Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this set of close reading analysis worksheets covering chapters 15 through 27 of Bram Stoker’s Gothic novel Dracula. Answer keys and copies of the relevant chapters, which are in the public domain, are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By completing these close reading activities, students will do the following: Identify what the text says explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed Isolate examples of internal conflict in context Discern the intended effects of the author’s narrative techniques Determine the function of a given passage Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare and contrast characters Apply knowledge of various literary devices including situational irony, dramatic irony, foreshadowing, metaphor, and more Conduct brief research on relevant topics Come to class better prepared to engage in collaborative discussions Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Gothic literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision And more

Save time and maintain rigor with these printable resources supporting reading comprehension and analysis of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (chapters 14-15). General comprehension quizzes are included, as are rigorous close reading activities and vocabulary development resources. These materials may be used to facilitate differentiated instruction in the classroom. Answer keys are provided. This resource may serve as the basis for small-group discussions. Through these discussions, students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development, demonstrating an ability to analyze how complex characters transform and advance the plot and themes by applying logic and citing compelling, meaningful textual evidence. They will also evaluate their peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to advance claims, clarifying or challenging unclear ideas. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking. Copyright restrictions prohibit the inclusion of the complete literary works, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with access to the novel. By engaging in these exercises, students will: Discern the meaning of complex vocabulary and phrases in context, taking into consideration both denotative definitions and connotative associations Discern the intended effect of the author’s language upon the reader Identify the significance of a given detail Use context to make a logical inference about character motivations Use context to make a logical inference about character intentions Use context to make a logical inference about a character’s psychological state Use context to make a logical inference about a character’s intellectual capacity Use context to make a logical inference about a character’s family life Use context to discern the tone of a particular excerpt Use context to discern the primary function of a particular excerpt Apply knowledge of literary devices and figurative language to a particular excerpt Analyze how a complex character has developed Write with clarity, logic, and precision Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims Identify the factors that contributed to the “placid week” preceding the mob incident Analyze what the fact that “Jem would struggle…through the speeches of Henry W. Grady” suggests about his character development Explore the shift in tone once Scout approaches Mr. Cunningham Analyze Mr. Underwood’s values set Articulate a significant misunderstanding Atticus has about his own community Explore how Atticus demonstrates courage

Save time and maintain rigor with these printable resources supporting reading comprehension and analysis of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (chapters 29-31). General comprehension quizzes are included, as are rigorous close reading and vocabulary reinforcement activities. These materials may be used to facilitate differentiated instruction in the classroom. Answer keys are provided. This resource may serve as the basis for small-group discussions. Through these discussions, students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development, demonstrating an ability to analyze how complex characters transform and advance the plot and themes by applying logic and citing compelling, meaningful textual evidence. They will also evaluate their peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to advance claims, clarifying or challenging unclear ideas. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking. Copyright restrictions prohibit the inclusion of the complete literary works, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with access to the novel. By engaging in these exercises, students will: Apply knowledge of various literary devices to passages in the text (idiom, metaphor, personification, assonance) Discern a character’s intent Analyze Boo Radley’s physical characteristics to articulate the author’s intent Analyze the author’s craft Discern the meaning of complex vocabulary and phrases in context, taking into consideration both denotative definitions and connotative associations Discern the tone of a character’s remarks Use context to determine the symbolism of a tree in context Analyze an excerpt to discern its significance Cite evidence to support the claim that Scout’s world perspective has matured Make a logical inference about why Alexandra would be proud of Scout Write with clarity and precision