Short Story Elements Pretest

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  • 1/31 Questions

    Answer the following question on your own paper: From the following excerpt, find two of each:  Nouns, pronouns, action verbs and subjects.  Find one interjection. List your answers like the example below:  ex. Nouns: cat, dog       Verbs:  swim, kick Inside, he quietly enjoyed being a football player.  Wow, did it mean a lot to him!  This Saturday he will make his way down to the stadium for the big game.  Last week it was against Henderson State.  The game was very close.  He had intercepted one errant pass and ran it back almost for a touchdown.  The fans in the bleachers erupted in thunderous applause.  In the end they lost by 3 points.  This week he hoped to achieve a victory and end the season in winning fashion.  "Certainly we have the talent to do it," he thought to himself.

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About This Quiz

This quiz will determine your knowledge of some of the more common elements of short stories

Short Story Elements Pretest - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    What is NOT a characteristic of a short story?

    • Tells about a single event or experience

    • Creates an impression on the reader

    • Non-fiction

    • Usually 500-15,000 words in length

    Correct Answer
    A. Non-fiction
    Explanation
    A short story is a work of fiction, so it is not non-fiction. It tells about a single event or experience, creates an impression on the reader, and is usually 500-15,000 words in length.

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  • 3. 

    This is the underlying message of a literary work.  It is the "message" the writer is trying to convey (to show)..

    • Mood

    • Genre

    • Idea

    • Theme

    Correct Answer
    A. Theme
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Theme." The theme of a literary work refers to the underlying message or central idea that the writer is trying to convey. It is the main concept or insight that the author wants to communicate to the readers. Unlike the genre, which categorizes the work based on its style or form, the theme focuses on the deeper meaning and purpose of the text. The theme can be expressed through various elements such as characters, plot, setting, and symbolism, and it often reflects on universal truths or issues that resonate with the readers.

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  • 4. 

    The person or event that goes AGAINST the protagonist of short stories is known as the _______________.

    • Antagonist

    • Protagonist

    • Antigone

    • Prothagrias

    Correct Answer
    A. Antagonist
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Antagonist". In short stories, the antagonist is the character or force that opposes or goes against the protagonist. They create conflict and obstacles for the protagonist, which drives the plot forward. The antagonist can be a person, an animal, nature, society, or even an internal struggle within the protagonist. Their actions and motivations often create tension and challenge the protagonist's goals and desires.

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  • 5. 

    The MAIN CHARACTER or (most of the time) the hero of a short story.

    • Antagonist

    • Protagonist

    • Antigone

    • Prothagrias

    Correct Answer
    A. Protagonist
    Explanation
    The protagonist is the main character or hero of a short story. They are typically the central figure around whom the plot revolves and whose actions and decisions drive the story forward. The protagonist is usually the character with whom the audience empathizes and whose journey and development are the focus of the narrative. In contrast, the antagonist is the character or force that opposes or creates conflict for the protagonist. Antigone and Prothagrias are not relevant options in this context.

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  • 6. 

    This is the highest point in a short story, usually the most exciting.

    • Finale

    • Height

    • Climax

    • Pinnacle

    Correct Answer
    A. Climax
    Explanation
    The climax is the highest point in a short story and is typically the most exciting part. It is the moment of greatest tension or conflict, where the protagonist faces their biggest challenge or makes a crucial decision. The climax often reveals the outcome of the story and leads to the resolution. It is a critical moment that engages the reader and creates a sense of anticipation and excitement.

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  • 7. 

    The events following the climax, where things are 'tied together' and the story concludes is called the:

    • Resolution

    • The End

    • Overture

    • Finale

    Correct Answer
    A. Resolution
    Explanation
    The events following the climax, where things are 'tied together' and the story concludes, are called the resolution. This is the part of the story where loose ends are wrapped up, conflicts are resolved, and the characters' fates are determined. It provides closure to the narrative and allows the reader or viewer to understand the outcome of the story.

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  • 8. 

    The problem in a short story that needs to be resolved is called the:

    • Drama

    • Conflict

    • Tension

    • Cheesecake

    Correct Answer
    A. Conflict
    Explanation
    In a short story, conflict refers to the problem or struggle that needs to be resolved. It is the central element that drives the plot and creates tension and drama. Conflict can take various forms, such as internal conflicts within a character or external conflicts between characters or with their environment. It is through the resolution of the conflict that the story reaches its conclusion and provides a satisfying resolution for the reader.

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  • 9. 

    If you read this sentence in a story, "I climbed the mountain in order to find the top" you would be able to quickly know the story was being told in ____________  ______________ Point of View?

    • First Person

    • Second Person

    • Third Person

    Correct Answer
    A. First Person
    Explanation
    In first person point of view, the narrator is a character in the story and refers to themselves as "I." In the given sentence, the narrator states "I climbed the mountain," indicating that they are directly involved in the action. This suggests that the story is being told from the first person point of view.

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  • 10. 

    "She bought a new dress with money she had earned working at McDonald's" is an example of which type of Point of View?

    • First Person

    • Second Person

    • Third Person

    Correct Answer
    A. Third Person
    Explanation
    The given sentence "She bought a new dress with money she had earned working at McDonald's" is written from the perspective of an outside narrator who is not directly involved in the story. The narrator refers to the subject as "she" instead of using personal pronouns like "I" or "you." This indicates that the sentence is written in the third person point of view.

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  • 11. 

    In thinking about the elements of a short story and the Plot Line ---which of the following is the correct term for the BEGINNING of a story?

    • Beginning

    • Resolution

    • Exceptional

    • Exposition

    Correct Answer
    A. Exposition
    Explanation
    Exposition is the correct term for the beginning of a story. The exposition is where the author introduces the setting, characters, and background information to the reader. It sets the stage for the events that will unfold in the story and helps the reader understand the context in which the story takes place. This is an essential part of the plot line as it provides crucial information to engage the reader and establish the foundation for the narrative.

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  • 12. 

    Which of the following are elements of a short story?  (check ALL that apply/are correct)

    • Short story

    • Fiction

    • Theme

    • Characters

    • Setting

    • Plot

    • Point of view

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Theme
    A. Characters
    A. Setting
    A. Plot
    A. Point of view
    Explanation
    A short story typically includes several elements such as theme, characters, setting, plot, and point of view. The theme refers to the central idea or message conveyed in the story. Characters are the individuals who drive the narrative and undergo various experiences. Setting is the time and place in which the story takes place. Plot refers to the sequence of events that unfold in the story. Point of view is the perspective from which the story is told. Therefore, the correct answer is theme, characters, setting, plot, and point of view.

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  • 13. 

    In the story "Cinderella", the Fairy Godmother who magically helps her is known as the short story's antagonist.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    The given statement is false. In the story "Cinderella," the Fairy Godmother is not the antagonist but rather the protagonist's ally. The Fairy Godmother uses her magic to assist Cinderella in attending the royal ball and ultimately finding her happily ever after. The antagonist in the story is Cinderella's stepmother and stepsisters, who mistreat her and try to prevent her from attending the ball.

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  • 14. 

    A universal theme is ..............

    • A story with a lot of events

    • A message in the story that can be used with everyone

    • Believing in the message in the story and caring about it to try to help everyone.

    • Can be applied to all the stars in the sky

    Correct Answer
    A. A message in the story that can be used with everyone
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "A message in the story that can be used with everyone." This answer suggests that a universal theme is a message or lesson in a story that is applicable to all individuals, regardless of their background or experiences. It implies that the theme resonates with people universally and can be interpreted and applied in various ways by different individuals.

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  • 15. 

    Please read the following selection and answer the next 3 questions based on the short selection: The blaring alarm clock went off, and Carlos jumped out of his bed. Normally, Carlos would have turned off the alarm and gone back to sleep, but today was a special day. Carlos found his favorite old sneakers, searched for his "good luck" shirt, and packed the items in his overnight bag. Carlos was finally going fishing with his dad and older brother.  Every year his dad and older brother went for a weekend fishing trip, but they always told him that he was too young. Now, one year later, he would be given the chance to show that he could fish with the big guys. Not only did he have his gear ready, he practiced the fishing techniques that he had learned in his fishing magazines. Since they didn't live near any water, he pretended his backyard was a lake filled with fish. He didn't need water to learn how to cast his rod. Even in his mind, he visualized how he would catch the biggest fish.  In fact, in his dream last night, he snagged a big bass on his hook. Fighting to release itself from the deadly hook, the bass pulled their boat a few yards. What a dream! Now, he was determined to make his dream into reality, so he carefully picked up his fishing pole and gear. At 5:15 a.m. he was in the car and ready to go. There was only one problem. Where were his fellow fishing buddies? Slowly his fishing buddies dragged themselves to the car. How could they be asleep at such an exciting time like this? His big brother questioned, "Carlos, where are all your fishing magazines? You know it won't do you any good." "We will see who catches the most fish," Carlos confidently replied. Carlos knew in is heart that his dream would come true. CARLOS CAN BEST BE DESCRIBED AS:

    • Lazy

    • Enthusiastic

    • Scared

    • Sincere

    Correct Answer
    A. Enthusiastic
    Explanation
    Carlos can best be described as enthusiastic because he is excited and eager about going fishing with his dad and older brother. He prepares his gear, practices fishing techniques, and visualizes catching the biggest fish. He even had a dream about catching a big bass. Despite his fishing buddies being slow and questioning his preparation, Carlos remains confident and determined that his dream will come true. This shows his enthusiasm and positive attitude towards the fishing trip.

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  • 16. 

    The THEME of the passage is

    • Never give up on your dreams.

    • You should have a close relationship with your brother.

    • You need to read about your hobby.

    • It is important to start every day early in the morning.

    Correct Answer
    A. Never give up on your dreams.
    Explanation
    The passage emphasizes the importance of never giving up on one's dreams. This theme is conveyed through the statement "Never give up on your dreams." The passage does not discuss having a close relationship with a brother, reading about a hobby, or starting every day early in the morning. Therefore, the correct answer is "Never give up on your dreams."

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  • 17. 

    Which of the following did NOT happen in the story about Carlos?

    • Carlos found a new pair of shoes.

    • Carlos waited in the car for his dad and brother

    • Carlos turned off the alarm and went back to sleep.

    • Carlos had dreams about catching a big fish.

    Correct Answer
    A. Carlos turned off the alarm and went back to sleep.
    Explanation
    In the story about Carlos, it is mentioned that Carlos found a new pair of shoes, Carlos waited in the car for his dad and brother, and Carlos had dreams about catching a big fish. However, it is not mentioned that Carlos turned off the alarm and went back to sleep.

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  • 18. 

    The air was hot, the sand even hotter.  There wasn't any grass as far as the eye could see.  The sky was radiant blue and the sun's rays were baking everything around me. I realized the desert was NOT the place to be!!This is an example of what short story element?

    • Plot

    • Setting

    • Atmosphere

    • Device

    Correct Answer
    A. Setting
    Explanation
    This passage describes the physical environment in which the story takes place, specifically a hot and barren desert. The details about the air, sand, grass, sky, and sun create a vivid picture of the setting. The setting helps to establish the mood and atmosphere of the story, as well as provide context for the events that unfold.

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  • 19. 

    "You will buy a new car and then take that car to the track" is an example of which type of Point of View? (NOT usually used in literature!!)

    • First Person

    • Second Person

    • Third Person

    Correct Answer
    A. Second Person
    Explanation
    The given sentence "You will buy a new car and then take that car to the track" is an example of second person point of view. In second person point of view, the narrator directly addresses the reader or audience as "you," making them a participant or observer in the events of the story. This point of view is not commonly used in literature but is often found in instructional or self-help texts, as it creates a more personal and engaging tone.

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  • 20. 

    The sequence of events of a story are known as..........

    • Characters

    • Plot line

    • Setting

    • Theme

    Correct Answer
    A. Plot line
    Explanation
    The correct answer is plot line. The plot line refers to the sequence of events that occur in a story, including the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. It is the structure or framework that holds the story together and helps to create a cohesive narrative. The plot line helps to develop the story's conflict and build tension, leading to a resolution or outcome.

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  • 21. 

    Which of the following is an example of an INTERNAL CONFLICT?

    • Man vs Man

    • Man vs Nature

    • Man vs Society

    • Man vs Himself

    Correct Answer
    A. Man vs Himself
    Explanation
    An internal conflict refers to a struggle that occurs within a character's mind or emotions. In the context of the given options, "Man vs Himself" is the only example that represents an internal conflict. This conflict arises when a character battles with their own thoughts, feelings, desires, or beliefs. It often involves making difficult choices, dealing with inner turmoil, or overcoming personal flaws. Unlike the other options, which involve external forces or conflicts with others, "Man vs Himself" focuses on the internal struggle of a character.

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  • 22. 

    When a character has a disease and must fight against it both emotionally and physically, it's an example of:

    • A problem

    • Man vs. man conflict

    • Man vs. society conflict

    • Man vs. himself cpnflict

    Correct Answer
    A. Man vs. himself cpnflict
    Explanation
    When a character has a disease and must fight against it both emotionally and physically, it is an example of a Man vs. himself conflict. In this type of conflict, the character is struggling with their own internal thoughts, emotions, or personal challenges. In this case, the character is facing a battle within themselves as they try to overcome the disease and its effects on their body and mind.

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  • 23. 

    If a short story is told from the narrator's point of view and the narrator is NOT in the story (he/she/they are used in the story), it would be told from 

    • 1st Person POV

    • 2nd Person POV

    • 3rd Person POV

    • 3rd Person Omniscient POV

    Correct Answer
    A. 3rd Person POV
    Explanation
    In a short story told from the narrator's point of view, the narrator is not a character in the story but is still able to provide insight and perspective. This indicates that the story is being told from the 3rd person point of view. In this perspective, the narrator uses pronouns like "he/she/they" to refer to the characters in the story, maintaining a distance from the events and allowing for an objective and unbiased narration.

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  • 24. 

    If a story is told from the narrator's point of view, he's not in the story (reader sees He/She/They used throughout) and we, as readers, know what ALL characters are thinking/feeling, then it's being told from:

    • 1st Person POV

    • 2nd Person POV

    • 3rd Person POV

    • 3rd Person Omniscient POV

    Correct Answer
    A. 3rd Person Omniscient POV
    Explanation
    In a story told from the third person omniscient point of view, the narrator is not a character in the story and uses "he/she/they" to refer to the characters. The narrator has knowledge of the thoughts and feelings of all the characters in the story. This allows the readers to have a comprehensive understanding of the story from multiple perspectives.

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  • 25. 

    What is meant by the term CHARACTERIZATION?

    • Characters are people, animals, or large important things in a short story

    • Believing that a character is believable

    • The creation or construction of a fictional character

    • The process through which an author shows a character's personality through speech, actions, and appearance

    Correct Answer
    A. The creation or construction of a fictional character
    Explanation
    Characterization refers to the process of creating or constructing a fictional character. It involves developing the various aspects of a character, such as their personality, background, and motivations. Through characterization, an author brings a character to life and makes them believable and relatable to the readers. This can be achieved through the character's speech, actions, and appearance, allowing the readers to understand and connect with the character on a deeper level.

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  • 26. 

    What is meant by INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION?

    • The process by which the writer shows the character's personality through speech, actions and appearance

    • When the narrator specifically tells us what a character is like

    • The process by which we figure out what makes characters tick.

    • When the narrator tells us what to believe and when to think it based upon how he presents a character.

    Correct Answer
    A. The process by which the writer shows the character's personality through speech, actions and appearance
    Explanation
    Indirect characterization refers to the method used by the writer to reveal a character's personality traits through their speech, actions, and appearance. Instead of explicitly stating the character's traits, the writer allows the reader to infer and interpret the character's personality based on their behavior and physical attributes. This technique adds depth and complexity to the character, as the reader actively engages in understanding their motivations and inner workings.

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  • 27. 

    What is meant by the term DIALOGUE in the scheme of a short story?

    • Speeches

    • Conversations between characters

    • Bubbles above what people are talking about

    • Digging into the past in order to figure out what the connflict is

    Correct Answer
    A. Conversations between characters
    Explanation
    In the context of a short story, the term "dialogue" refers to the conversations between characters. It is the verbal interaction between two or more characters that helps to develop the plot, reveal their personalities, and advance the story. Dialogue allows readers to understand the thoughts, emotions, and motivations of the characters, as well as their relationships with each other. It adds realism and depth to the narrative, making the story more engaging and dynamic.

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  • 28. 

    What is a speaker or character who tells a story?

    • Narrator

    • Speaker

    • Protagonist

    • Antagonist

    Correct Answer
    A. Narrator
    Explanation
    A narrator is a speaker or character who tells a story. They provide the perspective and voice through which the story is conveyed to the audience. The narrator may be a character within the story or an external observer, and their role is to provide information, describe events, and shape the overall narrative. The narrator's perspective and reliability can greatly impact the reader's understanding and interpretation of the story.

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  • 29. 

    What type of character shows many different traits and faults as well as virtues

    • Multiple sided character

    • Round character

    • Flat character

    • Simple character

    Correct Answer
    A. Round character
    Explanation
    A round character is a type of character that displays a variety of traits, both positive and negative. They are multi-dimensional and complex, with a depth that makes them more realistic and relatable. They often undergo development and change throughout the story, showing growth and evolution. In contrast, a flat character is one-dimensional and lacks depth, while a simple character is uncomplicated and straightforward. Therefore, a round character is the best fit for a character that exhibits many different traits, faults, and virtues.

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  • 30. 

    What type of character changes throughout a story usually because of events within the short story?

    • Dynamic character

    • Round character

    • Static character

    • Phenomenal character

    Correct Answer
    A. Dynamic character
    Explanation
    A dynamic character is a type of character that undergoes significant changes or transformations throughout a story, usually as a result of the events and experiences they encounter. These changes can be emotional, psychological, or behavioral, and they often contribute to the character's growth and development. Unlike static characters who remain unchanged, dynamic characters evolve and adapt as the story progresses, making them more complex and multidimensional. Therefore, a dynamic character is the most fitting choice for a character that changes throughout a story due to internal or external factors.

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  • 31. 

    What does the term GENRE mean?

    • Type of character

    • Type of tone in the story

    • Type of literature

    • Type of venue

    Correct Answer
    A. Type of character
    Explanation
    The term "genre" refers to a category or type of literature. It is used to classify literary works based on their content, style, and form. It helps readers and scholars to identify and understand the characteristics and themes of a particular type of literature. Therefore, "type of character" is the correct answer as it accurately describes the meaning of the term "genre" in the context of literature.

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Aug 24, 2013
    Quiz Created by
    Michelle BYRD

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