1. YEAR 11: Big Sister Caroline Window The Outsider Graeme Lay
SHORT STORIES Read, study and show understanding of short written texts 3 Credits EXTERNAL
YEAR 11:
Big Sister Caroline Window
The Outsider Graeme Lay

2. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
What are short stories?
What makes a short story different from a novel?
What are the main elements used to make up a short story?

3. What makes a short story different from a novel?
A short story is different from a novel in a number of ways:
It’s short!!! Usually 2-3 pages and can be read in one sitting
Has one main character
Uses stereotypes and symbolism
Only has one main event/simple and exciting plot
Has a moral message or theme – often a reflection on society
Uses a variety of imagery techniques to help convey character and setting – adjective, metaphor, simile etc
Often narrated from a child’s point of view = truth
Uses twists in the plot for maximum effect on the reader

4. Short stories can be studied and broken down into five key elements.

5. What do these ‘elements’ mean?
Characters are usually stereotypical or symbolic and are created using a variety of language techniques. Understanding a character and their actions is important as it often leads to a deeper understanding of theme.
Plot is the sequence of events which make up a story. The way in which plot is structured can have a major effect on a readers response to the events and themes of the story. The way events unfold is the plot development

6. What do these ‘elements’ mean?
Point of View is the perspective from which the story is told or narrated. There are various forms of narration which are used for different effects. - Omniscient, first person, third person.
Themes or moral messages are often entwined with authors purpose. They are what the author wants to leave you thinking about and the reason for writing the story. Themes may be universal (good vs. evil) or make a comment on life and society (slice of life)
Setting is the place, time and social context of a story. It is where and when the events of the story take place.

7. EXEMPLAR EXAM QUESTIONS:
Describe a memorable place or scene in EACH text. Explain how this place or scene helped you understand an idea (or ideas) in EACH text.
Describe a person or character you admired OR disliked in EACH text. Explain how this person or character helped you understand an idea (or ideas) in EACH text.
Describe at least one interesting example of imagery used in EACH text. Explain how EACH image helped you understand an idea (or ideas) in each text.

8. TOPIC AIMS At the end of this unit you should be able to:
Identify a key moment (climax) point & explain why it is important
Describe setting, explain how it is constructed and how it helps you understand theme or character
Comment on plot structure, the use of suspense, twist & contrast.
Describe an important character, contrasting characters and explain how that character helps you to understand theme
Explain the main purpose (theme) of the story, authors intention.
Comment on narrative viewpoint and why it was used.
Explain important symbols and how they help you to understand theme
Give a personal response and explain how the author made the story appeal to you.

9. Assessments
During this unit you will be expected to write and hand in at least two formal essays.
This is in preparation for your external 1.4 NCEA exam on short text.
You will also complete an internal assessment 1.8 Static Image in week 10