Go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet to complement chapter 1 of Dracula by Bram Stoker. An answer key and copy of the chapter, which is in the public domain, 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 says explicitly and implicitly Discern the intended effects of the author’s narrative techniques with emphasis on how setting influences mood Determine the function of a given paragraph Consider the greater significance of given details Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on foreshadowing and situational irony Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Gothic literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “Charles” by Shirley Jackson. 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 aspects of plot: The identity of the narrator Laurie’s tendencies upon returning home from school The general characterization of Laurie’s teacher Laurie’s changing behavior toward his parents Mrs. Hyman’s concerns about Laurie’s schooling The lesson Mr. Hyman believes Laurie must learn The reason Mrs. Hyman cannot attend a parent-teacher conference The general characterization of Charles Mr. Hyman’s suggestion pertaining to Charles’ mother A revelation in the resolution

Help high school students extend beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 3, scene 2, of Hamlet by William Shakespeare. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, this worksheet saves English Language Arts teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. 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. More specifically, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Discern the intended effect of Shakespearean language in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Determine the tone of a given excerpt Consider autobiographical parallel, drawing an informed inference about Shakespeare’s philosophy on the purpose of dramatic performances based on details provided in this scene Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help high school students extend beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this set of rigorous, text-dependent questions on the Gothic short story “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Analyze the nature of character relationships and interactions Examine grammatically correct structure Define complex words and phrases as they are used in the text Identify the best evidence of foreshadowing in a given passage Apply knowledge of various literary devices including verbal irony Make logical inferences about the protagonist’s mindset and motivations Identify relevant textual evidence in support of a claim or idea

Crime fiction appeals to many high school readers and maximizes engagement with literature. “Lamb to the Slaughter” by Roald Dahl is a darkly comedic short story belonging to a subgenre called revenge fantasy, as it details a husband’s murder at the hands of his wife (and the frozen leg of a lamb). This plot-based quiz covering the short story helps English teachers promote homework accountability and evaluate general reading comprehension—while eliminating take-home assessment planning responsibilities. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing editable Word Documents and printable PDFs. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Point of view Description of setting Mary Malone’s general characterization in the exposition Patrick Malone’s profession A typical Thursday night for the couple A surprising turn of events A deadly weapon Mary’s behavior immediately following Patrick’s death Noonan’s general disposition toward Mary A theory regarding a deadly weapon Mary’s reaction to eavesdropping on the detectives

Engage a variety of middle and high school students with the incorporation of Grimm’s fairy tales into the classroom. “The Elves and the Shoemaker” by the Brothers Grimm is a short story about the positive effects of performing good deeds for others. With this plot-based quiz, teachers will be able to evaluate reading comprehension and promote homework accountability. The brevity of the narrative also helps teachers fill awkward gaps in their teaching schedules. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing editable Word Documents and printable PDFs. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: A defining characteristic of the shoemaker The shoemaker’s main conflict How the shoemaker spends each night The quality of the shoes produced by elves The effect of the elves on the shoemaker’s business The holiday during which a key event takes place The shoemaker’s hiding spot How the shoemaker’s wife feels toward the elves The resolution

Engage a variety of middle and high school students with the incorporation of Grimm’s fairy tales into the classroom. “The Sea Hare” by the Brothers Grimm is a short story about characters who defy expectations in order to achieve personal goals. With this plot-based quiz, teachers will be able to evaluate reading comprehension and promote homework accountability. The brevity of the narrative also helps teachers fill awkward gaps in their teaching schedules. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing editable Word Documents and printable PDFs. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The number of windows in the princess’ apartment The significance of the windows A distinguishing characteristic of the princess The reason the princess is reluctant to marry The nature of the risk men take in courting the princess The number of suitors who unsuccessfully courted the princess The young suitor’s special request The reason the princess agrees to the young suitor’s special request How the raven assists the young suitor How the fish assists the young suitor How the fox assists the young suitor The princess’ purchase at the market The resolution

Measure and extend reading comprehension of the second third of Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale (chapters 18-30). Included are two assessments for differentiation purposes, one subjective and one objective. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered as Word Documents and PDFs. 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

With this multiple choice, plot-based quiz covering the third chapter of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, high school English teachers will be able to evaluate reading comprehension and promote homework accountability. A short answer version is also provided, along with answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By taking this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The flamboyant nature of Gatsby’s parties The enduring mystery of Gatsby’s background Sensationalized rumors surrounding Gatsby Owl Eyes’ surprising realization about Gatsby’s books Nick and Gatsby’s shared past Nick’s characterization of Gatsby’s smile Gatsby’s manner of speaking to others Gatsby’s general behavior at his own party Gatsby’s request to see Jordan The drunken incident involving Owl Eyes Nick’s characterization of Jordan

Help high school students analyze how Shirley Jackson developed a complex short story in “The Lottery,” focusing on how the author manipulates the readers’ perceptions, incorporates imagery to cater to the readers’ senses, foreshadows the revelation that the lottery is barbaric, and portrays villagers as superstitious and irrational. This resource serves well for an independent learning opportunity, as well as for small-group discussions. Through such discussions, students may evaluate peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to support claims, clarifying or challenging ideas as needed. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.

Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze chapter 11 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. An answer key is provided. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, these instructional materials save teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. 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 engaging with this resource, students will do the following: Discern the most accurate interpretation of Mrs. Dubose’s criticisms of Atticus Discern the most accurate interpretation of Mrs. Dubose’s criticisms of the Finch family more broadly Analyze the author’s craft to draw a logical inference about Jem’s internal state Apply knowledge of situational irony to the text Discern the meaning of complex vocabulary and phrases in context, taking into consideration both denotative definitions and connotative associations Identify what the text says both explicitly and implicitly about Jessie Isolate factual statements from false statements Draw personal connections to Jem, using logical reasoning to make inferences about his concerns Argue whether Jem feels guilty for his treatment of Scout Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims Write with clarity, logic, and precision

Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze chapter 20 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. An answer key is provided. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, these instructional materials save teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. 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 engaging with this resource, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Clarify a character’s remarks Consider historical context in relation to the plot Consider cause-and-effect relationships Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop

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 Act 2, scene 6, of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word and phrase 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 personification and imagery Choose an applicable theme in the context of the scene Support claims or inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works

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 Act 1, scene 5, of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth and emphasizing Lady Macbeth’s soliloquy. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Infer the intended effect of Shakespeare’s figurative language Define complex and archaic words as they are used in the text Discern tone in context Determine the function of a given excerpt Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor and foreshadowing Support inferences and claims with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 1 of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with Shakespearean drama. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The opening scene Characterization of Norway’s king The fate of the Thane of Cawdor Macbeth’s new title The witches’ prophecy Banquo’s presence The news Malcolm shares with his father King Duncan’s declared successor Lady Macbeth’s concerns about her husband Lady Macbeth’s ambition Lady Macbeth’s influence on her husband Details concerning the plot to kill King Duncan

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst. Alternatively, the assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Point of view The reason for the narrator’s disappointment Details suggesting Doodle was not expected to live long The narrator’s immoral thoughts Doodle’s surprising actions A setting the narrator and his brother seem to enjoy The effects of pride Doodle’s stories The narrator’s agenda concerning his brother’s abilities A natural disaster that devastates the narrator’s family The reason for the interruption of a family dinner Why the narrator rushes home as the story reaches its climax A somber discovery

Help 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 Leslie Marmon Silko’s short story “The Man to Send Rain Clouds.” An answer key is included. 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 and implicitly Discern and articulate Leon’s motivation to keep Teofilo’s death a secret Analyze Louise’s actions to discern and articulate what they reveal about her mindset Analyze how character interactions contribute to the development of internal conflict Locate textual evidence in support of the claim that the priest is not very familiar with his community Articulate a reason for Leon to feel content Make a claim about character beliefs in the context of the entire narrative Apply knowledge of symbolism, choosing an object that represents an abstract and significant idea Write with clarity, logic, and precision

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

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “The Imp of the Perverse” by Edgar Allan Poe, a piece of horror and psychological fiction that explores the impulse to do wrong for wrong’s sake alone. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate engagement with the text. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative, which is especially fitting for the Halloween season, are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The principles of phrenology The narrator’s assessment of phrenology The narrator’s understanding of perverseness The location from which the narrator shares his account The means by which the narrator committed his crime How the narrator learned of the murder method The immediate results of the murder How the narrator’s mind shifts over time The narrator’s repeated motto How the public comes to learn of the narrator’s crime The narrator’s ponderings in the resolution

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “Winter Dreams” by F. Scott Fitzgerald. 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. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The setting of the narrative The duration of time covered in the narrative The general disposition of the protagonist, Dexter, as a teen The protagonist’s business endeavor The speculation concerning the protagonist’s romantic interest, Judy The nature of the relationship between Dexter and Judy Dexter’s significant life events as an adult The resolution An interpretation of “winter dreams” And more