Reading Worksheet · Grades 6–9
Deus Ex Machina Worksheet
A printable reading worksheet for grades 6-9 on deus ex machina. Students learn how an unexpected, unearned event suddenly solves a story’s problem and why it can feel unsatisfying, match eight terms to clues, and answer four short-response questions. An illustration and complete answer key are included.
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Subject
Reading
Grades
Grades 6–9
Skill Focus
Deus Ex Machina, plot structure
Lesson Length
30 minutes
Lesson Overview
About this worksheet
A deus ex machina is a sudden, unexpected event or character that swoops in to solve a story’s main problem in a way the plot did not earn. This worksheet teaches the device, why it can feel unsatisfying, and how it differs from good foreshadowing, with an illustration.
The reference box and Section A are on page 1. The reference box defines eight terms and shows a surprise rescue. Section A has eight clue-matching items. Section B on page 2 has four short-response questions.
Page 3 is a complete answer key. The worksheet pairs well with the Plot Structure and Foreshadowing worksheets.
How to Use This Lesson
Read the reference box and study the illustration.
Match each clue to a term in Section A on page 1.
Answer the four short-response questions in Section B on page 2.
Use the answer key on page 3 for self-check.
Pair with the Plot Structure Worksheet for more practice.
Printable Resource
A classroom-ready PDF with everything in one printable resource.
Full Member Resource · Printable PDF · 3 pages · Answer Key
Deus Ex Machina Worksheet
A printable reading worksheet for grades 6-9 on deus ex machina. Students learn how an unexpected, unearned event suddenly solves a story’s problem and why it can feel unsatisfying, match eight terms to clues, and answer four short-response questions. An illustration and complete answer key are included.
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