Help learners 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 Othello. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Utilize dictionaries to ensure knowledge of word meanings Infer the intended effects of Shakespeare’s word choices and dramatic techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Support ideas and claims with relevant textual evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss works of Shakespeare

Help middle and high schoolers go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering chapter 12 of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’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 imagery and figurative language Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss literature

Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions covering chapter nine of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. With this resource, students will focus on significant details in order to develop a deeper understanding of the novel and its craft, thus helping them contribute more meaningfully during class discussions. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with this resource, students will… Analyze the effect of the author’s language upon the reader Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Determine tone in context Define unfamiliar and challenging vocabulary in context Draw reasoned inferences about characterization Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on situational irony Read closely to isolate accurate statements from false statements Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Support claims with relevant textual evidence and/or reasoned thinking

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 5, 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 the tone of a given excerpt Explore nuances in words with similar meanings Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on metaphor Defend claims with reasoned thinking and relevant textual evidence Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class/leave class better prepared to discuss literary materials

Help high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 3, scene 4, of William Shakespeare’s King Lear. 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. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words/phrases as they are used in the text Verify interpretations of language using reference materials Explore the intended effects of Shakespeare’s narrative techniques Describe tone in context Conduct brief research on pelicans to better understand their symbolic value in context ('pelican daughters") Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

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

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 1 of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. 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. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The opening scene Characterization of Norway’s king The fate of the Thane of Cawdor Macbeth’s new title The witches’ prophecy Banquo’s presence The news Malcolm shares with his father King Duncan’s declared successor Lady Macbeth’s concerns about her husband Lady Macbeth’s ambition Lady Macbeth’s influence on her husband Details concerning the plot to kill King Duncan

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 1, scene 4, of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Define complex and archaic words as they are used in the text Determine the function of a given excerpt Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor and personification Support inferences and claims with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 2 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: Morocco’s wooing of Portia The consequences facing any man who fails to solve a riddle Launcelot’s feelings toward Shylock Old Gobbo’s condition Launcelot’s crass behavior Bassanio’s generosity toward Launcelot Gratiano’s reputation Jessica’s promise to Lorenzo Launcelot’s service to Lorenzo and Jessica Jessica’s willingness to behave criminally Jessica’s discomfort with her appearance A sign that the “right” casket is chosen Aragon’s intent The identity of a young visitor

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

Help high school students analyze how Ray Bradbury used figurative language (personification, onomatopoeia, metaphor, and simile) and direct description to develop a compelling work of science fiction in “There Will Come Soft Rains.” Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this resource serves well for an independent learning opportunity, as well as for small-group discussions. Through such discussions, students may evaluate peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to support claims, clarifying or challenging ideas as needed. An answer key is included.

Support academic vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of activities to complement H. G. Wells’ science fiction novel The War of the Worlds (book 1, chapters 1 through 5). A vocabulary application worksheet, crossword puzzle, word search game, and answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: accost, attenuate, billowy, complacency, feeble, grating, impediment, incandescent, incessant, insensible, irresolute, jostle, petrify, scarcely, scoff, stupefy, subtlety, transient, vague, and waylay. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement Liam O’Flaherty’s short story “The Sniper.” A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: ascetic, beleaguer, dart, gibber, mutter, parapet, paroxysm, reckless, recoil, remorse, ruse, and turret. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Help students go beyond basic comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading inference worksheet covering chapter 3 of Lord of the Flies by William Golding. The nature and variety of question types also facilitate preparation for standardized testing scenarios. 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 to learn and verify word meanings as needed Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Determine the primary function of the chapter Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices hyperbole, simile, metaphor, and imagery Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss literature

Conclude a unit on Lord of the Flies by William Golding with this printable summative assessment. Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this test includes 50 multiple choice questions on character and plot details. Additionally, an essay section composed of three prompts is featured, requiring high school students to analyze plot development, character development, and author’s craft. An answer key is included with sample essay responses. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate an ability to: Correctly identify characters based on a given description or detail Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, simile, personification, allusion, understatement, situational irony, and more Write several brief essays in which students defend claims with relevant textual evidence and adhere to the standard conventions of written English

This formative grammar worksheet reinforces the basic principles of linking verbs and measures how well students can distinguish them from action verbs. In addition, this resource assesses a learner’s ability to identify predicate words of linking verbs. Featuring 48 opportunities to practice application of knowledge, this printable resource is recommended for middle and high school students who are enrolled in composition classes emphasizing rudimentary writing skills. An answer key is included, as is a brief PowerPoint presentation to facilitate discussion of the topic.

Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions for The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. Covering chapters 28 through 30, this worksheet saves teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable Word Documents and PDFs. 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. Copyright restrictions do not allow for novel content to be included, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with the text. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Interpret figurative language as it is used in context Articulate the intended effect of flashback in the context of a given chapter Isolate a false statement about plot among a set of true statements Analyze how complex characters develop and interact Explore character motivations Discern the tone of a given chapter Analyze differences and nuances in word meanings Explore cause-and-effect relationships Determine the function of a given detail Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion Explore the development of theme (fear and uncertainty make people easier to control) Write about literature with clarity and precision Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims