As You Like It Act 1 Scene 3 Close Reading Worksheet

Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze Shakespeare’s comedy As You Like It. With a focus on Act 1, scene 3, this resource saves teachers valuable time without sacrificing academic rigor. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable PDFs and Word Documents.

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.

By completing this exercise, students will:

• Analyze how complex characters interact
• Analyze the author’s craft to discern Shakespeare’s intent
• Analyze character actions and dialogue to articulate their intent
• Analyze what motivates characters to act of speak in specific ways
• Discern the tone of a given passage
• Investigate complex and/or unfamiliar words and phrases to discern meaning
• Verify interpretations of words and phrases using reference materials including a dictionary and thesaurus
• Apply knowledge of literary devices to the text including dramatic irony
• Write with clarity, logic, and precision
• Cite textual evidence in support of claims