Name: __________________________________ Date: __________

Understanding Story Arc

Directions:
1. Read the passage below.
2. Color code the different parts of the story arc in the story, by underlining
with colored pencils.
a. Exposition = green
b. Rising action = purple
c. Climax = red
d. Falling action = blue
e. Resolution = orange
 Shiny Quarters
By: Rebecca

“Hey, wait up!” I yelled as I struggled to keep up with my family as they

weaved through the California theme park. I was visiting Disneyland with my

parents and my brother Brady to celebrate his 18th birthday. It was out last day

there, and we were rushing to ride the big attractions before the park closed. I

caught up with them by the restrooms. I went in the girl’s bathroom to wash my

hands. When I came out, my family was gone!

“This isn’t happening. This can’t be happening,” I whispered. As I dashed

through the courtyard, I felt angry. I scanned the gigantic crowd and became

terrified. What if someone noticed that I was all alone? Would they help a lost

child? I felt too embarrassed to ask an adult for help. I sat on the dirty ground and

cried.

After a minute of feeling sorry for myself, I decided to make a plan. I looked

around until I saw it: a churro stand! I ran to the stand and bought a churro. I

smiled as the worker handed me my change: 3 shiny quarters. I used the change

to call my mom on the pay phone by the restrooms.

 The phone rang multiple times as I anxiously awaited my mom’s voice. My

heart was pounding, and my knees were trembling. It felt like hours before I

finally heard that familiar voice.

“Hello?” she answered. Through thick tears I explained what had

happened. Within ten minutes, she was hugging me tightly. She said she was

proud of my churro idea. We ended the day riding my favorite ride, the

“Incredicoaster.” As we walked back to our hotel, I told my mom that buying that

churro was the best money I had ever spent.