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Year 1 English Literature

Story Structure: Beginning, Middle, End

Every story has three parts — a beginning where we meet the characters, a middle where something happens, and an end where things are sorted out!

What You Need to Know

All stories have a structure — a plan for how they are organised. The three parts are: the beginning (we meet the characters and find out where they are), the middle (something exciting or tricky happens — the problem!), and the end (the problem is solved and the story is finished).

Key Concepts

Beginning

Meet characters and setting

Middle

The problem or adventure

End

The problem is solved

Character

Who is in the story

Beginning:

"Once there was a little rabbit named Pip who lived near a big forest."

Middle:

"One day, Pip got lost in the forest and couldn't find the path home!"

End:

"A friendly bird showed Pip the way home, and Pip was safe and happy."

Key Vocabulary

Beginning

The start of a story where we meet the characters and find out where the story takes place.

Middle

The exciting part of the story where a problem or event happens. This is often the longest part.

End

The finish of the story where the problem is solved and everything works out.

Setting

Where and when the story happens — the place and time we find out about at the beginning.

Knowledge Check

Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.

Question 1

What happens at the beginning of a story?

Question 2

"Mia fell off her bike and couldn't find her way home." This part of a story is the:

Question 3

"And they all lived happily ever after." This sentence belongs at the:

Question 4

How many main parts does a story have?

Key Concepts Summary