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

Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze chapter 2 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 Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Discern the greater significance of a given detail Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Examine Miss Caroline’s relationship to the town of Maycomb Explore cause-and-effect relationships

Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze chapter 1 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 Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Discern the intended effect of figurative language in context Analyze how the author’s word choices create certain effects such as mystery or suspense Determine the greater significance of a given detail Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop

Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze chapter 9 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 says explicitly as well as implicitly about Scout’s behavior Identify what the text says explicitly as well as implicitly about Atticus’s reasoning for not using offensive language Analyze Scout’s motivations for faking illness Isolate factual statements from false statements Identify the context for a particular excerpt Analyze a character’s dialogue to infer intent Apply knowledge of metaphorical language to the text Discern the meaning of complex vocabulary and phrases in context, taking into consideration both denotative definitions and connotative associations

Help high school readers go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 1, scene 4, of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Isolate examples of punning language Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word and phrase meanings (“betake him to his legs” and “we burn daylight”) Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on foreshadowing 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 literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 2, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word and phrase meanings Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Choose the best textual evidence in support of a claim Apply knowledge of figurative language and dramatic irony Support inferences or claims 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 readers go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 1, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word and phrase meanings (“We’ll not carry coals,” “not quickly moved,” and more) Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works

“Spunk” by Zora Neale Hurston is a short story marked by the hubris of a self-assured man who has an affair with a meeker man’s wife—a decision that leads to his demise. 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 Determine the narrative’s point of view Examine how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Analyze the author’s word choices to articulate how they contribute to character development Select the least logical inference about characterization from among several options Apply knowledge of literary devices including hubris, juxtaposition, foil, metaphor, epiphany, and situational irony 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

Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions covering chapter one of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. With this resource, students will focus on significant details in order to develop a deeper understanding of the novel and its craft, thus helping them contribute more meaningfully during class discussions. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging in this exercise, students will… Analyze characterization Define unfamiliar and challenging vocabulary in context Read closely to isolate accurate statements from false statements Determine author’s intent Analyze the effect of the author’s language upon the reader Apply knowledge of literary devices to the novel Determine the significance of a given detail

This 30-slide PowerPoint presentation complements a unit on memory devices and study skills for high school freshmen. The following concepts are covered in a visually pleasing manner: Memory (includes 3 brief memory exercises requiring students to attempt to remember 13 items; this always lends itself to great follow-up discussion on memory devices students used to meet their goal) Aspects of Short-term and Long-term Memory Stages of Memory Numbers and Why They Tend to Frustrate the Brain Ebbinghaus’s Memory Curve (a.k.a. “Forgetting Curve”) Contributing Factors that Influence Retention of Information Flashbulb Memory The Importance of Reviewing Information Over Time Memory Devices Mnemonics Acronyms Chunking Grouping Repetition Flashcards Imagery & Visualization

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “Charles” by Shirley Jackson. The resource may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the narrative. 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 identity of the narrator Laurie’s tendencies upon returning home from school The general characterization of Laurie’s teacher Laurie’s changing behavior toward his parents Mrs. Hyman’s concerns about Laurie’s schooling The lesson Mr. Hyman believes Laurie must learn The reason Mrs. Hyman cannot attend a parent-teacher conference The general characterization of Charles Mr. Hyman’s suggestion pertaining to Charles’ mother A revelation in the resolution

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “Through the Tunnel” by Doris Lessing, a narrative about a boy who rises above his limitations to accomplish a goal. The resource may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the narrative. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following The worries of Jerry’s mom Setting A family tragedy Jerry’s desire to fit in with the boys The cause of Jerry’s shame Jerry’s motivations Jerry’s state of mind Jerry’s injury The resolution

Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and sharpen their critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet covering Doris Lessing’s coming-of-age short story “Through the Tunnel,” a narrative about a boy who rises above his limitations to achieve a goal. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable 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 engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the function of a given paragraph Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification and oxymoron Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about literature 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 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. With this close reading activity, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Demonstrate knowledge of the effects of punctuation in context Discern tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Evaluate general reading comprehension with this multiple choice quiz covering Act 2 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. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The end of the war with the Turks Iago’s emphasis on Cassio’s friendliness toward Desdemona Cassio’s weakness Iago’s taking advantage of Cassio’s weakness The consequences of Cassio’s actions Othello’s ironic perspective on Iago’s character Cassio seeking advice from one he considers his closest friend Iago’s next manipulative move involving Desdemona

Engage middle and high school students with a classic example of horror and supernatural fiction, “The Monkey’s Paw” by W. W. Jacobs, and use this set of rigorous questions to promote close reading analysis skills. A variety of 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. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Analyze the author’s word choices to gain deeper insight into setting and characterization Explore the role of setting in terms of developing characterization Make logical inferences about characters based on their actions Find deeper meaning in a given allusion Discern the tone of a character’s dialogue Explore how complex characters think and interact Determine the function of a given detail Examine details that represent a shift in tone Make logical inferences about the author’s intent Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony and euphemism Analyze how Mr. and Mrs. White’s marriage is affected by grief Identify specific details that contribute to the vampiric characterization of Mrs. White Defend claims and support ideas with relevant textual details Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, 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 Act 1, scene 1, 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. By completing this exercise, students will: Analyze what the text states explicitly and implicitly Make logical inferences in context Explore character motivations Discern the tone of a given excerpt Discern the meaning of complex words and phrases in context Explore theme Write with clarity and precision

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 4, scene 1, 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: Analyze what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the meaning of complex words and phrases in context Make logical inferences in context Explore character motivations Analyze how complex characters interact Analyze the author’s craft to articulate the effect of an idiomatic expression Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims Write with clarity and precision

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 1, 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: Analyze what the text states explicitly and implicitly Make logical inferences in context Explore character motivations Analyze how complex characters interact Discern the meaning of complex words and phrases in context Discern the tone of a given excerpt Cite textual evidence in support of claims Write with clarity and precision