With this printable bundle of high school resources for teaching “The Man to Send Rain Clouds” by Leslie Marmon Silko, educators will measure reading comprehension with a multiple choice quiz on character and plot and support high-order thinking with a set of close reading analysis questions. Answer keys are included. 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 these exercises, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern and articulate Leon’s motivation to keep Teofilo’s death a secret Analyze Louise’s actions to discern and articulate what they reveal about her mindset Analyze how character interactions contribute to the development of internal conflict Locate textual evidence in support of the claim that the priest is not very familiar with his community Articulate a reason for Leon to feel content Make a claim about character beliefs in the context of the entire narrative Apply knowledge of symbolism, choosing an object that represents an abstract and significant idea Write with clarity, logic, and precision

Measure high school reading comprehension and support analysis of Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night (Act 5) with this bundle featuring a plot-based quiz and a rigorous close reading activity. By engaging with these resources, students will identify what the text says explicitly and implicitly, apply knowledge of literary devices, interpret figurative expressions, make engagement with text visible, and more. Answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Analyze what character dialogue reveals about the character’s mindset Analyze the author’s word choice in order to determine the most suitable synonym Apply knowledge of personification, hyperbole, situational irony, personification, metaphor, allusion, and oxymoron Analyze the greater implied meaning of a given statement Analyze how complex characters behave and interact Analyze the author’s application of figurative language for greater meaning Isolate a falsehood from factual statements about plot Write ideas with clarity and precision

Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills while teaching Act 2 of William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew with this bundle of formative assessments. Included are the following: a multiple choice quiz on characters and plot, a close reading worksheet addressing the author’s craft, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging in these exercises, 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 such as metaphor and anaphora Discern the tone of a given excerpt Conduct brief research on the Roman goddess Diana and articulate the similarities between her and Katharina Evaluate Baptista’s attitude toward arranged marriage and articulate how it is both morally sound and unsound Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

For many high school readers, age-appropriate fantasy and fairy tale fiction are genres that maximize engagement with literature. This quiz and close reading activity bundle covers “Hansel and Gretel” by the Brothers Grimm and helps English teachers promote homework accountability, evaluate general reading comprehension, support the development of literary analysis skills, and save time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. Included are the following: a multiple choice, plot-based assessment; a worksheet composed of challenging analysis questions; answer keys; and a copy of the public domain short story. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Analyze dialogue to discern how a character uses manipulative tactics to achieve a goal Analyze characterization to discern and articulate a dominant internal conflict in the text Apply knowledge of alliteration to the text Analyze the authors’ word choices to discern and articulate how these choices create the literary device of paradox Identify several examples of simile in the text Apply knowledge of dramatic irony to the text, discerning and articulating how it manifests Apply knowledge of situational irony to the text, discerning and articulating how it manifests Apply knowledge of foreshadowing to the text, explaining what is foreshadowed and how Write with clarity and precision

With this printable bundle of high school resources for teaching “The Twelve Dancing Princesses” by the Brothers Grimm, educators will measure reading comprehension with a multiple choice quiz on character and plot and support high-order thinking with a set of close reading analysis questions. A copy of the public domain short story and answer keys are included. 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 engaging with these materials, students will: Demonstrate general comprehension of the plot Analyze the author’s craft to determine how diction affects the reader Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on foreshadowing, metaphor, and dramatic irony Analyze character actions to draw reasoned inferences about interests and motivations Write with clarity and precision

With this printable bundle of high school resources for teaching “The Bremen Town Musicians” by the Brothers Grimm, educators will measure reading comprehension with a multiple choice quiz on character and plot and support high-order thinking with a set of close reading analysis questions. A copy of the public domain short story and answer keys are included. 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 engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Analyze the authors’ craft, paying special attention to diction and how it contributes to the complexity of the text Apply knowledge of literary devices to the text, identifying and explaining examples of simile and situational irony in the text Define complex words in context, taking into consideration denotative definitions and connotative associations and using reference materials as needed Respond clearly, concisely, and accurately to analytical questioning

Fairy tales are not just for elementary readers; even middle and high school students may use Grimms’ fairy tales as tools for extending beyond reading comprehension and practicing close reading analysis skills. “Donkey Cabbages” by the Brothers Grimm is a representative short story that promotes active engagement with fiction. Included in this bundle are the following: a multiple choice, plot-based quiz; a set of rigorous close reading questions; the public domain narrative; and answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Analyze how complex characters think, behave, and interact with others Articulate what makes a particular character’s actions suspicious Analyze nuances in words with similar meanings Select the most appropriate synonym to replace a word in the text Discern the greater significance of a given detail Articulate the irony associated with a given detail Apply knowledge of various literary devices including situational irony, dramatic irony, foreshadowing, and juxtaposition Isolate an example of figurative language from among several options Examine the authors’ diction to determine its intended effect Defend claims and ideas with valid reasoning and relevant evidence Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

With this printable bundle of high school resources for teaching “The Godfather” by the Brothers Grimm, educators will measure reading comprehension with a multiple choice quiz on character and plot and support high-order thinking with a set of close reading analysis questions. A copy of the public domain short story and answer keys are included. 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 engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Demonstrate understanding of the narrative’s surreal tone, identifying several pieces of textual evidence that advances the tone Explore character motivations, whether explicitly stated in the text or implied through character actions Analyze character interactions to discern intent Analyze textual details to draw inferences and support rational arguments Apply knowledge of literary devices to the text, articulating how the title is ironic Explore cause-and-effect relationships Respond clearly, concisely, and accurately to analytical questioning

Gothic fiction and horror are genres that maximize many high school students’ engagement with literature. “In the Vault” by H.P. Lovecraft is one such short story. It features elements such as entrapment, mutilated corpses, and the avenging of wrongdoing—making the narrative a particularly chilling read during the Halloween season. With this bundle of high school resources for teaching “In the Vault,” English teachers will save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. Included are the following: a multiple choice, plot-based quiz; an alternate, self-grading Easel Assessment; a worksheet composed of rigorous close reading questions; the public domain narrative; and answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Apply knowledge of various literary devices including foreshadowing, situational irony, allusion, and theme Analyze context clues and draw logical inferences about characterization/character motivations Define complex words as they are used in the text Identify relevant textual details in support of a claim Analyze the author’s craft to determine the his intent Discern the tone of a passage Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

For many high school readers, Gothic fiction, fantasy, and horror are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “Cool Air” by H.P. Lovecraft is a compelling short story that features elements consistent with those genres: noxious chemicals, medical experiments, desperate attempts to achieve immortality, and more. With this bundle of high school resources covering “Cool Air,” English teachers will save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. Included are the following: a multiple choice, plot-based quiz; a worksheet composed of rigorous close reading questions; the public domain narrative; and answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will: Articulate what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Explore character intentions and motivations Analyze how complex characters behave and interact Explore cause-and-effect relationships Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, situational irony, and dramatic irony Define complex words and phrases as they are used in context Identify relevant textual evidence in support of claims Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

For many high school readers, fantasy and horror are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “What the Moon Brings” by H.P. Lovecraft is a brief, yet compelling short story that features elements consistent with both genres: a bizarre dreamscape, an anxious narrator, and the discovery of an underwater city. (The briefness of the story makes it an appropriate time-filler for awkward gaps in teaching schedules.) With this bundle of high school resources covering “What the Moon Brings,” English teachers will save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. Included are the following: a multiple choice, plot-based quiz; a worksheet composed of rigorous close reading questions; the public domain narrative; and answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will: Articulate what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Discern the purpose of em dashes as they are used in context Apply knowledge of various literary devices including personification, foreshadowing, epiphany, and sibilance Explore the author’s diction to draw reasoned inferences about characterization Determine the intended effect of juxtaposition as it is applied in the text Examine plot-based statements for accuracy Choose an applicable theme in the context of a given passage Explore the symbolism of a black condor as it is portrayed in the narrative Defend ideas and claims with valid reasoning and textual evidence Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

or many high school readers, supernatural fiction and fantasy are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “Polaris” by H.P. Lovecraft features plot elements consistent with the aforementioned genres: a narrator of questionable sanity, a dreamscape setting, the conflict between imagination and reality, and more. With this bundle of high school resources covering “Polaris,” English teachers will save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. Included are the following: a multiple choice, plot-based quiz; a worksheet composed of rigorous close reading questions; the public domain narrative; and answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. With this resources, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Provide an objective description of the story’s setting Discern how the narrator feels about Polaris and cite textual evidence in support of the claim Analyze the author’s craft to discern which literary devices are applied, with emphasis on hyperbaton, sibilance, callback, and personification Analyze a portion of the text to determine tone in context Identify several variables that put the protagonist and his people at a severe disadvantage against their brutish enemies Describe the narrator’s physical condition and infer how it may have influenced his opinion of Alos Understand the narrator’s modes of thinking, particularly as it relates to his failures Elaborate upon what is revealed in the poem, paying special attention to the Pole Star’s influence on the narrator Explain the effect that callback and personification have upon the reader Define complex vocabulary and phrasing in context Navigate specialized reference materials successfully Write with clarity, logic, and precision

For many high school readers, supernatural fiction and fantasy are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “The Doom that Came to Sarnath” by H.P. Lovecraft features plot elements consistent with the aforementioned genres: the plundering of a race of lizard people, shadows that seemingly originate from the moon, the vanishing of an entire city, and more. With this bundle of high school resources covering “The Doom that Came to Sarnath,” English teachers will save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. Included are the following: a multiple choice, plot-based quiz; a worksheet composed of rigorous close reading questions; the public domain narrative (estimated Lexile Measure of 1300-1400); and answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. With these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Determine the function of a given paragraph Provide a detailed description of a group of characters Define complex words and phrases as they are used in the text Analyze nuances in words with similar definitions Make logical inferences about character motivations Analyze how complex characters think, behave, and interact Examine the author’s intent Articulate the significance of a given detail Apply knowledge of literary devices such as foreshadowing Support claims and ideas with reasoned thinking and relevant textual evidence Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

For many high school readers, realistic and young adult fiction are genres that maximize relatability and engagement with literature. “Geraldine Moore the Poet” by Toni Cade Bambara is a short story focusing on a girl with unfavorable life circumstances who is on the verge of an important self-discovery: that she has a natural talent for expressing herself poetically. With this bundle of high school resources covering “Geraldine Moore the Poet,” English Language Arts teachers will be able to evaluate general reading comprehension and support the continued development of close reading analysis skills. Included are the following: a multiple choice, plot-based quiz; a worksheet composed of rigorous close reading analysis questions; and answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable, editable Word Document and PDF formats. With these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Explore how complex characters think, behave, and interact with others Apply knowledge of various literary devices including foreshadowing, idiom, and ambiguity Articulate the function of a given detail Make logical inferences about the author’s intent Demonstrate awareness of the narrative’s inciting incident Articulate the symbolism associated with Geraldine’s being offered tomato soup Choose an opinion with which Geraldine is most likely to agree Evaluate the qualities that make Geraldine’s poem “the most poetic thing” Argue whether Geraldine or Mrs. Scott experiences the greatest epiphany Support claims and ideas with reasoned thinking and relevant textual evidence Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

For many high school readers, realistic and young adult fiction are genres that maximize relatability and engagement with literature. “Blues Ain’t No Mockin Bird” by Toni Cade Bambara is a short story focusing on a Black family whose ways of life are being infringed upon by opportunistic, politically motivated filmmakers. With this bundle of high school resources covering “Blues Ain’t No Mockin Bird,” English Language Arts teachers will be able to evaluate general reading comprehension and support the continued development of close reading analysis skills. Included are the following: an editable, plot-based quiz; a worksheet composed of rigorous close reading analysis questions; and answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. With these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Explore how complex characters think, behave, and interact with others Infer character motivations Articulate the function of a specific character (Cathy) Make logical inferences about the author’s intent Apply knowledge of various literary devices including metaphor, idiom, and onomatopoeia Isolate an example of figurative language from among several options Choose an opinion with which Granny would most likely agree based on an anecdote she shares with her family Determine which character or characters are represented in the character of Goldilocks Identify several ways in which the filmmakers dehumanize Granny and members of her family Draw parallels between the American folk hero John Henry and the character of Granddaddy Cain Support claims and ideas with reasoned thinking and relevant textual evidence Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, 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. Included are the following: an editable, plot-based quiz; a worksheet composed of rigorous close reading analysis questions; the public domain short story; and answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, 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

Evaluate reading comprehension, support the development of close reading analysis skills, and minimize take-home lesson planning with this set of instructional resources covering chapter four of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Included are the following: a multiple choice, plot-based quiz; a worksheet composed of rigorous close reading analysis questions; and answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. With these materials, students will: Discern what the text states explicitly and implicitly Analyze how complex characters interact Analyze the author’s craft to determine the effect diction has on the reader’s comprehension Apply knowledge of various literary devices including sibilance, invective, ambiguity, oxymoron, and imagery Articulate the cultural significance of the white chauffeur transporting people of color Discern what Nick finds astonishing about Wolfsheim’s behavior Identify the primary function of Wolfsheim’s character in the context of the plot Define complex words as they are used in the text Make logical inferences about Nick’s modes of thinking Articulate the technique Fitzgerald uses to spark a significant shift in tone Write with clarity and precision

Evaluate reading comprehension, support the development of close reading analysis skills, and minimize take-home lesson planning with this set of instructional resources covering chapter five of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Included are the following: a multiple choice, plot-based quiz; a worksheet composed of rigorous close reading analysis questions; and answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. With these materials, students will: Discern what the text states explicitly and implicitly Analyze how complex characters interact Articulate how Gatsby’s behavior is ironic from Nick’s perspective Apply knowledge of various literary devices including situational irony, simile, and hyperbole Identify textual evidence that best supports a claim Analyze the author’s use of language to discern his intent Explore the symbolism of an object or objects Clarify and elaborate on a concern Nick has for Gatsby in a given passage Write with clarity and precision

Evaluate reading comprehension, support the development of close reading analysis skills, and minimize take-home lesson planning with this set of instructional resources covering chapter nine of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Included are the following: a multiple choice, plot-based quiz; a worksheet composed of rigorous close reading analysis questions; and answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. With these materials, students will: Discern what the text states explicitly and implicitly Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony and metaphor Explore character motivations Analyze how complex characters interact Determine the greater significance of a given characterization detail Analyze the author’s word choices to infer the author’s intent Make logical inferences about a character’s mode of thinking in context Explore how Tom sees himself in the context of the tragedies of Gatsby, Myrtle, and Wilson