I wrote previously about getting my students to memorise Show Not Tell phrases in a valiant attempt to boost their composition scores and beat the system.

Since then, I have reframed my intentions. I’m not getting them to regurgitate stock phrases and refrain from thinking. I’m teaching them how to dive into the emotional territory of their character and make it visible for the reader.

Maybe I’m concocting excuses to make myself feel better, but whatever. Anyway. I have prepared three groups of phrases, each one for low-progress, average and high-progress students respectively. Not only that, I have come up with hand gestures that would help them remember that they are to season their writing with three expressions. First, they will touch their heart; then, they will circle their head; and finally, they will put their finger near their eye and simulate an eyedrop rolling down their cheeks.

Without further ado, here are the three groups of the phrases:

Of course, many other phrases of such a nature exist, but I didn’t want to clutter my table. I will list them down here for the purpose of thoroughness.

My heart sank like an anchor. I felt as if a knife had been plunged into my heart. A dreadful sinking sensation filled my heart.

Sadness was written all over my face. Sadness was visibly etched on my face. Sorrow was plastered on my face. Sorrow was evident in my eyes. Desolation was sketched all over my face.

Tears welled up in my eyes. I felt hot tears welling in my eyes. My eyes were glistening with unshed tears.

Tears flowed down my cheeks like a river. Tears gushed from my eyes like a broken dam. Tears coursed down my cheeks like rainfall. Tears that I was valiantly fighting back trickled down my cheeks. Hot tears blurred my vision.

I was sobbing uncontrollably, with tears streaming down my face. I was bawling my head off, with tears cascading down my cheeks. Tears cascaded down my cheeks like a raging waterfall.

Yes, Sensei is nothing but dedicated.