Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Ray Bradbury’s science fiction short story “Dark They Were and Golden Eyed.” The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the narrative. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The setting of the narrative The story’s inciting incident Mr. Bittering’s nighttime experiences The general characterization of Mr. Bittering Bizarre discoveries on Mars Mr. Bittering’s fear-fueled beliefs Mr. Bittering’s work in the metal shop Simpson’s role Dynamic character traits Mr. Bittering’s thoughts as he swims The resolution

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement Shirley Jackson’s short story titled “Charles.” A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, the public domain narrative, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: cynically, deprive, elaborately, grimly, haggard, incredulously, insolently, raucous, scornfully, solemnly, swaggering, and warily. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “Charles” by Shirley Jackson. The resource may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the narrative. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: The identity of the narrator Laurie’s tendencies upon returning home from school The general characterization of Laurie’s teacher Laurie’s changing behavior toward his parents Mrs. Hyman’s concerns about Laurie’s schooling The lesson Mr. Hyman believes Laurie must learn The reason Mrs. Hyman cannot attend a parent-teacher conference The general characterization of Charles Mr. Hyman’s suggestion pertaining to Charles’ mother A revelation in the resolution

Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet covering Shirley Jackson’s short story titled “Charles.” An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Determine the function of a given paragraph Discern the narrative’s dominant conflict Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, slang, situational irony, neologism, invective, and sibilance Reflect on how point of view shapes the reader’s understanding of events Consider theme in context Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Challenge high school students to move beyond surface-level comprehension with this close reading analysis worksheet covering Katherine Mansfield’s short story “The Garden Party.” From applying knowledge of literary devices to making inferences about the author’s intentions, readers will be supported by a set of rigorous questions complementing the text. An answer key, a copy of the narrative, emergency lesson plans, and supplemental activities are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Included are the following: Public domain short story. Close reading analysis worksheet. By engaging with this exercise, students will read for literal comprehension; define challenging words and phrases; infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques; explore how complex characters think, interact, and behave; apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor and dramatic irony; examine shifts in tone; articulate the symbolism of a seemingly ordinary object; cite textual evidence in support of claims; and write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision. Close reading analysis worksheet answer key. Low-prep lesson plan for unexpected absences. This comes pre-filled with learning targets and agenda items. Space is also designated for classroom teachers to identify the name(s) of their class(es), the hour(s) of their class(es), student leaders, and upcoming homework assignments and assessments. Bell ringer activity. Help a substitute teacher engage students (and find time to take attendance) with a thematically linked writing prompt. Miscellaneous performance tasks handout. Extend student thinking and learning in the event of unexpected absences with this item outlining creative tasks pertaining to the short story. For example, students may write poetry or journal entries from the perspective of a character; write a brief retelling of the narrative from a different character’s perspective; explore the thematic significance of stories; review the overall quality of the narrative with objectivity and supporting evidence; and more.

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the short story “The Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield. A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: conspicuous, enigmatically, lanky, marquee, mournfully, murmur, pacify, rapturous, relish, shudder, sordid, strenuous, tactless, and weary. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Challenge students to move beyond surface-level comprehension with this close reading analysis worksheet covering Katherine Mansfield’s short story “The Doll’s House.” From applying knowledge of literary devices to making inferences about the author’s intentions, readers will be supported by a set of rigorous questions complementing the text. An answer key and copy of the narrative are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. The close reading activity will prompt students to do the following: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings as needed Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Discern the functions of given excerpts Describe tone in context Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, personification, symbolism, and more Consider themes in context Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Come to class better prepared to discuss works of fiction

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement “The Doll’s House” by Katherine Mansfield. A vocabulary application worksheet, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the public domain text, and answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: clamber, congeal, flatteringly, ghastly, mutton, paddock, pane, pinafore, scarcely, shun, sneer, solemn, spitefully, sprawl, stout, and titter. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement “Bliss” by Katherine Mansfield. A vocabulary application worksheet, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the public domain text, and answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: abruptly, anaemia, ardent, flatulence, fluke, fortnight, infallibly, jonquil, monocle, perambulator, petal, repent, shudder, stammer, stodgy, teem, and zest. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Challenge students to move beyond surface-level comprehension with this close reading analysis worksheet covering Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Murders in the Rue Morgue.” From exploring symbolism to making inferences about the author’s intentions, readers will be supported by a set of rigorous questions complementing the text. An answer key and copy of the narrative are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will perform the following tasks: Make a logical inference based on the narrative’s title Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the intended effect of the author’s language in context Determine the function of the narrative’s point of view Consider the effects of the author’s narrative techniques Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Contrast the characterizations of the protagonist and the police Apply knowledge of literary devices with an emphasis on red herring and symbolism

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the short story “The Murders in the Rue Morgue” by Edgar Allan Poe. A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, the public domain narrative, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: atrocity, blundering, chagrin, clamber, continually, countenance, desolate, diminutive, elicit, fervor, ingenious, inordinately, procure, remonstrance, requisite, shrill, sulky, totter, trepidation, vague, and vivid. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Challenge students to move beyond surface-level comprehension with this close reading analysis worksheet covering Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Oval Portrait.” From researching Poe’s personal life to making inferences about the author’s literary intentions, readers will be supported by a set of rigorous questions complementing the text. An answer key, a copy of the narrative, emergency lesson plans, and supplemental activities are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Included are the following: Public domain short story. With an estimated Lexile Measure range of 1200 to 1300, the narrative is a suitable selection for high school English Language Arts classes. Close reading analysis worksheet. By engaging with this exercise, students will articulate what is stated explicitly and implicitly; analyze how complex characters think, interact, and behave; compare two characters and explain what they share in common; analyze a given excerpt and explain how situational irony develops; discern the meaning of unfamiliar words and phrases; analyze the author’s stylistic choices to discern and articulate the author’s purpose; examine cause-and-effect relationships; conduct brief research into Poe’s personal life to explain autobiographical parallels between the author and the plot of the text; cite textual evidence in support of claims; and write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision. Questions are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Close reading analysis worksheet answer key. Low-prep lesson plan for unexpected absences. This comes pre-filled with learning targets and agenda items. Space is also designated for classroom teachers to identify the name(s) of their class(es), the hour(s) of their class(es), student leaders, and upcoming homework assignments and assessments. Bell ringer activity. Help a substitute teacher engage students (and find time to take attendance) with a thematically linked writing prompt. Miscellaneous performance tasks handout. Extend student thinking and learning in the event of unexpected absences with this item outlining creative tasks pertaining to the short story. For example, students may write poetry or journal entries from the perspective of a character; write a brief retelling of the narrative from a different character’s perspective; explore the thematic significance of stories; review the overall quality of the narrative with objectivity and supporting evidence; and more.

Help students explore literary craft with this activity covering Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Oval Portrait.” With this worksheet, students will isolate and reflect upon textual details that are consistent with the conventions of horror and supernatural fiction. An answer key is provided, as well as a copy of the narrative, which makes for a compelling addition to a short story unit for grades 9 through 12. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this literary craft analysis activity, students will: Isolate examples of language that contributes to an atmosphere of mystery Isolate examples of language that has an appealing musical effect with emphasis on assonance, alliteration, consonance, and sibilance Isolate examples of figurative language Explore the role that art plays in the life of the protagonist Convey information through speech and writing in a coherent manner Come to class better prepared to discuss works of fiction