Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and sharpen critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering chapter 18 of Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. With this close reading activity, students will be able to: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices and narrative techniques Explore cause-and-effect relationships Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Contrast Holden and his older brother Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on situational irony 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

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and sharpen critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering chapter 19 of Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. With this close reading activity, students will be able to: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop 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

Support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this worksheet composed of challenging questions to complement “The Wife’s Story” by Ursula K. Le Guin. 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. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Apply knowledge of anaphora to the text Articulate how anaphora contributes to the narrator’s characterization Analyze the narrator’s statements to infer details about her husband Discern meaning in less familiar words and phrases, taking into consideration the context of the passage Analyze an excerpt to discern tone in context Analyze an excerpt to discern and articulate the narrator’s internal conflict Apply knowledge of simile to the text Articulate the significance of the narrator’s “grief howl” Analyze character statements and actions to discern and articulate character motivations Analyze the term “blessed dark” to discern and articulate what it conveys about the narrator’s mindset Cite and explain textual details that evoke a sense of sympathy within readers Revisit the text to identify details that foreshadow the major revelation near the story’s conclusion Analyze the author’s craft to explain how language contributes to the major revelation near the story’s conclusion Write with clarity and precision

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 close reading analysis worksheet helps English teachers extend reading comprehension and support the process of critical thinking. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing editable Word Documents and printable PDFs. By completing the close reading activity, students will perform the following tasks: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the narrative’s inciting incident Analyze the setting and its immediate effect on the audience Determine the tone of a given passage Analyze nuances in words with similar meanings Examine how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony, foreshadowing, ambiguity, and more Discern the most relevant theme from among several options Argue whether Mary is portrayed as an intelligent individual Defend claims with valid reasoning and relevant textual evidence Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class/leave class better prepared to discuss literary materials

This PowerPoint was designed to facilitate classroom discussion and promote reading comprehension of W.W. Jacobs’ short story “The Monkey’s Paw.” The following elements are included in the presentation: Initiating questions to help students make personal connections and increase student interest in the text. An emphasis on relevant literary terminology, including suspense, mood, setting, and foreshadowing. Relevant textual details support these literary devices. Several analytical questions about characters, motivations, situational irony, and theme. Concise, potential student replies are also included.

Save time, measure general reading comprehension, and promote active engagement with this set of printable quizzes on Roald Dahl’s short story titled “Beware of the Dog.” Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, these two resources—a multiple choice version and alternate short answer option—make it easier to quickly and efficiently gather data on student recall and reading habits. Answer keys are provided. By completing these assessments, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The protagonist’s name The pilot’s physical condition The reason the pilot is uncertain of his location The doctor’s stated outlook for the pilot’s long-term health The alleged location of the hospital in which the pilot is treated Reasons the pilot grows skeptical of his healthcare providers The significance of the water quality The pilot’s view out of his window A revelation concerning the medical professionals The pilot’s interaction with an officer

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and minimize assessment planning responsibilities with this close reading analysis worksheet covering George Orwell’s essay titled “Shooting an Elephant.” 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 Articulate the dominant internal conflict Determine the function of a given anecdote Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony Infer the message that the narrator’s inaction would have sent to the community Consider how the author achieves specific effects with emphasis on how the resolution provides a sense of relief Investigate autobiographical parallels, conducting brief research on the author’s life Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Use this set of rigorous questions to help high school learners extend beyond general reading comprehension and develop close reading analysis skills while engaging with The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare. This resource specifically covers Act 1, scene 3. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Articulate and analyze what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the meaning of complex words and phrases in context Apply knowledge of literary devices Articulate how a biblical story applies to the plot of the play Discern the primary function of a particular excerpt Articulate what Antonio’s behavior reflects about his mindset Analyze Shylock’s characterization to articulate the complicated relationship the audience has with his character Identify the most relevant textual evidence in support of claims Write with clarity and precision

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 1 of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with Shakespeare’s drama. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Antonio’s lack of awareness in terms of the cause of his sadness Why Salerio and Solanio think Antonio is unsettled Salerio’s stated belief concerning human emotions Gratiano’s thoughts on sad men Bassanio’s motive for needing money Antonio’s generosity Why Portia is sad, according to Nerissa The condition under which Portia is allowed to marry Nerissa’s role in Portia’s life Shylock’s profession The quality that most distinguishes Shylock The reason for Shylock’s resentment toward Antonio Shylock’s deal with Antonio

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 2, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with 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 Consider the motif of the guest-host relationship and argue whether Portia conforms to the expectations of a good host, or whether she fails to meet expectations and represents a bad host Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on allusion and hyperbole Support claims and 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 dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 2, scene 3, of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with 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 Compare and contrast two characters (Jessica and Portia) Support claims and 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 dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 2, scene 7, of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with 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 Determine the function of the scene Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of various literary devices with emphasis on hyperbole and symbolism Support claims and 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 dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 2, scene 4, of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with 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 Support claims and 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 dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 3, 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 Determine the function of the scene Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion and situational irony Support claims and 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 dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 1, 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 Describe tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing and situational irony Support claims and 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 dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 2, 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 Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices such as metaphor, paradox, and personification Support claims and 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 dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 2, 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 Describe tone in context Determine the function of the scene Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on situational irony 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 2, scene 5, 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 Determine the function of the scene Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices such as metaphor and situational irony Support claims and 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

Promote active engagement with fiction and evaluate general reading comprehension with this multiple choice quiz on the science fiction short story “The Fog Horn” by Ray Bradbury. An answer key is included. All materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Point of view Setting McDunn’s thoughts on the ocean A strange incident involving a million fish The sound of the fog horn The characters’ nickname for the ocean The narrator’s thoughts on the sea creature McDunn’s theory about the sea creature An experiment involving the fog horn The sea creature’s reaction to the experiment The narrator’s life one year later The lesson McDunn thinks the sea creature learned The narrator’s feelings toward the sea creature

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning with this plot-based quiz covering Pearl Buck’s short story “The Good Deed,” a piece of realistic fiction that highlights different cultural perspectives on marriage and family dynamics. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with literature. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Setting Old Mrs. Pan’s abrupt relocation Old Mrs. Pan’s emotional response to her new home The cultural disparity between Old Mrs. Pan and her younger relatives Young Mrs. Pan’s characterization Arrangements with Lili Yang The cultural values of Old Mrs. Pan Old Mrs. Pan’s newfound zest for life Lili’s age Arranged marriage The resolution