Elements of Short Story Quiz

Most stories have a beginning, middle and end.

• True

• False

Which element of a short story refers to the time and place in which the story takes place?

• character

• plot

• theme

• setting

What is the point of view in a short story?

• Narrative

• Theme

• Plot

• Perspective

What is the underlying message or main idea of a short story called?

• plot

• character

• theme

• setting

Which element of a short story involves the struggle between opposing forces?

• setting

• theme

• resolution

• conflict

What is the correct order of events in the plot structure of a short story?

• resolution, falling action, climax, rising action, exposition

• exposition, climax, rising action, falling action, resolution

• exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution

• rising action, climax, falling action, resolution, exposition

The dew on the grass made my running shoes damp. It didn't bother me. The sound of my feet hitting the street formed a rhythm, a steady pattern of light thumps. I timed my breathing with the rhythm. These sounds filled my head. I thought of nothing other than the next step and keeping my tempo. I soared over the sidewalks like concrete clouds.

In whose perspective is this story being told?

• First Person

• Second Person

• Third Person

• None of the above

Alex shut the lid to his laptop with a loud clap. Some of the people sitting at the tables near him looked up from their books and gave him annoyed looks. Alex realized that he had disturbed them and held up his hand apologetically. The librarian turned toward him and shushed him loudly, perhaps louder than the noise that he had made. Alex put the laptop in his bag and began walking toward the door. He held his head down low.

Where is the story taking place?

• Snack shop

• Library

• at an Office

• School's cafeteria

Barry liked playing board games, but he hated losing. He hated losing so much that he would do whatever it took to win, even bending or breaking the rules. He'd steal money from the bank and hide it under the couch cushions. He'd skip spaces while he was moving around the board. They tried to tell Barry to stop cheating. They said that the game wasn't any fun when he cheated, but he didn't listen. He continued with his treacherous style of gameplay, until nobody would play with him anymore. Barry may have won a lot of games, but at what cost?

• Wining is the name of the game.

• Cheaters never prosper.

• Honesty is the best policy.

• Obey the rules of the game.

The birds were chirping and the sun was shining. Kevin and Jaylene were sitting on a park bench together. Neither of them was smiling. After a long period of silence, Kevin said, "This isn't going to work. I mean, you're a dog person and I'm a cat person." Jaylene nodded. A tear rolled down her face. Kevin went on, "If we got married and bought a house, what kind of pet would we get? Some kind of cat-dog? Somebody's going to be unhappy." Jaylene began sobbing and said, "Ok, let's just end it now. Have fun with your slobbery dogs." She jumped off the bench and ran into the woods.

In whose perspective is this story being told?

• First Person

• Second Person

• Third Person

• Jaylene's perspective