Building Suspense in Creative Writing

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Building Suspense

What do you already know about suspense in stories?

Learning Objective

To build suspense in creative writing.

At the end of the lesson you will be able to use vocabulary and structure to build suspense when writing a story.

Success Criteria

• Use powerful vocabulary • Describe what the character can see, hear, and feel • Use short sentences for impact • End with a cliffhanger

What's Happening?

Look at this image.

What do you think is happening? What dangers can you spot?

Think, pair, share with your partner.

What Creates Suspense?

1. Michael held on tightly to the rail. 2. The waves crashed against the side of the boat. 3. A wave appeared. It was huge. Why do these sentences build suspense? Discuss.

Suspenseful Writing

Rain lashed against the deck as the boat battled through the storm. Michael clung desperately to the rail. The wind roared in his ears. Suddenly, the boat tilted. Something cracked. Michael froze. Then he heard a deafening crash... Which sentences create the most tension? Why?

Independent Writing

Imagine you are Michael.

Write a paragraph describing the moments just before disaster strikes.

Remember to:

Use exciting words.
Describe what you can hear, see and feel.
Use some short sentences to create tension.
Keep your reader wondering what will happen next.
End with a cliffhanger.

Ambitious Vocabulary

raging

violent

ferocious

Weather

Feelings

terrified

anxious

helpless

Sounds

roaring

crashing

thunderous

Reflection

Share your paragraph with a partner.

Did you check your success criteria?

What went well and what could you improve?

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.