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Retelling a Story - Printable ELA Worksheets kindergarten - Wayground

Retelling a Story

Taylor Monique

Created by Taylor Monique

8 questions

3rd Grade

ELA

Updated Aug 2026

Retelling a Story is a Grade 3 English worksheet that helps students identify the key parts of a narrative. Its eight multiple-choice questions cover characters, setting, a character’s problem, the beginning-middle-end sequence, and the meaning of summary. Students also evaluate true-or-false statements about story structure, reinforcing that a story includes more than just its beginning and ending. This free printable worksheet is designed for guided instruction, independent review, or a quick formative check after reading a story. By selecting definitions and distinguishing related story elements, students build the vocabulary and sequencing knowledge needed to retell a story accurately in their own words. A complete answer key is included for efficient checking and feedback.

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Retelling a Story

Total questions: 8

Name
Class
Date
1.
Who are the characters in a story?
a)
The people or animals who act out the story
b)
The time and place 
c)
Only the people
2.
What is the setting of the story?
a)
The middle of the story.
b)
The time and place a story takes place.
c)
The people in the story.
3.
What is a problem of a story?
a)
The solution
b)
The ending
c)
The struggle a character is having
4.

What words are in order?

a)

Last, First, Middle

b)

First, Middle, Beginning

c)

Beginning, Middle, End

5.
What is the setting of the story?
a)
The middle of the story.
b)
The time and place a story takes place.
c)
The people in the story.
6.
A short retelling of a story in your own words. 
a)
Plot
b)
Narrative
c)
Exposition
d)
Summary
7.

We only tell the beginning and end of the story.

a)

true

b)

false

8.

A story has a beginning, middle and end.

a)

true

b)

false

WaygroundAnswer Key

Retelling a Story

Total questions: 8

1.
a) The people or animals who act out the story
2.
b) The time and place a story takes place.
3.
c) The struggle a character is having
4.
c)

Beginning, Middle, End

5.
b) The time and place a story takes place.
6.
d) Summary
7.
b)

false

8.
a)

true

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FAQs

What does the Retelling a Story worksheet cover?

This Grade 3 worksheet uses eight multiple-choice questions to assess students’ understanding of characters, setting, a character’s problem, story sequence, and summary. It builds retelling skills by having students identify narrative elements, recognize the beginning-middle-end structure, and distinguish a short retelling in their own words from related terms such as plot, narrative, and exposition.

How can I use this worksheet to teach students how to retell a story?

Before students complete the questions, read a short story together and ask them to name the characters, setting, problem, and events in the beginning, middle, and end. Use their responses to model how these elements support a summary, then have students complete the multiple-choice items and explain why each answer fits. The true-or-false questions can prompt a final discussion about why a retelling needs more than only the beginning and ending.

What mistakes should I watch for when students complete this worksheet?

Students may confuse the setting with the characters, or identify the story’s solution or ending instead of the character’s problem. They may also select an incorrect event order rather than “Beginning, Middle, End,” or confuse summary with plot, narrative, or exposition. Watch the final true-or-false items closely, since students must recognize both that a story has a beginning, middle, and end and that a retelling should not include only the beginning and ending.

How do I assign and grade the Retelling a Story worksheet?

You can assign this worksheet as a printable PDF or as a digital quiz on Wayground. It includes a complete answer key for checking the eight multiple-choice responses, and printable submissions can be graded by scanning student work with the Wayground for Teachers app. The printable format also gives schools an option for reducing screen time.

How can I differentiate this worksheet for my students?

In the worksheet’s Advanced Settings, adjust font spacing or font size to make the multiple-choice definitions and true-or-false statements easier to read. You can also enable a dyslexia-friendly font or translate the worksheet into another language when that better supports access to the story-element vocabulary.

Where can I find more worksheets like this on Wayground?

Wayground offers a comprehensive collection of free printable worksheets and practice problems across all subjects, with downloadable PDFs and answer keys to help students master essential skills and concepts. Browse more resources at https://wayground.com/en-us/worksheets.

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