Beginning, Middle, and End

In Lesson 19 you learned the three story parts. Now we look more closely at exactly what each part must do — and how to tell them apart when you are reading or writing.

The Beginning — set the scene

• Tell the reader who the story is about (character).
• Tell the reader where and when it happens (setting).
• Signal words: One day, Once upon a time, Early one morning.
• Example: One morning, a small puppy woke up in his cozy basket.

The Middle — the main event

• Present the problem — something goes wrong or changes.
• The character must do something about it.
• Signal words: Suddenly, Then, But.
• Example: Suddenly the puppy ran outside and got lost in the park.

The End — wrap it up

• Show how the problem is solved.
• Tell how the character feels at the very end.
• Signal words: Finally, At last, In the end.
• Example: Finally, his owner found him and the puppy wagged his tail.

A test for each part

• Beginning: "Do I know who and where?"
• Middle: "Is there a problem or event?"
• End: "Is it solved? Does the character feel something?"