Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this set of two quizzes covering Book 1, chapters 2 and 3, of George Orwell’s 1984. A multiple choice quiz and short answer option are included. Use one for post-reading comprehension checks, and use the other as a guided reading worksheet or re-assessment opportunity. Answer keys are also provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Winston’s fear of the Thought Police The Junior Spies and their job Public executions of the Party’s dissidents Winston’s dream involving O’Brien’s voice Winston’s dream involving his mother A government purge Physical jerks Why it is so difficult to recall one’s childhood Oceania’s enemy country Communication via the telescreen

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this set of two quizzes covering Book 1, chapter 1, of George Orwell’s 1984. A multiple choice quiz and short answer option are included. Use one for post-reading comprehension checks, and use the other as a guided reading worksheet or re-assessment opportunity. Answer keys are also provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The setting The nature of the propaganda disseminated by way of the telescreen Winston’s professional responsibilities The ironic role of the Ministry of Peace The significance of Emmanuel Goldstein The general characterization of proles How Winston rebels against the government The Party’s treatment of enemies of the state And more

Evaluate general comprehension and engage high schoolers with a classic example of horror fiction with this plot-based quiz covering W. W. Jacobs’ short story “The Monkey’s Paw.” The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate engagement with the narrative. An answer key and copy of the text are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By taking this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Weather conditions Interactions among family members The visitor’s background Herbert’s initial reaction to the object Strange observations in a dying fire The effects of a strange object The reason Mr. White is reluctant to make subsequent wishes Ominous sounds Conflicting motivations of characters The resolution

This summative test covers William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and includes an answer key, as well as a standards-based rubric for scoring essays. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By administering this assessment, teachers will evaluate students’ abilities to do the following: Demonstrate knowledge of aspects of drama including relevant vocabulary and historical context Demonstrate knowledge significant characters and the key aspects of their lives Demonstrate knowledge of significant events that transpire Identify the context of meaningful quotations in the play Apply knowledge of a variety of literary devices applied in the novel including hyperbole, metaphor, situational irony, dramatic irony, verbal irony, and more Respond to an essay prompt requiring students to evaluate tragic mistakes characters make Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims made in an academic essay

Measure general comprehension and hold students accountable for reading The Adventures of Ulysses by Bernard Evslin with this multiple choice, plot-based quiz covering chapters twelve and thirteen (“Cattle of the Sun” and “Calypso”). An answer key is provided, as is a bonus short answer assessment. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important details: A warning not to harm the golden cattle 30 days and nights of wind Efforts to scrounge for food Eurylochus and his lie to Ulysses Ulysses means of survival Calypso’s magic Calypso’s comments about Penelope Penelope’s weaving and her attempts to delay a major decision Hermes’ arrival and its foreshadowing Calypso’s sadness

Help high school Creative Writing students better understand the conventions of adventure fiction and prepare for the drafting of original short stories with this comprehensive, low-prep, standards-aligned unit plan. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. 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). Representative adventure fiction narratives by Jack London (“To Build a Fire”), Richard Connell (“The Most Dangerous Game”), and H.P. Lovecraft (“The Beast in the Cave”). Worksheets to facilitate analysis of representative literature. Detailed directions. Suggested prompts for students who struggle to generate their own ideas A comprehensive outline for student planning. A document to facilitate the editing process. A comprehensive rubric for evaluating student writing.

This summative assessment measures reading comprehension of The Dead and The Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer. It also assesses a student’s ability to write claims in an analysis of the text and its characters using valid reasoning and sufficient evidence. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. A breakdown of content follows. Part 1. Character Identification. This matching section features 20 total questions, all of which pertain to the characters of Alex, Briana, Julie, Carlos, Mami, Papi, Uncle Jimmy, Aunt Lorraine, Kevin, Chris, Father Franco, Father Mulrooney, Sister Rita, and Harvey. Part 2. Plot Recall. This multiple choice section features 12 total questions. Students must demonstrate that they recall key incidents that occurred throughout the novel. Part 3. Literary Term Application. In this multiple choice section featuring 8 total questions, students will be presented with a textual detail that relates to a common literary device, such as foreshadowing, symbolism, metaphor, simile, antagonist, static character, dynamic character, dramatic irony, irony of result, theme, personification, complication, and more. Students must match the appropriate literary device to the given detail. Part 4. Essay Writing. Students must choose one of two prompts and write a thoughtful analysis of a character who demonstrates either the character trait of adaptability or perseverance. The student must use sufficient and compelling textual evidence to support their claims and may choose to relay personal anecdotes within their response.

Dystopian fiction and adolescent literature are genres that appeal to the imaginations of many middle and high school students and maximize their ability to relate to literary works. Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer is a representative narrative, told from the perspective of a seemingly ordinary teenage girl facing extraordinary conflicts. With this summative test covering the entire novel, English teachers will be able to evaluate students’ comprehensive text comprehension and ability to analyze key characters, plot developments, and themes. Additionally, the self-grading nature of all multiple choice questions helps teachers minimize take-home grading responsibilities. An answer key and standards-based rubric for scoring essays are provided. Materials are delivered in both Word Document and PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will: Demonstrate knowledge of primary and secondary characters and the key aspects of their lives Demonstrate knowledge of significant events that take place throughout the novel Apply knowledge of a variety of literary devices applied in the novel including hyperbole, personification, metaphor, simile, allusion, onomatopoeia, situational irony, dramatic irony, and verbal irony Respond to an essay prompt requiring students to examine the protagonist’s emotional growth and transformation into a genuine hero Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims made in an academic essay

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 16, 17, 18, and 19 of Susan Beth Pfeffer’s dystopian sci-fi novel The Dead and the Gone, the sequel to Life As We Knew It. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included, along with a short answer alternate quiz for reassessment purposes. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: An incident resulting in the death of Kevin An item Alex desperately needs to acquire from Harvey Bri’s weak physical condition The quarantine and its effect on Port Authority convoys The typical time frame between convoy departures Julie’s lack of fear over dying, except under one condition Alex’s difficult decision for the night Bri’s sole inhaler cartridge empties Alex’s failing condition and his sisters’ attempts to nurture him back to health The reason Bri decides to leave the apartment Bri’s death and the discovery of her body Sister Rita’s comments on Bri’s faith and its influence on Bri An offer that could potentially save Alex and Julie’s lives

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 12, 13, 14, and 15 of Susan Beth Pfeffer’s dystopian sci-fi novel The Dead and the Gone, the sequel to Life As We Knew It. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included, along with a short answer alternate quiz for reassessment purposes. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Alex’s friends’ concerns for Briana’s health Alex’s decision for the siblings to skip school to move away Alex and Kevin’s 'body shopping" endeavors Julie’s feelings of inferiority The sudden closing of Julie’s school The conflict between Bri and Julie regarding the probability that their parents are dead Lottery tickets Alex’s efforts to save Julie from a potential kidnapper Harvey’s arrangements for Alex and Bri Harvey’s disturbing arrangements for Julie Mr. Flynn’s kindness and generosity Alex’s physically exhausting labor

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 9, 10, and 11 of Susan Beth Pfeffer’s dystopian sci-fi novel The Dead and the Gone, the sequel to Life As We Knew It. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included, along with a short answer alternate quiz for reassessment purposes. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Natural disasters of epic proportion Kevin and Alex’s decision to go “body shopping” A bartering system in a black market Harvey, the neighborhood dealer with a monopoly Julie’s devastation following the death of her garden Alex’s conversation with Sister Rita Alex’s motive leading to his conversation with Father Franco A comparison of city life and country life in the current climate The return of Bri The witnessing of a suicide and Alex’s subsequent confession Alex’s decision to confess his sins to Father Mulrooney A surprise celebration

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 6, 7, and 8 of Susan Beth Pfeffer’s dystopian sci-fi novel The Dead and the Gone, the sequel to Life As We Knew It. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included, along with a short answer alternate quiz for reassessment purposes. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Uncle Jimmy’s reappearance Uncle Jimmy’s offer to Briana Mr. Dunlap and his kind offer to Alex and Julie Alex’s conflicting feelings about “stealing” food Father Mulrooney’s announcement that school will continue through summer Alex’s specific job, which must be done daily before school Julie’s newfound love for gardening The lack of sufficient food resources and the consequent mob Alex’s failed effort to wish Briana a happy birthday Father Mulrooney’s “insufficient compassion” and Alex’s reaction to it Kevin’s kindness and generosity Volcanic eruptions leading to the deaths of millions

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 3, 4, and 5 of Susan Beth Pfeffer’s dystopian sci-fi novel The Dead and the Gone, the sequel to Life As We Knew It. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included, along with a short answer alternate quiz for reassessment purposes. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Observations about who is missing in the chapel Alex’s decision to miss school and visit Yankee Stadium The rules that must be followed while at Yankee Stadium Methods of lessening the severity of the experience at Yankee Stadium Alex’s austere reaction to Julie’s “Who died and made you boss?” remark Chris Flynn and his father’s generosity Bri’s belief that Mami may be alive, and her reasoning Father Franco’s good news concerning Bri Why Julie is not offered the same opportunity as Bri A promise Bri wants Alex to make before departing Alex’s maturity

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 1 and 2 of Susan Beth Pfeffer’s dystopian sci-fi novel The Dead and the Gone, the sequel to Life As We Knew It. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The absence of Alex’s father Alex’s brother, Carlos, and his Marine status The setting of the novel Why Mami is not home on the night of the meteor strike Uncle Jimmy’s need for help at the bodega The phone conversation between Alex and Carlos Alex’s failed effort to visit the school for more information Why the subway system is inoperable The purpose of Alex’s list Clarification on the disaster provided by Father Franco Alex’s search for hidden cash The bulletin board at St. Margaret’s A curfew, a national day of mourning, and Alex’s belief that the government is searching for solutions Alex’s visit to the hardware store A telephone hotline A phone conversation with Aunt Lorraine The location of unidentified bodies

This 25-question quiz has students match the meaning to an underlined root. A corresponding answer key is included.

This 8-slide PowerPoint is designed to provide students a brief introduction to the concepts of roots and formatives. This presentation addresses how learning about prefixes expands one's vocabulary, as well as how prefixes influence the meanings of words (e.g., reversing a verb's meaning, creating negative meaning, showing time and order, indicating location and degree, and expressing support or opposition).

Facilitate active participation in small-group discussions of science fiction literature with this set of literature circle materials for teaching Feed by M.T. Anderson. The following are included: a handout detailing student roles; documentation logs to hold students accountable for their tasks; and a standards-based rubric for scoring student performances. Materials are delivered in both Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging in these literature circle activities, students will do the following: Articulate key details from the story Generate open-ended questions related to the novel in order to carry out meaningful discussions with peers Respond thoughtfully to open-ended questions and others’ contributions to the discussion Document ways in which the novel is consistent with aspects of modern society Locate specific passages and/or quotations that relate to major themes and concepts—especially those relating to technology, consumerism, sociology, and the value of independent thinking Artistically convey important information from the assigned reading Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help high school readers discern all the important aspects of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee with this comprehensive reading guide, which promotes active engagement with literature and supports the development of independent, focused note-taking skills. A detailed answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. This resource highlights the following: Character Development. Students will document relevant information about characterization and track character transformations. Plot. Hundreds of plot-based questions are provided to help students focus on meaningful details from the novel. Historical Context. Some questions necessitate brief research and/or activation of schema in order to draw similarities between historical events and incidents in the novel. Meaningful Quotations and Excerpts. Dozens of meaningful quotes are emphasized, requiring students to articulate context and/or significance. Vocabulary. Dozens of unfamiliar and complex words are identified to maximize students’ comprehension of plot and expand readers’ vocabulary. SQ3R Practices. In each section, a list of generalized details (organized by chapter) helps students focus on what to review in the days and weeks following the assigned reading. Additionally, a section for personalized notes is given.

A visually stimulating Power Point that provides context for the drama. Information covered includes Shakespeare’s background, The Globe Theatre, characteristics of Shakespearean performances, and character overviews. For the purpose of engaging students, I will occasionally use humor to convey important ideas. This is intended to come across in this presentation.