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 7, 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 do the following: Discern what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Analyze character statements and behaviors to draw logical inferences about character development and motivations Determine the tone of a given passage Determine the functions of a given passage Isolate a true statement about plot from falsehoods Apply knowledge of a variety of literary devices including hubris, personification, metaphor, and irony Provide textual evidence in support of a claim about Claudius Articulate ideas with clarity and precision

Support the development of high school close reading skills with this set of analysis questions to complement the short story “Young Goodman Brown” by Nathaniel Hawthorne. A detailed answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Determine the narrative’s dominant conflict Analyze how complex characters interact and develop Explore character motivations Apply knowledge of literary devices including anaphora, personification, foreshadowing, simile, and onomatopoeia Articulate the intended effect of the author’s diction in context Identify several ways in which the author applies the concept of ambiguity to the narrative Explain how the narrative is consistent with the conventions of Dark Romanticism (Gothic literature) Cite textual evidence in support of claims Write with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this set of rigorous questions about Shakespeare’s Othello. Focusing on Act 3, scene 2, 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. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will: Articulate and analyze what the text states explicitly and implicitly Make logical inferences in context Analyze the nature of character relationships Determine the meaning of complex words and phrases in context Discern the function of the scene Articulate how dramatic irony applies to the scene Write with clarity and precision

Help high school students extend beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering chapter 4 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 Define complex words as they are used in the text Analyze the nature of relationships between and among characters Compare and contrast the characters of Boxer and Snowball Make logical inferences about character motivations Apply knowledge of literary devices including onomatopoeia, metaphor, paradox, and situational irony Write about literature with clarity and precision Justify written responses with reasoning and/or textual evidence*

Help high school students extend beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering chapter 5 of Animal Farm by George Orwell. Delivered in 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 Analyze the nature of relationships between and among characters Explain the symbolism behind Mollie’s disappearance Make logical inferences about the author’s intent Explore the motif of forbidden pleasures Discern the greater significance of the windmill debate Make logical inferences about character motivations Isolate an example of figurative language Articulate how Napoleon demonstrates disdain for free speech Identify and explain an example of situational irony in the context of the chapter Write about literature with clarity and precision Justify written responses with reasoning and/or textual evidence

Help high school students extend beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering chapter 6 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 character motivations Apply knowledge of literary devices such as onomatopoeia Define complex words and phrases in context Analyze nuances in word meanings Compare and contrast characters Isolate a true statement about plot from a set of falsehoods Discern the function of the chapter Write about literature with clarity and precision Identify several examples of complication in the context of the chapter Analyze the role language plays in the world of Animal Farm Articulate the intended effect of scapegoating Snowball Justify written responses with reasoning and/or textual evidence

Help high school students extend beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering chapter 7 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, motivations, and beliefs Apply knowledge of sonic devices including assonance, sibilance, onomatopoeia, and cacophony Explain how Napoleon is a dynamic character Identify an example of foreshadowing in the chapter Conduct brief research on Joseph Stalin’s regime Identify historical parallels between Stalin’s leadership and Napoleon’s Write about literature with clarity and precision Justify written responses with reasoning and/or textual evidence

Help high school students extend beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering chapter 8 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 Make logical inferences about characters’ intentions and motivations Analyze a particular detail to infer the author’s intent Explore how Boxer is becoming a dynamic character Isolate a true statement about plot from a set of falsehoods Contrast the Battle of the Windmill with the Battle of the Cowshed Apply knowledge of literary devices such as hubris Evaluate the role propaganda plays in the world of Animal Farm Write about literature with clarity and precision Justify written responses with reasoning and/or textual evidence

Help high school students extend beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering chapter 9 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 Make logical inferences about characters’ intentions and motivations Analyze character relationships Analyze a particular detail to infer the author’s intent Articulate the irony associated with the word republic Explore the motif of hypocrisy Articulate how the pigs demonstrate contradictory thinking and actions Write about literature with clarity and precision Justify written responses with reasoning and/or textual evidence

Help middle and high school students improve fluency, stamina, text comprehension, and close reading analysis of the formal elements of fiction with this set of rigorous, text-dependent questions on The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells (book 1, chapters 6 through 10). An answer key is included, as well as a copy of the featured chapters, which are in the public domain. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By completing the close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Explore character development and motivations Analyze what character actions reveal about their mindset Analyze how characters interact Explain the irony of a given detail Explore how themes are reinforced Discern the function of a given excerpt Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification, metaphor, simile, sibilance, hubris, and more Identify an example of juxtaposition and articulate its effect Identify an example of foreshadowing Write clearly, concisely, and accurately in response to analytical questioning Cite textual evidence in support of claims

Help middle and high school students improve fluency, stamina, text comprehension, and close reading analysis of the formal elements of fiction with this set of rigorous, text-dependent questions on The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells (book 1, chapters 11 through 17). An answer key is included, as well as a copy of the featured chapters, which are in the public domain. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By completing the close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Explore character development and motivations Explore the symbolism of given objects or circumstances Make logical inferences about the author’s intent Explain the irony of a given detail Apply knowledge of literary devices including onomatopoeia Discern the function of a given character in the context of a particular chapter Explore cause-and-effect relationships Compare and contrast characters Explore the influence of mass media on the public Consider historical context in relation to the author’s intentions Discern the function of a given chapter Write clearly, concisely, and accurately in response to analytical questioning Cite textual evidence in support of claims

Help middle and high school students improve fluency, stamina, text comprehension, and close reading analysis of the formal elements of fiction with this set of rigorous, text-dependent questions on The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells (book 2, chapters 1 through 5). An answer key is included, as well as a copy of the featured chapters, which are in the public domain. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By completing the close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Explore character development and motivations Analyze how complex characters interact Articulate the greater significance of a given detail Explore the symbolism of given objects or circumstances Make logical inferences about the author’s point of view on religion in the context of disastrous survival situations Discern a relevant theme in the context of a given chapter Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification Discern the function of a given chapter Write clearly, concisely, and accurately in response to analytical questioning Cite textual evidence in support of claims

Help middle and high school students improve fluency, stamina, text comprehension, and close reading analysis of the formal elements of fiction with this set of rigorous, text-dependent questions on The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells (book 2, chapters 6 through 10). An answer key is included, as well as a copy of the featured chapters, which are in the public domain. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By completing the close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Explore character development and motivations Analyze how complex characters interact Explore techniques the author uses to convey a sense of defeatism Identify and explain an example of situational irony Identify an example of epiphany and articulate the effect it has on a character Apply knowledge of various literary devices including aposiopesis and paradox Articulate the greater significance of a given detail Explore the relevance of a given chapter title (“Wreckage”) Write clearly, concisely, and accurately in response to analytical questioning Cite textual evidence in support of claims

Help high school students improve fluency, stamina, text comprehension, and close reading analysis of the formal elements of fiction with this set of rigorous, text-dependent questions on the short story titled “Dark They Were and Golden Eyed” by Ray Bradbury. 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 Identify the narrative’s inciting incident Identify the narrative’s dominant conflict Explore the functions of a particular character Explore character development and motivations Analyze figurative language to infer the author’s intent Make logical interpretations of metaphorical expressions Explain the intended effect of repetition as it appears in a given excerpt Analyze passages to discern their greater significance Explore themes in context Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification, simile, metaphor, onomatopoeia, and more Analyze the author’s descriptive language as it relates to setting to infer its purpose Write clearly, concisely, and accurately in response to analytical questioning Cite textual evidence in support of claims

Fairy tales are not just for elementary students; even high school readers can use (and enjoy) fairy tales as a tool for measuring general reading comprehension. This multiple choice quiz covers “The Fox and the Horse” by the Brothers Grimm. With an estimated Lexile Measure range of 1100-1200, the short story is especially suitable for middle and high school students. The briefness of the narrative also makes it an appropriate time-filler for awkward gaps in teaching schedules. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: How age has affected the protagonist The seemingly insurmountable challenge the protagonist faces The protagonist’s emotional state The role of the fox in terms of assisting the horse The execution of a plan to resolve the protagonist’s conflict The resolution

Measure comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school and college with this set of rigorous questions on H.P. Lovecraft’s short story “Ex Oblivione.” The variety of reading question types also facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. With an estimated Lexile Measure of 1400-1500, this text and its corresponding active reading exercise are appropriate additions to a high school short story unit, especially at the 11th and 12th grade levels. A detailed answer key is provided. 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 activity, students will demonstrate the following: An ability to define complex vocabulary in context An ability to navigate specialized reference materials to clarify a word’s precise meaning(s) An ability to analyze context clues and draw logical inferences about character motivations An ability to analyze context clues and draw logical inferences about character mindsets An ability to analyze the text for literary devices such as situational irony An ability to analyze cause-and-effect relationships An ability to analyze the author’s craft to discern and articulate tone in context An ability to find and articulate relevant textual details in support of a claim An ability to articulate what the text indicates both explicitly and implicitly An ability to write with clarity, logic, and precision

Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of comprehension and analysis questions on the short story “The Mouse, the Bird, and the Sausage” by the Brothers Grimm. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative, which has an estimated Lexile measure of 1100-1200, are provided. 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 engaging with these materials, students will: Demonstrate comprehension of the general plot Analyze the author’s craft to discern the meaning of particular words and phrases in context Apply knowledge of literary devices by identifying examples of inciting incident, situational irony, and theme Support analysis of text by using relevant textual evidence and reasoned logic Analyze character dialogue and actions to infer their interests and motivations Write with clarity and precision

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