Save time without sacrificing rigor by utilizing this bundle of analysis worksheets designed to promote close reading skills associated with Fitzgerald’s classic novel The Great Gatsby. A variety of high-order 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. Answer keys are included. 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. Students will be able to do the following: Discern what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern point of view Analyze character motivations Analyze how complex characters interact Clarify cause-and-effect relationships Apply knowledge of a variety of literary devices including situational irony, hyperbole, simile, alliteration, assonance, metaphor, oxymoron, and others Articulate the intended effect of metaphorical language Analyze the author’s craft to determine intent Make logical inferences about how Tom perceives Myrtle Demonstrate awareness of how social status influences behavior Compare Myrtle to the puppy she is gifted Discern a primary function of a given chapter Analyze the effect comparing Gatsby to Belasco has on the reader Infer why the author may have intended to wait to introduce Gatsby until chapter three Analyze what Nick’s dialogue and behavior at the party reveals about his psychological state Define complex words and phrases as they are used in the text Articulate how Nick’s expectations of Gatsby are violated Articulate the cultural significance of the white chauffeur transporting people of color Discern what Nick finds astonishing about Wolfsheim’s behavior Identify the primary function of Wolfsheim’s character in the context of the plot Articulate the technique Fitzgerald uses to spark a significant shift in tone Identify textual evidence that best supports a claim Explore the symbolism of an object or objects Clarify and elaborate on a concern Nick has for Gatsby in a given passage Explore how Tom sees himself in the context of the tragedies of Gatsby, Myrtle, and Wilson Write with clarity and precision

For many middle and high school students, the fairy tale genre helps to maximize interest and engagement with literature. “The Juniper Tree” by the Brothers Grimm is a macabre fairy tale featuring a variety of literary elements including black humor and poetic justice. Included in this bundle are the following: a multiple choice, plot-based quiz; a worksheet composed of rigorous close reading questions; a craft analysis activity; the public domain Grimms’ tale; and answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will: Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Analyze nuances in word definitions in order to select the best synonym in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, and interact with others Apply knowledge of various literary devices including foreshadowing, dramatic irony, allusion, personification, onomatopoeia, black humor, and more Determine the function of a given passage Make logical inferences about the authors’ intent Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching Doris Lessing’s coming-of-age short story “Through the Tunnel.” A plot-based quiz, close reading analysis worksheet, craft analysis exercise, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, word search game, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in printable, editable 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 engaging with these activities, students will: Come to class better prepared to discuss works of fiction Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences Discern the function of a given paragraph Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including simile, metaphor, personification, and oxymoron Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the science fiction short story 'There Will Come Soft Rains" by Ray Bradbury. A plot-based quiz, a close reading worksheet, a craft analysis exercise, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, and answer keys 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 engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Isolate numerous examples of sensory language Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences Discern the intended effects of the author’s narrative techniques Draw parallels to currently existing technologies Consider themes in context Support claims and inferences with relevant textual evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class/leave class better prepared to discuss literature

Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching John Collier’s short story “The Chaser.” A plot-based quiz, a close reading worksheet, a craft analysis exercise, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, and answer keys 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 engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Apply knowledge of satire to the plot Describe tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including euphemism, metaphor, simile, situational irony, and foreshadowing 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