Unleash Your Imagination: Conquer the 2025 Creative Writing Practice Exam!

Building tension in a story is crucial for engaging the reader and keeping them invested in the narrative. The most effective approach to achieve this is through escalating conflict and withholding information. When a writer introduces conflicts that become progressively more intense, it raises the stakes for the characters and creates a sense of urgency. This escalation keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eager to see how the conflicts will unfold.

Withholding information is equally important in this process. By providing hints or partial insights instead of complete answers, the writer creates suspense. Readers become curious about the unknown elements, which adds to the tension and motivates them to continue reading to uncover the truth. This strategy ensures that the plot remains dynamic, drawing readers into the emotional and psychological struggle of the characters.

In contrast, introducing numerous characters at once can lead to confusion rather than tension, as readers may struggle to connect with any particular character or conflict. Summarizing events quickly can make the story feel flat and reduce emotional impact, while resolving conflicts immediately eliminates any build-up of tension, ultimately making the narrative less engaging.