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Inquiring Mind of the English Teacher Kind

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With a decade of teaching experience, I specialize in developing student-centered ELA activities and unit plans that foster creativity and critical thinking. My resources have been tried and tested in more than 74,000 classrooms worldwide since 2013.

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With a decade of teaching experience, I specialize in developing student-centered ELA activities and unit plans that foster creativity and critical thinking. My resources have been tried and tested in more than 74,000 classrooms worldwide since 2013.
Othello Act 3 Scene 3 Close Reading Worksheet
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Othello Act 3 Scene 3 Close Reading Worksheet

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Help learners go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 3, scene 3, of William Shakespeare’s Othello. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Utilize dictionaries to ensure knowledge of word meanings Infer the intended effects of Shakespeare’s word choices and dramatic techniques Describe tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including dramatic irony, verbal irony, situational irony, and metaphor Support ideas and claims with relevant textual evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss works of Shakespeare
Othello Act 1 Scene 3 Close Reading Worksheet
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Othello Act 1 Scene 3 Close Reading Worksheet

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Help learners go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 1, scene 3, of William Shakespeare’s Othello. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Utilize dictionaries to ensure knowledge of word meanings Infer the intended effects of Shakespeare’s word choices and dramatic techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Discern the tone of a character’s remarks Identify textual evidence in support of claims Come to class better prepared to discuss works of Shakespeare
The Tempest Act 2 Scene 2 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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The Tempest Act 2 Scene 2 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 2, scene 2, of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Describe tone in context Determine the function of a given excerpt Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare two characters (Antonio and Sebastian) Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony 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
Dracula Chapter 4 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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Dracula Chapter 4 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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Go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet to complement chapter 4 of Dracula by Bram Stoker. An answer key and copy of the chapter, which is in the public domain, 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 completing this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text says explicitly and implicitly Discern the intended effect of figurative language in context Consider the greater significance of given details Discern the primary function of a particular journal entry Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on epiphany, situational irony, personification, alliteration, and diacope Conduct brief research on gypsies in order to to explain why Harker believes they may be helpful to him Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Gothic literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Hamlet Act 2 Scene 2 Close Reading Worksheet
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Hamlet Act 2 Scene 2 Close Reading Worksheet

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Help high school students go beyond basic comprehension, explore literary devices, and improve critical thinking skills with this close reading inference worksheet covering the soliloquy in Act 2, scene 2, of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Consider using this resource as an in-class group activity; it may facilitate deeper conversations about characters, plot developments, and literary craft. By engaging with this close reading analysis activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings as needed Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Discern tone in context Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Romeo and Juliet Act 2 Scene 1 Close Reading Worksheet
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Romeo and Juliet Act 2 Scene 1 Close Reading Worksheet

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Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 2, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word and phrase meanings Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Choose the best textual evidence in support of a claim Apply knowledge of figurative language and dramatic irony Support inferences or claims with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works
The Handmaid's Tale Chapters 6-11 Close Reading Worksheet
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The Handmaid's Tale Chapters 6-11 Close Reading Worksheet

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Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions for The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. With questions covering chapters 6 through 11, 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 character motivations Analyze how complex characters develop and interact Explore the significance of a given detail Determine the most prevalent theme in a given chapter Discern the function of a particular chapter Explore cause-and-effect relationships Analyze differences and nuances in word meanings Apply knowledge of literary devices such as metaphor Explore the author’s intent Articulate the intended effect of a figurative expression Write about literature with clarity and precision
Othello Act 5 Scene 2 Close Reading Worksheet
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Othello Act 5 Scene 2 Close Reading Worksheet

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Help learners go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 5, scene 2, of William Shakespeare’s Othello. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Utilize dictionaries to ensure knowledge of word meanings Infer the intended effects of Shakespeare’s word choices and dramatic techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including internal conflict, allusion, epiphany, assonance, and double denotation Support ideas and claims with relevant textual evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss works of Shakespeare
Animal Farm Chapter 3 Close Reading Inference Worksheet
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Animal Farm Chapter 3 Close Reading Inference Worksheet

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Help students go beyond general comprehension and develop critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading inference worksheet covering chapter 3 of Animal Farm by George Orwell. The variety of question types may also help prepare learners for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings as needed Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Discern the function of a given passage Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Determine which character is likeliest to challenge leadership and take interest in the world outside of Animal Farm Articulate why the pigs in particular would favor the incorporation of slogans and mottos into Animal Farm’s culture Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
"Lamb to the Slaughter" by Roald Dahl Close Reading Worksheet
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"Lamb to the Slaughter" by Roald Dahl Close Reading Worksheet

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Crime fiction appeals to many high school readers and maximizes engagement with literature. “Lamb to the Slaughter” by Roald Dahl is a darkly comedic short story belonging to a subgenre called revenge fantasy, as it details a husband’s murder at the hands of his wife (and the frozen leg of a lamb). This close reading analysis worksheet helps English teachers extend reading comprehension and support the process of critical thinking. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing editable Word Documents and printable PDFs. By completing the close reading activity, students will perform the following tasks: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the narrative’s inciting incident Analyze the setting and its immediate effect on the audience Determine the tone of a given passage Analyze nuances in words with similar meanings Examine how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony, foreshadowing, ambiguity, and more Discern the most relevant theme from among several options Argue whether Mary is portrayed as an intelligent individual Defend claims with valid reasoning and relevant textual evidence Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class/leave class better prepared to discuss literary materials
Grammar Worksheet on Commas, Semicolons, and Conjunctions
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Grammar Worksheet on Commas, Semicolons, and Conjunctions

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Reinforce the standard conventions of academic writing and perform a quick check of students’ knowledge with this grammar worksheet on commas, conjunctions, semicolons. Two versions of this activity are provided, including a multiple choice option to expedite take-home grading. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with this material, students will demonstrate an ability to: Separate dependent clauses from independent clauses using semicolons or commas with conjunctions Join two independent clauses with a comma and contextually appropriate conjunction Separate items in a series using commas Isolate non-essential elements (appositive phrases) in the middle of sentences using commas Use commas to separate the elements of dates and places Punctuate coordinating adjectives in a series Format direct quotations Isolate interrupters (however, nevertheless, etc.) in the middle of sentences using commas Use semicolons before conjunctive adverbs that join independent clauses Use semicolons to separate items in a series if they contain internal punctuation
1984 Book 1 Chapter 4 Close Reading Worksheet
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1984 Book 1 Chapter 4 Close Reading Worksheet

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Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984. Featuring a brief passage about the Ministry of Truth’s mission to falsify records from Book 1, chapter 4, this activity may be assigned as independent homework or as a collaborative classroom exercise. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading worksheet, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices and narrative techniques Discern the function of a given passage Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on euphemism Conduct brief research to discern and articulate historical parallels to media manipulation and the falsification of records 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
Twelfth Night Act 4 Quiz and Answer Key
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Twelfth Night Act 4 Quiz and Answer Key

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Promote homework accountability and evaluate general reading comprehension with this quiz covering Act 4 of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Feste’s message from Olivia Character motivations (why Toby intervenes in a fight) Olivia’s sudden appearance “If it be thus to dream, still let me sleep!” (context) Maria’s newest deceptive plot against Malvolio Malvolio’s treatment and his attempts to improve his situation Dynamic character (a change within Toby) “Blame not this haste of mine…” (context) Dynamic character (a change within Malvolio)
The Tempest Act 5 Scene 1 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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The Tempest Act 5 Scene 1 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 5, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Infer 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 dynamic character and symbolism 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
Othello Act 5 Scene 1 Close Reading Worksheet
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Othello Act 5 Scene 1 Close Reading Worksheet

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Help learners go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 5, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s Othello. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Utilize dictionaries to ensure knowledge of word meanings Infer the intended effects of Shakespeare’s word choices and dramatic techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including dramatic irony, situational irony, and caesura Support ideas and claims with relevant textual evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss works of Shakespeare
Lord of the Flies Chapter 3 Quiz and Answer Key
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Lord of the Flies Chapter 3 Quiz and Answer Key

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this plot-based quiz on chapter 3 of Lord of the Flies by William Golding. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate engagement with the novel. 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: Jack’s developing talent Ralph’s commitment to manual labor Simon’s general selflessness in comparison to his peers Piggy’s perception of manual labor Ralph’s complaint to Jack about others’ behavior Ralph’s suggestion to Jack regarding new work What Jack and Ralph decide to do despite their resentments Jack’s increasing paranoia Simon’s motive for wandering off
Animal Farm Chapter 2 Quiz, Inference Worksheet, and Vocabulary Games Bundle
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Animal Farm Chapter 2 Quiz, Inference Worksheet, and Vocabulary Games Bundle

3 Resources
Facilitate vocabulary development, evaluate reading comprehension, and help students practice critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this bundle of activities covering chapter 2 of Animal Farm by George Orwell. A plot-based quiz, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, word search game, close reading inference worksheet, and answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will: Read for literal comprehension Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Discern the function of a given passage Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Articulate the significance of the animals’ decision to rename the farm Explore themes in context Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
Animal Farm Chapter 7 Close Reading Inference Worksheet
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Animal Farm Chapter 7 Close Reading Inference Worksheet

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Help students go beyond general comprehension and develop critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading inference worksheet covering chapter 7 of Animal Farm by George Orwell. The variety of question types may also help prepare learners for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings as needed Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of sonic devices including assonance, sibilance, onomatopoeia, and cacophony Conduct brief research on Joseph Stalin’s regime Identify historical parallels between Stalin’s leadership and Napoleon’s Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
Hamlet Quiz and Answer Key Bundle
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Hamlet Quiz and Answer Key Bundle

5 Resources
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this bundle of quizzes covering the entirety of Hamlet by William Shakespeare. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By taking these assessments, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The sighting of the King of Denmark’s ghost Horatio’s forceful interaction with the ghost Character motivations Hamlet’s mourning over the loss of his father The reason for Hamlet’s anger toward his mother Laertes’ perspective on the relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia Polonius’ condemnation of young men for their lack of decency A ghost’s revelation to Hamlet Horatio and Marcellus’ promise to Hamlet Reynaldo’s spying on Laertes The cause of Ophelia’s fright Polonius’ recommendation to Ophelia Ophelia’s rejection of Hamlet The arrival of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern The roles of Voltemand and Cornelius Claudius’ effect on Fortinbras Hamlet’s comparison of Denmark to a prison The interaction among Hamlet, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern The effect of the actors on Hamlet Hamlet’s self-criticism Hamlet’s fear Polonius’ gift to Ophelia Claudius’ psychological state Hamlet’s suicidal thoughts Hamlet’s degrading criticisms and comments about Ophelia Hamlet’s confession to Ophelia A primary cause of Ophelia’s sorrow The interaction between Hamlet and Horatio The function of the play from Hamlet’s perspective Gertrude and Claudius’ reaction to the play Claudius’ decision with regard to the seemingly insane Hamlet Claudius’ internal conflicts Polonius’ sneakiness The appearance of the ghost Gertrude’s acknowledgement regarding her current husband The information Gertrude gives Claudius about Hamlet Hamlet’s refusal to identify the location of Polonius’ corpse Hamlet’s interaction with Guildenstern and Rosencrantz Hamlet’s reputation among the people of Denmark Claudius’ assessment of Hamlet’s psychological state Claudius’ plan to have Hamlet murdered The actions of the Norwegian army Fortinbras’ influence on Hamlet’s mindset Ophelia’s peculiar behavior The characterization of Laertes Horatio’s letter from Hamlet The tool Laertes will use to kill Hamlet The manner of Ophelia’s death 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
Romeo and Juliet Act 4 Scene 5 Close Reading Worksheet
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Romeo and Juliet Act 4 Scene 5 Close Reading Worksheet

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Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 4, scene 5, of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Compare aspects of this scene with aspects of a previous scene (Act 3.5) Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word and phrase meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Discern the tone of the scene Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including simile, metaphor, personification, and situational irony Support claims or 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