Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) Practice Test

Which of the following is NOT an element of story grammar?

1. Character

2. Emotion

3. Setting

4. Theme

The correct answer is: Emotion

Story grammar refers to the components that make up a narrative structure, helping readers and writers understand the mechanics of storytelling. The elements typically recognized in story grammar include characters, setting, plot, and theme. Character is essential as it refers to the individuals who drive the narrative forward, impacting the plot with their actions and decisions. The setting provides the context of where and when the story takes place, contributing to the atmosphere and influencing the events that unfold. Theme encapsulates the underlying messages or central ideas of a story, serving as the deeper meaning or takeaway from the narrative. Emotion, while a crucial aspect of storytelling that enriches the reading experience, is not a formal element of story grammar. It reflects the feelings evoked within the characters or the audience but does not structurally define or organize the narrative itself. Therefore, selecting "emotion" as the answer highlights an understanding that, while important to the reader's engagement and interpretation, it does not constitute a formal element of story grammar.