"The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry Quiz, Close Reading, and Vocab Games Bundle

Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching O. Henry’s Christmas-themed short story “The Gift of the Magi.” A plot-based quiz, close reading analysis worksheet, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, word search game, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. 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
• Explore how the author’s narrative techniques shape the readers’ understanding of the story
• Consider tone in context
• Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
• Apply knowledge of various literary devices including onomatopoeia, hyperbole, foreshadowing, paradox, and eye dialect
• Isolate examples of sexist stereotypes throughout the story
• Argue whether the author’s stylistic choice to capitalize a common noun (Combs) is acceptable
• Conduct brief online research in order to answer questions as needed
• Choose a relevant theme in the context of a given excerpt
• Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
• Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision