Plot Structure
The first chapter of a story introduces the setting and main character. Which part of the plot diagram is this?
Exposition — introduces background, sets up conflict.
A scary scene in a haunted house builds suspense. How does it fit the story’s structure?
Adds rising action.
In 1914, the first traffic light was installed in Cleveland, Ohio. By the 1920s, electric signals became more common in big cities. In the 1950s, yellow lights were added to warn drivers to slow down. Today, traffic lights are used all around the world to control busy streets.
Chronological Order — events told in time order.
At the end of a story, the main character finally figures stuff out. How does that ending show the lesson the story is teaching?
The resolution shows what the character learned.
At the start of a Batman story, the author shows Gotham City and Bruce Wayne’s backstory. How is that like the introduction of a nonfiction article?
Both set up the main problem or idea so the reader knows what’s coming.
A chapter shows the main character facing small challenges before the climax. What part is this?
Rising Action — builds suspense and moves story toward climax.
A scene shows the character apologizing to a friend. Where does it fit?
Falling Action — begins to resolve conflict.
Every year, tons of food are wasted because people throw away leftovers. This creates a problem for landfills, which fill up quickly. One solution is composting, which turns leftover food into healthy soil. Another solution is donating extra food to shelters and food banks.
Problem & Solution — identifies a problem and gives fixes.
At the end of an article, the author basically says, “Here’s the big idea again.” Why do they do that?
To remind readers of the main idea so they don’t forget it.
At the end of a Spider-Man comic, he saves the day and learns about responsibility. How is that like the conclusion of an article?
Both wrap things up and leave the reader with a clear message.
A scene shows the biggest conflict or turning point. What part is this?
Climax — the major turning point.
A stanza repeats: “True friends never leave.” What does this contribute?
Reinforces the theme.
When a forest fire burns through an area, the trees and plants are destroyed. This leaves animals without food or shelter, forcing them to move to new habitats. In the long term, though, fires can help forests regrow by clearing space for new plants.
Cause & Effect — explains what happens and why.
Two friends are fighting in the middle of a story. How could that scene help teach a lesson about friendship?
It shows what the characters value, which connects to the theme.
In an Avengers movie, all the battles build up to the final showdown with the villain. How is that like a middle section in an article with lots of facts?
Both add important details that lead to the big idea/climax.
A chapter after the climax shows problems beginning to settle. What part is this?
Falling Action — events leading to resolution.
A play begins with stage directions showing a messy bedroom. How does this contribute?
Exposition — reveals setting/character.
Solar panels and wind turbines are both used to create clean energy. Solar panels work best in sunny areas, while wind turbines need open, windy spaces. Unlike solar panels, turbines take up more land. However, both reduce pollution and help protect the environment.
Compare & Contrast — shows similarities and differences.
An article says, “Here’s the problem… now here’s how to fix it.” How does that setup help the author get the point across?
It makes the big idea clear by showing the issue and the solution.
In Black Panther, the big fight between T’Challa and Killmonger is the climax. How is that like a key turning point in a history article?
Both are the biggest moments that change everything.
The final chapter shows the conflict solved and what the character learned. What part is this?
Resolution — provides closure, reveals theme.
A flashback explains why the character fears storms. What does it add?
Deepens character + explains conflict.
The Amazon rainforest is hot and humid, with temperatures averaging 80 degrees year-round. Giant trees stretch toward the sky, their leaves forming a thick canopy that blocks much of the sunlight. Brightly colored parrots and noisy monkeys move through the branches, while jaguars prowl on the forest floor.
Description — gives detailed sensory information.
Stories have a plot diagram. Articles have text structures. How do these “blueprints” help you figure out the message or lesson?
They organize events and details so the theme or main idea makes sense.
Superhero comics have plot diagrams. Articles about superheroes have text structures. How are story structure and article structure alike, and how are they different?
Both organize ideas, but stories use exposition/rising action/climax, while articles use cause/effect, problem/solution, etc.