Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 2, scene 2, of William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly Examine nuances in words with similar meanings Infer the intended effects of Shakespeare’s word choices and dramatic techniques Contrast aspects of this scene with aspects of the previous scene Describe tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including invective, pun, and more Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Support ideas and claims with relevant textual evidence Come to class better prepared to discuss works of Shakespeare

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 3, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly Examine nuances in words with similar meanings Infer the intended effects of Shakespeare’s word choices and dramatic techniques Discern a function of the scene Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare two characters (Beatrice and Benedick) Apply knowledge of literary devices including oxymoron, pun, hyperbole, and more Consider the symbolism of lapwings and haggards in the context of the scene Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence Come to class better prepared to discuss Shakespearean works

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 2, scene 3, of William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly Examine nuances in words with similar meanings Infer the intended effects of Shakespeare’s word choices and dramatic techniques Discern the tone of Balthasar’s song Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Consider the symbolism of an oyster in the context of Benedick’s mindset Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, oxymoron, dramatic irony, situational irony, and more Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence

Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading worksheet covering Washington Irving’s short story “The Devil and Tom Walker.” An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. This resource may facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will improve their ability to present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly and convincingly. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Consult reference materials to navigate nuances in words with similar meanings Explore cause-and-effect relationships Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on situational irony 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

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz on Washington Irving’s short story “The Devil and Tom Walker.” The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The backstory of Kidd Setting Ominous discoveries The nickname of the devil Physical characteristics of the devil Tom’s observation about the trees around him The devil’s parting act The wife’s reaction to Tom’s interaction with the devil What the wife takes with her out of the house Negotiations between the devil and Tom Tom’s agreement with the devil Tom’s living conditions How Tom changes as he ages An important possession Rumors about Tom Tom’s seemingly fatal mistake The public’s reaction to Tom’s apparent fate

Help high school students analyze how John Collier used direct description (setting and characterization), figurative language (euphemism, metaphor, and simile), and foreshadowing to develop a compelling work of fantasy in “The Chaser.” Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this resource serves well for an independent learning opportunity, as well as for small-group discussions. Through such discussions, students may evaluate peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to support claims, clarifying or challenging ideas as needed. An answer key is included.

For many middle and high school students, the fantasy genre promotes active engagement with literature. With this printable assessment on “The Chaser” by John Collier, a short story in the fantasy genre, English Language Arts teachers will evaluate general reading comprehension and hold students accountable for homework completion. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By taking this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: A character description of Alan Austen Characteristics of the “glove cleaner” An alternative name for the “glove cleaner” The cost of the “glove cleaner” Alan’s reason for visiting the old man The effects of the love potion Side effects of ingesting the love potion The cost of the love potion The old man’s business philosophy The significance of the title (analysis) Situational irony in the story

Support the development of high school and college close reading skills with this assessment on John Collier’s short story “The Chaser.” A variety of question types facilitates the process of analyzing the author’s craft, applying knowledge of literary devices, identifying relevant and compelling textual evidence to support claims, and more. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging in this exercise, students will: Discern what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly Analyze the author’s choice of words to discern the intended effect of language Explore how the protagonist is characterized Discern the tone of dialogue in context Apply knowledge of satire to the plot Apply knowledge of literary devices to the text Analyze dialogue to discern what is implied Analyze dialogue to discern one of its primary functions in the story Identify an example of figurative language in the text Isolate a false statement concerning plot from factual ones

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the short story “The Chaser” by John Collier. A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: apprehensively, bountifully, effect, fervently, giddy, indifferently, laxative, oblige, obscurely, phial, rapture, scorn, and solitude. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

“Desiree’s Baby” by Kate Chopin is an example of historical fiction that, when integrated into the English Language Arts classroom, complements American History curricula, as the plot precedes the Civil War and addresses the issue of how race and ethnicity affect one’s life experiences in the South. With this worksheet composed of challenging, text-dependent questions, teachers will help students extend beyond general reading comprehension, exercise close reading analysis skills, and save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor 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. By completing this close reading activity, students will do the following: Articulate what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly Analyze how complex characters think, interact, and behave Explore character motivations and intentions Apply knowledge of literary devices including irony and foreshadowing Analyze the author’s craft, determining how figurative language contributes to storytelling and character development Articulate point of view Make logical inferences about the psychological states of characters Cite textual evidence in support of claims Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the short story “Desiree’s Baby” by Kate Chopin. A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: corbeille, disquieting, espousal, exacting, imperious, layette, listlessly, muslin, peignoir, portly, suffuse, sumptuous, toddle, and unwonted. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

“Desiree’s Baby” by Kate Chopin is an example of historical fiction that, when integrated into the English Language Arts classroom, complements American History curricula, as the plot precedes the Civil War and addresses the issue of how race and ethnicity affect one’s life experiences in the South. With this multiple choice quiz covering the short story, teachers will be able to evaluate general reading comprehension, promote homework accountability, and save valuable 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 aspects of plot: Setting How Désirée came to be part of the Valmonde family Armand’s initial attitude toward marrying Désirée Madame Valmonde’s reaction to the sight of the baby How Armand’s treatment of others changes after the birth of his child Désirée’s observations of the plantation visitors Désirée’s demands of her husband Madame Valmonde’s response to a letter from Désirée The final interaction between Armand and Désirée Désirée’s final action in the story The fate of Désirée’s belongings Armand’s surprising discovery

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement Katherine Anne Porter’s short story “The Jilting of Granny Weatherall.” A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, the public domain narrative, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: dyspepsia, frippery, hasty, inquire, intently, jilt, murmur, piety, solemn, tactful, vanity, and waver. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Create a structured classroom environment and introduce “The Wife’s Story” by Ursula K. Le Guin with this bell ringer writing prompt for high school. Students will reflect on relevant topics including the theme of betrayal and the contrast between human and animal sensory experiences. Sample responses are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with this start-of-class activity, students will: Settle into class quickly and/or transition from previous activities or periods Engage in reflective and/or critical thinking Be made aware of subject matter to be addressed in works of fiction Activate prior knowledge Be better prepared to communicate ideas during small- and large-group discussions Aid their teachers in understanding their personal experiences and points of view

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the short story “The Birds” by Daphne du Maurier. A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, the public domain narrative, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: ashen, bleak, clamor, furtively, garish, laconic, larder, leaden, murmur, pallor, pilchard, placid, pram, scullery, stealthily, weary, and whimper. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet covering Katherine Anne Porter’s short story “The Jilting of Granny Weatherall,” a piece of psychological fiction that complements literature units involving modernist literature and the narrative technique known as stream of consciousness. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Consider using this resource as an in-class group activity. It may facilitate deeper conversations about characters, plot developments, and literary craft. By completing this close reading activity, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the narrative’s point of view and setting Determine the intended effects of the author’s narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony and symbolism Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision