"Contents of the Dead Man's Pocket" 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 the short story “Contents of the Dead Man’s Pocket” by Jack Finney. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, and answer keys are provided. 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 materials, students will:

• Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
• 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
• Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques with an emphasis on the incorporation of em-dashes and imagery
• Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
• Apply knowledge of literary devices including epiphany, onomatopoeia, personification, simile, and situational irony
• 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