| Full lesson | Create for a teacher a set of content for giving a lesson, beginning with the lesson plan. Each new block of materials must begin with an H1 heading (other subheaders must be H2, H3, etc). When you describe required pictures, write those descriptions in curly brackets, for example: {A picture of a triangle} |
| Which subject | English |
| What topic | plot diagram |
| What length (min) | 30 |
| What age group | Year or Grade 7 |
| Class size | 20 |
| What curriculum | |
| Include full script | |
| Check previous homework | |
| Ask some students to presents their homework | |
| Add a physical break | |
| Add group activities | |
| Include homework | |
| Show correct answers | |
| Prepare slide templates | |
| Number of slides | 5 |
| Create fill-in cards for students | |
| Create creative backup tasks for unexpected moments |
Plot Diagram
Grade 7
English Language Arts
20 students
The lesson aligns with the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts, specifically focusing on reading comprehension and analysis of literary elements.
| Step Number | Step Title | Length | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Plot Diagram | 5 minutes | Introduce the concept of a plot diagram. Discuss its importance in understanding story structure. |
| 2 | Components Overview | 5 minutes | Explain the five components: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution with examples. |
| 3 | Group Activity: Analyze a Story | 10 minutes | Divide the class into small groups. Provide a short story or excerpt. Have groups identify components of the plot. |
| 4 | Distribute Printable Cards | 3 minutes | Hand out plot diagram cards to each student to fill out during the lesson. |
| 5 | Independent Work | 5 minutes | Students will work individually to complete their plot diagram based on a story of their choice. |
| 6 | Collect/Check Cards | 2 minutes | Quickly collect or randomly check the completed plot diagram cards without student presentations. |
| 7 | Assign Homework | 5 minutes | Assign homework related to plot diagrams; explain the task without collecting until the next lesson. |
“Good morning, everyone! Today, we are going to discuss a crucial tool in understanding story structure: the plot diagram. Can anyone tell me what a plot diagram is?”
[Wait for responses.]
“Great! A plot diagram visually represents the main components of a story. Understanding this helps us analyze and comprehend the stories we read. Throughout today’s lesson, we’ll explore this idea further. Let’s dive in!”
“Now, let’s break down the plot diagram into its five key components: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
Exposition: This is where we get introduced to the characters and setting. For example, in ‘The Tortoise and the Hare,’ we learn about our main characters and the race they are going to have.
Rising Action: This includes the events that lead up to the climax. In the previous example, the tension builds as we see the hare’s overconfidence.
Climax: This is the turning point of the story, where the tension is at its peak. It’s the most exciting part! For our story, it would be when the tortoise starts to gain on the hare.
Falling Action: These are the events that follow the climax and begin to resolve the conflict. Here, the hare realizes that he underestimated the tortoise.
Resolution: Finally, this is the conclusion of the story, where everything wraps up. The tortoise wins the race, teaching the hare a lesson.
Does anyone have questions about these components?”
[Pause for questions.]
“Now, I’m going to divide you into small groups. Each group will receive a short story or excerpt. Your task is to identify the components of the plot: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
Take about 10 minutes. Discuss within your groups and make sure that everyone understands the components. Let’s start!”
[During this time, walk around the classroom to assist and listen to group discussions.]
“Time’s up! Now, I will hand out these plot diagram cards to each of you. These cards will help you summarize the story we just analyzed and will serve as a guide for your independent work later on.
Make sure to fill them out accurately as you begin to work on your personal stories. Let’s distribute them!”
[Hand out the cards to each student.]
“Next, it’s time for you to work independently. Choose a story or book that you’re familiar with and fill out the plot diagram card using the components we discussed.
You have 5 minutes to do this. Focus on clearly identifying each part of the plot. Ready, set, go!”
[Monitor student progress and provide support as needed.]
“Alright, pencils down! I’d like you to pass your plot diagram cards to the front of the class. I will quickly check these for completion, but no presentations today. This is more about your understanding of the plot structure. Thank you!”
[Collect the cards.]
“For homework, I want you to take what you’ve learned about plot diagrams and apply it to another story of your choosing. Please create a detailed plot diagram, and I will collect them in our next class to review.
If anyone has questions about the homework, feel free to ask now!”
[Address any questions.]
“Great job today, everyone! I’m proud of your analysis and engagement. See you next class!”
Define the Five Components: In your own words, define each of the five components of a plot diagram: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Provide an example of a story for each component.
Identify Components: Choose a short story or book you recently read. Identify and write down the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution of the story. Provide specific examples from the text to support your answers.
Create Your Own Plot Diagram: Write an original short story or a detailed plot outline. Then, create a plot diagram that includes all five components. Make sure to label each part clearly.
Analyze a Graphic Organizer: Find a plot diagram graphic organizer online or provided in class. Analyze it by explaining how effectively it represents the story it illustrates. What are its strengths or weaknesses?
Compare Two Stories: Select two different stories (they can be from different genres or mediums). Compare their plot structures using a chart. List similarities and differences in their exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
Reflective Questions: Answer the following questions:
Creative Application: Choose a well-known fairy tale and reimagine it in a modern setting. Outline the new plot diagram, making sure to adjust the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution to fit the new context.
Group Discussion Preparation: Prepare for a group discussion by summarizing how each component of a plot diagram can impact character development. What moments in stories illustrate this connection?
Please make sure to complete all tasks and bring your homework to the next class for review.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What are the five key components of a plot diagram? | |
| Describe the exposition of a story and its importance. | |
| What events make up the rising action in a narrative? | |
| Explain what the climax of a story is and provide an example. | |
| What happens during the falling action of a plot? | |
| How does resolution bring a story to a close? | |
| Why is understanding the plot diagram helpful in analyzing stories? | |
| Can you identify the components of a plot diagram in a story you know? | |
| How does the plot diagram differ from other story structure models? | |
| Give an example of a story where the climax was particularly impactful. |