eMysteries Toolkit

The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. [Project Number: 2019-1-DE03-KA201-060127] 48 3.4. From Close Reading to Creative writing Knowledge of close reading practices can help a student to write a comprehensive and complex passage. However, how do we link the techniques learned in close reading with the writing of a detective mystery story? We will look at the key characteristics of a mystery detective story and evaluate how they can be established further using close reading methods. To do this, we will examine the creation of a mystery detective narrative based on the development of each of the three steps of close reading. This reverse approach will allow students to write a creative and engaging story for its readers. Characterization, setting, narrative and audience As we know, the first read of a text is used to identify the main concepts and themes of the text. When writing a detective mystery story, there will be details that you are willing to present clearly, and other information that you wish to make more challenging for the reader to deduce. You may also wish to provide false information to lead the reader in the incorrect direction in order to build suspense and intrigue in the story. Therefore, it is important that students know what elements of the story they want to display clearly for the audience. The students will need to decide on the following details: Audience Who is the intended audience of this story? Narrative Who will narrate the story? Will it be narrated in the first person by a character or in the third person? Setting Where will the story take place? And in what era? Characters Who is the main detective in the story? Who will be the main suspects, whose stories will we follow? Chronology, imagery, and patterns Once the main theme of the story has been developed, students may want to consider the development of their story. In step two of the close reading methodology, readers evaluate the use of language, syntax and the structure of the text. They also consider any imagery presented by the author, and patterns that are common throughout the text. Students may wish to follow a pattern, text formation or particular type of language style. However, it is important that they are aware of creating possible contradictions and unintended repetition. When writing the story, students should also remember some of the text-