Sequence of Events in a Story
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Basics on the topic Sequence of Events in a Story
Learn about the parts of a story and what we call them, from the beginnning of the plot the the closing.
Transcript Sequence of Events in a Story
Have you ever read a really exciting story? Perhaps one about a hero who saves the day, or a mystery in which you must figure out who did it? Every story, regardless of genre, follows a pattern with story elements known as the, "sequence of events in a story." This diagram, sometimes known as a story mountain, depicts how the sequence of events in a story is organised to form the plot. Let's look at the parts of a plot. The first part of a story is called the beginning. This is where the characters and setting are introduced. After the beginning comes the build up. The next part of the story is the dilemma. A story's main problem is the dilemma. It is what creates tension and keeps the reader engaged in the story. As the character works to resolve the dilemma, they encounter a series of minor conflicts that intensify as the events unfold. At the peak of the action, we have the climax. This is the most exciting event because we learn the outcome. In the resolution, the story's characters face the consequences of their actions, both good and bad; and decide what to do next. The closing is the conclusion of a story's events. It brings the conflict or dilemma to a close and we learn about character change. The story's ending could be a final conclusion or a cliffhanger that leads to a new sequence of events. Zayd is reading his favourite book ‘The Sea Space Crab Chronicles, Part Two’. Let's apply it to the sequence of events. “Shelldon was taking a break from patroling the galaxy to compete in the Sea-a-verse Surf Off. Suddenly, his surfboard, was wiped out by a massive wave and the evil Mr. Eight appeared from the depths of the sea. This competition can only have one winner, and that is my first lieutenant, Kaelen. You're through, crab boy! Shelldon, undeterred, picked himself up and continued surfing. You don't frighten me. I will compete! Once again, Mr. Eight created such a wave that it knocked Shelldon back to the shore. A determined Shelldon headed out to face Mr. Eight! Just then, the water started swirling around him faster and faster, sucking him into a whirlpool! Shelldon struggled to free himself until he reached out with his claw and grabbed a hold of Kaelen's board to pull himself up. Kaelen was dragged into the whirpool. Mr. Eight dove in after him and they vanished into the deep sea. Shelldon rode the sudden surge. He received a perfect score and won the Sea- A- Verse Surf Off!” Now, let's map the sequence of events. Describe the beginning and build up. Shelldon is in the sea-a-verse surfing competition when he is suddenly wiped off his surfboard by a huge wave. What is the dilemma? Mr. Eight shows up and tries to knock Shelldon out of the competition. Describe the events of the dilemma. Shelldon continues surfing and tells Mr. Eight he is not afraid of him. He gets knocked down again and decides to confront Mr. Eight. Shelldon is stuck in the whirlpool and we are not sure if he's going to make it out. Which event is the climax of the story? Shelldon grabs Kaelen's surfboard to escape, pulling him into the whirlpool. Describe the resolution. Mr. Eight disappears to save Kaelen and Shelldon continues with the surfing competition. What is the ending? Shelldon defeats Mr. Eight and wins the surfing competition. Mapping the sequence of events helps us describe the details of a story in an organised way. While Zayd rereads his favourite book to Ari, let's summarise. Remember, every story, regardless of genre, follows a pattern with story elements known as the "sequence of events." This diagram, or story mountain, depicts how the sequence of events in a story is organised to form the plot. Looks like Zayd and Ari are in for a long night of reading!
Sequence of Events in a Story exercise
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Identify the story elements.
HintsWhat is the main problem in a story called?
It's the challenge that makes the story exciting and keeps us reading to see how it's solved.
Think about what happens after the most exciting part of the story or climax.
This is where the characters deal with what they did and decide what to do next.
SolutionAfter the beginning and build up of a story, we come to the dilemma. This is the story's main problem. It is what creates tension and keeps the reader engaged in the story.
In the resolution, the story's characters face the consequences of their actions and decide what to do next.
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What happens during the build up?
HintsWhich events show Shelldon's fearless attitude?
Identify the point where Shelldon encounters setbacks but chooses to confront them.
Look for the part where Shelldon is uncertain about his well-being and the outcome.
There are 3 correct answer choices.
SolutionThe correct answers are:
- Shelldon continues surfing and tells Mr. Eight he is not afraid of him.
- Shelldon gets knocked down again, and decides to confront Mr. Eight.
- Shelldon is stuck in the whirlpool and we are not sure he is going to make it out.
In "The Sea Space Crab Chronicles, Part 2," the build up gets more exciting as Shelldon faces bigger challenges. He keeps surfing and tells Mr. Eight he's not scared. Even though he falls again, Shelldon decides to stand up to Mr. Eight. Things get really intense when he gets stuck in a strong whirlpool, and we're not sure if he can get out.
"Shelldon defeats Mr. Eight and wins the surfing competition." is the only incorrect answer choice. It is the resolution of the story.
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Complete the plot diagram.
HintsWhat is the main problem or challenge in the story that keeps everyone interested? It's like a puzzle that needs solving.
What happens as the characters try to solve the problem? Think about how the story gets more exciting with each new event.
What is the most thrilling moment in the story? It's like the part of a roller coaster that makes your heart race!
What comes after the most exciting part? How do the characters deal with what happened and what choices do they make?
How does everything settle down? What happens at the end that wraps up the story?
SolutionParts of a Plot
1.) The first part of a story is called the beginning. This is the start of the story where the characters and setting are introduced.
2.) After this comes the dilemma. A story's main problem is the dilemma. It is what creates tension and keeps the reader engaged in the story.
3.) The next part of the story is the build up. As the character works to resolve the dilemma, they encounter a series of minor conflicts that intensify as the events unfold.
4.) At the peak of the action, we have the climax. This is the most exciting event because we learn the outcome.
5.) In the resolution, the story's characters face the consequences of their actions, both good and bad; and decide what to do next.
6.) The closing is the conclusion of a story's events. It brings the conflict to a close and we learn about character change.
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Matching story elements.
HintsWhat is the term that describes how a story starts, introducing characters and setting?
Identify the term that explains the main challenge in the story.
Look for the term that talks about events getting more intense as characters try to solve the problem.
What comes after the big excitement? How do characters handle the results of their actions?
What is the end of the story called?
Solution- Beginning: The first part of a story where characters and setting are introduced.
- Dilemma: The main problem or challenge that creates tension and keeps readers engaged.
- Build up: Events that develop as characters work to resolve the conflict.
- Climax: The most exciting event in the story where the outcome is revealed.
- Resolution: Characters face the consequences of their actions and make decisions.
- Closing: The conclusion of a story's events, bringing closure and character change.
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Which part of a story introduces the characters and setting?
HintsReview the meanings of the terms provided in the options. Which one aligns with the idea of introducing characters and setting? Eliminate the options that don't match this description.
Consider which part of the story introduces the characters and where you first learn about the setting. This section sets the stage for everything that follows.
Use this image to help you.
Reflect on how stories usually progress. They start with certain elements and gradually build up to more intense moments. Identify the stage that comes first.
SolutionThe correct answer is beginning.
The first part of a story is called the beginning. This is where the characters and setting are introduced.
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Can you identify the story elements?
HintsWhich part introduces the main characters, like Brinkley the poodle, and where they live?
Which sentence shows the challenges or problems Brinkley and Emily face on their adventure?
Which sentence describes the most exciting and intense moment in the story?
Which sentences tell us how the story ends and what happens to Brinkley and Emily?
Not all sentences need to be highlighted.
Solution- Beginning (green): This sentence introduces Brinkley the poodle and where he lives. "Brinkley lived with Emily, a clever black toy poodle who was always ready for an adventure.
- Dilemma (yellow): This sentence highlights a problem that needs solving. "One morning, Emily got a call - her chatty parrot was stuck in a tall tree!"
- Climax (blue): This sentence is the most thrilling part where the action peaks. "With Brinkley cheering her on, Emily climbed up and rescued the parrot."
- Closing (violet): These sentences tells us how the story wraps up and what happens in the end. "Their happy barks caught everyone's attention. Brinkley, the little hero, had saved the day and filled the neighbourhood with joy. Emily gave Brinkley a big hug, thankful for her furry friend."
