Plot Mountain
Which part of the story shows Oscar’s peaceful life before the conflict begins?
The exposition — when Oscar wakes up on a sunny day with no worries.
What’s a strength in the opening line (“One sunny day during summer break, Oscar woke up to the beautiful sounds of birds chirping”)?
It sets a peaceful mood for contrast.
The story jumps quickly from Oscar’s foster mom’s death to the protest. What’s missing?
A smoother transition and more detail about his emotions.
What is the main theme of Oscar’s story?
Resilience and fighting for freedom/immigration rights.
What event introduces the main conflict in the story?
The police come to Oscar’s house and take away his undocumented parents.
Why is Oscar joining the protest a “glow” for theme?
It shows resilience and connects to social justice.
The ending feels rushed. What could the author add?
More details about how he reunited with his parents and their feelings.
How does Oscar change from the beginning of the story to the end?
He grows from a carefree boy into a resilient leader and artist who advocates for others.
Which events make up the rising action of Oscar’s story?
Living with a foster mom, getting jobs, and finding his passion as an artist.
How is the protest scene a strong moment in the story?
It shows Oscar taking action and standing up for his community.
The line “Oscar was devasted but took it as motivation” needs work. How should it be fixed?
Answer: Fix spelling to “devastated” and explain how he used his pain as fuel for art.
What lesson can readers learn from Oscar’s story?
Even in times of loss and struggle, you can find hope and strength to create change.
What is the climax of the story?
When Oscar finds his foster mother collapsed and realizes she has died.
Why is reuniting with his parents a strong resolution?
It ties the theme of family and perseverance back together.
The ending skips from “Oscar held a tour in Mexico” straight to seeing his parents. What’s missing?
Answer: A clearer description of how they met and his emotions in that moment.
How does Oscar’s story connect to the bigger idea of “using your voice”?
His art and protest involvement show that speaking out can inspire change for a community.
What is the resolution of the story?
Oscar reunites with his parents, helps them get papers, and they live together happily in the U.S.
Why is it powerful that Oscar’s mother speaks directly to the police about wanting citizenship?
It shows her bravery and introduces the immigration conflict clearly.
The story sometimes repeats phrases like “Oscar would…” What revision could fix this?
Answer: Replace “Oscar would” with stronger action verbs and different sentence starters.
Example: Instead of “Oscar would then join the protests and the energy got higher,” write “Oscar joined the protest, and the chants filled him with determination.”
Why is Oscar’s reunion with his parents at the end an effective conclusion for the story?
It ties back to the central conflict, resolves the theme of family and belonging, and leaves readers with a hopeful ending.