What are the characteristics of a well-written conclusion?

Question

Select the three correct answers.

(2 points)
Responses

surprises the audience in a shocking or satisfying way
surprises the audience in a shocking or satisfying way

grants the protagonist a positive ending
grants the protagonist a positive ending

conveys the significance of events through reflection
conveys the significance of events through reflection

resolves the central conflict
resolves the central conflict

follows from story events and character development
follows from story events and character development

displays a clear lesson or moral for readers

Answer 1

The three correct characteristics of a well-written conclusion are:

1. Conveys the significance of events through reflection - A good conclusion helps the audience understand the importance of the story's events and what they mean in the larger context.

2. Resolves the central conflict - A conclusion typically provides closure by resolving the main conflict of the story, giving the audience a sense of completion.

3. Follows from story events and character development - A well-written conclusion should feel like a natural result of the narrative, tying together the events and character arcs that have occurred throughout the story.

These elements contribute to a satisfying and coherent conclusion.

Answer 2

A Fable
by Mark Twain

Once upon a time an artist who had painted a small and very beautiful picture placed it so that he could see it in the mirror. He said, “This doubles the distance and softens it, and it is twice as lovely as it was before.”

The animals out in the woods heard of this through the housecat, who was greatly admired by them because he was so learned, and so refined and civilized, and so polite and high-bred, and could tell them so much which they didn't know before, and were not certain about afterward. They were much excited about this new piece of gossip, and they asked questions, so as to get at a full understanding of it. They asked what a picture was, and the cat explained.

“It is a flat thing,” he said; “wonderfully flat, marvelously flat, enchantingly flat and elegant. And, oh, so beautiful!”

That excited them almost to a frenzy, and they said they would give the world to see it. Then the bear asked:

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Question
Use the story to answer the question.

What larger meaning do the events in the story’s conclusion convey?

(1 point)
Responses

The events show that it is human nature to see what one expects to see if one refuses to look beyond it.
The events show that it is human nature to see what one expects to see if one refuses to look beyond it.

The events show that it is human nature to notice the faults of others while overlooking one’s own faults.
The events show that it is human nature to notice the faults of others while overlooking one’s own faults.

The events show that most of the animals in the story are blinded by their own expectations.
The events show that most of the animals in the story are blinded by their own expectations.

The events show that the cat is more self-aware than the other animals in the story.

Answer 3

The correct response is:

The events show that it is human nature to see what one expects to see if one refuses to look beyond it.

This interpretation reflects how the animals, influenced by the cat's description, become excited about something they do not fully understand, which illustrates the idea that individuals often perceive reality based on their own expectations and beliefs rather than seeking deeper understanding.

Answer 4

What should the closing lines of a story accomplish?

Select the two correct answers.

(1 point)
Responses

Readers should understand the goals that motivate each character.
Readers should understand the goals that motivate each character.

Readers should understand what happened in the story.
Readers should understand what happened in the story.

Readers should understand what set the story in motion.
Readers should understand what set the story in motion.

Readers should understand the theme of the story.
Readers should understand the theme of the story.

Readers should understand what motivated the writer to craft the story.

Answer 5

The two correct answers regarding what the closing lines of a story should accomplish are:

1. Readers should understand what happened in the story. - The conclusion should provide clarity about the events that transpired, offering a sense of resolution.

2. Readers should understand the theme of the story. - The closing lines often encapsulate the central message or lesson of the story, allowing readers to reflect on its broader significance.

These elements contribute to a satisfying and meaningful conclusion.

Answer 6

Use the story summary to answer the question.

Two close friends, Nell and Hamish, are competing against each other in a tournament. They are evenly matched in skill, and it becomes apparent that they will both make it to the final round. However, Hamish is accused of cheating in the semifinals by one of his opponents. Nell has proof that Hamish couldn’t have cheated. However, allowing Hamish to be disqualified would make Nell the winner of the tournament by default.

If the story’s theme is about good sportsmanship, what would be the most logical conclusion to this story?

(1 point)
Responses

Nell exposes the lie and proves that Hamish is innocent, allowing the friends to compete against each other.
Nell exposes the lie and proves that Hamish is innocent, allowing the friends to compete against each other.

Nell refuses to speak up in defense of Hamish and wins the tournament.
Nell refuses to speak up in defense of Hamish and wins the tournament.

Nell reaches out to Regina, the tournament organizer, for help in clearing Hamish’s name.
Nell reaches out to Regina, the tournament organizer, for help in clearing Hamish’s name.

Nell does something to get disqualified from the tournament as well.
Nell does something to get disqualified from the tournament as well.
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Answer 7

The most logical conclusion to the story, given that its theme is about good sportsmanship, is:

Nell exposes the lie and proves that Hamish is innocent, allowing the friends to compete against each other.

This conclusion aligns with the theme of good sportsmanship because it demonstrates integrity, loyalty, and fairness, reinforcing the value of standing up for a friend and maintaining ethical standards in competition.

Answer 8

Use the story summary to answer the question.

A group of students are working together on a project for English class. At first, all the tasks are divided evenly, but Yvonne soon notices that her classmates are not finishing their parts of the project in a timely and polished manner. She recalls her teacher saying that delegating the tasks according to each student’s strengths will make the project more manageable.

What would be the most logical conclusion to the story?

(1 point)
Responses

Yvonne asks her teacher to assign her to a different group, which reduces her stress about the project.
Yvonne asks her teacher to assign her to a different group, which reduces her stress about the project.

Yvonne follows her teacher’s advice, which helps her group get a good grade on the project.
Yvonne follows her teacher’s advice, which helps her group get a good grade on the project.

Yvonne decides to only focus on her own work, resulting in the group getting a bad grade on the project.
Yvonne decides to only focus on her own work, resulting in the group getting a bad grade on the project.

Yvonne finishes her classmates’ work for them, allowing the group to get a good grade on the project.

Answer 9

The most logical conclusion to the story is:

Yvonne follows her teacher’s advice, which helps her group get a good grade on the project.

This conclusion demonstrates Yvonne's proactive approach in utilizing her teacher's guidance to effectively manage the project's tasks, leading to a positive outcome for the entire group.