Page 71 - SpringBoard_ELA_Grade7_Flipbook

aCTIvITy 1.10
continued
previewing embedded assessment 2:
expanding Narrative Writing
Literary Terms
Myths are traditional stories that explain beliefs, customs, or natural phenomena through the
actions of gods or heroes.
Word CoNNeCTIoNs
Roots and Affixes
The word fable comes from the Latin word fabula, meaning “tale.” Other English words derived from this word
are fabulous, affable, and confabulate.
My Notes
The Stories and Folklore of Myth
Folklore and myth are genres that begin with the oral tradition of telling stories to share them with people. They were often stories meant to make meaning of the world and to teach important lessons about life. You are probably familiar with many types of folklore, such as fairy tales, fables, or legends. These stories often have morals, or lessons, to teach us about human weaknesses such as greed, pride, recklessness, and thoughtlessness.
The characters of myth and folklore often are ordinary people in extraordinary situations. Usually, the actions of the characters in folklore have consequences that change the life of an entire culture or help explain what seems unexplainable.
Human beings have told stories throughout the ages to entertain, to teach, and to explain the mysteries of the world. Maybe you will create a story that will live on long after you.
Review the Elements of a Short Story
5. What do you remember about the elements of a short story? Match the element to the definition.
ELEMENT
1. Plot
2. Character 3. Conflict 4. Setting 5. Theme
DEFINITION
a. the time and place in which a story takes place
b. a struggle, problem, or obstacle in a story
c. the sequence of events that make up a story
d. a writer’s central idea or main message about life
e. people, animals, or imaginary creatures that take part in a story
6. Review the elements of the plot structure of most narratives:
• Exposition: Background information or events necessary to understand a story. Often includes an introduction to characters and setting (place and time story takes place)
• Rising Action: The conflicts and complications that develop a story
• Climax: The peak of the action; the most intense or suspenseful moment,
often represents a turning point in the story
• Falling Action: The events after the climax (often the consequences of the climax) that lead to the resolution of the story
• Resolution: The end result or conclusion; “tying up any loose ends”; in a personal narrative, the resolution may include a reflection
44 SpringBoard® English Language Arts Grade 7
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