Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this set of rigorous questions about Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Focusing on Act 1, scene 1, this resource is delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. An answer key is included. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Compare and contrast two characters (Orsino and Olivia) Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, hyperbole, and sibilance Discern the intended effect of figurative language in context Explore cause-and-effect relationships Define complex vocabulary in the context of a passage Examine nuances in words with similar denotations Determine the function of a particular excerpt

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 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

Go beyond reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this set of rigorous questions on chapter 1 of Lord of the Flies by William Golding. A variety of question types facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with this resource, students will: Discern what the text states explicitly and implicitly Analyze how complex characters interact and develop Apply knowledge of various literary devices including personification, simile, and onomatopoeia Analyze the author’s craft to articulate the intended effect of language and imagery Infer what is foreshadowed by a given detail using reasoned thinking Determine the most appropriate synonym for a given word in context Contrast Simon with his peers in the context of a given passage Conduct brief research on the mythological figure Triton and compare him to Ralph Identify relevant textual evidence in support of claims Write with clarity and precision

Go beyond reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this set of rigorous questions on chapter 6 of Lord of the Flies by William Golding. A variety of question types facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. 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. By engaging with this resource, students will: Discern what the text states explicitly and implicitly Analyze how complex characters interact and develop Apply knowledge of various literary devices (personification, sibilance, simile, meiosis, allusion, and idiom) Articulate the situational irony associated with Jack’s criticism of Ralph Analyze the greater significance of the air battle and dead pilot Analyze the author’s craft to explain how juxtaposition is applied in a given passage Articulate Simon’s internal conflict in the context of the chapter Write with clarity and precision

Go beyond reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this set of rigorous questions on chapter 8 of Lord of the Flies by William Golding. A variety of question types facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. 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. By engaging with this resource, students will: Discern what the text states explicitly and implicitly Analyze how complex characters interact and develop Apply knowledge of various literary devices (simile, onomatopoeia, situational irony, and more) Analyze a given passage to identify which of Jack’s character traits are highlighted Analyze a given passage to identify which literary theme is most dominant in context Articulate the significance of given descriptive details in terms of character and plot development Analyze the author’s craft to identify the technique used to maximize shock value Isolate a passage that reflects the conflict between primal impulses and the conditioning of civil society Conduct brief research on the Greek myth of Prometheus and draw literary parallels between it and Lord of the Flies Write with clarity and precision

Go beyond reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this set of rigorous questions on chapter 10 of Lord of the Flies by William Golding. A variety of question types facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. 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. By engaging with this resource, students will: Discern what the text states explicitly and implicitly Analyze how complex characters interact and develop Apply knowledge of various literary devices (metaphor, simile, personification, imagery, situational irony, and syncope) Make logical inferences about Ralph’s psychological state in the context of a passage Explore character motivations Discern the greater significance of a given detail Explain how a given phrase is a euphemism and why the author chose to employ this device Articulate the purpose of Wilfred’s brutal punishment in terms of plot development Identify textual evidence in support of a claim Write with clarity and precision

Go beyond reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this set of rigorous questions on chapter 11 of Lord of the Flies by William Golding. A variety of question types facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. 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. By engaging with this resource, students will: Discern what the text states explicitly and implicitly Analyze how complex characters interact and develop Apply knowledge of various literary devices (personification) Discern the greater significance of a given detail Demonstrate understanding of figurative language Make logical inferences about character behavior Analyze character intentions and motivations Define complex words and phrases in context Identify textual evidence in support of a claim

Go beyond reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this set of rigorous questions on chapter 12 of Lord of the Flies by William Golding. A variety of question types facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. 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. By engaging with this resource, students will: Discern what the text states explicitly and implicitly Analyze how complex characters interact and develop Apply knowledge of various literary devices (personification, aposiopesis, sibilance, and situational irony) Demonstrate understanding of figurative language Make logical inferences about character behavior Analyze character intentions and motivations Analyze the author’s craft to articulate how the incorporation of frequent em-dashes contributes to storytelling Articulate the significance of a given detail Conduct brief research on the author and identify examples of autobiographical parallel Identify textual evidence in support of a claim Write with clarity and precision

Evaluate general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this editable quiz on chapter 4 of Lord of the Flies by William Golding. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The effect of the harsh midday light on the boys The effect of the extreme night darkness on the boys The effect of the jungle fruit on the little ‘uns Jack and his fellow hunters’ treatment of the little ‘uns How Jack and his fellow hunters show they are becoming more savage Piggy’s desire to make a sundial A sudden observation while at the beach Why the signal fire was extinguished Jack’s response to Piggy’s criticism Jack’s desire to exercise power over Piggy Simon’s selfless deed Ralph’s decision at the end of the chapter

Evaluate general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this editable quiz on chapter 7 of Lord of the Flies by William Golding. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Ralph’s nostalgia Simon’s reassuring nature Ralph’s reaction to Simon’s reassurance The nature of Jack’s injury The effect hunting has on Ralph The result of the hunt Robert’s near-death experience Jack’s lack of compassion How Ralph endangers his own life Simon’s volunteerism An exploration of the mountain

Evaluate general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this editable quiz on chapter 10 of Lord of the Flies by William Golding. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Piggy’s explanation of Simon’s death Ralph’s sense of personal accountability Jack’s explanation for the physical appearance of the beast Roger’s status within Jack’s tribe The conflicted feelings of several of Jack’s followers Jack’s warnings to his followers Jack’s plan to steal fire Sam and Eric’s emotional and psychological state The fate of Piggy’s eyeglasses

Evaluate general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this editable quiz on chapter 12 of Lord of the Flies by William Golding. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Ralph’s encounter with the pig’s head The identities of the armed guards Information the armed guards provide to Ralph Jack’s methods of trying to capture Ralph Ralph’s near-death experiences The reason a naval officer is attracted to the island Percival’s loss of identity Claims of leadership Ralph’s emotional state to conclude the novel The naval officer’s reaction to Ralph’s behavior

Save time and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on “A Haunted House,” a short story by Virginia Woolf. 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: Setting Signs of a supernatural presence The nature of the ghosts’ discussions The background of the ghostly couple How the ghostly husband (when alive) reacted to his wife’s death The ghosts’ courteous demeanor The living couple’s new understanding of the ghosts’ purpose The personification of the house The effect of the moonlight An appropriate classification of the narrative

Help high school students extend beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this set of rigorous, text-dependent questions on the humorous short story “The Cop and the Anthem” by O. Henry. 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 activity, students will: Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Analyze how complex characters interact and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion, juxtaposition, and situational irony Isolate a phrase that features an example of figurative language Analyze character actions to make logical inferences Determine the function of a particular passage Make an inference about the author’s point of view Articulate the significance of a given detail Cite textual evidence in support of claims Write with clarity, accuracy, and precision

For many high school readers, horror and psychological fiction are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “The Birds” by Daphne du Maurier features elements consistent with both genres: an isolated setting, killings without clear motivations, the suggestion of humanity’s imminent extinction, and more. This editable, multiple choice quiz covering “The Birds” helps English teachers promote homework accountability, evaluate reading comprehension, and save time at home without sacrificing quality in the classroom. An answer key is included. Materials delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The reason the protagonist only works part-time The nature of the protagonist’s work A description of the protagonist’s personality A description of the setting A detail that foreshadows the first avian attack on the protagonist’s family The protagonist’s observations on the morning following the first attack Others’ reactions to the protagonist’s account The protagonist’s disposal of the birds’ corpses Information provided in a special bulletin Official theories explaining why the birds are traveling farther south A predictor of avian attacks The effects of military combat against the enemy The protagonist’s ponderings in the resolution The protagonist’s final act in the resolution

Conclude a unit on Lord of the Flies by William Golding with this printable summative assessment. Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this test includes 50 multiple choice questions on character and plot details. Additionally, an essay section composed of three prompts is featured, requiring high school students to analyze plot development, character development, and author’s craft. An answer key is included with sample essay responses. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate an ability to: Correctly identify characters based on a given description or detail Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, simile, personification, allusion, understatement, situational irony, and more Write several brief essays in which students defend claims with relevant textual evidence and adhere to the standard conventions of written English

Conclude a unit on The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald with this printable summative assessment. Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this test includes 60 multiple choice questions. In addition to objective questions on character, plot, literary devices, and passage analysis, an essay section is featured, requiring high school students to analyze a given passage for character development and symbolism. An answer key is included with sample essay responses. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate an ability to: Correctly identify characters based on given details and descriptions Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, simile, personification, oxymoron, and more Analyze passages and make logical inferences in the context of those passages Write a brief essay in which students defend claims with relevant textual evidence and adhere to the standard conventions of written English