Main Idea & Genre
What is the main idea of a story?
The central point, message, or concept that the author wants the reader to understand
What are the three main parts that make up a story's setting?
The time (when), the place (where), and the atmosphere (what)
What is the difference between an internal conflict and an external conflict in a story?
An internal conflict is a struggle that takes place inside a character's mind or heart, while an external conflict is a struggle between a character and an outside force.
What is the difference between direct characterization and indirect characterization?
Direct characterization explicitly tells the reader what a character is like, while indirect characterization shows a character's traits through their thoughts, words, actions, and interactions with others.
What does the root port mean in words like portable or transport?
to carry
What are the two main broad categories that all genres of reading are split into?
Fiction and nonfiction
Which part of the plot structure introduces the main characters, the setting, and the basic situation at the beginning of a story?
The exposition
A character is lost in the woods during a severe blizzard and must find shelter to survive. What specific type of conflict is this?
Person vs. Nature
What does STEAL stand for when using indirect characterization to analyze a character?
Which Greek root meaning earth or land is found at the beginning of words like []graphy and []logy?
geo
Explain the metaphor that we learned in class about the main idea and supporting details.
The tabletop represents the main idea because it is the structure, while the table legs represent the supporting details because they hold up and support the tabletop.
What is the difference between the climax and the resolution of a story?
The climax is the turning point and most exciting part of the story, while the resolution is the ending where the main problems are wrapped up and solved.
Name the four main types of conflict commonly found in literature.
Read this sentence: "Lucas quietly shared his lunch with the new student who was sitting alone." Is this direct or indirect characterization, and what character trait does it show?
This is indirect characterization. It shows that Lucas is kind, observant, and generous.
If the root dict means to speak or say, what does it mean to predict an event before it happens?
It means to say or declare that something will happen before it actually occurs.
A book features a mystery set in outer space in the year 3000, where aliens and futuristic robots help solve a problem. What primary genre does this book belong to, and why?
Science fiction, because it involves futuristic technology, space travel, or advanced science.
How can the setting change in a story when the characters do not change places?
The setting can change without moving locations if the time changes, or if the atmosphere and weather shift.
A main character stands up against an unfair school dress code policy to change the rules for all students. What type of conflict is this, and why?
Person vs. Society
What is the difference between a flat character and a round character?
A flat character is simple, showing only one or two personality traits, while a round character is complex, realistic, and has a well-developed personality with multiple sides.
A student claims that the word incredible is related to belief. Based on the root cred, explain why this claim is correct or incorrect.
The claim is correct because the root cred means believe or trust, so incredible means something is so amazing that it is hard to believe.
What is the difference between a stated and implied main idea?
A stated main idea is directly written in the text, while an implied main idea is not directly stated and must be inferred using clues from the text.
If a story ends at the climax, did the author forget to write the ending? Name this literary device.
No, the author did not forget to write the ending. The ending happens in the readers' minds. This is called a cliffhanger.
How does the central conflict of a story drive the plot forward through the rising action to the climax?
The central conflict creates the main problem that the character must face, generating obstacles and tension during the rising action that build up until the conflict reaches its turning point at the climax.
Consider the story of Cinderella. Is Cinderella a static or dynamic character? Explain why.
Cinderella is a static character because she does not change internally. Even though she transitions from a poor girl to a princess, she is still a kindhearted person.
An author describes a character using their vocal power to revoke an unfair rule. Identify the shared root in these words, state its meaning, and explain how both words connect to that root's meaning.
The shared root is voc / vok, which means voice or to call. Vocal means using your voice, and revoke means to call back or cancel a decision.