Help high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 2, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s King Lear. 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. This resource may facilitate 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 engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the meaning of complex words and figurative language in context Determine the function of a given passage Explore cause-and-effect relationships Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare Gloucester and Lear Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony, metaphor, assonance, and personification Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 1, scene 4, of William Shakespeare’s King Lear. 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. This resource may facilitate 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 engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Choose the most appropriate synonym for a given word Verify interpretations of language using reference materials Explore cause-and-effect relationships Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including synecdoche, antithesis, aphorism, and allusion

Help high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 1, scene 3, of William Shakespeare’s King Lear. 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. This resource may facilitate 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 engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words/phrases as they are used in the text Verify interpretations of language using reference materials Explore cause-and-effect relationships Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on hyperbole

Help high school students develop a greater understanding of how Jack London used descriptive language, direct and indirect characterization, and figurative language to generate distinct characters and a compelling piece of adventure fiction in “To Build a Fire.” Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this resource serves well for an independent learning opportunity, as well as for small-group discussions. Through such discussions, students may evaluate peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to support claims, clarifying or challenging ideas as needed. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included.

Help high school students develop a greater understanding of how Richard Connell used descriptive language, direct and indirect characterization, and figurative language to generate a distinct protagonist and compelling piece of adventure fiction in “The Most Dangerous Game.” Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this resource serves well for an independent learning opportunity, as well as for small-group discussions. Through such discussions, students may evaluate peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to support claims, clarifying or challenging ideas as needed. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included.

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 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 6, 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, ultimately, 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 Analyze how characters interact Determine the primary purpose of Hamlet’s letter to Horatio Apply knowledge of literary devices to the text Analyze complex vocabulary and phrasing in context to determine meaning and intended effect

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 5, 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, ultimately, 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 Determine the function of a given passage Analyze character statements and behaviors to draw logical inferences about character development and motivations Discern the tone of a given passage Apply knowledge of literary devices to the text Analyze complex vocabulary and phrasing in context to determine meaning and intended effect Locate textual evidence in support of claims Compare and contrast Hamlet and Ophelia Compare and contrast Hamlet and Laertes Articulate ideas 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 Act 3, scene 4, of Hamlet by William Shakespeare. 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. This resource may facilitate 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. More specifically, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Discern the intended effect of Shakespearean language in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on metaphor and personification Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, 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 Act 2, scene 1, of Hamlet by William Shakespeare. 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. This resource may facilitate 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. More specifically, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Discern the intended effect of Shakespearean language in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare and contrast two characters Determine the function of the scene Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on situational irony Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, 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 Act 1, scene 5, of Hamlet by William Shakespeare. 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. This resource may facilitate 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. More specifically, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Discern the intended effect of Shakespearean language in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including euphemism, simile, personification, and hyperbole Conduct brief research to answer a question connecting the drama to aspects of Greek mythology Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, 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 Act 1, scene 4, of Hamlet by William Shakespeare. 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. This resource may facilitate 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. More specifically, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Determine the primary function of a given passage Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Examine the effect of Shakespeare’s figurative language upon the reader Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare and contrast two characters Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help high school students develop a greater understanding of how Hans Christian Andersen used descriptive language, characterization, figurative language, and other literary devices to establish a fairy tale atmosphere and empathetic protagonist in “The Little Mermaid.” This resource serves well for an independent learning opportunity, as well as for small-group discussions. Through such discussions, students may evaluate peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to support claims, clarifying or challenging ideas as needed. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats.

Save time without sacrificing rigor in the high school Creative Writing classroom with this Common Core-aligned unit plan and these comprehensive materials for engaging students fully in the narrative writing process. Included are the following: A detailed, standards-based unit plan articulating the unit’s transfer goal(s), essential question(s), enduring understanding(s), learning target(s), academic vocabulary, formative assessment(s), summative performance task(s), and learning plan(s). A PowerPoint presentation addressing the conventions of the fantasy genre. Representative fantasy narratives. Worksheets to facilitate analysis of representative literature. Detailed project directions. A comprehensive outline for student planning. A document to facilitate the editing process. A comprehensive rubric for evaluating student writing. By engaging with these materials, students will do the following: Develop greater understanding of the conventions of the fantasy genre. Analyze how John Collier used figurative language (simile, metaphor, and euphemism), characterization, direct description, and foreshadowing to generate a compelling fantasy narrative in “The Chaser.” Analyze how Ursula K. Le Guin used characterization and grammatically improper language to develop an anthropomorphized protagonist in “The Wife’s Story.” Organize initial ideas in a coherent manner. Engage the reader with a compelling exposition that establishes setting, characters, and conflicts Use many appropriate narrative techniques (dialogue, dialect, description, pacing, etc.) to enhance a plot that is consistent with the fantasy genre Draft a coherent, cohesive, and appropriate narrative that builds toward a particular tone and outcome (a sense of mystery, suspense, etc.) Use precise words and phrases, active verbs, and sensory language to convey a compelling story Draft a reasonable and unrushed conclusion that resolves conflicts and conveys a theme Show mastery of the conventions of standard English grammar, usage, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning duties with this plot-based, multiple choice quiz covering the short story “Catch the Moon” by Judith Ortiz Cofer. Additionally, a short answer option is provided for re-assessment purposes. These resources may double as guided reading handouts to foster active reading habits among students. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Luis’s criminal behavior and its consequences The reason for disruptive behavior Luis’s defining characteristics How Luis made his gang “legal” The general characterization of Luis’s dad The reason Naomi comes to the junkyard Naomi’s positive influence on Luis Borrowing his father’s car The reason Luis cries for his mother The significance of the “treasure hunt” An evolving relationship with Luis’s father Finding textual support for Luis’s status as a dynamic character Internal vs. external conflict and seeking textual evidence

Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering the science fiction short story “The Star” by H.G. Wells. A detailed answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. This resource may facilitate 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 close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Describe tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including alliteration, personification, simile, and more Generate a relevant theme and support how it is developed Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss literature

For many high school readers, psychological fiction and horror are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “The Premature Burial” by Edgar Allan Poe features elements consistent with both genres: a stream-of-consciousness technique, the intensification of an irrational fear, tales of being buried alive, and more. With this challenging worksheet composed of high-order questions, English teachers will help students extend beyond basic reading comprehension, support the development of close reading analysis skills, and save valuable time at home without sacrificing quality and rigor in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Explore dominant character traits Examine how complex characters think and behave Analyze diction to make logical inferences about the author’s intent Articulate the greater significance of a given detail Apply knowledge of various literary devices including eye dialect, onomatopoeia, allusion, dramatic irony, situational irony, and more Discern the meaning of an idiom as it is used in the text Explain how a particular word or expression is considered a pun Investigate the intended effect of narrative techniques such as the liberal incorporation of em dashes Discern the function of a particular detail Choose the most appropriate synonym to replace a word used in the story Explore nuances in words with similar denotative meanings Examine narrative structure Evaluate whether the narrator’s thinking is rational Draw parallels between the narrative and a featured nonfiction passage Defend claims and ideas with reasoned thinking and relevant textual evidence Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of high-order analysis questions on Virginia Woolf’s short story “A Haunted House.” The narrative makes a fitting inclusion to a Halloween-themed short story unit at the high school level. A detailed answer key and a copy of the public domain short story 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 Analyze the author’s narrative technique to discern how she emphasizes multiple presences in the house Infer why the author incorporates references to second-person you Discern the significance of active present participles in the text Analyze the effect of sibilant phrases on the reader Apply knowledge of literary devices to the text, with emphasis placed on personification, anaphora, and symbolism Discern and articulate the significance of the window Analyze a passage in the text to discern the author’s intent as it relates to characterization Analyze character actions and dialogue to discern their primary intent Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims Write with clarity and precision

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering part three of Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (“Burning Bright”). This assessment may also serve as a guided reading handout to facilitate active reading experiences. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The source of the alarm call Beatty’s striking of Montag The nature of Beatty’s death What Montag learns about Beatty after his death Complicating factors in terms of Montag’s escape Montag’s suggestions for Faber Faber’s suggestions for Montag How authorities get the public to help them find Montag What Montag watches on television How books continue to exist What happens to the city A new responsibility

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering part two of Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (“The Sieve and the Sand”). This assessment may also serve as a guided reading handout to facilitate active reading experiences. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Montag’s perception of the world Montag’s perspective on books A phone call between Montag and Faber Faber’s professional background Faber’s offerings of help The purpose of Faber’s visit to St. Louis Interactions among Mildred and her friends How Montag irritates Mildred and her friends Montag and Beatty’s interaction at the firehouse A fire alarm