Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and promote the development of close reading analysis skills with this set of rigorous questions to complement Act 1, scene 2, of William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. This resource may serve as the basis for small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will improve their ability to present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly and convincingly. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Consider how the effect of humor is achieved in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Apply knowledge of literary devices including onomatopoeia, assonance, metaphor, simile, verbal irony, and dramatic irony Discern the function of a given excerpt Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help high school students extend beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 2, scene 1, of Hamlet by William Shakespeare. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, this worksheet saves English Language Arts teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. This resource may facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will improve their ability to present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly and convincingly. More specifically, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Discern the intended effect of Shakespearean language in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare and contrast two characters Determine the function of the scene Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on situational irony Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help high school students extend beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 4, scene 1, of Hamlet by William Shakespeare. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, this worksheet saves English Language Arts teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. This resource may facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will improve their ability to present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly and convincingly. More specifically, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Discern the intended effect of Shakespearean language in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Discern the tone of a given passage Apply knowledge of literary devices including verbal irony, sibilance, personification, consonance, and inversion Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

This assessment measures general reading comprehension, gathers formative data to inform instructional planning, and holds students accountable for the assigned reading of King Lear by Shakespeare (Act 3). An answer key is included. The material is delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following relevant details: Character motivations (King of France) The application of metaphor in the text Analysis of King Lear as a dynamic character and articulating relevant textual evidence A character’s treasonous actions Significant details about Gloucester King Lear’s epiphany regarding his treatment of struggling subjects Edgar’s deceptive behavior The application of dramatic irony in the text Edmund as the new Earl of Gloucester Displays of King Lear’s mental decline Regan’s display of disrespect toward Gloucester Cornwall’s cruel and violent acts Cornwall’s injury

This assessment measures general reading comprehension, gathers formative data to inform instructional planning, and holds students accountable for the assigned reading of King Lear by Shakespeare (Act 4). An answer key is included. The material is delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following relevant details: Edgar’s changing perspective on life Gloucester’s criticism of the gods Gloucester’s concern for a beggar Goneril’s assumptions about her husband Goneril’s adulterous desires King Lear’s concerns about Cordelia Cordelia’s desires for her father Edmund’s intensifying desire to commit murder Edgar’s efforts to save his father from his suicidal desires A second fake trial King Lear’s struggle to understand his daughters King Lear’s thoughts about powerful people A duel The intent of a letter Cordelia’s request of Kent A moment of mental clarity

Promote homework accountability and evaluate general reading comprehension with this quiz covering Act 2 of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Cesario’s encountering of Feste Cesario’s reaction to Olivia’s declarations of love Olivia’s misinterpretation of Cesario’s motives Olivia’s breaking of societal expectations in the times of Elizabethan England. Toby and Fabian’s underhanded deeds Andrew’s challenge Sebastian and Antonio’s arrival in Illyria Antonio’s personal history Toby’s intentions Olivia’s newest gift to Cesario Antonio’s interruption of the duel A case of mistaken identity and its consequences

Promote homework accountability and evaluate general reading comprehension with this quiz covering Act 4 of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Feste’s message from Olivia Character motivations (why Toby intervenes in a fight) Olivia’s sudden appearance “If it be thus to dream, still let me sleep!” (context) Maria’s newest deceptive plot against Malvolio Malvolio’s treatment and his attempts to improve his situation Dynamic character (a change within Toby) “Blame not this haste of mine…” (context) Dynamic character (a change within Malvolio)

Promote homework accountability and evaluate general reading comprehension with this quiz covering Act 3 of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Cesario’s encountering of Feste Cesario’s reaction to Olivia’s declarations of love Olivia’s misinterpretation of Cesario’s motives Olivia’s breaking of societal expectations in the times of Elizabethan England. Toby and Fabian’s underhanded deeds Andrew’s challenge Sebastian and Antonio’s arrival in Illyria Antonio’s personal history Toby’s intentions Olivia’s newest gift to Cesario Antonio’s interruption of the duel A case of mistaken identity and its consequences

Promote homework accountability and evaluate general reading comprehension with this quiz covering Act 5 of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Feste’s delivery of a letter The use of figurative language and its purpose: “Why should I not, had I the heart to do it, / Like to the Egyptian thief, at point of death, / Kill what I love?” The context of Viola’s claim that she would die “a thousand deaths” Olivia’s rationalization of Cesario’s apparently inconsistent behavior Andrew and Toby’s injuries The context of Toby’s remarks: “An asshead and a coxcomb and a knave, a thin-faced knave, a gull!” Andrew’s frustration with Viola Olivia’s feelings toward Malvolio A lie told by Fabian Maria’s marriage The tone of the closing song

Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Hamlet. With a focus on Act 4, scene 4, this resource saves teachers valuable time without sacrificing academic rigor. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable PDFs and Word Documents. 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 will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking. More specifically, questions pertain to the following: Analyzing character statements and behaviors to draw logical inferences about character development and motivations Analyzing complex vocabulary and phrasing in context to determine meaning and intended effect Analyzing an excerpt to discern tone in context Analyzing textual details to discern and articulate their significance to the plot Citing textual evidence in support of a claim

Promote homework accountability and measure general reading comprehension with this quiz on Act 2 of Hamlet by William Shakespeare. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Reynaldo’s spying on Laertes The cause of Ophelia’s fright Polonius’ recommendation to Ophelia Ophelia’s rejection of Hamlet The arrival of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern The roles of Voltemand and Cornelius Claudius’ effect on Fortinbras Hamlet’s comparison of Denmark to a prison The interaction among Hamlet, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern The effect of the actors on Hamlet Hamlet’s self-criticism Hamlet’s fear

Promote homework accountability and measure general reading comprehension with this quiz on Act 5 of Hamlet by William Shakespeare. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The nature of the gravediggers’ conversation Hamlet’s reaction to the gravediggers’ behaviors Hamlet’s similarities to the gravediggers The nature of Hamlet’s conversation with the gravediggers A former jester named Yorick The church’s perspective on people who commit suicide Laertes’ emotional response to Ophelia’s burial Hamlet’s discovery of the plot to have him killed Hamlet’s feelings toward Laertes Hamlet’s duel with Laertes Hamlet’s assessment of his physical strength in comparison to Laertes The nature of Gertrude’s death Hamlet’s belief regarding who should be the new King of Denmark

Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Hamlet. With a focus on Act 4, scene 3, this resource saves teachers valuable time without sacrificing academic rigor. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable PDFs and Word Documents. 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 will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking. More specifically, students will be able to: Identify what Claudius compares Hamlet to Consider plot developments from Claudius’s point of view Identify why it is important for Claudius to give the illusion of careful consideration when banishing Hamlet Identify textual evidence that supports Claudius’s judgment that Hamlet is going insane Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Verify interpretations of words and phrases using reference materials such as a dictionary or thesaurus Identify Hamlet’s justification for calling Claudius his mother Make a logical inference about Hamlet’s thinking based on dialogue Discern the tone of a given passage Consider plot developments from Hamlet’s point of view Identify Hamlet’s intent based on his interactions with Claudius in this scene Identify and explain an example of dramatic irony in this scene Apply knowledge of literary devices including simile Write with clarity and precision

Support the development of high school close reading skills and analysis of Shakespeare’s The Tempest with this worksheet on Act 5, scene 1. A variety of high-order question types facilitates the process of analyzing character motivations, examining how word choices influence a reader’s interpretations, applying knowledge of literary devices, and articulating ideas in writing with clarity and precision. This resource is delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. A detailed answer key is included. More specifically, students will be able to: Articulate what the text says explicitly and implicitly Write with clarity and precision Cite specific, relevant textual evidence in support of a claim or idea Explore how complex characters interact and how these interactions contribute to their development Isolate a falsehood from several accurate statements about an excerpt Explore character motivations, including why Prospero wants music played and why he wishes not to accuse Antonio and Sebastian of treason Analyze the symbolic value of Prospero’s change of clothes Articulate how Gonzalo is an example of dynamic character Articulate how Alonso’s emotional state is altered

Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Othello. With a focus on Act 2, scene 2, this resource saves teachers valuable time without sacrificing academic rigor. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable PDFs and Word Documents. 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: Analyze what the text states explicitly and implicitly Make logical inferences in context Apply knowledge of literary devices to the text including alliteration and situational irony Discern the meaning of complex words and phrases in context Identify textual evidence in support of a claim Write with clarity and precision

Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this set of rigorous questions about Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Focusing on Act 1, scene 2, this resource is delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. An answer key is included. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Determine the function of a particular excerpt Conduct brief research on classical mythology — more specifically the tale of Arion and the dolphin — and draw parallels between the mythological figure and Sebastian Consider the text’s allusion to Elysium to infer greater meaning Discern the tone of a character’s dialogue Come to class/depart class better prepared to discuss literary material Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this set of rigorous questions about Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Focusing on Act 1, scene 1, this resource is delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. An answer key is included. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Compare and contrast two characters (Orsino and Olivia) Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, hyperbole, and sibilance Discern the intended effect of figurative language in context Explore cause-and-effect relationships Define complex vocabulary in the context of a passage Examine nuances in words with similar denotations Determine the function of a particular excerpt

Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this set of rigorous questions about Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Focusing on Act 1, scene 3, this resource is delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. An answer key is included. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Discern tone in context Identify the greater significance of a given detail Apply knowledge of literary devices including hyperbole and simile Explore cause-and-effect relationships Identify a function of the scene

Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Hamlet. With a focus on Act 4, scene 2, this resource saves teachers valuable time without sacrificing academic rigor. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable PDFs and Word Documents. 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 will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking. More specifically, students will be able to: Discern the tone of a given passage Identify the meaning of a particular line Identify an example of metaphor and explain its intended meaning Analyze Hamlet’s dialogue to discern and articulate how he portrays Rosencrantz and Guildenstern as less than human Cite textual evidence in support of the claim that Hamlet shows disrespect toward the king Analyze the author’s craft to discern what effect is created by presenting several consecutive brief scenes Isolate a factual statement about plot development from falsehoods

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning responsibilities with this multiple choice quiz covering Act 2 of Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Why Leonato teases Beatrice Beatrice’s dance partner Beatrice’s treatment of her dance partner Borachio and Don John’s deception Benedick’s self-reflection Don Pedro’s promise to find Beatrice a husband Hero’s chambermaid The nature of Borachio’s interaction with Margaret A plan to misrepresent Hero Benedick’s assumptions about his future Balthasar’s actions The deception of Benedick Benedick’s promise to love Beatrice