ELA Skills Test Vocabulary

Front

Exposition

Back

The introduction to the setting and characters of the story.

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.5

Front

Inciting Incident

Back

The problem or conflict that propels the story forward. Sometimes referred to as the conflict.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.4D

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

Front

Rising Action

Back

The events of the story that follow the conflict, or hook, leading up to the climax.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.4D

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

Front

Climax

Back

The turning point or twist of the story, often the most suspenseful and exciting part of the plot.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.4D

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

Front

Falling Action

Back

The events that unfold after the suspense of the climax, where problems begin to be solved.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.4D

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

Front

Resolution

Back

The end of the story.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.4D

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

Front

Lead

Back

    "The Lead" is the beginning of a news article. This section includes the main idea, or the author's overall message. The opening paragraph or two answers the 5 W's and 1 H: Who? What? Where? When? Why? How?

Tags

CCSS.L.6.6

CCSS.L.7.6

CCSS.W.5.2D

CCSS.W.6.2D

CCSS.W.7.2D

Front

Body

Back

·   "The Body" contains additional information, like the background, the argument or story, more specific details, quotes, support data, and other helpful information.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.6

CCSS.L.7.6

CCSS.RI.5.4

CCSS.W.5.2D

CCSS.W.6.2D

Front

The Tail

Back

   "The Tail" comes at the end. This part includes other interesting or related information but is not crucial to understanding the main point of the article.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.6

CCSS.L.7.6

CCSS.W.5.2D

CCSS.W.6.2D

CCSS.W.7.2D