The first stage where characters and settings are introduced.
What is exposition?
For the theme statement "More is accomplished in groups than individually," this might be a thematic topic.
What is cooperation/working together/teamwork?
I felt scared when the character was trapped, similar to when I got lost at the mall.
What is a text-to-self connection?
This color often symbolizes passion or danger.
What is red?
This color often found in literature can represent purity, peace, or a new beginning.
What is white?
This part of the story builds tension and leads up to the main event.
What is rising action?
This term describes a lesson or message that is relevant not just to the characters in the story, but to everyone, everywhere.
What is a universal theme/theme statement?
This book about a dystopian society reminds me of when I read The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.
What is a text-to-text connection?
This season is frequently used to symbolize rebirth or new beginnings.
What is spring?
These should never appear in a theme statement.
What are character names/plot details/"I"/"you"?
The turning point or most exciting part of a story.
What is the climax?
To begin identifying the theme, start by determining this, which is essentially what the story is mostly about.
What is the thematic topic?
The story's backdrop of a divided society reflects the current political divisions in our country.
What is a text-to-world connection?
This object is a common literary symbol for love or emotions.
What is a heart?
When a character in a book reminds you of a friend because they both always stand up for what's right, this type of connection is being made.
What is a text-to-self connection?
Events that follow the climax and lead to the end.
What is falling action?
When identifying theme, figure out who wins and why, which is also known as the problem in the story.
What is the conflict?
The way the film Inception plays with reality reminds me of the dream sequences in this book.
What is a text-to-media connection?
This natural element can symbolize purity, danger, or transformation, depending on its context.
What is water?
When a story’s events or its characters’ experiences remind you of historical events or current issues, this type of connection is being made.
What is a text-to-world connection?
The part of the story that comes after the resolution.
What is denouement?
While identifying theme, look at how this changes or grows throughout the story.
What is a character?
Reading about the character’s struggle with loss helped me understand my own feelings about my grandfather's passing.
What is a text-to-self connection?
Often seen as a symbol of wisdom, this animal could represent a guide or mentor in stories.
What is an owl?
Repeated references to this season in a story can symbolize decline, maturity, or the coming of harsher times.
What is autumn/fall?