"The Birds" by Daphne du Maurier Quiz, Close Reading, and Vocabulary Games Bundle

Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching Daphne du Maurier’s short story “The Birds,” which features compelling elements consistent with the horror and psychological fiction genres: an isolated setting, killings without clear motivations, the suggestion of humanity’s inevitable extinction, and more. A plot-based quiz, close reading analysis worksheet, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, word search game, and answer keys are provided in this bundle. 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 these exercises, students will:

• Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
• Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
• Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
• Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
• Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
• 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
• 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
• Reflect on humanity’s relationship with Nature
• Consider relevant themes
• Discern the significance of the protagonist’s final actions
• Support claims and ideas with reasoned thinking and relevant textual evidence
• Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision