1. Plotting tension in ...

2. Language devices: Sentence length & structure
3 word sentence
Page 34: “Suddenly, right behind me, there was that sound again. I turned quickly. A broken lamp was swinging back and forth, banging against the wall, as if someone had just pushed it.”
Long sentences move content along and provide detail. Short sentences halt pace and movement, make the reader pause and add impact or emphasis.
19 word sentence, multiple clauses

3. Language devices: Verb choice
Page 28: “The wind from the sea roared through the broken windows. I could hear the tide rushing in.”
Roared suggests an angry and powerful predator, adding intensity to the sound of the coastal wind.
Rushing suggests speed and urgency, adding tension to the tide’s movements.
Choosing words with specific meanings can add to the reader’s imaginary picture of the scene in a multi-sensory way.

4. Language devices: Repetition
Pages 2–3 “I always try to make my mother proud! I’m not bad, just unlucky. When something happens, I’m there, and I get the blame . Somebody kicked the football through the school window. We were all playing football; I just happened to be the one who kicked the ball. See what I mean? Unlucky. And when the PE teacher told me to throw away my chewing gum, how was I to know it would land in Chelsea’s hair? Unlucky, I tell you.”
Repetition emphasises key ideas and can express increased emotion or tension. Questions can have the same effect.
Repetition of the word unlucky relays the speaker’s frustration.

5. Imagery: In language and visuals
Using a comparison can help the reader to imagine something in a multi-sensory way.
Page 28: “It was as cold as the grave.”
Illustrations work wonders to add mood and context to the text.