Evaluate general reading comprehension with this plot-based quiz covering a portion of Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale (chapters 18 through 30). An alternate version is also provided for re-assessment purposes, though it may be used as a guided reading worksheet to help students ascertain crucial details about characters, settings, and conflicts. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important details: Luke’s plans according to Offred The relationship between Offred and her mother Birthing day Moira’s tense escape The Commander’s private request of Offred A test of loyalty A present Changes in the Ceremony The evolution in the relationship with Ofglen Significant life events of the past A Latin phrase A question of purpose and a desire for normalcy

Evaluate general reading comprehension and foster the Halloween spirit any time of year with this plot-based quiz covering H.P. Lovecraft’s macabre short story “The Cats of Ulthar,” which involves sinister neighbors, an avenging curse, and flesh-eating felines. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to help students ascertain crucial details about characters, settings, and conflicts. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The narrator’s perception of cats The longtime existence of cats The old couple’s terrible reputation The community’s general disposition toward the couple The paintings on the travelers’ caravan The characterization of Menes The sudden disappearance of the cats A change in the cats’ physical appearance upon their return The fate of the old couple Peculiar discoveries inside the old couple’s house A change in the law

Help high school students explore literary craft with this activity covering Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Tell-Tale Heart.” With this worksheet, students will isolate and reflect upon textual details that are consistent with the conventions of Dark Romanticism, horror, and supernatural fiction. An answer key is provided, as well as a copy of the narrative, which makes for an excellent addition to a short story unit for grades 9 through 12. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this literary craft analysis activity, students will: Isolate examples of compelling sensory description Isolate characterization details that elicit emotional responses from readers Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on dramatic irony, foreshadowing, hyperbole metaphor, personification, simile, and symbolism Convey information through speech and writing in a coherent manner Come to class better prepared to discuss works of fiction

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement Chinua Achebe’s short story “Dead Men’s Path.” A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: condemnation, cordiality, denigration, disused, eradicate, frail, further, headmaster, pivotal, propitiate, quarrel, rank, scandalize, shrine, stout, superannuated, and zeal. 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

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the classic fairy tale “Jorinda and Jorindel” by the Brothers Grimm. A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, the public domain short story, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. 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, and discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: bewitch bough disenchant gloomy hie hoarse mournfully mutter nightingale screech seize swiftly weep

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the classic fairy tale “Rumpelstiltskin.” A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, the public domain short story, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: acquiesce, avarice, bewail, boast, despondently, dolefully, droll, earnestly, formidable, jeer, rapacious, shrewd, slyly, and vain. 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

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement Hans Christian Andersen’s short story “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, a copy of the public domain narrative, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: accordingly, array, council, diligently, elaborate, knave, procession, retinue, riband, rogue, sovereign, vexed, and viz. 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

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement Anita Desai’s short story “Games at Twilight.” A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: arid, defunct, elude, glare, heartily, hirsute, ignominy, jubilation, laurels, lavishly, lugubrious, maniacal, melancholy, mortuary, sari, shutter, sidle, stridently, superciliously, vague, and veranda. 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

Evaluate general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this plot-based quiz covering Isaac Asimov’s science fiction short story “Robot Dreams,” a cautionary tale about humanity’s commitment to developing artificial intelligence. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to help students ascertain crucial details about characters and conflicts. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Susan Calvin’s disposition Linda Rash’s profession The nature of the relationship between the two professionals The name of the robot Linda’s efforts to improve the robot’s brain The reason Linda kept her work private The means by which the robot re-awakens The duration of the robot’s dreams The First, Second, and Third Laws of Robotics Alarming details of the robot’s dreams Susan’s motive for destroying the robot

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the classic fairy tale “Little Red Riding Hood” by the Brothers Grimm (also called “Little Red Cap”). A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, the public domain short story, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: arresting, bouquet, enraptured, feeble, infirm, odious, ominous, peer, scarcely, sly, trough, and velvet. 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 readers explore how Nathaniel Hawthorne used literary devices such as direct description, characterization, figurative language, foreshadowing, and symbolism to develop a complex short story: “Young Goodman Brown.” This craft analysis activity helps students go beyond general reading comprehension by making them reflect on the motivations behind the author’s word choices and narrative techniques. Delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats, this resource also helps prepare students for more meaningful classroom discussions. Through these discussions, students may evaluate peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to support claims, clarifying or challenging ideas as needed. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included.

Evaluate general reading comprehension with this plot-based quiz covering a portion of Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale (chapters 31 through 46). An alternate version is also provided for re-assessment purposes, though it may be used as a guided reading worksheet to help students ascertain crucial details about characters, settings, and conflicts. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important details: A network of believers, disenchanted with society Serena’s suggestion to the narrator Revelations about the baby Jezabelle’s The return of Moira The function of women in the colonies Nick’s garage home The savage act of Salvaging Particicution A character’s suicide Offred and the resolution

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “The Possibility of Evil” by Shirley Jackson. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the narrative. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Miss Strangeworth’s first name Miss Strangeworth’s age The name of the street on which Miss Strangeworth lives The sources of Miss Strangeworth’s pride Mr. Lewis’ profession The condition of Miss Strangeworth’s house Miss Strangeworth’s stated motivations The content of various letters delivered to townspeople What Miss Strangeworth keeps by the bed The character who writes strange letters The character who discovers a dropped letter The startling resolution

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “Two Kinds” from The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan. The resource may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the narrative. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The mother’s perspective on America The mother’s backstory The mother’s goals for her daughter The significance of the magazines collected by the mother The daughter’s changing emotional state A musical instrument of significance to the plot The mother’s criticism toward her daughter Mr. Chong’s condition The title of a piece performed at a talent show The crowd’s general reaction to the daughter’s performance at the talent show The mother’s reaction to the performance The type of daughter the mother prefers How the daughter conveys anger toward her mother How the mother and daughter’s relationship evolved over the decades

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement Anne Estevis’ short story “The Whistle.” A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: abuela, affect, bleat, bound, cabrito, discern, flare, glare, infuriated, nippy, paternal, permeate, savory, and wretched. 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

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “The Pedestrian” by Ray Bradbury. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the narrative. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Setting A general description of society The protagonist’s profession The reason the protagonist goes for a walk How to protagonist tries not to alarm neighbors The interaction between the protagonist and the police car The protagonist’s final destination

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Shirley Jackson’s short story “The Possibility of Evil.” An answer key is provided. 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 as well as implicitly Utilize dictionaries to ensure knowledge of word meanings 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

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Roald Dahl’s short story “The Landlady.” An answer key is provided. 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 as well as implicitly Utilize dictionaries to ensure knowledge of word meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including euphemism, foreshadowing, simile, 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

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

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement Ray Bradbury’s short story “The Flying Machine.” A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: apparatus, bewildered, dominion, farthest, grove, horde, murmur, nestle, plead, rustle, scarlet, seize, serene, solace, sorrowful, splendid, and writhe. 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