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.
“An Hour with Abuelo” by Judith Ortiz Cofer is a coming-of-age short story involving an intelligent teenager whose youthful determination and stubbornness keep him from learning an important lesson about controlling one’s destiny—that is, until an hour-long meeting with his grandfather. This plot-based quiz covering the short story helps English teachers promote homework accountability and evaluate general reading comprehension—while eliminating take-home assessment planning responsibilities. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing editable Word Documents and printable PDFs. By completing this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
A reason Arturo is reluctant to visit Abuelo
What Abuelo is doing when Arturo enters his suite
Abuelo’s life during World War II
Abuelo’s various jobs
Why Abuelo chose his final job
Mother’s feelings about Abuelo’s final career change
Arturo’s youthful determination
Abuelo’s love of literature
The end of Arturo’s meeting with Abuelo
The reason Arturo laughs in the resolution
“An Hour with Abuelo” by Judith Ortiz Cofer is a coming-of-age short story involving an intelligent teenager whose youthful determination and stubbornness keep him from learning an important lesson about controlling one’s destiny—that is, until an hour-long meeting with his grandfather. This close reading analysis worksheet helps English teachers extend reading comprehension and support the process of critical thinking. While the close reading activity upholds academic rigor, the brevity of the narrative helps to fill awkward gaps in teaching schedules. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing editable Word Documents and printable PDFs. By completing the close reading activity, students will perform the following tasks:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Determine the function of the opening paragraph
Discern the greater significance of a given excerpt
Examine how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact
Compare and contrast two characters (Arturo and Abuelo)
Explore how the first-person narration affects the readers’ perception of Arturo’s mother
Apply knowledge of literary devices including simile, euphemism, verbal irony, and more
Explore theme
Defend claims with valid reasoning and relevant textual evidence
Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class/leave class better prepared to discuss literary materials
Measure and extend reading comprehension of the first third of Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale. Included are two assessments for differentiation purposes, one subjective and one objective. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered as Word Documents and PDFs.
Questions pertain to the following important details:
The emptiness and loneliness of her room
Serena Joy’s previous life
The Japanese tourists’ interest in handmaids’ lives
The Wall
The teachings of Aunt Lydia
The doctor’s offer
Offred’s previous life
Moira’s escape attempt and its consequences
The loss of the narrator’s daughter
The Ceremony
The news Nick shares with Offred
Reduce teacher workload, measure general reading comprehension, and promote homework accountability with this printable quiz on “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following key ideas:
Primary setting
Rainsford’s hobby
An inciting incident
The characterization of the antagonist
The protagonist’s initial impression of the antagonist
The antagonist’s means of gathering his game
The start of the hunt
The antagonist’s motivations
Rainsford’s successes
The climax
The resolution
Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills for high school with this close reading analysis worksheet covering the science fiction short story “The Star Beast” by Nicholas Stuart Gray. A detailed answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques with emphasis on how the author helps the audience empathize with a non-human protagonist
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including hubris and situational irony
Consider themes in context
Articulate how the narrative conforms to standard conventions of science fiction
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
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 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
Annotate text to show active engagement
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word and phrase meanings
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Determine the function of a given passage
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Choose the best textual evidence in support of a claim
Apply knowledge of personification, dramatic irony, and simile
Choose a theme that is best reinforced in a given passage
Support inferences or claims 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 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
Annotate text to show active engagement
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 including personification, paradox, and foreshadowing
Choose the best textual evidence in support of a claim
Discern the tone of Friar Laurence’s soliloquy
Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works
Looking for a high school horror story resource for the Halloween season? Looking for a text to pair with “The Black Cat” by Edgar Allan Poe or a similar narrative? Use this plot-based quiz to evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities. The quiz may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate student engagement with the short story. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
What the protagonists do with the artifacts they collect
The conditions under which the protagonists prefer to do their work
Setting
Surprising discoveries inside a coffin
A physical description of the amulet
The effect the amulet seems to have on the protagonists
The manner of St. John’s death
Details of an assault against the narrator
The narrator’s epiphany
An ironic turn of events
The disturbing visual of the corpse inside the coffin
The fate of the narrator
Go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet to complement chapter 1 of Dracula by Bram Stoker. An answer key and copy of the chapter, which is in the public domain, are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
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 completing this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text says explicitly and implicitly
Discern the intended effects of the author’s narrative techniques with emphasis on how setting influences mood
Determine the function of a given paragraph
Consider the greater significance of given details
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on foreshadowing and situational irony
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about Gothic literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Help high school students extend beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 3, scene 2, of Hamlet by William Shakespeare. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, this worksheet saves English Language Arts teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided.
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.
More specifically, 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 Shakespearean language in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Determine the tone of a given excerpt
Consider autobiographical parallel, drawing an informed inference about Shakespeare’s philosophy on the purpose of dramatic performances based on details provided in this scene
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Help high school students extend beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this set of rigorous, text-dependent questions on the Gothic short story “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe. 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 activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Analyze the nature of character relationships and interactions
Examine grammatically correct structure
Define complex words and phrases as they are used in the text
Identify the best evidence of foreshadowing in a given passage
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including verbal irony
Make logical inferences about the protagonist’s mindset and motivations
Identify relevant textual evidence in support of a claim or idea
Measure and extend reading comprehension of the second third of Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale (chapters 18-30). Included are two assessments for differentiation purposes, one subjective and one objective. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered as Word Documents and PDFs.
Questions pertain to the following important details:
Luke’s plans according to Offred
The relationship between Offred and her mother
Birthing day
Moira’s tense escape
The Commander’s private request of Offred
A test of loyalty
A present
Changes in the Ceremony
The evolution in the relationship with Ofglen
Significant life events of the past
A Latin phrase
A question of purpose and a desire for normalcy
With this multiple choice, plot-based quiz covering the third chapter of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, high school English teachers will be able to evaluate reading comprehension and promote homework accountability. A short answer version is also provided, along with answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By taking this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
The flamboyant nature of Gatsby’s parties
The enduring mystery of Gatsby’s background
Sensationalized rumors surrounding Gatsby
Owl Eyes’ surprising realization about Gatsby’s books
Nick and Gatsby’s shared past
Nick’s characterization of Gatsby’s smile
Gatsby’s manner of speaking to others
Gatsby’s general behavior at his own party
Gatsby’s request to see Jordan
The drunken incident involving Owl Eyes
Nick’s characterization of Jordan
Support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this worksheet composed of challenging questions to complement “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, this resource helps teachers save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. A detailed answer key is included, as well as a copy of the public domain short story. By completing this activity, students will do the following:
Locate evidence in support of the claim that Rainsford lacks critical thinking abilities in the story’s exposition
Locate evidence in support of the claim that Rainsford shows blatant disregard for potential threats in the story’s exposition
Evaluate whether Rainsford believes he is better or worse off after encountering the anguished screams of a creature he cannot identify
Articulate the irony in Rainsford’s inability to classify the aforementioned anguished screams, and how this detail allows readers make predictions about the plot
Locate evidence in support of the claim that Rainsford and Zaroff share common traits
Apply knowledge of verbal irony and articulate what makes the statement verbally ironic
Apply knowledge of foreshadowing and articulate what an incident foreshadows
Help high school students analyze how Shirley Jackson developed a complex short story in “The Lottery,” focusing on how the author manipulates the readers’ perceptions, incorporates imagery to cater to the readers’ senses, foreshadows the revelation that the lottery is barbaric, and portrays villagers as superstitious and irrational. This resource serves well for an independent learning opportunity, as well as for small-group discussions. Through such discussions, students may evaluate peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to support claims, clarifying or challenging ideas as needed. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
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 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
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 6, 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 including personification and imagery
Choose an applicable theme in the context of the scene
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 1, scene 5, of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth and emphasizing Lady Macbeth’s soliloquy. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will:
Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly
Infer the intended effect of Shakespeare’s figurative language
Define complex and archaic words as they are used in the text
Discern tone in context
Determine the function of a given excerpt
Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor and foreshadowing
Support inferences and claims with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 1 of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. 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. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
The opening scene
Characterization of Norway’s king
The fate of the Thane of Cawdor
Macbeth’s new title
The witches’ prophecy
Banquo’s presence
The news Malcolm shares with his father
King Duncan’s declared successor
Lady Macbeth’s concerns about her husband
Lady Macbeth’s ambition
Lady Macbeth’s influence on her husband
Details concerning the plot to kill King Duncan