Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 3, scene 3, of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Determine the primary function of the scene Describe tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on foreshadowing 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 craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 3, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Describe tone in context Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Determine the function of a given excerpt Describe tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices to the text including metaphor, simile, hubris, alliteration, personification, and irony Come to class better prepared to discuss Shakespearean drama

“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 plot-based quiz covering the short story helps English teachers promote homework accountability and evaluate general reading comprehension—while eliminating take-home assessment planning responsibilities. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing editable Word Documents and printable PDFs. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Spunk Banks’ characterization in the exposition The gathering place for the community’s men Lena Kanty’s characterization in the exposition Elijah’s treatment of Joe Joe’s weapon The men’s opinion of Joe’s plan to confront Spunk The outcome of Joe’s plan Spunk’s assessment of Joe following his death Speculation concerning the relationship between Spunk and Lena An animal sighting and its significance to Spunk Spunk’s manner of death The resolution

Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions covering chapter 11 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 with this resource, students will… Analyze the effect of the author’s language upon the reader Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Determine tone in context Define unfamiliar and challenging vocabulary in context Apply knowledge of literary devices with an emphasis on callback and situational irony Analyze the symbolism of an object Read closely to isolate logical inferences from less compelling or illogical inferences Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Support claims with relevant textual evidence and/or reasoned thinking

Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions covering chapter 10 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 the effect of the author’s language upon the reader Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Determine tone in context Define unfamiliar and challenging vocabulary in context Draw reasoned inferences about characterization Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on simile and alliteration Read closely to isolate accurate statements from false statements Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Support claims with relevant textual evidence and/or reasoned thinking

Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions covering chapter 12 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 with this resource, students will… Analyze the effect of the author’s word choices, including figurative language, on the reader Determine tone in context Define unfamiliar and challenging vocabulary in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Apply knowledge of literary devices to the novel Read closely to isolate logical inferences from less compelling or illogical inferences Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Support claims with relevant textual evidence and/or reasoned thinking

Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions covering chapter eight 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 with this resource, students will… Analyze the effect of the author’s language upon the reader Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Determine tone in context Define unfamiliar and challenging vocabulary in context Draw reasoned inferences about characterization Apply knowledge of literary devices with an emphasis on symbolism Read closely to isolate accurate statements from false statements Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Support claims with relevant textual evidence and/or reasoned thinking

Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions covering chapter six 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 the effect of the author’s language upon the reader Explore how complex characters think, behave, and develop Determine tone in context Define unfamiliar and challenging vocabulary in context Draw reasoned inferences about characterization Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on imagery Read closely to isolate accurate statements from false statements Explore the motif of heroism Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Support claims with relevant textual evidence

Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions covering chapter four 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 the effect of the author’s language upon the reader Determine tone in context Define unfamiliar and challenging vocabulary in context Draw reasoned inferences about characterization Apply knowledge of literary devices to the novel Read closely to isolate accurate statements from false statements Write about literature such that the reader will follow the student’s reasoning Support claims with relevant textual evidence and/or reasoned thinking

Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions covering chapter 13 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 with this resource, students will… Analyze the effect of the author’s language upon the reader Determine tone in context Define unfamiliar and challenging vocabulary in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on dramatic irony, imagery, and symbolism Read closely to isolate logical inferences from less compelling or illogical inferences Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Support claims with relevant textual evidence and/or reasoned thinking

Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions covering chapter 16 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 with this resource, students will… Analyze the effect of the author’s language upon the reader Determine tone in context Define unfamiliar and challenging vocabulary in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Apply knowledge of literary devices with an emphasis on situational irony Read closely to determine logical inferences Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Support claims with relevant textual evidence and/or reasoned thinking

Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions covering chapter 15 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 with this resource, students will… Analyze the effect of the author’s language upon the reader Determine tone in context Define unfamiliar and challenging vocabulary in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Apply knowledge of literary devices to the novel Read closely to determine logical inferences Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Support claims with relevant textual evidence and/or reasoned thinking

Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions covering chapter 14 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 with this resource, students will… Analyze the effect of the author’s language upon the reader Determine tone in context Define unfamiliar and challenging vocabulary in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Apply knowledge of literary devices to the novel Read closely to determine logical inferences Explore theme Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Support claims with relevant textual evidence and/or reasoned thinking

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the classic Grimm’s fairy tale “Little Red Riding Hood” (also called “Little Red Cap”). Alternatively, the assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active reading. 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: How people generally perceive Little Red Cap Grandmother’s expressions of affection The items Little Red Cap is instructed to bring Grandmother The reason for the delivery of items Mother’s advice to Little Red Cap Little Red Cap’s initial reaction to meeting the wolf The wolf’s methods of manipulating Little Red Cap Signs of danger at Grandmother’s house The reason the huntsman does not shoot the wolf The rescuing of Little Red Cap and her grandmother How Little Red Cap gets justice The huntsman’s reward for his efforts Information provided in the epilogue

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the satirical short story “The Emperor’s New Clothes” by Hans Christian Andersen. Alternatively, the assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: How the protagonist demonstrates his obsession with clothes The motivations of the visitors The visitors’ outlandish claims The protagonist’s motivations The protagonist’s internal conflict Means by which the visitors deceive the community The emperor’s participation in the procession The resolution

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the classic Grimm’s fairy tale “Rumpelstiltskin.” Alternatively, the assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement. 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 miller’s feelings toward his daughter The miller’s feelings toward the king The king’s greed A task the maiden is assigned An offer the king makes the maiden Offerings made to the hobgoblin A new task for the maiden The length of time the maiden has to complete her new task A messenger’s observations The hobgoblin’s response to failure The court’s reaction to the hobgoblin

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Chinua Achebe’s short story “Dead Men’s Path.” 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 aspects of plot: Character motivations General description of Obi’s colleagues Nancy’s emotional and psychological states The length of time Obi has been married The nature of the conversation Obi has with a priest The meaning behind a proverb The cultural significance of the path The reason Obi wants to close the path A tragic situation Retribution The resolution

Help 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 Chinua Achebe’s short story “Dead Men’s Path.” An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Determine the narrative’s dominant conflict Analyze how complex characters interact and develop Explore character motivations Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing and situational irony Determine the function of a particular passage Make an inference about the author’s point of view Articulate the intended effect of the author’s diction in context Cite textual evidence in support of claims Write with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Morley Callaghan’s “All the Years of Her Life,” a short story focusing on how a young son’s behavior influences the psychological state of his loving mother. 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. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Setting Conflict The background of the protagonist How complex characters interact

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the classic Grimm’s fairy tale “Jorinda and Jorindel.” Alternatively, the assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active reading. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The antagonist’s physical form in both the daytime and the nighttime What happens to both men and women when they approach the antagonist’s house The source of mournful singing The nature of the relationship between the titular characters Abrupt changes in Jorindel’s life The content of Jorindel’s dreams The length of time it takes Jorindel to find an item with magical properties The resolution