The Mist chapter 7 Suspense Element: Diction in the description of the creatures

Diction analysis for chapter 7 of Stephen King's The Mist: students chart the words used to describe the bugs and the flying things, then explain how that language builds suspense.
Year levels
Years 7–12
Pages
1
File type
Google Docs™
Use
Digital activity

Updated Feb 21, 2024

Subject
Literature, English
Topic
Diction, Suspense
Resource types
Assessments
Use
Digital activity
Australian Curriculum content descriptions
AC9E9LA08 — analyse how vocabulary choices contribute to style, mood…

From the author

About this resource

Analysing Suspense and Diction in The Mist Chapter 7\nThis educational resource helps students analyse the suspenseful diction used to describe the terrifying creatures in The Mist chapter 7. With focused questions and a chart, learners examine the specific word choices pertaining to the deaths of characters and creatures. They also inspect David's introspective scene about his painting career and the diction shifts throughout. Suitable for whole-class analysis or small group discussion, this activity promotes close reading and textual analysis skills. Students learn how an author's careful diction selections establish tone and mood while building suspense. By evaluating Stephen King's descriptive language, they gain models for enhancing their own narrative writing. This worksheet for Years 7–12 enhances appreciation of literary techniques in The Mist.

In the classroom

Teaching tips & learning objectives

Learning objectives

  • Explain how word choice in the creature descriptions builds suspense

  • Analyse why the author includes David's reflection on his painting career

  • Interpret a simile linking David's painting ambitions to the sounds of dying creatures

Teaching tips

  • The chart and questions give page numbers (pp. 103–114) from one edition of the story, so check them against your class copies first.

Skills covered

  • Close reading — students record descriptive words and phrases for each creature in a chart

  • Supporting an opinion — students argue which creature is more terrifying and give reasons

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Australian Curriculum (Version 9.0)

Australian Curriculum content descriptions

Australian Curriculum content descriptions

  • AC9E9LA08 — analyse how vocabulary choices contribute to style, mood and tone

Core concepts

  • Diction

  • Suspense

  • Mood

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