Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills while teaching Act 2 of William Shakespeare’s King Lear with this bundle of formative assessments. Included are the following: a quiz on characters and plot, four close reading worksheets addressing the author’s craft, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these activities, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words/phrases as they are used in context Explore nuances in words with similar meanings Verify interpretations of language using reference materials Demonstrate general awareness of the characteristics of an Elizabethan audience Describe tone in context Determine the primary functions of given excerpts Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare Gloucester and Lear Compare and contrast Edgar and Lear Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony, metaphor, assonance, onomatopoeia, inversion, personification, juxtaposition, dramatic irony, and situational irony Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Measure high school reading comprehension and support analysis of Shakespeare’s tragedy Hamlet (Act 3) with this bundle that features a plot-based quiz and rigorous close reading activities. By engaging with these resources, students will identify what the text says explicitly and implicitly, apply knowledge of literary devices, interpret figurative expressions, make engagement with text visible, and more. Answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will: Discern what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Explore cause-and-effect relationships Analyze character statements and behaviors to draw logical inferences about character development and motivations Apply knowledge of literary devices to the text with emphasis on metaphor and personification Make logical inferences about why the ghost reappears when it does Analyze complex vocabulary and phrasing in context to determine meaning and intended effect Analyze an excerpt to determine its primary function Analyze dialogue to draw well informed inferences about Shakespeare’s philosophy on the purposes of dramatic performances Articulate ideas with clarity and precision

Facilitate vocabulary development, evaluate general reading comprehension, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of formative assessments covering H.P. Lovecraft’s short story “The Call of Cthulhu,” a narrative of special appeal to high school students interested in horror, science fiction, and the supernatural. This bundle includes three plot-based quizzes, three close reading analysis worksheets, a vocabulary application activity, a word search game, a crossword puzzle, the public domain text, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. These resources may facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using these resources for structured guidance, students will improve their ability to present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly and convincingly. By engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states both 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 Determine the tone of a particular passage Discern the author’s intent and its effect on readers. Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Apply knowledge of literary devices including idiom, euphemism, simile, metaphor, invective, personification, hubris, hyperbole, and onomatopoeia Draw parallels between “The Call of Cthulhu” and the epic The Odyssey 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

Frontload assigned readings with these vocabulary games and activities to facilitate comprehension of the dystopian science fiction novel The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells. Alternatively, stash these materials in an emergency sub folder to keep students meaningfully engaged in the book during unexpected teacher absences. Included are five vocabulary application activities, five crossword puzzles, five word search games, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. A total of 100 challenging words are addressed: abruptly, accost, acuteness, anguish, ashen, assiduously, attenuate, billowy, blundering, brooding, circuitously, circumspection, clamber, complacency, consolation, continuous, dart, denounce, desolate, despondent, dethronement, dexterous, diffuse, diminution, dismal, dissuade, domicile, dominion, dubiously, exhort, expostulate, exuberance, exultant, fecundity, feeble, formidable, fortnight, gesticulation, gloaming, gluttony, grating, haggard, hoarse, imminent, impede, impediment, implore, incandescent, incessant, incongruity, indefatigable, ineffectual, inkling, insensible, instantaneous, interminably, irresolute, jostle, keen, lackadaisical, languid, lethargic, lurid, melancholy, monotony, multitude, noisome, palpable, peril, persecution, persistence, petrify, pitiless, pluckily, propagation, ransack, remonstrance, reproach, repugnance, scarcely, scoff, serenity, shabby, smite, smoldering, solitude, squeamish, stupefy, subtlety, tediously, totter, transient, transitory, tumult, ultimatum, unkempt, vague, vestige, waylay, and weariness. 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 bundle of plot-based quizzes covering each Act of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. The assessments may double as guided reading worksheets to facilitate active engagement with Shakespearean drama. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Antonio’s lack of awareness in terms of the cause of his sadness Why Salerio and Solanio think Antonio is unsettled Salerio’s stated belief concerning human emotions Gratiano’s thoughts on sad men Bassanio’s motive for needing money Antonio’s generosity Why Portia is sad, according to Nerissa The condition under which Portia is allowed to marry Nerissa’s role in Portia’s life Shylock’s profession The quality that most distinguishes Shylock The reason for Shylock’s resentment toward Antonio Shylock’s deal with Antonio Morocco’s wooing of Portia The consequences facing any man who fails to solve a riddle Launcelot’s feelings toward Shylock Old Gobbo’s condition Launcelot’s crass behavior Bassanio’s generosity toward Launcelot Gratiano’s reputation Jessica’s promise to Lorenzo Launcelot’s service to Lorenzo and Jessica Jessica’s willingness to behave criminally Jessica’s discomfort with her appearance A sign that the “right” casket is chosen Aragon’s intent The identity of a young visitor Salerio and Solanio’s reaction to the news about Antonio Why Shylock is angry at Salerio and Solanio How Shylock justifies his behavior Tubal’s role Jessica’s behavior Interactions between Portia and Bassanio Bassanio’s participation in the riddle-solving contest The relationship between Gratiano and Nerissa A letter from Antonio Shylock’s self-image Portia’s reaction to news about Antonio Balthazar’s role Jessica’s perception of Portia The Duke’s interactions with Shylock Antonio’s reaction to his circumstances Shylock’s self-image Bassanio’s efforts to save Antonio The Duke’s indecision What Antonio wants Bassanio to do for him Nerissa’s disguise Portia’s disguise Why Shylock won’t receive his pound of flesh Shylock’s crimes and consequences Bassanio’s ring How Lorenzo and Jessica perceive themselves Lorenzo’s talking about the calming music of the stars Stephano’s message Portia’s insistence that everyone keep a secret from her husband How Portia and Nerissa deceive their husbands Antonio’s relationship with Bassanio News of Antonio’s ships News from Nerissa Gratiano’s crude humor

Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills while teaching Act 5 of William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing with this bundle of formative assessments. Included are the following: a multiple choice quiz on characters and plot, four close reading worksheets addressing the author’s craft, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Compare and contrast elements of one scene to those of another Determine tone in context Discern the intended effect of figurative language as it is used in the text Consider how Shakespeare’s narrative techniques achieve both humorous and tension-relieving effects Examine nuances in words with similar meanings Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare and contrast characters (Benedick and Margaret; Benedick and Beatrice) Evaluate whether Claudio is a sympathetic and accountable character Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on simile, paradox, personification, allusion, oxymoron, repetition, metaphor, callback, invective, verbal irony, and dramatic irony Articulate an unanswered question related to the plot Make rational predictions about future events using context clues Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this bundle of plot-based quizzes covering each Act of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Answer keys are included. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Setting The motivation of a crowd Marullus’s perception of Caesar A coinciding event Flavius’s perception of Caesar Cassius’s fear The actions of a Soothsayer Cassius’s efforts to diminish Caesar Caesar’s medical condition Cassius’s plan to manipulate Brutus Casca’s fear Cinna’s role in a conspiracy The role of Lucius How Brutus rationalizes murdering Caesar How Brutus feels about his men taking an oath Individuals not permitted into the group The nature of Antony’s relationship with Caesar Portia’s concern for her husband How Brutus’s secrecy affects Portia Ligarius’s loyalty Calpurnia’s nightmares Ominous occurrences that foreshadow tragic events Decius’s influence on Caesar The purpose of Artemidorus’s letter Information from the Soothsayer Portia’s grievances Caesar’s decision involving Artemidorus’s letter Why Cassius fears the conspiracy has fallen apart before Caesar speaks Cassius’s extreme reaction to his fear Brutus’s motivation for kissing Caesar’s hand Caesar’s self image Brutus’s motivation for having Antony brought to him Antony’s apology to Caesar’s corpse Antony’s ominous prediction for the region The basis on which Brutus asks the public to trust him How Antony manipulates the public into distrusting Brutus The reading of Caesar’s will The nature of Antony’s conversation with Octavius and Lepidus What Antony intends to do with Caesar’s will Antony’s intentions for Lepidus The changing nature of Brutus and Cassius’s relationship Brutus’s observations about Cassius’s behavior Information provided to Brutus by Lucilius Why Brutus punished Lucius Brutus’s accusations against Cassius Cassius’s self-image Cassius’s emotionally charged offer to Brutus An unexpected visitor to the tent A supernatural encounter Antony’s assumption about Brutus and Cassius’s motives Conflict between Antony and Octavius Brutus and Cassius’s denigrating assessment of Antony Cassius’s opinion on superstitions Messala’s role in the battle The death of Cassius’s flag-bearer Titinius’s scrutiny of Brutus’s battlefield decision-making The cause of Cassius’s death Lucilius’s persona Antony’s motives with regard to his treatment of Lucilius The cause of Brutus’s death

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning duties with this bundle of plot-based quizzes covering The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells. Answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Setting Strange sightings on Mars The Martians’ intentions First impressions of the Martians’ ship General characterization of the narrator The narrator’s assumptions about the cylinder The identity of a journalist Physical description of the alien beings An apparent complication for the extraterrestrials Acts of violence Effects of the heat ray The narrator’s interactions with his wife The reason many news agencies report that Martians are not a true threat The arrival of a second cylinder Factors that contribute to the aliens’ formidability The item rented by the narrator The narrator’s intentions The weather conditions The means by which Martians travel on Earth A complication that faces the narrator How the narrator survives the heat ray New threats facing the narrator General characterization of the narrator’s brother The reason news of the invasion has not spread farther The fixation of the minister How the narrator’s brother escapes the aliens Details concerning “Thunder Child” Ominous observations by the narrator’s brother The narrator’s stated intentions The narrator’s main motivations The eerie strangeness of London The reason for the narrator and minister’s entry into a house The reason the narrator and the minister get stuck in the house The narrator’s observations of the aliens The conclusions the narrator draws about the extraterrestrials The means by which the minister dies What happens to the minister’s body The length of the narrator’s confinement A reunion with the artilleryman Characters’ specific fears An unappealing suggestion for humanity’s survival The narrator’s judgments about the artilleryman A theory concerning the aliens’ cause of death The narrator’s psychological state Beliefs concerning an alternative location for colonization Discoveries made at the narrator’s home The invasion’s effect on humanity in general

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this bundle of plot-based quizzes covering each Act of William Shakespeare’s tragedy King Lear. The assessments may double as guided reading worksheets to facilitate active engagement with Shakespearean drama. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.

Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills while teaching Act 2 of Shakespeare’s Macbeth with this bundle of formative assessments. Included are the following: a multiple choice quiz on characters and plot, seven close reading worksheets addressing the author’s craft, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Discern the intended effect of Shakespeare’s diction Analyze language and articulate its intended effect Discern tone in context Determine the function of a given excerpt Define complex and archaic words as they are used in the text Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare the characters of Banquo and Macbeth Consider the symbolism of sleep and diamonds in context Apply knowledge of literary devices such as personification, hyperbole, simile, allusion, dramatic irony, and situational irony Identify the best textual evidence in support of claims and inferences Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this bundle of plot-based quizzes covering each act of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The assessments may double as guided reading worksheets to facilitate active engagement with Shakespearean drama. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The opening scene Characterization of Norway’s king The fate of the Thane of Cawdor Macbeth’s new title The witches’ prophecy Banquo’s presence The news Malcolm shares with his father King Duncan’s declared successor Lady Macbeth’s concerns about her husband Lady Macbeth’s ambition Lady Macbeth’s influence on her husband Details concerning the plot to kill King Duncan Banquo’s psychological state Macbeth’s deception of Banquo Macbeth’s hallucination Details regarding the plot to kill King Duncan Lady Macbeth’s reason for not being able to kill King Duncan herself Macbeth’s inability to utter words of prayer Lady Macbeth’s frustration with her husband The porter’s thoughts on the effects of alcohol Macduff’s suspicions Lady Macbeth’s fainting spell The peculiar events following King Duncan’s death The reason Malcolm and Donalbain are suspected of killing their father Banquo’s suspicions A feast to honor Macbeth Macbeth’s newest murderous plan Lady Macbeth’s ironic reaction to her newfound power Macbeth’s psychological state Macbeth’s desire to spare his wife additional guilt How Macbeth’s murderous plan is a failure The appearance of Banquo’s ghost Macbeth’s reason for visiting the witches Why Heccate is upset A plan to thwart Macbeth Setting The prophecy of the first apparition The imagery of the second apparition The effect of the second apparition’s prophecy on Macbeth’s mindset Macbeth’s curiosity about the future Lennox’s interaction with Macbeth Lady Macduff’s anger at her husband Ross’s attempts to assuage Lady Macduff’s anger A messenger’s ominous message Malcolm’s cleverness News regarding Macduff’s family The conclusion of Act 4 The effect of Macbeth’s absence on Lady Macbeth The side effects of Lady Macbeth’s guilt A doctor’s discovery Macbeth’s attitude toward his war generals Malcolm’s demands of his men Macbeth’s hubris The news that causes Macbeth to change his perspective Macbeth’s reaction to a messenger The reason for Macbeth’s rekindled hope Macbeth’s battle with a young man Macduff’s ultimate act of conquering his enemy The resolution

Help students engage in analysis of Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers with this set of close reading worksheets delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Passages from chapters 1, 5, 10, 14, and 21 are featured. Answer keys are included. By engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Identify textual evidence in support of claims Discern what given passages reflect about the protagonist’s modes of thinking Make logical inferences about characters’ psychological states based on actions Apply knowledge of a variety of literary devices Determine the functions of given passages Analyze a situation to discern what is both positive and negative in terms of its outcome Explore character motivations Explain how dramatic irony is present in a given passage Make logical inferences about the author’s intent Examine how complex characters behave and interact Discern tone in context Write with clarity and precision And more

Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills while teaching Act 5 of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet with this bundle of formative assessments. Included are the following: a reading guide, a multiple choice quiz on characters and plot, three close reading worksheets addressing the author’s craft, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Annotate text to show active engagement Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word and phrase meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Discern the function of a scene Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Argue whether Romeo’s behavior is consistent with his characterization throughout the play Apply knowledge of literary devices including oxymoron and situational irony Conduct brief research on Shakespeare’s life Support claims or 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 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

Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this bundle of formative assessments covering Act 1 of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. A plot-based quiz, three close reading worksheets (one per scene), a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a 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: Read for literal comprehension Determine the meanings of unfamiliar and archaic 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 Infer the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices and dramatic techniques Describe tone in context Determine the functions of various passages Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare and contrast two characters Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor and situational irony Conduct brief research as needed to answer a question about a biblical allusion 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

Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this bundle of formative assessments covering Act 1 of William Shakespeare’s comedy As You Like It. A plot-based quiz, three close reading worksheets (one per scene), a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will: Read for literal comprehension Determine the meanings of unfamiliar and archaic 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 Infer the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices and dramatic techniques Determine the function of a given scene Describe tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Apply knowledge of literary devices to the text including foreshadowing, situational irony, and dramatic irony 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

This bundle of editable quizzes measures comprehension and holds students accountable for the assigned reading of Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. For each section of the novel, a multiple choice assessment and short answer alternative are provided. The subjective assessments may double as guided reading worksheets to encourage more active engagement with the text. Answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in both Word Document and PDF formats.

Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills while teaching Act 1 of William Shakespeare’s King Lear with this bundle of formative assessments. Included are the following: a quiz on characters and plot, five close reading worksheets addressing the author’s craft, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these activities, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words/phrases as they are used in context Explore nuances in words with similar meanings Choose the most appropriate synonym for a given word Verify interpretations of language using reference materials Describe tone in context Consider the greater significance of given details Determine the primary function of a given excerpt Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including alliteration, hyperbole, synecdoche, antithesis, aphorism, allusion, dramatic irony, situational irony, and double denotation Conduct brief research on mythological and historical subjects Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Promote homework accountability, measure and extend reading comprehension, support the development of close reading skills, and encourage deeper analysis of fiction with this bundle of teaching resources covering the entirety of The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells. With this product, high school English Language Arts teachers may save valuable time outside the classroom without sacrificing rigor inside the classroom. Six resources are provided, all with answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats.

For many middle and high school readers, realistic and young adult fiction are genres that maximize engagement with literature. This bundle focuses on three representative short stories by Toni Cade Bambara: “Raymond’s Run,” “Blues Ain’t No Mockin Bird,” and “Geraldine Moore the Poet.” English Language Arts teachers may use this bundle as a tool for evaluating general reading comprehension, supporting the development of close reading analysis skills, and promoting homework accountability. Included are the following: editable, plot-based quizzes for each narrative; close reading analysis activities for each narrative; and answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats.