Plot & Story Structure
The beginning of a story where characters and setting are introduced.
Exposition
The lesson or message about life in a story.
Theme
A character’s thoughts, feelings, and opinions about a topic.
POV/ perspective
The subject of a text in a few words.
Topic
True or False: Fiction authors develop ideas by adding dialogue, actions, and descriptions.
True
Events build tension and make the conflict more complicated.
Rising Action
The most important idea the author wants you to understand about a topic.
Central Idea
You combine text evidence with your own thinking to figure something out.
Inference
Facts, examples, and statistics that support the central idea.
Supporting details
Dialogue mainly helps readers understand:
A) Setting
B) Character thoughts and relationships
B
True or False:
The falling action happens before the climax.
False
Theme or central idea?:
“Working together can help people overcome challenges.”
Theme
A character says, “I’m fine,” but is crying and avoiding others. What can you infer about the character?
They are not fine. They are hiding some sort of sadness or pain from others. They don't feel comfortable sharing their feelings.
Scenario:
An author writes to convince readers to recycle more.
Is this a topic, author's perspective, or author's purpose?
Author’s purpose: (persuade)
Scenario:
An author shows a character helping others even when scared. What are they developing?
The character's traits or the theme
Scenario:
What was the climax of Theseus and the Minotaur?
When Theseus fought and defeated the minotaur in the labyrinth.
Theme or Central Idea?: Solar energy reduces pollution and provides clean power.
Central Idea
Two characters experience the same event but react differently. What does this show?
An author believes climate change is a serious problem and must be addressed.
Is this a topic, author's perspective, or author's purpose?
author’s perspective
If an author describes a character’s thoughts in detail, what are they helping the reader understand better?
point of view/ perspective
Which stage of the plot often fully develops the theme for the reader? How does the author usually convey the theme?
Resolution. The author conveys the theme through character development, and through the way the major problem in the story is solved.
Why is this NOT a strong theme?
“Friendship”
Because it is only a topic, not a full message or lesson about a topic.
Why might two characters have different POVs about the same event?
Because of different experiences, feelings, goals, or beliefs
What is the difference between central idea and supporting details?
Central idea = main point; supporting details = evidence that explains/proves it
Why do authors include important events when developing a theme?
To show the message through actions and experiences, not just tell it