"The Lie" by Kurt Vonnegut Quiz, Analysis Worksheet, and Vocabulary Activities

Support vocabulary development, evaluate reading comprehension, and facilitate analysis of characters, plot, and literary craft with this bundle of activities and assessments covering Kurt Vonnegut's short story "The Lie." A plot-based quiz, a close reading inference worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search, and answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. (Alternatively, a Google Drive option is available.) By engaging with these materials, students will:

• Read for literal comprehension

• Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings as needed

• Choose 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

• Explain how point of view shapes the reader's understanding of plot

• Articulate how one character serves as a foil to another

• State two significant conflicts in the story

• Defend the claim that Mrs. Remenzel is a good mother despite her shortcomings

• Explore the similarities between the protagonist and his father

• Generate a relevant theme that relates to the idea of embarrassment

• Support claims and ideas with reasoned thinking and relevant textual evidence

• Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

• Come to class better prepared to discuss literature

Resources are available for teaching short stories of various genres:

• Christmas Fiction - Google and printable

• Coming-of-Age Fiction - Google and printable

• Fantasy - Google and printable

• Horror - Google and printable

• Psychological Fiction - Google and printable

• Science Fiction - Google and printable

• Thematic Short Story Unit on Fear and Curiosity - Google and printable