Reinforce the standard conventions of academic writing and perform a quick check of students’ knowledge with this grammar worksheet on resolving capitalization errors. Delivered in printable Word Document format, as well as in PDF format, this resource conveniently offers the option to edit. An answer key is provided. By completing this activity, students will demonstrate an ability to: Capitalize the first word in a sentence Capitalize names and other proper nouns including names of places, businesses, languages, days, months, holidays, historical events, religions, nationalities, and more Capitalize family titled like Mom, Dad, Grandma, and Grandpa when they are used as a placeholder for a name Capitalize the first word in a quotation if the quotation is a complete sentence Capitalize most words in titles, namely the first word, verbs, nouns, proper nouns, adjectives, and adverbs Capitalize A.M. or P.M. and A.D. and B.C.

Reduce teacher workload, measure reading comprehension, and promote homework accountability with this quiz on chapter one of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important plot details: Character description of a typical Baggins Gandalf’s surprise appearance Bilbo and Gandalf’s awkward conversation The first dwarf to arrive unexpectedly Awakening “something Tookish” within Bilbo The dwarves’ skepticism toward Bilbo’s participation Bilbo’s designated role Description of the town of Dale What Thorin receives from Gandalf during the party The lost wealth of Thorin’s family

Reduce teacher workload, measure reading comprehension, and promote homework accountability with this quiz on chapters three through five of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important plot details: Lonely Mountain Rivendell Elrond Background on the weapons the adventurers’ retrieved from trolls Seeking safety inside the cave The Orcrist Glamdring the Foe-hammer Goblins’ fear of something inside the cave The riddle game Discovery of the magical ring Bilbo’s escape from the cave

Reduce teacher workload, measure reading comprehension, and promote homework accountability with this quiz on chapter six of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important plot details: The dwarves’ complaints Gandalf’s insistence that the dwarves look for Bilbo The adventurers’ reaction to Bilbo’s sudden return Incident involving the Wargs Wargs and their history with another antagonistic group Gandalf’s rescue efforts The Eagles’ arrival The Eagles’ fear of man

Measure general comprehension and hold students accountable for reading Farley Mowat’s nonfiction book Never Cry Wolf with this set of printable assessments on chapters 1 through 8. In addition to a multiple choice quiz, a constructed response version is provided, which may double as a guided reading worksheet to encourage active engagement with the text. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing both Word Document and PDF versions. Questions pertain to the following details. An incident that helped lead Mowat to become a biologist The purpose behind Mowat’s study A long trip to “the middle of nowhere” Mowat’s supplies Mike’s background The first encounter with a wolf Alarming discoveries A move to facilitate wolf observations “Marking territory”

With this multiple choice, plot-based quiz covering the eighth chapter of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, high school English teachers will be able to evaluate reading comprehension and promote homework accountability. A short answer version is also provided, along with answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By taking this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: A broken promise The gardener’s intention and Gatsby’s refusal Nick’s judgment of Gatsby Dr. T.J. Eckleburg’s eyes and Wilson’s interpretation of them Myrtle’s death Wilson’s beliefs concerning Myrtle’s death A tragic, deadly incident

With this multiple choice, plot-based quiz covering the ninth chapter of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, high school English teachers will be able to evaluate reading comprehension and promote homework accountability. A short answer version is also provided, along with answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By taking this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Underwhelming attendance at Gatsby’s funeral An unexpected telegram Henry Gatsby’s discovery of his son’s death Young Gatsby’s self-improvement plan A brief conversation with Klipspringer Nick’s decision to move back to the Midwest Nick and Jordan’s breakup An encounter with Tom Tom’s feelings concerning Gatsby’s death Nick’s character assessment of Tom and Daisy Nick’s analysis of people’s dreams

For many high school readers, realistic fiction maximizes interest in and engagement with literature. “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker is a quality example of the genre. In this short story, complicated family dynamics and a clash of cultures are addressed. This multiple choice quiz evaluates general reading comprehension and holds students accountable for completing assigned homework. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Setting A traumatic incident in the family’s past The reason Dee does not live with her mother and sister Maggie’s engagement Maggie’s emotional response to the return of her sister The reasons for Maggie’s self-consciousness Mama’s daydreaming A significant change in Dee’s life The nickname for Dee’s boyfriend Items in which Dee takes apparent interest The reason Mama will not permit Dee to take the items Dee’s parting words for her sister Mama and Maggie’s actions at the end of the story

“The Juniper Tree” by the Brothers Grimm is a macabre fairy tale featuring a variety of literary elements including black humor and poetic justice. Help high school students extend beyond reading comprehension and sharpen close reading analysis skills with this set of rigorous questions to complement the the short story. An answer key and copy of the public domain Grimms’ tale are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Analyze nuances in word definitions in order to select the best synonym in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, and interact with others Apply knowledge of various literary devices including foreshadowing, dramatic irony, allusion, personification, onomatopoeia, black humor, and more Determine the function of a given passage Make logical inferences about the authors’ intent Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

This resource extends beyond text comprehension, helping high school students analyze the formal elements of fiction and respond thoughtfully in writing to questions about literature. The featured short story is titled “The Seven Ravens” by the Brothers Grimm. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Explore character development and motivations Analyze unique and unfamiliar phrasing to find meaning Write clearly, concisely, and accurately in response to analytical questioning Argue whether the authors intend for the father to be seen as a villain Identify an example of foreshadowing and explain what it suggests about plot development Explore the symbolism of ravens and consider why the father specifically chose for his sons to be transformed into ravens Explore the symbolism of rings and consider the role they play in terms of plot development Explore the symbolism of stars and consider the role they play in terms of plot development Cite textual evidence in support of claims

Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984. Featuring a brief passage about the Parsons family from Book 1, chapter 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 Word Documents and PDFs. This resource may facilitate 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 engaging with this resource, students will: Apply knowledge of literary devices and techniques including assonance and aposiopesis Analyze textual details to make logical inferences about character fears, behaviors, and motivations Analyze the emphasis on sports impedimenta and articulate how sporting events promote modes of thinking sanctioned by the Party Analyze how the description of setting contributes to the author’s warning on the effects of totalitarianism on the masses Define complex words and phrases in context Write with logic, clarity, and precision

Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984. Featuring a brief passage about O’Brien’s explanation of the Brotherhood’s inner-workings from Book 2, chapter 8, this resource saves teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing academic rigor. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable Word Documents and PDFs. 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 engaging with this resource, students will: Identify what the text says both explicitly and implicitly Analyze a portion of text to discern which literary device is applied and what its function is Articulate what makes it impossible for Winston or any other individual member to take down the Brotherhood Define complex words and phrases in context Identify textual evidence to support the claim that Winston admires O’Brien Analyze a character’s dialogue to discern and articulate how it is ironic Compare aspects of the Party’s inner-workings to aspects of the Brotherhood’s inner-workings Articulate what this passage reflects about George Orwell’s attitude toward rebellion against dictatorships Use logic and/or textual evidence to support an argument 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 George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984. Featuring a brief passage about Parsons’s pitiful loyalty to the Party from Book 3, chapter 1, this resource saves teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable Word Documents and PDFs. 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 engaging with this resource, students will: Identify what the text says both explicitly and implicitly Define complex words and phrases in context Analyze textual details to discern which literary device is applied (oxymoron and situational irony) Articulate Parsons’s beliefs concerning what makes thoughtcrime so dangerous Analyze the author’s word choices to discern what they reveal about a character Articulate how Parsons evaluates his effectiveness as a father Identify and explain textual evidence that contribute to Parsons’s pitiful characterization Discern a primary function of the excerpt Articulate how the excerpt illustrates the Party’s success in terms of restricting human emotions and complicating human relationships 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 George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984. Featuring a brief passage about the Party’s definition of reality from Book 3, chapter 2, this resource saves teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing academic rigor. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable Word Documents and PDFs. 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 engaging with this resource, students will: Identify what the text says both explicitly and implicitly Define complex words and phrases in context Apply knowledge of situational irony to the passage Explain why reality only exists in the collective mind of the Party, according to O’Brien Isolate a false statement from factual statements in the context of the passage Analyze O’Brien’s statements and actions to discern and articulate his intent Identify where anaphora is present in the given passage Identify words, phrases, and details that contribute to Winston’s childlike characterization Infer why the author wished to characterize Winston like a child given the context of the passage Write with clarity and precision

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 Gothic short story “The Masque of the Red Death” by Edgar Allan Poe (estimated Lexile Measure of 1180). An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are made delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Provide an objective summary of the plot Analyze the intended effect of Poe’s descriptive language Analyze the author’s technique to explain whether a suggested revision would be appropriate Make logical inferences about characterization Articulate how setting influences character actions Determine the intended effect(s) of simile Apply knowledge of situational irony to the text Apply knowledge of anaphora to the text Apply knowledge of consonance to the text Isolate examples of inversion in a given excerpt Identify textual evidence in support of claims Define complex vocabulary and phrasing in context Write with clarity, logic, and precision

Help high school students extend beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering chapter 1 of Animal Farm by George Orwell. 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. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification and verisimilitude Make logical inferences about the author’s intent Identify the greater significance of a given detail Discern the main function of a given passage Write about literature with clarity and precision Conduct brief research on the beliefs of German philosopher Karl Marx Articulate whether Major’s speech reflects a belief in Marxist ideology Articulate how the author incorporates humor into his writing Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims

“Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston is a short story about a woman of color who must reconcile the resentment she feels toward her abusive husband with her faith—a task that threatens to compromise the integrity of her soul. This multiple choice quiz covering “Sweat” helps English teachers evaluate general reading comprehension while eliminating take-home assessment planning responsibilities. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Setting Delia’s line of work Items with which Sykes attempts to instill fear Sykes’ attitude toward Delia’s Sunday work The length of time Delia and Sykes have been married Aspects of Sykes’ antagonistic characterization Delia’s motivations Delia’s observation while passing the store Sykes’ affair with Bertha Delia’s remarks that leave Sykes nearly speechless The fate of Sykes Delia’s intentional inaction

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this quiz covering vignettes 1 through 4 of The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros: “The House on Mango Street,” “Hairs,” “Boys and Girls,” and “My Name.” An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The reason behind the family’s move The qualities/description of the new house The smell of her mother’s hair The lack of interaction among boys and girls in the community Esperanza’s frustrations with spending time with Nenny Esperanza’s desire to have a best friend The origin of Esperanza’s name Esperanza’s personal feelings about her name The Chinese year of the horse and its superstitious meaning to women Cultural views on women (Chinese and Mexican) Esperanza’s great grandmother and her arranged marriage

Help high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 2, scene 4, of William Shakespeare’s King Lear. 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 close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the intended effect of figurative language in context Describe the tone of dialogue in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, juxtaposition, dramatic irony, and situational irony Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet to complement chapter 6 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 Determine the function of a given excerpt Explore mood in relation to a given excerpt Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Contrast two characters (Mina and Swales) Come to class better prepared to engage in collaborative discussions Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Gothic literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision