Use Your Words

Directions: On a separate sheet of notebook paper, compose a short story that includes all of the words you
defined on the Word Parts Activity pages. Your story will need to include all of the elements of plot including
the exposition (setting, main characters, and central conflict), rising action (this builds tension and complicates
the conflict), climax (the turning point in the story when the resolution becomes possible), falling action (tie up
any loose story threads), and the resolution (how the conflict is resolved). Once you have written your story,
re-read the passage and highlight each of the words you used from the Word Parts Activity pages and label the
elements of plot in the margins of your paper. You must label the parts to receive credit for your
work!
Rubric:
Category

3
Less than 15
words from the
worksheet are
used.

2
Less than 10
words from the
worksheet are
used.

1
Less than 5
words from the
worksheet are
used.

0
None of the
words from the
worksheet are
used.

Words

All words from

the worksheet
are used.

Exposition

The exposition
contains a
setting, main
characters,
clear conflict.

The exposition
is missing one
of its elements.

The exposition
is missing two
of its elements.

The exposition
is missing three
of its elements.

No attempt at
an exposition is
made.

Rising Action

The rising
action contains
three events
that complicate
the conflict.

The rising
action contains
two events that
complicate the
conflict.

The rising
action contains
one events that
complicate the
conflict.

The rising
action is
present but
does not
address the
conflict.

Not attempt is
made to include
rising action.

Climax

The climax is
clearly
connected to
the conflict,
rising action,
and resolution.

Falling
Action

Resolution

Conventions

Score: _____ / 28
Notes:

All loose story

threads are tied
up.
The resolution
clearly
addresses the
conflict and is
tied to the
climax.
There are no
errors in
language
conventions.

N/A

N/A

N/A

There are more

than 2 errors in
language
conventions.

Quality Points: _______

The climax is
present but
does not clearly
connect with
the conflict,
rising action, or
resolution.
Some loose
story threads
are tied up.
The resolution
clearly
addresses the
conflict or is
tied to the
climax.
There are more
than 4 errors in
language
conventions.

N/A

No attempt is
made to include
a climax.

N/A

No attempt is
made to include
falling action.

N/A

No attempt is
made to include
a resolution.

There are more

than 6 errors in
language
conventions.

There are more

than 8 errors in
conventions.