Final answer:
The statement 'The water sparkled like a million tiny diamonds' demonstrates 'showing' through vivid imagery, which helps readers visualize the scene, making the writing more engaging by appealing to the senses.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase "The water sparkled like a million tiny diamonds" is an example of showing rather than telling in writing. 'Showing' means providing a vivid description that allows readers to visualize the scene and evoke the senses, rather than simply stating facts (telling). This technique draws on specific details, comparisons, or imagery to paint a picture in the reader's mind. For instance, Anton Chekhov's quote, "Don't tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass" emphasizes the importance of creating a picture rather than detailing the facts. Similarly, the excerpts provided offer vivid imagery, such as the gleaming trail of phosphorescence, Keller spelling the word water, and the "immense and exquisitely chiselled diamond" that the sun strikes, creating a visual experience for the reader. This technique is crucial for engaging writing, as it involves readers more deeply by appealing to their senses and emotions.