"The Birthmark" Quiz, Close Reading Worksheet, and Vocabulary Games Bundle

Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this bundle of activities for teaching the short story “The Birthmark” by Nathaniel Hawthorne. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the public domain narrative, 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
• 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
• Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
• Discern the functions of various passages and excerpts
• Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
• Compare and contrast two characters (Aylmer and Aminadab)
• Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, imagery, metaphor, oxymoron, paradox, and more
• 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