Reduce teacher workload, promote homework accountability, and measure reading comprehension with this set of quizzes on chapters seven through 12 of Bette Greene’s Summer of My German Soldier. A multiple choice version and short answer alternative are provided in addition to an answer key. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. With these resources, middle and high school students will demonstrate general knowledge of characters, setting, historical context, and plot.

Reduce teacher workload, promote homework accountability, and measure reading comprehension with this set of quizzes on chapters 13 through 21 of Bette Greene’s Summer of My German Soldier. A multiple choice version and short answer alternative are provided in addition to an answer key. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. With these resources, middle and high school students will demonstrate general knowledge of characters, setting, historical context, and plot.

Incorporate more nonfiction into the English Language Arts classroom and help high school students practice their close reading analysis skills with this set of rigorous questions covering a persuasive speech delivered by Sojourner Truth. Given to the Convention of the American Equal Rights Association in 1867, the historically significant speech argues in favor of suffrage for Black women and encourages Black women to speak up for their rights in order to achieve a more just society. An answer key and copy of the public domain speech are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Articulate the function of the speech Identify what the text states explicitly about Truth’s feelings toward slavery, Truth’s desires for all women, Truth’s reason for living a long life, and Truth’s reasoning for why men should fight alongside women for their rights Explore cause-and-effect relationships Explore Truth’s personal motivations Analyze stylistic elements of Truth’s speech and evaluate its effectiveness Make and defend logical inferences about the audience’s reception to the speech Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help middle and high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and develop critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering the short story “Ambush” by Tim O’Brien, which addresses a soldier’s experience during the Vietnam War. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Utilize dictionaries to ensure knowledge of word meanings Isolate details that contribute to a surreal atmosphere Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Discern the functions of given details and characters Describe tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on onomatopoeia Articulate how the narrative fits the classification of ‘cautionary story’ Support claims and inferences with relevant evidence and sound reasoning Write about literature with clarity, precision, and accuracy Come to class better prepared to discuss literature

Help high schoolers go beyond basic comprehension and develop critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering an obscure short story by H.P. Lovecraft titled “Old Bugs.” This piece is a surprising departure from the grotesque and fantastical characteristics typically associated with Lovecraftian fiction. It also aligns nicely to American History courses since the narrative addresses the topic of Prohibition. An answer key and copy of the narrative are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Utilize dictionaries to ensure knowledge of word meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Consider tone in context Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion and dynamic character 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 chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4 of Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the novel. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Perry’s home city Perry’s hopes and dreams Perry’s motivations for serving in the military Perry’s physical limitations Rumors concerning the war Peewee’s erratic behavior Perry’s relation to Kenny Why Peewee likes being in the military Jenkins’ motivations for serving in the military Why Lt. Carroll refers to Jenkins as an “angel warrior” The veteran soldiers’ perception of Lt. Carroll The reason for a mission to a Vietnamese village

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 13, 14, and 15 of Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the novel. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The rumor circulating about the war An incident that jeopardizes the squad’s safety Who accepts responsibility for the aforementioned incident The reason for a group vote The main purpose of the American soldiers’ mission to ambush Vietnamese forces Perry’s brush with death How Peewee is affected by events The ARVN Jamal’s role Tam Ky Why Gearhart does not order his men to fire upon enemy forces Simpson’s feelings toward Captain Stewart Perry’s physical condition

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 9, 10, 11, and 12 of Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the novel. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Monaco’s reckless behavior The purpose of a visit to a Vietnamese village Brunner’s behavior while in the Vietnamese village Johnson’s defense of Perry What Peewee wants to buy while in the Vietnamese village The content of a letter Lobel receives Kenny’s personal goals as outlined in his letter to Perry Peewee’s emotional state as he interacts with Red Cross representatives The location where the squad will wait to ambush enemy forces The death of a character following a conflict Who is tasked with notifying the dead character’s family Perry’s declining of an offer from Stewart Perry’s learning of how Vietnamese forces treat hostages Lobel’s extreme guilt The author of a letter sent to Peewee A lengthy discussion on draft-dodging

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 5, 6, 7, and 8 of Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the novel. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The purpose of Earlene’s letter to Peewee Lt. Carroll’s request of Perry Perry’s loyalty to his squad Lobel’s mindset at he is on patrol Perry’s stated reason for being a soldier The reason Perry does not participate in the killing of an adversary Perry’s mindset as he looks at the corpse of the adversary Captain Stewart’s lies Perry’s physical condition The reason for a fistfight between two characters Why Peewee asks Perry to write a letter to Earlene A major mistake by another squad Lt. Carroll’s generosity Perry’s request of Brew

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 20, 21, 22, and 23 of Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the novel. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Monaco’s hallucinations The reason Gearhart hands Perry a letter What Gearhart hands Walowick Why Perry feels distressed when writing to Kenny Brunner’s new role Qualities Perry and Peewee share in common How Perry and Peewee are separated from their peers Where Perry and Peewee spend a night The Viet Cong fighters’ trap Perry’s concerns for his physical condition An update on Judy Duncan Characters who are sent home

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 16, 17, 18, and 19 of Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the novel. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The nature of Perry’s injuries Judy’s role What happens to Brew What Perry sends Kenny The squad’s suspicions about Dongan Dongan’s trick to make enemy forces vulnerable to attack A booby-trapped child Perry’s observations before shooting an enemy soldier Dongan’s death The reason for burning American soldiers’ bodies The incident involving a jet

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 a meaningful excerpt from chapter 1 of Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers. An answer key is provided. 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 Consult reference materials as needed to learn or verify word meanings Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Isolate an example of figurative language Select textual evidence in support of a claim Decide what the primary function of the excerpt is Come to class better prepared to discuss literature

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 a meaningful excerpt from chapter 14 of Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers. An answer key is provided. 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 Consult reference materials as needed to learn or verify word meanings Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Determine the function of the given excerpt Describe tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Choose relevant textual evidence in support of a claim Write about complex literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss literature

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 a meaningful excerpt from chapter 10 of Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers. An answer key is provided. 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 Consult reference materials as needed to learn or verify word meanings 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 with emphasis on alliteration Come to class better prepared to discuss literature

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 a meaningful excerpt from chapter 21 of Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers. An answer key is provided. 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 Consult reference materials as needed to learn or verify word meanings Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Determine the function of the given excerpt Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare the content of Perry’s most recent letter to Kenny to his previous letters Apply knowledge of literary devices Choose relevant textual evidence in support of a claim Write about complex literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss literature

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 a meaningful excerpt from chapter 2 of Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers. An answer key is provided. 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 Consult reference materials as needed to learn or verify word meanings Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Explore how knowledge of the Vietnam War’s outcome emotionally influences the reader Describe tone in context Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Isolate an example of figurative language Conduct brief research to identify parallels between the narrator and the author James Baldwin Decide what the primary function of the excerpt is Write about complex literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss literature

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 two meaningful excerpts from chapter 5 of Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers. An answer key is provided. 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 Consult reference materials as needed to learn or verify word meanings Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Evaluate the positive and negative aspects of a particular situation Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on dramatic irony, personification, and simile Write about complex literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss literature

Complement a unit on Gothic fiction and embrace the harvest season with this low-prep, standards-based research project addressing 33 topics directly and indirectly related to Halloween: ancient celebrations, holidays, and practices (Samhain, Lemuria, guising, souling, and more); more recent traditions (Guy Fawkes Night, the history of trick-or-treating, and the history of pumpkin carving); myths, legends, and superstitions (Jack O’Lantern, the Beast of Bray Road, Mothman, and more); medical conditions (“werewolf syndrome,” “walking corpse syndrome,” and “vampire disease”); historical figures (Vlad the Impaler, John Hathorne, Sarah Good, and more); and Halloween-inspired authors (Ray Bradbury, Edgar Allan Poe, Mary Shelley, H.P. Lovecraft, and more). Supporting materials—including a detailed scoring rubric—are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Ultimately, students will perform the following tasks: Collect and classify reliable sources on an assigned topic Develop successful methods of recording information Evaluate the credibility of nonfiction texts, taking into consideration readability, date, relevance, expertise, and bias Apply conventions of MLA formatting Correctly site resources to avoid plagiarism Organize information in a cohesive manner, using a note-taking system that includes summary, paraphrasing, and quoted material Analyze, synthesize, and integrate information, generating a thoughtfully comprehensive report, free of generalities and redundancies Present information in a formal, coherent manner

Incorporate narrative nonfiction into the English Language Arts classroom and help high school students practice their close reading analysis skills with this set of rigorous questions covering an excerpt titled “Loophole of Retreat” from Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl by Harriet Jacobs. This text addresses an enslaved woman’s paradoxically empowering decision to hide from her master in a confined space. An answer key and copy of the public domain text are included. Additionally, a bonus PowerPoint providing more context on the author’s background is provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Summarize key details from the text Use context to make logical inferences about the author’s beliefs Explore the symbolism attached to an object (the gimlet) Apply knowledge of various literary devices including invective, metaphor, paradox, and more Examine nuances in words with similar meanings in order to choose the most appropriate synonym for a given term Make logical inferences about the author’s intent based on stylistic choices Discern the tone of a given passage Support claims and ideas with relevant textual details Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision