Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions on the short story “The Sparrow and His Four Children” by the Brothers Grimm. The narrative has an estimated Lexile measure of 1200-1300, making it an appropriate addition to a fairy tale or fantasy fiction unit at the high school level, especially at the 11th and 12th grade levels. 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 as well as implicitly Articulate the means by which the four children are saved Articulate the father sparrow’s primary internal conflict Conduct brief research to address a question that pertains to the plot Define complex words in context Make logical inferences from the perspective of the father sparrow Demonstrate comprehension of figurative language Analyze the authors’ craft to discern and explain how double-denotation influences meaning Analyze the authors’ craft to discern how assonance is employed Analyze the narrative’s biblical allusion and paraphrase how it applies to the story Explain the situational irony of the youngest bird’s remarks late in the story Cite textual evidence to support claims and ideas Write with clarity and precision

For many high school readers, supernatural fiction and fantasy are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “Beyond the Wall of Sleep” by H.P. Lovecraft is a compelling short story that features elements consistent with both genres: dreamy aberrations, astral projection, the possession of a human body, and more. This rigorous worksheet covering “Beyond the Wall of Sleep” 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: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define complex words and phrases as they are used in the text Analyze nuance in words with similar meanings Examine the narrator’s attitude toward Freud Determine the function of a given paragraph Discern the tone of a particular passage Examine the author’s choices to infer his intent Explore character motivations Analyze how complex characters develop and interact Identify and explain an example of situational irony Explore cause-and-effect relationships Defend claims and ideas with reasoned thinking and relevant textual evidence Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Measure reading comprehension and support the development of close reading skills for high school and college with this set of analysis questions on H.P. Lovecraft’s short story “Hypnos.” A variety of reading question types facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. With an estimated Lexile Measure of 1300-1400, this text and its corresponding active reading worksheet are appropriate additions to short story, Halloween, or horror units, 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 will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking. By completing this activity, secondary students will demonstrate the following: An ability to analyze a paragraph in the text in order to discern its primary function. 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 relationships An ability to define complex words and phrases in context An ability to analyze the text to discern the tone of an excerpt An ability to analyze the text for literary devices such as situational irony An ability to analyze the author’s craft and articulate the significance of sensory descriptions in the context of a specific excerpt An ability to find and articulate relevant textual details in support of a claim An ability to read closely to isolate a correct statement about the text. An ability to articulate what the text indicates both explicitly and implicitly An ability to write with clarity and precision

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 “He.” With an estimated Lexile Measure of 1500-1600, this text and its corresponding active reading worksheet are appropriate additions to a high school short story unit, especially at the 12th grade level or in advanced literature classes. 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 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 relationships An ability to analyze context clues to identify and articulate author’s intent An ability to analyze the text for literary devices such as situational irony and foreshadowing An ability to analyze cause-and-effect relationships 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

Save time and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on “Who Am I This Time?” by Kurt Vonnegut. 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 is provided. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: The North Crawford Mask and Wig Club The avoidance of social gatherings The narrator’s wish for Harry Nash The narrator’s invitation to an auditioning woman The town’s reaction to Harry’s acting The narrator’s first impression of Helene’s acting Efforts to improve Helene’s acting Helene’s fantasy when viewing movies in the past Helene’s difficulty in establishing relationships Lydia’s impressions on who will direct Lydia’s prediction for Helene A gift from Harry “The luckiest girl in town”

For many high school students, supernatural fiction is a genre that maximizes engagement with literature. “The Moon Bog” by H.P. Lovecraft features strange beings, mind manipulations, and even implied social criticism of humanity’s greed and treatment of the environment. This multiple choice quiz on “The Moon Bog” 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. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Setting The purpose of the narrator’s visit Denys Barry’s intentions for the bog Denys Barry’s disregard for the supernatural The legend of the bog Eerie happenings The locals’ collective reaction to Denys Barry’s decisions The narrator’s dreams The narrator’s observations of the bog The fate of Denys Barry

Save time and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on “The Godfather,” a short story by the Brothers Grimm. 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: The cause of the poor man’s poverty The reason the protagonist approaches a stranger The stranger’s gift to the protagonist The protagonist’s new ability The appearance of a particular mythical figure The reason the protagonist decides to visit the stranger Strange encounters at the stranger’s residence Physical traits of the stranger The nature of the conversation between the protagonist and the stranger The resolution

Save time and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on “Old Woman Magoun,” a short story by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman. 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 copy of the public domain narrative are provided. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Setting The social significance of the grocery store Magoun’s reputation The construction of a bridge Lily’s relation to Magoun Lily’s general characterization Sally Jinks’ suggestion The purpose of Barry’s visit to Magoun Barry’s feelings toward Magoun Mason’s profession A request Magoun makes of Mason The cause of Lily’s illness Magoun’s intentional inaction Magoun’s attempts to comfort her dying granddaughter The significance of an object

Save time and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on “Astronomer’s Wife,” a short story by Kay Boyle. 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 is provided. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Point of view The general behavior of Mrs. Ames in the exposition Mrs. Ames’ evaluation of her marriage Mr. Ames’ general attitude toward his wife Mr. Ames’ personal and professional interests The nature of the interaction between Mrs. Ames and a plumber The aspects of the plumber to which Mrs. Ames pays much attention The nature of the plumber’s dialogue

Save time, support improved reading stamina, and measure general reading comprehension with this set of printable quizzes on “Gwilan’s Harp,” a short story by Ursula K. Le Guin. Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, these assessments make it easier to quickly and efficiently gather data on student recall and reading habits. Multiple choice and short answer versions are included, as well as answer keys. By engaging with these materials, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: The acquisition of the harp and Gwilan’s talent for playing it The harp’s personal significance to Gwilan Tom and Gwilan’s travels Damage to the harp What made it possible for Gwilan to play the harp again Gwilan’s physical condition and the consequences A new instrument to be utilized The reason for Gwilan’s decision to use this instrument

Maximize literary engagement among middle and high school students by assigning a classic fairy tale: “Donkey Cabbages” by the Brothers Grimm. English Language Arts teachers may use this complementary, multiple choice quiz to evaluate general reading comprehension. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The protagonist’s hobby An old crone’s instructions The reward of following the old crone’s directions A major life change The young witch’s motivations The location where the protagonist is abandoned The dangerous inhabitants of the aforementioned location The purpose of the spell cast upon the protagonist The means by which the protagonist enters a cabbage patch The magical properties of the cabbages The protagonist’s disguise The fate of the old witch The protagonist’s change of heart The resolution

Save time and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on “A Hunger Artist,” a short story by Franz Kafka. 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 is provided. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Point of view The length of time the artist is known to fast The location of the artist’s performances The task of the local butchers The artist’s self-criticism The artist’s feelings toward the public The waning popularity of the artist’s work The most important quality of the artist’s work from his perspective A humiliating turn of events for the artist The reason the artist finds it easy to fast The artist’s replacement following his death

For many high school readers, supernatural fiction and fantasy are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “Beyond the Wall of Sleep” by H.P. Lovecraft is a compelling short story that features elements consistent with both genres: dreamy aberrations, astral projection, the possession of a human body, and more. This multiple choice quiz on “Beyond the Wall of Sleep” 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 career The narrator’s beliefs concerning dreams Setting The general characterization of Joe Slater The effects of Joe Slater’s dreams How aging affects Joe Slater’s dreams The fate of Joe Slater’s neighbor The narrator’s personal feelings toward Joe Slater A technological achievement What the narrator shares in common with Joe Slater The narrator’s primary motivation Dr. Fenton’s evaluation of the narrator’s psychological state

Save time, support improved reading stamina, and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on “Souvenir,” a short story by Jayne Anne Phillips. 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 is provided. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Point of view An upcoming holiday Kate’s personal history Kate’s oversight Mom’s medical conditions Robert’s personal history Robert’s suggestion regarding the sharing of medical information Kate’s opinion of Robert’s suggestion Mom’s sentimental collection of items Where Kate takes her mother Mom’s confession to Kate

Stanley Kunitz’s environmental poem “The War Against the Trees” creatively explores the issue of prioritizing corporate interests and commercial progress over Nature and is a suitable option to incorporate into the high school ELA classroom. This printable assessment measures general reading comprehension and holds students accountable for their academic responsibilities. Resources are delivered in Word document and PDF formats. An answer key is included. By engaging with this resource, students will perform the following tasks: Read for literal and interpretive comprehension Apply knowledge of setting, characterization, and conflict Be better prepared to engage in collaborative discussions about poetry Develop improved reading stamina

Save time, support improved reading stamina, and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on the short story titled “The Duke’s Children” by Frank O’Connor. 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 is provided. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: General details Character hopes and motivations How complex characters interact Theme

Save time, support improved reading stamina, and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on Yasunari Kawabata’s “The Jay,” a sentimental Japanese short story. 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 is provided. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: The reason for a jay’s singing Yoshiko’s personal history A misinterpreted sign of good luck Characters’ shared traits The effect of the father’s second marriage on his family How Yoshiko and her brother came to live with their grandmother The grandmother’s medical condition The father’s arrangement for Yoshiko An important meeting Yoshiko’s discovery

Save time, support improved reading stamina, and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on the fairy tale “Foundling Bird” by the Brothers Grimm, also known as “Fundevogel.” 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 is provided. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: The cause of a forester’s alarm A surprising discovery General characterization details Old Sanna’s intentions The nature of the relationship between Lina and Fundevogel The many transformations of Lina and Fundevogel The fate of old Sanna*

Support the development of high school close reading skills with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. With emphasis on a chapter 17 journal entry dated December 19, 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 Analyze how complex characters develop and interact Explore character motivations Isolate an example of figurative language Identify relevant themes Determine the function of the entire entry Apply knowledge of literary devices such as symbolism Evaluate whether Miranda’s assumptions are reasonable and accurate Justify claims with valid reasoning Write about literature with clarity and precision

The Good Good Pig by Sy Montgomery is a great memoir to feature in a nonfiction unit or an independent book study unit, especially for those who appreciate the importance and influence of an animal on human lives. This resource covers chapters six through nine, promotes homework accountability, and measures general reading comprehension. It may serve as a reading check quiz or as a guided reading handout to create more purposeful reading experiences and facilitate recall. An answer key is provided, and all materials are delivered as printable Word Documents and PDFs. Questions pertain to the following: The ritual of pig spa Jane and Kate’s habit of saving leftovers for Christopher A trip to George and Mary’s farm The characteristics of a pig’s skin and its similarities to human skin Kelly Felger’s condition and relationship with Christopher Sy’s research on tiger behaviors The sharpness of Christopher’s tusks The characteristics of a pig’s emotional state and it similarities to human emotions A holiday tradition Christopher’s increasing fame Why Sy is more attracted to the concept of Eden than Heaven