Vocabulary
This word describes something that suggests danger or that something bad may happen.
What is ominous?
The candle kept shining unsteadily in the dark room. What vocabulary word describes the candle?
What is flickering?
This part of speech describes a noun and helps readers picture people, places, and things.
What is an adjective?
This part of the story introduces the main character, setting, and situation.
What is the exposition?
This writing technique slows down an important event by adding actions, thoughts, feelings, and sensory details.
What is an exploded moment?
This word means empty, lonely, or abandoned.
What is desolate?
Marcus shook uncontrollably as footsteps approached. What word describes his physical reaction?
What is trembling?
In the phrase “the crooked, abandoned house,” these two words describe the house.
What are crooked and abandoned?
This part of the story introduces complications and builds suspense.
What is the rising action?
Instead of writing “I ran away,” a writer describes shaking hands, quick breaths, and stumbling feet. What has the writer added?
What are specific details and physical reactions?
This word describes someone or something that appears evil or threatening.
What is sinister?
A character spoke so quietly that nobody could hear clearly. What word describes how the character spoke?
What is murmured?
A writer describes peeling walls, cold air, and a sour smell. What writing technique helps readers experience the scene through their senses?
What is sensory imagery?
This is the most intense or important moment of the story
What is the climax?
A writer uses short sentences such as “A step. A pause. Another step.” What effect can this create?
It can slow the pacing and build suspense.
This word means to hold something tightly, often out of fear.
What is clutched?
A strange, unsettling noise came from the basement. Which vocabulary word best describes the atmosphere?
What is eerie?
A writer uses words such as “rotting,” “crumbling,” and “shadowy” to create this feeling in a story.
What is a frightening atmosphere or mood?
This part shows what happens immediately after the climax.
What is the falling action?
A character hears a noise, but the writer delays revealing its source. What storytelling technique is being used?
What is suspense?
This word describes something that continues without stopping.
What is relentless?
A character feels anxious because they suspect something terrible is about to happen. What word best describes this feeling?
What is dread?
Why is “The enormous, rusted gate groaned open” more descriptive than “The gate opened”?
It uses descriptive adjectives and a vivid verb to help readers imagine the scene and build suspense.
This part ends the story by resolving the conflict or revealing a chilling twist.
What is the resolution?
Why might expanding the moment before a character opens a mysterious door be more effective than immediately revealing what is inside?
It builds anticipation, lets readers experience the character’s fear, and makes the reveal more powerful