For many high school readers, supernatural fiction and fantasy are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “Beyond the Wall of Sleep” by H.P. Lovecraft is a compelling short story that features elements consistent with both genres: dreamy aberrations, astral projection, the possession of a human body, and more. This multiple choice quiz on “Beyond the Wall of Sleep” 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 narrator’s career The narrator’s beliefs concerning dreams Setting The general characterization of Joe Slater The effects of Joe Slater’s dreams How aging affects Joe Slater’s dreams The fate of Joe Slater’s neighbor The narrator’s personal feelings toward Joe Slater A technological achievement What the narrator shares in common with Joe Slater The narrator’s primary motivation Dr. Fenton’s evaluation of the narrator’s psychological state

Eliminate take-home assessment planning responsibilities, evaluate general reading comprehension, and promote homework accountability with this multiple choice quiz covering “Dr. Heidegger’s Experiment” by Nathaniel Hawthorne. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing editable Word Documents and printable PDFs. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The subject of a portrait The personal histories of the doctor’s guests The reason for the acquaintances’ visit Dr. Heidegger’s claims and his guests’ immediate reactions The object the doctor uses to prove a point The doctor’s general characterization The effects of the doctor’s experiment The resolution

Crime fiction appeals to many high school readers and maximizes engagement with literature. “Lamb to the Slaughter” by Roald Dahl is a darkly comedic short story belonging to a subgenre called revenge fantasy, as it details a husband’s murder at the hands of his wife (and the frozen leg of a lamb). 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 assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Point of view Description of setting Mary Malone’s general characterization in the exposition Patrick Malone’s profession A typical Thursday night for the couple A surprising turn of events A deadly weapon Mary’s behavior immediately following Patrick’s death Noonan’s general disposition toward Mary A theory regarding a deadly weapon Mary’s reaction to eavesdropping on the detectives

“Spunk” by Zora Neale Hurston is a short story marked by the hubris of a self-assured man who has an affair with a meeker man’s wife—a decision that leads to his demise. 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 assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Spunk Banks’ characterization in the exposition The gathering place for the community’s men Lena Kanty’s characterization in the exposition Elijah’s treatment of Joe Joe’s weapon The men’s opinion of Joe’s plan to confront Spunk The outcome of Joe’s plan Spunk’s assessment of Joe following his death Speculation concerning the relationship between Spunk and Lena An animal sighting and its significance to Spunk Spunk’s manner of death The resolution

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Gina Berriault’s short story “The Stone Boy.” The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: The age of the protagonist Eugie’s relation to Arnold Arnold’s intentions The cause of a significant complication The nature of Eugie’s death Arnold’s immediate response to Eugie’s death Arnold’s response to a question about not contacting authorities The sheriff’s beliefs The identity of a family member who agrees with the sheriff The effect of a conversation among neighbors on Arnold The root of Arnold’s concern in the resolution

For many high school readers, realistic, historical, and young adult fiction are genres that maximize relatability and engagement with literature. “Blues Ain’t No Mockin Bird” by Toni Cade Bambara is a short story focusing on a Black family whose ways of life are being infringed upon by opportunistic, politically motivated filmmakers. English Language Arts teachers may administer this editable assessment to promote homework accountability and evaluate students’ reading comprehension. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Point of view Setting Characterization in the exposition Cathy’s relation to the narrator The upcoming holiday The content of two filmmakers’ work Granny’s perception of her husband Granddaddy’s manner of approaching the filmmakers The outcome of Granddaddy’s interaction with the filmmakers

For many middle and high school readers, realistic and young adult fiction are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “Raymond’s Run” by Toni Cade Bambara is a representative short story that focuses on the relationship between a devoted, young woman and her brother, who happens to have a disability. English Language Arts teachers may assign this set of rigorous close reading analysis questions to complement the story and evaluate students’ high-order skills. An answer key is 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 Apply knowledge of literary devices including hyperbole, metaphor, simile, epiphany, situational irony, and more Discern and articulate the intended effect of the author’s word choices Identify textual evidence in support of ideas and claims Analyze how complex characters interact and develop Read a passage to isolate a false statement about plot Make logical inferences about the narrator’s imagery and figurative language Articulate a self vs. society conflict in the context of a given passage Write with clarity and precision

For many middle and high school readers, realistic and young adult fiction are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “Raymond’s Run” by Toni Cade Bambara is a representative short story that focuses on the relationship between a devoted, young woman and her brother, who happens to have a disability. English Language Arts teachers may administer this multiple choice, plot-based quiz to evaluate general reading comprehension associated with the narrative. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Point of view Hazel’s nickname Setting Raymond’s relation to Hazel Life-limiting circumstances Hazel’s commitment to her passion Gretchen’s general characterization The significance of Mary Louise and Rosie Hazel’s stubbornness and conviction Mr. Pearson’s suggestion Hazel’s mental state just before the race begins Hazel’s observation from the other side of the fence A change in the relationship between Gretchen and Hazel

Save time and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on “A Hunger Artist,” a short story by Franz Kafka. 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 is provided. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Point of view The length of time the artist is known to fast The location of the artist’s performances The task of the local butchers The artist’s self-criticism The artist’s feelings toward the public The waning popularity of the artist’s work The most important quality of the artist’s work from his perspective A humiliating turn of events for the artist The reason the artist finds it easy to fast The artist’s replacement following his death

Save time, support improved reading stamina, and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on “Barbie-Q,” a short story by Sandra Cisneros. 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 is provided. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Point of view The nature of the interactions between the narrator and her friend The general characterization of the narrator The reason for the dolls’ flaws How the girls unexpectedly came into possession of extra toys The means by which the girls typically acquired clothes for their dolls The socioeconomic status of the girls’ families The girls’ feelings toward the flawed toys The narrator’s implications to conclude the narrative

Maximize literary engagement among middle and high school students by assigning a classic fairy tale: “Donkey Cabbages” by the Brothers Grimm. English Language Arts teachers may use this complementary, multiple choice quiz to evaluate general reading comprehension. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The protagonist’s hobby An old crone’s instructions The reward of following the old crone’s directions A major life change The young witch’s motivations The location where the protagonist is abandoned The dangerous inhabitants of the aforementioned location The purpose of the spell cast upon the protagonist The means by which the protagonist enters a cabbage patch The magical properties of the cabbages The protagonist’s disguise The fate of the old witch The protagonist’s change of heart The resolution

Save time, support improved reading stamina, and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on “The Twelve Dancing Princesses,” a short story by the Brothers Grimm. 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 fairy tale are provided. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: The clue indicating the princesses leave home every night The length of time a man has to satisfy the king’s request A reward for success A consequence for failure The method by which the princesses set men up for failure How an old soldier learns the secret of the princesses An item that helps the old soldier follow the princesses The mentality of the youngest princess Signs that alert the youngest princess that she is being followed The festive parties attended by the princesses An item that helps the old soldier prove his success

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Fritz Leiber’s science fiction short story titled “Mariana.” The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with literature. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Mariana’s feelings toward the tall pine trees around her house Jonathan’s comments on the origin of the pine trees Jonathan’s condescension toward Mariana Mariana’s decision to switch off the trees and her observations about the landscape Mariana’s attempt to cheer herself up The breaking of a switch The consequences of Mariana’s decision to switch the house off Jonathan’s extreme reaction to Mariana’s decision Where Mariana finds herself near the story’s resolution The revelation of a sixth (and final) switch and its significance.

Save time, support improved reading stamina, and measure general reading comprehension with this set of printable quizzes on “Gwilan’s Harp,” a short story by Ursula K. Le Guin. Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, these assessments make it easier to quickly and efficiently gather data on student recall and reading habits. Multiple choice and short answer versions are included, as well as answer keys. By engaging with these materials, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: The acquisition of the harp and Gwilan’s talent for playing it The harp’s personal significance to Gwilan Tom and Gwilan’s travels Damage to the harp What made it possible for Gwilan to play the harp again Gwilan’s physical condition and the consequences A new instrument to be utilized The reason for Gwilan’s decision to use this instrument

Save time and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on “Astronomer’s Wife,” a short story by Kay Boyle. 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 is provided. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Point of view The general behavior of Mrs. Ames in the exposition Mrs. Ames’ evaluation of her marriage Mr. Ames’ general attitude toward his wife Mr. Ames’ personal and professional interests The nature of the interaction between Mrs. Ames and a plumber The aspects of the plumber to which Mrs. Ames pays much attention The nature of the plumber’s dialogue

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz on Marvin Kaye’s satirical short story “Ms. Lipshutz and the Goblin.” The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Daphne’s Quest for the Perfect Mate The story’s setting Daphne’s professional life Daphne’s first impression of Klotsch Klotsch’s poor behavior Klotsch’s previous employer The reason Daphne misses the bus Daphne and Klotsch’s post-marriage lives

Save time, support improved reading stamina, and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on “The Bremen Town Musicians,” a short story by the Brothers Grimm. 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 fairy tale are provided. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: The reason the donkey leaves the mill The reason a master wants to kill a hound The means by which a mistress wants to kill her cat The donkey and rooster’s roles in their band The rooster’s observations The occupants of a house The methods by which the animals drive away the robbers The reason the cat scratches at a human’s face The assailed human’s irrational thinking The length of time the animals live in the house

Save time, support improved reading stamina, and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on “The Mouse, the Bird, and the Sausage,” a short story by the Brothers Grimm. 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 fairy tale are provided. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: The nature of the characters’ living arrangements The main responsibilities of the mouse, the bird, and the sausage, respectively The narrative’s inciting incident The bird’s changing self-image The general reaction to the bird’s suggestion of new living arrangements The process by which major decisions are made The cause of death for the mouse, the bird, and the sausage, respectively

Engage students with a classic Grimm’s fairy tale and evaluate general reading comprehension with this plot-based quiz covering “The Dog and the Sparrow.” The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate engagement with the short story. An answer key and copy of the narrative are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The condition of the sheep-dog The nature of the relationship between the sheep-dog and the sparrow The cause of the sheep-dog’s death The sparrows numerous acts of retaliation The scope of the sparrow’s request for assistance The carter’s cruelty The fates of the sparrow and the carter

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “The Test” by Theodore Thomas. The resource may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the narrative. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Robert’s characterization in the exposition A description of setting in the exposition The person with whom Robert is driving Robert’s decision in violation of professional advice The significance of a blue convertible An image that has intense emotional resonance with Robert A new routine pertaining to taking a driving test The cost of the driving test The reason for Robert’s failure The resolution