Help middle and high school students improve critical thinking skills and explore literary elements with this close reading analysis worksheet covering vignette 36 of The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros (“A Smart Cookie”). An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading inference 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 Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including verbal irony, metaphor, and allusion Support claims and inferences with relevant evidence and sound reasoning Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss literature

Help middle and high school students improve critical thinking skills and explore literary elements with this close reading analysis worksheet covering vignette 35 of The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros (“Beautiful and Cruel”). An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading inference 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 Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare and contrast two characters (Nenny and Esperanza) Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification Make logical predictions based on context clues Support claims and inferences with relevant evidence and sound reasoning Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss literature

Evaluate general reading comprehension and promote accountability for homework completion with this plot-based quiz covering The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (chapters 3, 4, and 5). The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the novel. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important plot details: Lonely Mountain Rivendell Elrond Background on the weapons the adventurers’ retrieved from trolls Seeking safety inside the cave The Orcrist Glamdring the Foe-hammer Goblins’ fear of something inside the cave The riddle game Discovery of the magical ring Bilbo’s escape from the cave

Evaluate general reading comprehension and promote accountability for homework completion with this plot-based quiz covering The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (chapters 9, 10, and 11). The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the novel. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important plot details: A near-confession Lake-town Bilbo’s plan to release his friends The escape plan and its glaring flaw The bridge guards’ response to Thorin’s presence The Master of Lake-town’s skepticism The citizens’ overwhelming response to the adventurers’ presence Reaching the mountain’s secret door The foreshadowing appearance of the thrush

Evaluate general reading comprehension and promote accountability for homework completion with this plot-based quiz covering The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (chapter 6). The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the novel. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important plot details: The dwarves’ complaints Gandalf’s insistence that the dwarves look for Bilbo The adventurers’ reaction to Bilbo’s sudden return Incident involving the Wargs Wargs and their history with another antagonistic group Gandalf’s rescue efforts The Eagles’ arrival The Eagles’ fear of man

Evaluate general reading comprehension and promote accountability for homework completion with this plot-based quiz covering The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (chapter 8). The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the novel. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important plot details: Lighting watch-fires A deep-sleep state Hastily using the last of the arrows Bombur’s dream Veering off the path in Mirkwood Bilbo’s transformative experience involving a spider Bilbo’s sword Abduction by the wood-elves The Elvenking’s questioning of Thorin Thorin’s reluctance to share details The consequence Thorin faces

Evaluate general reading comprehension and promote accountability for homework completion with this plot-based quiz covering The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (chapters 17, 18, and 19). The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the novel. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important plot details: Bilbo’s justification for bargaining Thorin’s response to Bilbo’s justification Unity among dwarves, elves, and men The return of the Eagles Thorin’s realization about what would make for a merrier world The new King Under the Mountain Bards gifts to Bilbo Beorn’s new role Gandalf’s statement regarding a more peaceful forest The surprise awaiting Bilbo at home

With this summative test covering The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, high school English teachers will evaluate student knowledge and analysis of plot while eliminating the need for at-home assessment planning. In addition to an answer key, a standards-based rubric for scoring the essay section is included to streamline the scoring process. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By taking this test, students will demonstrate understanding of plot (characters, setting, conflicts, etc.); apply knowledge of literary devices to the text; write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision; and support claims with relevant textual evidence Part 1. Character Identification Multiple choice. Demonstrate knowledge of the following characters: Bilbo Thorin Gandalf Elrond Beorn Bard Smaug Roac Kili & Fili Bombur Bifur Bofur Dwalin Balin Dori Gollum The Great Goblin Lord of the Eagles The trolls The Elvenking The woof-elves The thrush Wargs Part 2. Important Places and Concepts. Multiple choice. Demonstrate awareness of the following: The Arkenstone Durin’s Day Description of a typical Baggins What it means to be “Tookish” The dwarves’ response to Bilbo’s participation Bilbo’s emotional response following the unexpected party The conflict involving the trolls Beorn’s concerns Bilbo’s sword The Orcrist Rivendell and the Last Homely House The enchanted stream Thorin and the Elvenking’s stubbornness Bilbo’s strategic rescue of the adventurers Bilbo’s flaw in the escape plan Lake-town’s reaction to the presence of the adventurers The mountain’s secret door A dragon’s special traits Part 3. Multiple Choice. Literary Devices. Apply knowledge of the following literary devices: Internal conflict Metaphor Simile Hyperbole Imagery Dramatic irony Situational irony Onomatopoeia Alliteration Personification Part 4. Quote Association. Part 4. Quote Association. Identify the speakers of the following quotes: “If I say he is a Burglar, a Burglar he is, or will be when the time comes.” “Moon letters are rune letters, but you cannot see them.” “He’s found it, yes he must have. My birthday present.” “The day will come when they will perish and I will go back!” “I’m going to lie here and sleep and dream of food, if I can’t get it any other way.” “No treasure will come back through Mirkwood without my having something to say in the matter.” “You ought to have brought 500 burglars, not one.” “I don’t know your smell, but if you are not one of those men of the lake, you had their help.” “Look for the hollow of the left breast as he flies and turns above you.” “It is a hundred years and three and fifty since I came out of the egg…” Part 5. Essay Writing. Students will read the last few paragraphs of the novel and articulate what the author implies about achieving a fulfilling life.

This resource offers four creative alternatives to traditional culminating assessments associated with The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. For each project prompt, a unique, comprehensive rubric for evaluating student work is included. Materials are delivered in a zip file as both Word Documents and PDFs. The primary objectives of the project options include the following: Students will demonstrate a strong understanding of the process by which characters become dynamic Students will demonstrate an ability to discern key textual evidence in support of ideas Students will demonstrate a strong understanding of setting and its influence on plot and character development Students will demonstrate an ability to express their knowledge with clarity and creativity Students will demonstrate an ability to work efficiently in both independent and group contexts

Evaluate general reading comprehension with this set of quizzes on Life As We Knew It, a dystopian young adult novel by Susan Beth Pfeffer, with emphasis on chapters eight through ten. A multiple choice assessment is provided, as well as a subjective version. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important details: Miranda’s major mistake, which devastates her Miranda and Mom’s building tension Sammi’s awkward and alarming news “National Good News Day” Miranda’s visit to the hospital Jonny’s surprising request at the dinner party Megan’s self-perceived sinfulness Jonny’s apparent maturity Miranda’s sad observation on the future The disappearance of radio signals Miranda’s frightening discovery while she bikes through town

Evaluate general reading comprehension with this set of quizzes on Life As We Knew It, a dystopian young adult novel by Susan Beth Pfeffer, with emphasis on chapters one through four. A multiple choice assessment is provided, as well as a subjective version. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important details: The relationship between Miranda and her mother The neighbors’ collective reaction to the meteor strike The subsequent natural disasters that occur The significance of school not being cancelled the following day Miranda’s heroism in the face of disaster People’s peculiar purchasing habits at the supermarket Rumors that begin to circulate Miranda’s step-mother and her condition Megan’s alarming response to the worldwide disaster Matt’s arrival home and his comments on heroism

Encourage active reading habits among middle school and high school students with this 43-page reading guide to facilitate comprehension and recall of the characters and plot of The Hobbit. Each section of this resource is divided by chapter and includes lists of vocabulary terms to be defined, key quotations in need of analysis, and text-dependent questions to create a more purposeful reading experience. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. This item covers the following and more: Description of a hobbit Gandalf’s first meeting with Bilbo Thorin’s ancestral history Bilbo’s reluctance to participate in the journey Bilbo’s role The trolls Gandalf as the mentor The adventurers’ general disdain toward Bilbo Elrond Moon letters Bilbo’s significant discovery Gollum’s characterization and peculiar habits The riddle contest The escape from Gollum and the cave The incident with the wargs The Eages’ aid Beorn’s background Beorn’s role as a protector of nature The dangers of Mirkwood Bombur’s dream The conflict involving spiders Bilbo’s strategic thinking and heroic victory The change in the adventurers’ perception of Bilbo The characterization of the wood elves Thorin’s imprisonment and stubbornness Bilbo’s growing frustrations with the other adventurers Lake Town, its inhabitants, and their reaction to the adventurers Bilbo’s plan to rescue the dwarves – and its weakness Lonely Mountain Bilbo’s growing seriousness toward his role The secret door of the mountain The significance of the thrush Smaug’s interactions with Bilbo Smaug’s reaction to the people of Lake Town The Arkenstone The exit from the mountain Bard’s talents and significance How the Master of Lake Town infuriated his people Smaug’s death The relationship between Thror’s people and ravens Roac’s recommendation The return to the mountain Bard’s attempt to rationalize with Thorin Thorin’s disinterest in sharing his wealth Bilbo’s secret bargaining with Bard and the Elvenking Gandalf’s pride in Bilbo Bilbo’s justification for the bargain Thorin’s angry response Dain’s involvement Battle of Five Armies Unity among factions Thorin’s dynamic character/sudden realization The Eagles’ return Honoring the dead Various new roles for previously met characters Bilbo’s return home Bilbo’s shocking discovery Bilbo’s new reputation

Evaluate general reading comprehension with this set of quizzes on Life As We Knew It, a dystopian young adult novel by Susan Beth Pfeffer, with emphasis on chapters five through seven. A multiple choice assessment is provided, as well as a subjective version. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important details: Miranda’s perspective on her mother’s increasing worry Ms. Nesbitt’s treat to the family Megan’s alarming charity Mom’s ironic response to fliers requesting help for the needy Peter’s health advice to the family Miranda’s stubborn response to health advice Dan’s backstory Miranda recalling a “perfect” day Miranda and Ms. Nesbitt’s discovery at the elementary school The reason Mom is outraged at Miranda Jonny’s dreams New natural disasters

Evaluate general reading comprehension and promote accountability for homework completion with this plot-based quiz covering The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (chapter 2). The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the novel. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important plot details: The morning after the unexpected party The letter Disappearance of a major character A discovery that leads the adventurers into trouble Bert, Tom, and William Bilbo’s weak bargaining attempts Capturing the dwarves Rescuing the dwarves Discoveries made before locating the troll’s cave

Evaluate general reading comprehension and promote accountability for homework completion with this plot-based quiz covering The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (chapter 12). The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the novel. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important plot details: Bilbo’s frustration Unique quality of dragons Bilbo pilfering treasure The adventurers’ terrible realization concerning Smaug The adventurers’ abrupt frustration toward Bilbo Speaking in riddles Smaug’s suspicions and plan to attack The function of the thrush The Arkenstone

Evaluate general reading comprehension and promote accountability for homework completion with this plot-based quiz covering The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (chapter 7). The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the novel. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important plot details: “Skin-changing” Beorn’s feelings toward animals The adventurers’ strategy for approaching Beorn Beorn’s background Bilbo’s frightening observations at night Gandalf’s discovery of animal tracks outside the residence Beorn’s concerns for the adventurers Details concerning Mirkwood’s black stream Beorn’s advice

Evaluate general reading comprehension and promote accountability for homework completion with this plot-based quiz covering The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (chapters 13, 14, 15, and 16). The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the novel. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important plot details: Bilbo’s plans for the Arkenstone Smaug’s assault The master bowman The thrush’s instructions Why Lake Town’s citizens were furious with their Master The wood-elves response to the tragedy Thorin’s request of Roac Thorin on why the adventurers are not liable for damages Thorin’s promise to the people of Lake Town Dain’s plan Bilbo conspiring with outsiders

Promote student choice and facilitate the process of researching scientific and societally significant topics from beginning to end with this low-prep, standards-based resource complementing Feed by M.T. Anderson. Students will choose from more than twenty research prompts—addressing ideas such as commercial space travel, genetic engineering, environmental disasters, and the implications of irresponsible social media usage—and navigate academically appropriate sources with the goal of teaching their peers about their topics. A detailed scoring rubric is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Ultimately, students will perform the following tasks: Articulate connections between a research topic and the assigned novel Conduct research using available resources Collect and classify reliable sources Develop successful methods of recording information Evaluate the credibility of nonfiction texts, taking into consideration readability, date, relevance, expertise, and bias Apply conventions of MLA formatting Correctly site resources to avoid plagiarism Organize information in a cohesive manner, using a note-taking system that includes summary, paraphrasing, and quoted material Analyze, synthesize, and integrate information, generating a thoughtfully comprehensive report, free of generalities and redundancies Present information in a formal, coherent manner

Measure and extend reading comprehension of the first third of Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale. Included are two assessments for differentiation purposes, one subjective and one objective. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered as Word Documents and PDFs. Questions pertain to the following important details: The emptiness and loneliness of her room Serena Joy’s previous life The Japanese tourists’ interest in handmaids’ lives The Wall The teachings of Aunt Lydia The doctor’s offer Offred’s previous life Moira’s escape attempt and its consequences The loss of the narrator’s daughter The Ceremony The news Nick shares with Offred

Promote student choice and facilitate the process of researching scientific and societally significant topics from beginning to end with this low-prep, standards-based resource pertaining to the novel Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Students will choose from more than a dozen topics—Yellowstone’s supervolcano, Hurricane Katrina, the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004, and nuclear disasters at Chernobyl and Fukushima to name a few—and navigate academically appropriate sources with the goal of teaching their peers about their topics. A detailed scoring rubric is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Ultimately, students will perform the following tasks: Articulate connections between a research topic and the assigned novel Conduct research using available resources Collect and classify reliable sources Develop successful methods of recording information Evaluate the credibility of source work, taking into consideration readability, date, relevance, expertise, and bias Apply conventions of MLA formatting Correctly site resources to avoid plagiarism Organize information in a cohesive manner, using a note-taking system that includes summary, paraphrasing, and quoted material Analyze, synthesize, and integrate information, generating a thoughtfully comprehensive report, free of generalities and redundancies Present findings verbally, using their own words