Evaluate reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering “The Wives of the Dead” by Nathaniel Hawthorne, a short story addressing themes of grief and illusion. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with supernatural fiction. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The narrator’s opinion of the story Imagery Mary’s general characterization Margaret’s general characterization Goodman Parker’s general characterization Stephen’s general characterization Illusion vs. reality

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and develop critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet covering Ray Bradbury’s short story “The Emissary,” a piece of special appeal to high school students interested in Halloween, supernatural fiction, and the meaningful bond between humans and their pets. An answer key is provided. 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. Students will perform the following tasks: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the intended effect of the author’s language in context Consider the effects of the author’s narrative techniques Describe tone in context Verify interpretations of language, using reference materials as needed Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices with an emphasis on foreshadowing, personification, onomatopoeia, simile, metaphor, callback, and more Conduct brief research on Halloween’s history to answer a question pertaining to the season’s relevance to the plot Support claims and inferences with relevant evidence and sound reasoning Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision

“The Mortal Immortal” by Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein, is a short story of special appeal to high school students interested in Halloween, supernatural fiction, and philosophical perspectives on eternal life. Use this plot-based quiz on “The Mortal Immortal” to evaluate general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with literature. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The significance of a given date The protagonist’s name How the protagonist and his beloved first met Cornelius Agrippa’s profession The perception of Agrippa Why the protagonist is motivated to work for Agrippa The reason the protagonist ingests the elixir A deathbed admission The public’s reaction to the protagonist’s perpetual youthfulness Bertha’s demeanor as she ages The protagonist’s plans for himself

Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions covering chapter one of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. With this resource, students will focus on significant details in order to develop a deeper understanding of the novel and its craft, thus helping them contribute more meaningfully during class discussions. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging in this exercise, students will… Analyze characterization Define unfamiliar and challenging vocabulary in context Read closely to isolate accurate statements from false statements Determine author’s intent Analyze the effect of the author’s language upon the reader Apply knowledge of literary devices to the novel Determine the significance of a given detail

Evaluate general reading comprehension and promote accountability for homework completion with this plot-based quiz covering The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (chapter 2). The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the novel. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important plot details: The morning after the unexpected party The letter Disappearance of a major character A discovery that leads the adventurers into trouble Bert, Tom, and William Bilbo’s weak bargaining attempts Capturing the dwarves Rescuing the dwarves Discoveries made before locating the troll’s cave

Evaluate general reading comprehension and promote accountability for homework completion with this plot-based quiz covering The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (chapter 7). The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the novel. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important plot details: “Skin-changing” Beorn’s feelings toward animals The adventurers’ strategy for approaching Beorn Beorn’s background Bilbo’s frightening observations at night Gandalf’s discovery of animal tracks outside the residence Beorn’s concerns for the adventurers Details concerning Mirkwood’s black stream Beorn’s advice

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the science fiction novel The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells (book 1, chapters 6 through 10). A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: abruptly, acuteness, anguish, blundering, continuous, denounce, desolate, exultant, gloaming, haggard, incongruity, indefatigable, lurid, peril, pitiless, repugnance, serenity, smoldering, tumult, and ultimatum. By engaging with these activities, students will: 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

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the science fiction novel The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells (book 1, chapters 1 through 5). A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: accost, attenuate, billowy, complacency, feeble, grating, impediment, incandescent, incessant, insensible, irresolute, jostle, petrify, scarcely, scoff, stupefy, subtlety, transient, vague, and waylay. By engaging with these activities, students will: 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

Evaluate reading comprehension and embrace the Halloween spirit with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “Graves and Goblins” by Nathaniel Hawthorne. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with supernatural fiction. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The identity of the narrator The limitations of the human brain, according to the narrator The relationship between the spiritual realm and the physical world The narrator’s philosophy on death The habits of the narrator during his youth The backgrounds of several spirits The effects of mourning on the fates of the dead, according to the narrator The young maiden’s circumstances The effect of the young maiden on the narrator

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the science fiction novel The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells (book 2, chapters 1 through 5). A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: ashen, circumspection, consolation, despondent, dexterous, diminution, domicile, fortnight, gesticulation, implore, ineffectual, instantaneous, keen, lethargic, monotony, multitude, persistence, remonstrance, squeamish, and transitory By engaging with these activities, students will: 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

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the science fiction novel The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells (book 2, chapters 6 through 10). A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: brooding, circuitously, clamber, dethronement, dominion, exuberance, fecundity, gluttony, impede, inkling, lackadaisical, languid, melancholy, noisome, persecution, propagation, solitude, totter, unkempt, and vestige. By engaging with these activities, students will: 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

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the science fiction novel The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells (book 1, chapters 11 through 17). A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: assiduously, dart, diffuse, dismal, dissuade, dubiously, exhort, expostulate, formidable, hoarse, imminent, interminably, palpable, pluckily, ransack, reproach, shabby, smite, tediously, and weariness. By engaging with these activities, students will: 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

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood (chapters 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23). A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: absolve, affront, approbation, audacity, beseech, clamber, condone, decadent, emaciated, fervor, festoon, indignation, repentance, revile, vague, vindictive, wimple, and wistful. By engaging with these activities, students will: 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

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood (chapters 28, 29, and 30). A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: adrenaline, ambiguous, blasphemy, catastrophe, defiantly, dismay, famished, illicit, macabre, obsolete, obstinately, paranoid, perfunctory, primitive, prude, reminiscence, rickety, and trivialize. By engaging with these activities, students will: 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

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood (chapters 24, 25, 26, and 27). A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: acquisitive, blitzkrieg, commotion, futility, grudgingly, languid, melancholy, mirth, opaque, pious, plumage, stealthily, suffuse, tactile, trivial, uncouth, viable, and wince. By engaging with these activities, students will: 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

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood (chapters 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11). A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: atrocity, barren, bereaved, clad, commune, dingy, disconsolate, eccentric, ingratiate, irreverent, lugubrious, melodramatic, quagmire, sanctity, sedately, solemn, stagnant, and treachery. By engaging with these activities, students will: 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

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood (chapters 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17). A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: benevolent, candid, falter, genial, heretical, innocuous, lethargic, lithe, ornate, plaintively, rancid, rebuke, replenish, suave, subdued, superfluous, wary, and withered. By engaging with these activities, students will: 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

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood (chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5). A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: archaic, blatantly, debase, demurely, furtively, genteel, insatiability, jaunty, menial, obscurity, ravenous, reproach, servile, solitude, surly, tremulous, undulate, and whimsical. By engaging with these activities, students will: 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

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and develop critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet covering Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story “Graves and Goblins,” a piece of special appeal to high school students interested in Halloween, supernatural fiction, and the relationship between the living and the dead. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are provided. 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. Students will perform the following tasks: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Consider the effects of the author’s language and narrative techniques Define complex words as they are used in the text Verify interpretations of language, using reference materials as needed Discern tone in context Classify the narrative as an example of a particular genre Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices with an emphasis on metaphor, euphemism, personification, and more

“The Emissary” by Ray Bradbury is a short story of special appeal to high school students interested in Halloween, supernatural fiction, and the meaningful bond between humans and their pets. Use this plot-based quiz on “The Emissary” to evaluate general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with literature. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The title’s connection to a particular character Martin’s general characterization Setting The significance of the relationship between the protagonist and his dog The mother’s reaction to the dog Miss Haight’s general characterization Martin’s curiosity about death Martin’s observations about the dog before it vanishes Miss Tarkins’ general characterization Martin’s observations about the dog when it unexpectedly returns The implications of the resolution