The Beats
This beat visually establishes the tone, world, and main character’s “normal” before the story truly begins.
What is The Opening Image?
I describe those around you, or more closely, the years in which you were born and the things that make ya'll... well, ya'll.
What is a generation?
I was phoned into existence and made available for public purchase by Steve Jobs in what year?
What is 2007?
Blue or white, but either way, you must have me if you're late.
What is a tardy slip?
I am not perfect, but I am essential to making progress. Without me, the final means nothing.
What is the rough draft?
This beat is the incident or situation that disrupts the protagonist’s life and forces the story into motion.
What is the Catalyst?
What is culture?
I am the scientific theory that explains the origin of the universe. You might also know me as a TV show.
What is The Big Bang Theory?
Teachers use this to communicate with all students, even though students act like this resource is a never-before-seen invention.
What is Schoology?
This number doesn't mean you're stupid. If you get caught using AI, though, it just means you made a stupid decision.
What is an automatic zero?
In this beat, the protagonist questions whether to move forward, often wrestling with fear, doubt, or stakes.
What is the Debate?
It's not a bend or break, but it's another movement, often coming in the third act of every Twilight Zone episode.
What is a twist?
We were originally known as "Blue Ribbon Sports."
What is Nike?
Within me hangs your soul and everything that you value. You itch to pull my insides out. I am the thing that is mandatory for all.
What are the phone pockets?
I am powerful like the Holy Trinity, the Mythological Fates, and the Little Piggies. Some of you rely on me too heavily, and it shows.
What is the three-day work extension?
This central beat often marks a false victory or false defeat and shifts the story in a new direction.
What is the Midpoint?
You are this at lunch, and combined with what comes after the evidence in your Falcon Paragraph, you get this type of discussion.
What is social commentary?
I am the German military strategy of rapid, overwhelming attacks?
What is Blitzkrieg?
Your addiction contraption is always ready to go. However, the thing you need to succeed in class rarely is prepared because you don't do this.
What is charging my Chromebook?
It happens three times a week and could be very helpful for some of you. However, Mr. Frantz is beginning to think you believe it's a myth or a fairy tale.
What is tutoring?
This beat represents the death of someone or something that the protagonist loves.
What is the All is Lost beat?
Creator. God. Writer. I am all of these for The Twilight Zone.
Who is Rod Serling?
I am the grainy, sometimes chalky, legume that forms the foundation of hummus.
What is a garbanzo bean / chickpea?
For some, it's foundational and makes up their identity, but in class, you're going to get busted if you're seen with this.
What is using or applying makeup?
You may not think it's distracting, or "everybody does it." Heck, some of you will say, "Sorry, mister," and then do it again within thirty seconds. However, it makes you sound uneducated, and it needs to stay out of the classroom.
What is swearing / profanity?