______________ are longer works of fiction, usually more than 100 pages, or 50,000 words. Like short stories, they rely on the same basic elements of fiction. However, they usually have more characters, settings, and themes, as well as more complex plots.

The primary purpose of short stories and novels is to ________________ readers. However, writers also use their narratives to inform, to persuade, and to express thoughts and feelings.

Jonas sighed as he threw himself on his bed. Being a teenager was too hard these days, he thought. He wished he could have lived in another place, another time—anything not to have to deal with the social pressures of school.
What is the primary purpose in this passage?

The immigrant family huddled together in their one room with cracked windows and no heat. The smells from the adjoining room were almost too much to bear. Was this the land of opportunity they had dreamed of?
What is the primary purpose in this passage?

Kara spied the cheetah family in the distance. This is why she'd come to Namibia—to see these graceful cats! She could see the mother, her deep chest and narrow waist outlined against the sky. During her internship, she would learn much more about this threatened species.
What is the primary purpose in this passage?

__________ is the time and place of the unfolding action. In fiction,it can create a mood, or atmosphere, and sometimes even cause problems for the characters.
Examples:
• an old farm house • a carnival in the 1950s
• a dark alley in a futuristic city • a satellite circling Mars

___________ is the series of events in a story. It revolves around a conflict, or problem, that the main character faces.
Examples:
A rock climber goes on a dangerous expedition and fights for survival.
A girl uncovers a shocking secret about her friends.

_____ is the message about life or human nature that a writer wants to communicate.
Examples:
High school graduation is not an end, but a beginning.
True love is never easy.
Be careful whom you trust in life.

1933 may be the end of the line for our homestead. We've worked hard, trying to squeeze what we could out of this Oklahoma soil, but each year we get less and less. Folks out east blame us farmers. Say we destroyed the grasses that kept the soil in place. I say that years of drought haven't helped any. And those people out east were eager enough to take the crops we grew. President Roosevelt has promised to help, with his new Soil Conservation Service, but Helen and I think it may be too little, too late. We need to start thinking about heading west, like so many of our neighbors have.
What is the setting?

A plot usually revolves around a ____________, or a problem, that the main character must resolve.

An _________________ is a struggle between a character and an outside force, such as another character, society, or a force of nature.

An ______________ takes place within a character's heart and mind. The character often struggles with opposing needs, desires, or emotions.

A knight battles a fierce dragon.
Is this internal or external conflict?

A girl must survive after a plane crash leaves her stranded atop a mountain.
Is this internal or external conflict?

A boy has to choose between giving in to peer pressure and standing up to his beliefs.
Is this internal or external conflict?

_______ sets the scene for the story. It introduces the characters, the setting, and often the conflict. It also gives background information so that readers can understand the plot.

In the _______________ stage, complications (or new obstacles) arise as the characters try to solve the conflict. These complications usually make the conflict more intense and complicated.

The _______ is a turning point and the most dramatic moment in the story. The outcome of the conflict is decided one way or another.

The ___________ eases the tension and reveals the outcome of the climax.

The _____________ is the final stage of the story. The conflict is resolved, loose ends are tied up, and the story comes to a close.

(1) "Of all the people I had to get lost with," James moaned, "my evil step-sister!" Lakisha rolled her eyes. "Quit calling me that. It's not my fault our parents got married!" (2) As James looked away, he noticed the grizzly. His instinct was to run, but he stood there, frozen. "It's a b-b-bear," he stuttered. Lakisha grabbed James' hand. "Do you know what to do?" she whispered. (3) "Stay calm. Slowly lie flat on the ground," she instructed. "We're gonna play dead until it goes away. I'm here with you, don't worry." (4) After a while, the bear wandered off. "Sorry I've been so mean to you," whispered James, his eyes on the ground.
Which numbered section shows the resolution?