Unit 1 (1.1.8b) Analyze the Shape of a Story

1b. Which question would most likely be answered by reading the exposition

• A. What conflicts are likely to happen with these characters?

• B. How would this story be different if it were set in a different time?

• C. How would I resolve the main character's problem if I were the writer?

• D. How has the author's life affected what he or she is writing?

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2b. Read this excerpt from the exposition in "The Monkey's Paw".

"Without, the night was cold and wet, but the small parlor of Lakesnam Villa blinds were drawn and the fire burned brightly."

What is one piece of information you can infer about the story from this sentence?

• A. The house has a name, so it probably knows how to speak and make decisions.

• B. The parlor of the house is small, so the characters are probably desperately poor.

• C. The weather is cold and wet, so the story is likey to be a comedy with a happy ending.

• D. There is a fire burning to heat and light a house, so the story is likely set in the past.

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CCSS.RL.8.3

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3b. Why do authors create tension in a story?

• A. To move the reader toward the climax of the story

• B. To introduce the characters in the story and describe where the story takes place

• C. To reveal the author's personal bias and opinion

• D. To neatly tie up loose ends at the story's close

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4b. Which detail from "The Monkey's Paw" is an example of conflict?

• A. The night the story begins the weather outside is cold and wet.

• B. When all of Mr. White's wishes are gone, he is worse off than before.

• C. Mr. White comments that he would enjoy making a trip to India.

• D. Mr. White feels uncomfortable when his son Herbert outsmarts him.

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5b. What would be an example of foreshadowing in a story about a magician who ends up going bad from too much power?

• A. The narrator explains exactly when and how the magician will go bad in the first sentence of the story.

• B. The author shows that the magician feels internal conflict about his own reactions to the power of magic.

• C. The author begins the story on a bright, sunny day that seems perfect and beautiful.

• D. The first time one of the magician's tricks goes wrong, he is more excited by the spectacle than he is upset by the damage.

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CCSS.RL.8.3

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6b. Which detail is an example of internal conflict in "The Monkey's Paw"?

• A. Mr. White has doubt about making another wish on the monkey's paw after his son is killed.

• B. Herbert and his father discuss whether to make a first wish on the monkey's paw.

• C. Mr. White tries to make a final wish on the monkey's paw before his wife opens the door.

• D. Herbert White gets caught in a piece of machinery at work and is killed.

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CCSS.RL.8.3

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7b. Which event most clearly belongs to the falling action of "The Monkey's Paw"?

• A. The knocking on the door stops suddenly.

• B. Mr. White wishes his son back from the dead.

• C. Herbert teases his father for buying the monkey's paw.

• D. Mr. White is sorry he ever saw the monkey's paw.

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8b. What effect can changing the pacing of a story have?

• A. Changing the pacing can resolve the conflict earlier.

• B. Changing the pacing can make the story more believable.

• C. Changing the pacing can add more dialogue.

• D. Changing the pacing can build tension and suspense.

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CCSS.RL.8.3

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9b. What usually takes place during the climax of a story?

• A. A character makes a decision or realization.

• B. The main character's central conflict is introduced.

• C. The author ties up any loose ends in the story.

• D. A character is introduced, and the setting is established.

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10b. Which detail from "The Monkey's Paw" most clearly helps create tension

• A. Mrs. White knits peacefully while her husband and son play chess.

• B. Mr. White knows he can never have another with granted by the paw.

• C. The White family listens happily while Mr. Morris tells stories.

• D. The fakir predicts that anyone who meddles with fate will be sorry.

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