Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 5, scene 3, of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the intended effects of the Shakespeare’s word choices and narrative techniques Consider historical context when making inferences Describe tone in context Determine the function of the scene Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor and simile Consider themes in context 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 dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 5, scene 2, of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the intended effects of the Shakespeare’s word choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including oxymoron, metaphor, anaphora, and more Consider themes in context Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and develop critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet covering Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Murders in the Rue Morgue.” An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are provided. 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. Students will perform the following tasks: Make a logical inference based on the narrative’s title Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the intended effect of the author’s language in context Determine the function of the narrative’s point of view Consider the effects of the author’s narrative techniques Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Contrast the characterizations of the protagonist and the police Apply knowledge of literary devices with an emphasis on red herring and symbolism

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home grading with this plot-based quiz covering the classic Grimm’s fairy tale “The Goose Girl,” which centers on themes of greed and karma. The assessment may otherwise double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The old Queen’s intentions for her gold and treasures The peculiar characteristics of Falada A gift from the old Queen to her daughter The personification of the bloodied handkerchief The servant’s defiance of the princess The princess’ humility An incident that emboldens the servant An oath taken by the princess The identity of the goose-boy The demands of the false bride The princess’ manipulation of the wind The general characterization of the aged King The princess’ affection for her mother The fate of the false bride

Help middle and high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills while teaching the classic Grimm’s fairy tale “The Goose Girl,” which centers on themes of greed and karma. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are 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 close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Indicate the greater significance of given details Select the most appropriate synonym to replace a word as it is used in the text Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed Discern the intended effect language and narrative techniques Examine how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Discern the function of a particular character in terms of advancing plot Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification, metaphor, hyperbole, callback, situational irony, and more Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about fairy tale fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the classic Grimm’s fairy tale “The Raven,” which centers on themes of persistence and resilience. The assessment may otherwise double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Events preceding the young princess’ transformation The raven’s warning The consequences of not heeding the warning The special quality of food given to the man The raven’s gifts for the man The content of the raven’s letter to the man The interactions between the man and the giant The distinguishing characteristic of a mountain The robbers’ interactions among one another The man’s deceptive treatment of the robbers The resolution

Evaluate reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering “The Wives of the Dead” by Nathaniel Hawthorne, a short story addressing themes of grief and illusion. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with supernatural fiction. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The narrator’s opinion of the story Imagery Mary’s general characterization Margaret’s general characterization Goodman Parker’s general characterization Stephen’s general characterization Illusion vs. reality

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and develop critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet covering Ray Bradbury’s short story “The Emissary,” a piece of special appeal to high school students interested in Halloween, supernatural fiction, and the meaningful bond between humans and their pets. An answer key is provided. 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. Students will perform the following tasks: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the intended effect of the author’s language in context Consider the effects of the author’s narrative techniques Describe tone in context Verify interpretations of language, using reference materials as needed Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices with an emphasis on foreshadowing, personification, onomatopoeia, simile, metaphor, callback, and more Conduct brief research on Halloween’s history to answer a question pertaining to the season’s relevance to the plot Support claims and inferences with relevant evidence and sound reasoning Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision

“The Mortal Immortal” by Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein, is a short story of special appeal to high school students interested in Halloween, supernatural fiction, and philosophical perspectives on eternal life. Use this plot-based quiz on “The Mortal Immortal” to evaluate general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with literature. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The significance of a given date The protagonist’s name How the protagonist and his beloved first met Cornelius Agrippa’s profession The perception of Agrippa Why the protagonist is motivated to work for Agrippa The reason the protagonist ingests the elixir A deathbed admission The public’s reaction to the protagonist’s perpetual youthfulness Bertha’s demeanor as she ages The protagonist’s plans for himself

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the science fiction novel The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells (book 1, chapters 1 through 5). A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: accost, attenuate, billowy, complacency, feeble, grating, impediment, incandescent, incessant, insensible, irresolute, jostle, petrify, scarcely, scoff, stupefy, subtlety, transient, vague, and waylay. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Evaluate reading comprehension and embrace the Halloween spirit with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “Graves and Goblins” by Nathaniel Hawthorne. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with supernatural fiction. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The identity of the narrator The limitations of the human brain, according to the narrator The relationship between the spiritual realm and the physical world The narrator’s philosophy on death The habits of the narrator during his youth The backgrounds of several spirits The effects of mourning on the fates of the dead, according to the narrator The young maiden’s circumstances The effect of the young maiden on the narrator

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the science fiction novel The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells (book 2, chapters 1 through 5). A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: ashen, circumspection, consolation, despondent, dexterous, diminution, domicile, fortnight, gesticulation, implore, ineffectual, instantaneous, keen, lethargic, monotony, multitude, persistence, remonstrance, squeamish, and transitory By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the science fiction novel The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells (book 2, chapters 6 through 10). A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: brooding, circuitously, clamber, dethronement, dominion, exuberance, fecundity, gluttony, impede, inkling, lackadaisical, languid, melancholy, noisome, persecution, propagation, solitude, totter, unkempt, and vestige. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the science fiction novel The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells (book 1, chapters 11 through 17). A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: assiduously, dart, diffuse, dismal, dissuade, dubiously, exhort, expostulate, formidable, hoarse, imminent, interminably, palpable, pluckily, ransack, reproach, shabby, smite, tediously, and weariness. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood (chapters 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23). A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: absolve, affront, approbation, audacity, beseech, clamber, condone, decadent, emaciated, fervor, festoon, indignation, repentance, revile, vague, vindictive, wimple, and wistful. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood (chapters 28, 29, and 30). A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: adrenaline, ambiguous, blasphemy, catastrophe, defiantly, dismay, famished, illicit, macabre, obsolete, obstinately, paranoid, perfunctory, primitive, prude, reminiscence, rickety, and trivialize. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood (chapters 24, 25, 26, and 27). A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: acquisitive, blitzkrieg, commotion, futility, grudgingly, languid, melancholy, mirth, opaque, pious, plumage, stealthily, suffuse, tactile, trivial, uncouth, viable, and wince. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood (chapters 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11). A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: atrocity, barren, bereaved, clad, commune, dingy, disconsolate, eccentric, ingratiate, irreverent, lugubrious, melodramatic, quagmire, sanctity, sedately, solemn, stagnant, and treachery. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood (chapters 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17). A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: benevolent, candid, falter, genial, heretical, innocuous, lethargic, lithe, ornate, plaintively, rancid, rebuke, replenish, suave, subdued, superfluous, wary, and withered. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood (chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5). A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: archaic, blatantly, debase, demurely, furtively, genteel, insatiability, jaunty, menial, obscurity, ravenous, reproach, servile, solitude, surly, tremulous, undulate, and whimsical. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences