Short Story Reading Guide
The Monkey’s Paw
by W. W. Jacobs
Est. Time
45 mins
Level
B2
Themes
Fate, Greed, unintended consequences
1Quick Reading Guide
Warm Up
Predict: Write 3 wishes you would make (and 1 cost for each).
Reading
Three-Act Reading. Pause after each wish to discuss "new consequences".
Evidence
Debate: Are the Whites responsible for what happened?
Discussion
Rewrite the ending: Change the last page (2-3 sentences).
2Scaffolds for Support
Sentence Starters
- •"If Mr. White hadn't wished for money, then..."
- •"The Monkey's Paw is dangerous because..."
- •"At the end, Mrs. White feels..."
3Vocabulary & Grammar
Key Words
fategrantconsequencescarcelyreluctantpresumetremblehushknockdreadful
Grammar Focus
Conditionals (If...would... / If...had...would have...)
4Writing Task
The Fourth Wish
Write a short scene about a fourth wish. Include the wish, the result, and the hidden cost.
Rubric Checklist
- Creative wish
- Clear consequence
- 150-200 words