1. Identifying the Elements of A Plot Diagram
Student Notes

2. Journal #12
You are trying to get back at a friend who played a prank on you. What prank do you do to get back at your friend, and what are the reactions?

3. Journal #13
FREE CHOICE: You can write about anything you want today, but you must write something. If you want to continue a previous story, you may do so.

4. Journal #14 For your prompt, finish this thought:
Five years from now, I will….

5. Journal #15
Describe your best friend. If you can’t think of your best friend, make one up.

6. Journal #16
You’re teacher for the day in Creative Writing. What do we do?

7. Journal #17
Most young children create in their minds an imaginary friend. Create and describe your own imaginary friend by thinking about the following:
What does he/she look like?
What do you call your friend?
What do the two of you do together?
Describe an adventure you might have.

8. Journal #18
If you could write a story about anything in the world, what would it be?
Tell about the plot, the characters, the conflict, the setting, and give as much detail as you can.

9. Journal #19
Write a scene which incorporates a character violating some rule or law but in a very odd and/or unexpected way. Some possibilities:
Sneaking through airport security for an extremely unusual reason
Stealing someone’s glasses for an extremely unusual reason
Breaking into jail or a waste management facility (for any reason)

10. Journal #20
If you could live during a certain period of time, would it be in the past, present or future? Describe this life.

11. Plot Diagram 3 4 2 1 5

12. Plot (definition)
Plot is the organized pattern or sequence of events that make up a story. Every plot is made up of a series of incidents that are related to one another.

13. 1. Exposition
This usually occurs at the beginning of a short story. Here the characters are introduced. We also learn about the setting of the story. Most importantly, we are introduced to the main conflict (main problem).

14. 2. Rising Action
This part of the story begins to develop the conflict(s). A building of interest or suspense occurs.

15. 3. Climax
This is the turning point of the story. Usually the main character comes face to face with a conflict. The main character will change in some way.

16. 4. Falling Action
All loose ends of the plot are tied up. The conflict(s) and climax are taken care of.

17. 5. Resolution
The story comes to a reasonable ending.

18. Putting It All Together
1. Exposition
2. Rising Action
3. Climax
4. Falling Action
5. Resolution
Beginning of Story
Middle of Story
End of Story