Writing Prompt: Where Is the Mystery?
PROMPT:
Choose one of the three settings pictured: a fancy dinner party, a camping trip, or a shopping mall. Then, create a mystery story that takes place there.
Every great mystery needs a great setting! What happened? What is missing—or what strange event needs to be explained? Who is involved? What clues will your characters discover? Will they solve the mystery?
Your Challenge: As you write, pay special attention to SOUND. What would your characters hear in this setting? Include sound-sensory details that help your reader feel like they are right there inside the mystery.
TEACHER TIPS:
Before students begin, brainstorm sounds they might hear in each setting. Encourage them to go beyond simply naming a sound and instead use specific verbs, descriptive language and even onomatopoeia to bring the setting to life.
For example, instead of “I heard a noise in the woods,” try “A twig snapped behind the tent, followed by the slow crunch of footsteps through the leaves.”
This is a great opportunity to remind students that sensory details aren't just decoration. They can build suspense, establish mood and even provide clues in a mystery story.
Happy Writing!
