How to write a spooky story: tips for English language students

Sam Colley
placeholder
Reading time: 4 minutes

How to write a spooky story: tips and tricks for English language students

Halloween is the perfect time to let your imagination run wild and create a spooky story that will send shivers down your readers' spines. If you're a student learning English, or an ESL teacher hoping to inspire and enthuse your students, writing a Halloween-themed story can be a fun way to practice your English skills. In this blog, we'll guide you through the process of writing a spooky story step by step, from brainstorming ideas to polishing your final draft. Let's get started!

Tips for writing a spooky story
Play
Privacy and cookies

By watching, you agree ÃÛÌÒapp can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable by deleting your cookies.

Step 1: Brainstorming ideas

Before you start writing, take some time to brainstorm ideas for your story. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

  1. Think about classic Halloween themes: Ghosts, haunted houses, witches, vampires and zombies are all great starting points.
  2. Consider the setting: Where will your story take place? A dark forest, an abandoned mansion, or a creepy graveyard can all provide a spooky atmosphere.
  3. Create a protagonist: Who is your main character? Are they a brave hero, a curious child, or someone who accidentally stumbles into a terrifying situation?
  4. Develop a plot: What is the main conflict or problem in your story? How will your protagonist try to solve it? What obstacles will they face?


Step 2: Building your vocabulary

To make your story truly spooky, you'll need to use descriptive language that creates a sense of fear and suspense. Here are some useful words and phrases to include:

  • Adjectives: eerie, haunted, shadowy, sinister, chilling, ghastly, macabre, terrifying
  • Verbs: creak, howl, whisper, shiver, lurk, haunt, vanish, scream
  • Nouns: ghost, phantom, specter, darkness, fog, grave, curse, nightmare


Step 3: Structuring your story

A well-structured story will keep your readers engaged from beginning to end. Here's a simple structure to follow:

  1. Introduction: Introduce your main character and setting. Give a hint of the spooky events to come.
  2. Rising action: Build suspense by describing strange or frightening events that happen to your protagonist.
  3. Climax: The most intense and scary part of your story. This is where your protagonist faces the main conflict or danger.
  4. Falling action: Show the aftermath of the climax. How does your protagonist react? What happens next.
  5. Conclusion: Wrap up your story. Did your protagonist escape the danger? Is there a twist to the ending?

Ìý

Step 4: Writing your first draft

Now that you have your ideas, vocabulary and structure, it's time to start writing. Don't worry about making it perfect on the first try. Just focus on getting your ideas down on paper. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  • Use descriptive language: Paint a vivid picture in your readers' minds by using sensory details –sight, sound, smell, touch, taste.
  • Show, don't tell: Instead of saying "It was scary," describe what makes it scary e.g., "The old house creaked and groaned as if it were alive and a cold breeze sent shivers down my spine".
  • Keep the suspense: Reveal information slowly to keep your readers on edge. Use cliffhangers at the end of paragraphs or chapters to maintain tension.


Step 5: Revising and editing

Once you've written your first draft, take a break and then come back to it with fresh eyes. Here are some questions to ask yourself as you revise and review:

  • Is the story clear and easy to follow?
  • Are the characters well-developed and believable?
  • Is the setting vividly described?
  • Does the plot build suspense and keep the reader engaged?
  • Are there any grammar or spelling mistakes?


Step 6: Sharing your story

After revising and editing your story, it's time to share it with others. You can read it aloud to friends or family, or even share it in your ESL class. Getting feedback from others can help you improve your writing and gain confidence.


Final thoughts

Writing a spooky story can be a thrilling and rewarding experience, especially for ESL students. By following these steps and using descriptive language, you can create a Halloween-themed story that will captivate your readers. So grab a pen, let your imagination run wild, and get ready to scare.
Happy Halloween and happy writing.
Ìý

If you'd like to see some more hints and tips on how to improve your English language writing, why not take a look at our blogs on 'Creative writing exercises for English language learners' and 'Mastering English with fun and effective exercises'.

More blogs from ÃÛÌÒapp

  • A teacher sat at the front of the class holding a book reading it to a class of young children who are sat on the floor

    Romantic Readers and classroom ideas to celebrate Valentine’s day

    By Iram Ahmed
    Reading time: 3 minutes

    Love is in the air on February 14th, with hearts, red roses and boxes of chocolates everywhere. We’re all set for the big day, and to help you prepare as well, here are six of our favorite love stories for learners of all ages and levels. There are also plenty of fun ideas for your classroom.

    1.ÌýCinderellaÌý(Level 1)

    Poor Cinderella lives with her stepmother and two horrible stepsisters. They treat her badly, making her cook and clean, while they relax and wear beautiful clothes. However, one night, Cinderella gets the chance to sneak away and attend a fabulous ball. She meets a handsome prince…but must run away before he discovers her true identity. With only a glass shoe to help him, will the prince ever find Cinderella?

    How to use this Reader in class:

    It’s no surprise that the story has a happy ending. After reading the story, have the learners draw a picture and write about Cinderella’s new life in the castle, with her loving new family.

    2.ÌýLady and the TrampÌý(Level 3)

    This classic Disney story tells the tale of two young dogs who come from different backgrounds. Lady lives in a house while Tramp lives on the street. However, one day, Lady is forced to leave the house and the life she knows. Tramp teaches her about life on the streets and the two dogs fall in love… but with the dog-catcher always chasing them, will the story have a happy ending?

    How to use this reader in class:

    After reading the story, why not watch the animated version with your students? They can choose their favorite character from the movie and write a description of them.

    Looking for more romantic Readers for young learners? How aboutÌýThe Little MermaidÌý(Level 2) orÌýAladdinÌý(Level 5)? There’s something for everyoneÌýin our catalog.

    3.ÌýPirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black PearlÌý(Level 2)

    If your teenagers are looking for more adventure than romance, this Reader has both. Follow crazy Jack Sparrow, handsome Will and brave Elizabeth as they fight pirates and uncover the curse of the Black Pearl. But will Elizabeth and Will survive the dangerous life on the seven seas?

    How to use this Reader in class:

    After reading the story, why not ask your students to write a review of it? It’s a great way for them to summarize the plot and share their opinion.

    4.ÌýPride and PrejudiceÌý(Level 5)

    A timeless classic,ÌýPride and PrejudiceÌýtells the story of young Elizabeth Bennett. As the oldest daughters in a family of five, she and her sister Jane are both expected to find good husbands and marry soon. But will Elizabeth find love, or will no man be good enough for her?

    How to use this Reader in class:

    While reading the story, learners can keep a diary, writing entries in the voice of Elizabeth Bennett. This helps them to demonstrate their understanding of the novel and encourages them to have a more empathetic reaction to the story’s heroine. They can either write the diary entries using typical language from Jane Austen’s day, or updating it to more modern language.

    Here’s an example:

    I had the ‘pleasure’ of meeting Mr Darcy today and found him rather rude and reserved. I imagine he feels this country life is inferior and that the locals are uncultured simpletons!

    or

    Met Mr Darcy today – what a stuck-up dork! He just stood there, looking down his nose at everyone… you can see he thinks he’s better than us locals.

    If you think your teenage learners would enjoy a different modern or classic tale of romance, check out our readersÌý. There are plenty to choose from, includingÌýRomeo and JulietÌý(Level 3),ÌýLove ActuallyÌý(Level 4) andÌýMadame BovaryÌý(Level 6).

    5.ÌýTales from the Arabian NightsÌý(Level 2)Ìý

    What would you do if you needed to fascinate a king to save your life? This is the problem Sheherezade faces when she marries a king who has killed all his previous wives. So she tells her new husband exciting, mesmerizing stories every night and always ends the tale with the king wanting to hear more. She tells him stories of adventure, love and mystery… and you can read her stories too in this Level 2 Reader.

    How to use this reader in class:

    After reading the book, have students vote on their favorite story from Sheherezade. They can then work in groups to present a short play of one of the stories, working together to write a short script.

    6.ÌýWuthering HeightsÌý(Level 5)Ìý

    Unfortunately, the path of true love isn’t always easy. Set in 19th Century Yorkshire, this tragic romance follows the story of Catherine and Heathcliff. The two childhood friends grow up together very closely. However, although she loves him deeply, Catherine can’t marry Heathcliff because of his lower social status. Instead, she marries another man, Edgar. How will Heathcliff react to this news? Will Catherine and Edgar be happy together?

    How to use this reader in class:

    At one point inÌýWuthering Heights, Heathcliff runs away from home because he thinks Catherine is embarrassed by him and doesn’t love him. Have the learners write a letter from Catherine to Heathcliff at that point, expressing her regrets about why they can’t be together. It provides students with the opportunity to use phrases such asÌýIf only…,ÌýI wish…ÌýandÌýI should have…Ìýwhilst demonstrating their understanding of the novel so far.

    If Yorkshire moors and Arabian nights aren’t quite what your students are looking for, there are more tales of romance on our site. Choose from modern-day love stories such asÌýNotting HillÌý(Level 3) andÌýLisa in LondonÌý(Level 1) or classics likeÌýAnna KareninaÌý(Level 6) andÌýPersuasionÌý(Level 2).

    If you enjoyed this post here are some more practical posts to get your students engaged in reading, 'How to bring Shakespeare to life in the classroom'Ìýand 'How to motivate reluctant readers'.

  • Young children stood in a row clapping and celebrating with a christmas tree in the background

    Classroom tips: 12 days of Christmas

    By Iram Ahmed

    With the holiday season approaching, it’s good to add some fun into teaching to keep your students engaged and motivated. We’ve created 12 simple classroom activities and tips that you can carry out with your primary class to encourage them to be good.