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.
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Anton Chekhov’s short story “The Bet.” The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
Point of view
The context of the lawyer and banker’s encounter
The lawyer and banker’s respective views on capital punishment
The general tone of the conversation
The terms of the bet
The lawyer’s motivations
Items the lawyer is allowed to possess
The banker’s carelessness
The banker’s willingness to commit a crime
The lawyer’s revelation
News from the night watchman
The resolution
Save time without sacrificing rigor with this collection of challenging close reading analysis worksheets for teaching William Golding’s Lord of the Flies. Each worksheet covers a single chapter for a total of 12 resources. Answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
By engaging with these materials, students will do the following:
Discern what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Analyze how complex characters interact and develop
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including personification, slang, invective, simile, zoomorphism metaphor, onomatopoeia, situational irony, and more
Analyze the author’s craft to articulate the intended effect of language and imagery
Infer what is foreshadowed by a given detail using reasoned thinking
Determine the most appropriate synonym for a given word in context
Contrast Simon with his peers in the context of a given passage
Conduct brief research on the mythological figure Triton and compare him to Ralph
Identify relevant textual evidence in support of claims regarding Jack’s defiant nature and Piggy’s leadership potential
Analyze the author’s craft to better understand how Jack is becoming more savage
Analyze Ralph’s behavior in a given passage to infer what it reveals about his psychological state
Identify textual evidence that reinforces the idea of being disconnected from modern society
Articulate the internal conflict Simon experiences
Contrast Jack’s behavior toward Ralph versus Piggy and evaluate what it indicates about Jack’s mindset
Identify specific textual details from this chapter that reinforce the claim that Simon is compassionate and thoughtful
Articulate the potential error in Ralph’s judgment in terms of the assembly’s timing
Identify the qualities that make Jack successful in garnering larger scale support
Infer the author’s social commentary associated with Jack’s manner of leadership
Analyze how Ralph becomes a dynamic character and connect Ralph’s transformation to the author’s theme on human nature
Analyze the author’s craft to identify the technique used to maximize shock value
Isolate a passage that reflects the conflict between primal impulses and the conditioning of civil society
Conduct brief research on the Greek myth of Prometheus and draw literary parallels between it and Lord of the Flies
Identify several chapter details that contribute to Piggy and Ralph’s loss of discipline
Explain how a given passage honors and dignifies the character of Simon after his death
Articulate the purpose of Wilfred’s brutal punishment in terms of plot development
Conduct brief research on the author and identify examples of autobiographical parallel
Analyze the author’s craft to articulate how the incorporation of frequent em-dashes contributes to storytelling
Write with clarity and precision
Evaluate general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this bundle of editable quizzes covering each chapter of Lord of the Flies by William Golding. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By taking these assessments, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
A general description of Ralph
The reason for the boys’ presence on the island
A general description of Piggy
Ralph’s reaction to his surroundings
The significance of a conch shell
A general description of Jack
The election of a leader
The reason for the nature of Jack’s interactions with Piggy
Ralph’s insensitivity toward Piggy
A disruption to the festive atmosphere while exploring the island
Ralph’s emphasis on the boys’ need to maintain patience and calm
Ralph’s recommendation that rules be established
Jack’s reaction to the idea of establishing and enforcing rules
A new purpose of the conch shell
Reasons for Piggy’s frustration with the boys
An unsettling claim by a young boy
Ralph’s recommendation that the boys signal for help on the mountain
The tool that is used and inadvertently causes a raging fire
The boys’ general reaction to the devastating event
Jack’s developing talent
Ralph’s commitment to manual labor
Simon’s general selflessness in comparison to his peers
Piggy’s perception of manual labor
Ralph’s complaint to Jack about others’ behavior
Ralph’s suggestion to Jack regarding new work
What Jack and Ralph decide to do despite their resentments
Jack’s increasing paranoia
Simon’s motive for wandering off
The effect of the harsh midday light on the boys
The effect of the extreme night darkness on the boys
The effect of the jungle fruit on the little 'uns
Jack and his fellow hunters’ treatment of the little 'uns
How Jack and his fellow hunters show they are becoming more savage
Piggy’s desire to make a sundial
A sudden observation while at the beach
Why the signal fire was extinguished
Jack’s response to Piggy’s criticism
Jack’s desire to exercise power over Piggy
Simon’s selfless deed
Ralph’s decision at the end of the chapter
The purpose of the meeting
Jack’s treatment of the little 'uns
The general reception to Jack’s speech
Phil’s dreams
Simon’s admission
The general reception to Simon’s dialogue
Ralph’s suggestion of a vote
Piggy’s suggestion to Ralph after the boys break away from the meeting
Ralph’s feelings toward the idea of resigning from leadership
Piggy’s desires
Percival’s nightmare
A disturbance of the peace
The characters assigned to watch the signal fire
An fear-inducing incident
Allegations involving the beast
The reason for Ralph’s apprehension
Piggy’s responsibility
Ralph’s investigation of the cave
The reason for Ralph’s anger toward the boys
How the boys have fun
Ralph’s nostalgia
Simon’s reassuring nature
Ralph’s reaction to Simon’s reassurance
The nature of Jack’s injury
The effect hunting has on Ralph
The result of the hunt
Robert’s near-death experience
Jack’s lack of compassion
How Ralph endangers his own life
Simon’s volunteerism
An exploration of the mountain
Jack’s calling of an assembly
Information Jack shares with the group
Opposition to Jack’s ideas
Simon’s suggestion to seek the beast
Piggy’s suggestion to improve their odds of rescue
Ralph’s reaction to Piggy’s suggestion
Boys’ abandonment of Ralph’s faction
Piggy’s reaction to the boys’ abandonment of Ralph’s faction
The savage behavior of Jack’s faction
Jack’s invitation
Simon’s peculiar encounter in the jungle
Simon’s disturbing experience
Ralph and Piggy’s socialization
Piggy’s suggestion to join Jack’s faction
How Piggy is injured
How Ralph and Piggy express disobedience
Ralph’s curiosity about the hunters’ lack of storm preparations
Participants in the ritualistic dance
Simon’s warnings
The reaction to Simon’s sudden appearance
The fate of the pilot’s corpse
Piggy’s explanation of Simon’s death
Ralph’s sense of personal accountability
Jack’s explanation for the physical appearance of the beast
Roger’s status within Jack’s tribe
The conflicted feelings of several of Jack’s followers
Jack’s warnings to his followers
Jack’s plan to steal fire
Sam and Eric’s emotional and psychological state
The fate of Piggy’s eyeglasses
Decisions made at an assembly
The purpose of the conch from Jack’s perspective
A dangerous discovery at Castle Rock
Ralph’s demands of Jack
Ralph’s accusations
The reason for Jack’s assault of Ralph
The nature of Piggy’s death
The identity of Piggy’s killer
Ralph’s escape
The treatment of the twins
Ralph’s encounter with the pig’s head
The identities of the armed guards
Information the armed guards provide to Ralph
Jack’s methods of trying to capture Ralph
Ralph’s near-death experiences
The reason a naval officer is attracted to the island
Percival’s loss of identity
Claims of leadership
Ralph’s emotional state to conclude the novel
The naval officer’s reaction to Ralph’s behavior
Measure reading comprehension and support analysis of Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger (chapters 24-26) with this bundle, which features a plot-based quiz and close reading exercises. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in both Word Document and PDF formats.
This resource may serve as the basis for small-group discussions. Through these discussions, students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development, demonstrating an ability to analyze how complex characters transform and advance the plot and themes by applying logic and citing compelling, meaningful textual evidence. They will also evaluate their peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to advance claims, clarifying or challenging unclear ideas. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking.
Copyright restrictions prohibit the inclusion of complete literary works, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with access to the novel.
By engaging in these exercises, students will:
Articulate what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Write with clarity, logic, and precision
Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims
Apply knowledge of literary devices including hyperbole and assonance
Explore character motivations
Discern meaning in complex and unfamiliar words and phrases
Articulate the function of Mr. Antolini’s character in terms of Holden’s development
Analyze how complex characters interact
Analyze character intentions and motivations
Articulate the function of Holden’s note for Phoebe
Articulate the significance of Holden’s reaction to Phoebe’s declaration that she will travel with him
Analyze the symbolism of the carousel in the context of the chapter
Articulate how Holden is a dynamic character in context
Measure reading comprehension and support analysis of Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger (chapters 21-23) with this bundle, which features a plot-based quiz and rigorous close reading worksheets. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in both Word Document and PDF formats.
This resource may serve as the basis for small-group discussions. Through these discussions, students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development, demonstrating an ability to analyze how complex characters transform and advance the plot and themes by applying logic and citing compelling, meaningful textual evidence. They will also evaluate their peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to advance claims, clarifying or challenging unclear ideas. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking.
Copyright restrictions prohibit the inclusion of complete literary works, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with access to the novel.
By engaging in these exercises, students will:
Articulate what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Write with clarity, logic, and precision
Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims
Discern the tone of a given excerpt
Analyze the greater significance of characters’ decisions
Discern the meanings of words and phrases in context
Make logical inferences about Holden’s mindset
Evaluate Holden and Phoebe’s parents’ parenting style
Analyze the author’s craft
Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion, symbolism, dramatic irony, situational irony, and hyperbole
Analyze the author’s craft to articulate the intended meaning of figurative language
Analyze how complex characters interact
Articulate the function of a given detail
Articulate the function of Phoebe in terms of Holden’s character development
Analyze what Mrs. Caulfield’s actions reveal about her parenting style
Analyze what Mrs. Caulfield’s frequent headaches imply about her psychological state
Measure reading comprehension and support analysis of Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger (chapters 18-20) with this bundle, which features a plot-based quiz and rigorous close reading worksheets. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in both Word Document and PDF formats.
This resource may serve as the basis for small-group discussions. Through these discussions, students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development, demonstrating an ability to analyze how complex characters transform and advance the plot and themes by applying logic and citing compelling, meaningful textual evidence. They will also evaluate their peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to advance claims, clarifying or challenging unclear ideas. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking.
Copyright restrictions prohibit the inclusion of complete literary works, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with access to the novel.
By engaging in these exercises, students will:
Articulate what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Write with clarity, logic, and precision
Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims
Explore character motivations
Explore cause-and-effect relationships
Apply knowledge of literary devices
Analyze the portrayal of complex characters
Activate background knowledge of previous chapters to articulate the irony of Holden’s decisions
Contrast Holden and his older brother
Analyze the nature of Holden’s relationship with Allie
Analyze the author’s use of language to discern what it reveals about a character
Articulate Luce’s hypocrisy from Holden’s perspective
Analyze the nature of the relationship between Holden and Luce
Explain why Holden’s attempts to interact with various women are self-sabotaging acts
Analyze the symbolism of the broken record
Apply knowledge of hyperbole
Analyze how details about setting complement Holden’s characterization
Analyze a given detail to articulate its irony
Explore Holden’s capacity for empathy
Measure reading comprehension and support analysis of Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger (chapters 16-17) with this bundle, which features a plot-based quiz and rigorous close reading worksheets. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in both Word Document and PDF formats.
This resource may serve as the basis for small-group discussions. Through these discussions, students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development, demonstrating an ability to analyze how complex characters transform and advance the plot and themes by applying logic and citing compelling, meaningful textual evidence. They will also evaluate their peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to advance claims, clarifying or challenging unclear ideas. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking.
Copyright restrictions prohibit the inclusion of complete literary works, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with access to the novel.
By engaging in these exercises, students will:
Articulate what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Write with clarity, logic, and precision
Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims
Explore character motivations
Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on hyperbole and irony
Define complex words and phrases in context
Analyze the portrayal of complex characters
Measure reading comprehension and support analysis of Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger (chapters 13-15) with this bundle, which features a plot-based quiz and rigorous close reading worksheets. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in both Word Document and PDF formats.
This resource may serve as the basis for small-group discussions. Through these discussions, students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development, demonstrating an ability to analyze how complex characters transform and advance the plot and themes by applying logic and citing compelling, meaningful textual evidence. They will also evaluate their peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to advance claims, clarifying or challenging unclear ideas. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking.
Copyright restrictions prohibit the inclusion of complete literary works, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with access to the novel.
By engaging in these exercises, students will:
Articulate what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Explain the significance of a given detail
Write with clarity, logic, and precision
Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims
Explore character motivations
Apply knowledge of literary devices including idiom and malapropism
Articulate Holden’s worries about fighting others
Explore Holden’s misrepresentation of himself
Articulate Holden’s internal conflict
Articulate cause-and-effect relationships
Discern the irony of Holden’s pseudonym
Explore the author’s intent
Articulate how Holden attempts to make himself feel better about his condition in life
Articulate what unsettles Holden about Sunny
Isolate a factual statement about the plot
Infer the reason for Holden’s guilt
Articulate the reason for Holden’s contentious relationship with Arthur Childs
Explore how Holden’s atheism affects his ability to cope with trauma
Infer why Maurice takes advantage of Holden specifically
Explore how Holden demonstrates stubbornness and a lack of self-regulation
Explore Holden’s loosening grasp on reality
Explore Holden’s feelings toward the nuns
Articulate why Holden gets uncomfortable discussing Romeo & Juliet with the nuns
Compare Holden to the character of Mercutio in Romeo & Juliet
Measure reading comprehension and support analysis of Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger (chapters 10-12) with this bundle, which features a plot-based quiz and close reading exercises. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in both Word Document and PDF formats.
This resource may serve as the basis for small-group discussions. Through these discussions, students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development, demonstrating an ability to analyze how complex characters transform and advance the plot and themes by applying logic and citing compelling, meaningful textual evidence. They will also evaluate their peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to advance claims, clarifying or challenging unclear ideas. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking.
Copyright restrictions prohibit the inclusion of complete literary works, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with access to the novel.
By engaging in these exercises, students will:
Articulate what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Explain the significance of a given detail
Write with clarity, logic, and precision
Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims
Explore character motivations
Compare Allie and Phoebe
Analyze the author’s word choices to discern meaning in context
Verify interpretations of language using reference materials such as a dictionary or thesaurus
Apply knowledge of situational irony and understatement
Articulate how Holden can discern that the three women at the club are tourists
Identify several specific ways in which the three women do not live up to Holden’s standards
Articulate how Holden goads one of the women into showing her gullibility
Articulate how the three women demonstrate cleverness
Articulate how Holden wishes to be perceived, as well as how he is actually perceived
Analyze the significance of a tense shift in Holden’s language
Identify several of Jane’s eccentricities that Holden finds endearing
Compare Jane and Holden’s methods of dealing with trauma
Discern tone in context
Make logical inferences about Holden’s manner of referring to others
Explain how Holden exhibits psychological projection in his conversation with the cab driver
Identify the nature of Lillian’s connection to D.B.
Articulate what Holden implies about Lillian’s personality in the context of an excerpt
Identify Holden’s personal reason for disliking Lillian’s date
Articulate how Holden feels widespread praise affects art
Articulate how Ernie reinforces Holden’s opinions on how praise affects art
Measure reading comprehension and support analysis of Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger (chapters 7-9) with this bundle, which features a plot-based quiz and close reading exercises. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in both Word Document and PDF formats.
This resource may serve as the basis for small-group discussions. Through these discussions, students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development, demonstrating an ability to analyze how complex characters transform and advance the plot and themes by applying logic and citing compelling, meaningful textual evidence. They will also evaluate their peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to advance claims, clarifying or challenging unclear ideas. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking.
Copyright restrictions prohibit the inclusion of complete literary works, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with access to the novel.
By engaging in these exercises, students will:
Articulate what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Explain the significance of a given detail
Write with clarity, logic, and precision
Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims
Explore character motivations
Demonstrate awareness of religion’s influence on Ackley’s life
Make reasonable inferences about Holden’s behavior
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including euphemism, allusion, metaphor, simile, cliche, acyrologia, situational irony, and more
Discern the tone of a remark in context
Define complex words or phrases in context
Verify interpretations of language using reference materials including a dictionary or thesaurus
Analyze what Holden’s behaviors and statements reflect about his psychological state
Analyze Holden’s mindset as it pertains to Stradlater and articulate his internal conflict
Analyze the relevance of a seemingly insubstantial detail
Articulate how the conversation between Mrs. Morrow and Holden begins
Identify several examples of Holden’s awkward attempts to be accepted in the adult world
Identify evidence of Holden’s self-awareness
Identify examples of Holden’s avoidance behavior
Analyze word choices to discern what they reveal about Holden’s psychological state
Demonstrate understanding of Holden’s interest in vulnerable creatures
Measure reading comprehension and support analysis of Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger (chapters 5-6) with this bundle, which features a plot-based quiz and close reading exercises. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in both Word Document and PDF formats.
This resource may serve as the basis for small-group discussions. Through these discussions, students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development, demonstrating an ability to analyze how complex characters transform and advance the plot and themes by applying logic and citing compelling, meaningful textual evidence. They will also evaluate their peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to advance claims, clarifying or challenging unclear ideas. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking.
Copyright restrictions prohibit the inclusion of complete literary works, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with access to the novel.
By engaging in these exercises, students will:
Articulate what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Explain the significance of a given detail
Write with clarity, logic, and precision
Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims
Analyze Holden to discern his motivations for inviting Ackley to the movies and for not chucking the snowball at snow-covered objects
Analyze the author’s craft to discern what the placement of a particular sentence reflects about Holden’s mindset
Identify details that support the claim that Allie is a nonconformist, both by choice and chance
Apply knowledge of hyperbole
Demonstrate knowledge of Holden’s superstitious tendencies
Articulate the reason Holden did not break the windows of the station wagon
Articulate the unintended consequence of an action
Analyze what makes a particular paragraph emotionally impactful
Articulate how Holden’s traumas have affected him
Explain why it is unfair for Stradlater to be so mad at Holden over the composition
Articulate why Stradlater’s criticism of Holden is hypocritical
Articulate why Holden is offended by a particular remark
Identify what provokes a physical altercation
Analyze how Holden interprets Stradlater’s rejection of the composition
Articulate the implied motivation for Holden to visit Ackley
Measure reading comprehension and support analysis of Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger (chapters 3-4) with this bundle, which features a plot-based quiz and close reading exercises. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in both Word Document and PDF formats.
This resource may serve as the basis for small-group discussions. Through these discussions, students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development, demonstrating an ability to analyze how complex characters transform and advance the plot and themes by applying logic and citing compelling, meaningful textual evidence. They will also evaluate their peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to advance claims, clarifying or challenging unclear ideas. Using this resource for structured guidance, students, ultimately, will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking.
Copyright restrictions prohibit the inclusion of complete literary works, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with access to the novel.
By engaging in these exercises, students will:
Articulate what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Explain the significance of a given detail
Write with clarity, logic, and precision
Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims
Articulate how old Ossenburger acquired his wealth
Infer the reason for Holden’s interest in the novel Out of Africa
Identify what type of literature most appeals to Holden
Articulate why Holden feels like a failure
Identify examples of Holden’s sarcasm and dark humor
Explore Holden’s intellectual curiosity
Compare the characters of Holden and Ackley
Compare the plot of chapter 2 to chapter 3
Identify what Holden does to Ackley that he did not appreciate Mr. Spencer doing to him
Articulate a primary function of the chapter
Identify examples of Holden’s generosity
Articulate the meaning of “secret slob” in the context of Stradlater’s behavior
Demonstrate awareness of Holden’s status as an unreliable narrator
Explore the significance of Jane’s checkers-playing behavior in Holden’s mind
Articulate the reason(s) for Holden’s hostility toward Stradlater
Demonstrate awareness of Holden’s struggle to convey the importance of information to Stradlater
Analyze how Stradlater’s actions and statements reflect the trait of carelessness
Analyze the author’s craft to discern how the narrator’s tone influences the readers perceptions of other characters
Measure reading comprehension and support analysis of Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger (chapters 1-2) with this bundle, which features a plot-based quiz and close reading exercises. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in both Word Document and PDF formats.
This resource may serve as the basis for small-group discussions. Through these discussions, students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development, demonstrating an ability to analyze how complex characters transform and advance the plot and themes by applying logic and citing compelling, meaningful textual evidence. They will also evaluate their peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to advance claims, clarifying or challenging unclear ideas. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking.
Copyright restrictions prohibit the inclusion of complete literary works, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with access to the novel.
By engaging in these exercises, students will:
Articulate what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Explain the significance of a given detail
Write with clarity, logic, and precision
Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims
Analyze the author’s craft to discern how language contributes to the narrator’s psychological state
Explore character motivations
Analyze the author’s craft to discern how Holden attempts to control the readers’ impressions of him
Analyze the significance of Holden’s allusion to David Copperfield in terms of how it establishes his character
Analyze Holden’s use of figurative language to discern meaning
Identify the factors that contribute to Holden’s perceptions of Selma
Consider plot developments from Holden’s point of view, articulating why it is not a big deal that he has been expelled from school
Identify several examples of colloquial language
Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor and overstatement
Identify textual details that convey Holden’s sense of isolation
Identify context clues that suggest Holden’s family is wealthy
Articulate what makes Holden’s visit to see Mr. Spencer unsettling
Explore how Holden’s interactions with adults contribute to his self-worth
Interpret idiomatic expressions in context
Analyze Mr. Spencer’s motivations
Analyze Holden’s curiosities about ducks and what they reveal about his moral compass
Identify and explain an example of situational irony
Infer how Holden feels about the idea of getting older
Analyze the phrase “good luck” from Holden’s perspective
Articulate a primary function of chapter two
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching Mark Twain’s short story “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.” A plot-based quiz, a close reading worksheet, a craft analysis exercise, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the short story, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
These resources may facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using these resources for structured guidance, students will improve their ability to present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly and convincingly.
By engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Determine the tone of a particular passage
Discern the author’s intent and its effect on readers.
Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact
Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on allusion, hyperbole, and simile
Apply knowledge of the elements of satire and tall tales
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 enhance their active reading habits and close reading analysis skills with this bundle of formative assessments covering “The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Included are the following: a plot-based, multiple choice quiz; a short answer alternate quiz option for re-assessment purposes; a worksheet composed of rigorous close reading questions; a craft analysis activity; and answer keys. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly
Determine the greater significance of a given detail
Discern the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices
Explore cause-and-effect relationships
Examine how characters think, behave, develop, and interact
Apply knowledge of literary devices including hyperbole, personification, simile, metaphor, and imagery
Argue whether the wives’ feelings toward their husbands are justified
Consider whether the villagers are better off for having met the drowned man
Support claims and inferences with reasoned thinking and relevant evidence
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Evaluate general reading comprehension with this plot-based quiz covering Mark Twain’s tall tale “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,” also known as “Jim Smiley and His Jumping Frog” and “The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.” Alternatively, this set of questions may serve as a guided reading document to foster active reading habits. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of:
Setting
The reason for the narrator’s frustration
The speaking style of Simon Wheeler
Characterization of Jim Smiley
Characterization of Daniel Webster
Characterization of Andrew Jackson
Simon Wheeler’s compulsive gambling
The reason Wheeler hands off his box to the stranger
The stranger’s trickery
The resolution
For many high school students, humorous fiction, tall tales, and satire are types of literature that maximize interest and engagement. “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County” by Mark Twain is a representative short story with great literary and academic merit. With this rigorous worksheet, learners will be prompted to exercise close reading analysis skills. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and 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 engaging with this activity, students will:
Articulate what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly
Determine the tone of a particular passage
Discern the author’s intent and its effect on readers.
Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact
Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on simile
Apply knowledge of the elements of satire and tall tales
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet covering Katherine Anne Porter’s short story “The Jilting of Granny Weatherall,” a piece of psychological fiction that complements literature units involving modernist literature and the narrative technique known as stream of consciousness. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats.
This resource may serve as the basis for 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 do the following:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Discern the narrative’s point of view and setting
Determine the intended effects of the author’s narrative techniques
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony and symbolism
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Help high school students explore how Gabriel Garcia Marquez used literary devices such as hyperbole, personification, simile, metaphor, and imagery to develop a compelling short story: “The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World.” Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this resource serves well for an independent learning opportunity, as well as for small-group discussions in which students evaluate their peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to support claims. An answer key is included.
Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and practice close reading analysis skills with this rigorous worksheet covering “The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. This activity helps to eliminate take-home assessment planning duties, saving teachers valuable time without sacrificing academic rigor. A detailed answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and 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 engaging with this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly
Determine the greater significance of a given detail
Discern the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices
Explore cause-and-effect relationships
Examine how characters think, behave, develop, and interact
Argue whether the wives’ feelings toward their husbands are justified
Consider whether the villagers are better off for having met the drowned man
Support claims and inferences with reasoned thinking and relevant evidence
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision