Activity Overview
A common use for Storyboard That is to help students create a plot diagram of the events from a story. Not only is this a great way to teach the parts of the plot, but it reinforces major events and helps students develop greater understanding of literary structures.
Students can create a storyboard capturing the narrative arc in a work with a six-cell storyboard containing the major parts of the plot diagram. For each cell, have students create a scene that follows the story in sequence using: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a visual plot diagram of A Tale of Two Cities.
- Separate the story into the Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
- Create an image that represents an important moment or set of events for each of the story components.
- Write a description of each of the steps in the plot diagram.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 25 Points | Emerging 21 Points | Beginning 17 Points | Try Again 13 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Descriptive and Visual Elements | Cells have many descriptive elements, and provide the reader with a vivid representation. | Cells have many descriptive elements, but flow of cells may have been hard to understand. | Cells have few descriptive elements, or have visuals that make the work confusing. | Cells have few or no descriptive elements. |
| Grammar/Spelling | Textables have three or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have four or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have five or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have six or more spelling/grammar errors. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. Student has done both peer and teacher editing. | Work is well written and carefully thought out. Student has either teacher or peer editing, but not both. | Student has done neither peer, nor teacher editing. | Work shows no evidence of any effort. |
| Plot | All parts of the plot are included in the diagram. | All parts of the plot are included in the diagram, but one or more is confusing. | Parts of the plot are missing from the diagram, and/or some aspects of the diagram make the plot difficult to follow. | Almost all of the parts of the plot are missing from the diagram, and/or some aspects of the diagram make the plot very difficult to follow. |
Activity Overview
A common use for Storyboard That is to help students create a plot diagram of the events from a story. Not only is this a great way to teach the parts of the plot, but it reinforces major events and helps students develop greater understanding of literary structures.
Students can create a storyboard capturing the narrative arc in a work with a six-cell storyboard containing the major parts of the plot diagram. For each cell, have students create a scene that follows the story in sequence using: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a visual plot diagram of A Tale of Two Cities.
- Separate the story into the Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.
- Create an image that represents an important moment or set of events for each of the story components.
- Write a description of each of the steps in the plot diagram.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 25 Points | Emerging 21 Points | Beginning 17 Points | Try Again 13 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Descriptive and Visual Elements | Cells have many descriptive elements, and provide the reader with a vivid representation. | Cells have many descriptive elements, but flow of cells may have been hard to understand. | Cells have few descriptive elements, or have visuals that make the work confusing. | Cells have few or no descriptive elements. |
| Grammar/Spelling | Textables have three or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have four or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have five or fewer spelling/grammar errors. | Textables have six or more spelling/grammar errors. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. Student has done both peer and teacher editing. | Work is well written and carefully thought out. Student has either teacher or peer editing, but not both. | Student has done neither peer, nor teacher editing. | Work shows no evidence of any effort. |
| Plot | All parts of the plot are included in the diagram. | All parts of the plot are included in the diagram, but one or more is confusing. | Parts of the plot are missing from the diagram, and/or some aspects of the diagram make the plot difficult to follow. | Almost all of the parts of the plot are missing from the diagram, and/or some aspects of the diagram make the plot very difficult to follow. |
How Tos about A Tale of Two Cities Summary
Organize a Collaborative Plot Analysis Activity
Assign small groups of students to focus on different parts of the plot diagram (Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, Resolution). This approach lets students dive deeper into one section, then teach their findings to the class. Collaboration builds understanding and engagement for all learners.
Guide students to select key moments
Encourage each group to identify the most significant event or turning point for their assigned plot section. Discuss how these choices impact the story’s development. This helps students think critically about narrative structure and author intent.
Support visual scene creation
Instruct groups to use storyboarding tools or drawing materials to visually represent their key moment. Remind them to include details that show character emotions and setting. Visuals help solidify comprehension and make concepts memorable.
Facilitate class presentations
Have each group present their scene and explanation to the class. Encourage students to ask questions and connect the moments together. This fosters a shared understanding of the whole plot and boosts speaking skills.
Reflect as a class on the complete narrative arc
Lead a discussion about how each plot event builds toward the story’s resolution. Ask students to share insights or surprises from the group presentations. Reflection reinforces learning and deepens literary analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions about A Tale of Two Cities Summary
What is a plot diagram for A Tale of Two Cities?
A plot diagram for A Tale of Two Cities visually maps out the key story elements: Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. It helps students understand the narrative arc and main events in the novel.
How can students create a storyboard for A Tale of Two Cities?
Students can create a storyboard by dividing the story into six sections—Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution. For each, they illustrate a scene and write a brief description to capture the main plot points.
Why use plot diagrams to teach literature in high school?
Plot diagrams help high school students break down complex stories, reinforce understanding of literary structures, and recall major events. Visual mapping enhances engagement and comprehension for diverse learners.
What are the major plot points in A Tale of Two Cities?
The major plot points in A Tale of Two Cities include the Exposition (setting up the story and characters), Conflict (rising tensions), Rising Action (events leading to the climax), Climax (the story's turning point), Falling Action, and Resolution (conclusion).
What is the best way to engage students with A Tale of Two Cities?
The best way to engage students is through visual activities like creating storyboards or plot diagrams. These hands-on tasks make the novel accessible, encourage creativity, and deepen understanding of the narrative and themes.
More Storyboard That Activities
A Tale of Two Cities
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