Lab session 5 -Mystery Stories

Hello students,

Today's lab session will be about writing mystery stories.

Please read the following information before getting started.

Why do people like it?

"What people enjoy about a mystery is the intellectual challenge. A mystery often presents a problem, (most specifically a crime or a specific ill against a character or community) at the beginning and then offers clues that the reader  can put together in order to hypothesize about a resolution."

"For myself I like to read a mystery for a couple of reasons, one is that they usually involve clues that you have to put together like a puzzle. Another reason is that most good mysteries allow you to "get away" from the real world for a short time!"

 taken from http://www.enotes.com/homework-help/why-do-people-like-read-mysteries

The unknown plays an important role in every mystery story. Who did it? What was that strange noise at night? Will the detective find the gun? Who (or what) has been pursuing our hero so relentlessly—and why?   

As you might guess, mystery writers know the answers to such questions before they begin writing. As they write, they drop clues to the reader.

An observant reader can sometimes figure out the mystery before finishing the story.

In fact, if the ending is a complete surprise, the writer has not done a good job! After finishing a mystery, the reader should be able to go back through the story and find clues that hinted at the solution.

Relentlessly: without stopping.

So as not to confuse these genres, have a look at this table. Mainly focus your attention in the Mystery boxes after you realise the difference among Mystery, Horror and Suspense.

Taken from:http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/6-secrets-to-creating-and-sustaining-suspense

Activity 1

Are you a mystery lover?

Have a look at the video and tell me which is your favourite mystery and why. At least two paragraphs of five lines each; use the structures and wide range of vocabulary you have learnt.

Taken from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zs1jKLK8Iv4

Activity 2:

Now read the following conclusion of a mystery story.

Think about how you would solve the mystery. 
Remember to give the reader a few hints along the way, so the ending isn’t a complete surprise.

A. Answer these questions first  as a way to brainstorm ideas:

1. How did she probably  meet  Doug? Why do you think so?

2. When did she meet Doug? 

3. Why was killing Doug the only way ?

4. Why did she want to be free?

5. Why did that car crush?Was she involved in the car crush? 

6. What is she going to do after this episode?

B. Now  write the rest of the story:

Work in pairs and  write a page with the rest of the story and give it an unexpected end.

When you are finished, make up a catchy title for your story, include a picture too.

Remember to share your printed work with your lab teacher next week.

Due date: Next class ( at the beggining of it)


Optional extra activity

Are you a  mystery lover? If so, visit the following link and enjoy reading mystery novels: 

http://flavorwire.com/434548/50-essential-mystery-novels-that-everyone-should-read