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 4, of Twelfth Night 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. With this close reading activity, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Analyze figurative language to determine its effect on the reader Discern tone in context Examine how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Choose the best textual evidence in support of a claim Apply knowledge of various literary devices including allusion, oxymoron, simile, hyperbole, and ambiguity

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering part two of Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (“The Sieve and the Sand”). This assessment may also serve as a guided reading handout to facilitate active reading experiences. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: 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

Help high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 4, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s King Lear. 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. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Examine cause-and-effect relationships Describe tone in context Determine the functions of Edgar’s asides in the scene Verify interpretations of language using reference materials Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 4, scene 4, of William Shakespeare’s King Lear. 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. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the intended effect of Shakespeare’s narrative techniques Explore cause-and-effect relationships Consider the symbolism of weeds in context Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Determine the function of the scene Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 3, scene 4, of William Shakespeare’s King Lear. 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. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words/phrases as they are used in the text Verify interpretations of language using reference materials Explore the intended effects of Shakespeare’s narrative techniques Describe tone in context Conduct brief research on pelicans to better understand their symbolic value in context ('pelican daughters") Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based, multiple choice quiz covering chapters 19 and 20 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. An alternate short answer version is provided for re-assessment purposes. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following plot elements: 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

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based, multiple choice quiz covering chapters 21, 22, and 23 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. An alternate short answer version is provided for re-assessment purposes. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following plot elements: 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

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based, multiple choice quiz covering chapters 24, 25, and 26 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. An alternate short answer version is provided for re-assessment purposes. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following plot elements: 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

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based, multiple choice quiz covering chapters 29, 30, and 31 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. An alternate short answer version is provided for re-assessment purposes. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following plot elements: 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 close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze chapter 21 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. An answer key is provided. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, these instructional materials save teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. 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 this resource, students will do the following: Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Examine how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Explore cause-and-effect relationships Consider the greater significance of Reverend Sykes’ instructions to Scout

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “The Dinner Party” by Mona Gardner. This assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Setting Narrative techniques The purpose for the gathering The nature of the group’s discussion The colonel’s beliefs about defining characteristics of men (in contrast to women) The sudden appearance of a cobra The hostess’s reaction to the dangerous situation The young boy’s reaction to the dangerous situation Theme

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning with this plot-based quiz covering Gwendolyn Brooks’ short story titled “Home.” The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The length of time the family has lived in their home Mama and Helen’s reaction to the possibility of losing their home Papa’s plan during his lunch break Helen’s personal shame Maud Martha’s emotional state The task Mama will be relieved to stop doing Mama’s daily motto Papa’s nonverbal communication A description of Mama’s eyes The resolution

Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering the fairy tale “Snow White and Rose Red” by the Brothers Grimm. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story 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 states explicitly as well as implicitly Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, invective, onomatopoeia, simile, situational irony, and more Explore 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 and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Willa Cather’s short story titled 'The Sentimentality of William Tavener." The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Character descriptions with emphasis on personality types The type of business the couple runs and its effect on their marriage Interactions between complex characters Details of the couple’s past How sharing memories brings about meaningful change Dynamic character

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Sherwood Anderson’s short story titled “Stolen Day.” The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Point of view The narrator’s comparison of children to actors The narrator’s feelings toward Walter General details about a variety of characters including Sarah Suggett and Mr. Fenn The narrator’s emotional state The narrator’s relationship with his family The workings of the narrator’s imagination The narrator’s extracurricular activities How the father learns of the narrator’s truancy

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Sylvia Townsend Warner’s short story “The Phoenix,” a piece focusing on the theme of humanity’s exploitation of Nature for profit. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with these resources, students will perform the following tasks: Read for literal and interpretive comprehension Apply knowledge of setting, characterization, and conflict Be better prepared to engage in collaborative discussions about literature

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Arthur C. Clarke’s science fiction short story “History Lesson.” A short answer quiz option is also provided for re-assessment purposes. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: The tribe’s fears Hope for survival A reason for the Ice Age The Ice Age’s effect on Venus Shann’s sons and their efforts to save items for future generations The discovery of the preserved items Human accomplishments vs. those of the Venusians Studying the film record Dramatic irony

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Anton Chekhov’s short story “The Bet.” The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Point of view The context of the lawyer and banker’s encounter The lawyer and banker’s respective views on capital punishment The general tone of the conversation The terms of the bet The lawyer’s motivations Items the lawyer is allowed to possess The banker’s carelessness The banker’s willingness to commit a crime The lawyer’s revelation News from the night watchman The resolution

Help high school students analyze how Ray Bradbury used figurative language (personification, onomatopoeia, metaphor, and simile) and direct description to develop a compelling work of science fiction in “There Will Come Soft Rains.” Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, 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.

For many middle and high school readers, realistic and young adult fiction are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “Raymond’s Run” by Toni Cade Bambara is a representative short story that focuses on the relationship between a devoted, young woman and her brother, who happens to have a disability. English Language Arts teachers may administer this multiple choice, plot-based quiz to evaluate general reading comprehension associated with the narrative. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Point of view Hazel’s nickname Setting Raymond’s relation to Hazel Life-limiting circumstances Hazel’s commitment to her passion Gretchen’s general characterization The significance of Mary Louise and Rosie Hazel’s stubbornness and conviction Mr. Pearson’s suggestion Hazel’s mental state just before the race begins Hazel’s observation from the other side of the fence A change in the relationship between Gretchen and Hazel