Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the Gothic short story “The Tell Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe. A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, the public domain narrative, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: acuteness, continually, cunningly, dissemble, fluently, gesticulation, hearken, hearty, mournful, rave, sagacity, shriek, stealthily, stifle, suavity, supposition, vehemently, vex, and wane. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

For many high school readers, horror and psychological fiction are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe features elements consistent with both genres: a psychotic protagonist trying to rationalize his thinking, the senseless killing of an innocent man, dramatic irony, 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. 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 states explicitly and implicitly Explore narrative techniques used to establish an unreliable narrator Discern the function of a given passage Explain how situational irony applies to a particular passage Examine how complex characters think, behave, and interact Compare and contrast characters Determine the intended effect of figurative language as it is used in the text Discern the tone of a given passage Articulate the significance of the narrator’s chair placement Identify an example of literary callback and state its significance Infer the nature of the relationship between the narrator and his victim Analyze a detail for symbolism and make logical inferences about the narrator’s subconscious motivations based on this analysis Defend claims and ideas with reasoned thinking and relevant textual evidence Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

For many high school readers, horror and psychological fiction are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe features elements consistent with both genres: a psychotic protagonist trying to rationalize his thinking, the senseless killing of an innocent man, dramatic irony, and more. This multiple choice quiz covering “The Tell-Tale Heart” helps English teachers promote homework accountability, evaluate reading comprehension, and save time at home without sacrificing quality in the classroom. 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 assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The alleged effects of the narrator’s fever the previous year The narrator’s motivations The narrator’s defense against claims of his being insane The duration of time it took for the narrator to kill the old man The reason the old man springs up in bed, awake The manner of the old man’s death The location of the old man’s remains The reason police are alerted to the scene of the crime The narrator’s initial reaction to the police’s arrival The narrator’s explanation for the old man’s disappearance The psychotic breakdown of the narrator How the police came to learn of the old man’s murder

“The Pit and the Pendulum” by Edgar Allan Poe is a short story of special appeal to high school students interested in horror stories and Halloween. Use this plot-based quiz on “The Pit and the Pendulum” to evaluate general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with Gothic fiction. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Point of view Setting Disturbing imagery Accusations against the protagonist Diabolical punishments The role of the rats in terms of plot development How the protagonist attracts the rats An abrupt sound The resolution

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and develop critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet covering Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Pit and the Pendulum,” a short story of special appeal to students who are interested in horror stories and Halloween. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and 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. Students will perform the following tasks: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Demonstrate knowledge of the conventions of Dark Romanticism Determine the effects of the author’s language and narrative techniques Consider the role punctuation plays in terms of developing suspense and advancing plot with an emphasis on em dashes Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices with an emphasis on allusion, metaphor, onomatopoeia, paradox, personification, sibilance, situational irony, and more Articulate how the author establishes and maintains a surreal tone throughout the story Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Gothic fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the Gothic short story “The Pit and the Pendulum” by Edgar Allan Poe. A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, the public domain narrative, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: coarse, contempt, diffuse, feeble, fiendish, insuperable, lethargy, lurid, pertinacity, prostrate, ravenous, recusant, stagger, stealthily, sullen, trifles, vague, vigor, vivacity, and writhe. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based, multiple choice quiz covering chapters 12 and 13 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. An alternate short answer version is provided for re-assessment purposes. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following plot elements: Jem’s moodiness Disappointing news to begin summer The reason for Atticus’s two-week absence The incident involving Eunice Ann Simpson Lula’s treatment of the children The general reaction of the parishioners toward the children Calpurnia’s separate identities Why Alexandra decides to stay with the family Alexandra’s philosophy on what makes “fine” people

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based, multiple choice quiz covering chapters 16, 17, and 18 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. An alternate short answer version is provided for re-assessment purposes. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following plot elements: Dolphus Raymond as a social outcast The “sad” life of Dolphus Raymond’s children Who arranges for the children to have seats at the trial Judge Taylor’s peculiarity The prosecution’s first witness The significance of Mayella’s injured eye Bob Ewell’s testimony Dramatic irony The significance of Bob Ewell writing his name Mayella’s insubordination Tom Robinson’s injury

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based, multiple choice quiz covering chapters 14 and 15 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. An alternate short answer version is provided for re-assessment purposes. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following plot elements: Aunt Alexandra’s feelings toward Calpurnia The discovery under Scout’s bed Breaking “the code of childhood” Dill’s epiphany regarding Boo Radley’s isolation Jem breaking up the meeting Atticus and Mr. Underwood outside of the jailhouse Jem’s concern for his father The lynch mob How the lynch mob came to disperse

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based, multiple choice quiz covering chapters 19 and 20 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. An alternate short answer version is provided for re-assessment purposes. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following plot elements: Tom’s previous run-in with the law Why Tom had to serve 30 days Mayella’s plan to ensure her siblings were not present Scout’s epiphany regarding Mayella’s loneliness Link Deas’s support of Tom Bob Ewell’s comments according to Tom’s testimony Why Tom frequently helped Mayella Mr. Gilmer’s treatment of Tom The major revelation regarding Dolphus Raymond’s condition Atticus’s summation Atticus’s peculiar behavior that surprises the kids

Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze chapter 8 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. An answer key is provided. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, these instructional materials save teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. 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 resource, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Analyze nuances in words with similar meanings Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including simile and situational irony Explore cause-and-effect relationships

Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze chapter 7 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. An answer key is provided. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, these instructional materials save teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. 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 resource, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Analyze nuances in words with similar meanings Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, slang, and situational irony Explore cause-and-effect relationships

Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze chapter 4 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. An answer key is provided. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, these instructional materials save teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. 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 resource, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Determine the greater significance of a given detail Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, personification, allusion, and situational irony Explore cause-and-effect relationships

Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze chapter 3 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. An answer key is provided. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, these instructional materials save teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. 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 resource, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the intended effect of the author’s phrasing upon the reader Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Choose the most appropriate synonym to replace a word or phrase without changing the excerpt’s fundamental meaning Demonstrate knowledge of comma and punctuation rules, especially as they apply to writing dialogue Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Determine the tone of a given excerpt Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification, hyperbole, allusion, alliteration, oxymoron, dramatic irony, and situational irony

Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze chapter 5 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. An answer key is provided. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, these instructional materials save teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. 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 resource, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including hyperbole Isolate the best textual evidence in support of a claim

Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze chapter 6 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. An answer key is provided. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, these instructional materials save teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. 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 resource, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Discern the greater significance of a given detail Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including simile, dialect, and dramatic irony