EMP-012 Narrative Practice Cvr

Comprehensive Narrative Writing Guide Student Pages for Print or Projection

SECTION 4: Suspense

www.empoweringwriters.com 1-866-285-3516

Student Reference Sheet

Name______

The Magic of Three Template

Red Flag word/phrase______, 1st. HINT: ______

______

No discovery: ______

Reaction: ______

Red Flag word/phrase______, 2nd. HINT: ______

No discovery: ______

Reaction: ______

Red Flag word/phrase______, 3rd. HINT: ______

______

Revelation/Discovery: ______

RED FLAG WORDS AND PHRASES Suddenly Just then All of a sudden A moment later In the blink of an eye Without warning The next thing I knew Instantly To my surprise

Name______

Word Referents - 1 Imagine that the author wants to build suspense before revealing a story critical character. One way to do this is by using word referents instead of immediately naming the character or object. Using word referents makes the reader wonder exactly what kind of character or object will be revealed. See how many different ways you can refer to each story critical character or object.

Ex. Story critical character: Knight Describing Word Character Word powerful warrior metal-clad fighter sword fighting soldier armored man Now, it’s your turn: Story critical character: Fairy Describing Word Character Word ______

Story critical object: Ice cream cone Describing Word Object Word ______

Name______

Word Referents - 2 Imagine that the author wants to build suspense before revealing a story critical character. One way to do this is by using word referents instead of immediately naming the character or object. Using word referents makes the reader wonder exactly what kind of character or object will be revealed. See how many different ways you can refer to each story critical character or object.

Ex. Story critical character: witch Describing Word/Adjective Character Word/Noun scary woman green-faced hag cackling broom rider black-clad character Now, it’s your turn: Story critical character: leprechaun Describing Word/Adjective Character Word/Noun ______Story critical object: rose bush Describing Word/Adjective Object Word/Noun ______

Name______

Word Referents - 3 Imagine that the author wants to build suspense before revealing a story critical character. One way to do this is by using word referents instead of immediately naming the character or object. Using word referents makes the reader wonder exactly what kind of character or object will be revealed. See how many different ways you can refer to each story critical character or object.

Ex. Story critical character: Clown Adjective Noun silly performer clumsy entertainer red-nosed circus attraction sad-faced jokester Now, it’s your turn: Story critical character: soldier Adjective Noun ______

Story critical object: Corvette Stingray Adjective Noun ______

Name______

Find the Suspense! - 1 Authors can build suspense by raising story questions to make you wonder or worry. They can use word referents in order to hint at, rather than name, a revelation. Read each suspenseful segment. Underline story questions in red. Underline the use of word referents in blue.

1.) Jennifer stared into the dark forest. She shivered a little and her heart

began to race. Were there wild animals in these woods, she wondered. She

walked on, cautious and quiet. Would she make it out safely?

2.) Jan was amazed at the sight before her. She never realized all the stories

she’d heard were true! The little man in green giggled. He was the size of

a child with a long white beard and jolly red cheeks. He wore a green

derby hat with a big gold buckle. The impish elf scurried around the

clearing, pointing to the rainbow. Jan hid behind the tree, staring in

disbelief. This mischievous fellow kept muttering about a pot of gold. It

was hard to believe that she was watching a leprechaun!

3.) Jack peered down the stairs. He heard the crinkle of paper, and the sticky

sound of tape being pulled off the roll. His mother was kneeling near the

Christmas tree, smiling as he unrolled the gift wrap. His heart began to

race with excitement as she caught sight of the box in her hands. Could it

really be for him? The one thing he had wished and hoped for?

Name______

Find the Suspense! - 2 Authors can build suspense by raising story questions to make you wonder or worry. They can use word referents in order to hint at, rather than name, a revelation. Read each suspenseful segment. Underline story questions in red. Underline the use of word referents in blue.

1.) Zach walked along the path through the zoo and stopped short. He stared

into the habitat in front of him. The creature was absolutely beautiful! Its

long neck extended to the treetops, and its small mouth pulled at the leaves.

This graceful beast glanced down at Zach with large, soulful, dark eyes.

Zach marveled at her four long, stilt-like legs. This amazing animal’s coat

was speckled in shades of gold and brown, like sunlight through the trees.

Zach looked at the nameplate posted on the fence - “Giraffe,” he whispered.

2.) Lee was exhausted. The race was nearly over and every muscle in her body

ached. She was in the lead, but not by much. She ignored her blistered feet

and pressed on. She heard the pounding of feet gaining on her. She saw the

finish line up ahead. The crowds along the curb roared. Would she make it?

Would she have what it takes to win?

Name______

Find the Suspense! - 3 Authors can build suspense by raising story questions to make you wonder or worry. They can use word referents in order to hint at, rather than name, a revelation. Read each suspenseful segment. Underline story questions in red. Underline the use of word referents in blue.

1.) Robert climbed the steps to the old deserted house. Everyone said it was

haunted, but could that really be true? He didn’t believe that things like

ghosts or spirits actually existed. Robert took a deep breath and put his

hand on the doorknob. He thought about the dare, and paused. Would he

have the guts to go inside and see for himself?

2.) Maria knew she should have worn her hiking boots and heavy socks - that

sandals were not safe in this environment. She stepped carefully over the

rocks and cautiously through the tall grass. She felt a sense of danger

before she actually saw it. Next she heard a swishing sound and saw the

grass in front of her separate. The rattling sound that came next stopped

her short. Its beady eyes glinted in the light and its tongue flicked. But the

tip of the deadly creature’s tail, raised up, angrily vibrating its poisonous

warning was the most terrifying thing Maria had ever laid eyes on.

3.) Ben held the small gift-wrapped box in his hand for a moment. His heart

began to race. Could it possibly be what he thought? His parents beamed at

him and nodded. He picked at the tape and peeled back the gold paper. The

box felt so light it seemed nearly empty. Ben lifted the lid. “YES!’ he said.

His Dad pointed out the window. While gripping the small metal object in

his hand, Ben looked out the window and broke into a smile. He couldn’t

believe the sight of his graduation gift parked in the driveway!

Name______

Red Flag Words and Phrases - 1 Authors use red flag words and phrases to build suspense. They use them to grab the reader’s attention and to tell the reader “Look out! Something important is about to happen!” Look at the list of red flag words and phrases below. Read the suspenseful segment. Place a red flag word or phrase in each blank.

RED FLAG WORDS AND PHRASES Suddenly Just then All of a sudden A moment later In the blink of an eye Without warning The next thing she knew Instantly To her surprise (Add your own)

Kelly bent to pick a flower in the garden.

______she heard the sound of quiet footsteps. She

looked around but didn’t see anyone. Must be a neighbor passing by, she

thought. She shrugged and picked another flower.

______Kelly saw the leaves of the flowers swaying.

Could it be a little squirrel nibbling on the tulips, she thought. She walked

toward the tulips, but there was nothing there. Kelly frowned and thought

and thought. She took a few steps forward and stopped.

______, there was a giggling sound just up ahead.

Kelly pushed the flowers aside and jumped back. Standing there between

the daisies was an elf!

THINK ABOUT IT: What senses did the author use to hint that Kelly was not alone? Underline the sensory clues. How was Kelly feeling? Circle phrases that show her feelings.

Name______

Red Flag Words and Phrases - 2 Authors use red flag words and phrases to build suspense. They use them to grab the reader’s attention and to tell the reader “Look out! Something important is about to happen!” Look at the list of red flag words and phrases below. Read the suspenseful segment. Place a red flag word or phrase in each blank.

RED FLAG WORDS AND PHRASES Suddenly Just then All of a sudden A moment later In the blink of an eye Without warning The next thing he knew Instantly To his surprise (Add your own)

Jimmy made his way into the cave. It was dark and mysterious in there. He

gripped his flashlight tightly.

______, he heard a squeaking sound. Jimmy aimed the light

along the rough stone floor of the cave, but didn’t notice anything unusual. He

walked on, straining to hear the peculiar sound again.

______, he felt something smack against his back. He spun

around, desperately flashing the light in all directions. But, all he saw were the

damp walls of the cave. He considered turning back, but inched on, determined.

______, there was a sound like clapping, and Jimmy was pelted

with what felt like hundreds of soft furry tennis balls. He somehow fought the

panic and scanned the far corner of the cave with his flashlight. What he saw were

hundreds, maybe thousands of bats!

THINK ABOUT IT: What senses did the author use to hint that Jimmy was not alone? Underline the sensory clues. How was Jimmy feeling? Circle phrases that show his feelings.

Name______

Red Flag Words and Phrases - 3 Authors use red flag words and phrases to build suspense. They use them to grab the reader’s attention and to tell the reader “Look out! Something important is about to happen!” Look at the list of red flag words and phrases below. Read the suspenseful segment. Place a red flag word or phrase in each blank.

RED FLAG WORDS AND PHRASES Suddenly Just then All of a sudden A moment later In the blink of an eye Without warning The next thing he knew Instantly To his surprise (Add your own)

Jeremy was upset. Night was falling fast, and he didn’t have a clue where he was. The desert sun was setting and, unbelievably, it was getting cold. He shivered and dragged himself forward, in a direction he hoped would lead back to the campsite.

______, he had the overwhelming feeling that he was being watched. Was it an animal? Another person? If it was a person, why wouldn’t they call out to him? He looked around in all directions, his entire body a bundle of nerves. Maybe it was the heat, maybe it was his fear, but the desert seemed as dead as ever. Nothing but dry parched soil. He shook his head and trudged on.

______, he thought he heard something behind him. He slowed down in order to listen better. Was it his imagination, or did he hear footsteps? He spun around, cold sweat running down his back. Nothing. Just the endless desert landscape, a tall saguaro here and there standing like sentinels in the dusk. He sighed, stared at his dusty shoes and walked on. The desert was enough to make anyone edgy, he thought.

______, a long shadow fell across the sand in front of Jeremy. He froze, and looked up. A tall, ragged stranger stepped out from behind a cactus. Who was he, and what did he want?

THINK ABOUT IT: What senses did the author use to hint that Jeremy was not alone? Underline the sensory clues. How was Jeremy feeling? Circle phrases that show his feelings.

Name______

The Magic of Three - 1

One way that authors build suspense is by using “the Magic of Three”. Read the suspenseful segment below:

• Underline red flag words or phrases in RED. • Number and underline each hint in regular PENCIL. • Underline the main character’s reactions to each hint in BLUE. • Circle the revelation.

Carlos strolled along the lonely beach. Just then a peculiar splash in the water caught his eye. He turned toward the water and peered into the waves. There was no sign of whatever it was splashing and gushing out there. He shrugged and went on along the shore.

Suddenly he heard a most unusual bellowing sound. Again he stopped and tried to figure out what in the world was making that sound. But, all was still, except for the sound of the waves. Carlos shook his head - it didn’t make sense. He edged closer to the water trying to figure out what was out there.

Without warning something huge and shiny seemed to leap out of the water! Carlos gasped and covered his mouth with his hand. What he saw way off shore was a whale!

Name______

The Magic of Three - 2 One way that authors build suspense is by using “the magic of three”. Read the suspenseful segment below:

• Underline red flag words or phrases in RED. • Number and underline each hint in regular PENCIL. • Underline the main character’s reactions to each hint in BLUE. • Circle the revelation.

Dedrick peered into the darkness of his great aunt’s attic. It would be fun to explore what she’d kept up there all these years. All of a sudden he heard a weird humming, buzzing sound. He spun around in the direction of the sound, but there was not a thing out of the ordinary. Hmmm....he thought, that’s strange. He shrugged and headed toward a big pile of boxes in the corner.

Just then he saw a small flash of light above the boxes. He stepped back, heart pounding. “W-what in the w-world?” he stammered. He looked this way and that, but there was no sign of the glowing thing. Dedrick started to sweat. He wiped his brow and took a deep breath, trying to calm down.

Without warning something brushed against his cheek. Dedrick swatted at it, and jumped back. He gasped. His eyes nearly bugged out of his head. Hovering in front of him was a fairy!

Name______

The Magic of Three - 3 One way that authors build suspense is by using “the magic of three”. Read the suspenseful segment below:

• Underline red flag words or phrases in RED. • Number and underline each hint in regular PENCIL. • Underline the main character’s reactions to each hint in BLUE. • Circle the revelation.

Tawanda rolled over for about the tenth time, trying to get comfortable on the hard floor of the tent. Just then, the moonlight cast a frightening tall shadow on the side of the tent. Tawanda sat up, heart pounding. But whatever had cast the shadow, was gone. Maybe it had been her imagination. Maybe one of those tall pines, bending in the wind. She laid back down, determined to get to sleep.

Not two moments later she clearly heard a shuffling sound outside the tent. “Who’s there?” she shouted. Silence. “Who’s there?” She could hear the hysteria in her voice and fought to stay calm. A raccoon, she thought, just a raccoon. She considered unzipping the door of the tent to see what was out there, but instead, took a deep breath and pulled her sleeping bag over her head.

Suddenly something crashed into the back side of the tent. Tawanda screamed and sat up on her knees. She ripped open the small window cover and peered outside. What she saw rummaging through the campsite was a huge brown bear.

Name______

BUILDING SUSPENSE - 1 REMEMBER: • One of the best ways to hold the reader’s interest is to add 3 or 4 suspenseful sentences building up to the main event. • Raise story questions, use word referents, or the “Magic of Three.”

Read the revelation at the bottom of the page. Then, on the lines above the revelation, put the main character (Glenn) in the setting (hiding on the pirate ship) and write at least 3 or 4 suspense building sentences that lead up to the revelation! Have fun with this! ENTERTAIN! Stretch it out! Make the reader DYING to know what’s next!

Glenn held his breath. There on the deck stood a mean, nasty pirate!

Name______

BUILDING SUSPENSE - 2 REMEMBER: • One of the best ways to hold the reader’s interest is to add 3 or 4 suspenseful sentences building up to the main event. • Raise story questions, use word referents, or the “Magic of Three.”

Read the revelation at the bottom of the page. Then, on the lines above the revelation, put the main character (first person, “I”) in the setting (strange planet) and write at least 3 or 4 suspense building sentences that lead up to the revelation! Have fun with this! ENTERTAIN! Stretch it out! Make the reader DYING to know what’s next!

I spun around and looked behind me. I couldn’t believe that I was staring into the eyes of a space alien!

Name______

BUILDING SUSPENSE - 3 REMEMBER: • One of the best ways to hold the reader’s interest is to add 3 or 4 suspenseful sentences building up to the main event. • Raise story questions, use word referents, or the “Magic of Three.”

Read the revelation at the bottom of the page. Then, on the lines above the revelation, put the main character (Sara) in the setting (in the forest) and write at least 3 or 4 suspense building sentences that lead up to the revelation! Have fun with this! ENTERTAIN! Stretch it out! Make the reader DYING to know what’s next!

Sara stopped short. A strange old woman appeared before her on the forest path.

Name______

BUILDING SUSPENSE - 4 REMEMBER: • One of the best ways to hold the reader’s interest is to add 3 or 4 suspenseful sentences building up to the main event. • Raise story questions, use word referents, or the “Magic of Three.”

Read the revelation at the bottom of the page. Then, on the lines above the revelation, put the main character (first person, “I”) in the setting (the cave) and write at least 3 or 4 suspense building sentences that lead up to the revelation! Have fun with this! ENTERTAIN! Stretch it out! Make the reader DYING to know what’s next!

I gasped! There in the corner of the cave stood a dragon!

Name______

BUILDING SUSPENSE - 5 REMEMBER: • One of the best ways to hold the reader’s interest is to add 3 or 4 suspenseful sentences building up to the main event. • Raise story questions, use word referents, or the “Magic of Three.”

Read the revelation at the bottom of the page. Then, on the lines above the revelation, put the main character (first person, “I”) in the setting (the beach) and write at least 3 or 4 suspense building sentences that lead up to the revelation! Have fun with this! ENTERTAIN! Stretch it out! Make the reader DYING to know what’s next!

I squinted toward the opposite end of the beach. There on the rocky shore sat a mermaid!

Name______

BUILDING SUSPENSE - 6 REMEMBER: • One of the best ways to hold the reader’s interest is to add 3 or 4 suspenseful sentences building up to the main event. • Raise story questions, use word referents, or the “Magic of Three.”

Read the revelation at the bottom of the page. Then, on the lines above the revelation, put the main character (Catherine) in the setting (underwater) and write at least 3 or 4 suspense building sentences that lead up to the revelation! Have fun with this! ENTERTAIN! Stretch it out! Make the reader DYING to know what’s next!

Katherine’s eyes opened wide at the sight of the octopus!

Name______

BUILDING SUSPENSE - 7 REMEMBER: • One of the best ways to hold the reader’s interest is to add 3 or 4 suspenseful sentences building up to the main event. • Raise story questions, use word referents, or the “Magic of Three.”

Read the revelation at the bottom of the page. Then, on the lines above the revelation, put the main character (first person, “I”) in the setting (autumn) and write at least 3 or 4 suspense building sentences that lead up to the revelation! Have fun with this! ENTERTAIN! Stretch it out! Make the reader DYING to know what’s next!

I whirled around to find myself face to face with a dancing scarecrow.

Name______

BUILDING SUSPENSE - 8 REMEMBER: • One of the best ways to hold the reader’s interest is to add 3 or 4 suspenseful sentences building up to the main event. • Raise story questions, use word referents, or the “Magic of Three.”

Read the revelation at the bottom of the page. Then, on the lines above the revelation, put the main character (Mike) in the setting (rain forest) and write at least 3 or 4 suspense building sentences that lead up to the revelation! Have fun with this! ENTERTAIN! Stretch it out! Make the reader DYING to know what’s next!

Mike peered through the underbrush into the eyes of a tiger!

Name______

BUILDING SUSPENSE - 9 REMEMBER: • One of the best ways to hold the reader’s interest is to add 3 or 4 suspenseful sentences building up to the main event. • Raise story questions, use word referents, or the “Magic of Three.”

Read the revelation at the bottom of the page. Then, on the lines above the revelation, put the main character (first person, “I”) in the setting (winter) and write at least 3 or 4 suspense building sentences that lead up to the revelation! Have fun with this! ENTERTAIN! Stretch it out! Make the reader DYING to know what’s next!

What I saw was a gigantic snow monster crashing towards me!

Name______

BUILDING SUSPENSE - 10 REMEMBER: • One of the best ways to hold the reader’s interest is to add 3 or 4 suspenseful sentences building up to the main event. • Raise story questions, use word referents, or the “Magic of Three.”

Read the revelation at the bottom of the page. Then, on the lines above the revelation, put the main character (Carlos) in the setting (palace) and write at least 3 or 4 suspense building sentences that lead up to the revelation! Have fun with this! ENTERTAIN! Stretch it out! Make the reader DYING to know what’s next!

Carlos found himself standing before the Queen of the palace!

Skill: Suspense

Read this sentence. It gives away an exciting part of the story way too soon! There is no suspense to catch the reader’s attention! It is BORING!

The strange egg hatched and out came a baby dragon.

Revise this by writing 4 - 5 suspenseful sentences! Do not give it away too soon! Make the reader dying to find out. Tease the reader! You may use story questions, word referents, or the magic of three.

Skill: Suspense

Read this sentence. It gives away an exciting part of the story way too soon! There is no suspense to catch the reader’s attention! It is BORING!

I saw a grizzly bear in the meadow.

Skill: Suspense

Read this sentence. It gives away an exciting part of the story way too soon! There is no suspense to catch the reader’s attention! It is BORING!

I was shocked to see the police car in front of my house.

Skill: Suspense

Read this sentence. It gives away an exciting part of the story way too soon! There is no suspense to catch the reader’s attention! It is BORING!

I found the old journal inside the trunk in the attic.