Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet covering Shirley Jackson’s short story titled “Charles.” An answer key is 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 engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Determine the function of a given paragraph Discern the narrative’s dominant conflict Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, slang, situational irony, neologism, invective, and sibilance Reflect on how point of view shapes the reader’s understanding of events Consider theme in context Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this self-grading quiz covering the short story “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin. The resource 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 aspects of plot: The identities of the individuals who share devastating news with Louise The apparent manner of Brently’s death Louise’s medical concerns The effect of the news on Louise’s mental, emotional, and psychological states Louise’s assessment of her husband upon reflection Brently’s general demeanor toward Louise The author’s incorporation of imagery A surprising discovery The consequence of the surprising discovery The doctors’ judgment of what happens to Louise

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning duties with this plot-based, multiple choice quiz covering “The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. A short answer alternative is also provided for re-assessment purposes. Alternatively, these resources may serve as guided reading handouts to foster active reading habits. Answer keys are included. All materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The found man’s impressive physical attributes The immediate awareness of the man’s status as ‘stranger’ The village’s attributes The women’s discoveries as they clean the found man The women’s acts of reverence toward the found man The men’s perception of the found man The village’s realization that their community is one of desolation The narrative’s point of view and its significance The narrative’s use of hyperbole and its overall effect

“The Challenge” by Gary Soto is a coming-of-age short story highlighting the importance of authenticity and unconditional acceptance of others for who they are. This plot-based quiz complements the narrative and helps English teachers evaluate general reading comprehension while eliminating take-home assessment planning responsibilities. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The protagonist’s motivations The protagonist’s attention-seeking behavior Estela’s nickname The protagonist’s impression of Estela The protagonist’s narrow-mindedness Estela’s general characterization The protagonist’s efforts to impress Estela Incidents that occur during the racquetball game The resolution

Measure general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this set of two quizzes covering Book 1, chapter 1, of George Orwell’s 1984. A multiple choice assessment and a short answer option are provided, along with answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The setting The nature of the propaganda disseminated by way of the telescreen Winston’s professional responsibilities The ironic role of the Ministry of Peace The significance of Emmanuel Goldstein The general characterization of proles How Winston rebels against the government The Party’s treatment of enemies of the state And more

Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Othello. With a focus on Act 1, scene 2, this resource saves teachers valuable time without sacrificing academic rigor. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable PDFs and Word Documents. 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, ultimately, will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking. More specifically, questions pertain to the following: Analyzing the phrase “He comes to bad intent” for meaning. Analyzing the phrase “Come, sir, I am for you” for meaning and synthesizing it with knowledge of Iago’s characterization. Analyzing text for meaning: why Othello claims that Brabantio is worthy of respect. Analyzing text to determine character motivations (why Brabantio thinks Othello is a thief). Analyzing text to isolate true statements from unfounded statements. Locating textual evidence and annotating text to make comprehension visible: identifying all references to supernatural forces and all indications of Brabantio’s prejudiced mentality. Paraphrasing dialogue.

Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this set of rigorous questions about Shakespeare’s Othello. Focusing on Act 3, scene 4, 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. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will: Explore character motivations Discern the tone of a given excerpt Make logical inferences in context Discern the meaning of complex words and phrases in context Paraphrase Shakespearean language Isolate a falsehood from factual statements about plot Articulate the significance of a given detail Write with clarity and precision

Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Othello. With a focus on Iago’s skillful manipulation of Roderigo in Act 4, scene 2, this resource saves teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing academic rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable PDFs and Word Documents. 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, ultimately, will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking. By completing this exercise, students will: Analyze what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the meaning of complex words and phrases in context Demonstrate knowledge of literary devices Make logical inferences in context Explore character motivations Analyze how complex characters interact Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims Write with clarity and precision

Extend comprehension and support the development of close reading skills for high school with this worksheet composed of analytical questions on introductory letters 1 through 4 of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. With this resource, teachers can save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain chapters are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. More specifically, students will be able to: Articulate what the text states explicitly and implicitly Write with clarity, logic, and precision Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims Explore character motivations Articulate Walton’s professional objective(s) Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, assonance, situational irony, and hyperbole Discern the function of a given excerpt Articulate cause-and-effect relationships Infer with which statement Walton is most likely to agree Define complex words and phrases in context Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed Analyze how the author’s craft contributes to the development of mood Discern subtle and more obvious distinctions among adjectives

Support the development of high school close reading skills and analysis of Shakespeare’s The Tempest with this worksheet on Act 3, scene 2. A variety of high-order question types facilitates the process of analyzing character motivations, examining how word choices influence a reader’s interpretations, applying knowledge of literary devices, and articulating ideas in writing with clarity and precision. This resource is delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. A detailed answer key is included. More specifically, students will be able to: Articulate what the text says explicitly and implicitly Write with clarity and precision Cite specific, relevant textual evidence in support of a claim or idea Discern the most accurate statement among four options in context Explore character motivations Articulate how Caliban entices Stefano to participate in his plot Articulate how Ariel complicates matters for Trinculo specifically Determine the part of speech of a given word in context Articulate what causes Stefano and Trinculo to be afraid Analyze the author’s intent Analyze how language contributes to the development of characterization Articulate how Caliban is presented as a multidimensional character

For many high school students, the horror genre promotes more active engagement with literature. “The Terrible Old Man” by H.P. Lovecraft is a concise horror story featuring plot elements such as robbery, a character who dabbles in the occult, and mutilated corpses—making the narrative a particularly compelling read during the Halloween season. This multiple choice quiz on “The Terrible Old Man” helps English teachers promote homework accountability, evaluate reading comprehension, and save time at home without sacrificing quality in the classroom. 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 assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Setting Rumors circulating about the Terrible Old Man Details that suggest something sinister about the Terrible Old Man What curious people see when they look into the Terrible Old Man’s window A peculiar habit of the Terrible Old Man The means by which three men in the story make their living An alarming physical characteristic of the Terrible Old Man A disturbing discovery An implied hobby of the Terrible Old Man The background of the Terrible Old Man

“Desiree’s Baby” by Kate Chopin is an example of historical fiction that, when integrated into the English Language Arts classroom, complements American History curricula, as the plot precedes the Civil War and addresses the issue of how race and ethnicity affect one’s life experiences in the South. With this multiple choice quiz covering the short story, teachers will be able to evaluate general reading comprehension, promote homework accountability, and save valuable time at home without sacrificing quality in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Setting How Désirée came to be part of the Valmonde family Armand’s initial attitude toward marrying Désirée Madame Valmonde’s reaction to the sight of the baby How Armand’s treatment of others changes after the birth of his child Désirée’s observations of the plantation visitors Désirée’s demands of her husband Madame Valmonde’s response to a letter from Désirée The final interaction between Armand and Désirée Désirée’s final action in the story The fate of Désirée’s belongings Armand’s surprising discovery

Support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this worksheet composed of challenging questions to complement “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, this resource helps teachers save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. A detailed answer key is included, as well as a copy of the public domain short story. By completing this activity, students will do the following: Locate evidence in support of the claim that Rainsford lacks critical thinking abilities in the story’s exposition Locate evidence in support of the claim that Rainsford shows blatant disregard for potential threats in the story’s exposition Evaluate whether Rainsford believes he is better or worse off after encountering the anguished screams of a creature he cannot identify Articulate the irony in Rainsford’s inability to classify the aforementioned anguished screams, and how this detail allows readers make predictions about the plot Locate evidence in support of the claim that Rainsford and Zaroff share common traits Apply knowledge of verbal irony and articulate what makes the statement verbally ironic Apply knowledge of foreshadowing and articulate what an incident foreshadows

Fairy tales are not just for elementary students; even high school readers can use (and enjoy) fairy tales as a tool for practicing close reading analysis skills. This worksheet composed of rigorous questions covers “Rapunzel” by the Brothers Grimm. With an estimated Lexile Measure range of 1010-1200, the short story is suitable for both middle and high school students. The briefness of the narrative also makes it an appropriate time-filler for awkward gaps in teaching schedules. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will: Articulate what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly Explore character motivations Analyze how complex characters think, behave, and interact with others Examine tone Analyze the authors’ craft, paying special attention to diction in order to make logical inferences Apply knowledge of various literary devices including simile, situational irony, and dramatic irony Analyze nuances in words with similar meanings Choose the most synonymous word to replace a word used in the text Write with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions for Edgar Allan Poe’s The Black Cat." With an estimated Lexile Measure of 1100, the narrative and its corresponding close reading exercise are appropriate additions to a horror- or Halloween-themed short story unit. A copy of “The Black Cat” by Edgar Allan Poe is provided, as is a detailed answer key. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this activity, secondary students will demonstrate an ability to do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Articulate the narrator’s intent in a given excerpt Isolate a false statement from factual details associated with a given excerpt Examine the narrator’s modes of thinking to discern and articulate what he identifies as the cause(s) of his current circumstances Analyze a given excerpt to discern its primary function Apply knowledge of the anaphora to an excerpt Apply knowledge of simile to an excerpt Apply knowledge of hyperbaton to an excerpt Apply knowledge of paradox to an excerpt Apply knowledge of alliteration to an excerpt Examine cause and effect relationships Conduct brief research on Roman mythology to discern and articulate why the name Pluto carries symbolic value Analyze the narrator’s past behaviors and statements to make logical inferences about the cause of a destructive fire Identify textual details to support the claim that the second cat never existed Use logic and textual evidence to support the claim that the narrator feels subconscious guilt over the murder of Pluto Articulate why the narrator may be resentful of his wife Articulate how the narrator exhibits hubris and how hubris contributes to plot development Write with clarity, logic, and precision

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based, multiple choice quiz covering chapters 1 through 3 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. An alternate short answer version is provided for re-assessment purposes. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and 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

Help high school students extend beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 1, 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. By engaging with this resource, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Examine Shakespeare’s narrative techniques with emphasis on the incorporation of figurative language Determine the tone of the scene Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Evaluate general reading comprehension with this multiple choice quiz covering Act 1 of William Shakespeare’s Othello. The plot-based assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active reading experiences. An answer key is included. Additionally, a short answer worksheet is provided for re-assessment purposes. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Roderigo’s affections for Desdemona Iago’s fury toward Othello Brabantio The Turks’ plan to attack Cyprus Othello and Desdemona’s relationship Desdemona’s internal conflict Othello’s departure Brabantio’s warning to Othello Iago’s manipulation of Roderigo

For many high school readers, horror and psychological fiction are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe features elements consistent with both genres: a psychotic protagonist trying to rationalize his thinking, the senseless killing of an innocent man, dramatic irony, and more. This multiple choice quiz covering “The Tell-Tale Heart” helps English teachers promote homework accountability, evaluate reading comprehension, and save time at home without sacrificing quality in the classroom. 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 assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The alleged effects of the narrator’s fever the previous year The narrator’s motivations The narrator’s defense against claims of his being insane The duration of time it took for the narrator to kill the old man The reason the old man springs up in bed, awake The manner of the old man’s death The location of the old man’s remains The reason police are alerted to the scene of the crime The narrator’s initial reaction to the police’s arrival The narrator’s explanation for the old man’s disappearance The psychotic breakdown of the narrator How the police came to learn of the old man’s murder

Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze chapter 3 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 Discern the intended effect of the author’s phrasing upon the reader Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Choose the most appropriate synonym to replace a word or phrase without changing the excerpt’s fundamental meaning Demonstrate knowledge of comma and punctuation rules, especially as they apply to writing dialogue Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Determine the tone of a given excerpt Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification, hyperbole, allusion, alliteration, oxymoron, dramatic irony, and situational irony