Essential Questions
Name 3 Reading Strategies
Answer may vary
Define Theme
A theme is a universal idea, lesson, or message explored throughout a work of literature.
Define "Plot"
In a literary work, film, or other narrative, the plot is the sequence of events where each affects the next one through the principle of cause-and-effect.
What does it mean to make an "inference"?
An idea or conclusion that's drawn from evidence and reasoning.
Explain the structure of a story in order.
1. Exposition
2. Rising Action
3. Climax
4. Falling Action
5. Resolution/Conclusion
What is the theme in the Narrative "Ruthless"?
One who takes extreme revenge will be punished.
Define "Falling Action"
What the characters are doing after the story's most dramatic part has happened.
What is one inference that the reader can make from "The Elevator"? Give reasoning.
Answers may vary
Give an example of how a story can say more than the words on the page.
Answer may vary.
How does theme help the reader better understand the story?
A theme gives the general view of the story. It gives the reader insight into how the story's characters live to pursue something good or bad, the results of conflicts, and how all their choices have an affect on what happens next in the story.
The sequence of major events from "Ruthless".
1. Judson notices that his possessions have been tampered with.
2. Develops a plan to stop the "thief" and poisons whiskey.
3. Mabel tells Alec's wife
4. Judson forgets his boots and turns around to get them
5. Judson trips on acorn and hit his head
6. Alec runs inside and grabs whiskey/gives it to Judson
True or False:
Is making an inference just guessing?
False
What can a reader do if they are having trouble understanding a short story?
Break the text down into smaller parts
Summarize each paragraph
Take notes as you re-read
What was the theme in "Death by Scrabble"?
Life and death decisions
Karma
What goes around comes around
Two wrongs don't make a right
Define "Climax" and give an example
The most important/dramatic event from the story
What is an inference that a reader can make from the story "Death by Scrabble"?
We base inferences on what?
Evidence
True or False:
The theme can also be the Mood of the story.
False
What part of the plot did all of our short stories NOT have?
Falling Action & Resolution/Conclusion
Why is it helpful for readers to make inferences?