Help high school students extend beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this set of rigorous, text-dependent questions on the satirical science fiction short story titled “Lose Now, Pay Later” by Carol Farley. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Examine a figurative expression (“used like a flock of sheep”) for meaning Select expository character details that support the claim that the protagonist should be more capable of exercising discipline Apply knowledge of literary devices including portmanteau and personification Analyze the author’s diction to discern the intended effect of a particular word (staggered) Visualize a particular scene to make a logical inference about the author’s intent Explore the author’s description of the slimmer to make a logical inference about the safety of the contraption Read a passage to determine its tone Evaluate nuances in word meanings and use reference materials as needed Articulate how satire is present throughout the story, indicating aspects of modern society that are being critically targeted Write clearly, concisely, and accurately in response to analytical questioning Exercise rational thought Cite textual evidence in support of claims

Help high school students extend beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this set of rigorous, text-dependent questions on the science fiction short story “Backward Step” by Paul Jennings. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Analyze the author’s decision to have the narrator directly address the reader in the exposition Apply knowledge of literary devices including euphemism and onomatopoeia Discern the intended effect of a given detail (“People from the university wanted to study me”) Make logical inferences about what a given excerpt reflects about the human condition (“Fortune-tellers and mystics claimed they had moved me in time. I was on television all over the world.”) Articulate similarities between the five-year-old protagonist and his grandmother Determine the function of a given excerpt (“I was lying on a seat on the other side of the road. An old man sitting next to me looked as if a ghost had just appeared in front of him. He screamed and ran off as fast as he could go.”) Identify techniques used to convey the narrator’s childlike voice Conduct brief research into the Grandfather Paradox Determine a theme that is reinforced by the story’s resolution Write clearly, concisely, and accurately in response to analytical questioning Exercise rational thought Cite textual evidence in support of claims

Help high school students extend beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this set of rigorous, text-dependent questions on the ironic short story “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry, which is an especially suitable narrative during the Christmas and winter holiday seasons. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Infer the protagonist’s motivation to find the right gift for her husband Explore nuances in words with similar meanings Define complex words as they are used in the text Apply knowledge of various literary devices including onomatopoeia, hyperbole, and eye dialect Articulate the intended effect of repetition in the context of the exposition Explain the significance of the color brown in the context of a given excerpt Explore the significance of the number forty in the context of the story Conduct brief online research in order to answer questions as needed Make logical inferences about the author’s intent Explore how third person limited point of view contributes to plot development Examine the narrator’s tone in the context of a given excerpt Explain how a particular phrase is an example of paradox (“repairing the ravages made by generosity added to love”) Choose a relevant theme in the context of a given excerpt Argue whether the author’s stylistic choice to capitalize a common noun (Combs) is acceptable Identify and explain several examples of sexist stereotypes throughout the story Identify and explain an example of foreshadowing Write clearly, concisely, and accurately in response to analytical questioning Cite textual evidence in support of claims

Gothic fiction and horror are genres that maximize many high school students’ engagement with literature. “In the Vault” by H.P. Lovecraft is one such short story. It features elements such as entrapment, mutilated corpses, and the avenging of wrongdoing—making the narrative a particularly chilling read during the Halloween season. This multiple choice quiz on “In the Vault” helps English teachers promote homework accountability, evaluate reading comprehension, and save time at home without sacrificing quality in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The narrator’s criticism of people A general description of the protagonist’s personality The protagonist’s work The characterization of Matthew Fenner The characterization of Asaph Sawyer The reason the protagonist gets trapped in the vault The duration of time the protagonist is trapped The protagonist’s initial reaction to being in the company of corpses A plan to escape the vault A complication that hinders progress Dr. Davis’s reaction to the protagonist’s injury The discovery as a result of an investigation

For many high school readers, Gothic fiction, fantasy, and horror are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “Cool Air” by H.P. Lovecraft is a compelling short story that features elements consistent with those genres: noxious chemicals, medical experiments, desperate attempts to achieve immortality, and more. This multiple choice quiz on “Cool Air” helps English teachers promote homework accountability, evaluate reading comprehension, and save time at home without sacrificing quality in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The narrator’s reaction to cool air The narrator’s philosophical beliefs The reason the narrator moves from apartment to apartment The narrator’s treatment of his lodgemates Peculiar smells that permeate the building Mrs. Herrero’s role in the story How the narrator came to know Dr. Muñoz The narrator’s initial perception of Dr. Muñoz Dr. Muñoz’s beliefs concerning the power of human will Dr. Muñoz’s medical practices The reason Dr. Muñoz becomes a “gruesome companion” Dr. Muñoz’s independence A habit Dr. Muñoz develops The consequences of a broken refrigeration system A discovery in Dr. Muñoz’s apartment A stunning revelation

For many high school readers, fantasy and horror are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “What the Moon Brings” by H.P. Lovecraft is a brief, yet compelling short story that features elements consistent with both genres: a bizarre dreamscape, an anxious narrator, and the discovery of an underwater city. (The briefness of the story makes it an appropriate time-filler for awkward gaps in teaching schedules.) This multiple choice quiz on “What the Moon Brings” helps English teachers promote homework accountability, evaluate reading comprehension, and save time at home without sacrificing quality in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Point of view Setting The narrator’s emotional reaction to the moon The narrator’s obsessiveness Transformative qualities of ordinary things The appearance of an animal in the distance A discovery in the water The smell that overwhelms the narrator’s senses A realization about the reef The narrator’s decision in the resolution

For many high school readers, fantasy and horror are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “What the Moon Brings” by H.P. Lovecraft is a brief, yet compelling short story that features elements consistent with both genres: a bizarre dreamscape, an anxious narrator, and the discovery of an underwater city. (The briefness of the story makes it an appropriate time-filler for awkward gaps in teaching schedules.) This rigorous worksheet covering “What the Moon Brings” helps English teachers extend student learning beyond reading comprehension, support the development of close reading analysis skills, and save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. A detailed answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will: Articulate what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Discern the purpose of em dashes as they are used in context Apply knowledge of various literary devices including personification, foreshadowing, epiphany, and sibilance Explore the author’s diction to draw reasoned inferences about characterization Determine the intended effect of juxtaposition as it is applied in the text Examine plot-based statements for accuracy Choose an applicable theme in the context of a given passage Explore the symbolism of a black condor as it is portrayed in the narrative Defend ideas and claims with valid reasoning and textual evidence Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

For many high school readers, supernatural fiction and fantasy are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “The Tree” by H.P. Lovecraft features plot elements consistent with the aforementioned genres: allusions to Greek mythology, inexplicable vanishings, the personification of inanimate objects, and more. This multiple choice quiz covering “The Tree” helps English teachers promote homework accountability, evaluate reading comprehension, and save time at home without sacrificing quality in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The role of the beekeeper The protagonists’ jobs The nature of the relationship between the protagonists The artistic inspirations of each individual protagonist The Tyrant of Syracuse’s motivations The goddess whom the Tyrant wishes to honor Kalos’ reaction to his grave illness The request Kalos makes of his friend upon his death The promise Musides makes to Kalos prior to his death The length of time it takes Musides to complete his assigned task Peculiar characteristics of the tree The fate of Musides and his work

For many high school readers, supernatural fiction and fantasy are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “Polaris” by H.P. Lovecraft features plot elements consistent with the aforementioned genres: a narrator of questionable sanity, a dreamscape setting, the conflict between imagination and reality, and more. This multiple choice quiz covering “Polaris” helps English teachers promote homework accountability, evaluate reading comprehension, and save time at home without sacrificing quality in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The narrator’s home Medical conditions from which the protagonist suffers Setting The role of the Inutos The strange qualities of the protagonist’s dreams The narrator’s strengths and weaknesses in the context of the war The job assigned to the protagonist The narrator’s observations of Polaris How the narrator fails his people The resolution

For many high school readers, supernatural fiction and fantasy are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “The Doom that Came to Sarnath” by H.P. Lovecraft features plot elements consistent with the aforementioned genres: the plundering of a race of lizard people, shadows that seemingly originate from the moon, the vanishing of an entire city, and more. This multiple choice quiz covering “The Doom that Came to Sarnath” (estimated Lexile Measure of 1300-1400) helps English teachers promote homework accountability, evaluate reading comprehension, and save time at home without sacrificing quality in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The name Sarnath used to be known by A physical description of the beings who once inhabited the area The name of the beings’ leader The object worshiped by the beings The value humans saw in this region The fate of the strange beings and the object they worshiped The function of the amphitheater The celebration humans held in commemoration of genocide A strange event that takes place annually The amount of time that has passed since the killing of the beings The fate of the kings and their noblemen The resolution

For many high school readers, psychological fiction and horror are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “The Premature Burial” by Edgar Allan Poe features elements consistent with both genres: a stream-of-consciousness technique, the intensification of an irrational fear, tales of being buried alive, and more. This multiple choice quiz covering “The Premature Burial” helps English teachers promote homework accountability, evaluate reading comprehension, and save time at home without sacrificing quality in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The exposition The identities of those mentioned who suffered premature burials The intentions of Julien Bossuet The narrator’s beliefs concerning premature burials The narrator’s medical condition Precautions taken by the narrator to avoid death by premature burial Where the narrator seeks shelter during a storm How a premature burial scare affects the narrator’s life moving forward The narrator’s evaluation of human imagination

For many high school readers, horror and supernatural fiction are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “The Fall of the House of Usher” by Edgar Allan Poe features elements consistent with both genres: a Gothic mansion, psychological deterioration, heightened emotions, grim imagery, and more. This multiple choice quiz covering “The Fall of the House of Usher” helps English teachers promote homework accountability, evaluate reading comprehension, and save time at home without sacrificing quality in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following key details: How the narrator comes upon the House of Usher The narrator’s descriptions of the House of Usher What the narrator means when he refers to “shadowy fancies” A characterization of the relationship between the narrator and Roderick The content of the letter Roderick wrote the narrator What the narrator means when he refers to Roderick’s “reserve [which] had always been excessive and habitual. The Ushers’ ancestry A description of the narrator as he first explores the House of Usher Roderick’s ill appearance Madeline’s relationship to Roderick Madeline’s unusual medical condition Roderick’s ability to play the guitar Why Roderick wants to keep Madeline’s corpse in the house A realization that Roderick and Madeline were twins A strange sight through the window Peculiar noises Roderick’s terrible fear regarding Madeline Roderick’s death The narrative’s resolution

For many high school readers, horror and supernatural fiction are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “The Fall of the House of Usher” by Edgar Allan Poe features elements consistent with both genres: a Gothic mansion, psychological deterioration, heightened emotions, grim imagery, and more. With this challenging worksheet composed of high-order questions, English teachers will help students extend beyond basic reading comprehension, support the development of close reading analysis skills, and save valuable time at home without sacrificing quality and rigor in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Explore dominant character traits and motivations Examine how complex characters think, behave, and interact Determine the greater significance of a given detail Apply knowledge of various sound and literary devices including alliteration, personification, euphemism, foreshadowing, situational irony, hyperbole, epiphany, juxtaposition, and more Articulate the intended effects of various sound devices, literary devices, and figurative expressions Analyze Poe’s use of descriptive language to infer the author’s intent Conduct brief research on Swiss painter Henry Fuseli to develop greater understanding of Poe’s allusion to him Explore the connection between the plot of the short story and the content of the poem titled “The Haunted Palace” Examine how the author successfully intensifies suspense in the context of a passage Analyze the connotative significance of the narrator’s labeling Roderick a hypochondriac Identify details that contribute to a dreamlike or nightmarish atmosphere Discern the functions of particular details Make logical inferences about the resolution Defend claims and ideas with reasoned thinking and relevant textual evidence Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision