Story Sleuths

Worksheet Description

The “Story Sleuths – The Exemplum Edition” worksheet is about recognizing and understanding exempla within well-known stories. It explains that an exemplum is a story or anecdote that illustrates an ethical point, which can be either brief like a parable or extended like a novel. The worksheet then lists a series of famous tales and asks the student to identify which of these qualify as exempla. Additionally, it challenges students to explain their reasoning, thereby engaging them in critical thinking about the narrative structure and content of each story.

This worksheet teaches students to identify exempla in literature and analyze their purpose and message. By presenting familiar stories, it enables students to connect the concept of exempla with tales they may already know, facilitating easier understanding of the term’s application. The task of explaining their choices encourages students to articulate their thought process, a key skill in developing reasoned arguments. This activity not only enhances comprehension of literary devices but also reinforces moral reasoning and interpretive skills in reading.