EXPLORE THE MYSTERY OF MYSTERIES AND MYSTERY WRITING

Introduction

The following links come from the World Wide Web and will help you identify the history and key elements of mysteries. You will use the Internet links provided to answer questions about the history of the mystery, vocabulary related to mysteries, the process of creating a mystery, and answer questions about Agatha Christie and "And Then There Were None."

Note: You will answer the questions on the worksheet provided to you by the instructor.

Activity 1:

http://www.trussel.com/detfic/hungary.htm http://occawlonline.pearsoned.com/bookbind/pubbooks/kennedy2_awl/chapter14/objectives/deluxe-content.html

1. Who created the first fictional detective?

2. What was the name of the detective story?

3. What was the fictional detective's name?

4. Who was this fictional character based on?

5. When was this fictional dectective created?

Activity 2:

http://www.bol.ucla.edu/~ryoder/mystery/doyle.html

1. Who is another famous mystery writer?

2. Where was he born and when?

3. Who was the famous detective that this writer created?

4. How many novels and short stories were created about the the fictional detective and his sidekick?

Activity 3:

http://www.mysterynet.com/learn/lessonplans/vocab.worksheet.shtml

Define the following commonly used mystery vocabulary terms:

Activity 4:

http://teacher.scholastic.com/writewit/mystery/tips.htm

Finish each of the following 10 tips on creating your own mystery story:
  1. Every story begins with_____________________
  2. Your main character is _____________________________________________
  3. Choose _______________ ___________________ who will be in your story.
  4. The plot of any story is this:________________________________________
  5. Make a list of _______ that you can use in your story.
  6. Think about ___________________
  7. _____________ is an important ingredient in a mystery story.
  8. The ______________ should fit the ____________ of the story.
  9. Look for the best place in which ________________________
  10. Know how your story will ____________ before you begin to write it.

Activity 5:

http://www.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/1989/4/89.04.06.x.html

1. List the 4 "Rules of the classic mystery."

     

2. Complete the 5 "W's" that should be included in a story

    1. Wh_
    2. Wh__
    3. Wh__
    4. Wh__
    5. Wh__

Conclusion

You have been reading the mystery "And Then There Were None." Answer the following questions about this story:
  1. Who is the author.
  2. Answer the five "W's" for this story (Don't just complete the word; give the answers for this story.)

  3. Write a description of the detective.

  4. Write 4 clues that you have recognized.
  5. Do you think the author followed the 10 tips and 5 rules of mystery writing? Why or Why not?
  6. Did you think this story had suspense?
  7. Would you want to read another story by this author?

More questions to consider about this sotry? http://www.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/1995/1/95.01.07.x.html (Select Lesson Plan #3)