This 33-slide PowerPoint presentation introduces your students to the key characters in The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. I created this PowerPoint as a means of previewing the novel with my high school students, offering them context on character traits, relationships, conflicts, and development over the course of the novel. The following are covered: Bilbo Baggins. ♦ Modest nature ♦ Appreciation for the simple things ♦ His reluctance and obligation to help ♦ His role along the journey ♦ His brushes with adversity ♦ His sense of justice ♦ His dynamic character ♦ And more Gandalf. ♦ His noteworthy character traits ♦ The mentor archetype ♦ And more Thorin Oakenshield. ♦ His leadership ♦ His bravery and his pretentiousness ♦ His family background ♦ His classification as a foil to Bilbo ♦ His fatal flaws Dwalin. ♦ General character details (e.g., family ties) Balin. ♦ General character details (e.g., his acceptance of Bilbo) Gloin. ♦ General character details (e.g., his skepticism of Bilbo) Oin. ♦ General character details (e.g., family ties) Dori. ♦ General character details (e.g., his strength) Nori. ♦ General character details (e.g., his appearance) Ori. ♦ General character details (e.g., his musical talent) Kili & Fili. ♦ General character details (e.g., their youth) Bombur. ♦ General character details (e.g., his laziness) Bifur. ♦ General character details (e.g., family ties) Bofur. ♦ General character details (e.g., family ties) Gollum. ♦ His home ♦ His miserable disposition ♦ His interests and talents ♦ His significant loss Smaug. ♦ His greediness ♦ His vengefulness ♦ His appearance ♦ His symbolism ♦ The cultural perspective on dragons Elrond. ♦ The Last Homely House ♦ His special, helpful traits ♦ His graciousness ♦ Foreshadowing Beorn. ♦ His personality traits ♦ His special skills ♦ His discomfort toward visitors ♦ His pursuit of justice ♦ His help given to the adventurers ♦ And more Bard of Esgaroth. ♦ His tremendous talent ♦ His honorable nature ♦ His leadership ♦ His response to tragedy ♦ His sense of fairness and justice The Elvenking. ♦ His suspicion of strangers ♦ His weakness ♦ His crucial role late in the novel

For many middle and high school readers, realistic and young adult fiction are genres that maximize relatability and engagement with literature. “Thank You, Ma’am” by Langston Hughes is a short story involving socioeconomic struggles, social pressures, the importance of second chances, and the power of empathy and forgiveness. This multiple choice quiz covering “Thank You, Ma’am” 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 are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: An attempt to steal something The intended victim’s reaction “Turned loose” The washing of a character’s face Roger’s question Mrs. Jones’s kind offer A reason for the act Roger’s desire for Mrs. Jones to trust him The resolution

With this multiple choice, plot-based quiz covering the second 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: Conditions of daily life in the valley The enormous advertisement overlooking the valley A character description of George Wilson A character description of Myrtle A trip to the Morningside Heights apartments Speculation concerning Gatsby’s background The behavior of the party-goers (and Nick’s reaction to it) Tom’s gift to Myrtle Myrtle’s behavior and why it unsettles Tom How Tom takes his anger out on Myrtle

With this multiple choice, plot-based quiz covering the fourth 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: The purpose of Nick’s list The apparent inconsistencies in Gatsby’s autobiography Gatsby’s proof to assuage Nick’s skepticism Gatsby’s interaction with a police officer Meyer Wolfsheim’s questionable background Nick’s new assumption concerning Gatsby’s wealth Gatsby’s motive to move into his West Egg mansion A revelation concerning the green light across the water A request Gatsby makes of Jordan

With this multiple choice, plot-based quiz covering the sixth 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: Gatsby’s biography Gatsby’s college experience Gatsby’s job to pay for college Gatsby meeting Dan Cody Dan Cody’s influence on Gatsby Tom’s presence in Gatsby’s house Tom’s suspicions of Gatsby Nick’s insight concerning Gatsby and Daisy’s relationship The death of a dream

With this multiple choice, plot-based quiz covering the seventh 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: Gatsby’s rationale for ceasing the parties Gatsby’s concerns that information about Daisy will be revealed A luncheon at Tom and Daisy’s house A revelation concerning Myrtle Tom’s confrontation with Gatsby Gatsby’s assured reaction to Tom’s confrontational behavior A surprise shift in Daisy’s feelings The death of Myrtle (what happened, who’s responsible, etc.) Gatsby’s desire to protect Daisy from Tom

With this multiple choice, plot-based quiz covering the third 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: The flamboyant nature of Gatsby’s parties The enduring mystery of Gatsby’s background Sensationalized rumors surrounding Gatsby Owl Eyes’ surprising realization about Gatsby’s books Nick and Gatsby’s shared past Nick’s characterization of Gatsby’s smile Gatsby’s manner of speaking to others Gatsby’s general behavior at his own party Gatsby’s request to see Jordan The drunken incident involving Owl Eyes Nick’s characterization of Jordan

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 fifth 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: Gatsby’s efforts to convince Nick to arrange a reunion Gatsby’s gratitude to Nick for agreeing Daisy’s humorous response to Nick’s request that Tom not join Examples of Gatsby’s self-conscious and nervous behavior Daisy’s being brought to tears Gatsby’s long nights outside staring at the green light Klipspringer A characterization of Gatsby’s mansion

With this multiple choice, plot-based quiz covering the first 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: Nick’s personal background Nick’s self perception Nick’s perception of Gatsby The setting Nick’s career The contrast between West Egg and East Egg Nick’s academic background A character description of Daisy A character description of Tom A character description of Jordan The green light in the distance

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

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

Save time and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on “Black Angel,” a short story by Nancy Springer. 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 The reason for the Jersey Devil’s frustration Distinguishing characteristics of the nameless child The comparison of the Jersey Devil to another mythical being The reason for the nameless child’s presence in the woods Where the Jersey Devil takes the child The purpose of the Jersey Devil’s visit to the World Tree Dynamic character A new dynamic to the relationship between the child and the Jersey Devil The World Tree’s judgment of the Jersey Devil Symbolism

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

Folktales and legends are short story subgenres that appeal to many teenage readers who appreciate the fantasy genre. “The Silver Pool” by Ella Young is a legendary tall tale focusing on the quest of an Irish folk hero, Fionn MacCumhail, who aspires to become a leader. This multiple choice quiz covering “The Silver Pool” helps English teachers promote homework accountability and evaluate reading comprehension. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Elements of legends Fionn’s desire to become a strong man The Salmon of Knowledge The King’s Poet Ireland’s art, etiquette, and heroes Discovered treasure The consequence of a significant action A sudden realization The fulfillment of a prophecy Situational irony (or irony of result)

This editable assessment measures general comprehension and holds students accountable for the assigned reading of Aesop’s fable “The Fox and the Crow.” Delivered in Word Document format, this quiz includes an answer key. Learning targets addressed include: Students will demonstrate knowledge of the appropriate definition of fable. Students will demonstrate basic comprehension of the text. Students will demonstrate knowledge of literary terminology by applying the concept to the text. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the text’s theme by paraphrasing a logical message they discern.

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).

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

For many high school readers, horror and supernatural fiction are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “Before I Wake” by Jim Cort features elements consistent with both genres: psychological deterioration, heightened emotions, grim imagery, a suspicious death, and more. This multiple choice quiz covering “Before I Wake” helps English teachers promote homework accountability and evaluate reading comprehension. An answer key is included, but since the short story is not in the public domain, purchasers are responsible for acquiring their own copy of the text. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following key details: Leonard Zanelli’s profession Events preceding David Conklin’s arrest A fear of falling asleep Details of Conklin’s terrifying dreams Physical effects of the dream Factors contributing to Conklin’s suicide The medical examiner’s report Details of Zanelli’s personal letter

For many reluctant readers, science fiction helps to maximize student engagement. “Robot Dreams” by Isaac Asimov is a cautionary short story involving humanity’s commitment to developing artificial intelligence. This plot-based quiz covering the short story helps English teachers promote homework accountability and evaluate general reading comprehension—while eliminating take-home assessment planning responsibilities. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing editable Word Documents and printable PDFs. By completing this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Susan Calvin’s disposition Linda Rash’s profession The nature of the relationship between the two professionals The name of the robot Linda’s efforts to improve the robot’s brain The reason Linda kept her work private The means by which the robot re-awakens The duration of the robot’s dreams The First, Second, and Third Laws of Robotics Alarming details of the robot’s dreams Susan’s motive for destroying the robot