Narrative Short Story Quiz

What should the beginning paragraph of a good narrative short story include to make it entertaining?

• A) A thought or wonder, action, sound, and feeling of the character

• B) A detailed description of the setting

• C) A dialogue between characters

• D) A summary of the story

Answer explanation

The beginning paragraph of a good narrative short story should include a thought or wonder, action, sound, and feeling of the character to make it entertaining. This engages the reader and sets the tone for the story.

When describing a character in a narrative, which aspect is NOT typically included?

• A) Looks

• B) Personality

• C) Favorite food

• D) Age, gender, culture

Answer explanation

The aspect NOT typically included when describing a character in a narrative is their favorite food. Looks, personality, age, gender, and culture are commonly described.

What literary technique is suggested to build suspense in a narrative?

• A) Magic of three

• B) Detailed backstory

• C) Flashbacks

• D) Direct explanation of events

Answer explanation

The correct answer is A) Magic of three. This literary technique involves grouping things in threes to create a pattern that is satisfying to the reader, thus building suspense in a narrative.

According to the outline, how do movies typically build suspense differently than narrative stories?

• A) Using detailed descriptions

• B) With music

• C) Through character dialogue

• D) By describing settings in detail

Answer explanation

Movies typically build suspense differently than narrative stories by using music to create tension and anticipation in the audience.

What is considered the MOST important part of the story that you need to know before you start writing?

• The character's final decision

• The main problem the character is facing

• The setting of the story

• The character's feelings at the end

Answer explanation

The main problem the character is facing is considered the MOST important part of the story as it sets the foundation for the plot and drives the narrative forward.

According to the text, what should you limit in your story to avoid messiness?

• Descriptions of settings

• Dialogue

• Thoughts and feelings

• Actions of the character

Answer explanation

Dialogue should be limited in your story to avoid messiness, according to the text.

What should be included in the last paragraph of your story?

• A summary of the story

• A detailed description of the main character

• A memory, feeling, wish, or decision related to the story

• An introduction to a new character

Answer explanation

The last paragraph of the story should include a memory, feeling, wish, or decision related to the story, tying up loose ends and providing closure.

Which narrative perspective is recommended to keep consistent throughout the story?

• Third person limited

• First or second person

• Third person omniscient

• Alternating perspectives

Answer explanation

First or second person is recommended to keep consistent throughout the story to maintain a clear and direct narrative perspective.

What is the setting?

• The time and place the story occurs

• The exposition

• The characters in the story

• The problem in the story

Answer explanation

The setting refers to the time and place the story occurs, which establishes the background for the events in the narrative.

Conflict is...

• when a character does something bad

• when there is tension or disagreement between two or more opposing forces

• when the main character dies

• when there is a solution to a problem that existed between two or more opposing forces

Answer explanation

Conflict is when there is tension or disagreement between two or more opposing forces.