Promote homework accountability and measure general reading comprehension with this quiz on Act 5 of Hamlet by William Shakespeare. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The nature of the gravediggers’ conversation Hamlet’s reaction to the gravediggers’ behaviors Hamlet’s similarities to the gravediggers The nature of Hamlet’s conversation with the gravediggers A former jester named Yorick The church’s perspective on people who commit suicide Laertes’ emotional response to Ophelia’s burial Hamlet’s discovery of the plot to have him killed Hamlet’s feelings toward Laertes Hamlet’s duel with Laertes Hamlet’s assessment of his physical strength in comparison to Laertes The nature of Gertrude’s death Hamlet’s belief regarding who should be the new King of Denmark

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 3, 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 will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking. More specifically, students will be able to: Identify what Claudius compares Hamlet to Consider plot developments from Claudius’s point of view Identify why it is important for Claudius to give the illusion of careful consideration when banishing Hamlet Identify textual evidence that supports Claudius’s judgment that Hamlet is going insane Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Verify interpretations of words and phrases using reference materials such as a dictionary or thesaurus Identify Hamlet’s justification for calling Claudius his mother Make a logical inference about Hamlet’s thinking based on dialogue Discern the tone of a given passage Consider plot developments from Hamlet’s point of view Identify Hamlet’s intent based on his interactions with Claudius in this scene Identify and explain an example of dramatic irony in this scene Apply knowledge of literary devices including simile Write with clarity and precision

Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this set of rigorous questions about Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Focusing on Act 1, scene 2, this resource is delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. An answer key is included. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Determine the function of a particular excerpt Conduct brief research on classical mythology — more specifically the tale of Arion and the dolphin — and draw parallels between the mythological figure and Sebastian Consider the text’s allusion to Elysium to infer greater meaning Discern the tone of a character’s dialogue Come to class/depart class better prepared to discuss literary material Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this set of rigorous questions about Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Focusing on Act 1, scene 3, this resource is delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. An answer key is included. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Discern tone in context Identify the greater significance of a given detail Apply knowledge of literary devices including hyperbole and simile Explore cause-and-effect relationships Identify a function of the scene

Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this set of rigorous questions about Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Focusing on Act 1, scene 4, this resource is delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. An answer key is included. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Apply knowledge of figurative language Discern the significance of a given detail Explore cause-and-effect relationships Identify excerpts in support of claims Isolate a factual detail about plot from falsehoods Come to class/leave class better prepared to discuss literary material

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 2, 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 will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking. More specifically, students will be able to: Discern the tone of a given passage Identify the meaning of a particular line Identify an example of metaphor and explain its intended meaning Analyze Hamlet’s dialogue to discern and articulate how he portrays Rosencrantz and Guildenstern as less than human Cite textual evidence in support of the claim that Hamlet shows disrespect toward the king Analyze the author’s craft to discern what effect is created by presenting several consecutive brief scenes Isolate a factual statement about plot development from falsehoods

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning responsibilities with this multiple choice quiz covering Act 2 of Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Why Leonato teases Beatrice Beatrice’s dance partner Beatrice’s treatment of her dance partner Borachio and Don John’s deception Benedick’s self-reflection Don Pedro’s promise to find Beatrice a husband Hero’s chambermaid The nature of Borachio’s interaction with Margaret A plan to misrepresent Hero Benedick’s assumptions about his future Balthasar’s actions The deception of Benedick Benedick’s promise to love Beatrice

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning responsibilities with this multiple choice quiz covering Act 1 of Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The news Leonato receives Beatrice’s relation to Leonato Claudio’s romantic interest Don Pedro’s offer to Claudio Hero’s relation to Leonato Don John’s relation to Don Pedro Conrade’s interactions with Don John The quality Don John values most Borachio’s discovery and the method by which he made it The cause of Don John’s bitterness toward Don Pedro

Help high school students extend beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 1, scene 5, of Hamlet by William Shakespeare. 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. 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. More specifically, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Discern the intended effect of Shakespearean language in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including euphemism, simile, personification, and hyperbole Conduct brief research to answer a question connecting the drama to aspects of Greek mythology Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 2, scene 5, of Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare. 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. 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. With this close reading activity, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Analyze the author’s craft Explore cause-and-effect relationships Identify the function of Maria’s letter Examine how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, allusion, consonance, oxymoron, and dramatic irony

Help high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 2, scene 4, of Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare. 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. 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. With this close reading activity, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Analyze figurative language to determine its effect on the reader Discern tone in context Examine how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Choose the best textual evidence in support of a claim Apply knowledge of various literary devices including allusion, oxymoron, simile, hyperbole, and ambiguity

Help high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 4, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s King Lear. 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. 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 this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Examine cause-and-effect relationships Describe tone in context Determine the functions of Edgar’s asides in the scene Verify interpretations of language using reference materials Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 4, scene 4, of William Shakespeare’s King Lear. 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. 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 this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the intended effect of Shakespeare’s narrative techniques Explore cause-and-effect relationships Consider the symbolism of weeds in context Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Determine the function of the scene Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 3, scene 4, of William Shakespeare’s King Lear. 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. 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 this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words/phrases as they are used in the text Verify interpretations of language using reference materials Explore the intended effects of Shakespeare’s narrative techniques Describe tone in context Conduct brief research on pelicans to better understand their symbolic value in context ('pelican daughters") Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 2 of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with Shakespeare’s drama. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The role of Lucius How Brutus rationalizes murdering Caesar How Brutus feels about his men taking an oath Individuals not permitted into the group The nature of Antony’s relationship with Caesar Portia’s concern for her husband How Brutus’s secrecy affects Portia Ligarius’s loyalty Calpurnia’s nightmares Ominous occurrences that foreshadow tragic events Decius’s influence on Caesar The purpose of Artemidorus’s letter Information from the Soothsayer Portia’s grievances

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 1 of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with Shakespeare’s drama. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Setting The motivation of a crowd Marullus’s perception of Caesar A coinciding event Flavius’s perception of Caesar Cassius’s fear The actions of a Soothsayer Cassius’s efforts to diminish Caesar Caesar’s medical condition Cassius’s plan to manipulate Brutus Casca’s fear Cinna’s role in a conspiracy

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 3 of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with Shakespeare’s drama. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Caesar’s decision involving Artemidorus’s letter Why Cassius fears the conspiracy has fallen apart before Caesar speaks Cassius’s extreme reaction to his fear Brutus’s motivation for kissing Caesar’s hand Caesar’s self image Brutus’s motivation for having Antony brought to him Antony’s apology to Caesar’s corpse Antony’s ominous prediction for the region The basis on which Brutus asks the public to trust him How Antony manipulates the public into distrusting Brutus The reading of Caesar’s will

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 2 of William Shakespeare’s King Lear. The assessment may otherwise double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active reading experiences and subsequent class discussions. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Edmund’s newest methods of compromising Edgar’s reputation A physical confrontation and its instigator’s punishment Gloucester’s reluctance to offer help Edgar’s decision to assume a new identity King Lear’s reaction to Kent’s punishment King Lear’s efforts to seek clarification on what led to Kent’s situation An argument among father and daughters King Lear’s isolation

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 4, scene 6, of William Shakespeare’s King Lear. An answer key is included. 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 completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including imagery, metaphor, and paradox Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 3 of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with Shakespearean drama. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Banquo’s suspicions A feast to honor Macbeth Macbeth’s newest murderous plan Lady Macbeth’s ironic reaction to her newfound power Macbeth’s psychological state Macbeth’s desire to spare his wife additional guilt How Macbeth’s murderous plan is a failure The appearance of Banquo’s ghost Macbeth’s reason for visiting the witches Why Hecate is upset A plan to thwart Macbeth