Say hello to a platform dedicated to industrious, yet overtasked teachers like you. Say goodbye to countless hours spent developing relevant and engaging ELA lessons. Whether you are teaching the fundamentals of grammar, creative writing skills, classic literature, or contemporary fiction, you will find thousands of activities and assessments to help you achieve a healthier work-life balance without sacrificing academic rigor.
Say hello to a platform dedicated to industrious, yet overtasked teachers like you. Say goodbye to countless hours spent developing relevant and engaging ELA lessons. Whether you are teaching the fundamentals of grammar, creative writing skills, classic literature, or contemporary fiction, you will find thousands of activities and assessments to help you achieve a healthier work-life balance without sacrificing academic rigor.
Help high school students go beyond basic comprehension, explore literary devices, and improve critical thinking skills with this close reading inference worksheet covering Act 1, scene 4, of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Consider using this resource as an in-class group activity; it may facilitate deeper conversations about characters, plot developments, and literary craft.
By engaging with this close reading analysis activity, students will:
Read for literal comprehension
Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings as needed
Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Determine the primary function of a given passage
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Compare and contrast two characters
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Measure high school reading comprehension and support analysis of Shakespeare’s tragedy Hamlet (Act 5) with this bundle that features a plot-based quiz and a rigorous close reading activity. By engaging with these resources, students will identify what the text says explicitly and implicitly, apply knowledge of literary devices, interpret figurative expressions, make engagement with text visible, and more. Answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
By engaging with these resources, students will:
Articulate what the text says explicitly and implicitly
Consider author’s intent and articulate why Shakespeare may have chosen to begin this scene in a graveyard
Analyze characterization to discern the gravedigger’s primary function(s)
Discern the tone of a given excerpt
Consider how aristocratic class privileges influence plot development
Describe Hamlet’s reaction to the gravedigger’s singing, as well as the reason for his reaction
Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, simile, hyperbole, allusion, alliteration, dramatic irony, situational irony, and more
Characterize Hamlet’s relationship with Yorick
Articulate how Hamlet’s lack of emotional or psychological control is manifested physically
Make logical inferences from the point of view of Hamlet
Demonstrate knowledge of Claudius’s mindset
Write with clarity and precision
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 5 of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with Shakespearean drama. 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:
The nature of the gravediggers’ conversation
Hamlet’s reaction to the gravediggers’ behaviors
Hamlet’s similarities to the gravediggers
The nature of Hamlet’s conversation with the gravediggers
A former jester named Yorick
The church’s perspective on people who commit suicide
Laertes’ emotional response to Ophelia’s burial
Hamlet’s discovery of the plot to have him killed
Hamlet’s feelings toward Laertes
Hamlet’s duel with Laertes
Hamlet’s assessment of his physical strength in comparison to Laertes
The nature of Gertrude’s death
Hamlet’s belief regarding who should be the new King of Denmark
Measure high school reading comprehension and support analysis of Shakespeare’s tragedy Hamlet (Act 1) with this bundle that features a plot-based quiz and rigorous close reading activities. By engaging with these resources, students will identify what the text says explicitly and implicitly, apply knowledge of literary devices, interpret figurative expressions, make engagement with text visible, and more. Answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
By engaging with these materials, students will:
Define complex words and phrases in context
Verify interpretations of words and phrases using reference materials such as a dictionary and thesaurus
Discern the tone of a given passage
Isolate a falsehood about plot development among factual statements
Analyze character actions and dialogue to discern character motivations
Cite textual evidence in support of claims and ideas
Discern the most adequate characterization of Horatio
Analyze plot from a historical context
Analyze character dialogue to discern and articulate what is implied
Apply knowledge of dynamic character to the text
Apply knowledge of foreshadowing to the text
Identify context clues that suggest Horatio’s opinion on supernatural occurrences is correct
Explain how Denmark gained authority over Norwegian lands
Make an inference about author’s intent, analyzing plot to determine what is suggested about the universe and its relationship to humankind
Conduct brief research to answer a question connecting Greek mythology to the drama
Help high school students go beyond basic comprehension, explore literary devices, and improve critical thinking skills with this close reading inference worksheet covering Act 2, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Consider using this resource as an in-class group activity; it may facilitate deeper conversations about characters, plot developments, and literary craft.
By engaging with this close reading analysis activity, students will:
Read for literal comprehension
Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings as needed
Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Compare and contrast two characters
Determine the function of the scene
Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on situational irony
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Help high school students go beyond basic comprehension, explore literary devices, and improve critical thinking skills with this close reading inference worksheet covering Act 3, scene 4, of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Consider using this resource as an in-class group activity; it may facilitate deeper conversations about characters, plot developments, and literary craft. By engaging with this close reading analysis activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Discern the intended effect of Shakespearean language in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on metaphor and personification
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Evaluate general reading comprehension with this multiple choice quiz covering Act 2 of William Shakespeare’s Othello. The plot-based assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active reading experiences. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
The end of the war with the Turks
Iago’s emphasis on Cassio’s friendliness toward Desdemona
Cassio’s weakness
Iago’s taking advantage of Cassio’s weakness
The consequences of Cassio’s actions
Othello’s ironic perspective on Iago’s character
Cassio seeking advice from one he considers his closest friend
Iago’s next manipulative move involving Desdemona
Evaluate general reading comprehension with this multiple choice quiz covering Act 1 of William Shakespeare’s Othello. The plot-based assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active reading experiences. An answer key is included. Additionally, a short answer worksheet is provided for re-assessment purposes. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Roderigo’s affections for Desdemona
Iago’s fury toward Othello
Brabantio
The Turks’ plan to attack Cyprus
Othello and Desdemona’s relationship
Desdemona’s internal conflict
Othello’s departure
Brabantio’s warning to Othello
Iago’s manipulation of Roderigo
Help students achieve more purposeful reading experiences and sharpen their note-taking skills with this reading guide covering Act 1 of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. In addition, this resource aims to facilitate review and future recall of plot. Students will identify what the text states explicitly, track character and plot development, articulate the context and significance of given quotations, and more. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. The following details are addressed:
Feuding in the streets
The prince’s declaration of punishment
Romeo’s despair at lost love
Rosaline’s decision
Juliet’s refusal to accept marriage
Lord Capulet’s beliefs toward the prospect of marriage
Romeo’s invite to Lord Capulet’s party
Paris
Mercutio’s harsh, sarcastic tone toward Romeo’s heartbreak
Queen Mab
Romeo’s foreshadowing prediction
Tybalt’s reaction to Romeo’s presence (in contrast to Capulet’s)
Romeo’s discovery of Juliet’s identity
And more
Help students achieve more purposeful reading experiences and sharpen their note-taking skills with this reading guide covering Act 4 of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. In addition, this resource aims to facilitate review and future recall of plot. Students will identify what the text states explicitly, track character and plot development, articulate the context and significance of given quotations, and more. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. The following details are addressed:
Lord Capulet’s rush to marry off Juliet
Lord Capulet’s threat to Juliet
Juliet’s morbid confession to Friar Laurence
The purpose of the vial
Juliet’s request for forgiveness from her father
Lord Capulet’s praise for Friar Laurence
Juliet’s paranoia in regard to Friar Laurence’s motives
The burial vault
The Nurse’s terrible discovery
Cancellation of the wedding
And more
Help students achieve more purposeful reading experiences and sharpen their note-taking skills with this reading guide covering Act 3 of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. In addition, this resource aims to facilitate review and future recall of plot. Students will identify what the text states explicitly, track character and plot development, articulate the context and significance of given quotations, and more. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. The following details are addressed:
Tybalt’s verbal attack on Romeo
Dramatic irony
Mercutio’s decision to fight Tybalt
Romeo’s abrupt character change
Defying the prince’s orders
Lady Capulet’s demand
Romeo’s punishment
The Nurse’s news and ensuing confusion
Juliet’s immediate reaction to learning the truth
Juliet’s defense of her husband
The Nurse’s motivation to seek out Romeo
Romeo’s feelings toward his punishment
Friar Laurence’s strong words for Romeo
Romeo’s potential suicide attempt
Friar Laurence’s optimistic plan
Lord Capulet’s arrangement with Paris
Whether Romeo believes he will see his wife once more
Foreshadowing
Lady Capulet’s plan for Romeo after exile
The Nurse’s advice to Juliet
Juliet’s desire to seek Friar Laurence’s help
And more
Help students achieve more purposeful reading experiences and sharpen their note-taking skills with this reading guide covering Act 5 of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. In addition, this resource aims to facilitate review and future recall of plot. Students will identify what the text states explicitly, track character and plot development, articulate the context and significance of given quotations, and more. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. The following details are addressed:
Failure of Friar Laurence’s plan
Romeo’s visit to the apothecary
The apothecary’s concern
Friar Laurence and the quarantine
Friar John’s task
Paris in the churchyard
Balthasar’s news
Romeo’s interaction with Paris
Romeo’s suicide
Juliet’s awakening
Friar Laurence’s upsetting news
Juliet’s method of suicide
Lady Montague’s death
The resolution
And more
Conclude a unit on Shakespeare’s Othello with this summative test and answer key. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate general knowledge of character actions, dialogue, and motivations. In addition, they will explore the significance of selected passages and apply knowledge of literary devices such as situational irony and dramatic irony. Finally, students will write with clarity, accuracy, and precision in response to a prompt requiring them to analyze Iago and support the claim that he is a weak villain. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable Word Documents and PDFs.
Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 3, scene 5, of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word and phrase meanings
Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Describe tone in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, personification, situational irony, and symbolism
Support claims or inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works
Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 4, scene 3, of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Discern the overall purpose of a given soliloquy
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word and phrase meanings
Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Support claims or inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works
Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 3, scene 2, of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word and phrase meanings
Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices such as dramatic irony and oxymoronic language
Conduct brief research on a variety of subjects including allusions to obscure mythological creatures
Support claims or inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works
Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 3, scene 3, of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Compare elements of this scene to the preceding scene
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word and phrase meanings
Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques (with emphasis on repetition)
Describe tone in context
Support claims or inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works
Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 3, scene 4, of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word and phrase meanings (“Things have fall’n out,” “We have had no time to move our daughter,” and “I will make a desperate tender of my child’s love.”
Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony and dramatic irony
Support claims or inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works
Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 2, scene 5, of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word and phrase meanings
Determine the function of a given excerpt
Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Discern tone in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion, hyperbole, and invective
Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works
Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 4, scene 5, of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Compare aspects of this scene with aspects of a previous scene (Act 3.5)
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word and phrase meanings
Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Discern the tone of the scene
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including simile, metaphor, personification, and situational irony
Support claims or inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works
