Novel Flip-chart Showcases Literary Elements

Assess Student Understanding of Novel and Reading Terms With Booklet

Nov 7, 2009

In order for students to show their knowledge of common literary terms that may be assessed on their reading achievement test, teachers can assign the flip-chart.

This hands-on booklet will allow students to showcase their creativity and artistic abilities. Before students can begin this project, they need to have a basic understanding of the literary terms.

Characters

The main characters can be identified as dynamic, round, flat, static, protagonist, antagonist and/or a foil.

A dynamic character changes, and a static characters does not change. A round character has many sides its personality, and a flat character has only one side. The protagonist is the “good guy” or hero, and the antagonist is the “bag guy” or villain. A foil is a character that “illuminates” the flaws or strengths of another character.

Plot Elements

The basic plot elements are exposition, rising action, conflict, climax, falling action and resolution.

The exposition is the beginning of the story, and it includes the time and setting where the story takes place. The rising action is where conflict occurs. The climax is the turning point that results from the conflicts. The falling action is after the climax and brings the characters to an end or resolution. The resolution gives closure to the reader, and all of the loose ends should be tied up for the reader.

Literary Terms

To complete the booklet, students can identify the following literary terms in their novel: theme, mood, flashback, symbol, foreshadowing, irony, paradox, satire, etc.

The theme is a universal idea in the novel. The mood is how the reader feels when reading the novel. Flashback is when the reader is given information out of chronological order, usually going back. Foreshadowing is when the reader is given clues about events to come.

Irony is an inconsistency between what is said and what is meant and is usually implied. A paradox is where there are two opposing ideas or where the truth seems to be contradictory. Satire is humor used to ridicule.

Directions for Flip-chart or Booklet

There should be three basic sections to the booklet: characters, plot and literary terms. For each section, the teacher needs to decide the minimum requirement of terms to be described. For example, for each section, students should illustrate and describe five elements or terms.

For each literary term, the student should have a picture or graphic, a definition of the term and an explanation.

The booklet should be graded using a rubric. Criteria for the booklet could be as follows: accuracy of content, neatness, use of color and creativity, depth of description, etc.

This booklet or flip-chart is a great way to assess students understanding of the novel and the literary terms. In addition, most students will find this assignment engaging and fun.

The copyright of the article Novel Flip-chart Showcases Literary Elements in Middle School Lesson Plans is owned by Kellie Hayden. Permission to republish Novel Flip-chart Showcases Literary Elements in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.