Structure of a Short Story Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: RL.2.5

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

Short stories are works of fiction that often follow a general sequence and contain predictable elements. Short stories often have characters that lead use through a time period of their life that leads to an obstacle or conflict that they must overcome. The entire plot or purpose for the work is usually based on how the characters make their way through this climax. The worksheets below will help students begin to find structure in the stories that they read and review.

Structure of a Short Story Worksheets:

Nobody's Home but the Dog! – See if the steps add to the story. Sharp kids will catch it quick.

The Story of Sid – Sid has a pretty neat life for an insect.

Adam's Wish – Didn't you love planting beans when you were young?

The Circus – Jane gets to take in the Big Top for the first time ever.

Super John – Super John is a backyard super hero of sorts.

Paper Dolls – I wish my kids would settle for paper.

The Mystery on Fletcher Road – We try a unique question format on this one.

STORY JUMBLE - IN THE DARK! – See which best fits each story and where it fits within it.

The Museum – Somewhat of a reading comprehension sheet, but it is much more than that.

Gator Country – Barry must really love adventure.

The Birdhouse – Tony is building a birdhouse.

Horace's Story – Horace loves the shelter so much, that he may never want to leave.

Treasure Hunt – I must have a similar hunt every morning. I'm usually looking for my keys though.

Larry the Giant – Monster is a cute word in this passage.

Ben and the Beautiful Music – Ben learns the ways of the violin.

Fishing with Grandpa Jack – Where do the pictures fit into the story?

What Is the Basic Structure of a Short Story?


Most short stories follow this common structure.


Introduction


The introductory part contains an introduction to the story. The purpose of it is to let the readers know about the setting of the story. Introduction is the part where the readers are acquainted with the main characters of the story. They get to know their background and personalities. Introductions also set the pace for the upcoming climax. You get to know the important details that would lead to the conflict of the story. The introduction is the most important part of the story because it gets to decide whether or not the reader will stay until the end.


Confrontation


Confrontation is the middle part of the story. In this part, the writer introduces some sort of conflict. The readers won't stay for a smooth and steady story. They like ups and downs. That is the reason why the writer comes up with some conflict that the protagonist will have to face. The conflict is the main part of the story. It occurs right before the resolution.


Resolution


The last part of the structure of a short story is the resolution. The resolution is the ending of the story where you are told the results of the conflict. You get to know about the consequences of certain actions. Usually, the resolution of a short story also consists of some moral or message for the readers.


You will find that most short stories have this structure. However, there are some stories that start with some action. This action keeps the readers interested. The action is followed by the background and setting of the story. The story develops from there and reaches the climax and then the ending. Usually, these types of structures are found very less in stories.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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