Challenge high school students to go beyond basic reading comprehension and practice close reading analysis skills while engaging with To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Covering chapters four and five, this bundle offers a multiple choice, plot-based quiz; a short answer quiz option for re-assessment purposes; a pair of vocabulary games; two close reading worksheets; 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 how the author’s language affects the reader Discern the greater significance of given details Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification, hyperbole, allusion, situational irony Identify the best textual evidence in support of claims

Save time and maintain rigor with these printable resources supporting reading comprehension and analysis of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (chapters 27-28). General comprehension quizzes are included, as are more rigorous close reading activities. These materials may be used to facilitate differentiated instruction in the classroom. Answer keys are provided. 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 the complete literary works, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with access to the novel. By engaging with these exercises, students will: Address Scout’s youthful misconception of “two minor changes” in Maycomb Analyze an excerpt to discern its significance to the plot Draw a logical inference about Atticus’s remarks, which allude to the Supreme Court of the United States Conduct brief research on the Great Depression’s influence on common Halloween practices, especially in the South Write with clarity, logic, and precision Analyze the author’s craft to discern her intent Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Apply knowledge of foreshadowing to the text, with emphasis on how Miss Tutti and Miss Frutti’s deafness contribute to the plot Analyze an excerpt to discern its tone in context Discern the meaning of complex vocabulary and phrases in context, taking into consideration both denotative definitions and connotative associations Analyze a Dr. Reynolds’s remarks to discern tone in context Analyze the author’s craft to discern the intended effect Apply knowledge of literary devices (hyperbole) to the text Analyze Dr. Reynolds’s comments to Scout to discern and articulate his intent

Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this bundle of activities for teaching the short story “Beware of the Dog” by Roald Dahl. 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 Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Determine 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 Explore how the story conforms to the conventions of surrealism Conduct research as needed to answer questions involving historical context and autobiographical parallels Describe the tone of a given passage Determine the functions of given passages Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including onomatopoeia, paradox, personification, simile, situational irony, symbolism, 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

Save time and maintain rigor with these printable resources supporting reading comprehension and analysis of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (chapters 24-26). General comprehension quizzes are included, as are more rigorous close reading activities. These materials may be used to facilitate differentiated instruction in the classroom. Answer keys are provided. 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 the complete literary works, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with access to the novel. By engaging in these exercises, students will: Apply knowledge of literary devices (situational irony, metaphor, and simile) to the text Discern the meaning of complex vocabulary and phrases in context, taking into consideration both denotative definitions and connotative associations Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Analyze Scout’s characterization to draw a logical inference in context Analyze a passage to discern its significance toward advancing the plot Isolate factual statements from false statements Analyze Grace Merriweather’s characterization to draw a logical inference in context Analyze Mr. Underwood’s actions to discern his personal motivations Analyze Bob Ewell’s remarks to predict his future behaviors, possibly addressing foreshadowing in the process Write with clarity, logic, and precision Cite textual evidence in support of claims Discern the intended effect of figurative language Articulate the significance of Atticus’s re-election Discern author’s intent Analyze the text from an historical context Discern the tone of a given passage

Measure general reading comprehension with this quiz bundle covering A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah. A firsthand account of the author’s experiences as a child soldier during the Sierra Leone Civil War, this book is an excellent choice for teachers who want to incorporate more autobiographical nonfiction into their English and/or history classes. In addition to answer keys, alternate quiz options are provided for re-assessment purposes. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By taking these assessments, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Recent political changes in Sierra Leone General descriptions of setting Background details concerning key figures in the text Shared experiences among key figures in the text Medical concerns among key figures in the text Major entities associated with conflict, such as the Revolutionary United Front Violent events Consequences of war Coping strategies among key figures in the text Difficulties in rehabbing figures in the text The collective motivation for the boys’ attending school Complications affecting the civilian government Ishmael’s escape And more

Save time and maintain rigor with these printable resources supporting reading comprehension and analysis of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (chapters 16-18). General comprehension quizzes are included, as are more rigorous close reading activities. These materials may be used to facilitate differentiated instruction in the classroom. Answer keys are provided. 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 the complete literary works, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with access to the novel. By engaging in these exercises, students will: Draw logical inferences about Scout’s dynamic nature in context Draw logical inferences about Aunt Alexandra’s concerns for her family’s reputation Apply knowledge of figurative language to the text, identifying the most logical interpretation of a metaphorical phrase Apply knowledge of hyperbole to the text Identify what Aunt Alexandra states explicitly about being a “disgrace to the family” Identify what Maudie Atkinson states explicitly about why she refuses to attend the trial Discern the meaning of complex vocabulary and phrases in context, taking into consideration both denotative definitions and connotative associations Analyze the significance of the kids’ placement on the balcony Analyze the characterization of Jem and Scout to discern the most accurate statement about their internal states Analyze the author’s craft with emphasis on the intended effect of metaphorical language (comparing Bob to “a red little rooster”) Analyze the interactions between Atticus and Mayella to draw logical inferences about Mayella’s personal history Analyze Bob Ewell’s nonverbal communication to draw logical inferences about his intent Analyze Atticus Finch’s language to draw a logical inference about his intent Isolate false statements from factual ones Write with clarity, logic, and precision

Challenge high school students to go beyond basic reading comprehension and practice close reading analysis skills while engaging with To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Covering chapters one through three, this bundle offers a multiple choice, plot-based quiz; a short answer quiz option for re-assessment purposes; a pair of vocabulary games; a synonym activity; three close reading worksheets; 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 how the author’s language affects the reader Choose the best synonyms to replace words or phrases without changing meaning Demonstrate knowledge of comma and punctuation rules as they apply to writing dialogue Discern the greater significance of given details Analyze how the author’s stylistic choices achieve certain effects such as mystery and suspense Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Determine the tone of given passages Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor

Save time and maintain rigor with these printable resources supporting reading comprehension and analysis of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (chapters 29-31). General comprehension quizzes are included, as are rigorous close reading and vocabulary reinforcement activities. These materials may be used to facilitate differentiated instruction in the classroom. Answer keys are provided. 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 the complete literary works, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with access to the novel. By engaging in these exercises, students will: Apply knowledge of various literary devices to passages in the text (idiom, metaphor, personification, assonance) Discern a character’s intent Analyze Boo Radley’s physical characteristics to articulate the author’s intent Analyze the author’s craft Discern the meaning of complex vocabulary and phrases in context, taking into consideration both denotative definitions and connotative associations Discern the tone of a character’s remarks Use context to determine the symbolism of a tree in context Analyze an excerpt to discern its significance Cite evidence to support the claim that Scout’s world perspective has matured Make a logical inference about why Alexandra would be proud of Scout Write with clarity and precision

Save time and maintain rigor with these printable resources supporting reading comprehension and analysis of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (chapters 21-23). General comprehension quizzes are included, as are more rigorous close reading activities. These materials may be used to facilitate differentiated instruction in the classroom. Answer keys are provided. 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 the complete literary works, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with access to the novel. By engaging in these exercises, students will: Demonstrate understanding of Atticus’s feelings about his children attending the trial Analyze Jem’s remarks to Atticus to discern his youthful ignorance of systematic racism Discern the meaning of complex vocabulary and phrases in context, taking into consideration both denotative definitions and connotative associations Analyze Reverend Sykes’ remarks to Jem in order to infer his motivations Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Analyze the importance of Reverend Sykes’ instructions to Scout following the trial’s conclusion Consider the thematic significance of the interaction between Jem and Maudie Atkinson (a belief that there is hope for positive change in the American justice system, although that change will probably happen slowly) Analyze Scout’s dialogue to make a logical inference about Atticus’s parenting Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor Identify textual evidence in support of the claim that Jem is a dynamic character Explore the internal conflict that exists within Jem Connect a portion of a given passage to the content of a previous chapter Analyze how complex characters interact

Help students engage in analysis of Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers with this set of close reading worksheets delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Passages from chapters 1, 5, 10, 14, and 21 are featured. Answer keys are included. By engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Identify textual evidence in support of claims Discern what given passages reflect about the protagonist’s modes of thinking Make logical inferences about characters’ psychological states based on actions Apply knowledge of a variety of literary devices Determine the functions of given passages Analyze a situation to discern what is both positive and negative in terms of its outcome Explore character motivations Explain how dramatic irony is present in a given passage Make logical inferences about the author’s intent Examine how complex characters behave and interact Discern tone in context Write with clarity and precision And more

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this bundle of plot-based quizzes covering the entirety of Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers. The assessments may double as guided reading worksheets to facilitate active engagement with the novel. Answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By taking these quizzes, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Perry’s home city Perry’s hopes and dreams Perry’s motivations for serving in the military Perry’s physical limitations Rumors concerning the war Peewee’s erratic behavior Perry’s relation to Kenny Why Peewee likes being in the military Jenkins’ motivations for serving in the military Why Lt. Carroll refers to Jenkins as an “angel warrior” The veteran soldiers’ perception of Lt. Carroll The reason for a mission to a Vietnamese village The purpose of Earlene’s letter to Peewee Lt. Carroll’s request of Perry Perry’s loyalty to his squad Lobel’s mindset at he is on patrol Perry’s stated reason for being a soldier The reason Perry does not participate in the killing of an adversary Perry’s mindset as he looks at the corpse of the adversary Captain Stewart’s lies Perry’s physical condition The reason for a fistfight between two characters Why Peewee asks Perry to write a letter to Earlene A major mistake by another squad Lt. Carroll’s generosity Perry’s request of Brew Monaco’s reckless behavior The purpose of a visit to a Vietnamese village Brunner’s behavior while in the Vietnamese village Johnson’s defense of Perry What Peewee wants to buy while in the Vietnamese village The content of a letter Lobel receives Kenny’s personal goals as outlined in his letter to Perry Peewee’s emotional state as he interacts with Red Cross representatives The location where the squad will wait to ambush enemy forces The death of a character following a conflict Who is tasked with notifying the dead character’s family Perry’s declining of an offer from Stewart Perry’s learning of how Vietnamese forces treat hostages Lobel’s extreme guilt The author of a letter sent to Peewee A lengthy discussion on draft-dodging The rumor circulating about the war An incident that jeopardizes the squad’s safety Who accepts responsibility for the aforementioned incident The reason for a group vote The main purpose of the American soldiers’ mission to ambush Vietnamese forces Perry’s brush with death How Peewee is affected by events The ARVN Jamal’s role Tam Ky Why Gearhart does not order his men to fire upon enemy forces Simpson’s feelings toward Captain Stewart Perry’s physical condition The nature of Perry’s injuries Judy’s role What happens to Brew What Perry sends Kenny The squad’s suspicions about Dongan Dongan’s trick to make enemy forces vulnerable to attack A booby-trapped child Perry’s observations before shooting an enemy soldier Dongan’s death The reason for burning American soldiers’ bodies The incident involving a jet Monaco’s hallucinations The reason Gearhart hands Perry a letter What Gearhart hands Walowick Why Perry feels distressed when writing to Kenny Brunner’s new role Qualities Perry and Peewee share in common How Perry and Peewee are separated from their peers Where Perry and Peewee spend a night The Viet Cong fighters’ trap Perry’s concerns for his physical condition An update on Judy Duncan Characters who are sent home

Facilitate vocabulary development, evaluate general reading comprehension, and support critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this bundle of materials for teaching three compelling short stories by Kate Chopin: “The Story of an Hour,” “A Pair of Silk Stockings,” and “Desiree’s Baby.” A quiz, close reading worksheet, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, and word search game are provided for each narrative. Answer keys for everything are also included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will do the following: 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 Describe the tone of a given excerpt Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, metaphor, paradox, 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

Facilitate vocabulary development, evaluate general reading comprehension, and support critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this bundle of materials for teaching three short stories by Roald Dahl: “Lamb to the Slaughter,” “Beware of the Dog,” and “The Landlady.” A quiz, close reading worksheet, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, and word search game are provided for each narrative. Answer keys for everything are also included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will do the following: Identify what the texts state explicitly and implicitly Determine the meanings of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Determine 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 Explore how “Beware of the Dog” conforms to the conventions of surrealism Conduct research as needed to answer questions involving historical context and autobiographical parallels in “Beware of the Dog” Describe the tone of a given passage Determine the functions of given passages Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including euphemism, foreshadowing, onomatopoeia, paradox, personification, simile, situational irony, symbolism, 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

Evaluate general reading comprehension, promote homework accountability, and eliminate take-home assessment planning with this bundle of instructional resources covering The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. Included are formative quizzes, a summative test, and answer keys. All materials are delivered as both Word Documents and PDFs.

Hold students accountable for reading Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird with this bundle of comprehension-based quizzes . Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By completing these assessments, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of the novel: Point of view Setting Jem’s injury The kids’ mother and father Calpurnia’s job Dill Boo Radley’s background The dare Walter Cunningham’s philosophy The effects of the Great Depression on Maycomb’s citizens Scout’s fight The teacher’s reaction to an alarming situation Perception of the Ewells Discoveries in the knothole Jem’s fear for Scout’s life The irony of the discovery of money Dill’s claim of a peculiar talents The rolling tire incident The game the kids play Dill and Scout’s relationship The evolving relationship between Scout and Miss Maudie Theories pertaining to the mystery of Boo Radley Miss Maudie’s impressions of Boo Delivering a note to Boo A contest between Jem and Dill The kids’ decision to sneak to the Radley residence Mr. Radley scaring the kids off How and why Jem lost his pants Dill’s excuse for Jem’s lost pants The lie Jem tells to Atticus What motivates Jem to leave home in the middle of the night Jem’s alarming discovery Items in the knothole Mr. Radley’s heartbreaking attempt to break Boo’s connection to the outside world Miss Maudie’s peculiar reaction to the house fire The blanket wrapped around Scout Scout’s reaction upon a disturbing discovery Beating up Cecil Jacobs Christmas gifts Scout’s punishment Atticus discussing the trial with Uncle Jack The Tim Johnson incident Why the kids dislike Mrs. Dubose Mrs. Dubose’s condition Jem’s misbehavior and subsequent punishment The true purpose behind Jem’s punishment “The bravest person I ever knew” A gift left for Jem Jem’s misunderstanding of Mrs. Dubose’s intent Jem’s moodiness Disappointing news to begin summer The reason for Atticus’s two-week absence The incident involving Eunice Ann Simpson Lula’s treatment of the children The general reaction of the parishioners toward the children Calpurnia’s separate identities Why Alexandra decides to stay with the family Alexandra’s philosophy on what makes “fine” people Aunt Alexandra’s feelings toward Calpurnia The discovery under Scout’s bed Breaking “the code of childhood” Dill’s epiphany regarding Boo Radley’s isolation Jem breaking up the meeting Atticus and Mr. Underwood outside of the jailhouse Jem’s concern for his father The lynch mob How the lynch mob came to disperse Dolphus Raymond as a social outcast The “sad” life of Dolphus Raymond’s children Who arranges for the children to have seats at the trial Judge Taylor’s peculiarity The prosecution’s first witness The significance of Mayella’s injured eye Bob Ewell’s testimony Dramatic irony The significance of Bob Ewell writing his name Mayella’s insubordination Tom Robinson’s injury Tom’s previous run-in with the law Why Tom had to serve 30 days Mayella’s plan to ensure her siblings were not present Scout’s epiphany regarding Mayella’s loneliness Link Deas’s support of Tom Bob Ewell’s comments according to Tom’s testimony Why Tom frequently helped Mayella Mr. Gilmer’s treatment of Tom The major revelation regarding Dolphus Raymond’s condition Atticus’s summation Atticus’s peculiar behavior that surprises the kids Interruption of the court proceedings Jem’s misunderstanding racial prejudice and the justice system The jury’s deliberation The verdict The African American community’s appreciation of Atticus Altercation between Bob and Atticus Alexandra’s strictness Jem’s opinion on Boo’s isolation The missionary circle Mrs. Merriweather’s critical comments Mrs. Merriweather’s hypocrisy Tom’s death The bitter editorial Bob Ewell’s antagonistic behaviors Miss Gates’s hypocrisy Jem’s reaction to the trial’s outcome Strange incidents in Maycomb Atticus’s opinion on Bob Ewell’s malicious behaviors Miss Tutti and Miss Frutti The pageant and how it was ruined Jem’s concerns on the way home The attack Heck Tate’s discovery at the crime scene Jem’s method of arriving home Who saved the kids from Bob’s assault Atticus’s misunderstanding of the story Heck Tate’s version of the story The fairness of hiding the truth Scout’s awareness of why hiding the truth is acceptable Scout’s sadness upon recalling items in the knothole Scout and Atticus’s activity as the novel ends Atticus’s last lesson he teaches Scout before the novel ends

Support the development of high school close reading skills and analytical thinking with this bundle of To Kill a Mockingbird resources covering the second half of the novel (chapters 16-31). Featuring more than 125 high-order thinking questions, this bundle offers Word Doc and PDF versions of each individual resource. 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. Make reading more purposeful with these close reading activities to support students in their efforts to demonstrate proficiency in the following areas: An ability to define complex vocabulary in context An ability to analyze context clues and draw logical inferences about character motivations An ability to analyze context clues and draw logical inferences about character relationships An ability to analyze the text for literary devices such as foreshadowing, situational irony, dramatic irony, theme, symbolism, dynamic character, and more An ability to find and articulate relevant textual details in support of a claim An ability to analyze context clues to discern and articulate the significance of a given detail An ability to articulate what the text indicates both explicitly and implicitly An ability to write with clarity and precision

Support the development of high school close reading skills and analytical thinking with this bundle of To Kill a Mockingbird resources covering the first 15 chapters of the novel. Featuring more than 125 high-order thinking questions, this bundle offers Word Doc and PDF versions of each individual resource. 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. Make reading more purposeful with these close reading activities to support students in their efforts to demonstrate proficiency in the following areas: An ability to define complex vocabulary in context An ability to analyze context clues and draw logical inferences about character motivations An ability to analyze context clues and draw logical inferences about character relationships An ability to analyze the text for literary devices such as foreshadowing, situational irony, dramatic irony, theme, symbolism, dynamic character, and more An ability to find and articulate relevant textual details in support of a claim An ability to analyze context clues to discern and articulate the significance of a given detail An ability to articulate what the text indicates both explicitly and implicitly An ability to write with clarity and precision

This bundle of 20 assessments promotes analytical thinking, measures and extends reading comprehension, and offers flexibility of choice to differentiate and satisfy the academic needs of students of varying proficiency levels in classroom and distance learning settings. Included are close reading activities, answer keys, and copies of public domain texts. Short story selections include the following: “Desiree’s Baby” by Kate Chopin * “Shooting an Elephant” by George Orwell * “The Black Cat” by Edgar Allan Poe * “The Devil and Tom Walker” by Washington Irving * “The Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield * “The New Dress” by Virginia Woolf * “The Open Boat” by Stephen Crane * “The Open Window” by Saki * “The Oval Portrait” by Edgar Allan Poe * “A White Heron” by Sarah Orne Jewett * “After Twenty Years” by O. Henry * “The Businessman” by Edgar Allan Poe * “The Legend of the Christmas Rose” by Selma Lagerlof * “The Old Tombstone” by Hans Christian Andersen * “The Wind Blows” by Katherine Mansfield * “The Little Mermaid” by Hans Christian Andersen * “The Stolen Farthings” by the Brothers Grimm * “Slave on the Block” by Langston Hughes “The Wives of the Dead” by Nathaniel Hawthorne * “The Sparrow and His Four Children” by the Brothers Grimm * (* denotes a public domain text) By completing these analysis exercises, students will demonstrate the following high-order skills: An ability to apply knowledge of more complex literary devices to the texts including foreshadowing, situational irony, dramatic irony, hyperbole, personification, metaphor, symbolism, theme, and more An ability to analyze context clues and draw logical inferences about character motivations and other elements of plot An ability to discern and articulate details that illustrate contrasts between characters An ability to define complex words by taking into consideration denotative definitions, connotative definitions, and context clues An ability to find and articulate relevant textual details in support of claims An ability to discern mood and tone in context An ability to discern author’s intent An ability to conduct brief research and articulate historical and autobiographical parallels An ability to analyze text structures An ability to analyze text to determine the function of an excerpt An ability to analyze a text for how it conforms to the conventions of a particular genre An ability to establish formal tone, paying attention to conventions of written English An ability to take leadership in class discussions, addressing nuances in the author’s craft to help peers understand literature from different perspectives