Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this set of two quizzes covering Book 2, chapters 9 and 10, of George Orwell’s 1984. A multiple choice quiz and short answer option are included. Use one for post-reading comprehension checks, and use the other as a guided reading worksheet or re-assessment opportunity. Answer keys are also provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Winston’s 90-hour work week Oceania’s new enemy Goldstein’s book Crimestop A singing prole woman “We are the dead” The picture on the wall and what it conceals The sudden appearance of troops A realization about Mr. Charrington

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning duties with this plot-based, multiple choice quiz covering the short story “Catch the Moon” by Judith Ortiz Cofer. Additionally, a short answer option is provided for re-assessment purposes. These resources may double as guided reading handouts to foster active reading habits among students. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Luis’s criminal behavior and its consequences The reason for disruptive behavior Luis’s defining characteristics How Luis made his gang “legal” The general characterization of Luis’s dad The reason Naomi comes to the junkyard Naomi’s positive influence on Luis Borrowing his father’s car The reason Luis cries for his mother The significance of the “treasure hunt” An evolving relationship with Luis’s father Finding textual support for Luis’s status as a dynamic character Internal vs. external conflict and seeking textual evidence

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and develop critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering the short story “The Open Boat” by Stephen Crane. An answer key and copy of the narrative are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Utilize dictionaries to ensure knowledge of word meanings Infer 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 situational irony and metaphor Conduct brief research to discern and articulate autobiographical parallels between the author’s life and the narrative’s plot Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss literature

Help high school students explore literary craft with this activity covering the morbid Grimm’s fairy tale “The Juniper Tree.” With this worksheet, students will isolate and reflect upon textual details that are consistent with the conventions of fairy tale fiction. An answer key is provided, as well as a copy of the narrative, which makes for an excellent addition to a short story unit for grades 9 through 12, especially during the Halloween season. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this literary craft analysis activity, students will: Isolate examples of compelling sensory description Isolate characterization details that elicit emotional responses from readers Make connections between elements of the story and aspects of the modern-day Halloween season Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on personification, situational irony, and symbolism Convey information through speech and writing in a coherent manner Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works

Engage students with a classic Grimm’s fairy tale and evaluate general reading comprehension with this plot-based quiz covering “The Dog and the Sparrow.” The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate engagement with the short story. An answer key and copy of the narrative are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The condition of the sheep-dog The nature of the relationship between the sheep-dog and the sparrow The cause of the sheep-dog’s death The sparrows numerous acts of retaliation The scope of the sparrow’s request for assistance The carter’s cruelty The fates of the sparrow and the carter

Engage students with a classic Grimm’s fairy tale and evaluate general reading comprehension with this plot-based quiz covering “The Seven Ravens.” The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate engagement with the short story. An answer key and copy of the narrative are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: A character’s personal tragedy A character’s reaction to personal tragedy Character intentions Consequences of actions Cause-and-effect situations Setting The resolution

Go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet to complement chapter 1 of Dracula by Bram Stoker. An answer key and copy of the chapter, which is in the public domain, 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 completing this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text says explicitly and implicitly Discern the intended effects of the author’s narrative techniques with emphasis on how setting influences mood Determine the function of a given paragraph Consider the greater significance of given details Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on foreshadowing and situational irony Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Gothic literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help high school students analyze how Ursula K. Le Guin used characterization, description, imperfect grammar, foreshadowing, irony, simile, and redundancy to establish a tense and eerie tone in “The Wife’s Story.” This resource serves well for an independent learning opportunity, as well as for small-group discussions. Through such discussions, students may evaluate peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to support claims, clarifying or challenging ideas as needed. An answer key is included.

Reduce teacher workload, measure general reading comprehension, and promote homework accountability with this printable quiz on “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following key ideas: Primary setting Rainsford’s hobby An inciting incident The characterization of the antagonist The protagonist’s initial impression of the antagonist The antagonist’s means of gathering his game The start of the hunt The antagonist’s motivations Rainsford’s successes The climax The resolution

Help high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 2, scene 2, of Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, this worksheet saves English Language Arts teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. 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. More specifically, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the tone of a particular remark Examine nuances in words with similar meanings Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Contrast aspects of this scene with aspects of the previous scene Make inferences about the author’s intent Apply knowledge of literary devices including invective, pun, and more Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence

Help high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 1, scene 2, of Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, this worksheet saves English Language Arts teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. 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. More specifically, students will do the following: 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 Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Discern the function of the scene

Help high school students analyze how Shirley Jackson developed a complex short story in “The Lottery,” focusing on how the author manipulates the readers’ perceptions, incorporates imagery to cater to the readers’ senses, foreshadows the revelation that the lottery is barbaric, and portrays villagers as superstitious and irrational. This resource serves well for an independent learning opportunity, as well as for small-group discussions. Through such discussions, students may evaluate peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to support claims, clarifying or challenging ideas as needed. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 2, scene 2, of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Annotate text to show active engagement Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word and phrase meanings Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Determine the function of a given passage Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Choose the best textual evidence in support of a claim Apply knowledge of personification, dramatic irony, and simile Choose a theme that is best reinforced in a given passage Support inferences or claims with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 2, scene 3, of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Annotate text to show active engagement Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word and phrase meanings Infer 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 personification, paradox, and foreshadowing Choose the best textual evidence in support of a claim Discern the tone of Friar Laurence’s soliloquy Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works

Save time, measure general reading comprehension, and promote active engagement with this set of printable quizzes on Roald Dahl’s short story titled “Beware of the Dog.” Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, these two resources—a multiple choice version and alternate short answer option—make it easier to quickly and efficiently gather data on student recall and reading habits. Answer keys are provided. By completing these assessments, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The protagonist’s name The pilot’s physical condition The reason the pilot is uncertain of his location The doctor’s stated outlook for the pilot’s long-term health The alleged location of the hospital in which the pilot is treated Reasons the pilot grows skeptical of his healthcare providers The significance of the water quality The pilot’s view out of his window A revelation concerning the medical professionals The pilot’s interaction with an officer

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering “Games at Twilight” by Anita Desai, a short story about a young boy whose youthful determination and immaturity lead to a difficult outcome he is not prepared to process emotionally or intellectually. Alternatively, the assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Climate conditions Key characters involved in a game of hide-and-seek Why the protagonist’s hiding space is good in terms of possibly winning the game The protagonist’s youthful hubris The protagonist’s complex emotional response to his isolation The reason the protagonist loses the game The protagonist’s reaction to losing the game The resolution

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 1, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the intended effects of the Shakespeare’s word choices and narrative techniques Determine the primary function of a given excerpt Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including figurative language and situational irony Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 5 of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with Shakespeare’s drama. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: How Lorenzo and Jessica perceive themselves Lorenzo’s talking about the calming music of the stars Stephano’s message Portia’s insistence that everyone keep a secret from her husband How Portia and Nerissa deceive their husbands Antonio’s relationship with Bassanio News of Antonio’s ships News from Nerissa Gratiano’s crude humor

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 3 of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with Shakespearean drama. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Specifically, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Mercutio’s reason for fighting Tybalt Romeo’s ill-fated attempt to stop the fight Romeo’s reason for leaving Verona Juliet’s criticisms of the Nurse The Nurse’s confusing news Juliet’s conflicting emotions toward her husband Friar Laurence’s perspective on the Prince’s punishment Romeo’s erratic behavior Lord Capulet’s arrangement with Paris Mantua A character who plans to have Romeo killed A threat of being disowned The Nurse’s advice to Juliet Juliet’s foreshadowing comments

Help high school students explore literary craft with this activity covering H.P. Lovecraft’s short story “The Outsider.” With this worksheet, students will isolate and reflect upon textual details the author provided to establish a suspenseful tone that is consistent with the conventions of Dark Romanticism. An answer key is provided, as well as a copy of the narrative, which makes for an excellent addition to a Halloween-themed short story unit for grades 9 through 12. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this literary craft analysis activity, students will: Isolate examples of compelling sensory description Isolate characterization details that elicit emotional responses from readers Reflect upon traditional aspects of the Halloween season and identify textual details that evoke those aspects Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on dramatic irony, foreshadowing, personification, situational irony, and symbolism Convey information through speech and writing in a coherent manner Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works