Elements of Story & Genres of Literature for MCQs

Story Element Definition

Plot The sequence of events that make up the story, structured around a conflict or problem.
Exposition The introduction of background information, such as characters, setting, and initial conflict.
Rising Action The events that build tension and develop the conflict, leading to the climax.
Climax The turning point or the most intense moment of the story, where the main conflict reaches its peak.
Anticlimax A disappointing or less exciting turn of events following the climax, where the story’s intensity decreases unexpectedly.
Falling Action The events that follow the climax, leading toward resolution.
Resolution The conclusion of the story, where conflicts are resolved, and loose ends are tied up.
Setting The time and place in which a story occurs, providing context and atmosphere.
Characters The individuals involved in the story’s action, including protagonists, antagonists, and supporting roles.
Types of Characters Protagonists: The main characters, usually the heroes of the story.
Antagonists: Characters who oppose the protagonists.
Supporting Characters: Characters who help develop the main plot or protagonists.
Minor Characters: Characters who play smaller roles and don't have much development.
Flat Characters: Simple, one-dimensional characters with limited development.
Round Characters: Well-developed, complex characters with multiple traits.
Static Characters: Characters who do not undergo significant change throughout the story.
Dynamic Characters: Characters who evolve or undergo significant change during the story.
Foil Characters: Characters who contrast with another character, often highlighting particular qualities of the protagonist.
Complex Characters: Characters with multifaceted traits, motivations, and internal conflicts.
Conflict The central struggle between opposing forces, driving the narrative. It can be internal or external.
Types of Conflict Man vs. Man: A struggle between two characters.
Man vs. Self: An internal struggle within a character.
Man vs. Society/Nature/Fate: External struggles with larger forces.
Theme The underlying message or central idea that the story conveys, often reflecting life, society, or human nature.
Point of View The perspective from which the story is told, such as first person, second person, or third person.
Types of POV First Person: The narrator is a character in the story ("I").
Second Person: The narrator speaks directly to the reader ("You").
Third Person: The narrator is outside the story ("He/She/They").
Tone The author’s attitude toward the subject or characters, revealed through writing style and word choice.
Types of Tone Can be formal, informal, serious, playful, ironic, etc.
Mood The emotional atmosphere or feeling the reader experiences while reading the story.
Types of Mood Can be suspenseful, joyful, gloomy, tense, hopeful, etc.
Symbolism The use of objects, characters, or events to represent larger ideas or concepts within the narrative.
Dialogue The spoken exchanges between characters, used to reveal personalities, relationships, and advance the plot.
 Any written work, especially one considered to be of Books and writings published on a particular subject are also
Literature
superior or lasting artistic merit. considered literature.
Three main genres:
Categories used to group different types of literary work, 1. Poetry
Genres of Literature
such as fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. 2. Prose (Fiction & Non-fiction)
3. Drama
Types:
- Haiku: A three-line Japanese poem that captures a moment in
nature.
- Free Verse: Modern poetry with no strict rules, allowing
A form of literary expression characterized by the use of freedom in form.
Poetry rhythm, meter, and figurative language to evoke - Elegy: A reflective poem about a deceased loved one.
emotions. - Ode: A poem expressing strong feelings of love and respect for
someone or something.
- Sonnet: A fourteen-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme.
- Dramatic Monologue: A poem in dialogue form describing a
situation or event between characters.
Types:
- Fiction: Imaginative works created by the author, not based on
real events.
- Non-Fiction: Works based on real events, facts, and information.
Subgenres of Fiction:
- Novel: A long narrative with complex characters and plot,
typically published as a single book.
- Science Fiction: Stories exploring speculative concepts and
advanced technology, often set in futuristic or otherworldly
settings.
- Historical Fiction: Narrative set in a particular historical period,
A form of written language without metrical structure,
Prose providing insight into the everyday life of characters from that
used in both fiction and non-fiction.
time.
- Realistic Fiction: Stories presenting relatable life problems that
could happen to anyone.
- Mystery: Stories centered around a crime or puzzle, where the
reader tries to figure out "whodunit" amidst suspense and intrigue.
- Fantasy: Stories set in magical worlds with supernatural
elements, where anything is possible.
- Fairy Tales: Stories often beginning with "once upon a time"
that feature a struggle between good and evil, typically ending
happily.
- Fables: Short stories that convey a moral lesson, often using
 animals that speak and act like humans.
- Myths: Traditional stories explaining natural phenomena and
cultural beliefs, often featuring gods, goddesses, and heroes.
Subgenres of Non-Fiction:
- Biography: A narrative of someone's life written by another
person.
- Autobiography: The life story written by the individual
themselves.
- Essay: Short non-fiction pieces exploring specific topics or
ideas.
Types:
- Play: A scripted work meant for stage performance, involving
dialogue and acting.
- One Act Play: A short play with only one act, focusing on a
single event or conflict.
- Screenplay: A script written for film or television, including
dialogue and stage directions.
- Tragedy: A drama that deals with darker themes such as
disaster, pain, and death.
Written works intended for performance, focusing on
Drama - Farce: A comedic play that uses exaggerated situations and
conflict and emotion through dialogue and action.
characters for humorous effect.
- Melodrama: An exaggerated drama that appeals to the
audience's emotions and often includes sensational events.
- Horror: Stories designed to evoke fear, dread, or suspense in the
audience.
- Comedy: Works intended to amuse and entertain, often through
humor, satire, or exaggeration.
- Satire: Writing that uses humor, irony, or sarcasm to criticize or
mock individuals, institutions, or society.

MCQs Worksheet: Elements of Story

Question
Question A B C D
Number
What does the term "Plot" refer to The emotional The sequence of events that The introduction of The main character’s
1
in a story? atmosphere of the story make up the story background information internal struggle
What is the "Exposition" of a The most intense The conclusion where conflicts The introduction of The events that follow
2
story? moment of the story are resolved background information the climax
 Question
Question A B C D
Number
Which part of the story is known The events that lead to The events that build tension The introduction of The turning point of the
3
as the "Rising Action"? the resolution leading to the climax characters and setting story
The turning point or the
What is the "Climax" in a The final resolution of The character's internal The background
4 most intense moment of the
narrative? the story conflict information provided
story
A disappointing or less
The highest point of The introduction of the
5 What does "Anticlimax" refer to? exciting turn of events The conflict resolution
excitement in a story main characters
following the climax
The events that follow the The background
The events that build
6 What is "Falling Action"? The conclusion of the story climax, leading toward information provided at
tension in the story
resolution the start
What does "Resolution" mean in The introduction of the The conclusion where conflicts The turning point of the
7 The buildup of tension
the context of a story? characters are resolved story
What does "Setting" refer to in The emotional The time and place in which a The main conflict of the The dialogue exchanged
8
literature? atmosphere of the story story occurs story between characters
Which of the following best The perspective from The individuals involved in the The central struggle driving The underlying theme
9
describes "Characters"? which the story is told story's action the narrative of the story
What are "Protagonists" in a Characters who oppose The main characters, usually Characters with limited Characters who help
10
story? the main character the heroes development develop the plot
Which type of character is known
11 for being well-developed and Flat Characters Minor Characters Round Characters Static Characters
complex?
What type of character undergoes
12 significant change throughout the Static Characters Dynamic Characters Supporting Characters Foil Characters
story?
A character that does A character who contrasts with The main antagonist of the A character with one-
13 What is a "Foil Character"?
not change another, highlighting qualities story dimensional traits
The emotional The central struggle between The sequence of events in The underlying theme
14 What is "Conflict" in a narrative?
atmosphere of the story opposing forces the story of the story
Which type of conflict involves a
15 Man vs. Self Man vs. Society Man vs. Man Man vs. Nature
struggle between two characters?
What does "Point of View" refer The characters involved The perspective from which The sequence of events in The emotional tone of
16
to in a story? in the narrative the story is told the plot the narrative
 Question
Question A B C D
Number
The story is told
What is "First Person" point of The narrator speaks The narrator is outside the The narrator is a character
17 through multiple
view? directly to the reader story in the story
perspectives
Which point of view uses the
18 Third Person Second Person First Person Omniscient
pronoun "you"?
The emotional
What does "Tone" refer to in The author’s attitude toward The sequence of events in
19 atmosphere created for The characters' dialogue
literature? the subject or characters the story
the reader
The emotional atmosphere The underlying message of
20 What is "Mood" in a narrative? The author's intention The narrative structure
experienced by the reader the story
The use of objects, characters,
What does "Symbolism" mean in The use of figurative The exchange of spoken The emotional tone of
21 or events to represent larger
literature? language words between characters the narrative
ideas
The narrative The spoken exchanges The author's commentary on The emotional
22 What is "Dialogue" in a story?
description of events between characters the events atmosphere of the story

Answer Key

Question Number Correct Answer

1 B) The sequence of events that make up the story
2 C) The introduction of background information
3 B) The events that build tension leading to the climax
4 C) The turning point or the most intense moment of the story
5 B) A disappointing or less exciting turn of events following the climax
6 C) The events that follow the climax, leading toward resolution
7 B) The conclusion where conflicts are resolved
8 B) The time and place in which a story occurs
9 B) The individuals involved in the story's action
10 B) The main characters, usually the heroes
11 C) Round Characters
12 B) Dynamic Characters
13 B) A character who contrasts with another, highlighting qualities
14 B) The central struggle between opposing forces
Question Number Correct Answer
15 C) Man vs. Man
16 B) The perspective from which the story is told
17 C) The narrator is a character in the story
18 B) Second Person
19 B) The author’s attitude toward the subject or characters
20 B) The emotional atmosphere experienced by the reader
21 B) The use of objects, characters, or events to represent larger ideas
22 B) The spoken exchanges between characters

MCQs Worksheet: Genres of Literature

Question
Question A B C D
Number
Any written work, especially one
Only poetry and
1 What is literature? A form of visual art considered to be of superior or A type of scientific research
drama
lasting artistic merit
What does "Genres of Types of artistic Categories used to group different Types of literary
2 Different writing styles
Literature" refer to? expressions types of literary work criticism
A form of literary expression
A narrative form of
3 What is poetry? characterized by rhythm, meter, and A detailed account of real events A visual art form
storytelling
figurative language
Which of the following
4 Novel Haiku Biography Screenplay
is a type of poetry?
A dramatic poem with A three-line Japanese poem that A fourteen-line poem with a A poem about love
5 What is a haiku?
complex characters captures a moment in nature specific rhyme scheme and respect
What characterizes free Strict adherence to rhyme A lack of rules, allowing freedom A specific subject
6 A focus on dramatic dialogue
verse poetry? and meter in form matter
An elegy is a poem that
7 Nature A deceased loved one Love and romance A historical event
typically reflects on:
Written language without metrical
A type of poetry with
8 What is prose? structure, used in both fiction and A scripted performance A visual art form
meter
non-fiction
What distinguishes Fiction is based on real Fiction is imaginative and not
Fiction includes poetry; non-fiction Fiction is shorter
9 fiction from non- events; non-fiction is based on real events; non-fiction is
does not than non-fiction
fiction? imaginative based on real events
 Question
Question A B C D
Number
Which of the following
10 Biography Essay Science Fiction Autobiography
is a subgenre of fiction?
What defines a science It explores historical It explores speculative concepts It is based on real-
11 It focuses on love and relationships
fiction story? events. and advanced technology life events
A mystery story
A supernatural
12 typically centers A historical event A puzzle or crime A romantic relationship
occurrence
around:
Written works intended for
A narrative form focusing A type of non-
13 What is drama? performance, focusing on conflict A form of poetry
on fictional characters fiction writing
and emotion
Which of the following
14 Haiku Screenplay Biography Novel
is a type of drama?
A short play with only one act,
A play with multiple acts A form of non-
15 What is a one-act play? focusing on a single event or A type of poetry
and complex subplots fiction writing
conflict
A tragedy typically Darker themes such as disaster,
16 Romantic themes Lighter comedic elements Historical events
deals with: pain, and death
A serious narrative A comedic play that uses
A poem about
17 What defines a farce? exploring human exaggerated situations and A dramatic monologue
nature
emotions characters for humorous effect
Writing that uses humor, irony, or
A narrative focusing on A poem reflecting
18 What is satire? sarcasm to criticize or mock A type of serious drama
supernatural elements on death
individuals or society

Answer Key

Question Correct Answer

What is literature? Any written work, especially one considered to be of superior or lasting artistic merit.
What does "Genres of Literature" refer to? Categories used to group different types of literary work.
What is poetry? A form of literary expression characterized by rhythm, meter, and figurative language.
Which of the following is a type of poetry? Haiku.
What is a haiku? A three-line Japanese poem that captures a moment in nature.
What characterizes free verse poetry? A lack of rules, allowing freedom in form.
An elegy is a poem that typically reflects on: A deceased loved one.
 Question Correct Answer
What is prose? Written language without metrical structure, used in both fiction and non-fiction.
What distinguishes fiction from non-fiction? Fiction is imaginative and not based on real events; non-fiction is based on real events.
Which of the following is a subgenre of fiction? Science Fiction.
What defines a science fiction story? It explores speculative concepts and advanced technology.
A mystery story typically centers around: A puzzle or crime.
What is drama? Written works intended for performance, focusing on conflict and emotion.
Which of the following is a type of drama? Screenplay.
What is a one-act play? A short play with only one act, focusing on a single event or conflict.
A tragedy typically deals with: Darker themes such as disaster, pain, and death.
What defines a farce? A comedic play that uses exaggerated situations and characters for humorous effect.
What is satire? Writing that uses humor, irony, or sarcasm to criticize or mock individuals or society.

MCQs on Figures of Speech & Genres of Literature (Past Papers)

Figures of Speech Genres of Literature
1. O’ Wild West Wind, thou breath of Autumn’s being. Which one of the following 1. Anti-climax is a situation in a play or a story that releases tension after:
poetic device is used in the poetic line? A. exposition ⃝ B. conflict ⃝ C. climax D. denouement ⃝
A. personification B. simile ⃝ C. metaphor ⃝ D. irony ⃝
2. Which one of the following sentences exemplifies alliteration? 2. A struggle between opposing forces that is revealed through a character’s
They counsel with the stars whose broken branches show the scars. thoughts or actions is:
The dancing waves of the sea made him terrified. ⃝
Laughter is the music of the soul. ⃝ D. He is as innocent as an angel. ⃝ A. plot ⃝ B. point of view ⃝ C. conflict D. fight
3. Which one of the following sentence exemplifies alliteration? 3. A form of literature that uses aesthetic and often rhythmic qualities of
She told me her secrets. ⃝ language is:
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent A. poetry B. legend ⃝ C. play ⃝ D. myth
a new nation. C. Zainab heard a noise. ⃝ D. I have a million things to do.
4. They hold counsel with the stars, whose broken branches show the scars. Which 4. A kind of literary work that is based on fact and figures or reality is known
one of the following figure of speech is exemplified by this sentence? as:
A. Personification ⃝ B. Simile ⃝ C. Metaphor ⃝ D. Alliteration A. fiction ⃝ B. nonfiction C. fantasy ⃝ D. myth
5. Which one of the following sentence is an example of personification? 5. The stage of the plot at which mounting tension is released:
He is running faster than the wind. Princes do but play us; compared to this. ⃝ A. climax ⃝ B. anti-climax ⃝ C. resolution D. rising action
Laughter is the music of the soul. ⃝ D. The wind is whispering in the plain.
6. ‘It cracked and growled and roared and howled’ which type of ‘imagery’ is used in 6. The moment of highest interest, emotion or intensity within a story is
this line? Visual (sight) Auditory (hearing) Tactile (touch) Olfactory (smell) known as: A. catharsis ⃝ B. resolution ⃝ C. climax D.
denouement
7. Which one of the following sentences is the best example of Personification? 7. Which one of the following refers to internal conflict in the play?
⃝ The wind howled in the night ⃝ I will stand first in the race ⃝ He laughed loudly ⃝ ⃝ Character vs self ⃝ Character vs character ⃝ Character vs nature ⃝
She cried like a baby Character vs technology
8. “His face became as red as an apple after being criticized”. Is an example of: 8. If the narrator is one of the characters of the story, the story is being told
⃝ Simile ⃝ Metaphor ⃝ Alliteration ⃝ Contrast from:
First person’s point of view ⃝ Second person’s point of view ⃝ Third
person’s point of view ⃝ Third person’s limited point of view
9. “Love winged my hopes and taught me how to fly …” Which figures of speech is 9. Which of the following elements of play is the major reason of literary
used in this line? Simile Metaphor Personification Allusion composition? Plot Theme Character
Spectacle
10. “Soft smooth fur felt good against the skin.” This sentence is an example of: 10. In the sequence of the plot of a play, a sudden descent from higher to
Visual Imagery Auditory Imagery Olfactory Imagery Tactile Imagery lower, chiefly used for the purpose of satire or ridicule is called:
Tactile imagery pertains to the sense of touch, describing textures, temperatures, and Climax Antithesis Anti-climax Hyperbole
physical sensations that can be felt by the body. The fur being "soft" and "smooth" and
feeling "good against the skin" invokes a sense of touch.
11. “Nature, a mother kind alike to all, still grants her bliss at labour’s earnest 11. Which one of the following sentences exemplifies the use of “irony”?
call”. These lines contain an example of: a. Sure, I want to go hiking on the mountains with a broken leg.
Metaphor Simile Personification Imagery b. If you buy limousine, your life style will be changed. ⃝
c. Ten thousand soldiers carried him to the grave. ⃝
D. Thou should not have been old till thou had not been wise. ⃝
12. “The stronger wind, the stronger trees”. Which of the following figures of 12. Which one of the following genres intends, in good faith, to present only
speech has been used in the lines above: truth regarding information, events or people?
Personification Alliteration Assonance Simile A. poetry ⃝ B. nonfiction C. fiction ⃝ D. one-act plays ⃝
13. “Claire, close your cluttered closet.” Which of the following figures 13. If the theme of a text is NOT limited to a particular culture but is relevant to
of speech is exemplified by this sentence? all times and places, it is said to have a/an:
Personification B. Simile Metaphor D. Alliteration ⃝ A. communal appeal B. emotional appeal C. national appeal universal
appeal
14. 14. Which of the following sentences is an example of personification? 14. A traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but NOT
She is happier than before. Lightning danced across the sky. authenticated is termed as a/an:
Laughter is the music of the soul. Princes do but play us; compared to this. 15. A. ballad ⃝ B. parable ⃝ C. legend D. epic
15. ‘Ah, happy, happy boughs! that cannot shed’. Which one of the following 16. If a text contains the use of humour, irony, exaggeration or ridicule to
poetic device is used in the poetic line? expose and criticize people‟s stupidity or vices, it can be referred to as an
A. personification ⃝ B. simile ⃝ C. metaphor ⃝ D. alliteration example of
A. fiction ⃝ B. comic ⃝ C. tragedy ⃝ D. satire
16. Which one of the following sentence exemplifies the use of oxymoron? 17. The third person omniscient point of view is the most objective and
A. I have told you a million times not to touch my stuff. ⃝ trustworthy because:
B. Zain‟s faith is as strong as a rock. ⃝ The mountains sing together. ⃝ A. an all-knowing narrator is telling the story. the narrator can easily be
D. Good night! Parting is such a sweet sorrow. identified.
B. the characters appear familiar. ⃝ D. the events are in chronological order.
17. Which of the following sentences exemplifies the use of ‘Personification’? 18. ________ is a genre of English literature based on imaginations and
He is as bold as a lion ⃝ She is a real fox ⃝ Flowers are dancing ⃝ Life is a dream fantasies.
Non-fiction ⃝ Fiction ⃝ One-act play ⃝ Poetry
18. ‘Death lays his icy hands on kings’. Which one of the following poetic device is 19. If the events are narrated through the eyes of one character, the story is
used in the line? being told from: First person point of view. ⃝ Second person point of
⃝ Simile ⃝ Metaphor ⃝ Personification ⃝ Alliteration view. ⃝ Third person point of view. ⃝ Third person limited point of view.
19. “All the trees were weeping in deserted land.” Which one of the following 20. Which one of the following genres observes three dramatic unities?
poetic devices is used in the line?Simile ⃝ Metaphor ⃝ Personification ⃝ Irony ⃝ Poetry ⃝ Prose ⃝ Criticism ⃝ One-act plays
20. liberty, what crimes have been committed in thy name! Which one of the 21. If the narrator is all knowing, can see through the minds of all characters
following poetic devices is used in the poetic line? and can read their thoughts, the story is being told from:
Simile Metaphor Irony Apostrophe First person point of view. Second person point of view
Apostrophe is a figure of speech in which the speaker addresses an absent or imaginary Third person limited point of view Third person omniscient point of
person, or inanimate object, as if it were present and capable of understanding and view
responding. In this line, the speaker is addressing liberty directly, personifying it as if it
were capable of hearing and understanding the question posed.
21. A reeling road, a rolling road, that rambles round the shire. Which poetic 22. Which one of the following genres presents an imaginative and emotional
device has been used in this line? Allusion Metaphor Alliteration Simile interpretation of life? Biography Poetry Science fiction Criticism
22. She is as busy as a bee. Which poetic device has been used in this line? 23. A _____ is a short story, typically with animals as character, and often
Allusion Metaphor Personification Simile conveys a moral. Fable Legend Myth
Mystery
23. ‘Perhaps, the plaintive numbers flow’ illustrates the use of: 24. A figure of speech that combines contradictory words like. 'deafening
Alliteration Simile Metaphor Consonance silence'
and 'kind cruelty' is called: Anti-climax Antithesis Metaphor Oxymoron
24. Identify the use of ‘personification’: 25. ‘I said it a hundred times that you should not ask me about this’, is an
He hopped to the hall. Camel is the ship of desert. example of: Climax Anticlimax Hyperbole Oxymoron
The wind howled all night. She ran like a hare.
26. "And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise". This verse illustrates the use 27. Identify the use of Alliteration:
of: The stars winked at me. Sans teeth. sans eyes. sans taste.
Assonance Simile Personification Alliteration He worked day and night. Behold her. single in the field