A Doll's House Differentiated Study Guide & Analysis | No Prep Plays | Ibsen

PROBLEM: Many classic literature units fall apart in real classrooms because the original text can be long and challenging, and students often read at different levels—so teachers end up reteaching constantly or simplifying until the story loses its power.

SOLUTION: This differentiated study guide for A Doll’s House solves that problem by giving you both the complete original text and a condensed, five-part adapted version, so your class can move together while students read at the level that fits. The adaptation keeps the major plot events, character choices, and core themes so your discussions stay meaningful and text-based.

Dual-track assurance: Every discussion prompt, quiz item, and short-answer question is designed to be answerable from the adapted Part text while still mapping cleanly to the corresponding original Act/Scene range for extension reading and evidence practice.

Perfect for: Grades 9-12 ELA, mixed-level classes, drama/reader’s-theater units, whole-class read-aloud instruction, small-group literature circles, intervention support, and substitute-ready plans with aligned assessments.

Casting & Classroom Size Note:

Most plays don’t have 25–35 distinct speaking roles. If your class has more students than characters, you have two strong options.

• Option 1: Split high-line characters across multiple students by rotating the role between scenes.
• Option 2: Use small-group performances. Break the class into smaller groups and have each group read/perform the play.

*NOTE: Casting Breakdown tables are for the adapted script only. The original text contains the same characters in the same sections, but line counts will vary.

Quick Guide for Teachers

Adapted-Only Track (Fastest: 5-Day Model)

• Best for Grades 8–12 classes that need accessible language while keeping mature themes.
• Day 1–5: Students read one adapted Part per day and complete the matching Main Ideas & Themes Discussion Questions and the 20-question self-grading exit quiz.
• End the week with the Final Worksheet (Vocabulary Words, Short Answer Questions, and Challenge Questions).
• This track keeps the unit tight, predictable, and finishable in one week.

Original-Only Track (5-Day Close Reading)

• Ideal for strong readers or classes ready for original diction and syntax.
• Day 1–5: Students read one original Part per day and use the same Discussion Questions, exit quizzes, and Final Worksheet—because all items are built on shared meaning, plot beats, and theme development present in both versions.
• Vocabulary Words (10) work for this track because each word appears in both the adapted and original texts.

Dual-Track Differentiation

• Use the same Day 1–5 schedule for everyone.
• Assign the adapted Parts to supported readers and the original Parts to advanced readers.
• All students complete the same Discussion Questions, daily exit quiz, and Final Worksheet because prompts target analysis that transfers across both versions (tone, character motivation, theme development, irony, and consequences).
• If original-text readers need extra time, they can extend with annotation targets and evidence-based responses while adapted-text readers reread, strengthen vocabulary work, and draft higher-quality analytical answers.

How can be sure this will meet my classroom's needs?

• Download the Hamlet Study Guide 100% FREE first and try one before you buy one :)
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• This resource is included in the Essential 8 Plays for High School Students.
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• Free Access Code to the text on the Leveled-Lit Classics Library!

This product includes a zip file consisting of:

NOTE: All files are editable and include (PDF, DOCX, PPTX, Google Docs/Slides/Forms)

Full Original Text: ~27,000 words | 4.0 FKGL

• Lexile Range: ~600–800 | CEFR: ~A2–B1
• Best for: read-aloud, performance reading, and teacher-guided close reading with support.

Adapted Version Text: ~13,300 words | 3.5 FKGL

• Lexile Range: ~450–650 | CEFR: ~A2
• Best for: whole-class pacing, developing readers, and quick evidence-based assessment.
• Supported readers who need a shorter text with the same plot, themes, and assessment alignment.
• *Both versions tell the same story, allowing students to participate in shared discussions even when reading different texts.

Standards

Reading Literature: CCSS RL.11-12.1, CCSS RL.11-12.2, CCSS RL.11-12.3, CCSS RL.11-12.4, CCSS RL.11-12.5, CCSS RL.11-12.6, CCSS RL.11-12.10
Writing: CCSS W.11-12.2, CCSS W.11-12.9
Speaking & Listening: CCSS SL.11-12.1

Student Final Worksheet/Quizzes (PPTX, Google Slides/Forms)

10 Vocabulary Words
10 Short Answer Recall/Comprehension
5 Challenge Questions (synthesis, analysis, themes, real life connection)
5 Multiple Choice Quizzes (20 Questions per day)

Teacher’s Guide & Answer Key

5 Sets of Daily Discussion Questions (1 per part)
5 Sets of Self-Graded Exit Quizzes (1 per part, 20Qs each)
Answer Keys for Vocab, Short Answer, and Challenge Questions
Key Figures & Places reference sheets to help students track characters and settings

Adapted Version Summary

• Part 1: Holiday Performance and the First Pressure Point (Act 1, Scene 1 start → “NORA: Who is it?”) — Nora’s cheerful holiday “performance” and Helmer’s pet-name control set the tone; Christine’s arrival introduces realism and money pressure; suspense builds toward the visitor at the door.
  Part 2: Leverage, Reputation, and a Tightening Trap (Act 1, Scene 1 Krogstad arrives → end of Act 1) — Krogstad uses leverage to demand job security; Helmer’s reputation logic tightens the trap; Nora’s fear for home and children spikes.
  Part 3: Delay Tactics and a Dangerous Hope (Act 2, Scene 1) — The letterbox and tarantella become Nora’s delay tactics; Dr. Rank’s confession adds weight; Christine chooses to contact Krogstad; Nora clings to the “wonderful thing.”
  Part 4: Truth Chosen and the Moment Before Reading (Act 3, Scene 1 start → before “HELMER: Nora!”) — Christine and Krogstad choose truth over comfort; Rank’s signal removes safety; the letter waits as Nora’s dread peaks; Helmer reaches the moment of reading.
  Part 5: Priorities Exposed and the Door That Ends the Story (Act 3, Scene 1 from “HELMER: Nora!” → end) — Helmer’s reaction reveals his priorities; Nora claims duty to self and rejects the “doll” role; the ending lands in the final door-shut.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can students answer everything from the adapted text?

Yes. Discussion prompts, multiple-choice items, and short-answer questions are written to be fully answerable from the adapted Part text.

How do I use the original text without losing pacing?

Use the Part-by-part map to assign optional original reading for extension, evidence hunts, or compare/contrast passages while keeping the class moving together.

Does this work for reader’s theater or performance?

Yes. The adapted text stays in script form, and the included casting breakdown tables help you assign roles quickly for each day/Part.