Story Elements

Which of the following best defines the term "plot" in a story?

• The main idea or message conveyed by the author.

• The sequence of events that make up a story.

• The central character around whom the story revolves.

• The struggle between opposing forces in a story.

Answer explanation

A plot is the sequence of events that make up a story, whether it’s told, written, filmed, or sung. The plot is the story, and more specifically, how the story develops, unfolds, and moves in time.

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CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.5.5

 What is the purpose of the exposition in a story?

• To introduce the main characters and setting

•    To create suspense and build tension

• To resolve the conflict and bring closure

• To convey the theme or moral of the story

Answer explanation

This is the beginning of the story where you get all of your background information.

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CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.4

Which of the following is an example of external conflict?

• A character struggling with their own fears and doubts

• A character facing societal expectations and norms

• A character dealing with their own internal thoughts

• A character battling against a natural disaster

Answer explanation

This is man vs. nature. An external conflict is a problem, antagonism, or struggle that takes place between a character and an outside force.

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CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

What is the role of the protagonist in a story?

• To create obstacles and challenges for the antagonist

•  To provide comic relief and entertain the readers

• To support and assist the other characters in the story

• To drive the plot and be the central character of the story

Answer explanation

Protagonist (pronounced  pro-TAG-oh-nist) is just another word for "main character". The story rcircles around this character’s experiences, and the audience is invited to see the world from his or her perspective.

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CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

Which of the following is an example of a theme in a story?

• Love conquers all

• The protagonist's name

• The setting of the story

• The protagonist's physical appearance

Answer explanation

The theme is the main message, lesson or moral of the story. It must be universal. (Do not use names, places, dates, etc.)

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CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

What is the main purpose of the rising action in a story?

• To introduce the main conflict and set the stage for the story

• To provide background information about the protagonist

• To build suspense and develop the plot

• To bring the story to a satisfying conclusion

Answer explanation

Rising action in literature refers to all the events that happen in a story on the way to the climax. The rising action pushes the plot along, building tension to keep the reader invested in the story as it moves forward. It is the second stage in the plot, after the exposition.

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CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.5.5

Which of the following is an example of an internal conflict?

• A character struggling with a bully at school

• A character trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic world

• A character torn between two difficult choices

• A character facing a natural disaster

Answer explanation

An internal conflict occurs when a character in literature experiences tension within themselves (man vs. self).

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CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

What is the climax of a story?

• The resolution of the conflict

• The point of highest tension or drama

• The introduction of the main characters

• The conclusion of the story

Answer explanation

The climax is the highest point of tension or drama in a narrative's plot. Often, climax is also when the main problem of the story is faced and solved by the main character or protagonist.

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CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.5.7

CCSS.RL.6.9

 What is the purpose of the falling action in a story?

•  To introduce the main conflict and set the stage for the story

• To provide background information about the protagonist

•  To build suspense and develop the plot

•    C) To provide closure and wrap up loose ends

Answer explanation

A story's falling action is the action that occurs immediately after the big climax has taken place and the action shifts towards resolution.

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CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.5.5

Which of the following best describes the resolution of a story?

• The introduction of the main conflict

• The point of highest tension or drama

• The final outcome or solution to the conflict

• The events leading up to the climax

Answer explanation

The resolution, also known as the denouement, is the conclusion of the story’s plot.

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CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.5.7

CCSS.RL.6.9