Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions on Ray Bradbury’s short story “There Will Come Soft Rains,” which makes a fitting inclusion to a dystopian-themed short story unit at the high school level. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Cite ample textual evidence of personification Analyze the author’s narrative technique to discern the effect personification has on the reader Identify and describe several advanced technologies incorporated in the narrative Draw parallels to currently existing technologies Locate textual evidence to support claims about the fate of humanity Identify numerous examples of sensory language Discern and articulate compelling and relevant themes Write with clarity and precision

For many high school students, the horror genre promotes more active engagement with literature. “The Terrible Old Man” by H.P. Lovecraft is a concise horror story featuring plot elements such as robbery, a character who dabbles in the occult, and mutilated corpses—making the narrative a particularly compelling read during the Halloween season. This multiple choice quiz on “The Terrible Old Man” 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: Setting Rumors circulating about the Terrible Old Man Details that suggest something sinister about the Terrible Old Man What curious people see when they look into the Terrible Old Man’s window A peculiar habit of the Terrible Old Man The means by which three men in the story make their living An alarming physical characteristic of the Terrible Old Man A disturbing discovery An implied hobby of the Terrible Old Man The background of the Terrible Old Man

Help high school students extend beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this set of rigorous, text-dependent questions on the ironic short story “The Last Leaf” by O. Henry. 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 activity, students will: Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Analyze how complex characters interact and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion, metaphor, personification, dramatic irony, and situational irony Compare and contrast characters Analyze the author’s diction to understand its intended effect Analyze the author’s stylistic choices such as the decision to capitalize “Art” and “Literature” Cite textual evidence in support of claims Write with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help high school students extend beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this set of rigorous, text-dependent questions on the humorous short story “The Cop and the Anthem” by O. Henry. 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 activity, students will: Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Analyze how complex characters interact and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion, juxtaposition, and situational irony Isolate a phrase that features an example of figurative language Analyze character actions to make logical inferences Determine the function of a particular passage Make an inference about the author’s point of view Articulate the significance of a given detail Cite textual evidence in support of claims Write with clarity, accuracy, and precision

For many high school readers, horror and psychological fiction are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “The Birds” by Daphne du Maurier features elements consistent with both genres: an isolated setting, killings without clear motivations, the suggestion of humanity’s imminent extinction, and more. This editable, multiple choice quiz covering “The Birds” helps English teachers promote homework accountability, evaluate reading comprehension, and save time at home without sacrificing quality in the classroom. An answer key is included. Materials delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The reason the protagonist only works part-time The nature of the protagonist’s work A description of the protagonist’s personality A description of the setting A detail that foreshadows the first avian attack on the protagonist’s family The protagonist’s observations on the morning following the first attack Others’ reactions to the protagonist’s account The protagonist’s disposal of the birds’ corpses Information provided in a special bulletin Official theories explaining why the birds are traveling farther south A predictor of avian attacks The effects of military combat against the enemy The protagonist’s ponderings in the resolution The protagonist’s final act in the resolution

Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions for The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. With questions covering chapters 1 through 5, this worksheet saves teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable Word Documents and PDFs. 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 will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking. Copyright restrictions do not allow for novel content to be included, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with the text. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Analyze how complex characters develop and interact Explore the significance of a given detail Discern the function of a particular chapter Analyze differences and nuances in word meanings Explore the author’s intent Articulate the contradictory nature of a given term as it is used in the text Isolate an illogical statement from a set of logical statements Explore character motivations Determine the tone of a given quote Apply knowledge of literary devices such as anaphora Explore how language is used as a manipulative tool Write about literature with clarity and precision

Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions for The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. Covering chapters 12 through 17, this worksheet saves teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable Word Documents and PDFs. 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 will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking. Copyright restrictions do not allow for novel content to be included, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with the text. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Explore character motivations Analyze how complex characters develop and interact Discern the function of a particular character in context Explore cause-and-effect relationships Analyze differences and nuances in word meanings Apply knowledge of literary devices such as pun and metaphor Explore the author’s intent Analyze a shift in narrative technique in chapter 16 Articulate the intended effect of a figurative expression Write about literature with clarity and precision Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims

Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions for The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. Covering chapters 18 through 23, this worksheet saves teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable Word Documents and PDFs. 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 will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking. Copyright restrictions do not allow for novel content to be included, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with the text. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Explore the author’s use of figurative language Analyze how complex characters develop and interact Articulate the irony associated with the relationship between Offred and her mother Explore character motivations Discern the function of a particular detail in context Analyze differences and nuances in word meanings Analyze how theme is developed and reinforced Write about literature with clarity and precision Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims Make a defend a claim about whether Offred is a reliable narrator

Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions for The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. With questions covering chapters 6 through 11, this worksheet saves teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable Word Documents and PDFs. 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 will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking. Copyright restrictions do not allow for novel content to be included, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with the text. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Explore character motivations Analyze how complex characters develop and interact Explore the significance of a given detail Determine the most prevalent theme in a given chapter Discern the function of a particular chapter Explore cause-and-effect relationships Analyze differences and nuances in word meanings Apply knowledge of literary devices such as metaphor Explore the author’s intent Articulate the intended effect of a figurative expression Write about literature with clarity and precision

Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions for The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. Covering chapters 31 through 34, this worksheet saves teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable Word Documents and PDFs. 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 will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking. Copyright restrictions do not allow for novel content to be included, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with the text. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Articulate how the government has failed in its mission to divide women in the context of chapter 31 Interpret an idiomatic phrase as it is used in the text Isolate a false statement about plot among a set of true statements Analyze how complex characters develop and interact Compare and contrast characters Explore character motivations Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor and portmanteau Analyze differences and nuances in word meanings Explain an example of paradox in the context in chapter 34 Explore cause-and-effect relationships Write about literature with clarity and precision Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims

This grammar worksheet helps middle and high school students understand the importance of communicating ideas objectivity and logically, as opposed to using emotionally charged, manipulative language. By engaging with this resource, students will practice isolating examples of loaded language (also known as emotive and high-inference language) from more appropriate, accurate alternatives, and vice versa. Featuring 20 opportunities to practice, this editable product is recommended for middle and high school students who are enrolled in composition classes emphasizing rudimentary writing skills. An answer key is included.

Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions for The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. Covering chapters 35 through 39, this worksheet saves teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable Word Documents and PDFs. 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 will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking. Copyright restrictions do not allow for novel content to be included, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with the text. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Isolate a false statement about plot among a set of true statements Analyze how complex characters develop and interact Explore character motivations Explore the psychological state of a given character Articulate how several situations are ironic Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, situational irony, allusion, and euphemism Infer why Offred chose not to “reconstruct” her memory of her final encounter with Moira Analyze differences and nuances in word meanings Write about literature with clarity and precision Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims

For many high school readers, horror and psychological fiction are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “The Birds” by Daphne du Maurier features elements consistent with both genres: an isolated setting, killings without clear motivations, the suggestion of humanity’s imminent extinction, and more. With this challenging worksheet composed of high-order questions, English Language Arts teachers will help students extend beyond basic reading comprehension, support the development of close reading analysis skills, and save valuable time at home without sacrificing quality and rigor in the classroom. A detailed answer key is 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 choice of title in order to articulate its intended effect on readers Examine how elements of setting contribute to the development of suspense Explore how complex characters think, behave, and interact with others Determine the functions of characters Infer character motivations Make logical inferences about the author’s intent Apply knowledge of various literary devices including personification, amplification, onomatopoeia, simile, epiphany, foreshadowing, and more Conduct online research to answer a question about historical context Paraphrase the author’s words (“You had to endure something yourself before it touched you”) Examine what a given passage implies about humanity’s relationship with Nature Identify narrative techniques used in a given passage to convey an unsettling mood Articulate the irony associated with imagery in a given passage Explore relevant themes Discern the significance of the protagonist’s final actions Support claims and ideas with reasoned thinking and relevant textual evidence Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Evaluate general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this set of quiz questions on Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (chapters 4 through 7). An answer key is provided. The materials are delivered in a zip file as both Word Documents and PDFs. By completing this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: How Huck knows his father has returned The manner in which Jim tells Huck’s future The reasons why Pap is upset with his son The new judge’s actions and decisions in contrast to Judge Thatcher’s The failed efforts to rehabilitate Pap How and why Huck is taken to the cabin Pap’s drunken behavior Huck’s efforts at self-preservation

Reinforce the standard conventions of academic writing and perform a quick check of students’ knowledge with this grammar worksheet on misplaced and dangling modifiers. With this multiple choice resource, teachers will be able to expedite the grading process. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will demonstrate an ability to: Identify and avoid misplaced adjectives Identify and avoid misplaced adverbs Identify and avoid misplaced phrases Identify and avoid misplaced clauses Identify and avoid dangling gerund phrases Identify and avoid dangling participle phrases Identify and avoid dangling infinitive phrases Identify and avoid dangling elliptical phrases Make corrections to poorly phrased sentences to resolve issues of clarity and logic

For many middle and high school readers, realistic and young adult fiction are high-interest genres that maximize engagement with literature. “A Red Dress” by Alice Munro is a coming-of-age short story told from the perspective of a teen girl who strives and struggles to achieve ordinary happiness. With this editable quiz on “A Red Dress,” English teachers will promote homework accountability and evaluate reading comprehension. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Details concerning the dress The narrator’s attitude toward a school dance The reason for the narrator’s dissatisfaction at school The narrator’s attitude toward her mother Details concerning secondary characters Embarrassing complications The narrator’s emotional reaction to conflict Mary Fortune’s criticisms The nature of the narrator’s interaction with her mother in the resolution

Conclude a unit on William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice with this fifty-question test delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. An answer key is included. This assessment is divided into four sections and breaks down as follows. Part 1. Multiple choice. Students will demonstrate knowledge of character and plot details. Part 2. True/False and Either Or. Students will identify whether a statement is true or false, or they will identify the correct option between two choices. Part 3. Matching. Students will match an excerpt with its appropriate context. Part 4. Multiple choice. Students will be given a detail or excerpt and must determine which literary device is best reflected.