Promote active engagement with fiction, support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school, and evaluate general reading comprehension with this bundle of resources for teaching the Gothic short story “The Black Cat” by Edgar Allan Poe. Included are the following: a plot-based quiz, a worksheet composed of rigorous close reading questions, a craft analysis activity, the public domain narrative, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will perform the following tasks: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Articulate the narrator’s intent in a given excerpt Isolate a false statement from factual details associated with a given excerpt Examine the narrator’s modes of thinking to discern and articulate what he identifies as the cause(s) of his current circumstances Analyze a given excerpt to discern its primary function Apply knowledge of the anaphora to an excerpt Apply knowledge of simile to an excerpt Apply knowledge of hyperbaton to an excerpt Apply knowledge of paradox to an excerpt Apply knowledge of alliteration to an excerpt Examine cause and effect relationships Conduct brief research on Roman mythology to discern and articulate why the name Pluto carries symbolic value Analyze the narrator’s past behaviors and statements to make logical inferences about the cause of a destructive fire Identify textual details to support the claim that the second cat never existed Use logic and textual evidence to support the claim that the narrator feels subconscious guilt over the murder of Pluto Articulate why the narrator may be resentful of his wife Articulate how the narrator exhibits hubris and how hubris contributes to plot development Write with clarity, logic, and precision

Promote active engagement with fiction, support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school, and evaluate general reading comprehension with this bundle of resources for teaching the science fiction short story “The Fog Horn” by Ray Bradbury. Included are the following: a plot-based quiz, a rigorous close reading worksheet, a craft analysis activity, and answer keys. By engaging with these materials, students will perform the following tasks: Articulate what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly Identify several examples of personification and/or anthropomorphism in the narrative Identify several textual details that contribute to a sense of isolation Discern the intended meaning of figurative language Discern the function of a given excerpt Apply knowledge of sonic literary devices including consonance and assonance Analyze the author’s craft Identify stylistic changes in a given excerpt Articulate the intended effect of stylistic changes in a given excerpt Analyze relationships between complex characters Articulate how a given detail is an example of foreshadowing Make logical inferences about character motivations Cite textual evidence in support of inferences and claims Write with clarity and precision Develop a greater understanding of how Ray Bradbury used descriptive language, characterization, setting, and various literary devices to establish an eerie mood that is consistent with the supernatural fiction and science fiction genres.

For many middle and high school readers, realistic and young adult fiction are genres that maximize relatability and engagement with literature. “Thank You, Ma’am” by Langston Hughes is a short story involving socioeconomic struggles, social pressures, the importance of second chances, and the power of empathy and forgiveness. Included in this bundle are the following: a multiple choice, plot-based quiz; a worksheet composed of rigorous close reading questions; a craft analysis activity; the public domain narrative; and answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging in this exercise, students will… Discern what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly Articulate character motivations Analyze how a character’s behaviors reveal their life principles Apply knowledge of metaphor to the text Analyze the author’s choice of words conveys subtle meaning Analyze how complex characters interact Explore Roger’s emotional and psychological state Cite textual evidence in support of inferences and claims Write with clarity and precision

For many middle and high school students, the fairy tale genre helps to maximize interest and engagement with literature. “The Juniper Tree” by the Brothers Grimm is a macabre fairy tale featuring a variety of literary elements including black humor and poetic justice. Included in this bundle are the following: a multiple choice, plot-based quiz; a worksheet composed of rigorous close reading questions; a craft analysis activity; the public domain Grimms’ tale; and answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will: Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Analyze nuances in word definitions in order to select the best synonym in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, and interact with others Apply knowledge of various literary devices including foreshadowing, dramatic irony, allusion, personification, onomatopoeia, black humor, and more Determine the function of a given passage Make logical inferences about the authors’ intent Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Evaluate general reading comprehension, support critical thinking, and facilitate vocabulary development with this bundle of formative assessments covering Kate Chopin’s short story “Desiree’s Baby,” a piece of historical fiction that, when integrated into the English Language Arts classroom, complements American History curricula, as the plot precedes the Civil War and addresses the issue of how race and ethnicity affect one’s life experiences in the South. 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 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 both 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 Consider the effects of the author’s language and narrative techniques Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including irony and foreshadowing 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 skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the science fiction short story “The Star Beast” by Nicholas Stuart Gray. 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 with emphasis on how the author helps the audience empathize with a non-human protagonist Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including hubris and situational irony Consider themes in context Articulate how the narrative conforms to standard conventions of science fiction 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 O. Henry’s ironic short story “The Last Leaf.” A plot-based quiz, a close reading worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the short story, and answer keys are provided. 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 both 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 Compare and contrast characters Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion, metaphor, personification, dramatic irony, and situational irony 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, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the classic Grimm’s fairy tale “Rapunzel” (Lexile Measure estimate of 1010-1200). A plot-based quiz, a close reading worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the short story, 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 Consider tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of various literary devices including simile, situational irony, and dramatic irony 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, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the coming-of-age short story “Raymond’s Run” by Toni Cade Bambara. 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 Apply knowledge of literary devices including hyperbole, metaphor, simile, epiphany, situational irony, and more 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 comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this bundle of resources covering chapters 4 through 6 of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. A plot-based quiz, close reading worksheet, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, word search game, copy of the relevant chapters, and answer keys are provided. 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 Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Discern the most proper application of vocabulary words as they are used in sentences Determine the function of a given paragraph Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Consider how diction influences the audience’s understanding of the narrator’s psychological state Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed Apply knowledge of literary devices including dramatic irony Draw parallels between Coleridge’s Ancient Mariner and Shelley’s Frankenstein Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Evaluate comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this bundle of resources covering chapters 10 through 12 of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. A plot-based quiz, close reading worksheet, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, word search game, copy of the relevant chapters, and answer keys are provided. 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 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 function of a given paragraph Consider the greater significance of the pool of water Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Contrast elements of chapter 11 with elements of chapter 10 Explore themes in context with emphasis on “the barbarity of man” Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing and allusion Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Evaluate comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this bundle of resources covering chapters 13 through 15 of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. A plot-based quiz, close reading worksheet, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, word search game, copy of the relevant chapters, and answer keys are provided. 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 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 Explore cause-and-effect relationships Consider the greater significance of given details Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare and contrast the creature with the biblical character of Adam Apply knowledge of literary devices including antithesis, allusion, and irony Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Evaluate comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this bundle of resources covering chapters 7 through 9 of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. A plot-based quiz, close reading worksheet, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, word search game, copy of the relevant chapters, and answer keys are provided. 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 Define complex words and phrases in context Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed Discern the most proper application of vocabulary words as they are used in sentences Determine the intended effect of figurative language in context Consider the greater significance of the locket Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare and contrast complex characters Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Evaluate comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this bundle of resources covering chapters 22 through 24 of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. A plot-based quiz, close reading worksheet, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, word search game, copy of the relevant chapters, and answer keys are provided. 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 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 Describe tone in context Consider the greater significance of given details Examine how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Analyze the treatment of Elizabeth and other female characters in the novel Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, metaphor, situational irony, and symbolism Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Evaluate comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this bundle of resources covering chapters 16 through 18 of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. A plot-based quiz, close reading worksheet, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, word search game, copy of the relevant chapters, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. (Alternatively, a Google Drive bundle option is available.) By engaging with these materials, 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 Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences Articulate the effect of animal imagery Explain the function of a given scene Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Make a sound inference about the author’s personal philosophy based on textual details Apply knowledge of literary devices including simile and dramatic irony Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Evaluate comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this bundle of resources covering chapters 19 through 21 of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. A plot-based quiz, close reading worksheet, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, word search game, copy of the relevant chapters, and answer keys are provided. 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 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 Determine the intended effect of Victor’s dialogue in context Examine how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Compare Victor and Justine Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, metaphor, and aposiopesis Make logical predictions about plot in context Consider themes in context with emphasis on the topic of systemic inequity 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 2). 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 Determine the main function of a given passage Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Consider themes in context 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 3). 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 Word Document and 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 Determine the purpose of a given passage or detail Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Predict which character is likeliest to challenge leadership and take interest in the world outside of Animal Farm Articulate why the pigs in particular would favor the incorporation of slogans and mottos into Animal Farm’s culture 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 5). 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 Discern the greater significance of the windmill debate Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Consider the motif of forbidden pleasures Apply knowledge of literary devices including symbolism 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 3-4) 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, ultimately, 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 Articulate how old Ossenburger acquired his wealth Infer the reason for Holden’s interest in the novel Out of Africa Identify what type of literature most appeals to Holden Articulate why Holden feels like a failure Identify examples of Holden’s sarcasm and dark humor Explore Holden’s intellectual curiosity Compare the characters of Holden and Ackley Compare the plot of chapter 2 to chapter 3 Identify what Holden does to Ackley that he did not appreciate Mr. Spencer doing to him Articulate a primary function of the chapter Identify examples of Holden’s generosity Articulate the meaning of “secret slob” in the context of Stradlater’s behavior Demonstrate awareness of Holden’s status as an unreliable narrator Explore the significance of Jane’s checkers-playing behavior in Holden’s mind Articulate the reason(s) for Holden’s hostility toward Stradlater Demonstrate awareness of Holden’s struggle to convey the importance of information to Stradlater Analyze how Stradlater’s actions and statements reflect the trait of carelessness Analyze the author’s craft to discern how the narrator’s tone influences the readers perceptions of other characters