Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of comprehension and analysis questions on Hans Christian Andersen’s short story “The Butterfly.” A variety of question types are included to help prepare for standardized testing scenarios: vocabulary-in-context questions, main idea questions, detail questions, author’s craft questions, and more. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story (estimated Lexile range of 700-800) are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. 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: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Cite textual evidence in support of claims Write with clarity and precision Verify interpretations of words and phrases using reference materials such as a dictionary or thesaurus Apply knowledge of various literary devices including situational irony and alliteration Articulate variables that influence the protagonist’s modes of thinking Evaluate whether the protagonist is fair in his process of selecting a potential wife Make logical inferences about characters’ motivations Explain how the author incorporates foreshadowing into the text

For many high school readers, fairy tales and fantasy fiction are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “The Red Shoes” by Hans Christian Andersen is about a peasant girl whose obsession with her footwear leads to supernatural events, seemingly divine punishment, and eventual redemption. With this rigorous worksheet composed of high-order questions, English Language Arts teachers will help students extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills. A detailed answer key is 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 Apply knowledge of various literary devices including dramatic irony, personification, symbolism, and more Make logical inferences about the author’s intent Explore how complex characters think, behave, and interact with others Make a claim about whether a detail is ironic Defend claims with valid reasoning and relevant textual details Explore potential themes Discern the function of a given paragraph Connect the text to societally relevant concepts in modern society, such as social mobility Conduct research to answer questions about autobiographical parallel Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

For many high school readers, fairy tales and fantasy fiction are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “The Buckwheat” by Hans Christian Andersen is a cautionary tale about a young buckwheat whose pride becomes his tragic downfall. With this rigorous worksheet composed of high-order questions, English Language Arts teachers will help students extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills. The briefness of the narrative also helps teachers fill awkward gaps in scheduling. A detailed answer key is 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 Verify interpretations of language using reference materials such as a dictionary or thesaurus Apply knowledge of various literary devices including hyperbole, alliteration, assonance, hubris, personification, dramatic irony, and more Analyze a passage to discern author’s intent Discern the function of a given paragraph Analyze what characters’ actions reveal about their modes of thinking Make logical inferences about characters’ actions Explain how the author incorporates personification into the text Explore the symbolism of trees and articulate how the old willow tree’s characterization is consistent with symbolic interpretations Articulate a relevant theme and connect it to plot developments Defend claims with valid reasoning and relevant textual details Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

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 fifteen through seventeen. 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: Mom’s feelings about needing Miranda’s help Why Mrs. Nesbitt believes it is better that Miranda visit daily What Mrs. Nesbitt wants Miranda’s mom to know The significance of people moving plywood into their living rooms Miranda’s feelings following the death of Mrs. Nesbitt Mrs. Nesbitt’s pendant The alarming discovery at Mrs. Nesbitt’s house following her death Gray snow and the blizzard Miranda and Jonny’s plan to help Matt find his way home Jonny’s discovery about the family’s eating habits Matt’s suggested diet change The fantasy that plays out in Miranda’s head

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

Go beyond reading comprehension with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Covering a chapter two journal entry dated May 18, this resource supports the development of high school close reading skills and facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. This resource may serve as the basis for 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 completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Explore how complex characters develop and interact Analyze language to discern the intended effect Apply knowledge of literary devices including hyperbole and metaphor Explore the author’s craft Support claims with relevant textual evidence and reasoning Write ideas with clarity and precision And more

Go beyond reading comprehension with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Covering a chapter one journal entry dated May 11, this resource supports the development of high school close reading skills and facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. This resource may serve as the basis for 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 completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Explore how complex characters develop and interact Analyze language to discern the intended effect Apply knowledge of literary devices including pun Make logical inferences about the protagonist’s modes of thinking Discern the main function of a given excerpt

Go beyond reading comprehension with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Covering a chapter three journal entry dated May 19, this resource supports the development of high school close reading skills and facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. This resource may serve as the basis for 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 completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Explore how complex characters develop and interact Analyze language to discern the intended effect Consider both denotative and connotative definitions of words as they are used in context Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony Determine a primary function of the chapter Support claims with relevant textual evidence and reasoning Write ideas with clarity and precision And more

Go beyond reading comprehension with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Covering a chapter four journal entry dated May 20, this resource supports the development of high school close reading skills and facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. This resource may serve as the basis for 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 completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Explore how complex characters develop and interact Analyze the author’s language to articulate the intended effect Apply knowledge of literary devices including simile, foreshadowing, and aposiopesis Explore the greater significance of a given detail Support claims with relevant textual evidence and reasoning Write ideas with clarity and precision

Go beyond reading comprehension with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Covering a chapter six journal entry dated June 15, this resource supports the development of high school close reading skills and facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. This resource may serve as the basis for 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 completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Analyze how complex characters develop and interact Analyze figurative language to articulate the intended effect Define complex words as they are used in the text Apply knowledge of literary devices including pun and dramatic irony Explore a significant shift in narrative tone Articulate the symbolic value of a given detail Support claims with relevant textual evidence and reasoning Write ideas with clarity and precision

Go beyond reading comprehension with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Covering a chapter seven journal entry dated July 2, this resource supports the development of high school close reading skills and facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. This resource may serve as the basis for 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 completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Analyze how complex characters develop and interact Make logical inferences about Miranda’s mindset in the context of the language she uses to communicate ideas Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion and situational irony Infer the reason(s) for Miranda’s frequent dreams of Becky Determine the function of the diary entry Support claims with relevant textual evidence and reasoning Write ideas with clarity and precision

Go beyond reading comprehension with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Covering a chapter eighteen journal entry dated December 25, this resource supports the development of high school close reading skills and facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. This resource may serve as the basis for 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 completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Apply knowledge of literary devices such as paradox and dramatic irony Compare and contrast Miranda’s childhood with her mother’s Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Go beyond reading comprehension with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Covering a chapter fifteen journal entry dated October 29, this resource supports the development of high school close reading skills and facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. This resource may serve as the basis for 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 completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Analyze differences and nuances in word meanings Apply knowledge of literary devices such as idiom, alliteration, cliché, euphemism, and dramatic irony Explore cause-and-effect relationships Defend whether Miranda’s behavior as it is conveyed in the entry is consistent or inconsistent with her previous characterization Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Mythological fiction is a genre that appeals to the imaginations of many middle and high school students. The Adventures of Ulysses by Bernard Evslin is a modern retelling of Homer’s The Odyssey, written in a manner that is easier to process—even for struggling readers. With this summative test covering the entire novel, English teachers will be able to evaluate students’ comprehensive text comprehension and ability to analyze key characters, plot developments, and themes. An answer key is provided, and all materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. This assessment covers the following: Athena’s aid along the journey Ulysses brilliant trick Achilles’ warrior status and weakness Menelaus’s call to arms Poseidon’s relationship to Polyphemus The faithful wife of Ulysses Helen’s reputation The enormous whirlpool Paris’s judgment A faithful, old dog A loyal swineherd Circe’s peculiar abilities Hyperion’s background Morpheus and the lotus flowers Helen’s suitors Aeolus’ efforts to help Ulysses Hermes’ role in Ulysses’ journey The gullibility of Polyphemus A blind prophet The peculiar talents of the sirens Eurycleia’s discovery Telemachus Alcinous’s assistance Nausicaa’s revelation Poseidon’s ire The winner of a contest A character’s disguise Foreshadowing External conflict/internal conflict Antagonist Situational irony Dramatic irony Theme Dynamic character And more

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 eighteen through twenty-one. 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 family’s closeness since Christmas passed Miranda’s reflections on what she learned over the past year How the hospital has changed since Miranda’s last visit Information provided by the hospital’s nurses Miranda’s near-deadly mistake Mom’s birthday and why she believes it is the best ever The return of radio activity Miranda’s anxiety coinciding with the return of electricity Miranda’s need to travel into town A discovery that changes everything Miranda’s philosophy on her birthday The purpose of journal writing

Go beyond reading comprehension with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Covering a chapter five journal entry dated June 3, this resource supports the development of high school close reading skills and facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. This resource may serve as the basis for 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 completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Explore how complex characters develop and interact Analyze the author’s language to articulate the intended effect Apply knowledge of literary devices including paradox, pun, and internal conflict Explore the greater significance of a given detail Determine the tone of a passage Support claims with relevant textual evidence and reasoning Write ideas with clarity and precision

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this multiple choice quiz covering chapters 10 and 11 of A Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Newton Peck. In addition to an answer key, an alternate short answer option is provided for re-assessment purposes. Materials are delivered in a zip file as Word Documents and PDFs. Questions pertain to the following details: Haven’s advice to Rob Rob’s assumptions when he sees buildings marked Ladies and Gents Mrs. Tanner’s warning Seeing a “shovel explode” Judging Pinky’s stain Why Rob feels physically sick Pinky’s award Catching a weasel Ira Long and his dog Purpose of the barrel Haven’s promise