How to write tension scenes - Recount

Imagine a birthday party, a top restaurant, friends and family - and a massive earthquake that ends in disaster.

Before: Here's the starting point by a 9 year old boy.

We were having fun in the restaurant when suddenly the ground started to shake. I didn't believe it. Then glasses started to break all over my plate. My sister tried to stand up, she was afraid. The ground was trembling, there was noise everywhere...

After

The waiter smiled as he put down a hot chocolate pudding right in front of me.

'You're not going to eat all that!' said my Dad. 'Here, I'll help!' He reached across with his spoon, he was always teasing me. I pulled my plate away fast. Everyone laughed.

'Just a little bit,' Dad begged.

I shook my head. It was weird, but there was a strange buzzing sound as if everything was not quite real. I lifted my spoon, my hands felt like they were shivering. Or was it really the floor shaking? It wasn't possible, but now all the glasses were starting to clink. Suddenly one fell, shattering glass across my hands and pudding. Then the noise hit me, harsh, grinding, vibrating right into my brain...

If you find these articles useful, do subscribe to our newsletter for more.

For classroom handouts (able to be photocopied) buy our Teacher Manual. It includes the unique story graph and over 40 different classroom activities.

Seven Steps to Writing Success

How to write tension scenes - Recount