Understanding Plot: Elements, Types, and Structures in Storytelling

SLIDESMANIA.
"Arrange the Events”
Directions: Read these events aloud
in a mixed order.

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SCIENCE FAIR
___The judges announced the winners.
___Mark prepared his science project.
___Mark explained his invention to the
judges.
___Mark celebrated with his classmates.
___Mark arrived at the science fair.

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BAKING COOKIES
____They gathered the ingredients from
the kitchen.
____They mixed the ingredients.
____They baked the cookies in the oven.
____The cookies smelled delicious.
____They shared the cookies with their
neighbors.

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Processing Questions:
"How were you able to arrange the
pictures in the correct order to tell the
story?"

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ESSENTIAL QUESTION:
-How does understanding the plot
help us better understand and enjoy a
story?

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Types of
Plot
LESSON 3: WEEK 3

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We will learn about the…
⬤Definition of Plot
⬤Elements of Plot
⬤Types of Plot
⬤Types of Plot Structures

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01 Definition of Plot
We will talk about
this first.

SLIDESMANIA.
Did you know?
PLOT
is the sequence of events that make up a story, whether
it’s told, written, filmed, or sung. The plot is the story, and
more specifically, how the story develops, unfolds, and
moves in time.

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Define It!
PLOT
Plot is the sequence or order of events in a story. It
shows what happens first, next, and last, and how
the events are connected from beginning to end.

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The Five main Elements of Plot
Exposition
The main character
is in crisis and
events leading up
to facing the conflict
begin to unfold. The
story becomes
complicated.
Rising Action
At the peak of the story,
a major event occurs in
which the main
character faces a major
enemy, fear, challenge,
or other source of
conflict. The most
action, drama, change,
and excitement occurs
here.
Climax
The story begins to
slow down and work
towards its end, tying
up loose ends.
Falling Action Resolution
At the beginning of
the story, characters,
setting, and the main
conflict are typically
introduced.
Also known as the
denouement, the
resolution is like a
concluding paragraph
that resolves any
remaining issues and
ends the story.
1 2 3 4 5

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Examples:
Kaitlin wants to buy a puppy. She goes to the pound and
begins looking through the cages for her future pet. At the end
of the hallway, she sees a small, sweet brown dog with a
white spot on its nose. At that instant, she knows she wants to
adopt him. After he receives shots and a medical check, she
and the dog, Berkley, go home together.
Sample 1

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03 Types of Plot
Structure

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The Linear Plot
A linear plot is a story where the
events happen in order—from the
beginning, to the middle, and then
to the end.
Maria wakes up → goes to school
→ takes a test → goes home.
-Everything happens in the
order it occurs.

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The Flashback
Plot
-presents action or occurrences
inconsequentially so that the author is
able to deliver information about events
that occurred earlier.
-Goes back to an event that happened in
the past before returning to the present
story.
-While looking at an old photo, Ben remembers his first
day of school. After remembering it, the story returns
to the present.

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The Parallel Plot
A parallel plot is a story with two or more
storylines happening at the same time. These
storylines are connected and usually come
together at the end of the story.
A parallel plot tells two or more stories at the
same time. In the end, these stories connect
or meet.
EX: Anna is practicing for a singing contest,
while Ben is training for a basketball game.
Their stories happen at the same time. At the
end, they both attend the school's
Recognition Day and celebrate each other's
success.

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LET’S TRY THIS!
1. This part introduces the characters, setting, and the main situation.
Answer: Exposition
2. This is the most exciting part of the story.
Answer: Climax
3. The problem begins and the suspense increases.
Answer: Rising Action
4. The conflict starts to be solved after the climax.
Answer: Falling Action

SLIDESMANIA.
LET’S TRY THIS!
5. The story ends and the conflict is completely solved.
Answer: Resolution
6. The story is told from beginning to end in order.
Answer: Linear Plot
7. The story goes back to an event that happened in the past.
Answer: Flashback Plot
8. The story has two or more storylines happening at the same time
that connect at the end.
Answer: Parallel Plot

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LET’S TRY THIS! (TRUE OR
FALSE)
9. Exposition introduces the characters.
✅ True
10. The climax is usually the first event.
❌ False
11. Resolution is where the conflict is solved.
✅ True
12. A flashback tells events in order from beginning to end.
❌ False
13. A linear plot tells events in sequence.
✅ True

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Assessment 3: Identification
Test
Part I: Identification Test
Directions: Read each
statement carefully. Identify
the type of plot structure
being described. Write the
letter of the correct answer.

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Choices:
A. Linear Plot
B. Flashback
C. Parallel Plot

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_____ 1. The story follows the traveler from the
beginning of his journey until the present in
order.
_____ 2. While the traveler is in the desert, the
story suddenly shifts to his memory of his village.
_____ 3. The narrative shows both the traveler’s
present struggle and his past life at home.
_____ 4. Events are presented in the order they
happen without interruption.
_____ 5. The speaker pauses his journey to recall
a past experience of war.

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_____ 6. Two timelines are shown: survival in the
desert and life in the village.
_____ 7. The story begins with departure and
continues step by step to the end of the
journey.
_____ 8. A memory from the past is inserted into
the current situation.
_____ 9. The story alternates between present
travel and earlier family life.
_____ 10. The events move forward in a clear
chronological order.

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_____ 11. The speaker remembers leaving home
while still traveling.
_____ 12. The story focuses only on what is
happening at the present moment.
_____ 13. The narrative shows two connected
but different storylines at the same time.
_____ 14. The speaker recalls childhood while
describing present struggles.
_____ 15. The events unfold in a straight and
continuous sequence.

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Assessment: Written Analysis
Read the prose below carefully. Then answer
the question in a well-written paragraph (5–7
sentences) using plot analysis.
Your answer must:
1. Identify the major parts of the plot (exposition,
rising action, climax, falling action, resolution)
2. Explain how these parts help develop the
theme
3. Be written in paragraph form (no bullets)

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A young messenger from an ancient desert kingdom is chosen to
deliver an important message across distant lands. He begins his
journey with hope, aware of the dangers ahead. As he travels, he
faces harsh winds, hunger, and distrust from strangers who question
his purpose. One night, he is caught in a severe sandstorm where he
almost loses the message he carries. After surviving the storm, he
continues his journey and finally delivers the message that brings
peace between two divided tribes. His journey teaches him that
courage and persistence can unite people even in times of conflict.
1.How do the different parts of the plot (exposition, rising action, climax, falling
action, and resolution) contribute to the development of the theme of courage and
unity in the story? ( 10 points)

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Credits.
Presentation Template: SlidesMania
REFERENCES:
https://literaryterms.net/plot/
https://www.how-to-write-a-book-now.com/b
asic-plots.html
https://wwivirtualacademy.com/five-types-of
-plots/
https://www.weedutap.com/2020/07/types-
and-functions-of-plot

Understanding Plot: Elements, Types, and Structures in Storytelling