Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the short story “Home” by Gwendolyn Brooks. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable 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 these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Contrast the characters of Helen and Maud Martha Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor and situational irony 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

Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the short story “The Dinner Party” by Mona Gardner. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences Discern 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 Apply knowledge of literary devices including epiphany, metaphor, simile, and situational irony Conduct research online in order to answer questions related to plot 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

Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching Sandra Cisneros’ short story titled “Three Wise Guys: Un Cuento de Navidad.” A plot-based quiz, close reading analysis worksheet, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, word search game, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences 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 idiom, metaphor, onomatopoeia, oxymoron, and personification Consider themes in context Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about coming-of-age fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss literature

Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills while teaching Act 1 of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest with this bundle of formative assessments. Included are the following: a multiple choice quiz on characters and plot, two close reading worksheets addressing the author’s craft, and answer keys. 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 these materials, 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 as needed Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Determine the function of a given excerpt 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

Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills while teaching Act 2 of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest with this bundle of formative assessments. Included are the following: a multiple choice quiz on characters and plot, two close reading worksheets addressing the author’s craft, and answer keys. 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 these materials, 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 as needed Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Describe the tone of a particular excerpt Determine the function of a given excerpt Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare two characters (Antonio and Sebastian) Apply knowledge of literary devices including 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 dramatic works

Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching Louise Erdrich’s short story “The Leap.” A plot-based quiz, close reading analysis worksheet, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, word search game, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable 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 these activities, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences Consider the multiple possible meanings of the story’s title Isolate examples of figurative language used in the text Discern the intended effect of the author’s narrative techniques Explore how the author conveys a sense of liveliness and urgency Determine the function of a given excerpt Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Evaluate general reading comprehension, support critical thinking, and promote homework accountability with this bundle of formative assessments covering Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Murders in the Rue Morgue.” A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the public domain narrative, and answer keys 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 engaging with these materials, students will perform the following tasks: Make a logical inference based on the narrative’s title Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the intended effect of the author’s language in context Determine the function of the narrative’s point of view Consider the effects of the author’s narrative techniques Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Contrast the characterizations of the protagonist and the police Apply knowledge of literary devices with an emphasis on red herring and symbolism

Evaluate general reading comprehension, support critical thinking, and promote homework accountability with this bundle of formative assessments covering Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story “The Wives of the Dead,” a piece addressing themes of grief and illusion. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the public domain narrative, and answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable 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 these materials, students will perform the following tasks: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly 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 Discern the narrative’s point of view Describe tone in context Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare and contrast the protagonists Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion, ambiguity, dramatic irony, and situational irony Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this bundle of materials for teaching “Games at Twilight” by Anita Desai, a short story about a young boy whose youthful determination and immaturity lead to a difficult outcome he is not prepared to process emotionally or intellectually. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences Infer the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices and narrative techniques Discern the function of given detail Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, personification, foreshadowing, imagery, paradox, situational irony, dramatic irony, and more Consider themes 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

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 bundle helps English teachers evaluate reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and support critical thinking. It includes a plot-based quiz, close reading analysis worksheet, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, word search game, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will perform the following tasks: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences Discern the narrative’s inciting incident Analyze the setting and its immediate effect on the audience Determine the tone of a given passage Examine how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony, foreshadowing, ambiguity, and more Discern the most relevant theme from among several options Argue whether Mary is portrayed as an intelligent individual Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about fictional texts with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss literature

Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the classic fairy tale “Jorinda and Jorindel” by the Brothers Grimm. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the public domain short story, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Consider how words and phrases may have dual interpretations in context Discern the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices and narrative techniques Describe tone in context Determine the greater significance of given details Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including symbolism and situational irony Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision

With this bundle of high school resources for teaching “The Wife’s Story” by Ursula K. Le Guin, educators may conveniently measure general reading comprehension with a quiz on character and plot. Additionally, teachers will be able to support their students through the process of analyzing the author’s craft, helping readers identify textual details that evoke the reader’s sympathy and examples of literary devices that contribute to a tense mood and surprising outcome. Lastly, teachers will be able to support high-order thinking with analysis questions. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. This resource may facilitate 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 with these materials, students will perform the following tasks: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Apply knowledge of anaphora to the text Articulate how anaphora contributes to the narrator’s characterization Analyze the narrator’s statements to infer details about her husband Discern meaning in less familiar words and phrases, taking into consideration the context of the passage Analyze an excerpt to discern tone in context Analyze an excerpt to discern and articulate the narrator’s internal conflict Apply knowledge of simile to the text Articulate the significance of the narrator’s “grief howl” Analyze character statements and actions to discern and articulate character motivations Analyze the term “blessed dark” to discern and articulate what it conveys about the narrator’s mindset Cite and explain textual details that evoke a sense of sympathy within readers Revisit the text to identify details that foreshadow the major revelation near the story’s conclusion Analyze the author’s craft to explain how language contributes to the major revelation near the story’s conclusion Write with clarity and precision

Evaluate reading comprehension, support the development of close reading analysis skills, and minimize take-home lesson planning with this set of instructional resources covering chapter one of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Included are the following: a multiple choice, plot-based quiz; a short answer quiz for re-assessment; vocabulary development games and activities; a close reading analysis worksheet; and answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern point of view Explore character motivations Clarify cause-and-effect relationships Apply knowledge of a variety of literary devices including situational irony, hyperbole, simile, and metaphor Articulate the intended effect of metaphorical language Analyze the author’s craft to determine intent Write with clarity and precision

For many high school students, the horror genre promotes more active engagement with literature. “The Terrible Old Man” by H.P. Lovecraft is a concise horror story featuring plot elements such as robbery, a character who dabbles in the occult, and mutilated corpses - making the narrative a particularly compelling read during the Halloween season. The following are included in this bundle: a plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the public domain narrative, and answer keys. 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 these activities, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences Determine the story’s point of view Discern the overall tone of the narrative Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony Draw parallels between the author’s life and the plot of “The Terrible Old Man” Identify relevant textual details in support of claims and ideas Write about compelling fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Evaluate comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this bundle of resources covering chapters 1 through 3 of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Included are a plot-based quiz, a worksheet composed of high-order questions, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search, answer keys, and a copy of the relevant chapters. With this collection of resources, high school English teachers may save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the most proper application of vocabulary words as they are used in sentences Explore cause-and-effect relationships Determine the intended effect of the author’s figurative language Discern the primary function of chapters one through three Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, epiphany, simile, allusion, and personification Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Evaluate reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and support the development of critical thinking skills with this bundle of resources for teaching Animal Farm by George Orwell (chapter 1). A plot-based quiz, close reading analysis worksheet, vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, and answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. (Alternatively, a Google Drive bundle option is available.) By engaging with these activities, 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 as needed Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences Discern the intended effects of the author’s diction and narrative techniques Infer the greater significance of a given detail Determine the main function of a given passage Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification and verisimilitude Conduct brief research on the beliefs of German philosopher Karl Marx Articulate whether Major’s speech reflects a belief in Marxist ideology 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

Evaluate reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and support the development of critical thinking skills with this bundle of resources for teaching Animal Farm by George Orwell (chapter 4). A plot-based quiz, close reading analysis worksheet, vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, and answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with these activities, 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 as needed Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Compare and contrast the characters of Boxer and Snowball Apply knowledge of literary devices including onomatopoeia, metaphor, paradox, and situational irony 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

Measure reading comprehension and support analysis of Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger (chapters 1-2) with this bundle, which features a plot-based quiz and close reading exercises. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in both 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 will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking. Copyright restrictions prohibit the inclusion of complete literary works, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with access to the novel. By engaging in these exercises, students will: Articulate what the text states explicitly and implicitly Explain the significance of a given detail Write with clarity, logic, and precision Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims Analyze the author’s craft to discern how language contributes to the narrator’s psychological state Explore character motivations Analyze the author’s craft to discern how Holden attempts to control the readers’ impressions of him Analyze the significance of Holden’s allusion to David Copperfield in terms of how it establishes his character Analyze Holden’s use of figurative language to discern meaning Identify the factors that contribute to Holden’s perceptions of Selma Consider plot developments from Holden’s point of view, articulating why it is not a big deal that he has been expelled from school Identify several examples of colloquial language Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor and overstatement Identify textual details that convey Holden’s sense of isolation Identify context clues that suggest Holden’s family is wealthy Articulate what makes Holden’s visit to see Mr. Spencer unsettling Explore how Holden’s interactions with adults contribute to his self-worth Interpret idiomatic expressions in context Analyze Mr. Spencer’s motivations Analyze Holden’s curiosities about ducks and what they reveal about his moral compass Identify and explain an example of situational irony Infer how Holden feels about the idea of getting older Analyze the phrase “good luck” from Holden’s perspective Articulate a primary function of chapter two

Help high school students enhance their active reading habits and close reading analysis skills with this bundle of formative assessments covering “The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Included are the following: a plot-based, multiple choice quiz; a short answer alternate quiz option for re-assessment purposes; a worksheet composed of rigorous close reading questions; a craft analysis activity; and answer keys. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Determine the greater significance of a given detail Discern the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices Explore cause-and-effect relationships Examine how characters think, behave, develop, and interact Apply knowledge of literary devices including hyperbole, personification, simile, metaphor, and imagery Argue whether the wives’ feelings toward their husbands are justified Consider whether the villagers are better off for having met the drowned man Support claims and inferences with reasoned thinking and relevant evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Measure reading comprehension and support analysis of Shakespeare’s Othello (Act 5) with this bundle, which includes a plot-based quiz and rigorous close reading worksheets. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in printable 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. Students will: Articulate what the text says explicitly and implicitly Write with clarity and precision Cite specific, relevant textual evidence in support of a claim or idea Apply knowledge of literary devices including dramatic irony, situational irony, caesura, allusion, epiphany, assonance, and double denotation Articulate character motivations Discern the best description of Roderigo’s characterization Analyze and articulate how the setting contributes to a sense of uncertainty Articulate how dialogue contributes to the development of suspense Analyze character interactions Define complex words or phrases in context Articulate what Othello’s dialogue reflects about his psychological state Articulate how Othello rationalizes his decision to murder Desdemona Articulate how Desdemona is different from a candle, according to Othello Analyze the text to discern how Othello demonstrates some degree of mercy on Desdemona Verify interpretations using reference materials including a dictionary or thesaurus