Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “The Portrait” by Tomás Rivera. 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: Where the salesman is from The name of the worker The salesman’s proposition The subject of the portrait Method of payment The wife’s assessment of the cost A surprising discovery What upsets the worker most The worker’s perspective on fear The most striking aspect of the portrait

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “A Day’s Wait” by Ernest Hemingway. 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: The identity of the narrator The boy’s nickname, age, and condition The weather The father’s offer The boy’s alarming question A fundamental misunderstanding The resolution

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “The War of the Wall” by Toni Cade Bambara. 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: The narrator’s feelings toward the wall The narrator’s feelings toward the painter The name of the person whose name is chiseled into the wall The general characterization of the narrator’s mother The Morris twins’ offer to the painter Why the narrator’s mother says an artist’s life is hard What the narrator’s mother thinks is a real shame The narrator’s devious plans Historical figures painted on the wall The significance of the painted flowers Side Pocket’s observations about the mural The painter’s identity

Help middle and 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 the short story “A Day’s Wait” by Ernest Hemingway. 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 as well as implicitly Utilize dictionaries to ensure knowledge of word meanings Choose the most appropriate synonym to replace an adjective in the text Infer 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 alliteration, assonance, cacophony, and sibilance Consider themes in context Come to class better prepared to discuss literature

Engage middle and high school students with a classic example of adventure fiction, “To Build a Fire” by Jack London, and use this assessment to promote homework accountability and evaluate general reading comprehension. An answer key is included, as well as a copy of the public domain short story. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By taking this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The protagonist’s arrogance The old timer’s disregarded advice The protagonist’s husky companion The lack of understanding of the severe climate The omnipresent dangers of the setting The building of the fires The protagonist’s lack of imagination and its consequences The protagonist’s alarming thought concerning the husky The protagonist’s realization before his demise

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the short story “Lamb to the Slaughter” by Roald Dahl. A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: congeal, dazed, exasperated, luxuriate, mutter, parcel, placid, punctually, spanner, translucent, trifle, and weary. 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 general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “The 11:59” by Patricia McKissack. 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: Setting Lester’s prized possession Lester’s career The source of Lester’s post-retirement income General descriptions of secondary characters The significance of a whistle What Lester thinks about traveling by plane Physical effects coinciding with the sound of a whistle Lester’s reflections on life How Lester tries to comfort himself An unexpected visitor

Reduce teacher workload, measure general reading comprehension, and promote homework accountability with this printable quiz on “The Wife’s Story” by Ursula K. Le Guin. An answer key is included. Questions pertain to the following key details: The narrator’s emotional state The narrator’s characterization of her husband The relationship between the narrator and her sister A quality about the narrator’s husband that “brings the shivers on” her The moon’s role in the husband’s transformation The “curse in his blood” The husband’s tendency to leave home abruptly The husband’s strange smell upon returning The children’s fear of their own father A physical transformation The story’s resolution

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the classic fairy tale “Jorinda and Jorindel” by the Brothers Grimm. A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, the public domain short story, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. 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, and discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: bewitch bough disenchant gloomy hie hoarse mournfully mutter nightingale screech seize swiftly weep

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement Liam O’Flaherty’s short story “The Sniper.” A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: ascetic, beleaguer, dart, gibber, mutter, parapet, paroxysm, reckless, recoil, remorse, ruse, and turret. 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 Hans Christian Andersen’s short story “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, a copy of the public domain narrative, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: accordingly, array, council, diligently, elaborate, knave, procession, retinue, riband, rogue, sovereign, vexed, and viz. 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 Chinua Achebe’s short story “Dead Men’s Path.” A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: condemnation, cordiality, denigration, disused, eradicate, frail, further, headmaster, pivotal, propitiate, quarrel, rank, scandalize, shrine, stout, superannuated, and zeal. 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 general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Liam O’Flaherty’s short story “The Sniper.” The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the narrative. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Setting The general characterization of the sniper Risks taken by the sniper What initiates an exchange of fire Where the sniper gets injured A strategy to trick the enemy The sniper’s reaction to his kill What motivates the sniper to know the enemy’s identity An ironic discovery

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the classic fairy tale “Little Red Riding Hood” by the Brothers Grimm (also called “Little Red Cap”). A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, the public domain short story, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: arresting, bouquet, enraptured, feeble, infirm, odious, ominous, peer, scarcely, sly, trough, and velvet. 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 Anita Desai’s short story “Games at Twilight.” A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: arid, defunct, elude, glare, heartily, hirsute, ignominy, jubilation, laurels, lavishly, lugubrious, maniacal, melancholy, mortuary, sari, shutter, sidle, stridently, superciliously, vague, and veranda. 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 classic fairy tale “Rumpelstiltskin.” A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, the public domain short story, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: acquiesce, avarice, bewail, boast, despondently, dolefully, droll, earnestly, formidable, jeer, rapacious, shrewd, slyly, and vain. 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 general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “The Pedestrian” by Ray Bradbury. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the narrative. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Setting A general description of society The protagonist’s profession The reason the protagonist goes for a walk How to protagonist tries not to alarm neighbors The interaction between the protagonist and the police car The protagonist’s final destination

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 Shirley Jackson’s short story “The Possibility of Evil.” 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 as well as implicitly Utilize dictionaries to ensure knowledge of word meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Discern the functions of given details Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including dramatic irony, foreshadowing, situational irony, and symbolism Conduct brief online research on a relevant topic (Ethan Allen) in order to answer a question about plot 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 support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Roald Dahl’s short story “The Landlady.” 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 as well as implicitly 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 Apply knowledge of literary devices including euphemism, foreshadowing, simile, and more Consider themes in context 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 vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement Francisco Jiménez’s short story “The Circuit.” A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: acquire, enthusiastically, hesitantly, husky, instinctively, jot, loose, murmur, pale, peak, savor, thoroughly, wearily, and whom. 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