How Does the Author Create Tension or Suspense in the Extract?

Look for short sentences, powerful verbs and hints that something might go wrong.

Step-by-step approach for Year 6

Underline the key words in the question.
Re-read the relevant part of the extract, focusing on language, not just events.
Pick 2–3 short quotations that help you answer the question.
For each quotation, use PEA: make a point, give evidence, then explain the effect of the language.
Use precise vocabulary like "suggests", "implies", "creates", "emphasises".

Helpful sentence starters

"The author shows this by describing…"
"The word/phrase "_____" suggests/implies that…"
"This makes the reader imagine/feel…"
"This creates a sense of… because…"
"Overall, this language helps to show…"

What to look for

Short, sharp sentences and sentence fragments.
Powerful verbs ("lurched", "screamed", "crashed").
Hints that something bad might happen ("for the last time", "before anyone could stop it").
Description of sounds, heartbeats or time slowing down.

Step-by-step worked example

Example question

How does the author create tension in this part of the story?

Short extract

The corridor was silent. Then, without warning, the door snapped shut behind Max. His heart thudded loudly in the darkness.

Step 1 – Make a clear point. Start with an idea such as: "The author creates tension by showing how sudden and frightening the situation is."
Step 2 – Choose evidence. Select short quotations like "without warning", "snapped shut" and "heart thudded".
Step 3 – Explain the language. Explain that "without warning" and "snapped" suggest something quick and shocking, while "heart thudded" shows how scared Max feels.
Step 4 – Link to the reader. Finish by saying that this makes the reader feel tense because we do not know what will happen next.

Putting it all together

The author creates tension by showing how sudden and scary the situation is. The phrase "without warning" and the verb "snapped" to describe the door shutting make the moment feel fast and shocking. The image of Max's heart "thudding" in the darkness helps the reader to feel his fear and builds suspense about what might happen next.

Model paragraph

The author creates tension by using very short sentences such as "Then the lights went out." This sudden change makes the reader feel shocked, just like the characters. The verb "snapped" to describe the lights turning off suggests something violent and unexpected, building a sense that danger is close.

Exam tip

Try to write in full sentences rather than bullet points in the exam. However, using this structure to practise at home will help you remember how to build clear, analytical paragraphs.