1. Silent Reading – 15 Minutes
As always, begin class with 15 minutes of silent reading time. Encourage students to continue their independent reading novels and to look for strong examples of characterization, conflict, and theme as they read. This primes their thinking for today’s review activity.
2. Read the Short Story, Gore
Introduce the short story Gore (by Sarah Ellis).
Provide context before reading:
Gore explores sibling rivalry, imagination, and perception.
As students read, ask them to think about how the author uses setting and conflict to build tension and reveal character traits.
Read Gore aloud as a class, or have students read in pairs or small groups.
Pause briefly to clarify key vocabulary and moments of suspense.
3. Elements of Fiction Review Activity
After reading, students will complete an Elements of Fiction Review based on Gore.
Remind students that this is a comprehensive review—each element should be supported with text evidence.
Elements of Fiction Review: Gore
A. Plot
Draw a plot diagram for the story.
Label each part clearly: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.Be sure to include major events that shape the story’s tension and resolution.
B. Character
2. Who is the protagonist of the story? Describe their main traits and explain what motivates them.
Support your answer with one piece of textual evidence.
Identify the antagonist in the story. How does this character (or force) create conflict for the protagonist?
Use at least one quote or description from the text to justify your answer.
C. Conflict
4. What is the main conflict in Gore? Is it internal, external, or both?
Explain your reasoning and cite evidence that shows how the conflict develops.
D. Setting
5. Describe the setting of the story.
How does the author use setting to enhance the story’s suspense or mood?
Include at least one descriptive phrase or detail from the text as evidence.
E. Point of View
6. Identify the point of view of the story.
How does this perspective influence how readers understand the events or characters?
Provide one piece of evidence from the text that reveals the narrator’s perspective.
F. Theme
7. What is the theme (central message or insight) of Gore?
Explain what lesson or idea the story conveys about human behavior or relationships.
Support your interpretation with evidence from the story.
Teacher Tips:
Review the answers together after students complete the activity to reinforce how to use textual evidence effectively.
Encourage students to discuss alternative interpretations, especially for theme and conflict.
If time allows, have students share their plot diagrams on the board or wall for a gallery-style discussion.