Unit 5

What Can I Learn from Realistic Fiction?

Activity

How to Tell Tales: Story Plot

SWBS Chart

View the image on p. 96 to 97 of Literacy in Action 6B of the horse and the train. Then, from the categories listed on pages 66 to 69 of Literacy in Action 6B, choose one of the conflict categories that you think best represents the picture:

  • Character vs. self
  • Character vs. machine
  • Character vs. nature

Good story writers plan their ideas. Their stories have a clear purpose.

Example 1:

I got up this morning and had to catch the bus and first I had to tie my shoes. My mom said I was late, so I better hurry up. I ran quickly and caught the bus.
This story beginning does not have a clear purpose.

Example 2:

It was the morning of the Science fair. I was so excited, I couldn’t even eat my breakfast. But my stomach really started to clench when I reached into my backpack and pulled out a half-eaten sandwich.  Where was my research paper? Time was getting short. I imagined myself standing in front of a crowd with no notes.  My mom said I better hurry up or I would miss the bus. So, I searched all over the house.  I retraced the steps I took last night. Instead of putting my sandwich in the fridge, I had put my research paper there!  When I found my paper, I ran quickly and caught the bus.
This story beginning has a clear purpose.

You will use an SWBS Chart to create a basic story plot. The SWBS Chart will help you plan your story.

Open

Open Your File

Open your Assignment 5-2 file. You previously saved this file in this format: jsmithla6_5-2-character-conflicts in your Documents folder. Complete Section 2 using the information below.


To use the SWBS Chart, do the following:


S

First, choose a character who will face a conflict or problem. This character could be the horse, someone on the train, or an observer outside of the photo on pp. 96-97 of Literacy in Action 6B. Add this information under the heading Somebody on the chart.

W

What does the character want or need OR what is the character's goal? Add this information under the heading Wanted on the chart.

B

What is the conflict or problem that the character faces? Refer to your choice of conflict above. Add this information under the heading But on the chart. (Note, there may be many conflicts or problems in a longer story)

S

What is the solution to the problem or does the character reach the goal? (Note, there may be many solutions to small problems in a longer story.) What happens at the end of the story?

Add this information under the heading So on the chart.


Save

How to save a file:

  1. Have the file open and select Save As from the File menu.
  2. Name your SWBS Chart in this format: jsmithla6_5-2-character-conflicts and save the file to your Documents folder.

Summative Assessment

Throughout the unit, you learned and practiced new concepts and presentation formats. Now it’s time to demonstrate or “sum up” your understanding of that information by submitting this assignment for a mark.


  1. Submit your Assignment 5-2 document on the appropriate page now to your teacher for marking.
  2. Click Add Submission to upload your document.