Plot Structure
The beginning of a story where the characters, setting, and basic situation are introduced.
What is Exposition
A comparison between two unlike things using the words like or as.
What is a Simile
What are the three main reasons an author writes?
To inform, to persuade, or to entertain.
What are the three main parts of an essay?
Introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion
I bought apples oranges bananas and grapes at the store.
I bought apples, oranges, bananas, and grapes at the store.
The events that build tension and lead up to the climax; conflicts and complications start to appear.
What is Rising Action
A direct comparison between two unlike things.
What is a Metaphor?
The author explains how volcanoes form and describes recent eruptions around the world.
What is the author’s purpose?
To Inform
What is the most important sentence in your essay that tells what your main idea or claim is?
Thesis Statement
I wanted to go to the movies but it started raining.
I wanted to go to the movies, but it started raining.
The turning point or the moment of greatest suspense when the main conflict reaches its peak.
What is Climax
Giving human qualities or actions to nonhuman things or objects.
What is Personification
The author argues that schools should start later to help students get more sleep.
What is the author’s purpose?
To Persuade
How many main reasons or ideas should you have to support your thesis in a short essay?
At least two (2)
After the long game we went out for pizza.
After the long game, we went out for pizza.
The events that happen after the climax, showing how the conflict begins to resolve.
What is Falling Action
An extreme exaggeration used to make a point or create humor.
What is a Hyperbole
The story follows a young detective solving a mystery about a missing dog.
What is the author’s purpose?
To Entertain
What should you include in the conclusion of your essay?
Restate your thesis and summarize your main points
My sister who lives in Dallas is coming to visit this weekend.
My sister, who lives in Dallas, is coming to visit this weekend.
The end of the story where loose ends are tied up and the conflict is resolved or explained.
What is Resolution
The repetition of the same beginning sound in two or more nearby words.
What is Alliteration
The author shares a true story about rescuing animals after a flood and encourages readers to volunteer at shelters.
What is the author’s purpose?
To inform and persuade
What do you need to include in your body paragraphs to support your reasons?
Text Evidence
The book which was written in 1920 is still popular today.
The book, which was written in 1920, is still popular today.