Help middle and high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering “Rumpelstiltskin,” a classic Grimm’s fairy tale. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Consult reference materials as needed to verify word meanings Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Infer the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices and narrative techniques Describe tone in context Apply knowledge of various literary devices including dramatic irony, foreshadowing, hubris, inciting incident, metaphor, and situational irony Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop 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

Help middle and high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering the classic Grimm’s fairy tale “Clever Gretel.” An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Infer the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices and narrative techniques Consult reference materials to learn or verify meanings of challenging words Describe tone in context Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Articulate contradictions made evident by the protagonist’s behavior Apply knowledge of literary devices including dramatic irony and foreshadowing 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

Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions covering chapter 10 of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. With this resource, students will focus on significant details in order to develop a deeper understanding of the novel and its craft, thus helping them contribute more meaningfully during class discussions. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging in this exercise, students will… Analyze the effect of the author’s language upon the reader Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Determine tone in context Define unfamiliar and challenging vocabulary in context Draw reasoned inferences about characterization Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on simile and alliteration Read closely to isolate accurate statements from false statements Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Support claims with relevant textual evidence and/or reasoned thinking

Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions covering chapter nine of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. With this resource, students will focus on significant details in order to develop a deeper understanding of the novel and its craft, thus helping them contribute more meaningfully during class discussions. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with this resource, students will… Analyze the effect of the author’s language upon the reader Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Determine tone in context Define unfamiliar and challenging vocabulary in context Draw reasoned inferences about characterization Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on situational irony Read closely to isolate accurate statements from false statements Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Support claims with relevant textual evidence and/or reasoned thinking

Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions covering chapter eight of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. With this resource, students will focus on significant details in order to develop a deeper understanding of the novel and its craft, thus helping them contribute more meaningfully during class discussions. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with this resource, students will… Analyze the effect of the author’s language upon the reader Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Determine tone in context Define unfamiliar and challenging vocabulary in context Draw reasoned inferences about characterization Apply knowledge of literary devices with an emphasis on symbolism Read closely to isolate accurate statements from false statements Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Support claims with relevant textual evidence and/or reasoned thinking

Engage middle and high school students with a classic fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm: “The Seven Ravens.” With this close reading worksheet, students will go beyond basic reading comprehension and practice their critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills. An answer key is included, as well as a copy of the short story. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings Infer the intended effects of the authors’ word choices and narrative techniques Determine the function of a given excerpt Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Evaluate whether the authors intended for the father to be considered a villain Apply knowledge of various literary devices including foreshadowing, personification, symbolism, and more 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

Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions covering chapter 11 of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. With this resource, students will focus on significant details in order to develop a deeper understanding of the novel and its craft, thus helping them contribute more meaningfully during class discussions. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with this resource, students will… Analyze the effect of the author’s language upon the reader Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Determine tone in context Define unfamiliar and challenging vocabulary in context Apply knowledge of literary devices with an emphasis on callback and situational irony Analyze the symbolism of an object Read closely to isolate logical inferences from less compelling or illogical inferences Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Support claims with relevant textual evidence and/or reasoned thinking

Help middle and high schoolers go beyond basic comprehension and develop critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading inference worksheet covering a classic Grimm’s fairy tale titled “The Elves and the Shoemaker.” The narrative emphasizes the positive effects of performing good deeds for others and is an especially fitting piece during the Christmas and holiday seasons. An answer key and copy of the short story are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Infer the intended effects of the authors’ word choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony, dramatic irony, foreshadowing, simile, hyperbole, allusion, and symbolism 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

This assessment measures general reading comprehension, gathers formative data to inform instructional planning, and holds students accountable for the assigned reading of King Lear by Shakespeare (Act 3). An answer key is included. The material is delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following relevant details: Character motivations (King of France) The application of metaphor in the text Analysis of King Lear as a dynamic character and articulating relevant textual evidence A character’s treasonous actions Significant details about Gloucester King Lear’s epiphany regarding his treatment of struggling subjects Edgar’s deceptive behavior The application of dramatic irony in the text Edmund as the new Earl of Gloucester Displays of King Lear’s mental decline Regan’s display of disrespect toward Gloucester Cornwall’s cruel and violent acts Cornwall’s injury

Help middle and high schoolers go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering chapter 14 of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Describe tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop 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

Eliminate assessment planning responsibilities and evaluate high school students’ knowledge of plot and literary craft with this summative test covering William Shakespeare’s tragedy King Lear. An answer key is included, as well as a standards-based rubric for scoring a thematic essay response tied to a significant quotation (“Time shall unfold what plighted cunning hides, / Who covers faults at last with shame derides”). Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students are responsible for demonstrating an understanding of the following characters, details, concepts, and quotes: Cordelia Goneril Regan King Lear Edmund Edgar Kent Albany Cornwall The Fool Gloucester Oswald The King of France Tom of Bedlam The play’s setting Edmund’s status as an illegitimate child and associated consequences Edmund’s promotion to Earl of Gloucester Cornwall’s torture of Gloucester Edgar’s philosophies on life Edmund’s desire to kill his father King Lear’s epiphany regarding power and its benefits King Lear’s imprisonment Metaphor Simile Foreshadowing Situational irony Dramatic irony Paradox Alliteration Hyperbole Personification Internal conflict External conflict Dynamic character Symbolism “Nothing will come from nothing.” (Act 1, scene 1) “I love your Majesty / According to my bond; no more no less.” (Act 1, scene 1) “Let his knights have colder looks among you.” (Act 1, scene 3) “Fortune, good night; smile once more; turn thy wheel!” (Act 2, scene 2) “The younger rises when the old doth fall.” (Act 3, scene 3) “I will have my revenge ere I depart this house.” (Act 3, scene 5) “Out, vile jelly!” (Act 3, scene 7) “I have no way, and therefore want no eyes; / I stumbled when I saw.” (Act 4, scene 1) “Was this a face / To be opposed against the warring winds?”(Act 4, scene 7) “You have some cause; they have not.”(Act 4, scene 7) “Ripeness is all.” (Act 5, scene 2) “My master calls me, I must not say no.” (Act 5, scene 3)

This assessment measures general reading comprehension, gathers formative data to inform instructional planning, and holds students accountable for the assigned reading of King Lear by Shakespeare (Act 5). An answer key is included. The material is delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following relevant details: Edmund’s deception as it relates to the nature of his relationship with Goneril The delivery of a letter to Albany Edmund’s motives Edgar’s viewpoints on life Cordelia’s attempts to console her father King Lear’s perspective on being held prisoner Goneril’s evil deeds A deadly duel Albany’s motives Edmund’s reaction to his brother’s account Goneril’s suicide One of Edmund’s final acts The death of Cordelia The death of King Lear Kent’s loyalty to the king Edgar’s promotion

Engage middle and high school students with a classic fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm: “The Clever Brothers.” With this close reading worksheet, students will go beyond basic reading comprehension and practice their critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills. An answer key is included, as well as a copy of the short story. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings Infer the intended effects of the authors’ word choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Evaluate the characters’ levels of enthusiasm for the tasks at hand Apply knowledge of various literary devices including allusion, onomatopoeia, simile, situational irony, symbolism, and more 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

Engage middle and high school students with a classic fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm: “The Dog and the Sparrow.” With this close reading worksheet, students will go beyond basic reading comprehension and practice their critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills. An answer key is included, as well as a copy of the short story. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings Infer the intended effects of the authors’ word choices and narrative techniques Describe tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of various literary devices including dramatic irony, foreshadowing, hyperbole, situational irony, and more 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

This assessment measures general reading comprehension, gathers formative data to inform instructional planning, and holds students accountable for the assigned reading of King Lear by Shakespeare (Act 4). An answer key is included. The material is delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following relevant details: Edgar’s changing perspective on life Gloucester’s criticism of the gods Gloucester’s concern for a beggar Goneril’s assumptions about her husband Goneril’s adulterous desires King Lear’s concerns about Cordelia Cordelia’s desires for her father Edmund’s intensifying desire to commit murder Edgar’s efforts to save his father from his suicidal desires A second fake trial King Lear’s struggle to understand his daughters King Lear’s thoughts about powerful people A duel The intent of a letter Cordelia’s request of Kent A moment of mental clarity

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 1 of William Shakespeare’s King Lear. The assessment may otherwise double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active reading experiences and subsequent class discussions. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following relevant details: Setting A king’s life-changing decision Edmund’s status as an illegitimate child and its effect on him Daughters’ expressions of love for their father Contrasting Cordelia from her two sisters Cordelia’s punishment Kent’s assessment of King Lear’s behavior An agreement with the King of France Comparing Cordelia’s two sisters to their father (identifying similar motivations) Edmund’s underhanded deeds Goneril’s feelings toward her recently moved-in father Kent’s act of self-preservation Character description of the Fool The intent of King Lear’s letter The king’s acknowledgement of a fear Kent’s loyalty

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 2 of William Shakespeare’s King Lear. The assessment may otherwise double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active reading experiences and subsequent class discussions. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Edmund’s newest methods of compromising Edgar’s reputation A physical confrontation and its instigator’s punishment Gloucester’s reluctance to offer help Edgar’s decision to assume a new identity King Lear’s reaction to Kent’s punishment King Lear’s efforts to seek clarification on what led to Kent’s situation An argument among father and daughters King Lear’s isolation

Help middle and high schoolers go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering chapter 15 of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Describe tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop 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

Help high schoolers go beyond basic comprehension and sharpen their critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet on H.P. Lovecraft’s narrative “Cool Air,” a horror story featuring numerous compelling elements for high school students: medical experiments, the pursuit of immortality, and more. An answer key and copy of the short story are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings Infer the intended effects of the authors’ word choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, situational irony, and dramatic 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

Looking for high school horror story activities for the Halloween season? Looking for a text to pair with “The Black Cat” by Edgar Allan Poe or a similar narrative? Use this close reading worksheet on H.P. Lovecraft’s “The Hound” to help students go beyond general reading comprehension and develop critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading analysis activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Utilize dictionaries to ensure knowledge of word meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Compare the opening paragraph of Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Black Cat” with the opening paragraphs of “The Hound” Describe tone in context Determine the functions of various passages Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of various literary devices including alliteration, euphemism, foreshadowing, imagery, personification, situational irony, and more Conduct research as needed to answer questions about plot Find similarities among the following groups: Symbolists, pre-Raphaelites, and Decadents 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