Evaluate general reading comprehension with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 14 and 15 of Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card, a science fiction novel. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Mazer Rackham’s influence on Ender’s simulated games Control over the bugger fleet Ender’s squadron A character who is pushed to the limit Ender’s final exam Victory Mazer Rackham’s revelation post-victory Developments on Earth A visiting colonist Developments concerning Peter Ender’s realization upon holding the egg A new title

Help middle and high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering chapters 5 and 6 of Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card. This worksheet is delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, and it eliminates the need for take-home assessment planning while upholding the need for 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 Explore the symbolism associated with a given object or character Discern the greater significance of given details Discern the intended effects of given details Determine the function of a given chapter Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including euphemism, allusion, paradox, and more Explore themes in context

Incorporate more science fiction into middle and high school classrooms and evaluate general reading comprehension with this plot-based quiz covering the sci-fi short story titled “A Sound of Thunder” by Ray Bradbury. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: The protagonist The setting Expository details External conflicts The consequences of significant actions Interactions between and among characters The resolution

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 1, 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: Discern tone in context Explore character motivations Discern the meaning of complex words and phrases in context Analyze the author’s craft, discerning how Shakespeare’s language influences the audience’s perception of Iago Locate textual evidence in support of claims Apply knowledge of figurative language to the text

Help high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 2, scene 1, of Much Ado About Nothing 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 Discern the intended effect of figurative language as it is used in the text Examine nuances in words with similar meanings Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Contrast two characters (Beatrice and Hero) Determine the function of an interaction between characters (Don John and Claudio) Apply knowledge of literary devices including hyperbole, pun, metaphor, situational irony, symbolism, and more Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence

Help high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 4, scene 1, of Much Ado About Nothing 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 Examine nuances in words with similar meanings Discern the tone of dialogue in context Discern the intended effect of narrative techniques Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Articulate the internal conflicts of two characters (Beatrice and Benedick) Apply knowledge of literary devices including pun, hyperbole, oxymoron, allusion, metaphor, imagery, and more Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence

Help middle and high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering chapters 1 and 2 of Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card. This worksheet is delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, and it eliminates the need for take-home assessment planning while upholding the need for 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 Discern the greater significance of a given detail Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare and contrast characters (Ender and Peter) Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on simile, metaphor, and invective Determine the intended effect of the author’s stylistic choices

Help middle and high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering chapters 7 and 8 of Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card. This worksheet is delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, and it eliminates the need for take-home assessment planning while upholding the need for 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 Examine nuances in words with similar meanings Discern the greater significance of given details Discern the intended effects of given details Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare and contrast characters Apply knowledge of literary devices including ambiguity, anaphora, and more Explore themes in context Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision

“A Strange Story” by O. Henry is a narrative packed with situational irony, yet it is short enough to compensate for awkward gaps in teaching schedules. With this plot-based quiz covering the short story, teachers will be able to evaluate general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability. Additionally, the brevity of the narrative helps to fill awkward gaps in the teaching schedule. An answer key is provided, as well as a copy of the public domain text. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Setting The family’s last name A character’s medical condition The reason for a character’s departure The effects of a character’s disappearance Similarities between characters Ironic coincidences The resolution

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 3, scene 5, of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the intended effects of the Shakespeare’s word choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of various literary devices including euphemism and allusion Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 3, scene 4, of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the intended effects of the Shakespeare’s word choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare the characters of Portia and Antonio Consider themes in context Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 3, scene 2, of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the intended effects of the Shakespeare’s word choices and narrative techniques Describe tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of various literary devices including oxymoron, onomatopoeia, allusion, personification, symbolism, invective, and more Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 4, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the intended effects of the Shakespeare’s word choices and narrative techniques Describe tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on situational irony and symbolism Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 2, scene 6, of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the intended effects of the Shakespeare’s word choices and narrative techniques Describe tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of various literary devices including situational irony, allusion, hyperbole, personification, oxymoron, and more Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 5 of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with Shakespeare’s drama. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: How Lorenzo and Jessica perceive themselves Lorenzo’s talking about the calming music of the stars Stephano’s message Portia’s insistence that everyone keep a secret from her husband How Portia and Nerissa deceive their husbands Antonio’s relationship with Bassanio News of Antonio’s ships News from Nerissa Gratiano’s crude humor

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 2 of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with Shakespearean drama. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Specifically, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Juliet’s beauty and Romeo’s metaphor The rejection of one’s name Romeo’s great fear, expressed during the balcony scene Juliet’s concerns over acting to hastily Friar Laurence’s specialty Friar Laurence’s beliefs and philosophies Friar Laurence’s thoughts regarding the union of Romeo & Juliet Tybalt’s letter Offensive comments toward the Nurse The Nurse’s news for Romeo Friar Laurence’s assessment of Romeo & Juliet’s love

Help high school students explore literary craft with this activity covering H.P. Lovecraft’s short story “The Outsider.” With this worksheet, students will isolate and reflect upon textual details the author provided to establish a suspenseful tone that is consistent with the conventions of Dark Romanticism. An answer key is provided, as well as a copy of the narrative, which makes for an excellent addition to a Halloween-themed short story unit for grades 9 through 12. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this literary craft analysis activity, students will: Isolate examples of compelling sensory description Isolate characterization details that elicit emotional responses from readers Reflect upon traditional aspects of the Halloween season and identify textual details that evoke those aspects Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on dramatic irony, foreshadowing, personification, situational irony, and symbolism Convey information through speech and writing in a coherent manner Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz addressing chapters 25 and 26 of Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger. This assessment may otherwise double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with literature. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following plot elements: Holden’s second guessing of Mr. Antolini’s motivations Holden’s concern for his own safety as he crosses streets Holden’s desire to re-connect with Phoebe at the Museum of Art Holden’s desire to move out west and avoid human interaction What upsets Holden at the school Holden’s impending physical collapse The return of the red hunting hat A trip to the zoo Holden’s emotional state as he watches Phoebe on the carousel Holden’s decision to return home

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz addressing chapters 18, 19, and 20 of Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger. This assessment may otherwise double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with literature. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: A plan to meet with Carl Luce for drinks An observation that calls to mind Allie Holden’s thoughts about joining the military Holden’s characterization of Carl Luce Holden’s line of questioning (lack of maturity) Holden’s decision to get drunk A drunken phone call to Sally Dropping and breaking the record Holden’s thoughts about death and his own funeral A decision to return home

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz addressing chapters 21, 22, and 23 of Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger. This assessment may otherwise double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with literature. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Holden’s observation about sleeping children How Holden was able to gain easy access to his parents’ apartment Holden’s perusal of Phoebe’s school books and personal notes Phoebe’s middle name Phoebe’s concern that Dad will want to kill Holden for being expelled How Phoebe demonstrates her frustrations toward Holden Phoebe’s accusation that Holden hates everything Holden’s interpretation of a misheard song lyric The James Castle incident What Holden loaned James Holden’s desire to call Mr. Antolini