Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz on the short story “The Portable Phonograph” by Walter van Tilburg Clark. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Setting Circumstances preceding the events in the story The nature of the meeting The frequency of meetings General characterization of key figures The resolution

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the short story “The Portable Phonograph” by Walter van Tilburg Clark. 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: chary, daub, dissonance, doddering, farthest, imply, laboriously, lament, magnanimity, obscure, peat, plaintive, resonant, reverent, smoldering, and undulation. 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 students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet covering Anton Chekhov’s short story “The Kiss.” An answer key and a copy of the public domain narrative 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 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 Choose the most applicable aphorism in the context of a given passage Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Make logical inferences about the author’s interests based on a given passage Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Discern the function of a given character Apply knowledge of literary devices including alliteration, dynamic character, epiphany, foreshadowing, imagery, invective, personification, and more Come to class better prepared to discuss literature

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement Anton Chekhov’s short story “The Bet.” A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, 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: capricious, cleave, delusive, emaciation, envious, erudite, ethereal, farthing, incessantly, murmur, obliged, obsolete, rapture, suffuse, theology, unwearying, and zealously. 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 Jack Finney’s short story “Contents of the Dead Man’s Pocket.” 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: convoluted, deftness, exhalation, flare, interminable, mutter, ornate, pane, precede, revel, scrabble, shudder, sill, taut, and totter. 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 students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet covering Anton Chekhov’s short story “The Bet.” An answer key and a copy of the public domain narrative 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 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 Describe tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Discern the function of a given character Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, personification, and situational 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

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement Anton Chekhov’s short story “The Lady with the Dog.” A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, 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: ascend, avidity, capricious, coiffure, coxcomb, droshky, elusive, gait, gubernia, heed, implore, inordinate, lanky, lorgnette, melancholy, monotonous, mournfully, philologist, pier, promenade, scarcely, servility, toque, transitory, vexation, wander, and wistful. 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 H.G. Wells’ short story “The Star.” A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, 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: agape, apparition, astir, engender, erratic, feign, flare, habitual, imminent, impalpable, incandescence, incessantly, jestingly, minaret, obdurate, pallid, pitiless, recede, rudderless, scant, scarcely, seething, sentinel, serene, trudge, tumult, turbid, and zenith. 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 set of two plot-based quizzes covering chapters 1, 2, and 3 of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. The assessments may double as guided reading worksheets or review handouts. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following plot elements: Point of view Setting Jem’s injury The kids’ mother and father Calpurnia’s job Dill Boo Radley’s background The dare Walter Cunningham’s philosophy The effects of the Great Depression on Maycomb’s citizens Scout’s fight The teacher’s reaction to an alarming situation Perception of the Ewells

Prepare students to go beyond general reading comprehension and develop critical thinking skills for high school with this close reading analysis worksheet covering a chapter 9 passage from Susan Beth Pfeffer’s dystopian novel The Dead and the Gone, the sequel to Life As We Knew It. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. This resource may serve as the basis for 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 completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Describe tone in context Determine the purpose of a given passage Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare and contrast two characters (Alex and Harvey) Apply knowledge of literary devices including euphemism and simile 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

Prepare students to go beyond general reading comprehension and develop critical thinking skills for high school with this close reading analysis worksheet covering a chapter 19 passage from Susan Beth Pfeffer’s dystopian novel The Dead and the Gone, the sequel to Life As We Knew It. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. This resource may serve as the basis for 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 completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Discern 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 Apply knowledge of literary devices including dramatic irony, personification, 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

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz on the classic fairy tale “Tom Thumb” by the Brothers Grimm. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet 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 origin of Tom Thumb’s name Tom’s offerings of help The motivations of the two strangers Tom’s cleverness Tom’s efforts to thwart the antagonists The complications Tom faces The resolution And more

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the classic fairy tale “Tom Thumb” 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. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: affliction, byre, contrive, dusk, fodder, granary, haste, imp, larder, merry, midden, nimble, reckon, rein, scythe, subterranean, vexation, and wayside. 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 short story “The Open Window” by Saki. 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: briskly, bustle, endeavor, habitation, hoarse, imminent, infirmity, mope, pariah, rectory, scarcity, treacherous, and unduly. 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 science fiction short story “The Star Beast” by Nicholas Stuart Gray. 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: acquisition, coffer, collate, cower, disused, draggled, dreary, graceful, inflammable, mutter, prod, refuge, shamble, and wary. 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 Larry Woiwode’s short story “The Beginning of Grief,” a narrative exploring themes of personal loss and the importance of openness and communication in terms of processing death. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this resource, students will perform the following tasks: Read for literal and interpretive comprehension Apply knowledge of setting, characterization, and conflict Be better prepared to engage in collaborative discussions about literature

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the classic fairy tale “Snow White and Rose Red” 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. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: ashen, bleat, bough, coarse, feeble, felled, ingratitude, merrily, mishap, morsel, obliged, odious, precipice, shrill, uncouth, vain, and wooer. 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 on the classic fairy tale “Snow White and Rose Red” by the Brothers Grimm. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet 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: Distinguishing characteristics of the protagonists The nature of the relationship between Snow White and Rose Red Peculiar encounters in the woods The general characterization of the bear The complications facing a dwarf The sisters’ reaction to the dwarf’s struggles A surprising revelation near the story’s end And more

Promote active engagement with fiction and evaluate general reading comprehension with this multiple choice quiz on the short story “Geraldine Moore the Poet” by Toni Cade Bambara. An answer key is included. All materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Mr. Watson’s dog Geraldine’s lunchtime habits The eviction Geraldine’s mother The reason for Anita’s return home Geraldine’s personal and emotional struggles during classes Geraldine’s response to her English teacher’s assignment Mrs. Scott’s reaction to Geraldine A surprising realization

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz on Truman Capote’s holiday-themed short story “A Christmas Memory.” The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with coming-of-age fiction. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Point of view The characterization of the protagonist’s best friend The protagonist’s personal interests The protagonist’s goals Bonding activities between the protagonist and his friend The characterization of Mr. Haha Christmas gifts The significance of this particular Christmas The resolution