Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this quiz covering vignettes 18 through 21 of The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros: “A Rice Sandwich,” “Chanclas,” “Hips,” and “The First Job.” An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Mom’s note Esperanza’s desire not to eat lunch at home The nun’s denial of Esperanza’s request Esperanza’s deep-rooted feelings of shame Her cousin’s baptism Esperanza’s reluctance to dance Overcoming reluctance Esperanza’s observation while she dances A discussion on hips Esperanza’s similarity to Alicia in terms of a constant search for knowledge Summer work Flirting A distressing kiss

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this quiz covering vignettes 38 through 40 of The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros: “The Monkey Garden,” “Red Clowns,” and “Linoleum Roses.” An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: A peculiar pet The garden’s deterioration Tito stealing Sally’s keys and trying to get her to kiss him Esperanza’s desire to protect Esperanza, only to put herself in jeopardy A trip to the carnival Esperanza’s traumatizing experience Esperanza’s anger at Sally and women Sally’s marriage

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 “Sleeping Beauty” by the Brothers Grimm. With an estimated Lexile Measure range of 1200-1300, 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 Apply knowledge of literary devices including anthropomorphism, symbolism, foreshadowing, and more Identify the story’s inciting incident Analyze the author’s craft Explore relationships between complex characters Define complex words in context Articulate conventions of the fairy tale genre Cite textual evidence in support of inferences and claims Write with clarity and precision

Evaluate reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering chapter three of Animal Farm by George Orwell. Alternatively, the quiz may serve as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate more focused engagement with literature. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The horses’ skills Boxer’s slogan The characterization of Benjamin An object of great significance The interaction between the cat and the sparrow The contentious nature of the relationship between Napoleon and Snowball Snowball’s decision regarding the seven commandments Napoleon’s perspective on education The pigs’ justification for inequity benefitting them Intimidation tactics

Evaluate reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering chapter one of Animal Farm by George Orwell. Alternatively, the quiz may serve as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate more focused engagement with literature. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Setting The consequences of Mr. Jones’ alcoholism Old Major’s species The reason for Old Major’s oration Old Major’s assessment of England’s climate The “only real enemy” Old Major believes animals have An essential claim made by Old Major An issue on which animals vote Old Major’s commandments “Beasts of England” Mr. Jones’ reaction to thinking there is a fox on his property

Evaluate reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering chapter two of Animal Farm by George Orwell. Alternatively, the quiz may serve as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate more focused engagement with literature. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The animal who was absent from Old Major’s speech The fate of Old Major The significance of Napoleon and Snowball The Commandments of Animalism Moses’ statements on what happens after an animal dies Why Moses is disliked by the other animals Mollie’s conflict The most loyal disciples of Animalism The cause of Mr. Jones’ worsening emotional state Details about the Revolution The passing of a resolution Snowball’s instructions to the animals at the end of the chapter

Evaluate reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering chapter six of Animal Farm by George Orwell. Alternatively, the quiz may serve as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate more focused engagement with literature. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The year-to-year comparison of the harvest A newly instituted policy Squealer’s method of convincing animals the new policy is acceptable The pigs’ collective lifestyle Napoleon’s big announcement Revisions to existing commandments Muriel’s skill Benjamin’s general characterization The fate of the windmill Napoleon’s response to the windmill’s fate

Evaluate reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering chapter ten of Animal Farm by George Orwell. Alternatively, the quiz may serve as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate more focused engagement with literature. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Working conditions and general quality of life The elimination of once common aspects of Animal Farm A new slogan at Animal Farm Physical changes to the pigs The farm’s name change The reason humans return to the farm The single remaining commandment The nature of the interaction between pigs and humans A conflict between Napoleon and Pilkington The working animals’ observation of the interaction between pigs and humans

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning duties with this plot-based quiz covering The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells (book 1, chapters 6 through 10). An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing both Word Document and PDF versions. By engaging with this material, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Effects of the heat ray The narrator’s interactions with his wife The reason many news agencies report that Martians are not a true threat The arrival of a second cylinder Factors that contribute to the aliens’ formidability The item rented by the narrator The narrator’s intentions The weather conditions The means by which Martians travel on Earth A complication that faces the narrator

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning duties with this plot-based quiz covering The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells (book 1, chapters 1 through 5). An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing both Word Document and PDF versions. By engaging with this material, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Setting Strange sightings on Mars The Martians’ intentions First impressions of the Martians’ ship General characterization of the narrator The narrator’s assumptions about the cylinder The identity of a journalist Physical description of the alien beings An apparent complication for the extraterrestrials Acts of violence

Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and practice close reading analysis skills with this rigorous worksheet covering The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells (book 1, chapter 1). An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and 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 exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define complex words and phrases as they are used in the text Apply knowledge of literary devices including dramatic irony and simile Identify the best textual evidence in support of a claim or idea Determine the most relevant theme among a set of choices Make logical inferences about the author’s intentions

Help high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 2, scene 1, of Twelfth Night 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: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Examine nuances in words with similar meanings Discern the tone of dialogue in context Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare and contrast Viola and Sebastian Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on situational irony and dramatic irony Support claims and inferences with relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 4, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s King Lear. 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 close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Examine cause-and-effect relationships Describe tone in context Determine the functions of Edgar’s asides in the scene Verify interpretations of language using reference materials Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 4, scene 4, of William Shakespeare’s King Lear. 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 close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the intended effect of Shakespeare’s narrative techniques Explore cause-and-effect relationships Consider the symbolism of weeds in context Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Determine the function of the scene Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 3, scene 4, of William Shakespeare’s King Lear. 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 close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words/phrases as they are used in the text Verify interpretations of language using reference materials Explore the intended effects of Shakespeare’s narrative techniques Describe tone in context Conduct brief research on pelicans to better understand their symbolic value in context ('pelican daughters") Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Support claims and inferences 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 chapters 1 through 4 of Dracula by Bram Stoker. The assessment may otherwise double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Jonathan’s reason for his travels Count Dracula’s letter The gift of a rosary The howling of wolves in the distance The nature of Jonathan’s formal introduction to Dracula Omens of dangerous events to come Jonathan’s shaving accident Dracula’s demands of Jonathan The attempted seduction of Jonathan by three strange women Jonathan’s encounter with gypsies Dracula’s stealing of Jonathan’s identity Jonathan’s stunning discoveries

Go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet to complement chapter 14 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 Isolate examples of internal conflict in context Reflect on the author’s stylistic choices Discern the function of a given passage Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop 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

Go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet to complement chapter 10 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 Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed Consider tone in context Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on elaborative diacope, anaphora, sibilance, and hyperbaton 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

Go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet to complement chapter 8 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 Consider the greater significance of given details Discern the intended effects of the author’s narrative techniques with emphasis on developing suspense Determine the function of a given excerpt Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including symbolism and dramatic irony 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

Go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet to complement chapter 12 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 Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed Discern the intended effects of the author’s narrative techniques with emphasis on figurative language and the development of an ominous atmosphere Consider tone in context Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop List examples of male chauvinism in context Consider how heteronormativity may play a role in Van Helsing’s decision not to ask the maids to donate their blood to save Lucy’s life Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on personification, alliteration, paradox, onomatopoeia, and more 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