1. ©2014, 2017 HappyEdugator

2. Objectives:
To identify elements of a plot, including exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution
To define vocabulary terms and accurately use in context
To discuss critical thinking questions and support ideas using evidence from the text.

3. Who is Gary Soto?
Gary Soto was born April 12, and was raised in Fresno, California. He has written over twenty books of poetry and prose for adults and over thirty books for younger readers. He has won many awards for his books and poetry, and is a strong advocate of reading and service to others.
©2014, 2017 HappyEdugator

4. “Seventh Grade”
By, Gary Soto
©2014, 2017 HappyEdugator

5. Background:
Fresno, CA is the fifth largest city in California. The name means ash tree in Spanish. The city was born during the Gold Rush and was named for the abundant ash trees in the valley. The ash leaf is on the city flag.
©2014, 2017 HappyEdugator

6. Background:
Fresno, CA. The city has a large Hispanic population. Many came here as migrant farm workers. The climate is hot and dry.
©2014, 2017 HappyEdugator

7. Background:
Paris, France – Some characters in this story would like to one day visit Paris. Paris, the capital of France, is a city that is known for its mild climate, history, architecture, and romance.
©2014, 2017 HappyEdugator

8. What is plot? Plot - the organization of the main events in a story.
Most plots will involve characters caught up in a conflict that is eventually resolved. 

9. Plot Diagram 3 4 2 5 1 Climax Falling Action Rising Action Exposition
Resolution

10. 1. Exposition Beginning of a short story Characters are introduced
Setting of the story
Also presents other facts necessary to understanding the story

11. Important Parts of the Exposition
Setting
Time
Place
Characters
Protagonist: The main character; the hero
Antagonist: The character who is in conflict with the protagonist in some way; the “bad guy”

12. 2. Rising Action Includes all the events that lead to the climax.
Presents some type of conflict

13. 3. Climax The “high point”
Turning point of the story. Usually the main character comes face to face with a conflict, and usually changes in some way.

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

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

16. Three Little Pigs Test your knowledge
1. Name the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
What is the setting?
Who is the protagonist? Antagonist?
What is the author’s point of view?
5. What type of conflict?

17. Check It Falling Action Rising Action The Three Little Pigs
CLIMAX: Wolf decides to sneak down the chimney to get the pigs.
Falling Action
Event #5
The Big Bad Wolf tires several times, but he can’t blow down brick house.
Wolf falls into boiling pot of soup.
Event #4
Big Bad Wolf blows the stick house down and Pig #1 and #2 escape to Pig # 3’s house.
Rising Action
RESOLUTION: The Big Bad Wolf is so scared of the 3 Pigs that he runs off in the woods never to be seen again. The 3 little pigs live happily ever after.
Event #3
Big Bad Wolf blows the straw house down and pig #1 escapes to Pig #2’s house.
Event #2
Pig #1 builds a house of straw, Pig #2 builds a house of sticks, and Pig # 3 builds a house of bricks.
Event #1
The pigs come across a place they think will be a perfect to build their homes.
The Three Little Pigs
EXPOSITION: Three little pigs leave home to find adventure in the big world.