Building Tension in Narrative Writing

This video tutorial explores techniques for building tension in narrative writing. It covers five main strategies: teasing with clues, using different senses, creating rising action, varying sentence length, and employing dynamic verbs. The tutorial also provides examples and practice opportunities, along with additional tips such as using darkness, weather, and time to enhance tension. The goal is to help writers engage readers by creating suspense and anticipation in their stories.

What is the primary purpose of tension in narrative writing?

• To make the reader feel relaxed

• To create a sense of urgency and engagement

• To provide background information

• To introduce new characters

How can an author use clues to build tension in a story?

• By focusing only on character development

• By dropping subtle hints about potential threats

• By revealing the entire plot at once

• By using only dialogue

Which of the following senses is NOT typically used to build tension?

• Mathematics

• Taste

• Sound

• Sight

What is the effect of using short sentences in writing?

• They add dramatic emphasis and urgency

• They slow down the narrative

• They confuse the reader

• They make the text more descriptive

Why are dynamic verbs important in creating tension?

• They add vividness and intensity to actions

• They focus on character emotions

• They make the text longer

• They simplify the narrative

How can weather be used to enhance tension in a story?

• By adding a layer of unpredictability and mood

• By making the setting more predictable

• By providing a clear timeline

• By focusing on character dialogue

What is the effect of personifying abstract nouns in writing?

• It simplifies the narrative

• It focuses on character development

• It gives abstract concepts more power and presence

• It makes the text more humorous