Question 1: What words and phrases in the passage contribute to creating a tense, mysterious atmosphere?

Answer: Words like 'eerie pallor', 'sinister shadows', 'haunting melody', 'unnaturally', 'ominously' all contribute to building a tense and mysterious atmosphere.

Question 2: Identify one example of imagery in the passage and explain its effect.

Answer: The phrase 'Shadows stretched long and sinister' uses visual imagery to evoke a sense of danger and unease.

Question 3: Which literary device is primarily used in the phrase 'the distant chime of a clock tower resonated ominously'?

Answer: b) Personification

Question 4: Explain how the author’s choice of adjectives affects the mood of the scene.

Answer: See full answer key

Question 5: Identify and explain the purpose of the repeated use of the letter 's' in 'shadows', 'sinister', and 'silent'.

Answer: The repetition of 's' creates a hissing sound, emphasising eeriness and enhancing the suspenseful tone.

Question 6: How does the setting contribute to the overall atmosphere of mystery?

Answer: The deserted street, flickering shadows, and cold wind all create an isolated, unsettling environment that heightens mystery.

Question 7: Describe how the author uses sound imagery in the passage.

Answer: The 'faint, haunting melody' and the 'chime of a clock tower' evoke eerie and foreboding feelings.

Question 8: Identify one grammatical feature used in the passage and analyse its effect.

Answer: The use of short, sharp sentences like 'Shadows stretched long and sinister' creates a rhythmic tension that heightens suspense.

Question 1: Create a descriptive paragraph of a mysterious setting, incorporating at least three atmospheric techniques (e.g., imagery, sound, diction).

Answer: See full answer key

Question 2: Check list: When writing your paragraph, ensure you include:

Answer: - Vivid imagery - Sound descriptions - Atmosphere-enhancing adjectives - Short, impactful sentences - A sense of mystery or suspense