The___________ of a story describes event that takes place as well as the conflict or problem that must be resolved.

1. Characters.
2. Setting.
3. Plot.
4. Timeline.

3. Plot.

The answer is: 3. Plot.

The plot of a story encompasses the events that occur, as well as the conflict or problem that the characters must face and resolve. It includes the sequence of events and the development of the story.

The correct answer is option 3: Plot.

To determine the answer, we need to have a basic understanding of storytelling elements. In any story, there are typically three main components: characters, setting, and plot.

1. Characters: These are the individuals or entities that the story revolves around. They can be people, animals, or even objects that are given human-like characteristics.

2. Setting: This refers to the time and place in which the story takes place. It includes the physical environment, such as the geographical location, as well as the time period, whether it's historical, contemporary, or futuristic.

3. Plot: This is the sequence of events that make up the story. It includes the exposition (introduction), rising action (building tension), climax (turning point), falling action (resolving the conflict), and resolution (ending). The plot is what drives the story forward and keeps the reader engaged.

4. Timeline: Although the concept of time is related to the plot, a timeline specifically refers to the chronological order of events in a story. It can be a helpful tool for understanding the sequence of events and how they unfold.

In this case, we are looking for the element that describes both the events and the conflict or problem that needs to be resolved. That element is the plot, as it encompasses the entire story from beginning to end and includes the conflict that the characters face.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 3: Plot.