This resource extends beyond text comprehension, helping high school students analyze the formal elements of fiction and respond thoughtfully in writing to questions about fairy tale literature. The featured short story is titled “The Hare and the Hedgehog” by the Brothers Grimm. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story, which has an estimated Lexile measure of 1000-1100, are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Discern the target audience of the narrative Apply knowledge of alliteration, assonance, sibilance, simile, and dramatic irony to the text Discern the meaning of complex phrases in context Discern the tone of a particular excerpt Discern the most accurate characterization of the hedgehog Articulate the consequence of the hare’s stubbornness Compare and contrast the hare and the hedgehog Cite textual evidence to support claims and ideas Write with clarity and precision

Engage a variety of middle and high school students with the incorporation of Grimm’s fairy tales into the classroom. “The Sea Hare” by the Brothers Grimm is a short story about characters who defy expectations in order to achieve personal goals. With this set of high-order questions, teachers will be able to extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills. While the close reading activity upholds academic rigor, the brevity of the narrative helps teachers fill awkward gaps in their teaching schedules. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing editable Word Documents and printable PDFs. By completing this activity, students will perform the following tasks: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Examine how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Evaluate whether the relationship between the princess and the young suitor is healthy or unhealthy Explore aspects of the princess’ characterization that make her sympathetic to the audience Define complex words as they are used in the text Compare and contrast characters (the young suitor and the previous 99) Apply knowledge of literary devices including onomatopoeia, symbolism, foreshadowing, and dramatic irony Explore cause-and-effect relationships 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

Reinforce the standard conventions of academic writing and perform a quick check of students’ knowledge with this grammar worksheet on mains verbs and helping verbs. Students will practice identifying main and helping verbs while navigating the fact that they may be separated by words that are not verbs. Two versions of this activity are provided, including a multiple choice option to expedite the grading process. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats.

Reinforce the standard conventions of academic writing and perform a quick check of students’ knowledge with this grammar worksheet on apostrophe usage. Two versions of this activity are provided, including a multiple choice option to expedite take-home grading. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will demonstrate an ability to: Indicate possession with a singular or plural common noun Indicate possession with a singular or plural proper noun Indicate possession with regular and irregular nouns Indicate possession with singular and plural compound nouns Indicate possession with a last name ending with s Indicate possession with phrases including two names Indicate the omission of letters and form contractions Punctuate possessive adjectives Refrain from inserting apostrophes into personal pronouns And more

Help high school students develop a greater understanding of how the Brothers Grimm used characterization, description, and various literary devices including metaphor and simile to establish a mood in “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” that is consistent with the conventions of fairy tale literature. 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 and copy of the public domain short story are included.

Gothic fiction is a genre that maximizes many high school students’ engagement with literature. “The Beast in the Cave” by H.P. Lovecraft is a Gothic short story featuring an ominous setting, a protagonist with a deteriorating psychological state, a mysterious being, and a twist ending. This multiple choice quiz on “The Beast in the Cave” helps English teachers promote homework accountability, evaluate reading comprehension, and save time at home without sacrificing quality in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Setting The allegedly health-restoring benefits of the setting The narrator’s characterization as conveyed in the exposition The reason for the narrator’s sudden terror The narrator’s method of self-defense A complication the narrator faces An incident that reflects a change in the narrator’s fortunes The physical attributes of the injured creature

Engage a variety of middle and high school students with the incorporation of Grimm’s fairy tales into the classroom. “The Queen Bee” by the Brothers Grimm is a short story about the importance of protecting the vulnerable and the positive effects of performing good deeds for others. With this set of high-order questions, teachers will be able to extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills. While the close reading activity upholds academic rigor, the brevity of the narrative helps teachers fill awkward gaps in their teaching schedules. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing editable Word Documents and printable PDFs. By completing this activity, students will perform the following tasks: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Examine how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Explore how a particular passage contributes to character development Define complex words and phrases as they are used in the text Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on situational irony, foreshadowing, and assonance Articulate a relevant theme 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

Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions on the short story “The Bremen Town Musicians” by the Brothers Grimm. By completing this activity, high school students will demonstrate general plot recall and active engagement with fiction by answering rigorous questions. The narrative has an estimated Lexile measure of 900-1000, making it an appropriate addition to any short story unit at the high school level. An answer key and copy of the public domain text are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. 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. Questions pertain to the following: Identifying what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Analyzing the authors’ craft, paying special attention to diction and how it contributes to the complexity of the text Applying knowledge of literary devices to the text, identifying and explaining examples of simile and situational irony in the text Defining complex words in context, taking into consideration denotative definitions and connotative associations and using reference materials as needed Responding clearly, concisely, and accurately to analytical questioning

Support the development of high school and college close reading skills with this assessment on the satirical short story “The Businessman” by Edgar Allan Poe. A variety of question types facilitates the process of analyzing character motivations, analyzing the author’s craft, citing relevant and compelling textual evidence to support claims, and more. The resource is delivered in Word Doc and PDF formats. An answer key and copy of the public domain text are included. 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. By engaging in this exercise, students will… Articulate what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly Explore cause-and-effect relationships Discern the primary function of a given excerpt Define complex words and phrases in context Analyze how complex characters think, interact, and behave Analyze the author’s use of language and direct characterization Explore nuances in word meanings Make logical inferences about American culture in the context of a given passage Explore character motivations Articulate the situational irony present in a given excerpt Analyze the author’s decision to name his protagonist Peter Profitt Cite textual evidence in support of inferences and claims Write with clarity and precision

Support the development of high school and college close reading skills with this assessment on the modernist short story “The Wind Blows” by Katherine Mansfield. A variety of question types facilitates the process of analyzing character motivations, applying knowledge of literary devices, citing relevant and compelling textual evidence to support claims, and more. The resource is delivered in Word Doc and PDF formats. An answer key and copy of the public domain text are included. 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. By engaging in this exercise, students will… Articulate what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly Identify setting Analyze the symbolism of something seemingly ordinary Analyze how complex characters think, interact, and behave Analyze the dynamic transformation of character(s) Explore cause-and-effect relationships Explore character motivations and intentions Apply knowledge of literary devices including assonance, simile, and imagery Articulate the effect that repetition has on the reader’s understanding of character and plot Define complex words or phrases in context Analyze nuances in word meanings Conduct brief research on the author’s life and articulate several autobiographical parallels Cite textual evidence in support of inferences and claims Write with clarity and precision

Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze chapter 29 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 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 chapter, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with access to the novel. By engaging in this exercise, students will: Apply knowledge of various literary devices to passages in the text (idiom, metaphor, personification, assonance) Discern the meaning of a given word or phrase Discern a character’s intent Analyze Boo Radley’s physical characteristics to articulate the author’s intent Analyze the author’s craft Write with clarity and precision

Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze chapter 31 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 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. By engaging in this exercise, students will: Discern the tone of a character’s remarks Use context to determine the symbolism of a tree in context Apply knowledge of various literary devices to passages in the text (personification) Discern a character’s intent Discern the author’s intent Cite evidence to support the claim that Scout’s world perspective has matured Analyze the author’s craft Make a logical inference about why Alexandra would be proud of Scout Write with clarity and precision Copyright restrictions prohibit the inclusion of the complete chapter, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with access to the novel.

Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze chapter 26 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 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 chapter, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with access to the novel. By engaging in this exercise, students will: Apply knowledge of various literary devices to passages in the text Discern the intended effect of figurative language Articulate the significance of Atticus’s re-election Discern the most accurate paraphrasing of a detail in a given passage Analyze how complex characters interact Discern author’s intent Analyze the text from an historical context Discern the tone of a given passage.

Help high school students extend beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this set of rigorous, text-dependent questions on the science fiction short story “The Fog Horn” by Ray Bradbury. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging in this exercise, students will… Articulate what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly Identify several examples of personification and/or anthropomorphism in the narrative Identify several textual details that contribute to a sense of isolation Discern the intended meaning of figurative language Discern the function of a given excerpt Apply knowledge of sonic literary devices including consonance and assonance Analyze the author’s craft Identify stylistic changes in a given excerpt Articulate the intended effect of stylistic changes in a given excerpt Analyze relationships between complex characters Articulate how a given detail is an example of foreshadowing Make logical inferences about character motivations Cite textual evidence in support of inferences and claims Write with clarity and precision

Help high school students analyze how Langston Hughes used direct description, dialect, and various literary devices to develop complex characters and situations in “Thank You, Ma’am.” 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.

Help high school students develop a greater understanding of how H.P. Lovecraft used descriptive language, auditory imagery, characterization, and various literary techniques in “The Beast in the Cave” to establish an eerie mood consistent with the Gothic fiction genre. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, this resource serves well as 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 and copy of the public domain short story are included.

Help high school students develop a greater understanding of how Hans Christian Andersen used descriptive language, characterization, figurative language, and other literary devices to establish a fairy tale atmosphere and empathetic protagonist in “The Little Mermaid.” 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 and copy of the public domain short story are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats.

Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Hamlet. With a focus on Act 4, scene 5, this resource saves teachers valuable time without sacrificing academic rigor. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable PDFs and Word Documents. 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. More specifically, students will do the following: Discern what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Determine the function of a given passage Analyze character statements and behaviors to draw logical inferences about character development and motivations Discern the tone of a given passage Apply knowledge of literary devices to the text Analyze complex vocabulary and phrasing in context to determine meaning and intended effect Locate textual evidence in support of claims Compare and contrast Hamlet and Ophelia Compare and contrast Hamlet and Laertes Articulate ideas with clarity and precision

Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Hamlet. With a focus on Act 4, scene 6, this resource saves teachers valuable time without sacrificing academic rigor. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable PDFs and Word Documents. 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. More specifically, students will do the following: Discern what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Analyze character statements and behaviors to draw logical inferences about character development and motivations Analyze how characters interact Determine the primary purpose of Hamlet’s letter to Horatio Apply knowledge of literary devices to the text Analyze complex vocabulary and phrasing in context to determine meaning and intended effect

Promote active engagement with fiction and evaluate general reading comprehension with this multiple choice quiz on the satirical science fiction short story titled “Lose Now, Pay Later” by Carol Farley. A short answer option is also included, as are answer keys. All materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Setting The narrator’s assessment of her brother The name of a deliciously sweet treat The protagonist’s initial reaction to the discovery of a new mall business The message conveyed on the store’s largest sign The mall directors’ feelings toward the new establishment The name of a new feature in the mall parking lot The function of a new feature in the mall parking lot How the power of the new feature is regulated The protagonist’s emotional reaction prior to using the new feature Trinja’s immediate reaction to witnessing the new feature in action The physical effects of the new feature The general characterization of the woman who operates the new feature The brother’s theory about the machines