"The Rockpile" by James Baldwin Quiz, Close Reading, and Vocabulary Games (Bundle)

Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the short story “The Rockpile” by James Baldwin. A plot-based quiz, a close reading worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will:

• Read for literal comprehension
• Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings
• Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
• Infer the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices and narrative techniques
• Determine the functions of given passages
• Describe tone in context
• Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
• Apply knowledge of literary devices including dialect, double negative, personification, simile, situational irony, and more
• Consider themes in context
• Conduct brief research as needed to answer a question about a given allusion
• Evaluate the degree to which the protagonist is responsible for his brother’s injury, if at all
• 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