Fill in the blanks
What does it suggest
Effect on the reader
The best analysis
Pick the best 3
100

The wind was __________, shaking the windows and rattling the doors.


forceful


100

The breeze whispered through the trees


calm / gentle / peaceful


100

tranquil lake


creates calm / relaxation


100

Phrase: “the wind whispered”

A) suggests a quiet sound, creating a calm and gentle atmosphere

B) suggests a soft, delicate sound, creating a peaceful and soothing mood

C) suggests light movement of air, creating a natural and relaxed setting


B) suggests a soft, delicate sound, creating a peaceful and soothing mood

100

Pick 3 phrases that show sound

The wind whispered through the trees before suddenly howling across the hills. In the distance, thunder cracked loudly as rain tapped gently against the windows.


whispered, howling, thunder cracked


200

The river moved at a __________ pace, barely disturbing the surface.


sluggish


200

The door slammed shut


force / anger / tension


200

thunderous roar


creates excitement / intensity


200

Phrase: “the door slammed shut”

A) suggests a sudden and forceful action, creating tension and possible anger

B) suggests a loud noise, creating a sense of surprise and shock

C) suggests a quick movement of the door, creating urgency in the moment


A) suggests a sudden and forceful action, creating tension and possible anger

200

Pick 3 phrases that show movement

The shadows crept slowly along the wall as the river drifted quietly nearby. Suddenly, leaves rushed across the ground in a spiral.


crept, drifted, rushed


300

The old castle stood __________ above the village, casting a long shadow.


towering


300

The shadows crept along the wall


fear / unease / something threatening


300

eerie silence


creates fear / unease


300

Phrase: “shadows stretched across the floor”

A) suggests darkness moving, creating a normal evening scene

B) suggests shadows spreading, creating a slightly tense atmosphere

C) suggests darkness gradually expanding, creating an uneasy and tense atmosphere


C) suggests darkness gradually expanding, creating an uneasy and tense atmosphere

300

Pick 3 phrases that create tension

The silence pressed against him as shadows crept across the floor. A distant door slammed shut, echoing through the empty house.


pressed against him, crept, slammed shut


400

The nurse spoke in a __________ voice, calming the frightened child.


gentle


400

The sun spilled across the hills


warmth / beauty / peacefulness


400

blinding light


creates discomfort / intensity / overwhelming feeling


400

Phrase: “the light flickered”

A) suggests the light was weak, creating a dim and quiet environment

B) suggests instability in the light, creating uncertainty and unease

C) suggests the light changed slightly, creating a calm and peaceful mood


B) suggests instability in the light, creating uncertainty and unease

400

Pick 3 weak choices (NOT good for analysis)

The tall trees stood beside the road as the sky turned dark. The wind moved through the air and the night came quickly.


trees, road, sky (basic nouns / weak phrases)


500

The classroom felt __________, as if the air itself was heavy and suffocating.


oppressive


500

The silence pressed against him


discomfort / tension


500

suffocating darkness


creates fear / helplessness / tension


500

Phrase: “the darkness swallowed the street”

A) suggests darkness consuming the surroundings, creating fear and danger

B) suggests the street became dark, creating a quiet and empty scene

C) suggests darkness covering everything, creating a tense atmosphere


A) suggests darkness consuming the surroundings, creating fear and danger

500

Pick the best 3 phrases overall for analysis

The darkness swallowed the street as the wind clawed at the trees. Rain hammered relentlessly while lightning tore across the sky.


swallowed, clawed, hammered