For many high school readers, fairy tales and fantasy fiction are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “The Buckwheat” by Hans Christian Andersen is a cautionary tale about a young buckwheat whose pride becomes his tragic downfall. With this editable quiz on “The Buckwheat,” English teachers will promote homework accountability and evaluate reading comprehension. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The narrator’s stated purpose for the narrative The description of a willow tree The personality trait associated with the buckwheat The buckwheat’s treatment of the willow tree How the buckwheat exhibits defiance The antagonist of the narrative The willow tree’s reaction to the buckwheat’s fate The sparrow’s compassionate nature

Save time and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on “The Godfather,” a short story by the Brothers Grimm. Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this multiple choice assessment makes it easier to quickly and efficiently gather data on student recall and reading habits. An answer key and a copy of the public domain narrative are provided. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: The cause of the poor man’s poverty The reason the protagonist approaches a stranger The stranger’s gift to the protagonist The protagonist’s new ability The appearance of a particular mythical figure The reason the protagonist decides to visit the stranger Strange encounters at the stranger’s residence Physical traits of the stranger The nature of the conversation between the protagonist and the stranger The resolution

For many high school readers, age-appropriate fantasy and fairy tale fiction are genres that maximize engagement with literature. With this multiple choice, plot-based assessment on “Hansel and Gretel” by the Brothers Grimm, English teachers will promote homework accountability, measure general reading comprehension, and save valuable time without sacrificing quality in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following plot elements: The problem facing Hansel and Gretel’s family The stepmother’s solution to the family’s problem Hansel’s strategic thinking and resourcefulness A key instance of dramatic irony Hansel and Gretel’s encounter with the white bird The discovery of an old witch’s house A supernatural quality associated with witches Gretel’s duty according to the old witch Gretel’s strategic thinking The resolution

Promote active engagement with ironic fiction and evaluate general reading comprehension with this multiple choice quiz on the short story “After Twenty Years” by O. Henry. An answer key is included. All materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Point of view The location where a promise was made twenty years previously How the location has changed in the present day The ambiguity surrounding Bob’s wealth How Bob views his relationship with Jimmy Aspects of Bob’s physical appearance Aspects of Jimmy’s physical appearance The actions of the Chicago police department Details pertaining to the arrest of Bob The content of Jimmy’s letter

Gothic fantasy and horror are genres that maximize many high school students’ engagement with literature. “The Cats of Ulthar” by H.P. Lovecraft is a macabre short story featuring savage neighbors, an avenging curse, and flesh-eating felines—making it an especially chilling choice for the Halloween season. This multiple choice quiz on “The Cats of Ulthar” 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: The narrator’s perception of cats The longtime existence of cats The old couple’s terrible reputation The community’s general disposition toward the couple The paintings on the travelers’ caravan The characterization of Menes The sudden disappearance of the cats A change in the cats’ physical appearance upon their return The fate of the old couple Peculiar discoveries inside the old couple’s house A change in the law

Save time and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on “A Mild Attack of Locusts,” a short story by Doris Lessing. Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this multiple choice assessment makes it easier to quickly and efficiently gather data on student recall and reading habits. An answer key is provided. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Richard’s relation to Margaret Stephen’s relation to Margaret Margaret’s personal background Socioeconomics The frequency with which locusts appear Methods used to combat the locusts The threat posed by female locusts Margaret’s concern for Stephen An act of Stephen’s that temporarily lifts Margaret’s spirits Margaret’s imagination Topics of discussion between Richard and Stephen Stephen’s past experiences with locust swarms Margaret’s self-perception

Save time, support improved reading stamina, and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on “The Bremen Town Musicians,” a short story by the Brothers Grimm. Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this multiple choice assessment makes it easier to quickly and efficiently gather data on student recall and reading habits. An answer key and a copy of the public domain fairy tale are provided. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: The reason the donkey leaves the mill The reason a master wants to kill a hound The means by which a mistress wants to kill her cat The donkey and rooster’s roles in their band The rooster’s observations The occupants of a house The methods by which the animals drive away the robbers The reason the cat scratches at a human’s face The assailed human’s irrational thinking The length of time the animals live in the house

Save time and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on “Astronomer’s Wife,” a short story by Kay Boyle. Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this multiple choice assessment makes it easier to quickly and efficiently gather data on student recall and reading habits. An answer key is provided. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Point of view The general behavior of Mrs. Ames in the exposition Mrs. Ames’ evaluation of her marriage Mr. Ames’ general attitude toward his wife Mr. Ames’ personal and professional interests The nature of the interaction between Mrs. Ames and a plumber The aspects of the plumber to which Mrs. Ames pays much attention The nature of the plumber’s dialogue

Save time, support improved reading stamina, and measure general reading comprehension with this set of printable quizzes on “Gwilan’s Harp,” a short story by Ursula K. Le Guin. Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, these assessments make it easier to quickly and efficiently gather data on student recall and reading habits. Multiple choice and short answer versions are included, as well as answer keys. By engaging with these materials, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: The acquisition of the harp and Gwilan’s talent for playing it The harp’s personal significance to Gwilan Tom and Gwilan’s travels Damage to the harp What made it possible for Gwilan to play the harp again Gwilan’s physical condition and the consequences A new instrument to be utilized The reason for Gwilan’s decision to use this instrument

Save time, support improved reading stamina, and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on “Barbie-Q,” a short story by Sandra Cisneros. Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this multiple choice assessment makes it easier to quickly and efficiently gather data on student recall and reading habits. An answer key is provided. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Point of view The nature of the interactions between the narrator and her friend The general characterization of the narrator The reason for the dolls’ flaws How the girls unexpectedly came into possession of extra toys The means by which the girls typically acquired clothes for their dolls The socioeconomic status of the girls’ families The girls’ feelings toward the flawed toys The narrator’s implications to conclude the narrative

Save time and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on “A Hunger Artist,” a short story by Franz Kafka. Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this multiple choice assessment makes it easier to quickly and efficiently gather data on student recall and reading habits. An answer key is provided. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Point of view The length of time the artist is known to fast The location of the artist’s performances The task of the local butchers The artist’s self-criticism The artist’s feelings toward the public The waning popularity of the artist’s work The most important quality of the artist’s work from his perspective A humiliating turn of events for the artist The reason the artist finds it easy to fast The artist’s replacement following his death

For many high school readers, realistic, historical, and young adult fiction are genres that maximize relatability and engagement with literature. “Blues Ain’t No Mockin Bird” by Toni Cade Bambara is a short story focusing on a Black family whose ways of life are being infringed upon by opportunistic, politically motivated filmmakers. English Language Arts teachers may administer this editable assessment to promote homework accountability and evaluate students’ reading comprehension. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Point of view Setting Characterization in the exposition Cathy’s relation to the narrator The upcoming holiday The content of two filmmakers’ work Granny’s perception of her husband Granddaddy’s manner of approaching the filmmakers The outcome of Granddaddy’s interaction with the filmmakers

Eliminate take-home assessment planning responsibilities, evaluate general reading comprehension, and promote homework accountability with this multiple choice quiz covering “Dr. Heidegger’s Experiment” by Nathaniel Hawthorne. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing editable Word Documents and printable PDFs. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The subject of a portrait The personal histories of the doctor’s guests The reason for the acquaintances’ visit Dr. Heidegger’s claims and his guests’ immediate reactions The object the doctor uses to prove a point The doctor’s general characterization The effects of the doctor’s experiment The resolution

For many reluctant readers, science fiction helps to maximize student engagement. “Harrison Bergeron” by Kurt Vonnegut is a satirical, cautionary short story about governmental efforts to enforce equality on all citizens. This plot-based quiz covering the short story helps English teachers promote homework accountability and evaluate general reading comprehension—while eliminating take-home assessment planning responsibilities. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing editable Word Documents and printable PDFs. By completing this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Harrison’s physical characteristics Setting The reason for Harrison’s arrest The purpose of the law regarding mandated handicaps Hazel’s general characterization George’s specific handicap Breaking news Harrison’s defiant behavior Hazel’s reaction to her son’s death

Promote active engagement with humorous fiction, reinforce understanding of situational irony, and evaluate general reading comprehension with this multiple choice quiz on the short story “The Cop and the Anthem” by O. Henry. An answer key is included. All materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Setting The protagonist’s living circumstances The onset of a particular season The function of newspapers in the context of the protagonist’s life The protagonist’s motivations The protagonist’s attempts to achieve his goals The prevalence of situational irony Factors contributing to dynamic character The fate of the protagonist as the story resolves

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 humorous short story “The Cop and the Anthem” by O. Henry. 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 activity, students will: Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Analyze how complex characters interact and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion, juxtaposition, and situational irony Isolate a phrase that features an example of figurative language Analyze character actions to make logical inferences Determine the function of a particular passage Make an inference about the author’s point of view Articulate the significance of a given detail Cite textual evidence in support of claims Write with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions for The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. Covering chapters 18 through 23, this worksheet saves teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable Word Documents and PDFs. 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 do not allow for novel content to be included, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with the text. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Explore the author’s use of figurative language Analyze how complex characters develop and interact Articulate the irony associated with the relationship between Offred and her mother Explore character motivations Discern the function of a particular detail in context Analyze differences and nuances in word meanings Analyze how theme is developed and reinforced Write about literature with clarity and precision Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims Make a defend a claim about whether Offred is a reliable narrator

Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions for The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. Covering chapters 24 through 27, this worksheet saves teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable Word Documents and PDFs. 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 do not allow for novel content to be included, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with the text. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Explain the intended effect of figurative language as it is used in context Isolate a false statement about plot among a set of true statements Articulate the flaw in a character’s logic Analyze how complex characters develop and interact Explore character motivations Discern the function of a given chapter Analyze differences and nuances in word meanings Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, pun, and dramatic irony Write about literature with clarity and precision Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims

Help high school students extend beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering chapter 3 of Animal Farm by George Orwell. 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. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define complex words as they are used in the text Analyze dialogue to make logical inferences Analyze character actions and motivations Determine which character is likeliest to challenge leadership and take interest in the world outside of Animal Farm Make logical inferences about the author’s beliefs based on details from chapter three Explore the purposes of a given passage Articulate the purposes of slogans and mottos Articulate why the pigs in particular would favor the incorporation of slogans and mottos into Animal Farm’s culture Write about literature with clarity and precision Justify written responses with reasoning and/or textual evidence

Evaluate reading comprehension, promote homework accountability, and save valuable time with this printable quiz on the science fiction short story titled “Who’s There?” by Arthur C. Clarke. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The reason the narrator leaves the space station The name of the narrator’s work space The significance of the acronym FORB The name of the cat The cost of a day’s delay in work The greatest enemy in space Qualities associated with the narrator’s spacesuit The function of the internal lockers General character description of Bernie Summers The narrator’s fear-induced ponderings The resolution