climax
climax (n.)
Definition
the point in a story at which characters either face or solve their most important problem
Sample Sentence
During the climax, the knight defeated the dragon in battle.
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crossover
Definitions
1. a simple basketball move in which a player dribbles the ball quickly from one hand to the other
Sample Sentences
1. He used the crossover to fool the other player.
2. a change from one style or type of activity to another
2. She is a crossover artist who began with country music and became a pop star. Image Credit: XonkArts/Getty Images
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exposition
exposition (n.)
Definition
the beginning of a story, in which background information about characters or setting is presented
Sample Sentence
The exposition of the fairy tale introduced a knight seeking glory.
external conflict
external conflict
Definition a problem or struggle between a character and an outside force
Sample Sentence
The external conflict between the knight and the dragon created suspense.
falling action
falling action
Definition
events that occur after a story’s climax and before the conclusion
Sample Sentence
During the falling action, the knight told the king the good news.
figurative language
Definition
figurative language
language that expresses meaning in a nonliteral way to create an image or effect
Sample Sentence
Comparing a dragon’s fire to a volcano is an example of figurative language.
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form
form (n.)
Definition the shape or structure used in a story or poem to express knowledge or meaning
Sample Sentence
The form of the poem conveys the author’s emotions.
internal conflict
Definition
internal conflict
a conflict a character faces within their mind
Sample Sentence
The knight faced an internal conflict when he questioned his bravery.
narrative arc
narrative arc
Definition
the shape a story takes from exposition to resolution
Sample Sentence
The knight’s story followed a traditional narrative arc from beginning to end.
narrative poetry
narrative poetry
Definition a genre of literature that combines the elements of poetry with the elements of storytelling
Sample Sentence
The writer chose narrative poetry to tell the story.
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point of view
point of view
Definition
the narrative perspective from which a story is told
Sample Sentence
The narrator’s point of view affects the story.
resolution
resolution (n.)
Definition
the point in a story at which the main conflict is solved or ended
Sample Sentence
At the resolution, the king rewarded the knight for his victory.
rising action
rising action
Definition
the events that follow and complicate the exposition and eventually lead to the story’s climax
Sample Sentence
During the rising action, the knight met a dragon.
8 | Module 1
verse
verse (n.)
Definition
writing in which words are arranged in a rhythmic pattern
Sample Sentence
The poem was written in verse.