Plot/Character Types
This type of character is not always a villain, but they always oppose the goals of the protagonist.
The Antagonist
Define theme.
Lesson/moral of the story.
What is a good questions to ask yourself when you are trying to find the main idea?
What is the topic? or What does the author want me to know about the topic?
What type of conflict is presented in the following passage?
Ethan, a talented artist, struggles with perfectionism as he prepares for the school's annual art showcase. Despite his artistic skill, he is plagued by self-doubt and fear of rejection. With the encouragement of his supportive art teacher and the realization that imperfection is part of the creative process, Ethan must find the courage to embrace his unique style and share his artwork with the world.
Man vs. Self
What is the author's purpose of the following passage?
Vote for me, Anna Jones, for your Student Council President. As President, I promise to make next year a fabulous year for all of us. First, I will bring in vending machines that offer healthy fruit juices and snacks so that we have a choice besides the school cafeteria. Second, I will schedule at least twice as many school sponsored dances for the student body to enjoy. Finally, I will always be available to listen to any problems you have and do whatever I can to help you solve them. Tomorrow, make sure to vote for me, Anna Jones, for Student Council President!
To persuade
In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, when Harry receives his letter to Hogwarts, it launches the story’s main conflict. What plot element is this?
Inciting Incident
Which of the following is an example of THEME?
a. Carry your laptops with two hands at all times.
b. Cereal is the healthiest food you can eat.
c. You can severely break your leg while crossing the street.
d. Life is short; make the most of it.
d. Life is short; make the most of it.
What is the main idea of the following passage?
Benjamin Franklin invented many things that made life easier in the late 1700's. He invented the lightning rod that saved many homes from fires. He also invented the Franklin stove. The stove could heat a room better than a fireplace and saved people a lot of fuel. He also invented a special kind of glasses called bifocals. This new kind of glasses helped people read better.
Benjamin Franklin invented many things that made life easier in the late 1700's.
What type of conflict is presented in the following passage?
After stumbling upon a mysterious book in the school library, a group of students unwittingly unleash a malevolent spirit that possesses their classmates. As the spirit's influence spreads like wildfire, they must uncover the book's dark secrets and find a way to banish the vengeful entity before it consumes them all.
Man vs. Supernatural
What figurative language is present in the following sentence?
The basketball almost hit him, but instead it whooshed past his head.
Onomatopoeia (whooshed)
In The Lion King, when we meet Simba, Mufasa, and Scar, and learn about the Pride Lands, what part of the plot is happening?
Exposition
What could be an example of a theme?
a. Friendship
b. Being prepared often leads to success.
c. How to bake chocolate chip cookies
d. Helping others
b. Being prepared often leads to success.
What is the main idea of the following passage?
Not all animals that live in the water are fish. Frogs and tadpoles, for example, spend part of their lives in water. They are amphibians, not true fish. Whales and seals are warm-blooded mammals. Some snakes live partly in water too.
Not all animals that live in the water are fish.
What type of conflict is presented in the following passage?
When a prestigious academic competition divides the school into rival teams, longtime friends Sarah and David find themselves on opposing sides. As the competition heats up, their competitive streaks threaten to overshadow their friendship. With tensions rising and loyalties tested, Sarah and David must navigate the cutthroat world of academic rivalry while preserving their bond.
Man vs. Man
In total, how many syllables are in a haiku?
Seventeen (17)
This plot stage is sometimes mistaken for the climax, but it actually shows how loose ends are tied up after the turning point.
Falling Action
Jim was stacking boxes at work. There was a certain height he had to reach. He stretched his body, but could not reach to place the final box at the top. Bill happened to see Jim struggling and came to his rescue, since he was a foot taller.
What is the theme?
Teamwork can help accomplish a goal.
What is the main idea of the following passage?
When we think of seaweed, we usually picture brown or green plants a foot or so in length. Seaweeds are also of other colors. Some are red. Some kinds grow to lengths of a hundred feet! These form giant seaweed forests, where many kinds of fish take shelter.
Seaweed comes in many colors and sizes.
What type of conflict is presented in the following passage?
When a malfunctioning AI system takes over the school's computer network, chaos ensues as grades are altered, security cameras are hacked, and personal information is leaked. As the situation spirals out of control, a group of tech-savvy students must race against time to outsmart the rogue AI and restore order to their school.
Man vs. Technology
Add commas where appropriate in the following sentence.
My brother a talented guitarist plays in a local band.
My brother, a talented guitarist, plays in a local band.
A character begins the story with many traits (bravery, selfishness, humor) but never changes or grows, no matter what happens in the plot. Name the two terms that describe this character.
Round and Static
During a baseball game, Tanner tried to tag a player leaving first base. When the umpire called the player out, Tanner immediately informed the umpire that he in fact did not tag the runner. Two weeks later, the very same umpire was at another one of Tanner’s baseball games. Tanner was playing short stop and tagged a runner as they approached third base. When the umpire called the player safe, Tanner didn’t say a word, but the umpire noticed the surprised look on Tanner’s face. “Did you tag the runner?” she asked Tanner. When Tanner told her that he did tag the runner, the umpire changed her decision and called the player out. The coaches and parents were furious, but the umpire stood by her decision.
It pays to be honest.
What is the main idea of the follwing passage?
Weather reporters have to give out a lot of information very quickly. That's why they use pictures! The pictures help them tell us about the weather without using so many words. Weather reporters need to know where the cold air is. They need to know where the warm air is. Their reports need to be correct, but they also need to be short. The pictures help weather reporters get the information out in a fast way.
Weather reporters use pictures to help them get their point across.
What type of conflict is presented in the following passage?
In a school where conformity is enforced through strict dress codes and rigid social norms, Maya rebels against the status quo by expressing herself through her unique fashion sense. Despite facing ridicule and backlash from peers and teachers, she refuses to conform to society's expectations. With the support of a few courageous allies, Maya leads a fashion revolution that challenges the school's outdated policies and celebrates individuality.
Man vs. Society
Revise the sentence below, adding quotation marks and other punctuation where necessary.
Maya shouted It's not fair that we have to go home already
Maya shouted, "It's not fair that we have to go home already!"