Short Stories September 6, 2016

Warm-Up: Independent Reading Good morning!  Please get out your independent reading book and begin reading. We will read for 15 minutes.

Diagnostic Please pick up a copy of the diagnostic from the desk and begin working. THIS IS NOT A TEST - this is to help me help you Answer the following questions to your best ability. You have 20 minutes.

Let’s Check! Using a different colored pen/pencil (see the class supplies or ask a friend if you need one), write the corrections as we go along. If I am going too quickly, just let me know.

What is a Short Story? A Short Story is a story with a fully developed theme but significantly shorter and less elaborate than a novel. Should be able to read it in one sitting Is usually between 1,000 and 7,500 words

Short Story Fewer characters One narrator Usually in one setting Takes place in a short time span Timeline should be simple One major theme

Plot Structure Novel:

Plot structure Exposition – The start of the story, which includes a reader’s introduction to characters and setting. Rising Action – The series of conflicts and crisis in the story that lead to the climax. Climax – The turning point. The most intense moment (either mentally or in action). The characters encounter their opposition, and either win or lose. Falling Action – All of the action which follows the climax and leads to the end of the story. Denouement (day-new-mah) – The conclusion, in which the problems are resolved (or not resolved, depending on the story).

Plot Structure Short Story: Climax Rising Action Falling Action Denouement (Resolution)* Exposition *Sometimes, there is no resolution for a short story

“Lamb to the Slaughter” Written by Roald Dahl, a British writer (1916-1990) Famous in the 1940’s He also wrote screenplays for movies: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, and James Bond Known for his macabre sense of humor

Reading As a class, we will read “Lamb to the Slaughter” I will start reading and then we will popcorn As we read, pay attention to plot points… you’ll need these later.

Plot Structure for “Lamb to the Slaughter” Think: on your own, use a dry erase marker to draw a plot diagram and label the points with events from the short story Pair: with a partner, compare your diagrams Share: as a class, we will discuss the diagrams and label one on the board

Plot Structure Mary kills her husband with the lamb leg Patrick and Mary talk. He tells her he’s going to divorce her. Mary rehearses, covers up her actions, the police ask her questions Sgt. Noonan mentions the dinner cooking in the kitchen. They eat the prepared meal (and murder weapon) Mary waits for her husband.

Closure: Reader Response On a loose leaf piece of paper, you will answer the following prompt. Your writing should fill one page, double spaced, front and back This is a 15 point writing grade Remember: You can find Lamb to the Slaughter online, if you need to reference it at home. What statement does the story seem to say about man’s ability to be violent?

Reader Response Rubric Traits 5 4 3 2-0 Focus & Details There is one, clear, well-focused topic. Main ideas are clear and are well supported by detailed and accurate information. There is one clear, well-focused topic. Main ideas are clear but are not well supported by detailed information. There is one topic. Main ideas are somewhat clear. The topic and main ideas are not clear. Organization The introduction is inviting, states the main topic, and provides an overview of the paper. Information is relevant and presented in a logical order. The conclusion is strong. The introduction states the main topic and provides an overview of the paper. A conclusion is included. The introduction states the main topic. A conclusion is included. There is no clear introduction, structure, or conclusion. Word Choice The author uses vivid words and phrases. The choice and placement of words seems accurate, natural, and not forced. The author uses vivid words and phrases. The choice and placement of words is inaccurate at times and/or seems overdone. The author uses words that communicate clearly, but the writing lacks variety. The writer uses a limited vocabulary. Jargon or clichés may be present and detract from the meaning.