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

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “Charles” by Shirley Jackson. 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: The identity of the narrator Laurie’s tendencies upon returning home from school The general characterization of Laurie’s teacher Laurie’s changing behavior toward his parents Mrs. Hyman’s concerns about Laurie’s schooling The lesson Mr. Hyman believes Laurie must learn The reason Mrs. Hyman cannot attend a parent-teacher conference The general characterization of Charles Mr. Hyman’s suggestion pertaining to Charles’ mother A revelation in the resolution

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “Priscilla and the Wimps” by Richard Peck. 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: Point of view The identity of the main antagonist The name of the group of bullies How the narrator deals with the school’s bullies The physical characteristics of Priscilla Roseberry The nature of the relationship between Priscilla and Melvin The narrator’s reason for why gang members don’t need names The interaction between Priscilla and Monk The reason Monk’s ego seems bruised The reason for a week-long cancellation of school An inference to be drawn from the resolution

“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 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 The significance of the title The narrator’s perspective on aging The general characterization of Mrs. Price The reason the narrator is upset How the narrator attempts to cope with emotional turmoil Why the narrator is instructed to put on a sweater The actual owner of the red sweater The narrator’s assumption about Sylvia The narrator’s desire for her mother’s comfort The narrator’s self-perception

Save time and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on “Old Woman Magoun,” a short story by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman. 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 copy of the public domain narrative are provided. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Setting The social significance of the grocery store Magoun’s reputation The construction of a bridge Lily’s relation to Magoun Lily’s general characterization Sally Jinks’ suggestion The purpose of Barry’s visit to Magoun Barry’s feelings toward Magoun Mason’s profession A request Magoun makes of Mason The cause of Lily’s illness Magoun’s intentional inaction Magoun’s attempts to comfort her dying granddaughter The significance of an object

Save time and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on “A Mild Attack of Locusts,” a short story by Doris Lessing. 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: Richard’s relation to Margaret Stephen’s relation to Margaret Margaret’s personal background Socioeconomics The frequency with which locusts appear Methods used to combat the locusts The threat posed by female locusts Margaret’s concern for Stephen An act of Stephen’s that temporarily lifts Margaret’s spirits Margaret’s imagination Topics of discussion between Richard and Stephen Stephen’s past experiences with locust swarms Margaret’s self-perception

“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 plot-based quiz covering Saki’s short story “The Open Window.” The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: The reason for Framton’s visit to the country The concern of Framton’s sister The nature of the relationship between Framton and Mrs. Sappleton Vera’s relation to Mrs. Sappleton The details of Vera’s fanciful story Mrs. Sappleton’s general disposition toward Framton The reason for Framton’s aprupt departure Vera’s storytelling to conclude the narrative

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Anton Chekhov’s short story “The Lady with the Dog.” The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with literature. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Setting Gurov’s occupation Gurov’s initial impressions of Anna Gurov’s unfaithfulness How Gurov tries to appeal to Anna Anna’s self-image Gurov’s reaction to Anna’s vulnerability Gurov’s philosophy on life A letter Anna receives What surprises Gurov when he returns to Moscow A reunion between Gurov and Anna Anna’s assessment of her relationship with Gurov The resolution

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the classic Grimm’s fairy tale “Jorinda and Jorindel.” Alternatively, the assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active reading. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The antagonist’s physical form in both the daytime and the nighttime What happens to both men and women when they approach the antagonist’s house The source of mournful singing The nature of the relationship between the titular characters Abrupt changes in Jorindel’s life The content of Jorindel’s dreams The length of time it takes Jorindel to find an item with magical properties The resolution

Gothic fantasy and horror are genres that maximize many high school students’ engagement with literature. “The Cats of Ulthar” by H.P. Lovecraft is a macabre short story featuring savage neighbors, an avenging curse, and flesh-eating felines—making it an especially chilling choice for the Halloween season. This multiple choice quiz on “The Cats of Ulthar” 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 perception of cats The longtime existence of cats The old couple’s terrible reputation The community’s general disposition toward the couple The paintings on the travelers’ caravan The characterization of Menes The sudden disappearance of the cats A change in the cats’ physical appearance upon their return The fate of the old couple Peculiar discoveries inside the old couple’s house A change in the law

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering “The Tomb” by H.P. Lovecraft, a short story with elements of Gothic fantasy that evokes the works of Edgar Allan Poe. 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. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The narrator’s confinement The protagonist’s self-image The name of a long-gone family The legend surrounding the long-gone family The protagonist’s interest in the legend from a young age The protagonist’s attempts to gain access to a tomb The reason the protagonist stops trying to access the tomb Aspects of the protagonist’s characterization that astound his family The protagonist’s ancestry A discovery in the attic A discovery inside the vault How the narrator’s parents demonstrate concern for their son Events that seem to transpire when the protagonist enters the cellar The protagonist’s intensifying phobia The contents of an antique box A servant’s actions to help the narrator

Promote active engagement with ironic fiction and evaluate general reading comprehension with this multiple choice quiz on the short story “After Twenty Years” by O. Henry. An answer key is included. All materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Point of view The location where a promise was made twenty years previously How the location has changed in the present day The ambiguity surrounding Bob’s wealth How Bob views his relationship with Jimmy Aspects of Bob’s physical appearance Aspects of Jimmy’s physical appearance The actions of the Chicago police department Details pertaining to the arrest of Bob The content of Jimmy’s letter

Evaluate reading comprehension, promote homework accountability, and save valuable time with this printable quiz on the Gothic short story “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Additionally, a self-grading Easel Assessment is included. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The prince’s name The number of people he has isolated at the abbey Forms of entertainment provided The prince’s intentions The collective attitude toward fear and grief The length of time from isolation to the announcement of a ball The prince’s declaration regarding party attire The prince’s reaction to the Red Death costume The time of the Red Death’s arrival A weapon the prince intends to use for defense An unsettling discovery about the suspicious figure

Fairy tales are not just for elementary readers; even middle and high school students may use fairy tales as tools for evaluating reading comprehension skills. “The Ugly Duckling” by Hans Christian Andersen is a story of resilience, offering an uplifting resolution. English Language Arts teachers may administer this editable assessment to evaluate reading comprehension and promote homework accountability. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The reason for the mother duck’s impatience The absence of the ducklings’ father A suggested reason for one egg’s lack of hatching Lessons the mother duck teachers her babies The mother duck’s internal conflict The treatment of the ugly duckling The ugly duckling’s interactions with wild ducks Threats that soon face the ugly duckling upon running away How the duckling’s appearance may have saved its life The reason the ugly duckling enters an old cottage The inhabitants of the cottage The treatment of the ugly duckling by the cottage’s residents An awe-inspiring sight How the ugly duckling survives the cold winter A request the ugly duckling makes of the swans The resolution

Looking for a high school horror story resource for the Halloween season? Looking for a text to pair with “The Black Cat” by Edgar Allan Poe or a similar narrative? Use this plot-based quiz to evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities. The quiz may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate student engagement with the short story. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: What the protagonists do with the artifacts they collect The conditions under which the protagonists prefer to do their work Setting Surprising discoveries inside a coffin A physical description of the amulet The effect the amulet seems to have on the protagonists The manner of St. John’s death Details of an assault against the narrator The narrator’s epiphany An ironic turn of events The disturbing visual of the corpse inside the coffin The fate of the narrator

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning with this plot-based quiz covering Katherine Mansfield’s short story titled “The Garden Party.” The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Point of view A distinguishing quality of Laura as compared to her family members Mrs. Sheridan’s instructions for Laura in the exposition The fate of a working class man The effect that news of the working class man has on Laura The rest of the family’s assumptions about the working class man What causes a change of heart in Laura Mrs. Sheridan’s instructions for Laura after the party is over How the sight of a corpse influences Laura The family member who searches for Laura The nature of Laura’s conversation with that family member

Save time and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on “A Haunted House,” a short story by Virginia Woolf. 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 Signs of a supernatural presence The nature of the ghosts’ discussions The background of the ghostly couple How the ghostly husband (when alive) reacted to his wife’s death The ghosts’ courteous demeanor The living couple’s new understanding of the ghosts’ purpose The personification of the house The effect of the moonlight An appropriate classification of the narrative