VOCABULARY & MEANING
What does the word muttered suggest about the caretaker?
He is annoyed, unfriendly or impatient.
Why did the writer use a dash in:
“Every book seemed ancient — faded covers, cracked corners, titles printed in peeling gold letters.”
To add information.
To emphasise an idea - how ancient the books seemed.
What kind of atmosphere does the writer create?
Tense, mysterious, creepy, threatening.
Who is the main character?
Leah
What should a suspense story include?
Mystery, tension, danger or unanswered questions.
Why does the writer describe the books as “faded” and “cracked”?
To show the library is old, neglected and unpleasant.
What technique is used in:
“Her silver umbrella snapped shut like a trap.”?
Simile
How does the weather help create suspense? This technique is known as?
The storm and thunder make the setting feel dangerous and unsettling. Pathetic Fallacy.
Give one reason Leah is curious.
She wants to discover what is hidden beneath the stairs.
Name one way writers create suspense.
Short sentences, weather, strange sounds, cliffhangers.
What does the word strode suggest about the woman?
She is confident, purposeful or powerful.
Why does the writer use short sentences:
“A scream. The caretaker froze.”?
To create suspense and dramatic impact.
Why is the hidden passage mysterious?
It is secretive, dark, and connected to strange events.
How is the caretaker presented as suspicious?
His behaviour changes suddenly and he seems frightened of the hidden room.
What sort of vocabulary improves suspense writing?
Powerful descriptive verbs and sensory language/imagery.
Why does the writer use the verb flicked in:
“Leah picked up another book and flicked through the pages…”?
To show Leah is distracted, bored or uninterested.
What is the effect of the rhetorical questions:
“Who was that woman? What was beneath the stairs?”
They build mystery and show Leah’s curiosity.
How does the writer use sound to create tension? Provide some examples of the sounds.
The “Clink,” thunder, groaning building and scream create fear and suspense.
Why does the woman appear intimidating?
She acts confidently, speaks mysteriously and causes the caretaker to react fearfully.
Why are paragraphs important in narrative writing?
They organise ideas and help control pacing.
What does the phrase “The caretaker froze” suggest?
He is shocked, frightened or suddenly alarmed.
Identify TWO techniques in:
“Rain rattled furiously against the windows.”
Personification and alliteration.
Why is the final line effective?
“So did the others.”
It suggests something bad happened before and creates fear and curiosity.
How does the writer show Leah is brave or daring?
She ignores the warnings and moves towards the passage despite the danger.
Continue the story in ONE suspenseful sentence.
eg. “As Leah reached the final door, she realised the screaming had suddenly stopped.”