Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering “The Tomb” by H.P. Lovecraft, a short story with elements of Gothic fantasy that evokes the works of Edgar Allan Poe. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate engagement with the text. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative, which is especially fitting for the Halloween season, are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The narrator’s confinement The protagonist’s self-image The name of a long-gone family The legend surrounding the long-gone family The protagonist’s interest in the legend from a young age The protagonist’s attempts to gain access to a tomb The reason the protagonist stops trying to access the tomb Aspects of the protagonist’s characterization that astound his family The protagonist’s ancestry A discovery in the attic A discovery inside the vault How the narrator’s parents demonstrate concern for their son Events that seem to transpire when the protagonist enters the cellar The protagonist’s intensifying phobia The contents of an antique box A servant’s actions to help the narrator

Help middle and high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering “Old Rinkrank,” a classic Grimm’s fairy tale. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will perform the following tasks: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Examine how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Evaluate the protagonist’s positive attributes and how they benefit her as the plot develops Compare and contrast two characters (Old Rinkrank and the king) Apply knowledge of literary devices with an emphasis on situational irony Analyze the author’s craft to determine what the name Mother Mansrot suggests about the antagonist’s thinking Consider themes in context Defend claims and ideas with valid reasoning and relevant textual evidence Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class/leave class better prepared to discuss literary material

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “Winter Dreams” by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The setting of the narrative The duration of time covered in the narrative The general disposition of the protagonist, Dexter, as a teen The protagonist’s business endeavor The speculation concerning the protagonist’s romantic interest, Judy The nature of the relationship between Dexter and Judy Dexter’s significant life events as an adult The resolution An interpretation of “winter dreams” And more

Go beyond reading comprehension with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Covering a chapter twenty-one journal entry dated March 17, this resource supports the development of high school close reading skills and facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is included. 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 Analyze nuances in word meanings and choose the most appropriate definition for a word as it is used in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Determine the purpose of a given passage Apply knowledge of various literary devices including personification, assonance, symbolism, and juxtaposition Write about literature with clarity and precision

Go beyond reading comprehension with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Covering a chapter twenty journal entry dated February 24, this resource supports the development of high school close reading skills and facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is included. 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 Analyze nuances in word meanings Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Apply knowledge of various literary devices including hyperbole and epiphany Determine the tone of the diary entry Explain how the author incorporates juxtaposition in the diary entry Write about literature with clarity and precision

Go beyond reading comprehension with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Covering a chapter nineteen journal entry dated January 30, this resource supports the development of high school close reading skills and facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is included. 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 Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Determine the tone of a particular passage Analyze nuances in word meanings Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims Use valid reasoning to justify claims and ideas Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help middle and high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet covering Hans Christian Andersen’s short story “Grandmother,” a narrative centering on themes of appreciating the elderly and the fleeting nature of physical life. The brevity of the narrative helps to fill awkward gaps in the teaching schedule, while the supporting activity maintains rigor in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the text (estimated Lexile range of 1000-1100) are included. Materials are delivered in 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 completing this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Determine the function of a given excerpt Describe the tone of the complete text Discern the intended effects of figurative language and other narrative techniques Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including alliteration, sibilance, irony, symbolism, imagery, metaphor, and more Explore themes in context Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision

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 fifteen (“Nausicaa”), 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 resource, students will: Identify the purpose of a particular paragraph Discern the best explanation of the dominant conflict in the context of the passage Identify character motivations Discern the best description of Alcinous’s character Identify the tone of Arete’s dialogue Discern the intent of Arete’s dialogue Analyze the symbolism of snakes in the context of Nausicaa’s dream Apply knowledge of literary devices including assonance

Go beyond reading comprehension with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Covering a chapter nine journal entry dated August 15, this resource supports the development of high school close reading skills and facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is included. 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 Explore how complex characters develop and interact Apply knowledge of literary devices including hyperbole, anaphora, alliteration, and allusion Analyze an expressions to articulate its deeper meaning Articulate Megan’s internal conflict Identify and explain an example of situational irony in the passage Explore the greater effect of Miranda’s conversation with Megan Identify the most relevant textual evidence in support of a claim Write ideas with clarity and precision

Go beyond reading comprehension with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Covering a chapter ten journal entry dated August 29, this resource supports the development of high school close reading skills and facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is included. 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 Explore how complex characters develop and interact Discern the greater significance of a given detail Explain an example of situational irony in the passage Identify several narrative techniques that contribute to the development of suspense Determine the function of the journal entry Identify the most relevant textual evidence in support of a claim Write ideas with clarity and precision

Go beyond reading comprehension with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Covering a chapter eleven journal entry dated August 31, this resource supports the development of high school close reading skills and facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is included. 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 Analyze how complex characters develop and interact Explore character motivations Apply knowledge of literary devices such as metaphor Determine the most applicable theme to the passage Make logical inferences in the context of the passage Analyze differences between and nuances of a set of adjectives Defend a claim with sound reasoning and textual evidence Write ideas with clarity and precision

Go beyond reading comprehension with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Covering a chapter eight journal entry dated July 17, this resource supports the development of high school close reading skills and facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is included. 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 Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Apply knowledge of literary devices including verbal irony Explore nuances in word meanings Articulate what Miranda means by “Everything is worse on Sundays” Identify the most relevant textual evidence in support of a claim Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Go beyond reading comprehension with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Covering a chapter twelve journal entry dated September 6, this resource supports the development of high school close reading skills and facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is included. 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 Explore how complex characters develop and interact Apply knowledge of literary devices such as hyperbole, simile, personification, and more Explain the intended meaning of a figurative expression Explain the irony associated with a character’s behavior Write ideas with clarity and precision

Go beyond reading comprehension with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Covering a chapter thirteen journal entry dated September 29, this resource supports the development of high school close reading skills and facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is included. 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 Analyze how complex characters develop and interact Explore the significance of a given detail Analyze differences and nuances in word meanings Explore character motivations Determine the tone of a given quote Apply knowledge of literary devices such as symbolism Write about literature with clarity and precision

Go beyond reading comprehension with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Covering a chapter fourteen journal entry dated October 15, this resource supports the development of high school close reading skills and facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is included. 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 Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Analyze differences and nuances in word meanings Explore cause-and-effect relationships Consider relevant themes in the context of the diary entry Apply knowledge of literary devices such as simile, metaphor, and foreshadowing Articulate the intended effect of a figurative expression Write about literature with clarity and precision

Fairy tales are not just for elementary readers; even middle and high school students may use fairy tales as tools for extending beyond reading comprehension and practicing close reading analysis skills. “The Girl Without Hands” by the Brothers Grimm, also known as “The Maiden Without Hands” and “The Armless Maiden,” is a short story about the plight of a maiden whose poor father makes a bargain that results in her disfigurement and confinement. English Language Arts teachers may assign this set of rigorous questions to complement the story and evaluate students’ high-order skills. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are 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 as well as implicitly Explore how complex characters think, behave, and interact with others Isolate a factual statement from falsehoods in the context of the miller’s characterization Explain how situational irony and dramatic irony are applied Discern the significance of the maiden’s decision to draw a circle around her Explore cause-and-effect relationships (how losing her hands affects the maiden physically, psychologically, and interpersonally) Analyze the silver hands for symbolic value Define complex words in context Apply knowledge of literary devices including alliteration and foreshadowing Cite textual evidence to support claims and ideas Write with clarity and precision

Support the development of high school close reading skills with this set of analysis questions to complement “The Other Gods” by H.P. Lovecraft. With an estimated Lexile Measure of 1200-1300, this text and its corresponding active reading exercise are appropriate additions to a mythology- or fantasy-themed high school short story unit, especially at the 11th and 12th grade levels. A detailed answer key is provided. 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 will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking. By completing this exercise, high school students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Articulate character motivations Articulate the means by which characters travel Articulate how characters have undergone change Clarify relationships between characters Articulate how characters achieve objectives Analyze how a character demonstrates hubris and the factors that contribute to the manifestation of hubris Articulate the purpose of a given paragraph Analyze how conflicting allegiances contribute to the development of internal conflict Identify and explain multiple examples of situational irony in the text Articulate how a character survives, connecting this explanation to a relevant theme Write with clarity, logic, and precision

Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions on the short story “The Sparrow and His Four Children” by the Brothers Grimm. The narrative has an estimated Lexile measure of 1200-1300, making it an appropriate addition to a fairy tale or fantasy fiction unit at the high school level, especially at the 11th and 12th grade levels. 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. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Articulate the means by which the four children are saved Articulate the father sparrow’s primary internal conflict Conduct brief research to address a question that pertains to the plot Define complex words in context Make logical inferences from the perspective of the father sparrow Demonstrate comprehension of figurative language Analyze the authors’ craft to discern and explain how double-denotation influences meaning Analyze the authors’ craft to discern how assonance is employed Analyze the narrative’s biblical allusion and paraphrase how it applies to the story Explain the situational irony of the youngest bird’s remarks late in the story Cite textual evidence to support claims and ideas Write with clarity and precision

Save time and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on “Who Am I This Time?” by Kurt Vonnegut. Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this multiple choice assessment makes it easier to quickly and efficiently gather data on student recall and reading habits. An answer key is provided. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: The North Crawford Mask and Wig Club The avoidance of social gatherings The narrator’s wish for Harry Nash The narrator’s invitation to an auditioning woman The town’s reaction to Harry’s acting The narrator’s first impression of Helene’s acting Efforts to improve Helene’s acting Helene’s fantasy when viewing movies in the past Helene’s difficulty in establishing relationships Lydia’s impressions on who will direct Lydia’s prediction for Helene A gift from Harry “The luckiest girl in town”

For many high school students, supernatural fiction is a genre that maximizes engagement with literature. “The Moon Bog” by H.P. Lovecraft features strange beings, mind manipulations, and even implied social criticism of humanity’s greed and treatment of the environment. This multiple choice quiz on “The Moon Bog” helps English teachers promote homework accountability, evaluate reading comprehension, and save time at home without sacrificing quality in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Setting The purpose of the narrator’s visit Denys Barry’s intentions for the bog Denys Barry’s disregard for the supernatural The legend of the bog Eerie happenings The locals’ collective reaction to Denys Barry’s decisions The narrator’s dreams The narrator’s observations of the bog The fate of Denys Barry