Elements of a Short Story CFA

1. 1. What are the elements of a short story? (Level 2)

• Characters, Setting, Conflict, Theme, Resolution

• Characters, Conflict, Setting, Theme, Plot

• Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, Resolution

• Beginning, Middle, End

2. 2. The struggle (or problem) a character has with himself, another character, society, or nature:

• exposition

• antagonist

• conflict

• resolution

I was standing right there when Kemisha accidentally stepped on Keyshauna's foot in the

line. Keyshauna shoved Kemisha backwards into the food trays. Kemisha spilled her milk all

over her brand new shirt. She was so mad, but not interested in getting into more trouble than she

was already in. Just as Keyshauna reached up to grab Kemisha's hair the principal intervened and

sent them to the office.

3. 3. Based on the story what is the most appropriate setting? (Level 2)

• The line at a football game

• The cafeteria lunch line

• A classroom

• The girls' locker room

Travis was having a really bad day. He was being rude to everyone. He pushed Frederick on his way to class, and even threw Michael's books out of his hands. When it came time to go to the in-school game Travis got to the concession stand and ordered a hot dog and soda. As Travis waited for his snacks, he sunk his hand into his pocket only to find that he had lost his money. He turned to see that Michael was laughing at him.

4. 4. What would be the best theme for this passage? (Level 2)

• Everything always works out.

• You should be nice to people, even if they are mean to you.

• What goes around, comes around.

• Always have extra money.

5. 5. Read the story. Then Answer BOTH questions: What is Sherri's conflict at the beginning of the story? How would the conflict change if she were in a different setting? Use text evidence to support your answer. (Level 3)

5. 6. Read the story. Explain how the conflict is also the exposition of the story. (Level 3)

Read the story. Select the correct plot mountain. (Level 3)

• Exposition: Belleflor promises to feed the puffer fish while Arsen feeds the piranhas.
  Rising Action: They hear strange noises and see the red water in the piranha tank.
  Climax: Percy jumps out of the shadows and confesses the prank.
  Falling Action: Percy explains the prank and where the puffer fish are.
  Resolution: Arsen vows to avoid night shifts at the aquarium.

• Exposition: Belleflor and Arsen enter the aquarium at night.
  Rising Action: They hear strange noises by the piranha tank.
  Climax: They discover what appears to be puffer fish in the piranha tank.
  Falling Action: Percy reveals the prank.
  Resolution: Arsen decides never to volunteer for a night shift again.

• Exposition: Percy taps them on the shoulder.
  Rising Action: Arsen hears noises by the piranha tank.
  Climax: They see the red water in the piranha tank.
  Falling Action: Percy laughs at their reaction.
  Resolution: Belleflor is no longer afraid.

• Exposition: Belleflor and Arsen are friends.
  Rising Action: They approach the shark tanks.
  Climax: Percy confesses it was all a prank.
  Falling Action: The puffer fish are found safe.
  Resolution: Arsen becomes more cautious at night.

8. 8. Read the story. What theme best fits the story? (Level 3)

• Fame and fortune

• responsibilities

• Attraction

• Judging other people

8. 8. Choose a theme statement that best fits the above story. (Level 3)

• Take responsibility for your actions.

• Always help others in need, one day it will come back to you.

• Honesty is the best policy; treat other people's property with respect; money isn't everything.

• You shouldn't judge other people.

Level 4.0 (OPTIONAL): On a separate sheet of paper, draw a comic strip reflecting what would have happened if Malik had picked Sean, instead of Mike, for Malik's team, from the beginning.  Use the plot mountain sequence to help you, and caption events.

• Skip

• I submitted this on paper. Don't forget to check it, please.