, rising action refers to:

Answer: events that build tension toward the climax

Rising action consists of events after the introduction that build toward the climax.