Your story idea now contains a What Section and a Why Section. Time to create the ending.
Beginning the Ending
The main character must solve the problem. To start the ending, use a simple sentence such as Then I had an idea.
WHAT STATEMENT
WHY STATEMENT
LH
VP
RH
Because
Why
End
Main Character
Verb Phrase
Troublemaker
Because
Problem
Solution
I
had a problem with
a talking dog
it made prank phone calls in Athabascan
1st sentence: I loved Jackson, my golden retriever.
Then one day I (verb) a troublemaker
I had a problem with a talking dog because it made prank phone calls in Athabascan
Then I had an idea.
Task 2.12.1 – Small Group
Brainstorm possible endings in which the main character solves the problem. DO NOT ARGUE.
How Not to End a Story
Ever watch a movie and the ending was messed up? That’s the writer’s fault who didn’t work on the ending as they should.
Don’t Let Someone Else Solve the Problem
In a good story, the main character is the hero who should fix the problem. If someone else does their job, it’s not as exciting.
If you let someone or something else save the day (like your friends, family, or luck…), it’s not a good ending.
The Solution Cannot Be Obvious
In many movies, the main characters punch or shoot their way out of the problem. Action is fine, but it has to be unexpected and surprise the reader in a way.
Task 2.12.2 – Small Group
Grade the remaining ideas.
C Listeners would likely think of this even though it is not an obvious solution.
B Listeners would not likely think of this AND it is consistent with the story.
A Listeners would likely say “Wow!” and it is consistent with the story.
Task 2.12.3 – Small Group
Create and work a Decision Chart. Possible evaluators might be—
Which solution do you like best?
Which solution will most likely impress listeners?
Which solution is the most humane?
Possible Endings
I like Best
Most Likely Impress
Most Humane
Total
Poss. End 1
Poss. End 2
Poss. End 3
Task 2.12.4 – Group
Create the wrap-up, or the finale, that ties up any loose ends.
For example, in our talking dog story, the main character could introduce the idea of the dog becoming a telemarketer. Listeners don’t know, however, if the dog will agree. So the last sentence might say, And the dog’s eyes lit up.
Adding a Plant
Sometimes you will need to add information earlier in the story so the ending is stronger. The information is called a plant.
Let’s say that earlier in the story you find out that your dog speaks 16 languages. Is there a way the family can use the dog’s skill at the ending of thes tory?
The hero the dog would make for a good telemarketer because he can talk to people who speak other languages.
Task 2.12.5 – Tandem
Return to Lesson 2.1. There is a plant in each of the stories. What are they?
Task 2.12.6 – Class
See if your story needs a plant. If so, decide where to put it.
Application
Grade 1: Your teacher will take some notes for the ending and give to each member of the class. With a paperclip, put it at the end of your story.
Grade 2: Your teacher will either give you the notes or put the information on the board or screen so you can write or type it onto another page for your story.
Grade 3: Your teacher help put the information onto another page for your story.
