Drama Elements
What are the words spoken by characters in a play called?
Dialogue
What part of the plot introduces the setting and characters?
Exposition
What is a protagonist?
The main character of a story or play
What are context clues?
Words or phrases around an unfamiliar word that help define it
What does the acronym RACE stand for?
Restate, Answer, Cite, Explain
What do stage directions tell the actors?
How to move, speak, or act on stage
What is the main conflict in “Show and Spell”?
Sunny wants to practice spelling aloud, but Greg finds it annoying
Who is the protagonist in “Show and Spell”?
Sunny Sandstone
What does it mean to infer while reading a play?
To make a logical guess based on text evidence
Which step in the writing process comes before editing?
Revising
What is the purpose of a play’s setting?
To show where and when the story takes place
What event in “SPOOK” is the climax of the play?
When the real ghost appears in the studio
In “SPOOK,” what does Jessica’s dialogue reveal about her?
She’s deep-thinking and philosophical — believes “nothing is real”
What can you infer about Sunny’s personality from her actions?
She’s energetic, determined, and loves to perform
Why should you include text evidence in a short constructed response?
To prove your answer with support from the text
How do lighting and sound effects contribute to a play?
They create mood and help tell the story
What is foreshadowing?
Clues or hints about what might happen later
In “Show and Spell,” how does Greg’s reaction help build conflict?
His frustration creates tension and adds humor
What is the author’s purpose in “SPOOK”?
To entertain while exploring beliefs about the supernatural
Summarize “Show and Spell” in one sentence.
A girl prepares for a spelling bee in her own loud, cheer-filled way, frustrating her family.
In “Show and Spell,” what stage direction shows Sunny’s excitement about spelling?
“[With pom-poms.]” — she cheers each word enthusiastically
How does the resolution of “Show and Spell” show the theme?
Sunny’s dad helps her balance passion with control—she learns to do her best without overdoing it
Compare Mr. Sandstone and Spook Specter. How are they alike as authority figures?
Both try to keep peace and control chaos between different personalities
What can you infer about Mr. Sandstone’s feelings toward Sunny’s spelling obsession?
He’s supportive but slightly overwhelmed by her enthusiasm
Write one sentence explaining how dialogue helps develop the theme in “SPOOK.”
(Sample Answer) The characters’ dialogue about ghosts shows that everyone sees the same thing differently, revealing the theme of perspective.