Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and promote the development of close reading analysis skills with this set of rigorous questions to complement Act 3, scene 2 of William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. This resource may serve as the basis for 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 Define complex words and phrases as they are used in the text Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, simile, oxymoron, hyperbole, and situational irony Discern the tone of a given excerpt Determine the function of a given excerpt Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and promote the development of close reading analysis skills with this set of rigorous questions to complement Act 3, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. This resource may serve as the basis for 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 Define complex words and phrases as they are used in the text Discern the tone of a given excerpt Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Consider how a particular excerpt advances the plot Examine the greater significance of a given detail Apply knowledge of literary devices such as allusion and consonance Support claims with valid reasoning and relevant textual evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and promote the development of close reading analysis skills with this set of rigorous questions to complement Act 4, scene 5, of William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. This resource may serve as the basis for 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 Define complex words and phrases as they are used in the text Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Articulate Petruchio’s contradictory behavior Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion, metaphor, personification, and hyperbole Cite textual evidence that contributes to the scene’s farcical tone Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and promote the development of close reading analysis skills with this set of rigorous questions to complement Act 4, scene 4, of William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. This resource may serve as the basis for 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 Define complex words and phrases as they are used in the text Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Articulate a character’s internal conflict Apply knowledge of literary devices including simile and situational irony Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and promote the development of close reading analysis skills with this set of rigorous questions to complement Act 5, scene 2, of William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. This resource may serve as the basis for 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 Define complex words and phrases as they are used in the text Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Apply knowledge of literary devices including pun and metaphor Identify textual evidence in support of a claim Discern the tone of a character’s remarks

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this multiple choice quiz covering chapters 6 and 7 of A Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Newton Peck. In addition to an answer key, an alternate short answer option is provided for re-assessment purposes. Materials are delivered in a zip file as Word Documents and PDFs. Questions pertain to the following details: Aunt Matty’s distinguishing skill The reason for Aunt Matty’s frustration with Rob Rob’s reaction to the suggestion that he needs a tutor Aunt Matty’s religious affiliation Rob’s reaction to Aunt Matty’s religious affiliation Rob’s observations, including sights and unsettling sounds Rob’s plan to keep Pinky safe The nature of a conversation between Rob and Haven

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this multiple choice quiz covering chapters 8 and 9 of A Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Newton Peck. In addition to an answer key, an alternate short answer option is provided for re-assessment purposes. Materials are delivered as Word Documents and PDFs. Questions pertain to the following details: Rob waking from his sleep A visit from Mrs. Hillman A visit to the cemetery Sebring’s intentions Letty Phillips tragic history Haven’s reaction to Sebring’s apology Speculation about Widow Bascom Rob’s scar Moving flowerpots Mr. Tanner’s offer to Rob Haven’s response to Mr. Tanner’s offer

Help high school students extend beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 3, scene 4, 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 with emphasis on metaphor and personification Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

“The Challenge” by Gary Soto is a coming-of-age short story highlighting the importance of authenticity and unconditional acceptance of others for who they are. This plot-based quiz complements the narrative and helps English teachers evaluate general reading comprehension while eliminating take-home assessment planning responsibilities. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The protagonist’s motivations The protagonist’s attention-seeking behavior Estela’s nickname The protagonist’s impression of Estela The protagonist’s narrow-mindedness Estela’s general characterization The protagonist’s efforts to impress Estela Incidents that occur during the racquetball game The resolution

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this multiple choice quiz covering chapters 4 and 5 of A Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Newton Peck. In addition to an answer key, an alternate short answer option is provided for re-assessment purposes. Materials are delivered in a zip file as Word Documents and PDFs. Questions pertain to the following details: The relationship between Rob and Pinky Pinky’s breakfast Pinky’s home Rob and “Shaker ways” Haven’s illiteracy Why Haven believes he is rich Pinkie’s pleasant discovery Flutterwheel Haven’s bullfrog joke Bib and Bob Miss Sarah “A wondrous thing to see”

Measure general comprehension and hold students accountable for reading The Adventures of Ulysses by Bernard Evslin with this multiple choice, plot-based quiz covering chapters fourteen and fifteen (“Ino’s Veil” and “Nausicaa”). An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important details: Calypso’s help Poseidon’s anger at Ulysses The characterization of Ino The characterization of Nausicaa Nausicaa’s dream Nausicaa’s encounter with Ulysses The oracle’s warning The men’s conspiracy against Ulysses Nausicaa’s trick King Alcinous’s generosity

Help middle and high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and develop close reading analysis skills while they engage with The Adventures of Ulysses by Bernard Evslin. Highlighting a significant passage from chapter thirteen (“Calypso”), this resource features a line of rigorous questioning to promote active engagement with the text. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. This resource may serve as the basis for 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 complex words and phrases as they are used in the text Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Compare characters Apply knowledge of literary devices including assonance and understatement

Help middle and high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and develop close reading analysis skills while they engage with The Adventures of Ulysses by Bernard Evslin. Highlighting a significant passage from chapter eight (“The Land of the Dead”), this resource features a line of rigorous questioning to promote active engagement with the text. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. This resource may serve as the basis for 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: Discern which given excerpt best achieves the goal of creating a supernatural atmosphere Apply knowledge of literary devices including irony and sibilance Discern the most logical interpretation of the author’s intent Explore character motivations and modes of thinking Discern the most logical inference regarding Ulysses’ feelings toward the gods Analyze the author’s word choices to better understand how they influence meaning Isolate a false statement about plot from correct statements

Measure general comprehension and hold students accountable for reading The Adventures of Ulysses by Bernard Evslin with this plot-based quiz covering chapters eight through eleven (“The Land of the Dead” through “Scylla and Charybdis”). An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important details: The death of Elpenor The importance of the white bird The sacrificing of goats The appearance of ghosts Ulysses’ new-found knowledge of what has transpired at home Strategies Ulysses must employ to successfully return home Protection against the Sirens Scylla and Charybdis The Isle of the Sun Titan

Help middle and high school students extend beyond general reading comprehension and develop close reading analysis skills while they engage with The Adventures of Ulysses by Bernard Evslin. This set of rigorous questions covers chapters four through six (“The Cyclops’ Cave,” “Keeper of the Winds,” and “Cannibal Beach”). An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define complex words as they are used in a given passage Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, dramatic irony, and simile Apply knowledge of sound devices including sibilance Locate relevant textual details in support of the claim that Ulysses was the only crew member with the ability to think critically in the face of danger Examine how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact with one another Select the most appropriate synonym for a word as it is used in the novel Isolate a true statement about plot from a set of false statements Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Measure general comprehension and hold students accountable for reading The Adventures of Ulysses by Bernard Evslin with this multiple choice, plot-based quiz covering chapter sixteen, “The Return.” An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important details: Ulysses’ return to Ithaca Eumaeus’ loyalty Ulysses’ new-found knowledge upon returning home The suitors vs. Telemachus The concealing of an identity Argo’s reaction to Ulysses’ return The antagonistic nature of Eurymachus An archery contest Penelope’s agreement to marry the victor Bloody conflict The resolution

Help middle and high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and develop close reading analysis skills while they engage with The Adventures of Ulysses by Bernard Evslin. Highlighting a significant passage from chapter sixteen (“The Return”), this resource features a line of rigorous questioning to promote active engagement with the text. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. This resource may serve as the basis for 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: Discern the statement that best reflects Eumaeus’s feelings toward the beggar Define complex words in context Verify interpretations of language using reference materials Discern what Eumaeus’s comments about the suitors imply about them Compare two complex characters (Athene and Ulysses) Analyze the author’s craft Discern the author’s intent Apply knowledge of literary devices including epiphany Explore themes that are reinforced in the given passage

Help middle and high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and develop close reading analysis skills while they engage with The Adventures of Ulysses by Bernard Evslin. Highlighting a significant passage from chapter seven (“Circe”), this resource features a line of rigorous questioning to promote active engagement with the text. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Discern the reason for Ulysses’ reluctance in terms of advancing toward the castle Apply knowledge of literary concepts including internal conflict and personification Discern the significance of the white deer’s appearance Define complex words and phrases in the context of a passage Verify interpretations of language using reference materials Determine which given adjective is most suitable to Ulysses in context Explore the setting’s influence on Ulysses’ psychological state Discern a logical inference in context Isolate a false statement about plot from correct statements

Evaluate general reading comprehension with this set of quizzes on Life As We Knew It, a dystopian young adult novel by Susan Beth Pfeffer, with emphasis on chapters eleven through fourteen. A multiple choice assessment is provided, as well as a subjective version. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important details: Miranda’s retrieval of books, notebooks, and pens Miranda’s behavior that infuriates Mom Dad’s letters highlighting life outside Howell, PA Miranda biking to the hospital Mrs. Nesbitt’s backstory Miranda and Matt’s visit to the library The family’s decision to burn something in the woodfire Matt bringing sad news from the post office The hypocrisy of Reverend Marshall Miranda’s belief that she only has one gift to give her mother Ice skating at the pond

Save time and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on “Middle Woman,” a short story by Orson Scott Card. Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this assessment makes it easier to quickly gather data on student recall and reading habits. An answer key is provided. Due to copyright restrictions, a copy of the short story is not included. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Middle Woman’s annual journey to visit her sisters The malevolent reason the dragon offers humans three wishes Middle Woman’s reasonable first wish The dragon’s evil actions Situational irony Middle Woman’s intelligent second wish Her husband’s criticism of her, berating her as a changeable woman Middle Woman’s cheerfulness despite criticism Ensuing years in which Middle Woman uses her intellect rather than her remaining wish The dragon’s return many years later An offer of immortality Middle Woman’s kind final wish.