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 2, of Much Ado About Nothing 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 Examine nuances in words with similar meanings Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Discern the function of the scene

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 1, of Much Ado About Nothing 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 Discern the function of a given detail Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare two characters (Beatrice and Benedick) Discern tone in context Apply knowledge of literary devices including hyperbole, juxtaposition, allusion, metaphor, and more Explore the symbolism associated with a given detail Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual 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 3, of Much Ado About Nothing 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 Discern the intended effect of figurative language as it is used in the text Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare two characters (Don John and Benedick) Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification, hyperbole, pun, alliteration, dramatic irony, and more

Help high school readers go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering the prologue of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word and phrase meanings (“Two households, both alike in dignity,” “Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean,” “What here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend,” and more) Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Consider historical context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works

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 Othello. With a focus on Act 2, scene 1, 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. By completing this exercise, students will: Discern tone in context Explore character motivations Discern the meaning of complex words and phrases in context Analyze the author’s craft, discerning how Shakespeare’s language influences the audience’s perception of Iago Locate textual evidence in support of claims Apply knowledge of figurative language to the text

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 3, 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: Analyze what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the meaning of complex words and phrases in context Analyze how complex characters interact Explore character motivations Demonstrate knowledge of multiple literary devices including dramatic irony, verbal irony, situational irony, and metaphor Make logical inferences in context Discern the tone of a given excerpt Support claims with relevant textual evidence and valid reasoning Write 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 Othello. With a focus on Act 2, scene 3, this resource saves teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing academic rigor in the classroom. 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. By completing this exercise, students will: Discern the meaning of complex words and phrases in context Analyze the author’s craft, with emphasis on the effect of archaic vocabulary Explore character motivations Apply knowledge of figurative language Make logical inferences in context

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 Othello. With a focus on Act 1, scene 3, 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, questions pertain to the following: Analyzing text for tone. Analyzing the text for meaning: discerning Othello’s self-described weakness. Analyzing text for meaning: how long Othello has fought in wars. Analyzing text for meaning: Othello’s willingness to disclose the truth of his courting of Desdemona. Analyzing text for meaning: how Brabantio describes his daughter. Analyzing text for meaning: the type of person Brabantio thinks would believe Othello’s claims. Analyzing text for meaning: the devil’s role in the union, according to Brabantio.

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 2, scene 2, of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Annotate text to show active engagement Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word and phrase meanings Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Determine the function of a given passage Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Choose the best textual evidence in support of a claim Apply knowledge of personification, dramatic irony, and simile Choose a theme that is best reinforced in a given passage Support inferences or claims with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 2, scene 3, of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Annotate text to show active engagement Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word and phrase meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification, paradox, and foreshadowing Choose the best textual evidence in support of a claim Discern the tone of Friar Laurence’s soliloquy Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 2, scene 6, of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word and phrase meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification and imagery Choose an applicable theme in the context of the scene Support claims or inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works

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 2, 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 Determine the tone of a given excerpt Consider autobiographical parallel, drawing an informed inference about Shakespeare’s philosophy on the purpose of dramatic performances based on details provided in this scene Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help high school readers go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 1, scene 4, of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Isolate examples of punning language Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word and phrase meanings (“betake him to his legs” and “we burn daylight”) Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on foreshadowing Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 1, scene 5, of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth and emphasizing Lady Macbeth’s soliloquy. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Infer the intended effect of Shakespeare’s figurative language Define complex and archaic words as they are used in the text Discern tone in context Determine the function of a given excerpt Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor and foreshadowing Support inferences and claims with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 1 of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with Shakespearean drama. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The opening scene Characterization of Norway’s king The fate of the Thane of Cawdor Macbeth’s new title The witches’ prophecy Banquo’s presence The news Malcolm shares with his father King Duncan’s declared successor Lady Macbeth’s concerns about her husband Lady Macbeth’s ambition Lady Macbeth’s influence on her husband Details concerning the plot to kill King Duncan

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 Othello. With a focus on Act 1, scene 2, 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, questions pertain to the following: Analyzing the phrase “He comes to bad intent” for meaning. Analyzing the phrase “Come, sir, I am for you” for meaning and synthesizing it with knowledge of Iago’s characterization. Analyzing text for meaning: why Othello claims that Brabantio is worthy of respect. Analyzing text to determine character motivations (why Brabantio thinks Othello is a thief). Analyzing text to isolate true statements from unfounded statements. Locating textual evidence and annotating text to make comprehension visible: identifying all references to supernatural forces and all indications of Brabantio’s prejudiced mentality. Paraphrasing dialogue.

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 4, 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: Explore character motivations Discern the tone of a given excerpt Make logical inferences in context Discern the meaning of complex words and phrases in context Paraphrase Shakespearean language Isolate a falsehood from factual statements about plot Articulate the significance of a given detail Write 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 Othello. With a focus on Iago’s skillful manipulation of Roderigo in Act 4, scene 2, this resource saves teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing academic rigor in the classroom. 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. By completing this exercise, students will: Analyze what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the meaning of complex words and phrases in context Demonstrate knowledge of literary devices Make logical inferences in context Explore character motivations Analyze how complex characters interact Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims Write with clarity and precision

Support the development of high school close reading skills and analysis of Shakespeare’s The Tempest with this worksheet on Act 3, scene 2. A variety of high-order question types facilitates the process of analyzing character motivations, examining how word choices influence a reader’s interpretations, applying knowledge of literary devices, and articulating ideas in writing with clarity and precision. This resource is delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. A detailed answer key is included. More specifically, students will be able to: Articulate what the text says explicitly and implicitly Write with clarity and precision Cite specific, relevant textual evidence in support of a claim or idea Discern the most accurate statement among four options in context Explore character motivations Articulate how Caliban entices Stefano to participate in his plot Articulate how Ariel complicates matters for Trinculo specifically Determine the part of speech of a given word in context Articulate what causes Stefano and Trinculo to be afraid Analyze the author’s intent Analyze how language contributes to the development of characterization Articulate how Caliban is presented as a multidimensional character

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 2, 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. By engaging with this resource, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Examine Shakespeare’s narrative techniques with emphasis on the incorporation of figurative language Determine the tone of the scene Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision