Connect a line to a scene

Supplied materials

• Paper and pencil, or a browser text area. All named people/events/records are fictional learning inputs.
• Worked case: Image: a lamp like a tiny sun, lighting the dark room. Endings: light/night/day/play. Direction: [whispers]. Role line: The only key is missing.
• Primary check: Image: Jo raced like the wind, reaching the door quickly. Endings: light/day/night/play. Direction: [speaks forcefully]. Role line: I will search the drawer.
• Original poem with ABAB rhyme: The model waited in the light, While footsteps crossed the floor all day. I checked its folded wings at night, And chose the words that I would say. Original scene: "Will the fold hold?" Lea asked. [Jo pauses.] "For this one trial," Jo replied. Jo did not claim it would last forever. The dialogue develops caution and the direction gives the actor timing.

Learn the idea

Lines of dialogue and narration can introduce a problem, reveal a choice, resolve that problem or orient the setting. The role depends on its relation to the surrounding scene.

Read the supplied scene description and compare the line with the stated problem. Explain the role using the actual words.

Example to read or listen to: Image: a lamp like a tiny sun, lighting the dark room. Endings: light/night/day/play. Direction: [whispers]. Role line: The only key is missing. The answer is introduces the conflict. The relevant input states: Role line: The only key is missing. This fits introduces the conflict. Lines of dialogue and narration can introduce a problem, reveal a choice, resolve that problem or orient the setting. The role depends on its relation to the surrounding scene. A place description alone does not resolve a conflict.

1. Read or listen to the worked example. Say what the reading or writing task asks you to find. An adult can help with unfamiliar words.
2. Read the supplied scene description and compare the line with the stated problem. Explain the role using the actual words.
3. Check the worked solution: introduces the conflict. The relevant input states: Role line: The only key is missing. This fits introduces the conflict. Lines of dialogue and narration can introduce a problem, reveal a choice, resolve that problem or orient the setting. The role depends on its relation to the surrounding scene. A place description alone does not resolve a conflict.
4. Try the question and the practice questions. Point to the words that helped you choose before checking the feedback.

Check your reasoning

Your answer is temporary and is not saved to an account. Download your current answer before leaving or reloading. Written work on paper or in another app stays in your own file.

Take it further

Optional extra practice: Write an original four-line poem with ABAB end rhyme and one comparison emphasizing a stated quality. Create a four-line scene about a missing key, include a decision and resolution, and add two different delivery directions. Practice this lesson’s skill as you complete the task. Use this idea to check your work: Lines of dialogue and narration can introduce a problem, reveal a choice, resolve that problem or orient the setting. The role depends on its relation to the surrounding scene.

Nothing here is saved to an account or sent to a teacher. The answer download includes your current choice and any checked feedback. It does not include choices from the separate More practice section. Download that section separately.