Printable Amos and Boris Plot Diagram - Grade 6-8 ELA

This interactive Amos and Boris plot diagram worksheet helps students analyze the classic story's structure by mapping key narrative elements. By identifying the exposition, conflict, and resolution, learners develop a deeper understanding of how plot episodes interconnect and drive the story forward toward a satisfying conclusion.

At a Glance

At a Glance

• Grade: 6–8 · Subject: English Language Arts
• Standard: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.3 — Describe how a story's plot unfolds and how characters respond to episodes.
• Skill Focus: Plot Structure & Story Elements
• Format: 1 page · 8 tasks · Answer key included · PDF
• Best For: Reading comprehension assessment or story review
• Time: 20–30 minutes

What's Inside

This single-page resource features a visual plot mountain labeled with exposition, climax, and resolution. Students identify characters, setting, conflict, and solution. It includes four descriptive prompts—such as Boris on the shore—to help students sequence events correctly while visualizing the narrative arc.

Skill Progression

• Guided practice: Students review the plot mountain and event cards to anchor their understanding of the timeline and visual structure. (2 problems)
• Supported practice: Learners use the provided prompts to identify the character, setting, and primary conflict of the narrative. (3 problems)
• Independent practice: Students synthesize the story information to describe the resolution and how the plot reaches its climax. (3 problems)

Following a gradual-release model, students move from basic identification to structural analysis of the text.

Standards Alignment

Aligned to `CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.3`, this resource requires students to describe how a story's plot unfolds in a series of episodes. By categorizing events into exposition, climax, and resolution, it addresses plot development directly. This standard code can be copied directly into lesson plans, IEP goals, or curriculum mapping tools.

How to Use It

Use this as a summative assessment after reading "Amos and Boris." It also works well for small-group discussions on narrative tension and sequence. Formative observation tip: Watch for students confusing climax with conflict to identify specific review needs. Expected completion time is 25 minutes.

Who It's For

Designed for Grade 6–8 students, this worksheet helps visual learners benefit from structured graphic organizers. It pairs well with a close-reading of William Steig's "Amos and Boris" or a story elements anchor chart used during direct instruction lessons.

Citation Capsule

According to the RAND AIRS 2024 report on literacy instruction, visual organizers like plot diagrams significantly improve retention by providing a concrete framework for complex narrative analysis. This Grade 6–8 ELA worksheet utilizes the `CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.3` standard to guide students through identifying character, setting, conflict, and resolution. By mapping the exposition and climax, students learn to describe how a plot unfolds in connected episodes. Research from Fisher & Frey (2014) highlights that scaffolded story mapping allows students to transition from basic recall to advanced structural analysis. This printable resource ensures learners can visualize narrative progression while mastering essential literary terminology. Incorporating this structured approach into daily reading routines supports long-term mastery of literary standards across the middle school curriculum, ensuring students are ready for high school text complexity and rigorous academic demands.