Story Retell
Comparing (s)
Contrasting (d)
100

A student discovers their best friend has been taking credit for their group project work. After confronting them, they decide to complete the final part alone to prove their independence. 

Retell the story in your own words, including the main conflict and resolution.

The student’s friend took credit for their work, they confronted them, and chose to finish the project alone to show independence.

100

In two short stories, both protagonists face failure. One gives up, while the other tries again. 

How are the characters similar?

Both experience failure and struggle with disappointment.

100

In one story, the character blames others for their mistakes; in another, the character accepts responsibility. 

How are these characters different?

One avoids accountability, while the other shows maturity and self-awareness.

200

A teenager volunteers at a local shelter and realizes how privileged their life is compared to others. They decide to continue volunteering every weekend. 

 What important lesson does the character learn?

They learn empathy and the value of helping others.

200

In one novel, the main character hides their emotions; in another, the main character expresses them openly. 

What do both characters have in common?

 Both deal  emotions and search for  ways to cope.

200

One character lies to protect themselves, while another tells the truth even when it’s risky. 

What does this contrast reveal about their personalities?

One is selfish or fearful, while the other is honest and courageous.

300

After losing an important debate competition, a student initially blames their teammates for the loss. Over time, they replay the event in their mind and realize they were unprepared and overconfident. The student apologizes to their teammates and offers to help them train for the next round, determined to improve.

What is the turning point of this story, and how does the main character change?
 

The turning point occurs when the student takes responsibility for the loss. They shift from being defensive and proud to humble and collaborative, showing personal growth and accountability.

300

Two characters, one a student athlete, the other a musician, both strive to reach excellence in their fields. Despite different talents, they each dedicate countless hours to practice, face setbacks, and must balance their personal lives with their goals.

What major quality connects these two characters?

Both are disciplined and motivated individuals who value growth and hard work. Their dedication to improvement, despite obstacles, shows a shared determination to succeed.

300

In one story, a character seeks revenge after being betrayed, while another chooses forgiveness and moves forward. The first remains bitter and isolated, while the second rebuilds their life with new friendships and opportunities. 

What do their actions reveal about their values and emotional maturity?

The vengeful character values pride and control but stays stuck in anger, while the forgiving character values peace and growth. The contrast shows how emotional choices can shape a person’s future.

400

A young writer enters a national contest and receives harsh criticism from the judges. At first, they feel discouraged and embarrassed, but after re-reading the feedback, they realize it offers valuable advice. The writer decides to revise their work, submit it to smaller publications, and later wins recognition for their creativity.

Explain how the character develops resilience throughout the story.
 

The writer transforms rejection into motivation by viewing criticism as a chance to grow. Their resilience shows through perseverance, openness to feedback, and commitment to improving their craft.

400

In two novels, the protagonists are forced to lead others during times of conflict. One character becomes a reluctant leader who learns through mistakes, while the other steps up confidently and earns respect immediately. Though their journeys differ, both characters experience pressure, fear, and the responsibility of guiding others through challenges

 What deeper similarity do both characters share?

Both develop leadership skills through adversity. They learn that true leadership isn’t about authority but about courage, empathy, and the ability to unite people in difficult circumstances.

400

Two characters experience the loss of a loved one in very different ways. One isolates themselves and avoids others, while the other channels their pain into helping people who are grieving. 

How do these reactions highlight their personality differences?

The first character internalizes pain and becomes distant, while the second shows empathy and resilience. Their contrasting coping styles reveal one as emotionally withdrawn and the other as compassionate and proactive.

500

A student who has always been terrified of public speaking volunteers to represent their class in a school-wide competition. In the weeks leading up to the event, they practice every night, record themselves to track progress, and seek advice from a teacher. When the day arrives, their voice trembles at first, but as they continue, their confidence grows and the audience applauds their message about overcoming fear.


Summarize the story and explain how the character changes from beginning to end.
 

The student begins anxious and self-doubting but gradually builds courage through practice and persistence. By the end, they transform fear into confidence, learning that preparation and self-belief can conquer anxiety.

500

In a classic novel and a modern film, the main characters come from different social classes but both face the struggle of meeting family expectations while pursuing personal dreams. One character desires freedom from tradition, while the other wants to prove that success can be achieved without wealth or privilege. 

How are their experiences and motivations alike?

Both characters wrestle with identity, ambition, and societal pressure. They share the internal conflict of balancing personal fulfillment with the desire to make their families proud, revealing a common human struggle across generations.

500

In one novel, the hero risks everything to stand up for justice, while the antagonist manipulates others for personal power. The hero’s strength lies in integrity and sacrifice, while the antagonist thrives on deceit and ambition. 

Explain how this contrast deepens the story’s central theme.

The opposing motivations of the hero and villain highlight the moral conflict between selflessness and greed. Their contrast underscores the idea that true strength is measured by integrity, not dominance.