Flash Fiction Genre Questions

A story needs _____ in order to be a story.

Answer explanation

A story needs a plot in order to be a story. The plot provides the structure and sequence of events that drive the narrative forward, making it essential for storytelling.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4

Is it possible to tell a story in ten words or less?

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

Yes, a story can be conveyed succinctly in ten words or less, capturing essential elements like characters, conflict, and resolution. This is called Flash Fiction.

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.10

CCSS.RI.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

Can you guess which books are summarised below?

Boy starts new school, looks in mirror, saves the day.​ ​ ​ (a)  

Government kills children for entertainment – toppled by moody archer.​ ​ ​ (b)  

Girl must choose between two loves – centenarian or dog. ​ ​ (c)  

• Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
• The Hunger Games
• Twilight
• The Jungle Book
• Pride and Prejudice
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Answer explanation

Stories can be summarized in ten words or less. For example, 'A boy discovers he is a wizard' summarizes 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone'. Each summary captures the essence of the book succinctly.

1. a. The Hunger Games

2. b. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

3. c. Twilight

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

• Listen to a reading of Rosie Bridge’s heartbreaking flash fiction narrative, ‘Luke’. ​

• Does this story ‘meet the brief’ for flash fiction?

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

The story meets the brief for flash fiction as it is concise, engaging, and effectively conveys a complete narrative within a limited word count, fulfilling the essential criteria of the genre.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4

Does 'Luke' start in the action (in media res)?

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

The answer is 'yes,' because the action typically begins with an immediate event or conflict, drawing the audience into the story right from the start.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Does it give a sense of how Luke got into this mess?

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

The narrative provides context and insight into the circumstances that led to the current situation (Luke went riding his bike alone) so it indeed gives a sense of how he got into this mess. Therefore, the correct answer is 'yes.'

Tags

CCSS.RI.1.1

CCSS.RI.2.1

CCSS.RI.3.1

CCSS.RL.2.1

CCSS.RL.3.1

The problem is _____

• Luke's parents are on holidays

• Luke's phone is broken

• Luke cannot reach his parents for help

• There is no signal at the farm

Answer explanation

The phrases "It rang and rang, with no response," and "he listened to the tone, counting every time it rang..." indicate that Luke is unable to contact his parents during the emergency.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.3

CCSS.RI.6.3

CCSS.RI.7.3

CCSS.RI.8.3

CCSS.RI.9-10.3

The conflict is resolved/overcome by...

• Luke's mum arrives home; she answers the phone

• Luke falls unconscious

• Luke's mum gets home; the phone stops ringing

• Luke dies

Answer explanation

The term 'resolution' refers to the way a problem is solved or overcome; the ending of the narrative. In this case, Luke's mother arrives home just as the phone stops ringing.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4

The story suggests that _____ might happen next.

• a miracle

• a tragedy

• a surprise

• a problem

Answer explanation

The story hints at the likelihood of a tragedy - Luke's possible death - occurring next, suggesting a twist that could change the direction of the narrative.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Reorder the following

• Sizzling Start​

• Climax​

• Complication

• Orientation

• Resolution

Answer explanation

The correct order of the narrative structure is: sizzling start, orientation, complication, climax, resolution.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.5.7

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.6.9