BuildPhrase · Grade 12 · Free activity

Build your own short story

Write a short story in three paragraphs, aiming for 9–12 sentences.

Name: __________________________ Date: ______________

Open the images in the images folder to read the visual lesson. Use your browser’s Print command to print this worksheet or save it as PDF. The answer key is separate.

Read and notice

A character is a person, animal or other being in a story. The setting is where and when it happens.
A plot is the connected sequence of events. Give your character a problem to respond to.
An attempt can fail or lead to a new choice. A turning point changes what happens next.
The ending shows what changes or how the problem is resolved.
A theme is an idea or message developed through the story. Show it through the character’s actions and experience.
Use the first two frames for your beginning, the next two for your middle, and the last frame for your ending.

One afternoon, a student named Lian was at the school garden. Lian hoped to grow a healthy plant, but the soil in one pot was too dry. First, Lian guessed what to do. Then, Lian decided to ask for advice. At the most important moment, Lian chose to listen and check the plant’s needs. After several days of careful work, new leaves appeared. Lian learned that asking for help can be part of learning.

Quick check

1. Which item is part of a story’s setting?

☐ The writer’s preferred font

☐ The school garden on a sunny afternoon

☐ The number of pages in the book

2. What makes a useful turning point?

☐ A new title with no change in events

☐ A repeated sentence that adds nothing

☐ An important choice that changes what happens next

3. Which statement describes a theme?

☐ Asking for help can support learning.

☐ The character is named Lian.

☐ The story has eight sentences.

Build your response

Introduce a character and setting
One _____, a student named _____ was at _____. _____ hoped to _____.

Introduce a problem
But one day, _____. This was a problem because _____.

Show the first attempt
First, _____ tried to _____. However, _____.

Write a turning point
Then, _____ decided to _____. At the most important moment, _____.

Show a change and an ending
Finally, _____. In the end, _____.

Review

☐ I introduced a character and a setting.

☐ My events connect to a clear problem.

☐ My character makes an important choice.

☐ My ending shows what changed.

☐ I checked sentence order, capitals and punctuation.