Story Structure Worksheets | Reading Activities

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Many stories have a plot structure that we can graph. It looks like a triangle. A conflict is introduced, tension rises, a major change occurs. This major change is called the climax. After the climax the tension falls. The protagonist, or main character, may face a final moment of suspense. Then the story is resolved.

This page features a bunch of little stories that I wrote to help teach students this story structure. These are concise little tales that can be read in a few minutes and easily graphed on the story structure triangle. They will give students the ground work to understand how story structure affects momentum and mood. Plot structure can be more complicated than a simple triangle, but they don't have to be. I hope that these free story structure worksheets will help students learn to identify narrative structure.

"The Breakaway"

Here's an activity to help students review plot and story structure. Students will read a motivational story about an athlete who sustains an injury and has to find another way to succeed. Then they will analyze and identify structural elements of the story. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 5-9.

This is a preview image of "The Breakaway". Click on it to enlarge it or view the source file.

"The Breakaway" Links

This is the button to preview "The Breakaway".

This is the button to download the RTF version of "The Breakaway". Use this version of "The Breakaway" if you want to make edits to the file.

This is the button to download the PDF version of "The Breakaway". Use this version of "The Breakaway" if you want to print or send the files as-is.

This is the button to show the answers for "The Breakaway". Press this button and the preview of "The Breakaway" will turn into the answer key.

This is the button for the online version of "The Breakaway". Press this button and try the online activity.

"When Gertrude Grew Great"

Students read a motivational story and identify the story structure parts: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. This activity includes a skill sheet that tests students' understanding of other reading skills as well. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 4-8.

This is a preview image of "When Gertrude Grew Great". Click on it to enlarge it or view the source file.

"When Gertrude Grew Great" Links

This is the button to preview "When Gertrude Grew Great".

This is the button to download the RTF version of "When Gertrude Grew Great". Use this version of "When Gertrude Grew Great" if you want to make edits to the file.

This is the button to download the PDF version of "When Gertrude Grew Great". Use this version of "When Gertrude Grew Great" if you want to print or send the files as-is.

This is the button to show the answers for "When Gertrude Grew Great". Press this button and the preview of "When Gertrude Grew Great" will turn into the answer key.

This is the button for the online version of "When Gertrude Grew Great". Press this button and try the online activity.

"The Phone Call"

Still looking for more worksheets about story structure and plot? Here's one more! This story is about a young man who overcomes an internal problem created by negligent family member. Students read the story and then complete a reading skill sheet that includes an analysis of the narrative structure. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 3-7.

This is a preview image of "The Phone Call". Click on it to enlarge it or view the source file.

"The Phone Call" Links

This is the button to preview "The Phone Call".

This is the button to download the RTF version of "The Phone Call". Use this version of "The Phone Call" if you want to make edits to the file.

This is the button to download the PDF version of "The Phone Call". Use this version of "The Phone Call" if you want to print or send the files as-is.

This is the button to show the answers for "The Phone Call". Press this button and the preview of "The Phone Call" will turn into the answer key.

This is the button for the online version of "The Phone Call". Press this button and try the online activity.

"Pierce the Spaceman"

Here is another story structure worksheet. This one is about a spaceman who saves his colony. Students will identify story elements and structure. I use the included reading skill sheets with most of the stories in the text book to perform ongoing skill checks. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 6-10.

This is a preview image of "Pierce the Spaceman". Click on it to enlarge it or view the source file.

"Pierce the Spaceman" Links

This is the button to preview "Pierce the Spaceman".

This is the button to download the RTF version of "Pierce the Spaceman". Use this version of "Pierce the Spaceman" if you want to make edits to the file.

This is the button to download the PDF version of "Pierce the Spaceman". Use this version of "Pierce the Spaceman" if you want to print or send the files as-is.

This is the button to show the answers for "Pierce the Spaceman". Press this button and the preview of "Pierce the Spaceman" will turn into the answer key.

"An Unexpected Chat"

Here's another worksheet to help students review plot, story structure, and elements of literature. This one features a story about a student who learns to resist peer pressure. Students read the story and complete an activity sheet covering story structure and other reading skills. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 4-8.

This is a preview image of "An Unexpected Chat". Click on it to enlarge it or view the source file.

"An Unexpected Chat" Links

This is the button to preview "An Unexpected Chat".

This is the button to download the RTF version of "An Unexpected Chat". Use this version of "An Unexpected Chat" if you want to make edits to the file.

This is the button to download the PDF version of "An Unexpected Chat". Use this version of "An Unexpected Chat" if you want to print or send the files as-is.

This is the button to show the answers for "An Unexpected Chat". Press this button and the preview of "An Unexpected Chat" will turn into the answer key.

Here is yet another worksheet to help students review plot, story structure, and elements of literature. This story is about a young girl who is faced with a difficult decision: she finds a wallet that does not belong to her. After reading the short story, students complete an activity covering story structure and other reading skills. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 4-8.

This is a preview image of "The Wallet". Click on it to enlarge it or view the source file.

"The Wallet" Links

This is the button to preview "The Wallet".

This is the button to download the RTF version of "The Wallet". Use this version of "The Wallet" if you want to make edits to the file.

This is the button to download the PDF version of "The Wallet". Use this version of "The Wallet" if you want to print or send the files as-is.

This is the button to show the answers for "The Wallet". Press this button and the preview of "The Wallet" will turn into the answer key.

"The Way of the World"

Here is one more worksheet to help students review plot, story structure, and elements of literature. This story is about a once successful salesman who has difficulty adjusting to the modern ways of business. Students read the short story, analyze the structure of the story, and review reading skills. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 6-10.

This is a preview image of "The Way of the World". Click on it to enlarge it or view the source file.

"The Way of the World" Links

This is the button to preview "The Way of the World".

This is the button to download the RTF version of "The Way of the World". Use this version of "The Way of the World" if you want to make edits to the file.

This is the button to download the PDF version of "The Way of the World". Use this version of "The Way of the World" if you want to print or send the files as-is.

This is the button to show the answers for "The Way of the World". Press this button and the preview of "The Way of the World" will turn into the answer key.

Story Structure Worksheet Template

Use this story structure worksheet template with any applicable story that you and your students are reading. This activity sheet will provide students with a framework to help guide them toward identifying structural elements.

This is a preview image of Story Structure Worksheet Template. Click on it to enlarge it or view the source file.

Story Structure Worksheet Template Links

This is the button to preview Story Structure Worksheet Template.

This is the button to download the RTF version of Story Structure Worksheet Template. Use this version of Story Structure Worksheet Template if you want to make edits to the file.

This is the button to download the PDF version of Story Structure Worksheet Template. Use this version of Story Structure Worksheet Template if you want to print or send the files as-is.

Story Structure Lesson 1

Here is a PowerPoint slideshow on Story Structure. Students read a short story called "Gertrude the Great." Then they are introduced to story structure terms like rising action, climax, resolution.

This is a preview image of Story Structure Lesson 1. Click on it to enlarge it or view the source file.

Story Structure Lesson 1 Links

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Story Structure Lesson 2

Here is another slideshow lesson on Story Structure. Students read a short story called "The Breakaway," a motivational story about an athlete who sustains an injury and has to find another way to succeed. Then they will analyze and identify structural elements of the story. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 5-9.

This is a preview image of Story Structure Lesson 2. Click on it to enlarge it or view the source file.

Story Structure Lesson 2 Links

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This is the button to download Story Structure Lesson 2.

Story Structure Quiz 1 | "Unto Others"

This is a story structure quizzed based on a short story called "Unto Others." Students read the story, which is about acceptance and redemption, and then they answer multiple choice questions about the structure of the story. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 5-9.

This is a preview image of "Unto Others". Click on it to enlarge it or view the source file.

"Unto Others" Links

This is the button to preview "Unto Others".

This is the button to download the RTF version of "Unto Others". Use this version of "Unto Others" if you want to make edits to the file.

This is the button to download the PDF version of "Unto Others". Use this version of "Unto Others" if you want to print or send the files as-is.

This is the button to show the answers for "Unto Others". Press this button and the preview of "Unto Others" will turn into the answer key.

This is the button for the online version of "Unto Others". Press this button and try the online activity.

Story Structure Quiz 2 | "Blood is Thicker"

This is a story structure quizzed based on a short story called Blood is Thicker. It is about two sisters who are complete opposites. They must learn to work together to achieve their goals. Students read the short story and answer multiple choice questions about the structure of the story. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 6-10.

This is a preview image of "Blood is Thicker". Click on it to enlarge it or view the source file.

"Blood is Thicker" Links

This is the button to preview "Blood is Thicker".

This is the button to download the RTF version of "Blood is Thicker". Use this version of "Blood is Thicker" if you want to make edits to the file.

This is the button to download the PDF version of "Blood is Thicker". Use this version of "Blood is Thicker" if you want to print or send the files as-is.

This is the button to show the answers for "Blood is Thicker". Press this button and the preview of "Blood is Thicker" will turn into the answer key.

This is the button for the online version of "Blood is Thicker". Press this button and try the online activity.

Story Structure Quiz 3 | "Time Warriors"

This is a story structure quizzed based on a short story called Time Warriors. Alex is dismayed when his mother forces him to take his little brother with him to a friend's house. He learns to appreciate him by the end of the story. Students read the short story and complete multiple choice questions about the structure of the narrative. Suggested reading level for this text: Grade 3-7.

This is a preview image of "Time Warriors". Click on it to enlarge it or view the source file.

"Time Warriors" Links

This is the button to preview "Time Warriors".

This is the button to download the RTF version of "Time Warriors". Use this version of "Time Warriors" if you want to make edits to the file.

This is the button to download the PDF version of "Time Warriors". Use this version of "Time Warriors" if you want to print or send the files as-is.

This is the button to show the answers for "Time Warriors". Press this button and the preview of "Time Warriors" will turn into the answer key.

This is a photograph of a stack of books arranged like a house.

That's not quite what I meant when I said story structure...

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164 Comments

Madhu
/ September 3, 2021

Dear Mr. Morton,

Thank you so much! Your worksheets helped me a lot.

Best Regards!
Madhu

Reply
Nanker
/ September 2, 2021

Great homeschool resource. We really appreciate what you have done and offer here. Just a note to mention that the link for the PPT slide for Lesson 1 does not open a PPT but a webpage.

Reply
- Mr. Morton
  / September 2, 2021
  
  Thank you!
  I fixed the error.
  
  Reply
Diane Priddy
/ April 24, 2021

Thank you-just what I was looking for! God Bless

Reply
Nie
/ October 16, 2020

Dear Mr. Morton,

Thank you so much! Your worksheets helped me a lot. Best Regards!

Reply
Kay
/ June 10, 2020

you saved my day so many times. Thank you for all you do

Reply
Kamaldaye Samlal
/ May 19, 2020

I really appreciate the materials that you are offering to teachers. Thank you so much.

Reply
Heera Salim
/ September 30, 2019

Hi Mr. Morton
Thank you so very much for providing us such wonderful material. These study materials have been such a lot of help. These worksheets have helped me in teaching my students so much better.

Regards
Heera

Reply
Rhonda Adams
/ September 11, 2019

Great lessons and worksheets. I am using them for my ESL and GED students. Thanks!

Reply
Tracy Rockas
/ May 28, 2019

Thank you so much for the hard work you put into these worksheets. They make my job as an “at-risk” English teacher so much easier.

Reply
ahmed
/ October 31, 2018

can you add more story structures sheets

Reply
- Mr. Morton
  / November 2, 2018
  
  Have you seen these story structure activities? They are similar to the ones on this page.
  
  Reply
Amrita Jain
/ October 6, 2018

Dear Morton
Your worksheets are perfect instruments to achieve the most essential, crucial and vast reading skills. Being teacher I cant thank you enough for the way it eases and enhances my teaching objectives, outcomes and overall journey.

Reply
- Mr. Morton
  / October 8, 2018
  
  That’s really nice of you to say. I’m going to keep working on stuff. Thank you for visiting and taking the time to comment. I appreciate it.
  
  Reply
Lanniece L Lewis
/ October 1, 2018

Your worksheets worked perfectly for demonstration and practice in our 7th grade classroom. Thanks so much!

Mrs. Lewis

Reply
- Mr. Morton
  / October 2, 2018
  
  I’m so happy to hear it. Thank you for taking the time to comment.
  
  Reply
Nicole
/ September 4, 2018

This website is amazing. Thank you for your help.

Reply
Lembani Kokai
/ July 22, 2018

Great!

Reply
Shannon HP
/ March 21, 2018

Thank you so much for the wonderful resources! I have made “exit tickets” for each of the grammar games you have created so my student can show mastery. They provide a high interest activity for subjects that the kids wouldn’t normally be interested in learning. The worksheets are excellent for practicing and for introducing topics in small groups!!

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Suzanne
/ March 18, 2018

I think these worksheets are such a good resource for struggling and good reading. The stories are very captivating and such a good teaching tool. Please keep doing this. Its such a gift.

Suzanne carlson

Reply
Sheldon Wright
/ March 6, 2018

Really appreciate the content, thanks for your work. It is really helpful. All the success.

Reply
Christie Harp
/ January 17, 2018

Thank you does not begin to cover the gratitude I have for these free resources. I’m using them for multiple grades and for intervention groups. THANK YOU!

Reply
Suhair AbuZaid
/ September 27, 2017

Dear Sir,

I really appreciate your generous approach in supplying us – teachers of English- with such worthwhile worksheets that made our teaching mission easy and facilitated our search for various language skills activities.

Regards,

Suhair Abu Zaid

Reply

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