SHORT STORIES 1.4 90055 Read, study and show understanding of short written texts 3 Credits EXTERNAL

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SHORT STORIES1.4 90055 Read, study and show
understanding of short written texts 3 Credits
EXTERNAL

• YEAR 11
• Big Sister Caroline Window
• The Outsider Graeme Lay

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

• What are short stories?
• What makes a short story different from a novel?
• What are the main elements used to make up a
  short story?

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What makes a short story different from a novel?

• A short story is different from a novel in a
  number of ways
• Its short!!! Usually 2-3 pages and can be read
  in one sitting
• Has one main character
• Uses stereotypes and symbolism
• Only has one main event/simple and exciting plot
• Has a moral message or theme often a reflection
  on society
• Uses a variety of imagery techniques to help
  convey character and setting adjective,
  metaphor, simile etc
• Often narrated from a childs point of view
  truth
• Uses twists in the plot for maximum effect on the
  reader

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Short stories can be studied and broken down into
five key elements.
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What do these elements mean?

• Characters are usually stereotypical or symbolic
  and are created using a variety of language
  techniques. Understanding a character and their
  actions is important as it often leads to a
  deeper understanding of theme.
• Plot is the sequence of events which make up a
  story. The way in which plot is structured can
  have a major effect on a readers response to the
  events and themes of the story. The way events
  unfold is the plot development

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What do these elements mean?

• Point of View is the perspective from which the
  story is told or narrated. There are various
  forms of narration which are used for different
  effects. - Omniscient, first person, third
  person.
• Themes or moral messages are often entwined with
  authors purpose. They are what the author wants
  to leave you thinking about and the reason for
  writing the story. Themes may be universal (good
  vs. evil) or make a comment on life and society
  (slice of life)
• Setting is the place, time and social context of
  a story. It is where and when the events of the
  story take place.

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EXEMPLAR EXAM QUESTIONS

• Describe a memorable place or scene in EACH text.
  Explain how this place or scene helped you
  understand an idea (or ideas) in EACH text.
• Describe a person or character you admired OR
  disliked in EACH text. Explain how this person or
  character helped you understand an idea (or
  ideas) in EACH text.
• Describe at least one interesting example of
  imagery used in EACH text. Explain how EACH image
  helped you understand an idea (or ideas) in each
  text.

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TOPIC AIMSAt the end of this unit you should be
able to

• Identify a key moment (climax) point explain
  why it is important
• Describe setting, explain how it is constructed
  and how it helps you understand theme or
  character
• Comment on plot structure, the use of suspense,
  twist contrast.
• Describe an important character, contrasting
  characters and explain how that character helps
  you to understand theme
• Explain the main purpose (theme) of the story,
  authors intention.
• Comment on narrative viewpoint and why it was
  used.
• Explain important symbols and how they help you
  to understand theme
• Give a personal response and explain how the
  author made the story appeal to you.

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Assessments

• During this unit you will be expected to write
  and hand in at least two formal essays.
• This is in preparation for your external 1.4 NCEA
  exam on short text.
• You will also complete an internal assessment 1.8
  Static Image in week 10