“Eleven” by Sandra Cisneros is a coming-of-age short story involving a girl who, for the first time, experiences public marginalization and must learn to navigate an unjust world. This close reading analysis worksheet helps English teachers extend reading comprehension and support the process of critical thinking. While the close reading activity upholds academic rigor and eliminates the need for take-home assessment planning, the brevity of the narrative helps teachers fill awkward gaps in their teaching schedules. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing editable Word Documents and printable PDFs. By completing the close reading activity, students will perform the following tasks: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Examine nuances in words with similar meanings Isolate the story’s inciting incident Examine how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Identify the narrative’s antagonist Evaluate the significance of the teacher’s last name (Price) given the context of the plot Argue in support of the claim that the protagonist is smarter and wiser than a typical eleven-year-old Predict how Rachel will be affected by her embarrassing classroom experience Explore the symbolic meaning behind the phrases “big red mountain” and “runaway balloon” Discern the tone of a given excerpt Explore theme Defend claims with valid reasoning and relevant textual evidence Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class/leave class better prepared to discuss literary materials

With this plot-based quiz covering the second part of Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf, high school English teachers will be able to evaluate reading comprehension and promote homework accountability. In addition to the answer key, a copy of the second part of Mrs. Dalloway is provided. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing Word Document and PDF versions. By taking this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Assumptions about the car that backfired Another alarming noise The effects of World War I on Septimus Warren Smith Lucrezia Warren Smith’s work Maisie Johnson’s native city The reason Maisie approaches the Smiths The effect of the abovementioned interaction on Maisie Carrie Dempster’s judgment of Maisie Carrie Dempster’s self-reflection Carrie Dempster’s personal goals

With this plot-based quiz covering the fourth part of Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf, high school English teachers will be able to evaluate reading comprehension and promote homework accountability. In addition to the answer key, a copy of the fourth part of Mrs. Dalloway is provided. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing Word Document and PDF versions. By taking this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: What Peter’s thoughts reflect about his psychological state A detail about Clarissa that Peter does not like Peter’s observations Peter’s actions at Trafalgar Square Peter’s actions at Regent’s Park Interactions between Peter and Sally Clarissa’s hobby when she was younger Peter’s initial assessment of the relationship between Clarissa and Richard Peter’s assessment of Clarissa’s soul The location of Peter’s meet-up with Clarissa

With this plot-based quiz covering the first part of Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf, high school English teachers will be able to evaluate reading comprehension and promote homework accountability. In addition to the answer key, a copy of the first part of Mrs. Dalloway is provided. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing Word Document and PDF versions. By taking this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Clarissa’s plans The setting Peter Walsh Clarissa’s reaction to Peter’s letters Hugh Whitbread An article of clothing on which Clarissa focuses Clarissa’s self-image Clarissa’s feelings toward Doris Kilman Elizabeth’s relation to Clarissa Mrs. Pym’s profession An alarming sound

With this plot-based quiz covering the third part of Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf, high school English teachers will be able to evaluate reading comprehension and promote homework accountability. In addition to the answer key, a copy of the third part of Mrs. Dalloway is provided. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing Word Document and PDF versions. By taking this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Lucy’s profession A reason for Clarissa’s loneliness The location where Clarissa often reads The subject of a book Clarissa reads The reason Clarissa sleeps alone The reason Aunt Helen takes offense to Clarissa The interaction between Sally and Joseph The reason Clarissa declines Lucy’s offer of help Peter’s peculiar tendency Peter’s personal history, especially as it relates to Clarissa Peter’s emotional reaction Clarissa’s reminder

With this plot-based quiz covering the sixth part of Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf, high school English teachers will be able to evaluate reading comprehension and promote homework accountability. In addition to the answer key, a copy of the sixth part of Mrs. Dalloway is provided. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing Word Document and PDF versions. By taking this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Septimus’ personal interests The location of Septimus and Lucrezia’s first meeting The role of Mr. Brewer in Septimus’ life Qualities of Lucrezia that agitate Septimus Septimus’ perspective of the world Dr. Holmes’ recommendations Septimus’ delusions The interaction between Septimus and Bradshaw Bradshaw’s intentions Lucrezia’s reaction to Bradshaw’s departure Lady Bradshaw’s personal history

With this plot-based quiz covering the last part of Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf, high school English teachers will be able to evaluate reading comprehension and promote homework accountability. In addition to the answer key, a copy of the last part of Mrs. Dalloway is provided. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing Word Document and PDF versions. By taking this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The role of Mrs. Walker Clarissa’s feelings about her own party The reason Clarissa throws parties The identity of Lady Rosseter Ellie Henderson’s relation to Clarissa Sally’s past interaction with Hugh Whitbread Sally and Clarissa’s more recent personal history Peter’s feelings about attending the party Noteworthy guests Jim Hutton’s general characterization Lady Bruton’s evaluation of Richard’s marriage and its effect on Richard The reason Clarissa gets upset at the Bradshaws Clarissa’s feelings toward Septimus Sally’s analysis of Clarissa’s feelings for Peter Peter’s beliefs

With this plot-based quiz covering the seventh part of Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf, high school English teachers will be able to evaluate reading comprehension and promote homework accountability. In addition to the answer key, a copy of the seventh part of Mrs. Dalloway is provided. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing Word Document and PDF versions. By taking this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Lady Bruton’s request of Hugh and Richard Lady Bruton’s solution to the problems of the British Empire Lady Bruton’s self-reflections Richard’s assessment of Hugh Observations that upset Richard Richard’s gift for Clarissa The reason Clarissa feels external pressure The company Elizabeth keeps Clarissa’s concerns about how she is perceived

With this plot-based quiz covering the fifth part of Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf, high school English teachers will be able to evaluate reading comprehension and promote homework accountability. In addition to the answer key, a copy of the fifth part of Mrs. Dalloway is provided. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing Word Document and PDF versions. By taking this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Dr. Holmes’ evaluation of Septimus’ condition Sir William Bradshaw Lucrezia’s emotional state Septimus’ feelings as they relate to his marriage The role of Evans in Septimus’ life Septimus’ delusions Peter’s evidence in support of the claim that England has changed Sylvia’s relation to Clarissa The cause of Sylvia’s death The identity of the person Peter blames for Sylvia’s death An incident that shaped Peter’s opinion of Richard The reason Peter is surprised by Sally

With this plot-based quiz covering the eighth part of Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf, high school English teachers will be able to evaluate reading comprehension and promote homework accountability. In addition to the answer key, a copy of the eighth part of Mrs. Dalloway is provided. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing Word Document and PDF versions. By taking this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Doris Kilman’s general disposition The reason Doris lost her job Clarissa’s evaluation of Elizabeth and Doris’ friendship Elizabeth and Doris’ shopping trip Doris’ self-image Doris’ judgment of Clarissa Doris’ advice for Elizabeth How Doris’s emotional state is calmed Mr. Fletcher’s behavior Elizabeth’s interests Clarissa’s judgment of Elizabeth

With this plot-based quiz covering the ninth part of Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf, high school English teachers will be able to evaluate reading comprehension and promote homework accountability. In addition to the answer key, a copy of the ninth part of Mrs. Dalloway is provided. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing Word Document and PDF versions. By taking this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Lucrezia and Septimus’ personal history How Septimus helps his wife Septimus’ “visitor” Why Lucrezia is happy How Dr. Holmes is greeted by Lucrezia The doctors’ advice for Septimus The manner of Septimus’ death Peter’s letter Peter’s vision of his future Peter’s dinner A story in the newspaper Peter’s feelings about Clarissa’s party

Measure and extend reading comprehension of the first third of Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale. Included are two assessments for differentiation purposes, one subjective and one objective. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered as Word Documents and PDFs. Questions pertain to the following important details: The emptiness and loneliness of her room Serena Joy’s previous life The Japanese tourists’ interest in handmaids’ lives The Wall The teachings of Aunt Lydia The doctor’s offer Offred’s previous life Moira’s escape attempt and its consequences The loss of the narrator’s daughter The Ceremony The news Nick shares with Offred

Reduce teacher workload, measure general reading comprehension, and promote homework accountability with this printable quiz on “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following key ideas: Primary setting Rainsford’s hobby An inciting incident The characterization of the antagonist The protagonist’s initial impression of the antagonist The antagonist’s means of gathering his game The start of the hunt The antagonist’s motivations Rainsford’s successes The climax The resolution

Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills for high school with this close reading analysis worksheet covering the science fiction short story “The Star Beast” by Nicholas Stuart Gray. A detailed answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques with emphasis on how the author helps the audience empathize with a non-human protagonist Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including hubris and situational irony Consider themes in context Articulate how the narrative conforms to standard conventions of science fiction 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

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

Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions covering chapter one of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. With this resource, students will focus on significant details in order to develop a deeper understanding of the novel and its craft, thus helping them contribute more meaningfully during class discussions. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging in this exercise, students will… Analyze characterization Define unfamiliar and challenging vocabulary in context Read closely to isolate accurate statements from false statements Determine author’s intent Analyze the effect of the author’s language upon the reader Apply knowledge of literary devices to the novel Determine the significance of a given detail

This 30-slide PowerPoint presentation complements a unit on memory devices and study skills for high school freshmen. The following concepts are covered in a visually pleasing manner: Memory (includes 3 brief memory exercises requiring students to attempt to remember 13 items; this always lends itself to great follow-up discussion on memory devices students used to meet their goal) Aspects of Short-term and Long-term Memory Stages of Memory Numbers and Why They Tend to Frustrate the Brain Ebbinghaus’s Memory Curve (a.k.a. “Forgetting Curve”) Contributing Factors that Influence Retention of Information Flashbulb Memory The Importance of Reviewing Information Over Time Memory Devices Mnemonics Acronyms Chunking Grouping Repetition Flashcards Imagery & Visualization

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “The Imp of the Perverse” by Edgar Allan Poe, a piece of horror and psychological fiction that explores the impulse to do wrong for wrong’s sake alone. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate engagement with the text. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative, which is especially fitting for the Halloween season, are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The principles of phrenology The narrator’s assessment of phrenology The narrator’s understanding of perverseness The location from which the narrator shares his account The means by which the narrator committed his crime How the narrator learned of the murder method The immediate results of the murder How the narrator’s mind shifts over time The narrator’s repeated motto How the public comes to learn of the narrator’s crime The narrator’s ponderings in the resolution

Go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet to complement chapter 1 of Dracula by Bram Stoker. An answer key and copy of the chapter, which is in the public domain, are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. 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 completing this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text says explicitly and implicitly Discern the intended effects of the author’s narrative techniques with emphasis on how setting influences mood Determine the function of a given paragraph Consider the greater significance of given details Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on foreshadowing and situational irony Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Gothic literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision