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 31 through 34, 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 Articulate how the government has failed in its mission to divide women in the context of chapter 31 Interpret an idiomatic phrase as it is used in the text Isolate a false statement about plot among a set of true statements Analyze how complex characters develop and interact Compare and contrast characters Explore character motivations Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor and portmanteau Analyze differences and nuances in word meanings Explain an example of paradox in the context in chapter 34 Explore cause-and-effect relationships Write about literature with clarity and precision Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims

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 40 through 46, 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. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Analyze how complex characters develop and interact Explore a character’s psychological state Isolate a true statement about plot from a series of false statements Analyze the author’s craft Explore cause-and-effect relationships Explain how a character’s personal history influences their present behavior Discern the tone of a remark in context Articulate the significance of a given detail Explore character motivations Apply knowledge of literary devices including ambiguity and anaphora Analyze differences and nuances in word meanings Write about literature with clarity and precision Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims

Help high school students extend beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering chapter 2 of Animal Farm by George Orwell. 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. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Explore themes in the context of the chapter Analyze character actions and motivations Explore the symbolic meaning of a given detail Infer the intended effect of the author’s word choices Articulate the greater significance of the animals’ decision to rename the farm Discern the functions of a given passage Write about literature with clarity and precision Justify written responses with reasoning and/or textual evidence

Reduce teacher workload, measure reading comprehension, and promote homework accountability with this quiz on chapters 17 through 19 of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and 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

Reduce teacher workload, measure reading comprehension, and promote homework accountability with this quiz on chapter 12 of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and 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

Reduce teacher workload, measure reading comprehension, and promote homework accountability with this quiz on chapter eight of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and 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

This product offers four culminating project options once students finish reading The Hobbit. In addition, comprehensive rubrics for each project are offered. Project options are listed below: 1. Ten Journal Entries Objective: Demonstrate an understanding of characterization and character transformation over the course of a text. Pretend you are Bilbo Baggins. Write a minimum of 10 journal entries detailing your journey. These entries should not be plot summary! Rather, they should provide insight into Bilbo’s thoughts… ***complete details included in purchased version*** 2. Comic Strip/Graphic Novel Objective: Demonstrate an ability to discern key events leading to a transformation of character. Adapt a chapter of your choice into a comic strip or graphic novel. Be advised: You are expected to select a chapter in which a key character undergoes a significant transformation, and you are to artistically reflect that transformation. You must extract key quotations… ***complete details included in purchased version*** 3. Character Interview Objective: Demonstrate an understanding of characterization and character transformation over the course of a text. This option would work best with one partner. Choose wisely, for both individuals will receive the same grade--no exceptions. Your commitment to this project choice reflects your acceptance of that condition. Develop a list of 25 open-ended (not “yes/no”) questions that a reporter… ***complete details included in purchased version*** 4. Travel Brochure Objective: Demonstrate a firm grasp of setting and its influence on character and plot development. Pretend you are a travel agent whose job is to arrange visits to settings referenced in The Hobbit. Choose four of the following settings: Bag End, Rivendell, Ravendell, Mirkwood, Lonely Mountain, and Lake Town. Create one pamphlet for your four settings. The pamphlet should include… ***complete details included in purchased version*** Objectives of projects include (but are not limited to) the following: 1. Demonstrate an understanding of characterization 2. Demonstrate an understanding of dynamic character 3. Demonstrate an ability to discern key evidence in support of ideas 4. Demonstrate an understanding of setting and its influence on plot development 5. Demonstrate an ability to work efficiently in both independent and group contexts

Measure general comprehension and hold students accountable for reading Farley Mowat’s nonfiction book Never Cry Wolf with this set of printable assessments on chapters 9 through 16. In addition to a multiple choice quiz, a short answer version is provided, which may double as a guided reading worksheet to encourage active engagement with the text. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing both Word Document and PDF versions. Questions pertain to the following details. “Wolf naps” Uncle Albert A fear for the wolves’ survival A staple of the wolves’ diet George’s painful experience The purpose of a scientific experiment The main point of Ootek’s story How wolves catch fish The death of large quantities of caribou Ootek’s unique skill The wolves’ behavior An experiment involving Mike’s husky

Save time and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on “Black Angel,” a short story by Nancy Springer. Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this multiple choice assessment makes it easier to quickly and efficiently gather data on student recall and reading habits. An answer key and a copy of the public domain narrative are provided. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Setting The reason for the Jersey Devil’s frustration Distinguishing characteristics of the nameless child The comparison of the Jersey Devil to another mythical being The reason for the nameless child’s presence in the woods Where the Jersey Devil takes the child The purpose of the Jersey Devil’s visit to the World Tree Dynamic character A new dynamic to the relationship between the child and the Jersey Devil The World Tree’s judgment of the Jersey Devil Symbolism

Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze chapter 30 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. An answer key is provided. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, these instructional materials save teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. 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 prohibit the inclusion of the complete chapter, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with access to the novel. By engaging in this exercise, students will: Examine the context of a given passage Analyze character dialogue to discern meaning and intent Discern the meaning of complex vocabulary and phrases in context, taking into consideration both denotative definitions and connotative associations Analyze an excerpt to discern its significance

Fairy tales are not just for elementary readers; even middle and high school students may use Grimms’ fairy tales as tools for extending beyond reading comprehension and practicing close reading analysis skills. “Donkey Cabbages” by the Brothers Grimm is a representative short story that promotes active engagement with fiction. English Language Arts teachers may assign this set of rigorous questions to complement the story and evaluate students’ high-order skills. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Analyze how complex characters think, behave, and interact with others Articulate what makes a particular character’s actions suspicious Analyze nuances in words with similar meanings Select the most appropriate synonym to replace a word in the text Discern the greater significance of a given detail Articulate the irony associated with a given detail Apply knowledge of various literary devices including situational irony, dramatic irony, foreshadowing, and juxtaposition Isolate an example of figurative language from among several options Examine the authors’ diction to determine its intended effect Defend claims and ideas with valid reasoning and relevant evidence Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze chapter 22 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. An answer key is provided. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, these instructional materials save teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. 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 prohibit the inclusion of the complete chapter, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with access to the novel. By engaging with this resource, students will do the following: Discern the meaning of complex vocabulary and phrases in context, taking into consideration both denotative definitions and connotative associations Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Draw logical inferences in the context of a given passage Analyze character actions and statements to discern character intent Isolate factual statements from false statements Analyze figurative language to discern deeper meaning Consider the thematic significance of the interaction between Jem and Maudie Atkinson (a belief that there is hope for positive change in the American justice system, although that change will probably happen slowly)

Engage a variety of middle and high school students with the incorporation of Grimm’s fairy tales into the classroom. “The Elves and the Shoemaker” by the Brothers Grimm is a short story about the positive effects of performing good deeds for others. With this set of high-order questions, teachers will be able to extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills. While the close reading activity upholds academic rigor, the brevity of the narrative helps teachers fill awkward gaps in their teaching schedules. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing editable Word Documents and printable PDFs. By completing this activity, students will perform the following tasks: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Examine how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony, dramatic irony, foreshadowing, simile, hyperbole, allusion, and symbolism Explore theme Come to class/leave class better prepared to discuss literary material Defend claims and ideas with valid reasoning and relevant textual evidence Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help high school students extend beyond general reading comprehension and stamina with this rigorous set of close reading analysis questions on a short story titled “Cool Air” by H.P. Lovecraft. With an estimated Lexile Measure of 1200-1300, the narrative and its corresponding activity are suitable additions to high school fiction units, especially at the 11th and 12th grade levels and during the Halloween season. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will: Articulate what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Explore character intentions and motivations Analyze how complex characters behave and interact Explore cause-and-effect relationships Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, situational irony, and dramatic irony Define complex words and phrases as they are used in context Identify relevant textual evidence in support of claims Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Gothic fantasy and horror are genres that maximize many high school students’ engagement with literature. “The Cats of Ulthar” by H.P. Lovecraft is a macabre short story featuring savage neighbors, an avenging curse, and flesh-eating felines—making it an especially chilling choice for the Halloween season. This rigorous worksheet on “The Cats of Ulthar” helps English teachers support the development of close reading analysis skills and save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will: Discern a key purpose of the mythological allusions delivered in the exposition Draw parallels between the author’s choices and knowledge of cat-related proverbs Explore the antagonistic characterization of the community’s old couple Examine the narrator’s feelings toward the people of Ulthar Explore the greater significance of imagery from a mythological perspective Investigate the author’s decision to name a key character after an Egyptian figure Discern the functions of several paragraphs Apply knowledge of a variety of literary devices including personification, irony, inversion, and onomatopoeia Make logical inferences about the author’s decision to include two seemingly insignificant details Identify and explain a significant example of foreshadowing in the story Argue whether the people of Ulthar are better or worse off for having gone through their experiences Support claims and ideas with reasoned thinking and relevant textual evidence Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

For many high school readers, science fiction, supernatural fiction, and horror are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “From Beyond” by H.P. Lovecraft is a compelling short story that features elements consistent with those genres: advanced technology, parallel realities, alien life, and more. This rigorous worksheet covering “From Beyond” 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. An 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: Analyze a passage in the text in order to discern its function. Define complex vocabulary in context Analyze context clues and draw logical inferences about character motivations Analyze context clues and draw logical inferences about character relationships Analyze the text for literary devices such as foreshadowing, situational irony, and theme Find and articulate relevant textual details in support of a claim Analyze context clues to discern and articulate the significance of a given detail Articulate what the text indicates both explicitly and implicitly Write with clarity and precision

This resource extends beyond text comprehension, helping high school students analyze the formal elements of fiction and respond thoughtfully in writing to questions about literature. The featured short story is titled “The Singing Bone” by the Brothers Grimm. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story, which has an estimated Lexile measure of 1100-1200, are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Define complex words and phrases in context, with emphasis on archaic usage Analyze nuances in word meanings Choose the most appropriate synonym to replace a word Apply knowledge of literary devices to the text with emphasis on lesser known concepts: metonymy, epizeuxis, polysyndeton, and anastrophe Apply knowledge of more basic literary devices to the text: consonance, assonance, alliteration, personification, and situational irony Write clearly, concisely, and accurately in response to analytical questioning Cite textual evidence in support of claims

Help high school students extend beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering chapter 10 of Animal Farm by George Orwell. This worksheet saves English Language Arts teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Make logical inferences about characters’ intentions and motivations Analyze character relationships Define complex words and phrases as they are used in the novel Determine the intended effect of a word as it is used in the novel Explore the greater significance of Animal Farm’s name change Apply knowledge of figurative language Analyze a particular detail to infer the author’s intent Defend the claim that the animals are collectively worse off than before Napoleon’s rule Write about literature with clarity and precision Justify written responses with reasoning and/or textual evidence

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 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