Cause or Detail Sort

Students read each sentence and decide whether it moves the plot forward (cause) or simply adds descriptive detail. They label each item with C for cause or D for detail. This worksheet strengthens understanding of how narratives progress and which events drive action. Students practice distinguishing essential plot-moving actions from background descriptions that enrich the scene. This activity helps learners examine the purpose of sentences and deepens awareness of narrative construction. By analyzing sentences individually, students become stronger readers and more intentional writers.

Curriculum Matched Skills

English Language Arts – Identifying Plot-Advancing Events

English Language Arts – Distinguishing Detail from Action

English Language Arts – Narrative Structure and Function

English Language Arts – Reading Comprehension: Purpose of Sentences

This worksheet is part of our Plot Development Worksheets collection.