Incorporate historical nonfiction into the English Language Arts classroom and support the development of high school close reading skills with this set of questions covering “The First Basketball Game.” The essay addresses the origins of basketball, as well as the sport’s gradual evolution. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will do the following: Make active reading visible by annotating text Accurately restate what the text says explicitly Analyze a passage to determine tone Make sense of unfamiliar phrases and idiomatic expressions Make and support a claim using relevant and compelling textual evidence Compare and contrast Discern author’s purpose Apply a literary device to the text (situational irony) Discern meaning from nonfiction text features including graphs and charts

Fairy tales are not just for elementary readers; even middle and high school students may use fairy tales as tools for extending beyond reading comprehension and practicing close reading analysis skills. “The Ugly Duckling” by Hans Christian Andersen is a representative short story that promotes active engagement with fiction. English Language Arts teachers may assign this set of rigorous questions to complement the story and evaluate students’ high-order skills. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Identify examples of various literary devices including onomatopoeia, assonance, consonance, foreshadowing, simile, personification, and symbolism Discern author’s intent Discern tone in context Explain an example of foreshadowing in a given passage Isolate a falsehood about plot among factual statements Define words and phrases in the context of a passage Verify interpretations of language using reference materials such as a dictionary or thesaurus Articulate the significance of a given detail or details Identify which descriptor best applies to the mother duck Articulate why the mother duck rarely receives visitors Discern and articulate a lesson the mother duck tries to instill in her babies Analyze plot to generate a relevant theme about motherhood Argue whether the mother duck is a sympathetic character Support the claim that the tom cat and the hen do not appreciate the ugly duckling’s unique qualities Articulate how the duckling comes into the possession of a peasant Write with clarity and precision

Help students achieve more purposeful reading experiences and sharpen their note-taking skills with this reading guide covering Act 3 of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. In addition, this resource aims to facilitate review and future recall of plot. Students will identify what the text states explicitly, track character and plot development, articulate the context and significance of given quotations, and more. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. The following details are addressed: Tybalt’s verbal attack on Romeo Dramatic irony Mercutio’s decision to fight Tybalt Romeo’s abrupt character change Defying the prince’s orders Lady Capulet’s demand Romeo’s punishment The Nurse’s news and ensuing confusion Juliet’s immediate reaction to learning the truth Juliet’s defense of her husband The Nurse’s motivation to seek out Romeo Romeo’s feelings toward his punishment Friar Laurence’s strong words for Romeo Romeo’s potential suicide attempt Friar Laurence’s optimistic plan Lord Capulet’s arrangement with Paris Whether Romeo believes he will see his wife once more Foreshadowing Lady Capulet’s plan for Romeo after exile The Nurse’s advice to Juliet Juliet’s desire to seek Friar Laurence’s help And more

Help students achieve more purposeful reading experiences and sharpen their note-taking skills with this reading guide covering Act 4 of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. In addition, this resource aims to facilitate review and future recall of plot. Students will identify what the text states explicitly, track character and plot development, articulate the context and significance of given quotations, and more. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. The following details are addressed: Lord Capulet’s rush to marry off Juliet Lord Capulet’s threat to Juliet Juliet’s morbid confession to Friar Laurence The purpose of the vial Juliet’s request for forgiveness from her father Lord Capulet’s praise for Friar Laurence Juliet’s paranoia in regard to Friar Laurence’s motives The burial vault The Nurse’s terrible discovery Cancellation of the wedding And more

Help middle and high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering “The Wolf and the Seven Young Goats” by the Brothers Grimm. The brevity of the narrative, coupled with the learning objectives of the activity, helps teachers fill awkward gaps in the teaching schedule without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Determine the function of a given excerpt Consider the tone of a given excerpt Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including aphorism, invective, onomatopoeia, situational irony, and more Isolate an example of figurative language Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss works of fiction

Help middle and high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering “The Three Brothers” by the Brothers Grimm. The brevity of the narrative, coupled with the learning objectives of the activity, helps teachers fill awkward gaps in the teaching schedule without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Describe tone in context Determine the function of a given excerpt Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Isolate an example of figurative language Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss works of fiction

Help students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of high school close reading skills with this set of analysis questions for The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros with emphasis on the vignette titled “Beautiful and Cruel.” An answer key is included. 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. Copyright restrictions do not allow for novel content to be included, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with the text. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Verify interpretations of language using reference materials including a dictionary or thesaurus Examine how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Explore cause-and-effect relationships Make logical predictions based on context clues Compare and contrast two characters (Nenny and Esperanza) Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification Support claims with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Support the development of high school close reading skills with this set of analysis questions for The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros with emphasis on the vignette titled “Hips.” The variety of question types also helps students prepare for standardized testing scenarios: main idea questions, detail questions, author’s craft questions, and more. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. 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. Copyright restrictions do not allow for novel content to be included, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with the text. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Analyze how complex characters develop and interact Analyze figurative language to discern and articulate the intended effect Articulate the internal conflict presented in a given excerpt Apply knowledge of literary devices including euphemism and hyperbole Identify the best textual evidence in support of a claim or idea Discern the main function of the vignette Explore the author’s craft Write with clarity and precision

Support the development of high school close reading skills with this set of analysis questions for The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros with emphasis on the vignette titled “Sally.” The variety of question types also helps students prepare for standardized testing scenarios: main idea questions, detail questions, author’s craft questions, and more. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. (Alternatively, an online version made for Google Drive is available.) 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. Copyright restrictions do not allow for novel content to be included, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with the text. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Analyze how complex characters develop and interact Analyze a detail for symbolic value Articulate what a figurative expression is intended to reveal about Sally’s character Explore the author’s craft to discern and explain what role imagery plays in developing Sally’s character Apply knowledge of a variety of literary devices and narrative techniques Analyze the effect of directly addressing Sally on the reader Discern the main function of the vignette Write with clarity and precision

Support the development of high school close reading skills with this set of analysis questions for The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros with emphasis on the vignette titled “Bums in the Attic.” The variety of question types also helps students prepare for standardized testing scenarios: main idea questions, detail questions, author’s craft questions, and more. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. 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. Copyright restrictions do not allow for novel content to be included, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with the text. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Analyze how complex characters develop and interact Explore character motivations Apply knowledge of dramatic irony to the vignette Apply knowledge of hyperbole to the vignette Analyze the author’s craft to discern an accurate interpretation of text Identify the best textual evidence in support of a claim Discern the main function of the vignette

Help middle and high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering “The Wonderful Musician” by the Brothers Grimm. The brevity of the narrative, coupled with the learning objectives of the activity, helps teachers fill awkward gaps in the teaching schedule without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including simile and foreshadowing Consider themes in context Articulate the irony associated with the narrative’s title Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss works of fiction

Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and develop critical thinking and craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering a classic Grimm’s fairy tale titled “The Singing, Springing Lark.” An answer key and copy of the short story are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Consult reference materials in order to learn or verify word meanings Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare and contrast characters Apply knowledge of literary devices including alliteration, foreshadowing, hubris, hyperbole, metaphor, oxymoron, personification, simile, situational irony, symbolism, and more Consider a relevant theme in context Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss literature

Help high school students improve fluency, stamina, text comprehension, and close reading analysis of the formal elements of fiction with this resource for teaching “The Tree” by H.P. Lovecraft. Additional materials are included to facilitate planning for unexpected teacher absences. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Included are the following: Public domain short story. With an estimated Lexile Measure range of 1200 to 1300, the narrative is a suitable selection for high school English Language Arts classes. Close reading analysis worksheet. By engaging with this exercise, students will articulate what is stated explicitly and implicitly; analyze how complex characters think, interact, and behave; compare and contrast characters; analyze a given excerpt and explain how situational irony develops; discern the meaning of complex words and phrases; make logical inferences about the author’s intentions; cite textual evidence in support of claims; and write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision. Questions are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Close reading analysis worksheet answer key. Low-prep lesson plan for unexpected absences. This comes pre-filled with learning targets and agenda items. Space is also designated for classroom teachers to identify the name(s) of their class(es), the hour(s) of their class(es), student leaders, and upcoming homework assignments and assessments. Bell ringer activity. Help a substitute teacher engage students (and find time to take attendance) with a thematically linked writing prompt. Miscellaneous performance tasks handout. Extend student thinking and learning in the event of unexpected absences with this item outlining creative tasks pertaining to the short story. For example, students may write poetry or journal entries from the perspective of a character; write a brief retelling of the narrative from a different character’s perspective; explore the thematic significance of stories; review the overall quality of the narrative with objectivity and supporting evidence; and more.

For many high school readers, psychological fiction and horror are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “The Premature Burial” by Edgar Allan Poe features elements consistent with both genres: a stream-of-consciousness technique, the intensification of an irrational fear, tales of being buried alive, 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. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Explore dominant character traits Examine how complex characters think and behave Analyze diction to make logical inferences about the author’s intent Articulate the greater significance of a given detail Apply knowledge of various literary devices including eye dialect, onomatopoeia, allusion, dramatic irony, situational irony, and more Discern the meaning of an idiom as it is used in the text Explain how a particular word or expression is considered a pun Investigate the intended effect of narrative techniques such as the liberal incorporation of em dashes Discern the function of a particular detail Choose the most appropriate synonym to replace a word used in the story Explore nuances in words with similar denotative meanings Examine narrative structure Evaluate whether the narrator’s thinking is rational Draw parallels between the narrative and a featured nonfiction passage Defend claims and ideas with reasoned thinking and relevant textual evidence Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, 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 ironic short story “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry, which is an especially suitable narrative during the Christmas and winter holiday seasons. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Infer the protagonist’s motivation to find the right gift for her husband Explore nuances in words with similar meanings Define complex words as they are used in the text Apply knowledge of various literary devices including onomatopoeia, hyperbole, and eye dialect Articulate the intended effect of repetition in the context of the exposition Explain the significance of the color brown in the context of a given excerpt Explore the significance of the number forty in the context of the story Conduct brief online research in order to answer questions as needed Make logical inferences about the author’s intent Explore how third person limited point of view contributes to plot development Examine the narrator’s tone in the context of a given excerpt Explain how a particular phrase is an example of paradox (“repairing the ravages made by generosity added to love”) Choose a relevant theme in the context of a given excerpt Argue whether the author’s stylistic choice to capitalize a common noun (Combs) is acceptable Identify and explain several examples of sexist stereotypes throughout the story Identify and explain an example of foreshadowing Write clearly, concisely, and accurately in response to analytical questioning Cite textual evidence in support of claims

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

Help students achieve more purposeful reading experiences and sharpen their note-taking skills with this reading guide covering Act 5 of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. In addition, this resource aims to facilitate review and future recall of plot. Students will identify what the text states explicitly, track character and plot development, articulate the context and significance of given quotations, and more. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. The following details are addressed: Failure of Friar Laurence’s plan Romeo’s visit to the apothecary The apothecary’s concern Friar Laurence and the quarantine Friar John’s task Paris in the churchyard Balthasar’s news Romeo’s interaction with Paris Romeo’s suicide Juliet’s awakening Friar Laurence’s upsetting news Juliet’s method of suicide Lady Montague’s death The resolution And more

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4 of Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the novel. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Perry’s home city Perry’s hopes and dreams Perry’s motivations for serving in the military Perry’s physical limitations Rumors concerning the war Peewee’s erratic behavior Perry’s relation to Kenny Why Peewee likes being in the military Jenkins’ motivations for serving in the military Why Lt. Carroll refers to Jenkins as an “angel warrior” The veteran soldiers’ perception of Lt. Carroll The reason for a mission to a Vietnamese village

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 13, 14, and 15 of Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the novel. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The rumor circulating about the war An incident that jeopardizes the squad’s safety Who accepts responsibility for the aforementioned incident The reason for a group vote The main purpose of the American soldiers’ mission to ambush Vietnamese forces Perry’s brush with death How Peewee is affected by events The ARVN Jamal’s role Tam Ky Why Gearhart does not order his men to fire upon enemy forces Simpson’s feelings toward Captain Stewart Perry’s physical condition

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 9, 10, 11, and 12 of Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the novel. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Monaco’s reckless behavior The purpose of a visit to a Vietnamese village Brunner’s behavior while in the Vietnamese village Johnson’s defense of Perry What Peewee wants to buy while in the Vietnamese village The content of a letter Lobel receives Kenny’s personal goals as outlined in his letter to Perry Peewee’s emotional state as he interacts with Red Cross representatives The location where the squad will wait to ambush enemy forces The death of a character following a conflict Who is tasked with notifying the dead character’s family Perry’s declining of an offer from Stewart Perry’s learning of how Vietnamese forces treat hostages Lobel’s extreme guilt The author of a letter sent to Peewee A lengthy discussion on draft-dodging