Creating Suspense with Foreshadowing
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Objective
I can identify how authors use foreshadowing to create suspense in a text.
Part 1 of 4
Warm-up video
Alive Ink · 8:38
We don't generate video — this one is by Alive Ink on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.
Part 2 of 4
Key concepts
3 concepts
- 1
A plot twist should surprise the reader, be believable within the story's logic, and have relevance to the overall narrative.
- 2
Foreshadowing involves dropping subtle hints that hint at a future revelation, while maintaining character consistency is key to making twists believable.
- 3
To avoid overused tropes, give a fresh perspective to common twists, ensuring they serve a purpose in the story and are carefully foreshadowed to maintain plausibility.
Part 3 of 4
Practice
3 questions
Explain how foreshadowing can be used to create suspense in a story. Provide an example of a subtle foreshadowing technique mentioned in the video.
A character in a novel consistently avoids discussing their past. How could an author use this avoidance as foreshadowing to create suspense?
Part 4 of 4
Exit ticket
Quick comprehension check
“Describe a scene where a character acts secretive or avoids certain questions. How does this foreshadow a future revelation about them?”
Sample answer included in the free materials
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