Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984. Featuring a brief passage about the Two Minutes Hate from Book 1, chapter 1, this resource saves teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing academic rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable Word Documents and PDFs. This resource may facilitate 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, ultimately, will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking. By engaging in this exercise, students will: Determine and analyze the development of key ideas and themes, including the effects of mob mentality Analyze how the author’s word choices add to the text’s complexity Make logical inferences in the context of the text Apply and articulate knowledge of literary devices and techniques including consonance, simile, and situational irony Activate background knowledge on Nazi Germany’s treatment of the Jews and articulating historical parallels to the Two Minutes Hate Write with logic, clarity, and precision

Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984. Featuring a brief passage from Book 2, chapter 2, which calls attention to how the author’s craft contributes to a fleeting sense of freedom in contrast to the typically brutal setting of Oceania, this resource saves teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable Word Documents and PDFs. 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, ultimately, will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking. By engaging in this exercise, students will: Identify what the text says both explicitly and implicitly Discern meaning from figurative expressions Use context as a clue to the meaning of words and phrases Analyze nuances in the meaning of words with similar denotations Analyze how Winston is personally affected by the singing of the thrush Apply knowledge of assonance and sibilance and analyze how literary devices contribute to text complexity Analyze textual details to discern and articulate character motivations Analyze the characterization of the thrush and compare its situation to that of Winston and Julia, articulating what these characters share in common Identify textual details that contrast the harshness and abruptness typically associated with totalitarian Oceania Identify textual details that suggest the idea of bounty Write with clarity and precision

Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions on the short story “The Stolen Farthings” by the Brothers Grimm. The variety of question types will also help prepare students for standardized testing scenarios; emphasis is placed on character motivations and modes of thinking. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story (estimated Lexile measure of 1000-1100) are provided. This resource is most suitable for a short story or Halloween-themed unit at the middle school and early high school levels. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. 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, ultimately, 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: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Identify context clues that indicate a character is having a paranormal experience Analyze the psychological state of the family, providing a rational explanation for why the family does not see the ghost Define complex words in context Apply knowledge of literary devices to the text (epiphany) Explain the ghost’s unfinished business Infer the parents’ shared motivation to donate two farthings to a poor person Articulate a relevant theme Discern the best description of the story’s tone Write with clarity and precision

Extend comprehension and support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of analytical questions on chapters 7 through 9 of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. With this resource, high school English teachers can save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain chapters are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. More specifically, students will be able to: Articulate what the text states explicitly and implicitly Write with clarity, logic, and precision Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims Explore character motivations Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony Define complex words and phrases in context Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed Analyze figurative language to articulate its effect Isolate an accurate statement about plot among a set of falsehoods Explain the significance of a locket Articulate how Victor contributes to a grave injustice Explore cause-and-effect relationships Compare and contrast complex characters

Extend comprehension and support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of analytical questions on chapters 10 through 12 of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. With this resource, high school English teachers can save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain chapters are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. More specifically, students will be able to: Articulate what the text states explicitly and implicitly Write with clarity, logic, and precision Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims Explore character motivations Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing and allusion Isolate an accurate statement about plot among a set of falsehoods Explain the significance of the pool of water Discern the function of a given paragraph Analyze how Victor becomes a dynamic character in the context of a given chapter Analyze the author’s craft Articulate how chapter 10 is different from chapter 11 Explore “the barbarity of man” Explore how the creature demonstrates childlike naivety

Support the development of high school close reading skills with this assessment on the short story “Shooting an Elephant” by George Orwell. A variety of question types facilitates the process of analyzing character motivations, applying knowledge of literary devices, citing relevant and compelling textual evidence to support claims, and more. To accommodate traditional classroom and distance learning settings, the resource is delivered as a PDF and a Word Document, which may easily be uploaded to Google Drive and converted to a Google Doc. An answer key and copy of the public domain text are included. 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, ultimately, will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking. By engaging in this exercise, students will… Articulate what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly Identify point of view and setting Analyze how complex characters think, interact, and behave Cite textual evidence in support of claims Articulate the function of a particular excerpt Write with clarity and precision Explore character motivations and intentions Examine cause-and-effect relationships Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony Articulate autobiographical parallels Infer the message that the narrator’s inaction would have sent to the community

This formative grammar worksheet reviews the basics of common and irregular adverbs that compare. Featuring 45 opportunities to apply knowledge of comparative and superlative adverbs, this resource is recommended for middle and high school students enrolled in composition classes emphasizing rudimentary writing skills. An answer key is included.

Support the development of close reading skills with this set of analysis questions on Act 4, scene 2, of Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. Materials are delivered in Word Doc and PDF formats. An answer key is provided. 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, ultimately, 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: Articulate and analyze what the text states explicitly and implicitly Make logical inferences in context Analyze relationships between complex characters Explore character motivations Define complex words in context Apply knowledge of literary devices including dramatic irony Explore cause-and-effect relationships Cite textual evidence in support of ideas and claims Write ideas with clarity and precision

Help high school students develop a greater understanding of how Edgar Allan Poe used descriptive language, characterization, setting, connotation, and various literary devices in “The Black Cat” to establish an eerie mood that is consistent with the horror and supernatural fiction genres. Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this resource serves well for an independent learning opportunity, as well as for small-group discussions. Through such discussions, students may evaluate peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to support claims, clarifying or challenging ideas as needed. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included.

Help high school students develop a greater understanding of how the Brothers Grimm used descriptive language, characterization, exaggeration, and various literary devices to establish a mood in “Cinderella” that is consistent with the conventions of fairy tale writing. Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this resource serves well for an independent learning opportunity, as well as for small-group discussions. Through such discussions, students may evaluate peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to support claims, clarifying or challenging ideas as needed. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included.

Help high school students analyze how Ursula K. Le Guin used characterization, description, imperfect grammar, foreshadowing, irony, simile, and redundancy to establish a tense and eerie tone in “The Wife’s Story.” This resource serves well for an independent learning opportunity, as well as for small-group discussions. Through such discussions, students may evaluate peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to support claims, clarifying or challenging ideas as needed. An answer key is included.

Conclude your unit on Shakespeare’s The Tempest with this summative assessment, which is delivered as a Word Document and a PDF. An answer key is included. Students will demonstrate comprehension of the following: Gonzalo’s general demeanor Miranda’s relation to Prospero Prospero’s intentions in terms of his magic Antonio’s past betrayal of Prospero Ariel’s role General characterization of Trinculo Caliban’s perception of Stephano Ferdinand’s captivity Prospero’s true feelings toward Ferdinand Ariel’s warnings for King Alonso and his men Prospero’s reaction to Ferdinand’s relationship with Miranda An interruption of wedding festivities Prospero’s tempting of the criminals Prospero’s perception of Caliban Prospero’s motivation for releasing his enemies A major decision made by Prospero Prospero’s motivation for not charging Antonio and Sebastian with treason Caliban’s dynamic character Arrangements for wedding entertainment Miranda’s offering to help Ferdinand with his physical labor King Alonso’s psychological state after the presumed death of his son Gonzalo’s fear regarding his peers Stephano, Trinculo, and Caliban’s collective behavior Caliban’s feelings toward Prospero Antonio’s feelings toward King Alonso Sebastian’s self-blame Act 1, scene 1: I pray thee, mark me–that a brother should / Be so perfidious… Act 1, scene 1: You mar our labour. Act 1, scene 2: …my library / Was dukedom large enough. Act 1, scene 2: Is there more toil? Since thou dost give me pains, / Let me remember thee what thou hast promised, / Which is not yet performed me. Act 2, scene 1: That our garments, being, as they were, drenched in / the sea, hold notwithstanding their freshness and / glosses, being rather new-dyed than stained with / salt water. Act 2, scene 2: I’ll show thee the best springs; I’ll pluck thee berries; / I’ll fish for thee and get thee wood enough. / A plague upon the tyrant that I serve! Act 3, scene 1: Poor worm, thou art infected! / This visitation shows it. Act 3, scene 3: I am right glad that he is so / out of hope. Act 5, scene 1: What a thrice-double ass / Was I, to take this drunkard for a god… Hyperbole Allusion Personification Oxymoron Metaphor Simile Sibilance Onomatopoeia

Promote homework accountability and evaluate general reading comprehension with this quiz covering Act 3 of Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: 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

Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this set of rigorous questions covering chapter three of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Discern what the text states explicitly and implicitly Examine how complex characters interact Analyze the author’s craft Analyze the effect comparing Gatsby to Belasco has on the reader Infer why the author may have intended to wait to introduce Gatsby until chapter three Apply knowledge of literary devices to the text with an emphasis on understatement and situational irony Analyze what Nick’s dialogue and behavior at the party reveals about his psychological state Explore character motivations Define complex words and phrases as they are used in the text Articulate how Nick’s expectations of Gatsby are violated Write with clarity and precision

Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this set of rigorous questions covering chapter six of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Discern what the text states explicitly and implicitly Analyze how complex characters interact Discern the intended effect of figurative language in context Make logical inferences about Gatsby’s decision making Apply knowledge of various literary devices including metaphor, situational irony, hyperbole, euphemism, allusion, and personification Analyze the author’s craft to determine the intended meaning of a lesser known phrase Analyze what character dialogue reveals about their psychological and emotional states Determine the significance of a given detail Explore dynamic character Identify a main function of the chapter

Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this set of rigorous questions covering chapter seven of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Discern what the text states explicitly and implicitly Analyze how complex characters interact Make a logical inference about Daisy’s parenting style Identify the significance of given characterization details Apply knowledge of various literary devices including assonance, consonance, metaphor, hyperbole, onomatopoeia, imagery, euphemism, and catharsis Analyze word choices to determine which word most accurately conveys an idea Explore character motivations Explore Nick’s assessment of Gatsby’s behavior in the context of the chapter Analyze the author’s craft Write ideas with clarity and precision

Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this set of rigorous questions covering chapter eight of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Discern what the text states explicitly and implicitly Analyze how complex characters interact Explore character motivations Analyze how and why complex characters behave certain ways Make logical inferences based on characterization details and other narrative techniques Apply knowledge of various literary devices including personification, oxymoron, simile, onomatopoeia, assonance, and more Explore the meanings of complex words, taking into consideration both denotative and connotative associations Analyze a given passage to determine its tone Determine the primary function of a given detail Explore cause-and-effect relationships Make logical inferences about the author’s intent Analyze plot developments in the context of the chapter to discern and articulate social commentary Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims Analyze the symbolic importance of dust Write with clarity and precision

Use this set of rigorous questions to help high school learners extend beyond general reading comprehension and develop close reading analysis skills while engaging with The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare. This resource specifically covers Act 1, scene 3. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Articulate and analyze what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the meaning of complex words and phrases in context Apply knowledge of literary devices Articulate how a biblical story applies to the plot of the play Discern the primary function of a particular excerpt Articulate what Antonio’s behavior reflects about his mindset Analyze Shylock’s characterization to articulate the complicated relationship the audience has with his character Identify the most relevant textual evidence in support of claims Write with clarity and precision*

This resource extends beyond text comprehension, helping high school students analyze the formal elements of fiction and respond thoughtfully in writing to questions about literature. The featured short story is “Cinderella” by the Brothers Grimm. Included are the following: the public domain fairy tale, which has an estimated Lexile measure of 1000-1100; a related bell ringer activity; a set of rigorous close reading questions in both Word Doc and PDF formats; an answer key; and editable emergency substitute teaching plans. By completing this exercise, students will: Articulate what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, juxtaposition, anthropomorphism, symbolism, and more Identify the story’s inciting incident Discern the intended meaning of figurative language Discern the function of a given excerpt Analyze the author’s craft Explore relationships between complex characters Articulate character motivations Cite textual evidence in support of inferences and claims Write with clarity and precision

Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions on the short story “The Bremen Town Musicians” by the Brothers Grimm. By completing this activity, high school students will demonstrate general plot recall and active engagement with fiction by answering rigorous questions. The narrative has an estimated Lexile measure of 900-1000, making it an appropriate addition to any short story unit at the high school level. An answer key and copy of the public domain text are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. 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, ultimately, will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking. Questions pertain to the following: Identifying what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Analyzing the authors’ craft, paying special attention to diction and how it contributes to the complexity of the text Applying knowledge of literary devices to the text, identifying and explaining examples of simile and situational irony in the text Defining complex words in context, taking into consideration denotative definitions and connotative associations and using reference materials as needed Responding clearly, concisely, and accurately to analytical questioning