Story Elements
Zack was the kind of kid that everyone liked. He was helpful in class and always did his best. His teachers adored him. He was nice to everyone, so he always had plenty of friends. No one was surprised when he won the award for student of the year.
Which story element does the passage MOST focus on?
A. Character B. Setting C. Theme D. Conflict
A. Character
No one wants to play with Jackie because she always tells everyone else what to do. She insists that everyone do things her way an will not listen to anyone else's ideas.
Which word best describes Jackie?
A. Cruel B. Bossy C. Impolite
B. Bossy
Identify the conflict represented in the scenario below.
Arianna made it a goal for herself to stop waiting until the last minute to do things. Each time she procrastinated, she felt bad, so she was committed to changing. The problem was that the television, the video games, and playing with her friends outside all sounded better than doing her math project. She debated with herself about whether or not she should start it since it was due in only a week, but as she looked out at the blazing sun, she knew what her answer would be.
Character vs. Self
The most exciting part of the story; the turning point.
Climax
The author of a play.
Playwright
Big Jon could see that he had no choice. He was going to have to fight that bear. This one was bigger and angrier than the others. As he swung his club, Big Jon wondered if this might be the last bear he would fight.
Which story element does this passage MOST focus on?
A. Setting B. Theme C. Conflict D. Resolution
C. Conflict
Carlos always seems to have a smile on his face. Nothing seems to get him down. When the baseball game that he had been looking forward to got cancelled because of rain, Carlos said it would give him a chance to catch up on his reading.
Which word best describes Carlos?
A. Cheerful B. Busy C. Nervous
A. Cheerful
Identify the conflict represented in the scenario below.
Medley’s parents had always told her that she shouldn’t smack when she was chewing her food. She said she couldn’t help it, but her dad said she was lazy. It didn’t really bother her until other kids started moving away from her at the lunch table.
Character vs. Society
The events after the turning point that lead to the solution.
Falling Action
Part of an act where specific events happen; this changes when the setting changes.
Scene
Eloise lives in the Plaza, which is a very large and fancy hotel in New York City. There are crystal chandeliers in the lobby, marble columns, and big windows with velvet drapes. It is a rather unusual place for a little girl to live.
Which story element does the passage MOST focus on?
A. Theme B. Setting C. Resolution D. Conflict
B. Setting
Thomas pushed his way to the front of the line. He grabbed his lunch tray without saying, "Thank you," to the server. While he was eating, he talked with his mouth full, and he left a mess of crumbs when he was done.
Which word best described Thomas?
A. Rude B. Disgusting C. Hungry
A. Rude
Identify the conflict represented in the scenario below.
Medley’s parents had always told her that she shouldn’t smack when she was chewing her food. She said she couldn’t help it, but her dad said she was lazy. It didn’t really bother her until other kids started moving away from her at the lunch table.
Character vs. Nature
The solution and conclusion of the story.
Resolution
The lines of a script that the actors speak out loud.
Dialogue
As the final note faded and the audience began to applaud, Noah breathed a sigh of relief. He had played the entire piece perfectly. His piano teacher had been right to make him practice every day. Practice really does make perfect!
Which story element does the passage MOST focus on?
A. Character B. Setting C. Theme D. Conflict
C. Theme
Last year, Mark's aunt went on a jungle safari in Africa. The year before that she took sky diving lessons. This summer she will be going a white water river rafting trip and she has plans to start rock climbing, too.
Which word best describes Mark's aunt?
A. Adventurous B. Generous C. Careless
Identify the conflict represented in the scenario below.
Lizzy usually loved school, but lately, she hated going. Her old friend Tyler had suddenly stopped talking to her, and instead, he was always giving her dirty looks and trying to trip her. She tried to play with him on the playground, but he pointed and laughed at her.
Character vs. Character
Exposition
The objects that are used on stage by a character.
Prop
With the dragon dead, the kingdom could once again live in peace. The townspeople rebuilt their homes and planted new crops. Before long, the scorched earth was green with new life.
Which story element does the passage MOST focus on?
A. Character B. Resolution C. Theme D. Conflict
B. Resolution
Dwayne is always asking questions. He wants to know all about how things work and why things are the way they are.
Which word best describes Dwayne?
A. Weird B. Creative C. Curious
C. Curious
Identify the conflict represented in the scenario below.
Standing in front of a judge, Ben thought of all the things he had stolen from innocent people. The judge looked him in the eyes and sentenced him to jail. Ben was hurried off to the jail even though he was begging the judge for an easier sentence.
Character vs. Society
The part of the story that develops the problem through a series of events.
Rising Action
Specific instructions to the actors; usually written in parentheses and italics.
Stage Directions