Compare and Contrast: Plots
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Basics on the topic Compare and Contrast: Plots
Story plots are made up of an introduction, build-up, climax, resolution and conclusion. In this video, we can learn about how to compare story plots by looking at each of these elements.
Transcript Compare and Contrast: Plots
Compare and contrast: plots "Alright everyone listen up, I'm going to tell you all about the time I rescued Zayd.” "Not this again Ari!" "I remember it like it was yesterday. Zayd was in big trouble. Even though it wasn't easy, I stayed strong. I faced the biggest battle I ever had to face, and conquered! I used my wand to transform the villain. At last, Zayd was free!" "Ari, that's not what happened, I rescued you! Remember!? I remember it like it was yesterday. Ari was in big trouble. Saving them was difficult, but I'm always up for a challenge. Vincent Van Bone didn't stand a chance! I used my power to transform the villain. At last, Ari was free!” Ari and Zayd both told a story about rescuing each other. Each story had its own plot or the events that make up a story. The plot of a story is made up of these five elements: The beginning of the story, where the characters, setting, and problem are introduced; the build up, the events that lead towards the climax of the story; the climax, or the turning point of a story where the conflict of the plot reaches its peak; the resolution, the events after the climax where things are resolved which is the conclusion of a story. We're going to compare and contrast each plot from their stories using this comparison chart. First, let's look at each introduction and think: how are they similar? Both stories have the same setting and each character needs rescuing. Now think: how are they different? In Ari's story, Zayd is captured but in Zayd's story, Ari is captured. Next, let's look at each build up and think: how are they similar? Both characters have to overcome the villain Vincent Van Bone. We don't have any differences, so let's look at each climax and think: how are they similar? Both characters use their special skills on the villain. Now think: how are they different? Ari uses their wand and Zayd uses his powers. Next, let's look at each resolution and think: how are they similar? Both characters transform the villain, so we can add 'and transform' to our earlier observation. We don't have any differences, so let's look at each conclusion and think: how are they similar? In both plots, the characters get rescued. Now think: how are they different? In Ari's story, they are the hero but in Zayd's story, he is the hero. Before we see what's happening at the campfire, let's summarise! Remember, the plot is all the events that make up a story and it is made up of five elements: the introduction, build up, climax, resolution and the conclusion. We can compare and contrast the five elements of a plot using a comparison chart. In order to do that, we look at each element and think: ‘how are they similar?’ and record it under both. Then, we look at each element again and think: 'how are they different?' and record the differences under each plot. "Vincent Van Bone is that you!? Uh oh, it looks like there's another version of the story to tell…”
Compare and Contrast: Plots exercise
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What is a plot in a story?
HintsA plot includes things that happen in a story.
A plot is not a character in a story.
An example of a plot is: a boy goes to the library but the book he wanted is not there, then, as soon as he turns around to go home, his best friend comes in and returns that same book.
SolutionThe plot is all of the events that make up a story.
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What is the correct order of plot elements?
HintsThe first element of the plot is the start of the story that introduces the characters, setting and problem.
The second element of the plot describes the events that lead towards the main event which is the third element of the plot. This is the turning point of the story, where the conflict of the plot reaches its peak.
The fourth element of the plot describes the events that lead to the end of the story. In this part of the story, things start to calm down. The last element of the plot is the end of the story. It describes events after the conflict gets resolved.
SolutionThe correct order of five elements of the plot is: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution.
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Which plot element matches which definition?
HintsThe introduction is where a story starts.
The climax is the most exciting part of a story.
The conclusion is the final part of a story.
Take a look at all of the elements of the plot in order.
Solution- Introduction is the beginning of the story where the characters, setting and problem are introduced.
- Build up is the events that help build toward the climax of the story.
- Climax is the turning point of a story where the conflict of the plot reaches its peak.
- Resolution is the events after the climax where things are resolved.
- Conclusion is the end of a story.
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Compare and contrast two plots.
HintsWhat are things that are the same in both plots? What are the things that are different?
What does the teacher do in both plots?
What does the teacher answer in Riley's story? What about Alex's story?
Solution- Both Riley's and Alex's stories have the same setting: their classroom. In both stories, the teacher answers their question.
- In Riley's story, Riley asks the question and gets an answer that the homework should be handed in this Friday.
- In Alex's story, Alex asks the question and gets an answer that the homework should be handed in by next Friday.
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What questions do we ask when comparing and contrasting plots?
HintsWe can look for things that are similar.
We can look for things that are not alike.
There are two questions that you ask when comparing and contrasting. Can you remember what those questions are? We can use them when filling in a comparison chart like this.
Solution- How are these plots alike?
- How are these plots different?
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Compare and contrast plot elements.
HintsHow are Zayd's and Ari's emotions different?
What is similar about Zayd's and Ari's activity in the forest?
What suddenly happened to both Zayd and Ari?
SolutionThese are similarities between the two plots:
- Both Zayd and Ari walk around the forest for a long time and got lost.
- They hear the voices of their friends and run towards them.
These are differences between the plots:
- Zayd walks around the forest feeling anxious, while Ari feels excited.
- Zayd goes to the forest in summer, but Ari does this in winter.
- Even though friends of both of them come to the forest, Zayd's friends come for a picnic, and Ari's friends come to watch birds.
