"The Possibility of Evil" Quiz, Close Reading, and Vocabulary Games Bundle

Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this bundle of activities for teaching the short story “The Possibility of Evil” by Shirley Jackson. 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. 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
• Determine 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
• Discern the functions of given details
• Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
• Apply knowledge of literary devices including dramatic irony, foreshadowing, situational irony, and symbolism
• Conduct brief online research on a relevant topic (Ethan Allen) in order to answer a question about plot
• 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