“Desiree’s Baby” by Kate Chopin is an example of historical fiction that, when integrated into the English Language Arts classroom, complements American History curricula, as the plot precedes the Civil War and addresses the issue of how race and ethnicity affect one’s life experiences in the South. With this worksheet composed of challenging, text-dependent questions, teachers will help students extend beyond general reading comprehension, exercise close reading analysis skills, and save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will do the following: Articulate what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly Analyze how complex characters think, interact, and behave Explore character motivations and intentions Apply knowledge of literary devices including irony and foreshadowing Analyze the author’s craft, determining how figurative language contributes to storytelling and character development Articulate point of view Make logical inferences about the psychological states of characters Cite textual evidence in support of claims Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

“Desiree’s Baby” by Kate Chopin is an example of historical fiction that, when integrated into the English Language Arts classroom, complements American History curricula, as the plot precedes the Civil War and addresses the issue of how race and ethnicity affect one’s life experiences in the South. With this multiple choice quiz covering the short story, teachers will be able to evaluate general reading comprehension, promote homework accountability, and save valuable time at home without sacrificing quality in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Setting How Désirée came to be part of the Valmonde family Armand’s initial attitude toward marrying Désirée Madame Valmonde’s reaction to the sight of the baby How Armand’s treatment of others changes after the birth of his child Désirée’s observations of the plantation visitors Désirée’s demands of her husband Madame Valmonde’s response to a letter from Désirée The final interaction between Armand and Désirée Désirée’s final action in the story The fate of Désirée’s belongings Armand’s surprising discovery

Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze chapter 20 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. An answer key is provided. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, these instructional materials save teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. 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 this resource, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Clarify a character’s remarks Consider historical context in relation to the plot Consider cause-and-effect relationships Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 10, 11, and 12 of The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the novel. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Granma’s concern about California Granpa’s intentions upon getting to California The family pawning their possessions The purpose of a family meeting The activities following the family meeting Muley Graves bidding goodbye Granpa’s surprising reaction to departing The method of halting a protest Farmers’ worries about transportation and travel The narrator’s assessment of corporate farmers Treatment of farmers and their observations on a typical journey west

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 1, 2, and 3 of The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the novel. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Historical context Setting Environmental conditions Tom Joad’s 4-year stay Tom Joad’s conviction The interaction between Tom Joad and the driver Tom Joad’s irritability Workers vs. owners The incident with the turtle

Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze chapter 3 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. An answer key is provided. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, these instructional materials save teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. 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 this resource, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the intended effect of the author’s phrasing upon the reader Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Choose the most appropriate synonym to replace a word or phrase without changing the excerpt’s fundamental meaning Demonstrate knowledge of comma and punctuation rules, especially as they apply to writing dialogue Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Determine the tone of a given excerpt Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification, hyperbole, allusion, alliteration, oxymoron, dramatic irony, and situational irony

Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze chapter 2 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. An answer key is provided. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, these instructional materials save teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. 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 this resource, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Discern the greater significance of a given detail Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Examine Miss Caroline’s relationship to the town of Maycomb Explore cause-and-effect relationships

Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze chapter 1 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. An answer key is provided. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, these instructional materials save teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. 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 this resource, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Discern the intended effect of figurative language in context Analyze how the author’s word choices create certain effects such as mystery or suspense Determine the greater significance of a given detail Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop

Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze chapter 11 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. An answer key is provided. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, these instructional materials save teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. 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 this resource, students will do the following: Discern the most accurate interpretation of Mrs. Dubose’s criticisms of Atticus Discern the most accurate interpretation of Mrs. Dubose’s criticisms of the Finch family more broadly Analyze the author’s craft to draw a logical inference about Jem’s internal state Apply knowledge of situational irony to the text Discern the meaning of complex vocabulary and phrases in context, taking into consideration both denotative definitions and connotative associations Identify what the text says both explicitly and implicitly about Jessie Isolate factual statements from false statements Draw personal connections to Jem, using logical reasoning to make inferences about his concerns Argue whether Jem feels guilty for his treatment of Scout Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims Write with clarity, logic, and precision

Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze chapter 9 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. An answer key is provided. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, these instructional materials save teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. 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 this resource, students will do the following: Identify what the text says explicitly as well as implicitly about Scout’s behavior Identify what the text says explicitly as well as implicitly about Atticus’s reasoning for not using offensive language Analyze Scout’s motivations for faking illness Isolate factual statements from false statements Identify the context for a particular excerpt Analyze a character’s dialogue to infer intent Apply knowledge of metaphorical language to the text Discern the meaning of complex vocabulary and phrases in context, taking into consideration both denotative definitions and connotative associations

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 28, 29, and 30 of The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the novel. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The Joads’ financial situation Ruthie’s fight and revelation Tom’s reflective thoughts Tom’s significant decision Al and Agnes’s decision to get married Horrendous weather conditions How to men may remain strong according to the women The need to build an embankment Rose of Sharon’s stillborn child Rose of Sharon’s role in trying to save a dying man

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 13, 14, and 15 of The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the novel. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The family driver Ma Joad’s perspective on the future Al’s conflict with a gas station attendant An incident involving the family dog The family’s reaction to Oklahoma City The Wilsons’ background Sudden death of a family member The influx of farmers posing a perceived threat to citizens of western states Truckers and the coffee shop A request of Mae A shift in Mae’s reaction to patrons of the coffee shop

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 16, 17, and 18 of The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the novel. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Ma’s reaction to Rose of Sharon’s news An engine issue with the Wilsons’ vehicle Ma’s disagreement with Tom and Casy’s decision Spending the night at a roadside camp Conditions for migrant farmers in California The creation of larger migrant family communities A degrading term for migrant families Noah’s life-changing decision A gravely ill character Agricultural inspectors stopping the family Sad news shared with the family

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 22, 23, and 24 of The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the novel. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Life in the government-sponsored camp The generosity of Timothy and Wilkie Wallace The demands of the Farmers’ Association “Red agitators” The Farmers’ Association’s plan to cause trouble Mrs. Sandy’s scary warning to Rose of Sharon Ma’s feelings of sadness and loss Ezra Huston’s big responsibility The mountain men of Akron, Ohio The “turkey shoot”

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 19, 20, and 21 of The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the novel. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: California’s history American squatters’ sense of entitlement to land The perceived threat of the Okies Granma’s body Hoovervilles The characterization of Floyd Knowles The reason for an employment “blacklist” A mistake Connie thinks he and Rose of Sharon made The arrest of Floyd Knowles Tom tripping the police officer Casy’s willingness to take the fall Uncle John’s dejection Tom’s belief the family needs to move on before more trouble erupts An armed, angry mob

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 7, 8, and 9 of The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the novel. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Narration of a used car salesman Taking advantage of departing families Uncle Tom’s guilt Ma and Pa Joad’s reaction to Tom’s return Granma’s request at breakfast Tom’s youngest brother, Al Narration of tenant farmers Talk of material possessions and memories of home Pawning belongings

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 4, 5, and 6 of The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the novel. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: An encounter with Jim Casy Jim Casy’s former profession Jim Casy’s revelation Jim Casy’s philosophical/religious belief Tom’s conviction Tom’s experience in prison Tom’s farm The eviction of farmers What happened to Tom’s family The family’s work Where Tom and his acquaintances sleep

Incorporate more nonfiction into the English Language Arts classroom and help high school students practice their close reading analysis skills with this set of rigorous questions covering a persuasive speech delivered by Sojourner Truth. Given to the Convention of the American Equal Rights Association in 1867, the historically significant speech argues in favor of suffrage for Black women and encourages Black women to speak up for their rights in order to achieve a more just society. An answer key and copy of the public domain speech are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Articulate the function of the speech Identify what the text states explicitly about Truth’s feelings toward slavery, Truth’s desires for all women, Truth’s reason for living a long life, and Truth’s reasoning for why men should fight alongside women for their rights Explore cause-and-effect relationships Explore Truth’s personal motivations Analyze stylistic elements of Truth’s speech and evaluate its effectiveness Make and defend logical inferences about the audience’s reception to the speech Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based, multiple choice quiz covering chapters 8 and 9 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. An alternate short answer version is provided for re-assessment purposes. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following plot elements: Scout’s reaction to the weather The snowman/mudman The house catching fire Miss Maudie’s peculiar reaction to the house fire The blanket wrapped around Scout Scout’s reaction upon a disturbing discovery Beating up Cecil Jacobs Christmas gifts Scout’s punishment Atticus discussing the trial with Uncle Jack

Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze chapter 4 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. An answer key is provided. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, these instructional materials save teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. 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 this resource, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Determine the greater significance of a given detail Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, personification, allusion, and situational irony Explore cause-and-effect relationships