Plot
What is the plot in a narrative?
The sequence of events that make up a story
What is the audience in a piece of writing?
The people the author intends to read the writing.
What is theme?
The message or lesson the author wants readers to learn.
What is rising action?
The events that build suspense and lead to the climax.
What is tone?
The author's attitude toward the subject or audience.
Which plot element usually comes right before the climax?
Rising Action
A student is writing a letter to the principal asking for longer lunch. Who is the audience?
The principal
Which is a theme? A) Friendship B) Friends are worth sacrificing for C) Two best friends D) School
B) Friends are worth sacrificing for.
Why is rising action important?
It builds suspense and develops the conflict.
Which word best describes the tone of a story that makes readers laugh?
Humorous or playful
Put the following in order:
Climax, Setting, Falling Action, Resolution, Rising Action
Setting → Rising Action → Climax → Falling Action → Resolution
How might a writer change their language when writing for a friend vs their community?
Friend = slang, simple language
Community = professional, passionate
A story shows a student overcoming fear by giving a speech. What is the likely theme?
Courage grows when you face your fears.
In a story, a student forgets their science project, rushes home, gets stuck in traffic, and barely makes it back before class. Which part(s) are the rising action?
The rushing home, traffic, and trying to return before class.
"The gray clouds swallowed the sun as silence filled the empty streets." What is the tone?
Serious, gloomy, or suspenseful.
Which plot element includes what the writer learned from the story/the theme?
Resolution
What other element is directly based on the audience?
Tone
Explain the difference between a topic and a theme.
A topic is the subject (friendship); a theme is the lesson (true friends support each other during difficult times).
True or False: Rising action always contains the most exciting moment in the story.
False: the climax is the most exciting moment in a story.
What other element determines the tone of an author's story?
Audience
A student oversleeps, misses the bus, borrows a bike, crashes into a puddle, and finally arrives just in time to take the test. Which event is the climax?
Arriving just in time to take the test
You're writing instructions for assembling a gaming chair. Who is the audience, and what writing style should you use?
Anyone assembling the chair; the writing should be clear, organized, and easy to follow.
A character lies to protect a friend but loses everyone's trust. What is a possible theme?
Honesty is important, even when telling the truth is difficult.
Create one event that could serve as rising action in a story about trying out for the school play.
Ex: Forgetting lines, waiting to audition, hearing strong competitors.
"Finally! I couldn't believe my hard work had paid off." What is the tone? Explain your reasoning.
Excited, relieved, or proud because the narrator expresses happiness and accomplishment.