Help high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 3, scene 1, of Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, this worksheet saves English Language Arts teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. 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. With this close reading activity, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Demonstrate knowledge of the effects of punctuation in context Discern tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 5, scene 5, of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Define challenging words and phrases in context Discern the intended effect of Shakespeare’s diction Discern tone in context Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on metaphor Support inferences and claims with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 2, scene 2, of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Discern the intended effect of figurative language in context Discern tone in context Define challenging words as they are used in the text Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Consider the symbolic meaning of sleep in context Apply knowledge of various literary devices including hyperbole and simile Support inferences and claims with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

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 rigorous worksheet on “The Cats of Ulthar” helps English teachers support the development of close reading analysis skills and save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will: Discern a key purpose of the mythological allusions delivered in the exposition Draw parallels between the author’s choices and knowledge of cat-related proverbs Explore the antagonistic characterization of the community’s old couple Examine the narrator’s feelings toward the people of Ulthar Explore the greater significance of imagery from a mythological perspective Investigate the author’s decision to name a key character after an Egyptian figure Discern the functions of several paragraphs Apply knowledge of a variety of literary devices including personification, irony, inversion, and onomatopoeia Make logical inferences about the author’s decision to include two seemingly insignificant details Identify and explain a significant example of foreshadowing in the story Argue whether the people of Ulthar are better or worse off for having gone through their experiences Support claims and ideas with reasoned thinking and relevant textual evidence Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 2, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Discern the primary function of an excerpt Describe tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Articulate flaws in a character’s logic Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, simile, and situational irony Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss Shakespearean drama

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 2, scene 2, of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare and contrast Caesar and Calpurnia Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, symbolism, and dramatic irony Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss Shakespearean drama

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 1, 2, and 3 of Mary Shelley’s science fiction novel Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Victor’s childhood upbringing The adoption of Elizabeth The reason Victor’s parents give up their wandering ways Henry Clerval’s role in Victor’s life Victor’s interest in science Caroline’s dying wish Victor’s pursuit of an education The nature of Krempe’s interaction with Victor Waldman’s role in Victor’s life

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 4, 5, and 6 of Mary Shelley’s science fiction novel Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Victor’s investigation of death and decomposition The unintended consequences of Victor’s ambitiousness The moment Victor is overcome by dread Victor’s decision not to tell Henry about his work Victor’s stated belief that ambitiousness should be regulated Behaviors that reflect Victor’s mental breakdown Henry’s role as a caretaker Elizabeth’s assessment of the Frankenstein family Justine’s relationship with the Frankenstein family Justine’s personal background

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 1 through 4 of Dracula by Bram Stoker. The assessment may otherwise double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Jonathan’s reason for his travels Count Dracula’s letter The gift of a rosary The howling of wolves in the distance The nature of Jonathan’s formal introduction to Dracula Omens of dangerous events to come Jonathan’s shaving accident Dracula’s demands of Jonathan The attempted seduction of Jonathan by three strange women Jonathan’s encounter with gypsies Dracula’s stealing of Jonathan’s identity Jonathan’s stunning discoveries

Support the development of high school and college close reading skills with this assessment on the satirical short story “The Businessman” by Edgar Allan Poe. A variety of question types facilitates the process of analyzing character motivations, analyzing the author’s craft, citing relevant and compelling textual evidence to support claims, and more. The resource is delivered in Word Doc and PDF formats. An answer key and copy of the public domain text are included. 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. By engaging in this exercise, students will… Articulate what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly Explore cause-and-effect relationships Discern the primary function of a given excerpt Define complex words and phrases in context Analyze how complex characters think, interact, and behave Analyze the author’s use of language and direct characterization Explore nuances in word meanings Make logical inferences about American culture in the context of a given passage Explore character motivations Articulate the situational irony present in a given excerpt Analyze the author’s decision to name his protagonist Peter Profitt Cite textual evidence in support of inferences and claims Write with clarity 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 short story “After Twenty Years” by O. Henry. 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 activity, students will: Articulate what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly Articulate the significance of a given detail Discern the tone of a given excerpt Discern the function of a given paragraph Apply knowledge of foreshadowing Explore character motivations Demonstrate knowledge of characterization Analyze the effect point of view has on the reader Cite textual evidence in support of inferences and claims Write with clarity and precision

Help high school students explore literary craft with this activity covering H.P. Lovecraft’s short story “The Outsider.” With this worksheet, students will isolate and reflect upon textual details the author provided to establish a suspenseful tone that is consistent with the conventions of Dark Romanticism. An answer key is provided, as well as a copy of the narrative, which makes for an excellent addition to a Halloween-themed short story unit for grades 9 through 12. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this literary craft analysis activity, students will: Isolate examples of compelling sensory description Isolate characterization details that elicit emotional responses from readers Reflect upon traditional aspects of the Halloween season and identify textual details that evoke those aspects Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on dramatic irony, foreshadowing, personification, situational irony, and symbolism Convey information through speech and writing in a coherent manner Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works

Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and sharpen their critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet covering Doris Lessing’s coming-of-age short story “Through the Tunnel,” a narrative about a boy who rises above his limitations to achieve a goal. An answer key is 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 engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the function of a given paragraph Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification and oxymoron Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 1, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Infer 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 hyperbole Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 3, scene 3, of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Demonstrate knowledge of parts of speech Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Consider tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Conduct brief research on the mythological harpy and analyze what the creature has in common with Ariel Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 4, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Consider tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including epiphany and figurative language Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 3, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Describe tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Contrast two characters (Miranda and Ferdinand) Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification, situational irony, and dramatic irony Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 3, scene 2, of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Demonstrate knowledge of parts of speech Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Describe tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works

This end-of-unit test covers William Shakespeare’s comedy The Tempest and includes an answer key, as well as a standards-based rubric for scoring essays. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will: Demonstrate knowledge of significant characters and the key aspects of their lives Demonstrate knowledge of significant events throughout the play Identify the context of meaningful quotations in the play Apply knowledge of a variety of literary devices applied in the play including hyperbole, metaphor, personification, situational irony, and more Respond to an essay prompt requiring students to generate a relevant theme in the context of the play and explore its development Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims made in an academic essay

Conclude your unit on Shakespeare’s Hamlet with this summative assessment, which is delivered as a Word Document and PDF. An answer key is included. This fifty-question assessment is divided into four sections and breaks down as follows. Students will demonstrate comprehension of the following: An encounter with a ghost The reason for Hamlet’s anger toward his mother Ophelia’s unsettling interactions with Hamlet Ophelia’s rejection of Hamlet Hamlet’s self-criticisms Hamlet’s fear Claudius’s guilty conscience Hamlet’s confession to Ophelia Ophelia’s emotional reaction to Hamlet’s fall from honor The purpose of a play performance The murder of Claudius Gertrude’s awareness that she married a killer Interactions among Hamlet, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern The effect Fortinbras has on Hamlet The manner of Ophelia’s death Ophelia’s burial Laertes’s expression of extreme mourning Hamlet’s declaration on who should be the next King of Denmark The manner of Gertrude’s death Hamlet’s relationship with Laertes The similarities the gravediggers share with Hamlet Ophelia’s behavior right before her death Norway’s aggression toward Poland Claudius’s psychological state How Hamlet is affected by the actors Polonius’s sending a spy to report back on Laertes Laertes assessment of Hamlet’s love for Ophelia Hamlet’s criticism of his mother’s marriage Act 1, scene 2: It is not nor it cannot come to good, / But break, my heart, for I must hold my tongue. Act 1, scene 3: Then weigh what loss your honour may sustain, / If with too credent ear you list his songs, / Or lose your heart, or your chaste treasure open / To his unmaster’d importunity. Act 1, scene 7: If thou art privy to thy country’s fate, / O, speak! Act 2, scene 2: Bloody, bawdy villain! / Remorseless, treacherous, lecherous, kindless villain! / O vengeance! Act 3, scene 3: The cease of majesty / Dies not alone; but, like a gulf, doth draw / What’s near it with it… Act 4, scene 1: So dreaded slander – / Whose whisper o’er the world’s diameter, / As level as the cannon to his blank, / Transports the poisoned shot – may miss our name / And hit the woundless air. Act 4, scene 2: But such officers do the / king best service in the end: he keeps them, like / an ape, in the corner of his jaw… Act 4, scene 4: How all occasions do inform against me, / And spur my dull revenge! Act 5, scene 1: Why, e’en so: and now my Lady Worm’s; chapless, and / knocked about the mazzard with a sexton’s spade: / here’s fine revolution, and we had the trick to / see’t. Did these bones cost no more the breeding, / but to play at loggats with ’em? Mine ache to think on’t. Metaphor Simile Hyperbole Allusion Personification Alliteration Sibilance Oxymoron