Language Arts: Plot Structure: Exposition to Resolution
Identifying the stages of a story's plot
Language Arts: Plot Structure: Exposition to Resolution
Identifying the stages of a story's plot
Language Arts - Grade 6-8
- 1
A story begins by introducing Maya, a shy seventh grader, her new school, and her fear of speaking in class. Which part of the plot structure is this?
This part of the plot gives background information at the beginning of the story.
This is the exposition because it introduces the main character, the setting, and the basic situation. - 2
In a story, Jordan finds a lost dog and decides to hide it in his garage while he searches for the owner. His secret becomes harder to keep each day. Which part of the plot structure do these events best represent?
Look for the stage where events build toward the biggest moment.
These events are part of the rising action because the problem is developing and the tension is increasing. - 3
The most intense moment in a story happens when Elena finally steps onto the stage and sings alone in front of the entire school. Which part of the plot is this?
This is the climax because it is the turning point and most intense moment of the story. - 4
After the big race ends, the main character apologizes to his teammate, and the team begins to work together again. Which part of the plot structure is this?
This stage comes after the turning point but before the final ending.
This is the falling action because it shows what happens after the climax as the conflict begins to settle. - 5
At the end of a story, the family moves into their new home, feels hopeful, and the main conflict is fully solved. Which part of the plot structure is this?
This is the resolution because the conflict is resolved and the story comes to a clear ending. - 6
Read this summary: Liam wants to win the school invention contest. He builds a robot, but it keeps failing during practice. On contest day, the robot suddenly stops moving in front of the judges. Liam quickly rewires it, and it starts working again. He earns second place and feels proud of not giving up. What is the climax of this story?
Find the moment when the main problem reaches its highest tension.
The climax is when the robot stops moving in front of the judges and Liam quickly rewires it, because that is the most intense turning point. - 7
Read this summary: Tasha moves to a new town and struggles to make friends. She joins the art club, meets several students, and slowly starts talking more. Then she must present her painting at the school showcase. Identify the exposition and explain your choice.
The exposition is when Tasha moves to a new town and struggles to make friends because that part introduces the character and her situation. - 8
A student says, "The resolution is always the most exciting part of the story." Is this correct? Explain your answer.
Compare the turning point with the ending.
This is not correct. The climax is usually the most exciting part because it is the highest point of tension, while the resolution shows how the story ends. - 9
Put these plot events in order from exposition to resolution: A. Nora finds a map in her attic. B. Nora and her cousin solve clues around town. C. Nora discovers the treasure box under an old bridge. D. Nora learns the map belonged to her grandfather. E. Nora donates the historical items to the local museum.
The correct order is D, A, B, C, E because the story first gives background, then introduces the problem, builds tension, reaches the key discovery, and ends with the final outcome. - 10
Write one or two sentences that explain the difference between rising action and falling action.
Think about what happens before and after the turning point.
Rising action includes the events that build conflict and tension before the climax. Falling action includes the events after the climax that show the conflict moving toward resolution. - 11
Read this short plot: Ben forgets his science project at home. He worries all morning and cannot focus in class. Just before the science fair begins, his sister arrives with the project. Ben sets it up in time and later thanks her. Which event is part of the falling action?
The falling action is when Ben sets up the project in time and later thanks his sister, because these events happen after the main crisis is solved. - 12
Create a brief story idea that includes all five parts of plot structure: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
Include a character, a problem, a turning point, and an ending.
One possible answer is: In the exposition, a student named Ava wants to make the soccer team at her new school. In the rising action, she practices every day and struggles with confidence. In the climax, she takes the final penalty kick during tryouts. In the falling action, her teammates cheer and the coach speaks with her. In the resolution, Ava makes the team and feels like she belongs.