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Inquiring Mind of the English Teacher Kind

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Say hello to a platform dedicated to industrious, yet overtasked teachers like you. Say goodbye to countless hours spent developing relevant and engaging ELA lessons. Whether you are teaching the fundamentals of grammar, creative writing skills, classic literature, or contemporary fiction, you will find thousands of activities and assessments to help you achieve a healthier work-life balance without sacrificing academic rigor.

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Say hello to a platform dedicated to industrious, yet overtasked teachers like you. Say goodbye to countless hours spent developing relevant and engaging ELA lessons. Whether you are teaching the fundamentals of grammar, creative writing skills, classic literature, or contemporary fiction, you will find thousands of activities and assessments to help you achieve a healthier work-life balance without sacrificing academic rigor.
The Hobbit Close Reading Analysis Worksheet (Chapter 1)
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The Hobbit Close Reading Analysis Worksheet (Chapter 1)

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Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions covering chapter one 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 characterization Define unfamiliar and challenging vocabulary in context Read closely to isolate accurate statements from false statements Determine author’s intent Analyze the effect of the author’s language upon the reader Apply knowledge of literary devices to the novel Determine the significance of a given detail
The Adventures of Ulysses Prologue through Chapter 3 Close Reading Questions
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The Adventures of Ulysses Prologue through Chapter 3 Close Reading Questions

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Help middle and high school students extend beyond general reading comprehension and develop close reading analysis skills while they engage with The Adventures of Ulysses by Bernard Evslin. This set of rigorous questions covers the prologue through chapter three (“The Lotus Eaters”). An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Examine the author’s phrasing in order to make logical inferences about character motivations Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact with one another Discern the nature of character relationships Select the best synonym for a given word as it is used in the text Apply knowledge of foreshadowing
To Kill a Mockingbird Chapter 20 Close Reading Worksheet
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To Kill a Mockingbird Chapter 20 Close Reading Worksheet

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Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze chapter 20 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. An answer key is provided. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, these instructional materials save teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. 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 resource, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Clarify a character’s remarks Consider historical context in relation to the plot Consider cause-and-effect relationships Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Grammar Practice Worksheet on Applying Verb Tenses
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Grammar Practice Worksheet on Applying Verb Tenses

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Reinforce the standard conventions of academic writing and perform a quick check of students’ knowledge with this grammar worksheet on verb tenses, which emphasizes irregular verbs. Two versions of this activity are provided, including a multiple choice option to expedite the grading process. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in a zip file as both Word Documents and PDFs.
Grammar Worksheet on Commas, Semicolons, and Conjunctions
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Grammar Worksheet on Commas, Semicolons, and Conjunctions

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Reinforce the standard conventions of academic writing and perform a quick check of students’ knowledge with this grammar worksheet on commas, conjunctions, semicolons. Two versions of this activity are provided, including a multiple choice option to expedite take-home grading. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with this material, students will demonstrate an ability to: Separate dependent clauses from independent clauses using semicolons or commas with conjunctions Join two independent clauses with a comma and contextually appropriate conjunction Separate items in a series using commas Isolate non-essential elements (appositive phrases) in the middle of sentences using commas Use commas to separate the elements of dates and places Punctuate coordinating adjectives in a series Format direct quotations Isolate interrupters (however, nevertheless, etc.) in the middle of sentences using commas Use semicolons before conjunctive adverbs that join independent clauses Use semicolons to separate items in a series if they contain internal punctuation
"The Monkey's Paw" by W. W. Jacobs Close Reading Analysis Questions
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"The Monkey's Paw" by W. W. Jacobs Close Reading Analysis Questions

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Engage middle and high school students with a classic example of horror and supernatural fiction, “The Monkey’s Paw” by W. W. Jacobs, and use this set of rigorous questions to promote close reading analysis skills. A variety of question types facilitates the process of analyzing character motivations, examining how word choices influence a reader’s interpretations, applying knowledge of literary devices, and articulating ideas in writing with clarity and precision. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are 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 word choices to gain deeper insight into setting and characterization Explore the role of setting in terms of developing characterization Make logical inferences about characters based on their actions Find deeper meaning in a given allusion Discern the tone of a character’s dialogue Explore how complex characters think and interact Determine the function of a given detail Examine details that represent a shift in tone Make logical inferences about the author’s intent Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony and euphemism Analyze how Mr. and Mrs. White’s marriage is affected by grief Identify specific details that contribute to the vampiric characterization of Mrs. White Defend claims and support ideas with relevant textual details Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision
To Kill a Mockingbird Chapter 30 Close Reading Worksheet
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To Kill a Mockingbird Chapter 30 Close Reading Worksheet

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Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze chapter 30 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. An answer key is provided. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, these instructional materials save teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. 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 prohibit the inclusion of the complete chapter, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with access to the novel. By engaging in this exercise, students will: Examine the context of a given passage Analyze character dialogue to discern meaning and intent Discern the meaning of complex vocabulary and phrases in context, taking into consideration both denotative definitions and connotative associations Analyze an excerpt to discern its significance
House on Mango Street Quiz on Vignettes 38-40
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House on Mango Street Quiz on Vignettes 38-40

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this quiz covering vignettes 38 through 40 of The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros: “The Monkey Garden,” “Red Clowns,” and “Linoleum Roses.” An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: A peculiar pet The garden’s deterioration Tito stealing Sally’s keys and trying to get her to kiss him Esperanza’s desire to protect Esperanza, only to put herself in jeopardy A trip to the carnival Esperanza’s traumatizing experience Esperanza’s anger at Sally and women Sally’s marriage
House on Mango Street Quiz on Vignettes 34-37
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House on Mango Street Quiz on Vignettes 34-37

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this quiz covering vignettes 34 through 37 of The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros: “Bums in the Attic,” “Beautiful and Cruel,” “A Smart Cookie,” and “What Sally Said.” An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Esperanza’s decision to stop going to look at dream houses and her reasoning Esperanza’s decision to let bums live in the attic of her future house Esperanza’s concern that she is not attractive enough Esperanza’s decision not to surrender her power as a female and how it manifests Esperanza’s mom and her past Esperanza’s mom and her comments about being “a smart cookie” Sally and the abuse she suffers from her father The reason Sally’s father abuses her Sally’s attempts to seek safety and Esperanza’s willingness to protect her
House on Mango Street Quiz on Vignettes 26-29
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House on Mango Street Quiz on Vignettes 26-29

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this quiz covering vignettes 26 through 29 of The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros: “Edna’s Ruthie,” “The Earl of Tennessee,” “Sire,” and “Four Skinny Trees.” An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Ruthie’s friendship with Esperanza and her friends Ruthie’s marriage The characterization of Edna Ruthie and Esperanza’s common interest in writing The characterization of Earle Sire, the boy Esperanza likes and her parents dislike Esperanza’s feelings toward Lois Esperanza’s sense of self Esperanza’s comparison to trees The reason behind the comparison
House on Mango Street Quiz on Vignettes 22-25
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House on Mango Street Quiz on Vignettes 22-25

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this quiz covering vignettes 22 through 25 of The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros: “Papa Who Wakes Up Tired in the Dark,” “Born Bad,” “Elenita, Cards, Palm, Water,” and “Geraldo No Last Name.” An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Her father’s emotional breakdown and its cause Esperanza’s responsibility to explain death to her siblings Her father’s need to travel to Mexico unexpectedly A game Esperanza and her friends play, which ultimately causes them strife A character description of Aunt Lupe Aunt Lupe’s encouragement of Esperanza’s writing A visit to the fortune teller Esperanza’s desire to know whether she will have her own house Esperanza’s skepticism The death of Geraldo Marin’s connection
House on Mango Street Quiz on Vignettes 18-21
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House on Mango Street Quiz on Vignettes 18-21

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this quiz covering vignettes 18 through 21 of The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros: “A Rice Sandwich,” “Chanclas,” “Hips,” and “The First Job.” An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Mom’s note Esperanza’s desire not to eat lunch at home The nun’s denial of Esperanza’s request Esperanza’s deep-rooted feelings of shame Her cousin’s baptism Esperanza’s reluctance to dance Overcoming reluctance Esperanza’s observation while she dances A discussion on hips Esperanza’s similarity to Alicia in terms of a constant search for knowledge Summer work Flirting A distressing kiss
House on Mango Street Quiz on Vignettes 14-17
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House on Mango Street Quiz on Vignettes 14-17

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this quiz covering vignettes 14 through 17 of The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros: “Alicia Who Sees Mice,” “Darius and the Clouds,” “And Some More,” and “The Family of Little Feet.” An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Alicia’s commitment to her education The mice who roam at night Alicia’s at-home responsibilities, according to her father and Hispanic culture The characterization of Darius Darius’s intriguing assessment of a cloud What incites an argument among Esperanza and her friends A gift of high-heeled shoes How the girls are treated by several men The characterization of Esperanza and who she is similar to in terms of her goals and personal interests
House on Mango Street Quiz on Vignettes 10-13
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House on Mango Street Quiz on Vignettes 10-13

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this quiz covering vignettes 10 through 13 of The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros: “Louie, His Cousin and His Other Cousin,” “Marin,” “Those Who Don’t,” and “There Was an Old Woman She Had So Many Children She Didn’t Know What to Do.” An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Louie and his car accident Marin’s Puerto Rican boyfriend and her future relationship goal Marin’s background Esperanza’s lack of knowledge about other communities leading to fear of those communities Rosa’s background and personal struggles A description of the Vargas children A death resulting from a horrible fall The significance of the idea of flying, which repeats throughout the story
House on Mango Street Quiz on Vignettes 5-9
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House on Mango Street Quiz on Vignettes 5-9

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this quiz covering vignettes 5 through 9 of The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros: “Cathy Queen of Cats,” “Our Good Day,” “Laughter,” “Gil’s Furniture Bought and Sold,” and “Meme Ortiz.” An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Cathy’s claims Cathy’s impending move and her alleged reason why her family is moving The irony of Cathy’s claim A purchase Esperanza makes with her friends Lucy and Rachel How Esperanza accumulated enough funds to make the purchase Esperanza’s realization about how well Nenny understands her A visit to the junk store A music box How Meme broke both of his arms
House on Mango Street Quiz on Vignettes 1-4
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House on Mango Street Quiz on Vignettes 1-4

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this quiz covering vignettes 1 through 4 of The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros: “The House on Mango Street,” “Hairs,” “Boys and Girls,” and “My Name.” An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The reason behind the family’s move The qualities/description of the new house The smell of her mother’s hair The lack of interaction among boys and girls in the community Esperanza’s frustrations with spending time with Nenny Esperanza’s desire to have a best friend The origin of Esperanza’s name Esperanza’s personal feelings about her name The Chinese year of the horse and its superstitious meaning to women Cultural views on women (Chinese and Mexican) Esperanza’s great grandmother and her arranged marriage
Catcher in the Rye Quiz and Answer Key Bundle
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Catcher in the Rye Quiz and Answer Key Bundle

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Promote student accountability and measure general reading comprehension of J.D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye. Featuring 112 questions spanning the entire novel, this bundle quickly and conveniently provides formative data on student knowledge and reading habits. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Answer keys are included. Questions pertain to the following key details: Point of view The tone of Holden’s voice Where Holden is at the start of the story Holden’s family Reason for Holden’s dismissal from Pencey Prep Holden’s irresponsible behaviors and actions Visiting Mr. Spencer “Life is a game” Mr. Spencer’s advice to Holden Holden’s awful paper on ancient Egyptians Holden’s lack of willingness to confront his own actions A prominent article of clothing A character description of Ackley Inference skills (Holden’s judgment of Ackley) A character description of Stradlater An agreement Holden strikes with Stradlater Jane Gallagher Holden’s obsession with and hatred toward phonies A trip to the movies Application of situational irony (irony of result) Ackley’s inclusion The intended subject matter of Stradlater’s composition assignment Holden’s decision to deviate from the assignment’s expectations Character description of Allie Holden’s response to Allie’s death Stradlater’s reaction to Holden’s writing Holden’s attempt to irritate Stradlater Stradlater’s date with Jane A physical altercation Holden’s difficulties in falling asleep A late-night conversation with Ackley Holden’s decision to leave for New York abruptly Holden’s decision to delay returning to his parents’ apartment Holden’s train ride encounter with Ms. Morrow and the ensuing conversation Holden’s hypocrisy Holden’s loneliness Holden’s attempt to set himself up on a date Holden’s judgment of many other hotel patrons Phoebe (her humor, creativity, and biggest imperfection according to Holden) The Lavender Room Holden’s actions in the Lavender Room (ordering drinks, flirting, etc.) The history of Holden and Jane’s friendship Textual evidence that supports how Holden felt closest to Jane (baseball glove) Jane’s alcoholic father “All you knew is you were happy” Horwitz Ernie’s nightclub The significance of these chapters in terms of our understanding of Holden’s character (his loneliness and search for companionship) Holden’s imagination Holden’s confession (fearfulness) An offer from the elevator operator The cost of the offer Holden’s perceptions on what women want Holden’s attempt to avoid intimacy with Sunny A violent altercation Holden’s guilt over an incident involving Allie Holden’s thoughts on organized religion A date with Sally Holden’s mother and her health Holden’s feelings toward his mother Holden’s thoughts on money and its effect on people Holden’s thoughts as he sees the nuns A gift for Phoebe (“Little Shirley Beans”) A phone call to Jane Holden’s search for his sister An encounter with a girl who claims to know Holden’s sister Holden’s thoughts about time as he visits the museum Holden’s date with Sally Sally’s flirtatiousness Holden’s emotional instability and its influence on his treatment of Sally A plan to meet with Carl Luce for drinks An observation that calls to mind Allie Holden’s thoughts about joining the military Holden’s characterization of Carl Luce Holden’s line of questioning (lack of maturity) Holden’s decision to get drunk A drunken phone call to Sally Dropping and breaking the record Holden’s thoughts about death and his own funeral A decision to return home Holden’s observation about sleeping children How Holden was able to gain easy access to his parents’ apartment Holden’s perusal of Phoebe’s school books and personal notes Phoebe’s middle name Phoebe’s concern that Dad will want to kill Holden for being expelled How Phoebe demonstrates her frustrations toward Holden Phoebe’s accusation that Holden hates everything Holden’s interpretation of a misheard song lyric The James Castle incident What Holden loaned James Holden’s desire to call Mr. Antolini Mr. Antolini’s luxurious apartment Mr. Antolini’s drunkenness Holden’s explanation as to why he disliked Pencey Prep That Mr. Antolini is compared to D.B. Holden’s interest in side stories or digressions Mr. Antolini’s fear that Holden is destined for “a terrible fall” The root of Holden’s dissatisfaction in life, according to Mr. Antolini The significance of an education for Holden, according to Mr. Antolini How Mr. Antolini awakens Holden Holden’s visceral reaction to the manner in which he was awakened Holden’s second guessing of Mr. Antolini’s motivations Holden’s concern for his own safety as he crosses streets Holden’s desire to re-connect with Phoebe at the Museum of Art Holden’s desire to move out west and avoid human interaction What upsets Holden at the school Holden’s impending physical collapse The return of the red hunting hat A trip to the zoo Holden’s emotional state as he watches Phoebe on the carousel Holden’s decision to return home
Catcher in the Rye Chapters 25 and 26 Quiz and Answer Key
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Catcher in the Rye Chapters 25 and 26 Quiz and Answer Key

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz addressing chapters 25 and 26 of Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger. This assessment may otherwise double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with literature. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following plot elements: Holden’s second guessing of Mr. Antolini’s motivations Holden’s concern for his own safety as he crosses streets Holden’s desire to re-connect with Phoebe at the Museum of Art Holden’s desire to move out west and avoid human interaction What upsets Holden at the school Holden’s impending physical collapse The return of the red hunting hat A trip to the zoo Holden’s emotional state as he watches Phoebe on the carousel Holden’s decision to return home
Catcher in the Rye Chapter 24 Quiz and Answer Key
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Catcher in the Rye Chapter 24 Quiz and Answer Key

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz addressing chapter 24 of Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger. This assessment may otherwise double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with literature. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Mr. Antolini’s luxurious apartment Mr. Antolini’s drunkenness Holden’s explanation as to why he disliked Pencey Prep That Mr. Antolini is compared to D.B. Holden’s interest in side stories or digressions Mr. Antolini’s fear that Holden is destined for “a terrible fall” The root of Holden’s dissatisfaction in life, according to Mr. Antolini The significance of an education for Holden, according to Mr. Antolini How Mr. Antolini awakens Holden Holden’s visceral reaction to the manner in which he was awakened
Catcher in the Rye Chapters 21 through 23 Quiz and Answer Key
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Catcher in the Rye Chapters 21 through 23 Quiz and Answer Key

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz addressing chapters 21, 22, and 23 of Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger. This assessment may otherwise double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with literature. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Holden’s observation about sleeping children How Holden was able to gain easy access to his parents’ apartment Holden’s perusal of Phoebe’s school books and personal notes Phoebe’s middle name Phoebe’s concern that Dad will want to kill Holden for being expelled How Phoebe demonstrates her frustrations toward Holden Phoebe’s accusation that Holden hates everything Holden’s interpretation of a misheard song lyric The James Castle incident What Holden loaned James Holden’s desire to call Mr. Antolini