Chapter 2: Literary Elements in Works for Children
CHAPTER 2
Literary Elements in Works for Children
Multiple Choice
2.1)
How is plot related to genre?
A) The genre of a story determines the range of possible actions in it.
B) Plot and genre are gender specific.
C) Plot has a history which constrains gender.
D) Genre and plot are interchangeable.
Answer:
Page Ref:
Topic:
Skill:
A
29
Genre: The “Rules of the Game”
Analysis
2.2) How does the setting for a folktale compare with the setting for a work of realistic
fiction?
A) The folktale has a more contemporary setting.
B) Realistic fiction is more likely to have a briefly described setting.
C) There are likely to be more characters built into the setting of a folktale.
D) Settings in realistic fiction are usually described with greater detail.
Answer:
Page Ref:
Topic:
Skill:
D
33
Settings in Realistic Fiction
Analysis
2.3) The authors identify five ways in which characters are developed in stories.
Which of the following is included?
A) Characters are developed through their physical appearance.
B) Characters are developed through their actions.
C) Characters are developed by examining background.
D) Characters are developed by the setting.
97
Instructorʼs Manual and Test Bank for Childrenʼs Books in Childrenʼs Hands, Fourth Edition
Answer:
Page Ref:
Topic:
Skill:
B
34
Characterization
Comprehension
98
Chapter 2: Literary Elements in Works for Children
2.4)
How does a denouement function in a story?
A) It prepares the reader for the climax.
B) It tempers the intensity of violent or disturbing action.
C) It displays the charactersʼ state of affairs following the resolution of the
problem.
D) It introduces the problem in instances where there is a complication.
Answer:
Page Ref:
Topic:
Skill:
2.5)
C
39
Plot Structures
Comprehension
How do episodes function within the plot structure of a story?
A) They increase the tension.
B) They detract from the setting.
C) They offer provisional closure.
D) They minimize distractions.
Answer:
Page Ref:
Topic:
Skill:
C
41
Episodes
Application
2.6) The authors make a distinction between the “real” story and the story-asnarrated, through which the “real story is gradually revealed.” What is the distinction
they make?
A) The incomplete full plot is distinguished from the plot that underlies it.
B) The real story has a single author; the story revealed has multiple authors.
C) The story revealed is easier for children to understand.
D) The real story cannot be fictional.
Answer:
Page Ref:
Topic:
Skill:
A
41
The “Real” Story versus the Story as Revealed
Analysis
99
Instructorʼs Manual and Test Bank for Childrenʼs Books in Childrenʼs Hands, Fourth Edition
2.7)
From the following, identify a plot form that can be classified as a recurring plot.
A) A cousin must be airlifted to safety.
B) Children discover an unknown chamber under the school gymnasium.
C) Police officers establish a school for orphans.
D) Children are separated from, or abandoned by, one or both parents.
Answer:
Page Ref:
Topic:
Skill:
2.8)
What is the difference between an explicit and an implicit theme?
A) The implicit theme has a stronger setting.
B) The explicit theme is less plausible.
C) There are no characters associated with the explicit theme.
D) An implicit theme is suggested in a story, but not stated.
Answer:
Page Ref:
Topic:
Skill:
2.9)
D
40
Recurring Plots
Knowledge
D
42
Explicit and Implicit Themes
Comprehension
What do the authors mean by “reading against the grain”?
A) questioning something that remains unquestioned in the text
B) reading that is not done voluntarily
C) engaging a text that is beyond a childʼs reading level
D) reading in which the author switches narrative styles
Answer:
Page Ref:
Topic:
Skill:
A
42
Reading against the Grain
Application
2.10) What is an implied reader?
A) a person who identifies words but does not comprehend
B) the ideal interpreter of a work, as imagined by the author
C) the narrator of a work
D) the author of the text in question
Answer:
Page Ref:
Topic:
Skill:
B
43
The Stance of an Implied Reader
Comprehension
100
Chapter 2: Literary Elements in Works for Children
Essay
2.12) Using a work of childrenʼs literature referenced by the authors, how would you
“read against the grain” with children? As you craft your answer, consider who the
implied reader is and how you could leverage that concept to promote discussions
with children.
Answer:
Filling in the gaps; moral stance; stance of the implied reader; asking
questions about different portrayals of characters
Page Ref: 41-45
Topic:
Themes: How Do Stories Convey Meaning?; The Stance of the Implied
Reader
Skill:
Synthesis
2.13) How do the elements of style work together in childrenʼs literature? Choose an
example from the text to support your answer.
Answer:
Lively language, vivid images, fresh approaches, avoiding stereotypes,
promote use of metaphors and sounds all working together;, voice and
characterization: authors use Tuck Everlasting frequently for examples,
but students can choose many other texts
Page Ref: 47-50
Topic:
Style
Skill:
Application
101