Exploring the Elements of a Plot Line

Miss Trifles introduces sixth graders to the parts of a plot line, using a composition notebook and colored markers. The lesson covers the five parts of a plot: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Each part is explained in detail, with emphasis on how they contribute to the development of a story. The exposition introduces characters, setting, and conflict, while the rising action builds tension. The climax is the turning point, followed by falling action where conflicts resolve, and resolution that ties up loose ends. The lesson aims to help students list and define these plot elements.

What materials are needed for today's lesson?

• A laptop, a pen, and a highlighter

• A composition notebook, a black marker, and five colored markers

• A notebook, a blue marker, and three colored markers

• A textbook, a pencil, and an eraser

How should the notebook be positioned for the lesson?

• Horizontally with the red margin on the bottom

• Vertically with the red margin on the right

• Horizontally with the red margin on top

• Vertically with the red margin on the left

What is the learning target for today's lesson?

• I can list and define the parts of a plot

• I can write a short story

• I can identify the main characters in a story

• I can describe the setting of a story

What is the first part of a plot line called?

• Resolution

• Rising action

• Exposition

• Climax

Which part of the plot line is the longest?

• Exposition

• Rising action

• Climax

• Resolution

What does the exposition introduce in a story?

• The falling action

• The characters, setting, and conflict

• The climax

• The resolution

What is the inciting incident?

• The most exciting part of the plot

• The resolution of the story

• The final event in the story

• A scene that hooks the reader and introduces the conflict

What happens during the rising action?

• The conflict is introduced

• The conflict becomes more difficult

• The conflict is resolved

• The story ends

What is the climax of a story?

• The conclusion of the story

• The resolution of the conflict

• The turning point and most exciting part of the plot

• The introduction of the characters

What does the resolution do in a story?

• Describes the setting

• Introduces the main characters

• Shows how the conflict is resolved and ties up loose ends

• Presents the inciting incident