Help high school students develop a greater understanding of how the Brothers Grimm used characterization, exaggeration, description, and various literary devices to establish a mood in “The Frog King” that is consistent with the conventions of fairy tale literature. Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this resource serves well for an independent learning opportunity, as well as for small-group discussions. Through such discussions, students may evaluate peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to support claims, clarifying or challenging ideas as needed. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included.

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the classic Grimm’s fairy tale “The Twelve Huntsmen.” Alternatively, the assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with the narrative. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The protagonist’s personal tragedy An internal conflict the protagonist experiences The maiden’s personal desires The special quality of the lion Incidents characterized by dramatic irony The maiden’s medical incident The significance of a ring The resolution

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering “The Tomb” by H.P. Lovecraft, a short story with elements of Gothic fantasy that evokes the works of Edgar Allan Poe. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate engagement with the text. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative, which is especially fitting for the Halloween season, are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The narrator’s confinement The protagonist’s self-image The name of a long-gone family The legend surrounding the long-gone family The protagonist’s interest in the legend from a young age The protagonist’s attempts to gain access to a tomb The reason the protagonist stops trying to access the tomb Aspects of the protagonist’s characterization that astound his family The protagonist’s ancestry A discovery in the attic A discovery inside the vault How the narrator’s parents demonstrate concern for their son Events that seem to transpire when the protagonist enters the cellar The protagonist’s intensifying phobia The contents of an antique box A servant’s actions to help the narrator

Help middle and high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering “Old Rinkrank,” a classic Grimm’s fairy tale. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will perform the following tasks: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Examine how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Evaluate the protagonist’s positive attributes and how they benefit her as the plot develops Compare and contrast two characters (Old Rinkrank and the king) Apply knowledge of literary devices with an emphasis on situational irony Analyze the author’s craft to determine what the name Mother Mansrot suggests about the antagonist’s thinking Consider themes in context Defend claims and ideas with valid reasoning and relevant textual evidence Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class/leave class better prepared to discuss literary material

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “Winter Dreams” by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The setting of the narrative The duration of time covered in the narrative The general disposition of the protagonist, Dexter, as a teen The protagonist’s business endeavor The speculation concerning the protagonist’s romantic interest, Judy The nature of the relationship between Dexter and Judy Dexter’s significant life events as an adult The resolution An interpretation of “winter dreams” And more

Go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet to complement chapter 5 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 Explain the benefits to maintaining an epistolary style Discern the primary function of a particular journal entry 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 7 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 Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, simile, assonance, consonance, sibilance, personification, 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

Help high school students reflect on their employability skills as they begin interviewing for jobs and planning for careers with this set of activities. Although these resources are intended for individuals to evaluate their own transferable skills for their own unique circumstances, they may also serve to facilitate engaging conversations among peers. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will: Communicate ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision Consider how to navigate complications in the workplace while maintaining integrity Participate in a structured process of developing coherent and compelling responses for job interviewing scenarios Reflect on their accomplishments, personality traits, interests, and hobbies Retain tools that may improve their commitment to growth mindset

Help high school students analyze how Doris Lessing used figurative language (simile), alliteration, descriptive language, and characterization to develop a compelling narrative and a mature, emotionally intelligent protagonist in “Through the Tunnel.” Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this resource serves well for an independent learning opportunity, as well as for small-group discussions. Through such discussions, students may evaluate peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to support claims, clarifying or challenging ideas as needed. An answer key is included.

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “The Doll’s House” by Katherine Mansfield. The resource may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with fiction. 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: Setting The description of the doll’s house Where the doll’s house is situated Conditions under which friends may see the doll’s house The general disposition of the Burnell parents A general description of the Kelvey sisters The characterization of Aunt Beryl The name of the oldest Burnell sister The general disposition of Else The general disposition of Kezia An object of significance The resolution

Evaluate general reading comprehension with this multiple choice quiz covering Act 1 of Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Lucentio’s studies Tranio’s role Baptista’s terms for Bianca’s being married off Gremio and Hortensio’s intentions Katherine’s general demeanor Baptista’s academic hopes for Bianca Gremio’s perception of Katherine Lucentio’s strategy for getting closer to Bianca Petruchio’s reason for visiting The quality Petruchio most values in a potential spouse Lucentio’s disguise

Evaluate general reading comprehension with this multiple choice quiz covering Act 3 of Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Who first identifies himself to Bianca Hortensio’s changing perspective on Bianca Petruchio’s conduct on his wedding day Katherine’s emotional reaction to Petruchio’s behavior Gremio’s perceptions of Petruchio and Katherine Petruchio’s defiance of custom Petruchio’s perception of his wife Bianca’s assessment of the relationship between Petruchio and Katherine

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 3, 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 Consider nuances in words with similar meanings Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Describe the nature of the relationship between Antonio and Sebastian Apply knowledge of literary devices including paradox and hyperbole 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 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. By engaging in this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the intended effect of an oxymoronic phrase Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of various literary devices including oxymoron, situational irony, dramatic irony, ambiguity, and alliteration Explore the text for thematic significance

Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and practice close reading analysis skills with this rigorous worksheet covering “The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. This activity helps to eliminate take-home assessment planning duties, saving teachers valuable time without sacrificing academic rigor. A detailed 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 engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Determine the greater significance of a given detail Discern the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices Explore cause-and-effect relationships Examine how characters think, behave, develop, and interact Argue whether the wives’ feelings toward their husbands are justified Consider whether the villagers are better off for having met the drowned man Support claims and inferences with reasoned thinking and relevant evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning duties with this plot-based, multiple choice quiz covering the short story “A White Heron” by Sarah Orne Jewett. Alternatively, this resource may serve as a guided reading handout to foster active reading habits among students. 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: Setting The protagonist’s background The nature of the interactions between Sylvia and the hunter The differences between the lives of Sylvia and the hunter

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 3, 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 Describe tone in context Discern the function of a given excerpt Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony and dramatic irony 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 1, scene 4, of William Shakespeare’s King Lear. Delivered in 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 Choose the most appropriate synonym for a given word Verify interpretations of language using reference materials Explore cause-and-effect relationships Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including synecdoche, antithesis, aphorism, and allusion

Help high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 1, scene 5, 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 figurative language in context Determine the functions of the scene Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including double denotation 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 general reading comprehension and promote the development of close reading analysis skills with this set of rigorous questions to complement Act 1, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. 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. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Isolate details that represent the best textual evidence in support of claims Apply knowledge of literary devices including oxymoron, hyperbole, and sibilance Determine the function of a given excerpt