One common theme is the supernatural. Stories often involve ghosts, like in many traditional ESL ghost stories where a spirit haunts a place or a person.
The suspense. In these stories, you don't know what will happen next. For example, in 'The Mysterious Footsteps', you keep waiting to find out who or what is making those steps.
In general, many 'esl scary stories' are not entirely suitable for very young children. They often contain elements such as ghosts, monsters, and supernatural events that can be frightening. However, for pre - teens or older kids who have a higher tolerance for spooky things, they can be an interesting form of entertainment. The level of scariness varies from story to story, so it's important to preview them before deciding if they're appropriate for a particular child.
One great ESL scary short story is 'The Tell - Tale Heart' by Edgar Allan Poe. It's about a man who is haunted by an old man's 'evil eye' and his descent into madness as he plots and then commits murder.
Sure. One is 'The Haunted House'. It's about a family who moves into an old house. Strange noises start at night. Doors open and close by themselves. Another is 'The Dark Alley'. A person walking through a dark alley at night hears footsteps following but when they look back, there's no one there.
One common element is the use of spooky settings like old houses, cemeteries, or dark forests. For example, an old abandoned mansion can create an immediate sense of unease. Another is the presence of supernatural beings such as ghosts, witches, or vampires. These add a sense of mystery and fear. Also, things that go against the normal order, like inanimate objects coming to life, are often seen. For instance, a doll that starts to move on its own in an ESL Halloween scary story.
Ghosts are a common element. They often haunt old places like houses or cemeteries. For example, in many stories, ghosts are the spirits of the dead who can't rest. Another common element is the use of the night, especially Halloween night, as the time when all the spooky things happen. It's the time when the veil between the living and the dead is said to be the thinnest. Also, dark and spooky settings like forests and old castles are common. These places add to the atmosphere of fear in the stories.