READING AND WRITING ONE ACT PLAY

Remember

1. Which of the following is NOT one of Aristotle's six elements of drama?

o a) Plot
o b) Character
o c) Setting
o d) Diction
2. The turning point with the highest tension in a play is referred to as the:
o a) Exposition
o b) Complication
o c) Crisis/Climax
o d) Resolution
3. In drama, the story is primarily unfolded through:
o a) The playwright's direct narration
o b) Actors' performances and dialogue
o c) Detailed stage directions
o d) The audience's imagination
4. Which element of drama deals with the visual aspects of a play, such as costumes and
sets?
o a) Rhythm
o b) Spectacle
o c) Diction
o d) Thought
5. Freytag's Pyramid is a model that describes:
o a) The structure of a classic full-length play
o b) The different types of dramatic characters
o c) The history of drama
o d) The relationship between playwright and actors

Understand

6. The main difference between a playwright and a fiction writer is that:

o a) Playwrights focus on dialogue, while fiction writers focus on narration
o b) Playwrights can't directly tell the audience about characters
o c) Playwrights have more creative freedom
o d) Playwrights don't need to consider plot structure
7. The term "diction" in drama refers to:
o a) The actors' body language
o b) The playwright's choice of words and language
o c) The overall theme of the play
o d) The stage directions
8. A well-formed plot in a play should have:
 o a) A clear beginning, middle, and end
o b) Multiple climaxes
o c) No connection between its elements
o d) A focus on spectacle over character
9. Dialogue in a play serves to:
o a) Reveal character, advance the plot, and set the tone
o b) Provide detailed descriptions of the setting
o c) Replace the need for actors
o d) Offer the playwright's personal opinions
10. The "exposition" in a play's structure is responsible for:
o a) Introducing the conflict
o b) Resolving the conflict
o c) Introducing characters and setting
o d) Providing the climax

Apply

11. If a playwright wants to create a sense of mystery in a play, they would likely focus on
which element?
o a) Spectacle
o b) Plot
o c) Diction
o d) Rhythm
12. A character's dialogue filled with slang and informal language would likely suggest:
o a) A high level of education
o b) A formal social setting
o c) A lower socio-economic background
o d) A serious and somber mood
13. In a play about a family conflict, the "complication" stage would likely involve:
o a) The introduction of the family members
o b) The resolution of the conflict
o c) The escalation of the conflict and rising tension
o d) A flashback to the family's happy past
14. A playwright who wants to emphasize the emotional state of a character might use:
o a) Elaborate costumes
o b) Rhythmic dialogue with varying tones
o c) A minimalist set design
o d) A large cast of characters
15. If a play's theme is the struggle for social justice, which element would be most crucial in
conveying this message?
o a) Thought
o b) Spectacle
o c) Rhythm
o d) Diction
Analyze

31. In a play where the protagonist is struggling with internal conflict, which element would
likely be most prominent in revealing their inner thoughts and feelings?
o a) Spectacle
o b) Diction
o c) Rhythm
o d) Plot
32. How might a playwright use the element of "thought" to create dramatic irony in a scene?
o a) By having characters speak in rhyming couplets
o b) By using elaborate costumes and set designs
o c) By having the audience know something a character doesn't
o d) By introducing a sudden plot twist
33. Analyze the impact of a play's ending on the audience's overall interpretation of the
"thought" or theme.
o a) A happy ending always reinforces a positive theme
o b) An ambiguous ending leaves the theme open to interpretation
o c) A tragic ending negates any positive aspects of the theme
o d) The ending has no bearing on the theme's interpretation
34. How can the element of "rhythm" be used to differentiate between characters in a play?
o a) By assigning each character a specific musical instrument
o b) By having characters speak in different dialects or accents
o c) By giving each character a unique speaking pace and tone
o d) By dressing characters in contrasting colors
35. Analyze the role of "spectacle" in creating a sense of historical authenticity in a period
drama.
o a) By using modern costumes and set designs
o b) By focusing solely on dialogue and plot
o c) By incorporating historically accurate costumes and props
o d) By having the actors speak in a contemporary language

Create

36. Imagine a play set in a dystopian future. Describe a stage setting that would effectively
convey the atmosphere of this world.
o a) A brightly lit stage with colorful costumes
o b) A minimalist stage with only a few essential props
o c) A dark and dilapidated stage with industrial elements
o d) A lush green stage with natural elements
37. Create a dialogue exchange between two characters who have just experienced a shared
traumatic event.
o a) A lighthearted conversation filled with jokes and laughter
o b) A heated argument filled with blame and accusations
o c) A quiet and hesitant conversation filled with pauses and silences
o d) A formal and detached conversation devoid of emotion
 38. You're adapting a classic novel into a play. How would you condense the plot while
preserving the essential themes and characters?
o a) Focus on the most dramatic scenes and eliminate subplots
o b) Use narration to summarize less important events
o c) Introduce new characters to represent different themes
o d) Change the ending to create a more impactful conclusion
39. Write a soliloquy for a character who is contemplating a major life decision, showcasing
their internal conflict.
o a) A brief and concise statement of their decision
o b) A lengthy and detailed explanation of their past
o c) A stream-of-consciousness expression of their thoughts and feelings
o d) A humorous monologue filled with puns and wordplay
40. You're directing a play with a limited budget. How would you creatively utilize the
elements of "rhythm" and "spectacle" to enhance the production?
o a) Hire a live orchestra to provide background music
o b) Use elaborate costumes and set designs
o c) Rely on actors' vocal delivery and simple props to create atmosphere
o d) Incorporate modern technology like projections and sound effects

Answer Key

31. b
32. c
33. b
34. c