Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions on the short story “The Stolen Farthings” by the Brothers Grimm. The variety of question types will also help prepare students for standardized testing scenarios; emphasis is placed on character motivations and modes of thinking. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story (estimated Lexile measure of 1000-1100) are provided. This resource is most suitable for a short story or Halloween-themed unit at the middle school and early high school levels. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
This resource may serve as the basis for small-group discussions. Through these discussions, students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development, demonstrating an ability to analyze how complex characters transform and advance the plot and themes by applying logic and citing compelling, meaningful textual evidence. They will also evaluate their peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to advance claims, clarifying or challenging unclear ideas. Using this resource for structured guidance, students, ultimately, will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking.
By completing this exercise, students will:
- Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly
- Identify context clues that indicate a character is having a paranormal experience
- Analyze the psychological state of the family, providing a rational explanation for why the family does not see the ghost
- Define complex words in context
- Apply knowledge of literary devices to the text (epiphany)
- Explain the ghost’s unfinished business
- Infer the parents’ shared motivation to donate two farthings to a poor person
- Articulate a relevant theme
- Discern the best description of the story’s tone
- Write with clarity and precision
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