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CALABARZON
Welcome to the 21st Century Literature from the Philippines and the World 11/12
Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on the Plot of a Flash Fiction!
This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and independent
learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this also aims to help
learners acquire the needed 21st century skills while taking into consideration
their needs and circumstances.
In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the body of
the module:
As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this module.
You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to
manage their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and
assist the learners as they do the tasks included in the module.
Welcome to the 21st Century Literature from the Philippines and the World 11/12
Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on the Plot of a Flash Fiction!
The hand is one of the most symbolized parts of the human body. It is often used
to depict skill, action and purpose. Through our hands we may learn, create and
accomplish. Hence, the hand in this learning resource signifies that you as a
learner is capable and empowered to successfully achieve the relevant
competencies and skills at your own pace and time. Your academic success lies in
your own hands!
This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful opportunities for
guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You will be enabled to
process the contents of the learning resource while being an active learner.
4
This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:
Answer Key
At the end of this module you will also find:
1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of
the module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other activities
included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not
hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you are not
alone.
We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning and
gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!
What I Need to Know
Do self- and/or peer assessment of the creative adaption of a literary text, based
on a rationalized criteria, prior to presentation.
This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you
master the sequence of events in a story. The scope of this module permits it to be
used in many different learning situations. The language used recognizes the
diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard
sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them can be changed to
correspond with the textbook you are now using.
This module also aims to engage you in appreciation and critical study of 21st
Century Literature from the Philippines and the World, encompassing their
various dimensions, genres, elements, structures, contexts, and traditions. This
module allows you to embark on a journey from Philippine regions to the different
parts of the world through various literary encounters.
Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write the chosen letter
on a separate sheet of paper.
1. What is considered as the most significant element of a story for it presents the
series of events and characters’ actions in the story?
A. plot C. point of view
B. setting D. conflict
3. Which of the following refers to the time and place the story takes place?
A. conflict C. climax
B. plot D. setting
4. What do you call a short story with less than 1000 words?
A. novel C. flash fiction
B. proverbs D. parables
11. What component of the plot structure is always written at the end of a story?
A. falling action C. resolution
B. rising action D. exposition
12. The words ‘dogs are man’s best friend’ is an example of a/an .
A. proverbs C. counsel
B. adage D. Bible verse
13. What plot structure component is considered as the most exciting part of a
story?
A. exposition C. falling action
B. climax D. resolution
14. What do you call the plot structure component when the excitement becomes
less and less as the conflict is resolved?
A. exposition C. falling action
B. climax D. resolution
At the end of this lesson, you are expected to do a self- and/or peer
assessment of the creative adaptation of a literary text based on rationalized criteria.
What’s In
Studying literature can be very easy with the right amount of knowledge
gained from your studies in the past. Can you still recall module 5? What are the
elements of a story discussed in that module? What are the two types of character?
How does setting differ from plot and point of view? What short story was used in
the module? For this next lesson, you will be acquainted with another literary tool
shorter than a short story wherein the plot, being referred to as the paramount of
all the elements, is given emphasis. This will surely make your learning experience
more exciting.
Competency (LC). At the end of this lesson, the student is expected to do a self- and/or peer assessment of the creative adaptation of a
What’s New
In this module, you will learn more about the narrative arc or the plot structure of
a story. You will be reading a flash fiction entitled “Jake” by Jim Bartlett, who has
written a number of stories from flash to novella which are all featured in Fiction
on different platforms such as The Web, CriemSpree Magazine, Short-Storyme,
Fairlight Books and other publications. As a flash fiction story goes, the author
tells a loving, gentle story of love, loss and longing with an unexpected ending.
Read and learn more about the story and try to identify the components of a plot
structure.
JAKE
by Jim Bartlett
Jake’s eyes snap open, and he quickly turns to the side. But like his aching
heart, the spot where Max always sat on the couch remains empty. He takes in a
long, deep breath – really more of a sigh – and squeezes his eyes closed, hoping
that by slipping into the darkness of a nap, he will temporarily mask his sorrow.
Unable to sleep, he looks around the all too empty room, letting his gaze fall upon
the leash, which still hangs from the peg by the door. It seems to wait patiently,
ever ready for that next big adventure. As his eyes well up, he realizes for the first
time how much his grief weighs, how hard it is to even rise with such a heaviness
inside.
It is then he hears a shuffle from behind and
turns to see Martha standing in the doorway,
her shoulder resting against the frame.
Directions: Reflect on and answer the questions below. Write your answer on
a separate sheet of paper.
1. What did you feel after reading the story? Expound your answer.
2. Based on the story, who is Jake and why is he in a state of loneliness?
3. What words were used to help you figure out Jake’s identity?
FLASH FICTION
The story you read is an example of a flash fiction. A flash fiction, also
known as short-short story, typically contains less than 1000 words which is most
often used to describe short casual written works. Although a flash fiction may be
written in any genre, the most famous ones are in romance, thriller, horror and
sci-fi. Even with only a number of words, a flash fiction also bears the essential
elements of a short story. The paramount of all the elements for this type of
literature is the plot.
A flash fiction is similar to a short story is some ways. Both tell a complete
story with a beginning, middle and end with the elements of storytelling in place.
However, they, too, have differences.
Flash Fiction Vs. Short Story
Short Story Flash Fiction
is significantly shorter than a novel is a much shorter version of a short
story
consists of 1000-10, 000 words in composed of 100-1000 words in length
length
has a fleshed-out plot, well-rounded has a well thought out plot and great
characters, and a developed setting characters, but they don’t necessarily
and theme. need to be fully developed
has one or a few characters and one or shouldn’t be more than one plot and
a few settings (limited in place and one theme.
time, such as a day or a couple of
weeks) and expresses a single
theme, or message.
generally is more flexible. There is is punchy and to the point, a story of
more space to develop ideas, plot, extreme brevity with the plot pared
character and theme; there is at most, down to the core of the story. Every
one plot and a small subplot or a plot detail, every character gesture, every
and a half. description counts; each word has its
place. Take one word away and the
meaning is lost.
Characteristics of Flash Fiction
When writing a flash fiction story, it is important to know how they are
similar and different to longer stories. Flash fiction is shorter, but it should not feel
too short. Here are some traits of strong flash fiction stories.
1. Story Structure: A flash fiction story is not the shortened version of a longer
story; it still follows the elements of plot, including a beginning, middle and end, as
well as a conflict and satisfying resolution.
2. Setting: Most flash fiction stories take place in one setting, as moving between
locations uses up too much space. It allows the writer and reader to focus on the
plot.
3. Characters and Backstory: Flash fiction pieces are plot-driven and include no
more than three or four characters. They may include some character
development, but too much backstory can use valuable space.
4. Description: One may think that flash fiction stories are short on description to
save space. However, a strong piece can balance vivid descriptions with a quick-
moving plot. Stories that lack description are not satisfying to read, and a flash
fiction piece should feel complete.
The PLOT
Every written story has a plot- the series of events and characters’ actions
that includes a beginning, a middle and an end. Also, every written story has a plot
structure or a narrative arc. Although it is important for a story to have all its
essential elements, the plot is the major element of all as it is what the story is all
about. The plot is the actual story. Without it, a writer has not penned anything.
There are three other ways to write a plot. A plot may be written as a
movement in casualty, a movement in time and a movement in dramatic tension.
PLOT – a movement in time
The plot is a movement in time when the story transpires on a particular period of
time such as an hour, a day, a week, a month or even a year.
PLOT - movement in casualty
The plot is a movement in dramatic tension when the story has dialogue, action,
details, descriptions and scenes that amplify the tension and persuade the reader
to turn the page and continue reading. The techniques of foreshadowing, flashback
and epiphany are oftentimes employed in this type of plot.
The following are the components of a plot structure or parts of the narrative.
a. Exposition – This is the beginning of the story, also known as the inciting
incident. This is where the author introduces the characters, identifies where the
story is happening, and establishes the main conflict. This includes events, actions
or even decisions that build conflict, pressure or disturbance to the main
character.
b. Rising Action – This is also known as the plot complication where the
writer fully introduces the conflict or the obstacle that will prevent the main
character, the protagonist, to achieve his goal.
c. Climax – This part is considered as the most exciting part of a story. This
part has the most tension or most exciting event compared to all other events in the
story. Also, this is where important decisions are made or important things are
discovered.
d. Falling Action – This point occurs after the climax as the problems in the
story start to work themselves out. The excitement becomes less and less as the
conflict is resolved.
Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write the chosen letter on
a separate sheet of paper.
1. What plot structure component is known as the inciting incident where the
author introduces the characters, identifies where the story is happening, and
establishes the main conflict?
A. exposition C. falling action
B. climax D. rising action
6. When the story transpires on a particular period of time such as an hour, a day,
a week, a month or even a year, it is a plot movement in
A. time C. casualty
B. dramatic tension D. Space
7. When the story has dialogue, action, details, descriptions and scenes that
amplify the tension, it is a plot movement in
A. time C. space
B. casualty D. dramatic tension
8. When the story is established on a series of casual events that happen one after
another, it is a plot movement in
A. time C. space
B. casualty D. dramatic tension
9. What type of plot has a story that is realistic with a central character and action
and the story happens in one place during a short span of time?
A. casual C. periodic
B. unified D. episodic
10. What type of plot has a story that happens in a much extended period of time?
A. methodic C. periodic
B. unified D. episodic
Directions: Fill out the story grammar below. Base your answer from the
story that you have just read.
Title:
Character/s:
Setting:
Plot:
Exposition
Rising Action
Climax
Falling Action
Resolution
What I Can Do
Directions: Make a digital picture story of Jake. Follow the steps in creating
a digital picture story. Then, assess your work using the rubric below.
2. Identify the sequence of the story that you will use in your digital picture story.
5. Record a voice-over.
6. Add transitions.
Directions: Choose the letter of the best answer. Base your answer from the
flash fiction, “Jake”. Write your chosen letter on a separate sheet of paper.
4. What type of resolution leaves the readers to think, wonder or speculate what
happens after the story has ended?
A. inside C. within
B. open D. closed
5. What plot structure component has the most tension and also the most exciting
event?
A. exposition C. falling action
B. climax D. rising action
12. What element creates the tone, presents the characters and other important
facts to introduce the story?
A. setting C. exposition
B. theme D. climax
13. From the phrase “memories forever etched in his heart”, what does etched in
his heart mean?
A. always written C. always remembered
B. always seen D. always heard
14. Based on the text, what does the phrase ‘mask his sorrow’ mean?
A. pretend to be sad C. pretend to be happy
B. paint his sorrow D. wear a mask
15. It is a genre of fiction that is basically a short story with much lesser words.
A. novel C. parable
B. flash fiction D. fable
Additional Activities
If you had a pet dog, what type of treatment would you give it?
Do you believe that animals have human-like feelings and emotions? Expound
your answer.
Answer Key
References
Hood, Dave. “What is Plot in a Short Story?” (web blog), Last modified April 11,
2011. https://davehood59.wordpress.com/2011/04/11/what-is-plot-in-a-
short-story/.
Poli, Rachel. “The Difference Between Flash Fiction & Short Stories.” (web blog),
Last modified February 11, 2019.
https://rachelpoli.com/2019/02/11/the-difference-between-flash-fiction-
short-stories/.
Smith, Joanna. “Everything You Need To Know About Flash Fiction.” Last
modified March 21, 2018.
https://medium.com/@joannasmith008/everything-you-need-to-know-
about-flash-fiction-29e2513b4f4a.
Widhalm, Shelly. “Writing Flash Fiction vs. Short Stories.” (web blog), Last
modified January 31, 2015.
https://shelleywidhalm.wordpress.com/2015/01/31/writing-flash-fiction-
vs-short-stories.