“The Pit and the Pendulum” by Edgar Allan Poe is a short story of special appeal to high school students interested in horror stories and Halloween. With this bundle of assessment materials, English teachers will save valuable time without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. Included are the following: a plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, the public domain narrative, and answer keys. 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. 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 Consider the role punctuation plays in terms of developing suspense and advancing plot with an emphasis on em dashes Demonstrate knowledge of the conventions of Dark Romanticism Determine the effects of the author’s language and narrative techniques Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices with an emphasis on allusion, metaphor, onomatopoeia, paradox, personification, sibilance, situational irony, and more Articulate how the author establishes and maintains a surreal tone throughout the story Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Gothic fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills while teaching Act 4 of William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing 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 Word Document and PDF formats. Materials in this bundle may facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using these resources 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 Examine nuances in words with similar meanings Discern the tone of dialogue in context Discern the intended effect of narrative techniques Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Articulate the internal conflicts of two characters (Beatrice and Benedick) Contrast two characters (Borachio and Conrade) Apply knowledge of literary devices including pun, hyperbole, oxymoron, allusion, metaphor, malapropism, imagery, and more Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence

Measure and extend reading comprehension Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale with this quiz bundle. Included are six assessments for differentiation purposes: three subjective and three alternate objective quizzes. Materials are delivered as Word Docments and PDFs. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following by taking these assessments: The emptiness and loneliness of the narrator’s room Serena Joy’s previous life The Japanese tourists’ interest in handmaids’ lives The Wall The teachings of Aunt Lydia The doctor’s offer Offred’s previous life Moira’s escape attempt and its consequences The loss of the narrator’s daughter The Ceremony The news Nick shares with Offred Luke’s plans according to Offred The relationship between Offred and her mother Birthing day Moira’s tense escape The Commander’s private request of Offred A test of loyalty A present Changes in the Ceremony The evolution in the relationship with Ofglen Significant life events of the past A Latin phrase A question of purpose and a desire for normalcy A network of believers, disenchanted with society Serena’s suggestion to the narrator Revelations about the baby Jezabelle’s The return of Moira The function of women in the colonies Nick’s garage home The savage act of Salvaging Particicution A character’s suicide Offred and the resolution

Measure high school reading comprehension and support analysis of Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night (Act 4) with this bundle featuring a plot-based quiz and rigorous close reading activities. By engaging with these resources, students will identify what the text says explicitly and implicitly, apply knowledge of literary devices, interpret figurative expressions, make engagement with text visible, and more. Answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Apply knowledge of dramatic irony, situational irony, and paradox Determine the significance of Feste’s participation in the newest plot to make a fool out of Malvolio Consider the intent of character actions Explore cause-and-effect relationships Analyze the author’s craft to determine how the audience is supposed to feel as a result of character development Explore the psychological state of Toby in the context of the scene Apply knowledge of allusion Identify an excerpt from the scene that features an example of oxymoron Identify an excerpt in the scene that conveys Feste’s confidence Write with clarity and precision

Measure general reading comprehension and promote student accountability with this set of quizzes on Never Cry Wolf by Farley Mowat. Three multiple choice assessments are included (with three alternate short answer versions also available). Answer keys for each resource are provided. Questions pertain to the following: An incident that helped lead Mowat to become a biologist The purpose behind Mowat’s study A long trip to “the middle of nowhere” Mowat’s supplies Mike’s background The first encounter with a wolf Alarming discoveries A move to facilitate wolf observations “Marking territory” “Wolf naps” Uncle Albert A fear for the wolves’ survival A staple of the wolves’ diet George’s painful experience The purpose of a scientific experiment The main point of Ootek’s story How wolves catch fish The death of large quantities of caribou Ootek’s unique skill The wolves’ behavior An experiment involving Mike’s husky Angeline’s surprising ability Angeline’s family Census of the wolf population Population control The Churchill incident Why Inuit women thought Mowat was crazy The purpose behind the wolves’ test of the caribou A repulsive discovery concerning the caribou Growth of the pups A study involving a gas mask A mass death The final professional obligation

The Good Good Pig by Sy Montgomery is a great memoir to feature in a nonfiction unit or an independent book study unit, especially for those who appreciate the importance and influence of an animal on human lives. Each assessment in this bundle covers the entire book, promotes homework accountability, and measures general reading comprehension. They may serve as reading check quizzes or as guided reading handouts to create more purposeful reading experiences and facilitate recall. Answer keys are provided, and all materials are delivered as printable Word Documents and PDFs.

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning responsibilities with this bundle of plot-based quizzes covering each part of Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. These assessments may also serve as guided reading handouts to facilitate active reading experiences. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Details on Montag’s encounter with Clarisse A lingering question in Montag’s mind Mildred’s self-destructive behavior The behavior of the mechanical hound Clarisse’s concerns about school kids Peculiarities about a particular fire call Montag’s sneakiness Mildred’s general disposition Beatty’s general characterization The campaign against books Montag’s perception of the world Montag’s perspective on books A phone call between Montag and Faber Faber’s professional background Faber’s offerings of help The purpose of Faber’s visit to St. Louis Interactions among Mildred and her friends How Montag irritates Mildred and her friends Montag and Beatty’s interaction at the firehouse A fire alarm The source of the alarm call Beatty’s striking of Montag The nature of Beatty’s death What Montag learns about Beatty after his death Complicating factors in terms of Montag’s escape Montag’s suggestions for Faber Faber’s suggestions for Montag How authorities get the public to help them find Montag What Montag watches on television How books continue to exist What happens to the city A new responsibility

Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the short story “A Pair of Silk Stockings” by Kate Chopin. 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 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 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 Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques with emphasis on the decision not to give the protagonist a first name Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, simile, and situational irony 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

Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the short story “Contents of the Dead Man’s Pocket” by Jack Finney. 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 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 Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques with an emphasis on the incorporation of em-dashes and imagery Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including epiphany, onomatopoeia, personification, simile, and situational irony 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

Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching Truman Capote’s holiday-themed short story “A Christmas Memory.” 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 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 Consider historical context in relation to the plot Isolate examples of figurative language used in the text Discern the intended effect of the author’s narrative techniques Describe and examine tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Determine the functions of given details and excerpts Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion, epiphany, foreshadowing, hubris, metaphor, onomatopoeia, simile, situational irony, and unreliable narrator Reflect on significant themes 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 short story “At Christmas Time” by Anton Chekhov. 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 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 Reflect on the author’s choice of title and its intended effect Evaluate the author’s means of emotionally influencing readers Make logical inferences about the author’s philosophies on life Describe tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare the lives of Vasilisa and Pyotr with the life of Yefimya Apply knowledge of literary devices including ambiguity, euphemism, metaphor, onomatopoeia, and more Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about 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 Fyodor Dostoevsky’s short story “The Heavenly Christmas Tree,” also known as “The Beggar Boy at Christ’s Christmas Tree.” 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 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 Determine the function of a given excerpt Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including dramatic irony, foreshadowing, onomatopoeia, situational irony, and more Conduct research online in order to answer questions related to culture and history 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 short story “The Burglar’s Christmas” by Willa Cather. 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 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 Determine the function of a given excerpt Describe tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion, epiphany, foreshadowing, internal conflict, metaphor, paradox, personification, simile, and situational irony Argue whether the author wants the audience to empathize with the protagonist 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, support critical thinking, and promote homework accountability with this bundle of formative assessments covering Mary Shelley’s short story “The Mortal Immortal,” a narrative of special appeal to high school students interested in Halloween, supernatural fiction, and philosophical perspectives on eternal life. This piece also pairs well with Shelley’s classic novel Frankenstein, particularly in terms of discussing the book’s ending. 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 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: 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 Discern the function of a given excerpt Describe tone in context Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices with an emphasis on metaphor, personification, catharsis, imagery, repetition, oxymoron, hyperbole, and more Explore themes in context Reflect on the oxymoronic title and what it reflects about the protagonist Conduct research as needed to answer questions about a feminist perspective on the plot and the deeper meanings of given allusions Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Gothic 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 Challenge” by Gary Soto, a coming-of-age short story highlighting the importance of authenticity and unconditional acceptance of others for who they are. 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 Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Determine the tone of a given passage Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including simile, metaphor, slang, 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 general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the classic Grimm’s fairy tale “Old Rinkrank.” A plot-based quiz, a close reading worksheet, 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. By engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings Discern 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 Examine how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Evaluate the protagonist’s positive attributes and how they benefit her as the plot develops Compare and contrast two characters (Old Rinkrank and the king) Apply knowledge of literary devices with an emphasis on situational irony Consider themes in context Defend claims and ideas with valid reasoning and relevant textual evidence Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class/leave class better prepared to discuss literary material

Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching Daphne du Maurier’s short story “The Birds,” which features compelling elements consistent with the horror and psychological fiction genres: an isolated setting, killings without clear motivations, the suggestion of humanity’s inevitable extinction, and more. A plot-based quiz, close reading analysis worksheet, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, word search game, and answer keys are provided in this bundle. 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 exercises, 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 Examine how elements of setting contribute to the development of suspense Explore how complex characters think, behave, and interact with others Determine the functions of characters Apply knowledge of various literary devices including personification, amplification, onomatopoeia, simile, epiphany, foreshadowing, and more Conduct online research to answer a question about historical context Reflect on humanity’s relationship with Nature Consider relevant themes Discern the significance of the protagonist’s final actions Support claims and ideas with reasoned thinking and relevant textual evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Evaluate general reading comprehension, support critical thinking, facilitate vocabulary development, and prepare for unexpected teacher absences with this bundle of formative assessments covering Katherine Mansfield’s short story “The Garden Party.” 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, emergency lesson plans with supplemental materials, 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: 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 Explore tone in context Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare two characters from different classes Contrast Laura and the majority of her family members Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, symbolism, and dramatic 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, sharpen critical thinking skills, and prepare for unexpected teacher absences with this bundle of materials for teaching the short story “The Open Window” by Saki. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, emergency lesson plans, 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 with emphasis on dramatic 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