Evaluate comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this bundle of resources covering chapters 14, 15, 16, and 17 of Dracula by Bram Stoker. A plot-based quiz, close reading worksheets, vocabulary activities, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. 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 these materials, students will: Identify what the text says explicitly and implicitly Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Determine the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences Discern the intended effects of the author’s narrative techniques Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Identify which characters are more and less amenable to Van Helsing’s approach to liberating Lucy’s soul, as well as what factors contribute to their amenability or lack thereof Apply knowledge of literary devices including dramatic irony Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Gothic literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Evaluate comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this bundle of resources covering chapters 18, 19, 20, and 21 of Dracula by Bram Stoker. A plot-based quiz, close reading worksheets, vocabulary activities, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. 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 these materials, students will: Identify what the text says explicitly and implicitly Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Determine the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences Discern the intended effects of the author’s narrative techniques Describe tone in context Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Contrast the attack against Mina with Dracula’s previous attacks Apply knowledge of literary devices including ambiguity, oxymoron, metaphor, simile, personification, and foreshadowing Consider the role sexism plays in terms of plot developments Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Gothic literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Evaluate reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and support the development of critical thinking skills with this bundle of resources for teaching The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (chapters 13, 14, 15, and 16). Four close reading analysis worksheets, a plot-based quiz, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, and answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these activities, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences Discern the intended effects of the author’s diction and narrative techniques Describe the tone of a given passage Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including imagery, symbolism, and dramatic irony Consider themes in context Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss works of fiction

Evaluate reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and support the development of critical thinking skills with this bundle of resources for teaching The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (chapters 1 and 2). Two plot-based quizzes, two close reading analysis worksheets, two vocabulary application activities, two crossword puzzles, two word search games, and answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these activities, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences Discern the intended effects of the author’s diction and narrative techniques Describe the tone of a given passage Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices Come to class better prepared to discuss works of fiction

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this bundle of plot-based quizzes covering Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, a dystopian novel. These assessments may otherwise serve as guided reading handouts to facilitate active reading experiences. Answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.

Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and craft analysis skills with this bundle of formative assessments covering Act 5 of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. A plot-based quiz, five close reading worksheets, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Describe tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony and symbolism 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 close reading analysis skills while teaching Act 2 of William Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night with this bundle of formative assessments. Included are the following: a multiple choice 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 materials, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Examine nuances in words with similar meanings Explore cause-and-effect relationships Discern tone in context Discern the intended effect of Shakespeare’s choices related to characterization Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare and contrast characters in the play Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion, metaphor, simile, personification, oxymoron, hyperbole, situational irony, dramatic irony, and more Support claims and inferences with relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help high school students extend reading comprehension and analyze plot developments in Act 1 of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night with this bundle of assessments. Answer keys are included. Covering every scene in Act 1, this bundle offers a plot-based quiz and five close reading analysis worksheets designed to facilitate students’ abilities to do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define complex vocabulary in the context of a passage Examine nuances in words with similar denotations Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Compare and contrast two characters (Orsino and Olivia) Discern the tone of a given excerpt Determine the functions of particular excerpts Explore nuances in words with similar meanings Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on metaphor, simile, hyperbole, and sibilance Conduct brief research on classical mythology — more specifically the tale of Arion and the dolphin — and draw parallels between the mythological figure and Sebastian Consider the text’s allusion to Elysium to infer greater meaning Defend claims with reasoned thinking and relevant textual evidence Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class/leave class better prepared to discuss literary materials

Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills while teaching Act 4 of William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew with this bundle of formative assessments. Included are the following: a multiple choice quiz on characters and plot; five close reading worksheets addressing the author’s craft and covering each scene respectively; and answer keys. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. 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 in these exercises, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define complex words and phrases as they are used in the text Consider how a particular excerpt advances the plot Examine the greater significance of a given detail Discern the tone of given excerpts Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Determine the function of a particular character in the context of a scene Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, simile, allusion, oxymoron, hyperbole, anaphora, consonance, callback, oxymoron, hyperbole, and situational irony Express the function of a given excerpt Conduct brief research on the four humours and articulate the findings Analyze research findings to make a logical inference about Petruchio’s mindset Support claims with valid reasoning and relevant textual evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this bundle of quizzes covering the entirety of The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Christopher Sly’s disruptive behavior Christopher Sly’s eccentric behavior A wealthy lord’s discovery A wealthy lord’s deception A wealthy lord’s perception of Christopher Sly A visit from traveling performers A reason to attend a comedy Lucentio’s studies Tranio’s role Baptista’s terms for Bianca’s being married off Gremio and Hortensio’s intentions Katherine’s general demeanor Baptista’s academic hopes for Bianca Gremio’s perception of Katherine Lucentio’s strategy for getting closer to Bianca Petruchio’s reason for visiting The quality Petruchio most values in a potential spouse Lucentio’s disguise Katherine’s treatment of Bianca Bianca’s conformity to societal expectations of women The true identities of disguised people Katherine’s treatment of her supposed teachers Baptista’s feelings toward Petruchio Petruchio’s belief concerning how Katherine should behave The standard by which Baptista will select Bianca’s husband Baptista’s preference in terms of who should be Bianca’s husband Tranio’s intentions at the end of the Act Who first identifies himself to Bianca Hortensio’s changing perspective on Bianca Petruchio’s conduct on his wedding day Katherine’s emotional reaction to Petruchio’s behavior Gremio’s perceptions of Petruchio and Katherine Petruchio’s defiance of custom Petruchio’s perception of his wife Bianca’s assessment of the relationship between Petruchio and Katherine An accident involving a horse Petruchio’s reaction to the accident The reason for Petruchio’s frustration with his servants The techniques by which Petruchio will try to tame his wife Biondello’s willingness to participate in a charade Background information about the merchant Petruchio’s refusal to let Katherine do certain things Hortensio’s admiration of Petruchio Petruchio’s bizarre behavior The fake Vincentio’s reaction to meeting the real Vincentio The interactions between the real Vincentio and Biondello Baptista and Vincentio’s forgiveness of their children Petruchio’s getting Katherine to kiss him Hortensio’s marriage Tranio’s teasing of Petruchio A bet among men The content of Katherine’s major speech

Measure high school reading comprehension and support analysis of Shakespeare’s tragedy Hamlet (Act 1) 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: Define complex words and phrases in context Verify interpretations of words and phrases using reference materials such as a dictionary and thesaurus Discern the tone of a given passage Isolate a falsehood about plot development among factual statements Analyze character actions and dialogue to discern character motivations Cite textual evidence in support of claims and ideas Discern the most adequate characterization of Horatio Analyze plot from a historical context Analyze character dialogue to discern and articulate what is implied Apply knowledge of dynamic character to the text Apply knowledge of foreshadowing to the text Identify context clues that suggest Horatio’s opinion on supernatural occurrences is correct Explain how Denmark gained authority over Norwegian lands Make an inference about author’s intent, analyzing plot to determine what is suggested about the universe and its relationship to humankind Conduct brief research to answer a question connecting Greek mythology to the drama

Frontload assigned readings with these vocabulary games and activities to facilitate comprehension of Aldous Huxley’s novel Brave New World. Alternatively, stash these materials in an emergency sub folder to keep students meaningfully engaged in the book during unexpected teacher absences. Included are six vocabulary application activities, six crossword puzzles, six word search games, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. A total of 79 challenging words are addressed: anguish, apoplectic, apprehension, bleakly, clamber, concede, conspicuous, continual, continuous, crude, curtly, deferential, derisive, earnestly, eccentricity, effect, emaciated, emphatic, exasperated, exultant, feebly, ferocity, flare, furtively, gaudily, genial, haggard, heretical, illicit, implore, importunately, impudent, incessant, indefatigable, indignation, inexorable, infamous, ingratiating, innocuous, irrepressibly, irresolute, keen, languish, melancholy, menial, mirth, morsel, multitudinous, obstinately, pallid, persecution, plaintive, portentously, precipitous, proffer, propagation, propitiatingly, quaint, reminiscence, respectively, reverently, scurry, shrill, shudder, sibilant, solemn, solidarity, solitude, sonorous, stealthy, suffuse, superfluous, tangible, timid, tremulous, undulate, vague, venerable, and weary. 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 support the development of close reading analysis skills while teaching Act 3 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, 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 materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the functions of scenes Determine tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare two characters (Beatrice and Benedick) Apply knowledge of literary devices including oxymoron, personification, malapropism, paradox, allusion, metaphor, simile, pun, hyperbole, foreshadowing, innuendo, situational irony, dramatic irony, and more Discern the intended effects of literary devices in context Explore the symbolism of lapwings and haggards in the context of scene one Articulate the greater significance of Benedick’s appearance in the context of scene two Conduct brief research on the four humors of classical Greek medicine to facilitate an evaluation of Benedick’s condition Articulate how Shakespeare established a tense atmosphere in scenes four and five Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence

This close reading assessment bundle features text-dependent, high-order questions to promote improved reading comprehension and analysis of Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost. By completing these activities, students will: Discern and articulate what the text states explicitly and implicitly Isolate a factual statement about the passage from false statements Examine cause-and-effect relationships Analyze Shakespearean language to discern and articulate meanings of words and phrases in context, taking into consideration denotative definitions and connotative associations Analyze Shakespearean language to discern and articulate tone in context Gain deeper insight into character modes of thinking by analyzing dialogue Analyze a portion of text to discern which literary device is applied in context (anaphora and simile) Demonstrate knowledge of Biron’s criticisms of those who are obsessive in their pursuit of knowledge Make reasonable inferences about why the quickness of Moth’s responses frustrates Armado Articulate Armado’s internal conflict in the context of an excerpt Analyze Moth’s dialogue to discern what is implied about women who wear makeup Analyze Moth’s asides to discern and articulate what they reveal about his true feelings Conduct brief research on the topic of Humorism Analyze Costard’s use of malaprops and explain why Shakespeare had him speak in such a manner Interpret figurative language with emphasis on metaphor (“love is a devil”) Make an inference about what Armado finds reassuring about the tale of Samson Apply knowledge of situational irony by explaining what is unexpected about Cupid’s powers Articulate the significance of of Armado’s closing soliloquy Apply knowledge of literary devices to the text including alliteration, simile, hyperbole, and stichomythia Articulate the intended effect of hyperbole in the context of the passage Articulate the intended meaning of a given simile Define complex words and phrases in context, taking into consideration denotative meanings and connotative associations Identify the Princess’s motivation for choosing Boyet to be a spokesperson Identify textual evidence that serves to justify Maria’s judgment of Longaville Analyze Rosaline’s dialogue to discern tone in the context of her conversation with Biron Determine and articulate the primary purpose of a passage Explain why Longaville grows impatient with Boyet’s responses Identify the evidence supporting the claim that Ferdinand is lovesick, according to Boyet Articulate the intended meaning of a given metaphor Analyze Armado’s dialogue to discern and articulate what it reveals about his mindset Analyze Moth’s dialogue to discern and articulate his intent Identify the most synonymous word or phrase to replace a given word in the text Analyze Moth’s dialogue to discern tone in context Contrast Costard’s characterization with that of Biron and Armado Apply knowledge of epiphora to the text Analyze Biron as a dynamic character, identifying textual evidence in support of the claim that he is dynamic Analyze Biron’s diaogue to discern and articulate what he believes is Cupid’s motivation for plaguing him with feelings of love Analyze Armado’s letter and articulate the function of an excerpt Analyze Rosaline’s dialogue and actions to argue how she defies standard conventions of femininity and what her motivations are Analyze Shakespeare’s craft to identify which literary devices he employs and what their intended effects are (emphasis is placed on rhyme, innuendo, diacope, metaphor, and irony) Write with clarity, logic, and precision

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning with this bundle of plot-based quizzes covering Susan Beth Pfeffer’s dystopian science fiction novel The Dead and the Gone, the sequel to Life As We Knew It. Although labeled quizzes, these resources may double as guided reading handouts to support purposeful, more active engagement with literature. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this bundle of seven plot-based quizzes covering Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card, a dystopian science fiction novel. Answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.

Promote homework accountability and measure general reading comprehension with this bundle of printable assessments covering the entirety of Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton. Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, each quiz features questions about characters, setting, and plot. They serve well as post-reading checks of understanding or as guided reading worksheets to be completed as students navigate the text. Answer keys are provided.

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this bundle of multiple choice quizzes covering the entirety of A Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Newton Peck. In addition to answer keys, short answer quiz options are provided for re-assessment purposes. Materials are delivered in a zip file as Word Documents and PDFs.

Challenge middle and high school students to push beyond basic reading comprehension and exercise close reading analysis skills while engaging with The Adventures of Ulysses by Bernard Evslin. Given the objective nature of the multiple choice questions, each close reading activity is rigorous enough for students to find deeper meaning in the novel, yet convenient enough for teachers to quickly and efficiently gather data on their students’ textual analysis skills. Seven close reading worksheets are provided, as well as answer keys. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. These resources may be used to facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using these materials for structured guidance, students will improve their ability to present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly and convincingly. By the end of the novel, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define complex words as they are used in a given passage Select the best synonyms for given words as they are used in the text Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed Discern tone in context Explore how characters think, behave, and interact Compare and contrast characters Examine how setting influences character development Apply knowledge of various literary devices including foreshadowing, personification, simile, epiphany, understatement, symbolism, situational irony, and dramatic irony Apply knowledge of various sound devices including sibilance and assonance Locate relevant textual details in support of the claim that Ulysses was the only crew member with the ability to think critically in the face of danger Explore themes that are reinforced in a given passage Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Mythological fiction is a genre that appeals to the imaginations of many middle and high school students. The Adventures of Ulysses by Bernard Evslin is a modern retelling of Homer’s The Odyssey, written in a manner that is easier to process—even for struggling readers. With this bundle of multiple choice quizzes, English teachers will be able to evaluate students’ general text comprehension, hold learners accountable for completing assigned readings, and eliminate at-home assessment planning without sacrificing quality in the classroom. Answer keys are provided, and all materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By taking these assessments, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: A bribe (inciting incident) An oath agreed to by Helen’s suitors The Trojan War The wooden horse An attack on the Island of the Ciconians Ulysses’ efforts to save his men from subsequent attack The tossing away of treasures Morpheus A characterization of the Lotus Eaters Ulysses’ efforts to remove his men from the influence of Lotusland The dangers of Polyphemus Ulysses efforts to save himself and his men The eventual escape A flaw in Ulysses’ character Polyphemus’s plea to his father Aeolus and a gift Another mistake Ulysses makes before arriving home Aeolus’s response to Ulysses’ mistake Incidents on Cannibal Beach A surprising discovery on Circe’s island Circe’s background Circe’s powers Ulysses’ unexpected help from a Greek god Ulysses and Circe’s arrangement The men’s general feelings toward remaining on the island Circe’s offer to Ulysses, which is refused A revelation concerning the Land of the Dead Ulysses’ decision to leave the island The death of Elpenor The importance of the white bird The sacrificing of goats The appearance of ghosts Ulysses’ new-found knowledge of what has transpired at home Strategies Ulysses must employ to successfully return home Protection against the Sirens Scylla and Charybdis The Isle of the Sun Titan A warning not to harm the golden cattle 30 days and nights of wind Efforts to scrounge for food Eurylochus and his lie to Ulysses Ulysses means of survival Calypso’s magic Calypso’s comments about Penelope Penelope’s weaving and her attempts to delay a major decision Hermes’ arrival and its foreshadowing Calypso’s sadness Calypso’s help Poseidon’s anger at Ulysses The characterization of Ino The characterization of Nausicaa Nausicaa’s dream Nausicaa’s encounter with Ulysses The oracle’s warning The men’s conspiracy against Ulysses Nausicaa’s trick King Alcinous’s generosity Ulysses’ return to Ithaca Eumaeus’ loyalty Ulysses’ new-found knowledge upon returning home The suitors vs. Telemachus The concealing of an identity Argo’s reaction to Ulysses’ return The antagonistic nature of Eurymachus An archery contest Penelope’s agreement to marry the victor Bloody conflict The resolution