Pace in Writing 4.2.4

Pace in Writing

Lesson 4.2.4

Lesson Overview

Learners can:

• identify and use compound-complex sentences

• use narrative techniques such as dialogue, description, and pacing to develop experiences and events or show the responses of characters to situations

• use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely

• write with awareness of style

Open your Writing Activity Book to page 52.

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Daily Grammar

Pace in Narratives

When you read a story, the pace can change many times. Writers can switch between fast and slow pace throughout a story to make their writing more engaging for the reader.

The writer may slow some parts down and speed other parts up. As a reader, you will feel this change in pace.

A slow pace can be used when:

• a character is thinking or remembering an event;

• there is a lot of dialogue;

• the reader is learning something important;

• the writer wants to make the reader feel excited, scared, or nervous about what will happen next.

A slow pace can look like:

• longer sentences;

• longer paragraphs; and

• longer writing.

Writers can slow a story down to help the reader better understand the characters, setting, or events.

•  A slow pace can be important to use so that the reader does not miss anything.

• A slow pace can also be used to build tension or suspense.

• A slow pace is good for sharing important information with the reader and breaking up action. A slow pace can be relaxing for the reader.

Slow Pace

A fast pace can be used when:

• there is action;

• fighting; and

• quick dialogue between characters.

A fast pace can look like:

• shorter sentences;

• shorter paragraphs; and

• less writing on a page.

Writers can speed a story up to make it more exciting or stressful for the reader.

• A fast pace can make the reader feel like they have to know what will happen next and cannot put the story down.

• A fast pace usually has lots of action. A fast pace can be exciting for the reader.

Fast Pace

Archie Strikes Gold

The author of Archie Strikes Gold uses both fast and slow pacing throughout the story.

This is done to keep the reader engaged and to help the story flow smoothly.

Multiple Choice

Is this an example of slow or fast pace?

• Slow

• Fast

The pace of a story can make a reader feel a certain way. Writers can use a fast or slow pace to make readers feel emotions such as happiness, curiosity, or fear.

Readers can feel different ways during different parts of a story. Some parts can make them feel calm and happy. Other parts may keep them on the edge of their seat.

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Pace Impacts How a Reader Feels

Open Ended

Read the passage below. What emotion is the author likely trying to make the reader feel?