Build your own short story
Use a character, a problem and a meaningful choice to shape a short story.
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LOOK CLOSELY. TAKE ONE IDEA AT A TIME.
Read & notice.
Open each lesson image.
Use the text notes to check your understanding.
01Short story basics
02Build your beginning and middle
03Finish and revise your story
YOUR LEARNING GOAL
Write a short story in three paragraphs, aiming for 9–12 sentences.
The ideas to keep
- 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.
A MODEL TO LEARN FROM
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.
TRY. GET A CLUE. TRY AGAIN.
A little check-in.
Choose an answer for immediate feedback.
You can change your mind and try again.
YOUR IDEAS, WITH A LITTLE SUPPORT
Make it your own.
Complete the sentence frames.
Change the wording to make your ideas clear.
Your draft stays in this browser on this device. Download it before changing devices or accounts.
One _____, a student named _____ was at _____. _____ hoped to _____.
Need an example?
One afternoon, a student named Lian was at the school garden. Lian hoped to grow a healthy plant.
But one day, _____. This was a problem because _____.
Need an example?
But one day, the plant began to wilt. This was a problem because Lian did not know what it needed.
First, _____ tried to _____. However, _____.
Need an example?
First, Lian tried to guess what was wrong. However, the plant did not improve.
Then, _____ decided to _____. At the most important moment, _____.
Need an example?
Then, Lian decided to ask for advice. At the most important moment, Lian listened and checked the plant’s needs.
Finally, _____. In the end, _____.
Need an example?
Finally, new leaves appeared. In the end, Lian felt more confident about caring for the plant.
ONE LAST LOOK
Read it. Refine it. Keep it.
Say your response aloud, then check what you have done.
TAKE YOUR LEARNING WITH YOU
Download full lesson pack (PDF) ↓Offline worksheet & images (ZIP) ↓Save the PDF to read or print offline. The optional ZIP includes a browser worksheet and image files.
KEEP YOUR WORDS GROWING
Bring the practice into a story.
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