Plot and Setting
The opening of a story introduces the main character moving to a new school. Which part of the plot is this?
Exposition
What is the theme of a story where a student keeps practicing soccer and finally makes the team?
Hard work pays off.
What point of view uses “I” and “me”?
First Person Point of View
“Her backpack weighed a ton.” What device is this?
Hyperbole
What is the denotation of “bright”?
Giving off light.
When two characters argue about where to sit at lunch, what type of conflict is this?
Character vs. character.
“Rain splashed across the city streets as the power went out. Maribel stood under the flickering streetlight, clutching her science project. She had worked for weeks, and now she wasn’t even sure she could make it to the fair. The dark clouds rolled lower, and thunder cracked above her head.”
How does the setting affect the mood?
It creates tension and uncertainty.
How is theme different from main idea?
Theme is the lesson or message; main idea is what the text is mostly about.
What point of view reveals the thoughts of all characters?
Third Person Omniscient Point of View
“The stars danced in the night sky.” What device is this?
Personification
What is the connotation of calling someone “bright”?
They are intelligent or clever.
How can dialogue between characters reveal theme?
It shows their beliefs, values, or lessons learned.
In most plots, what comes after the climax?
Falling action
“Luis had lied about finishing his history project. At first, nobody noticed, and he felt relieved. But as the days passed, the guilt weighed heavier and heavier. Finally, he admitted the truth to his teacher. To his surprise, she didn’t yell. Instead, she gave him extra time and told him that honesty would take him farther than any shortcut.”
What theme does this excerpt develop?
Honesty is the best policy.
Excerpt: “I knew my idea would work, but nobody listened.”
Why might this narrator be unreliable?
The narrator only shares their perspective and may exaggerate.
Excerpt: “He avoided her like a shadow avoids the sun.”
What type of figurative language is used?
Simile
Excerpt: “Her excitement evaporated when she saw the test grade.”
What does “evaporated” mean in this context?
Disappeared or faded away.
Excerpt: “‘We’ve got this,’ said Ana, crossing her fingers. Her friend nodded and smiled back.”
What does this interaction show about their relationship?
They encourage and support each other.
“In 2090, humans lived in floating cities above the clouds. Every building was powered by solar wings, and robots delivered meals to every doorstep. Children no longer played in backyards; they learned through holograms and competed in virtual games. Yet even with all this technology, people still argued about who should lead their communities.”
How does the futuristic setting shape the plot?
Technology creates new challenges and conflicts for the characters.
Which detail would best develop the theme “friendship can survive challenges”?
Two friends forgive each other after a fight.
Excerpt: “I turned away from Jordan. I didn’t mean to give him the cold shoulder, but the conversation was over.”
What does the phrase “cold shoulder” show about the character?
They are ending the discussion and shutting the other person out.
Excerpt: “Boom! The fireworks lit up the sky.”
What is the effect of this onomatopoeia?
It creates excitement and energy.
Which word has the most positive connotation: childish, youthful, or immature?
Youthful
Excerpt: “‘I told you left is the right way!’ shouted one robot. The other crossed its arms and refused to move.”
What does this show about their interaction?
Disagreement can lead to conflict or failure.
Which part of the plot shows how the conflict is resolved?
The resolution.
“Zara had dreamed of winning the regional spelling bee. She studied every night, often falling asleep with flashcards scattered across her bed. On the day of the competition, her voice shook as she misspelled a word in the final round. She didn’t win, but as she left the stage, her teammates hugged her. Zara realized she had learned more about courage and determination than she ever expected.”
What theme is shown here?
Growth and effort matter more than winning.
How does switching from one narrator to another affect a story?
It gives multiple perspectives, helping the reader understand more about the conflict.
How does figurative language affect tone?
It adds emotion and helps the reader feel the mood more strongly.
Excerpt: “He answered ruefully, ‘I guess I’ll try again tomorrow.’”
What does “ruefully” mean here?
With regret or sorrow.
Excerpt: “After a heated argument, both friends laughed together and realized the fight wasn’t worth it.”
What does this show about their friendship?
Their bond is strong enough to overcome conflict.