Introduction
Good Day grade 9 learners and welcome to your English Literature WebQuest class!
Today you will be focusing on What a PLOT is.
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
- Know what plot means.
- Identify the 5 plot elements in a story or play.
- Know what a play is made of.
Please note that you will be required to complete a short activity as well as an essay.
Good luck and have fun!
Task
By now you should already:
- Have read the play on your own.
- Know how to write and plan an essay
- Know What characterization is.
Please read through the notes provided. Remember to comprehend your notes as you are required to complete a short activity (based on the notes and play) as well as an essay which should be emailed to me no later than 28 May 2021.
Process
NOTES:
WHAT IS A PLOT?
Definition
Plot is a literary term used to describe the events that make up a story or the main part of a story.
These events relate to each other in a pattern or sequence. A plot is the foundation of a play, novel or story around which the characters and settings are built. It is meant to organise information and events in a logical manner.
There are 5 main elements in a plot:
1. Exposition/introduction
The beginning of the play / story where characters and setting are established. The conflict or main problem is introduced as well.
2. Rising Action
Occurs when a series of events build up to the conflict. The main characters are established by the time the rising action of a plot occurs and at the same time events begin to get complicated. It is during this time of a story that excitement, tension, or crisis is encountered.
3. Climax
In the climax or main point of the plot, there is a turning point of the story. This is meant to be the movement of highest interest and emotion, leaving the reader wondering what is going to happen next.
4. Falling action
Falling action, or the winding up of the story is when events and complications begin to resolve. The result of the actions of the main characters are put forward.
5. Resolution
Resolution or conclusion is the end of the story which may either end happily or tragically.
A plot basically refers to stories that have a beginning, middle and end that is linked by cause and effect. If a story teller says a “young man and his girlfriend died.”, there is no plot but if he says “a young man died and his girlfriend died of grief”, we have a plot. There is a “why” for the events that occur.
Activity
Complete the following activity. Type only the question number and answer in a word document.
You do not have to answer in full sentences unless stated otherwise.
- Who is the playwright of the play, “My Children! My Africa”? (1)
- How many Acts does the play consist out of? (1)
- How many scenes does the play consist out of? (1)
- What is the full name of Mr. M? (1)
- What is the definition of “plot”? (1)
- Give an example of a plot. (1)
- When do the climax occur in the play? (2)
- When does the resolution occur in the play? (2)
Total [10]
ESSAY
In an essay of 150-200 words, discuss the plot of the play, “My Children! My Africa!”. Refer to the 5 main plot elements when writing your essay.
Planning, such as a mind map, should be done before your essay.
Total [30]
Submit your activity and essay to 218139713@gmail.com
Evaluation
The following rubric will be used when marking your essay:
Rubric:
|
|
Level 4 |
Level 3 |
Level 2 |
Level 1 |
|
Quality of writing (10) |
Piece was written in an interesting style and voice. Very informative and well organised. |
Piece was written in an interesting style and is somewhat informative. |
Piece had little style and wasn’t very informative. |
No style at all and is not informative. |
|
Planning evidence (5) |
Work is planned exceptionally well. |
Good planning. |
Very little planning. |
No planning was done at all. |
|
Plot 5 elements (10) |
All elements were discussed in the essay and at an excellent rate. |
Only 3 elements were discussed at an adequate rate. |
Only 2 elements were discussed. |
No elements were discussed. |
|
Total: |
|
Conclusion
You have reached the end of the lesson!
You should now:
- Know what plot means.
- Be able to identify the 5 plot elements in a story or play.
- Know what a play is made of.
Don't forget to complete the activity as well as the essay and submit it to 218139713@gmail.com by 28 May 2021.
Thank you! Stay Well & Stay Safe!
Credits
The following link will redirect you to a video on YouTube that might help you gain a better understanding of what a PLOT is: