SHORT STORY ELEMENTS

Read the following phrases and decide which ones could be used as a basis for a short story.

2. a championship basketball game in which a new player is the star 6. the mysterious disappearance of a cake from the pantry 3. a family mix-up over selecting a birthday present for Dad

Read the following description of a setting for a short story and check what you can tell about the story. In dreams I return each night to the cottage and smell again its sun-drenched pine walls and finger the shells left by the children long ago on the old porch table and listen once more to the sea.

about a person who likes to dwell in the past

living or happening in the same period of time

contemporary

weird, uncanny

eerie

Classify the stated conflict. A man works hard on a pioneer farm, only to have his first crop threatened by grasshoppers.

external

Identify the person of the following sentence. I saw the bird crash into my windshield as I swerved the car.

first person

a single happening in a story

incident

Classify the stated conflict. A boy blinded in an accident is afraid to go out alone.

internal

Classify the stated conflict. A young woman has to choose between two careers.

internal

a long fictional story with complex plot and many events and characters

novel

knowing all things

omniscient

imaginary story written in ordinary language, without rhyme or meter

prose fiction

individual way of putting thoughts into word

style

Identify the person of the following sentence. Mason Bloom was a very old man when he first visited London.

third person

Identify the person of the following sentence. The purpose of diplomacy is the protection of a nation's interests abroad.

third person

manner of speaking or writing that shows a certain attitude, including words, phrasing, and so on

tone

Read the following description of a setting for a short story and check what you can tell about the story (Mark all that apply.). Gregory opened the door on a scene of wild confusion. Apparently he would be living with a roommate who enjoyed books, marshmallows, hamsters, open cupboard doors, weightlifting, loud music, and photography, but not peace, order, and quiet study.

• Gregory may have to learn to adjust and compromise. • Gregory and his roommate will have difficulty adjusting to each other.

Read the following description of a setting for a short story and check what you can tell about the story (Mark all that apply.). There was no nonsense about Miss Madigan's office. In one corner was an olive-drab metal file; and on the desk was a black telephone, a note pad, and one sharp pencil. On the wall was a district map with red and green push pins. One of the red pins was at our house, 238 Mill Street.

• Something will occur involving the narrator's house. • Miss Madigan is meticulous and organized.

Read the following description of a character and check what you think the person is like (Mark all that apply.). The young man jogged past the stand of eucalyptus trees, his whites quickly shedding the patterns of leafy shadows. A season of sunshine had gently warmed his tan complexion and had brightened his rich auburn hair. Passing by the slatted benches, he smiled encouragement to the elderly men eager to collect the memories of less weary days. As he approached the courts, his shouted greeting was answered by the high wave of his partner's racquet. The young man is _____.

• active • friendly

Read the following description of a character and check what you think the person is like (Mark all that apply.). In five minutes Grandmother had hugged us, carried her own bags upstairs, straightened my blouse, sent Roger to wash his hands, whisked the dirty dishes off the table, and started to sing as she washed them. Grandmother is _____.

• bossy • cheerful • energetic • loving

Read the following description of a character and check what you think the person is like (Mark all that apply.). "I'm not sure I can do this," said Lonnie, "I've never even been to a banquet. And I got a D in public speaking, and even that was a--" He stopped in despair and stared hopelessly at his broken shoelace. Lonnie is _____.

• discouraged • shy