1. Story Element: Plot What is Plot?
The plot is what happens, or the action, in a narrative text. A plot usually has these elements:
A problem, or series of conflicts that the main character attempts to solve (rising action).
A turning point, point when change occurs that causes the characters to think or act differently (climax).
Steps that lead to the solution (falling action).
A resolution, or final outcome (solution).

2. Plot Structure

3. Academic Language for Plot
Plot: what happens in a story, including the problem, the events that lead to solving the problem, and the solution.
Event: important things that happen.
Rising action: the problem or series of conflicts that build toward the climax.
Climax: the most exciting part of the turning point.
Falling Action: the steps that lead to the solution to the problem.
Solution/Resolution: the outcome that brings the story to a close.

4. Sentence Starters
The character’s main problem is _____________________.
As the character tries to solve (name the problem, he/she faces complications such as _______________.
The turning point of the story is when ________________.
The story is resolved when __________.

5. Why is Teaching Plot Important?
Identifying the plot of a narrative text helps students sequence events, identify problems and solutions, recall critical information, and summarize.

6. Write Down Events That Are Important in the Story
Use Your Interactive Journals
Arrange your Events in Order
Recognize the Plot Structure
The story is about _______.
______ is a character who tries to _____, but has trouble when ________. The story ends with ____________.

7. Read 180 Skills Tracker: Plot r-Skills Test – Access Plot (use rSkills Tests 2 and 3)