Middle Tension Builder

Students read the beginning and ending of a story about Arlo presenting his homemade wind-powered car at a science fair. Their task is to write the middle section that introduces a problem, challenge, or obstacle. This activity teaches students how conflict strengthens narrative tension and connects the beginning to the conclusion. By choosing a suitable problem and explaining how Arlo handles it, students develop a deeper understanding of story structure. It also improves their ability to write compelling narrative middles.

Curriculum Matched Skills

English Language Arts – Developing Story Conflict

English Language Arts – Connecting Narrative Events

English Language Arts – Writing Engaging Middles

English Language Arts – Problem-Solution Writing

This worksheet is part of our Story Structure (Beginning, Middle, End) Worksheets collection.