Where does the story peak? Is there a clear climax?.

What inciting event causes the action to begin to 'rise'?.What did the author need to explain to readers in the exposition section?.To guide students' discussion, you can share key questions that they must negotiate as they complete their pyramids, such as the following:.(If computers are not available, students can draw pyramids in their notebooks.) Assign each group a different story so that you can make comparisons later in the session.

Arrange students in small groups and ask each group to chart the course of a story they have recently read, using the Plot Diagram interactive.

Answer any questions that students have about the process.

Demonstrate how to use the Plot Diagram interactive, using the relevant events from students' brainstormed list.

Discuss the difference between significant events and the other events in the story.

Ask students to look for any items which have been omitted or items which should be combined.

When students finish making suggestions, review the list.

As students make suggestions, write the events on the board.

Choose a story that all students are familiar with and ask the class to brainstorm the significant events in the story.

It is used in oral storytelling, television, movies, and more.

Explain that plot structure is used for more than just the literature that they read in class.

Alternately, display overheads or pass out handouts to accompany your introduction to plot structure.

Introduce students to plot structure, using the Plot PowerPoint Presentation (see notes on the slides).

Elements of drama graphic organizer