1. Short Stories
September 6, 2016

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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

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

7. Plot Structure
Novel:

8. 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).

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

10. “Lamb to the Slaughter”
Written by Roald Dahl, a British writer ( )
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

11. 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.

12. 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

13. 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.

14. 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?

15. 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.