Openings & Endings (Writing Skills) - Cliffhangers
English
Year 9
8 questions
~16 mins
1 views0 downloads
About This Worksheet
A worksheet covering the use of cliffhangers in opening and ending sections to develop suspense and reader engagement, focusing on analysis and annotation skills.
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Openings & Endings (Writing Skills) - Cliffhangers
Subject: EnglishGrade: Year 9
Name:
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Untitled Worksheet
Grade Year 9
A
Introduction to Cliffhangers
As Sarah reached the top of the hill, she paused, catching her breath. Behind her, the sound of footsteps grew louder, approaching rapidly. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the abandoned house. Suddenly, a hand shot out from the darkness, grabbing her ankle. Would she escape or be caught? To find out, turn the page.
1.
Identify and annotate two techniques the author uses to build suspense in this extract.
[2 marks]2.
What effect does the cliffhanger at the end have on the reader? Write your response in 1-2 sentences.
[2 marks]3.
List one technique used in the phrase 'casting long shadows' and explain how it contributes to the mood.
[2 marks]B
Analysis of Effective Endings
The door creaked open slowly, revealing only darkness beyond. A faint whisper echoed through the empty corridor. Just as she stepped inside, the lights flickered out. Was this the end, or was something lurking in the shadows?
1.
Identify two techniques used in this ending to build suspense and explain their effect.
[3 marks]2.
Annotate where the author uses punctuation to heighten suspense in the paragraph.
[2 marks]C
Creative Writing: Crafting a Cliffhanger
Using the prompts below, write the opening paragraph of a story that ends with a cliffhanger. Use at least two techniques discussed earlier. You have space for 20 lines.
1.
Prompt: A character is exploring an abandoned house and hears a strange noise. End with a mystery or danger that leaves the reader eager to continue.
[10 marks]2.
Checklist for effective cliffhanger endings:
- Use suspenseful language
- Include a mysterious or threatening element
- Leave the outcome unresolved
- Use punctuation effectively to create pauses or emphasis
- Engage the reader's curiosity
[5 marks]D
Comparison of Openings and Endings
Opening: The rain hammered against the windows as Mark stepped into the dimly lit alley. His heart pounded as he glanced over his shoulder.
Ending: Just as the police sirens blared in the distance, Emily slipped into the shadows, clutching the mysterious package. Would she escape or be caught?
1.
Compare the techniques used in both the opening and ending to build suspense. Write your analysis in 3-4 sentences.
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Details
- Created
- 1/1/2026
- Updated
- 1/1/2026
- Type
- worksheet