Topics Found in Stories

​Plot and Theme Lesson

Plot :

The series of events that make up the action in the story

• Events often occur in separate scenes that have their beginnings, middles, and ends. The scenes help to explain the conflicts that the characters face in the story.

• The conflicts build until they reach the climax of the story or the greatest point of tension.

• As tension decreases, the resolution unfolds and the story ends.

Multiple Choice

What happens as tension decreases in a story?

• The climax begins and the action ends

• The exposition ends and the story begins

• The resolution unfolds and the story ends

• The action starts and the falling action ends

Theme:

the central message, or insight about life

• ​Unlike a topic, which can be described in one word, a theme can be described in one sentence.

• Example:

  • Topic: Technology

  • Theme: Changes in technology cause changes in ways of life.

Universal Theme:

is an idea that can apply to anyone regardless of cultural differences or geographic location

• It's these themes and ideas that unite us as humans – the kinds of things people can all say 'me too' about, which is one of the main reasons people love to read memoirs.

• Examples"

  • coming of age, loss of innocence, courage and honor, love and desire, and cause and effect.

Multiple Choice

Which one would be a theme?

• Love

• Trust is an important part of friendship.

• Courage and honor

• Bravery

Multiple Choice

Which one would be a universal theme?

• Always stay true to your word.

• Technology can change your sense of identity.

• Social media can keep us connected.

• Freedom always has a price.

Practice:

​Because Asha is my best friend, I agreed to let her use my car to run an errand. I told her I had to leave for work at 5:00. She promised to be back by then. At 5:15, she still had not returned. I was furious! Is this how she repays me for my kindness? Finally, at 5:30, she pulled into the driveway. "I'm sorry I'm late," she said. "I spent the whole afternoon at the tire shop. One of your tires has a nail in it, and it was going flat. Don't worry though. I had it fixed for you." I felt ashamed of myself for not trusting my friend. I called my boss and told her I'd be a little late because of car trouble.

What is the conflict in the story?
How do they deal with the conflict?

Multiple Choice

​Because Asha is my best friend, I agreed to let her use my car to run an errand. I told her I had to leave for work at 5:00. She promised to be back by then. At 5:15, she still had not returned. I was furious! Is this how she repays me for my kindness? Finally, at 5:30, she pulled into the driveway. "I'm sorry I'm late," she said. "I spent the whole afternoon at the tire shop. One of your tires has a nail in it, and it was going flat. Don't worry though. I had it fixed for you." I felt ashamed of myself for not trusting my friend. I called my boss and told her I'd be a little late because of car trouble.

What is the theme?

• Lending things to friends can be risky.

• Anger and kindness go hand-in-hand

• Trust is an important part of friendship.

• Always stay true to your word.

Joy and Heron Theme Lesson