Promote active engagement with fiction, support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school, and evaluate general reading comprehension with this bundle of resources for teaching the Gothic short story “The Beast in the Cave” by H.P. Lovecraft. Included are the following: a multiple choice, plot-based quiz; a worksheet composed of rigorous close reading questions; a craft analysis activity; the public domain narrative; and answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. With these resources, students will: Articulate what the text states explicitly and implicitly Use context clues to determine the state in which the story is set Isolate the statement that best describes the narrator among several options Apply knowledge of various literary devices including onomatopoeia, oxymoron, foreshadowing, Isolate a false statement about a particular passage from among several truths Make logical inferences about the narrator’s self-image Define complex words as they are used in the text Explore how the protagonist thinks, behaves, and interacts with others Discern the intended effect of the author’s diction (for example, why the author used a phrase like occult manner and why the author repeatedly uses variations of the word labyrinth) Examine the deeper meaning behind the narrator’s use of a euphemistic phrase Analyze sentence structures to determine how they contribute to the reader’s experience Explain how the narrator becomes a dynamic character Justify ideas and claims with relevant textual evidence Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching O. Henry’s Christmas-themed short story “The Gift of the Magi.” A plot-based quiz, close reading analysis worksheet, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, word search game, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences Explore how the author’s narrative techniques shape the readers’ understanding of the story Consider tone in context Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of various literary devices including onomatopoeia, hyperbole, foreshadowing, paradox, and eye dialect Isolate examples of sexist stereotypes throughout the story Argue whether the author’s stylistic choice to capitalize a common noun (Combs) is acceptable Conduct brief online research in order to answer questions as needed Choose a relevant theme in the context of a given excerpt Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help students achieve more purposeful reading experiences and sharpen their note-taking skills with this reading guide covering the entirety of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. In addition, this resource aims to facilitate review and future recall of plot. Students will identify what the text states explicitly, track character and plot development, articulate the context and significance of given quotations, and more. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. The following plot details are addressed: Feuding in the streets The prince’s declaration of punishment Romeo’s despair at lost love Rosaline’s decision Juliet’s refusal to accept marriage Lord Capulet’s beliefs toward the prospect of marriage Romeo’s invite to Lord Capulet’s party Paris Mercutio’s harsh, sarcastic tone toward Romeo’s heartbreak Queen Mab Romeo’s foreshadowing prediction Tybalt’s reaction to Romeo’s presence (in contrast to Capulet’s) Romeo’s discovery of Juliet’s identity Dramatic irony The rejection of names Romeo’s fear of rejection Juliet’s concern over acting hastily Juliet’s desire for Romeo to send her a message Friar Laurence’s beliefs on good and evil Friar Laurence’s concerns for Romeo Romeo’s request of Friar Laurence Friar Laurence’s optimistic view of the union of Romeo and Juliet The Nurse’s private conversation with Romeo The plan to marry Juliet The Nurse’s comic relief Tybalt’s verbal attack on Romeo Dramatic irony Mercutio’s decision to fight Tybalt Romeo’s abrupt character change Defying the prince’s orders Lady Capulet’s demand Romeo’s punishment The Nurse’s news and ensuing confusion Juliet’s immediate reaction to learning the truth Juliet’s defense of her husband The Nurse’s motivation to seek out Romeo Romeo’s feelings toward his punishment Friar Laurence’s strong words for Romeo Romeo’s potential suicide attempt Friar Laurence’s optimistic plan Lord Capulet’s arrangement with Paris Whether Romeo believes he will see his wife once more Foreshadowing Lady Capulet’s plan for Romeo after exile The Nurse’s advice to Juliet Juliet’s desire to seek Friar Laurence’s help Lord Capulet’s rush to marry off Juliet Lord Capulet’s threat to Juliet Juliet’s morbid confession to Friar Laurence The purpose of the vial Juliet’s request for forgiveness from her father Lord Capulet’s praise for Friar Laurence Juliet’s paranoia in regard to Friar Laurence’s motives The burial vault The Nurse’s terrible discovery Cancellation of the wedding Failure of Friar Laurence’s plan Romeo’s visit to the apothecary The apothecary’s concern Friar Laurence and the quarantine Friar John’s task Paris in the churchyard Balthasar’s news Romeo’s interaction with Paris Romeo’s suicide Juliet’s awakening Friar Laurence’s upsetting news Juliet’s method of suicide Lady Montague’s death The resolution And more

This comprehensive bundle of materials facilitates the teaching of The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells and includes plot-based quizzes, close reading analysis questions, an end-of-unit test, and answer keys. With these resources, high school English Language Arts teachers may save valuable time outside the classroom without sacrificing rigor inside the classroom. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats.

Help middle and high school students improve fluency, stamina, text comprehension, and close reading analysis of the formal elements of fiction with this bundle of resources for teaching “The Hare and the Hedgehog” by the Brothers Grimm. Included are the following: a self-grading, plot based quiz; a worksheet composed of high-order questions; a copy of the public domain short story (estimated Lexile Measure of 1000-1100); and answer keys. Students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Discern the target audience of the narrative Apply knowledge of alliteration, assonance, sibilance, simile, and dramatic irony to the text Discern the meaning of complex phrases in context Discern the tone of a particular excerpt Discern the most accurate characterization of the hedgehog Articulate the consequence of the hare’s stubbornness Compare and contrast the hare and the hedgehog Cite textual evidence to support claims and ideas Write with clarity and precision