Help students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of high school close reading skills with this set of analysis questions for The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros with emphasis on the final vignette, “Mango Says Goodbye Sometimes.” An answer key is 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. 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 Discern the greater significance of a given detail (“I am going to tell you a story about a girl who didn’t want to belong”) Discern the intended effect of the author’s syntax (“the house I belong but do not belong to”) Discern the intended effect of figurative language (“I put it down on paper and then the ghost does not ache so much”) Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Discern the tone of the vignette Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification, anaphora, metaphor, dramatic irony, and more

Help middle and 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 the short story “The Outsider” by H.P. Lovecraft. An answer key is provided, as well as a copy of the narrative, which makes for an excellent addition to a Halloween-themed short story unit for grades 9 through 12. 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 to learn and verify word meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices and narrative techniques Describe tone in context Determine the function of a given passage Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion, foreshadowing, hyperbole, situational irony, symbolism, and more Consider themes in context 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

Engage high school students with a dark fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm: “The Juniper Tree.” With this close reading worksheet, students will go beyond basic reading comprehension and practice their critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills. An answer key is included, as well as a copy of the narrative, which makes a fitting addition to a short story unit for grades 9 through 12, especially during the Halloween season. 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 to learn and verify word meanings Infer the intended effects of the authors’ word choices and narrative techniques Determine the function of a given passage Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of various literary devices including allusion, black humor, dramatic irony, foreshadowing, onomatopoeia, personification, and more 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

Engage middle and high school students with a classic fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm: “The Seven Ravens.” With this close reading worksheet, students will go beyond basic reading comprehension and practice their critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills. An answer key is included, as well as a copy of the short story. 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 to learn and verify word meanings Infer the intended effects of the authors’ word choices and narrative techniques Determine the function of a given excerpt Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Evaluate whether the authors intended for the father to be considered a villain Apply knowledge of various literary devices including foreshadowing, personification, symbolism, and more Consider themes in context 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

Help students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of high school close reading skills with this set of analysis questions for The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros with emphasis on the vignette titled “Those Who Don’t.” An answer key is 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. 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 Discern the intended effects of a given details Discern the overall tone of the vignette Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Discern the function of given characters in context Apply knowledge of literary devices including anaphora Explore themes in context

Help students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of high school close reading skills with this set of analysis questions for The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros with emphasis on the vignette titled “The Family of Little Feet.” An answer key is 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. 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 Discern the intended effects of figurative language in context Connect aspects of plot to the classic Grimm’s fairy tale “Cinderella” Discern the dominant conflict in the vignette Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification, metaphor, simile, allusion, symbolism, and foreshadowing Explore themes in context Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of high school close reading skills with this set of analysis questions for The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros with emphasis on the vignette titled “The Three Sisters.” An answer key is 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. 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 Activate prior knowledge of characters and plot Discern the intended effects of given details Consider tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Compare two characters in the novel Consider the symbolism associated with a circle Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, simile, and foreshadowing Connect elements of the vignette to elements of a Shakespearean play

Engage middle and high school students with a classic fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm: “The Clever Brothers.” With this close reading worksheet, students will go beyond basic reading comprehension and practice their critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills. An answer key is included, as well as a copy of the short story. 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 to learn and verify word meanings Infer the intended effects of the authors’ word choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Evaluate the characters’ levels of enthusiasm for the tasks at hand Apply knowledge of various literary devices including allusion, onomatopoeia, simile, situational irony, symbolism, and more Consider themes in context 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

“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 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 Word Document and PDF formats. By completing the close reading activity, students will perform the following tasks: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the intended effect of figurative language in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Apply knowledge of literary devices including simile, metaphor, slang, situational irony, and more Determine the tone of a given passage Navigate nuances in words with similar meanings Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual details Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class/leave class better prepared to discuss literary materials

“Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston is a short story about a woman of color who must reconcile the resentment she feels toward her abusive husband with her faith—a task that threatens to compromise the integrity of her soul. 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 Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Choose the most suitable synonym to replace a word without changing fundamental meaning Analyze nuances in words with similar meanings Explore cause-and-effect relationships Determine the functions of given details Make inferences about historical context based on aspects of plot Examine how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Make predictions about the protagonist’s future behavior based on context clues Analyze the author’s word choices to articulate how they contribute to character development Apply knowledge of literary devices including euphemism, oxymoron, personification, symbolism, situational irony, and more Discern the tone of a given passage Support claims with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class/leave class better prepared to discuss literary materials

Facilitate active participation in small-group discussions of science fiction literature with this set of literature circle materials for teaching Feed by M.T. Anderson. The following are included: a handout detailing student roles; documentation logs to hold students accountable for their tasks; and a standards-based rubric for scoring student performances. Materials are delivered in both Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging in these literature circle activities, students will do the following: Articulate key details from the story Generate open-ended questions related to the novel in order to carry out meaningful discussions with peers Respond thoughtfully to open-ended questions and others’ contributions to the discussion Document ways in which the novel is consistent with aspects of modern society Locate specific passages and/or quotations that relate to major themes and concepts—especially those relating to technology, consumerism, sociology, and the value of independent thinking Artistically convey important information from the assigned reading Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet covering the Gothic short story “The Oval Portrait” by Edgar Allan Poe. Additional materials are included to facilitate lesson planning for unexpected teacher absences. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Included are the following: Public domain short story. With an estimated Lexile Measure range of 1200 to 1300, the narrative is a suitable selection for high school English Language Arts classes. Close reading analysis worksheet. By engaging with this exercise, students will articulate what is stated explicitly and implicitly; analyze how complex characters think, interact, and behave; compare two characters and explain what they share in common; analyze a given excerpt and explain how situational irony develops; discern the meaning of unfamiliar words and phrases; analyze the author’s stylistic choices to discern and articulate the author’s purpose; examine cause-and-effect relationships; conduct brief research into Poe’s personal life to explain autobiographical parallels between the author and the plot of the text; cite textual evidence in support of claims; and write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision. Questions are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Close reading analysis worksheet answer key. Low-prep lesson plan for unexpected absences. This comes pre-filled with learning targets and agenda items. Space is also designated for classroom teachers to identify the name(s) of their class(es), the hour(s) of their class(es), student leaders, and upcoming homework assignments and assessments. Bell ringer activity. Help a substitute teacher engage students (and find time to take attendance) with a thematically linked writing prompt. Miscellaneous performance tasks handout. Extend student thinking and learning in the event of unexpected absences with this item outlining creative tasks pertaining to the short story. For example, students may write poetry or journal entries from the perspective of a character; write a brief retelling of the narrative from a different character’s perspective; explore the thematic significance of stories; review the overall quality of the narrative with objectivity and supporting evidence; and more.

Help students achieve more purposeful reading experiences and sharpen their note-taking skills with this reading guide covering Act 1 of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. In addition, this resource aims to facilitate review and future recall of plot. Students will identify what the text states explicitly, track character and plot development, articulate the context and significance of given quotations, and more. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. The following details are addressed: Feuding in the streets The prince’s declaration of punishment Romeo’s despair at lost love Rosaline’s decision Juliet’s refusal to accept marriage Lord Capulet’s beliefs toward the prospect of marriage Romeo’s invite to Lord Capulet’s party Paris Mercutio’s harsh, sarcastic tone toward Romeo’s heartbreak Queen Mab Romeo’s foreshadowing prediction Tybalt’s reaction to Romeo’s presence (in contrast to Capulet’s) Romeo’s discovery of Juliet’s identity And more

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 “Dagon” by H.P. Lovecraft, a short story with elements of horror and supernatural fiction: a psychologically fragile protagonist, isolation in the middle of the ocean, the discovery of a newly risen island, and a humanoid creature. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are provided. 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 the author’s word choices and narrative techniques with emphasis on how the author creates and sustains an atmosphere of dread Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including consonance and foreshadowing 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

For many high school readers, horror and psychological fiction are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “The Birds” by Daphne du Maurier features elements consistent with both genres: an isolated setting, killings without clear motivations, the suggestion of humanity’s imminent extinction, and more. With this challenging worksheet composed of high-order questions, English Language Arts teachers will help students extend beyond basic reading comprehension, support the development of close reading analysis skills, and save valuable time at home without sacrificing quality and rigor in the classroom. A detailed answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Analyze the author’s choice of title in order to articulate its intended effect on readers Examine how elements of setting contribute to the development of suspense Explore how complex characters think, behave, and interact with others Determine the functions of characters Infer character motivations Make logical inferences about the author’s intent Apply knowledge of various literary devices including personification, amplification, onomatopoeia, simile, epiphany, foreshadowing, and more Conduct online research to answer a question about historical context Paraphrase the author’s words (“You had to endure something yourself before it touched you”) Examine what a given passage implies about humanity’s relationship with Nature Identify narrative techniques used in a given passage to convey an unsettling mood Articulate the irony associated with imagery in a given passage Explore relevant themes Discern the significance of the protagonist’s final actions Support claims and ideas with reasoned thinking and relevant textual evidence Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help high school students improve fluency, stamina, text comprehension, and close reading analysis of the formal elements of fiction with this resource for teaching “The Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield. Additional materials are included to facilitate planning for unexpected teacher absences. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Included are the following: Public domain short story. Close reading analysis worksheet. By engaging with this exercise, students will articulate what is stated explicitly and implicitly; define complex words and phrases in context; analyze how complex characters think, interact, and behave; explore how a particular incident contributes to the development of a dynamic character; apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor and dramatic irony; analyze the author’s craft to discern and articulate how she creates a dreamy atmosphere in the garden; compare two characters from different classes; explore shifts in tone; articulate the symbolism of a seemingly ordinary object; cite textual evidence in support of claims; and write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision. Questions are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Close reading analysis worksheet answer key. Low-prep lesson plan for unexpected absences. This comes pre-filled with learning targets and agenda items. Space is also designated for classroom teachers to identify the name(s) of their class(es), the hour(s) of their class(es), student leaders, and upcoming homework assignments and assessments. Bell ringer activity. Help a substitute teacher engage students (and find time to take attendance) with a thematically linked writing prompt. Miscellaneous performance tasks handout. Extend student thinking and learning in the event of unexpected absences with this item outlining creative tasks pertaining to the short story. For example, students may write poetry or journal entries from the perspective of a character; write a brief retelling of the narrative from a different character’s perspective; explore the thematic significance of stories; review the overall quality of the narrative with objectivity and supporting evidence; and more.

Help high school students improve fluency, stamina, text comprehension, and close reading analysis of the formal elements of fiction with this resource for teaching “The Open Window” by Saki. Additional materials are included to facilitate planning for unexpected teacher absences. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Included are the following: Public domain short story. With an estimated Lexile Measure range of 1000 to 1100, the narrative is a suitable selection for middle and high school English Language Arts classes. Close reading analysis worksheet. By engaging with this exercise, students will articulate what is stated explicitly and implicitly; identify the point of view and setting details; analyze how complex characters think, interact, and behave; discern the meaning of unfamiliar words and phrases; examine cause-and-effect relationships; apply knowledge of literary devices including dramatic irony; cite textual evidence in support of claims; and write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision. Questions are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Close reading analysis worksheet answer key. Low-prep lesson plan for unexpected absences. This comes pre-filled with learning targets and agenda items. Space is also designated for classroom teachers to identify the name(s) of their class(es), the hour(s) of their class(es), student leaders, and upcoming homework assignments and assessments. Bell ringer activity. Help a substitute teacher engage students (and find time to take attendance) with a thematically linked writing prompt. Miscellaneous performance tasks handout. Extend student thinking and learning in the event of unexpected absences with this item outlining creative tasks pertaining to the short story. For example, students may write poetry or journal entries from the perspective of a character; write a brief retelling of the narrative from a different character’s perspective; explore the thematic significance of stories; review the overall quality of the narrative with objectivity and supporting evidence; and more.

Help students achieve more purposeful reading experiences and sharpen their note-taking skills with this reading guide covering Act 2 of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. In addition, this resource aims to facilitate review and future recall of plot. Students will identify what the text states explicitly, track character and plot development, articulate the context and significance of given quotations, and more. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. The following details are addressed: Dramatic irony The rejection of names Romeo’s fear of rejection Juliet’s concern over acting hastily Juliet’s desire for Romeo to send her a message Friar Laurence’s beliefs on good and evil Friar Laurence’s concerns for Romeo Romeo’s request of Friar Laurence Friar Laurence’s optimistic view of the union of Romeo and Juliet The Nurse’s private conversation with Romeo The plan to marry Juliet The Nurse’s comic relief And more

Help students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of high school close reading skills with this set of analysis questions for The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros with emphasis on the eighteenth vignette titled “A Rice Sandwich.” An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Analyze the title of the vignette to articulate how it is suitable to the plot Explore the symbolism of keys in the context of the vignette Examine how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Explore cause-and-effect relationships Apply knowledge of literary devices including epiphany and situational irony Support claims with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of high school close reading skills with this set of analysis questions for The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros with emphasis on the thirtieth vignette titled “No Speak English.” 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 and implicitly Analyze stylistic choices to discern the author’s intent Discern the intended effect of figurative language as it is used in the text Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Compare two characters (Esperanza and Mamacita) Articulate the irony of Mamacita’s physical appearance Identify examples of Esperanza’s compassion Support claims with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision