Help middle and high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet covering the classic Grimm’s fairy tale “The Wolf and the Fox,” a cautionary story about the consequences of impulsiveness. The brevity of the narrative also helps to fill awkward gaps in the teaching schedule, while the supporting activity upholds rigor in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the short story are included. 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. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed Discern the intended effect of word choices in context Determine the function of a given excerpt Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare and contrast the two primary characters Apply knowledge of literary devices with an emphasis on situational irony Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about fairy tale fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Sandra Cisneros’ Christmas-themed short story titled “Three Wise Guys: Un Cuento de Navidad.” 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 aspects of plot: The givers of a gift The occasion for a gift The active imaginations of a family and their neighbors When the mother wants her family to open the box The family’s socioeconomic conditions The revelation of the gift Ruben’s reaction to the gift

Facilitate research on thirty topics related to The House on Mango Street and its author, Sandra Cisneros, with this low-prep, standards-based activity. Students will navigate informational texts about historically significant women (Elvia Carillo Puerto, Adelina Zendejas, Lydia Cacho, and more), landmark events (Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, Equal Rights Amendment, and more), social justice organizations (American Civil Liberties Union, League of Women Voters, Hispanic Heritage Foundation, and more), Chicana authors (Gloria Evangelina Anzaldúa, Denise Chávez, Michele Serros, and more), and opportunities for writers (Hispanic Scholarship Fund, National Endowment for the Arts, and more). After compiling relevant details, the process culminates in the delivery of a formal presentation. A detailed scoring rubric is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Ultimately, students will perform the following tasks: Articulate connections between a research topic and the assigned text Conduct research using available resources Collect and classify reliable sources Develop successful methods of recording information Evaluate the credibility of nonfiction texts, taking into consideration readability, date, relevance, expertise, and bias Apply conventions of MLA formatting Correctly site resources to avoid plagiarism Organize information in a cohesive manner, using a note-taking system that includes summary, paraphrasing, and quoted material Analyze, synthesize, and integrate information, generating a thoughtfully comprehensive report, free of generalities and redundancies Present information in a formal, coherent manner

Engage middle and high school students with a classic example of adventure fiction, “To Build a Fire” by Jack London, and use this set of rigorous questions to promote close reading analysis skills. A variety of question types facilitates the process of analyzing character motivations, examining how word choices influence a reader’s interpretations, applying knowledge of literary devices, and articulating ideas in writing with clarity and precision. 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 close reading activity, students will: Define unfamiliar and challenging vocabulary in context Explore the author’s narrative techniques such as increasing the frequency of shorter, choppier sentences as the narrative reaches its climax Determine author’s intent in writing that the protagonist’s limitation is that he is without imagination Identify the protagonist’s motivation in continuing despite extremely harsh conditions Draw logical inferences based on the fact that the dog “knew it was no time for traveling” and “its instinct told it a truer tale than was told to the man by the man’s judgment” Apply knowledge of literary devices including symbolism and simile Locate textual evidence in support of claims associated with the protagonist’s self-awareness Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

For many high school students, humorous fiction, tall tales, and satire are types of literature that maximize interest and engagement. “The Devil and Daniel Webster” by Stephen Vincent Benet is a representative short story with great literary and academic merit. With this multiple choice assessment, English Language Arts teachers will be able to evaluate general reading comprehension and hold learners accountable for completing assigned work. 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 quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Daniel Webster’s background Jabez Stone’s unfortunate circumstances The stranger’s dubious intentions Jabez Stone as a dynamic character The stranger’s handkerchief A compromise in the bargain Trial representation The make-up of the jury The trial as a trap Winning over the jury The trial’s outcome Resolution

Help high school students develop a greater understanding of how Stephen Vincent Benet used hyperbole, simile, metaphor, and other literary devices to convey an exaggerated narrative in “The Devil and Daniel Webster” that is consistent with the supernatural fiction and tall tales. Delivered in both 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.

Fairy tales are not just for elementary students; even high school readers can use (and enjoy) fairy tales as a tool for practicing close reading analysis skills. This worksheet composed of rigorous questions covers “Sleeping Beauty” by the Brothers Grimm. With an estimated Lexile Measure range of 1200-1300, the short story is suitable for both middle and high school students. The briefness of the narrative also makes it an appropriate time-filler for awkward gaps in teaching schedules. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will: Articulate what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly Apply knowledge of literary devices including anthropomorphism, symbolism, foreshadowing, and more Identify the story’s inciting incident Analyze the author’s craft Explore relationships between complex characters Define complex words in context Articulate conventions of the fairy tale genre Cite textual evidence in support of inferences and claims Write with clarity and precision

For many high school students, humorous fiction, tall tales, and satire are types of literature that maximize interest and engagement. “The Devil and Daniel Webster” by Stephen Vincent Benet is a representative short story with great literary and academic merit. With this set of rigorous questions to complement the reading of “The Devil and Daniel Webster,” English Language Arts teachers will help students exercise close reading analysis skills. 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 exercise, students will: Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Apply knowledge of literary devices including hyperbole, metaphor, simile, allusion, and onomatopoeia Discern the intended effect of the author’s word choices Analyze a given detail to discern what it foreshadows Identify several textual details in support of the claim that the stranger is the devil Explain the complication that threatens to derail the trial for both Daniel Webster and Jabez Stone Articulate how Daniel Webster overcomes the aforementioned complication Identify several details that convey Daniel Webster’s personal strength. Write with clarity and precision

Fairy tales are not just for elementary students; even high school readers can use (and enjoy) fairy tales as a tool for measuring general reading comprehension. This multiple choice quiz covers “Sleeping Beauty” by the Brothers Grimm. With an estimated Lexile Measure range of 1200-1300, the short story is suitable for both middle and high school students. The briefness of the narrative also makes it an appropriate time-filler for awkward gaps in teaching schedules. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: A frog’s prophecy The reason for a feast The reason for inviting the Wise Women The reason one of the Wise Women was not invited An angry proclamation A princess’ discovery in the tower Supernatural events affecting people and animals in the vicinity of the castle Supernatural events affecting the castle itself The efforts of princes to locate Briar Rose The resolution

Help high school students develop a greater understanding of how the Brothers Grimm used characterization, description, and various literary devices including hubris and symbolism to establish a mood in “Sleeping Beauty” that is consistent with the conventions of fairy tale writing. 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.

Engage middle and high school students with a classic example of adventure fiction, “To Build a Fire” by Jack London, and use this assessment to promote homework accountability and evaluate general reading comprehension. An answer key is included, as well as a copy of the public domain short story. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By taking this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The protagonist’s arrogance The old timer’s disregarded advice The protagonist’s husky companion The lack of understanding of the severe climate The omnipresent dangers of the setting The building of the fires The protagonist’s lack of imagination and its consequences The protagonist’s alarming thought concerning the husky The protagonist’s realization before his demise

Evaluate reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering chapter three of Animal Farm by George Orwell. Alternatively, the quiz may serve as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate more focused 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 horses’ skills Boxer’s slogan The characterization of Benjamin An object of great significance The interaction between the cat and the sparrow The contentious nature of the relationship between Napoleon and Snowball Snowball’s decision regarding the seven commandments Napoleon’s perspective on education The pigs’ justification for inequity benefitting them Intimidation tactics

Evaluate reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering chapter one of Animal Farm by George Orwell. Alternatively, the quiz may serve as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate more focused engagement with literature. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Setting The consequences of Mr. Jones’ alcoholism Old Major’s species The reason for Old Major’s oration Old Major’s assessment of England’s climate The “only real enemy” Old Major believes animals have An essential claim made by Old Major An issue on which animals vote Old Major’s commandments “Beasts of England” Mr. Jones’ reaction to thinking there is a fox on his property

Evaluate reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering chapter two of Animal Farm by George Orwell. Alternatively, the quiz may serve as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate more focused 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 animal who was absent from Old Major’s speech The fate of Old Major The significance of Napoleon and Snowball The Commandments of Animalism Moses’ statements on what happens after an animal dies Why Moses is disliked by the other animals Mollie’s conflict The most loyal disciples of Animalism The cause of Mr. Jones’ worsening emotional state Details about the Revolution The passing of a resolution Snowball’s instructions to the animals at the end of the chapter

Evaluate reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering chapter four of Animal Farm by George Orwell. Alternatively, the quiz may serve as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate more focused 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 important role of the pigeons The characterization of Pilkington and Frederick The nature of the relationship between Pilkington and Frederick A rumor circulating around Animal Farm Snowball’s research Injured animals Boxer’s terrible concern An animal who goes missing The name of the battle that transpired The identity of an animal killed in battle

Evaluate reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering chapter five of Animal Farm by George Orwell. Alternatively, the quiz may serve as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate more focused engagement with literature. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Mollie’s life-changing decision Napoleon’s strategies for disrupting Snowball’s speeches The growing rift between Snowball and Napoleon Napoleon’s priorities Napoleon’s treatment of Snowball’s drawn-up plans A dangerous incident that precedes Snowball’s departure Napoleon’s big decision about community meetings Intimidation tactics Squealer’s accusations Boxer’s new motto Details concerning Sunday ceremonies Napoleon’s surprise announcement

Evaluate reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering chapter seven of Animal Farm by George Orwell. Alternatively, the quiz may serve as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate more focused 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 humans’ belief about the fate of the windmill Napoleon’s dynamic character The deaths of nine hens Squealer’s allegations Napoleon’s lies Immoral tactics used against the animals Boxer’s reaction to the animal-on-animal violence Clover’s reaction to the animal-on-animal violence The decision related to the anthem “Beasts of England”

Evaluate reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering chapter ten of Animal Farm by George Orwell. Alternatively, the quiz may serve as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate more focused engagement with literature. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Working conditions and general quality of life The elimination of once common aspects of Animal Farm A new slogan at Animal Farm Physical changes to the pigs The farm’s name change The reason humans return to the farm The single remaining commandment The nature of the interaction between pigs and humans A conflict between Napoleon and Pilkington The working animals’ observation of the interaction between pigs and humans