"The Fish Story" - Plot Elements Quiz

The conflict, or problem, begins when Ernie -

• forgets to feed jaws

• mows over ten tomato plants

• finds Jaws floating on top of the water

• meets the Bensons when they return from vacation

What event happens first in the story?

• Ernie has a nightmare about the shark from the movie Jaws.

• Ernie runs to the pet store to buy a new fish.

• Ernie learns how the fish got his name.

• The Bensons go away for their vacation.

The setting of the story is -

• The Bensons' vacation home.

• a neighborhood

• a fishing village

• a local pet story

In the climax, or turning point, of the story -

• Ernie goes downstairs to see Mrs. Benson and "face the music".

• the new fish stares at Ernie

• Ernie dreams about "the shark form Jaws"

• the weeds Ernie pulled up "turned out to be flowers"

After Ernie buys the fish, he faces a new conflict because -

• he feels guilty about replacing Jaws

• the new fish doesn't look like Jaws

• he is sorry he took the job at the Bensons

• he wants to keep the new fish for himself

In the beginning of the story, the reader learns that Ernie -

• does not want to work when he grows up

• has messed up several jobs

• would like to go on a vacation

• loves to take care of fish

Which conflict below is an example of an internal conflict from the story?

• Ernie pulls the flowers thinking they are weeds.

• Jaws is floating on top of the water.

• Ernie feels guilty about replacing Jaws with another fish.

• Ernie forgets to feed the fish

What time of year does the story take place?

• Fall

• Spring

• Summer

• Winter

You can infer that Mrs. Benson dreads telling the twins that the goldfish died because they might -

• refuse to believe her

• figure it out for themselves

• get upset about the news

• blame Ernie for its death

When does Ernie run to the pet store?

• when he sees the Bensons returning

• The day before the Bensons return

• As soon as he finds Jaws dead

• After Mrs. Benson pays him