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 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
Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the science fiction short story “The Star Beast” by Nicholas Stuart Gray. A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: acquisition, coffer, collate, cower, disused, draggled, dreary, graceful, inflammable, mutter, prod, refuge, shamble, and wary.
By engaging with these activities, students will:
Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the science fiction short story “The Star Beast” by Nicholas Stuart Gray. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the narrative. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Where the creature first encounters humans
What drives the creature to approach humans
The physical characteristics of the creature
The older couple’s emotional reaction to the creature
Where the city experts keep the creature detained
The knowledge of the creature
The collective reaction to the creature after examination and interrogation
How humans mock the creature
The creature’s definition of a man
How the proceeds of the creature’s sale are invested
The new location of the creature after being sold
The creature’s prominent fear
The resolution
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, sharpen critical thinking skills, and prepare for unexpected teacher absences with this bundle of materials for teaching the short story “The Open Window” by Saki. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, emergency lesson plans, and answer keys 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 engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states 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
Discern 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 with emphasis on dramatic irony
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
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the short story “The Good Deed” by Pearl S. Buck, a piece of realistic fiction that highlights different cultural perspectives on marriage and family dynamics. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, and answer keys 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 engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states 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
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Articulate Lili’s internal conflict
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including situational irony, dramatic irony, aposiopesis, symbolism, and more
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
Evaluate general reading comprehension, support critical thinking, and promote homework accountability with this bundle of formative assessments covering Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story “The Wives of the Dead,” a piece addressing themes of grief and illusion. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the public domain narrative, and answer keys are included. 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 engaging with these materials, students will perform the following tasks:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Discern the narrative’s point of view
Describe tone in context
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Compare and contrast the protagonists
Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion, ambiguity, dramatic irony, and situational irony
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering the science fiction short story “The Star” by H.G. Wells. A detailed answer key is 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 states explicitly and implicitly
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern 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 alliteration, personification, simile, and more
Generate a relevant theme and support how it is developed
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
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the science fiction short story “The Star” by H.G. Wells. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the narrative. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Setting
A discovery about the planet Neptune
The cause of a disastrous fireball
Scientists’ initial findings about the fireball
A mathematician’s discovery
The reaction of the general public
The effects of the fireball’s approach on Earth
The reason Earth is saved from complete annihilation
The future of surviving humans
A revelation in the resolution
Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement H.G. Wells’ short story “The Star.” A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, the public domain narrative, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: agape, apparition, astir, engender, erratic, feign, flare, habitual, imminent, impalpable, incandescence, incessantly, jestingly, minaret, obdurate, pallid, pitiless, recede, rudderless, scant, scarcely, seething, sentinel, serene, trudge, tumult, turbid, and zenith.
By engaging with these activities, students will:
Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
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
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “Contents of the Dead Man’s Pocket” by Jack Finney. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
Setting
The protagonist’s career
The wife’s location
The reason the protagonist does not go with his wife
Complications facing the protagonist
The protagonist’s efforts to gain attention
The psychological state of the protagonist
The resolution
Situational irony
Theme
Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet covering Jack Finney’s short story “Contents of the Dead Man’s Pocket.” An answer key is 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 states explicitly as well as implicitly
Isolate an example of figurative language
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques with an emphasis on the incorporation of em-dashes and imagery
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including epiphany, onomatopoeia, personification, simile, and situational irony
Consider themes in context
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
Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement Jack Finney’s short story “Contents of the Dead Man’s Pocket.” A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: convoluted, deftness, exhalation, flare, interminable, mutter, ornate, pane, precede, revel, scrabble, shudder, sill, taut, and totter.
By engaging with these activities, students will:
Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet covering Anton Chekhov’s short story “The Bet.” An answer key and a copy of the public domain narrative 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 states explicitly as well as implicitly
Utilize dictionaries to ensure knowledge of word 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
Discern the function of a given character
Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, personification, and situational irony
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
Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement Anton Chekhov’s short story “The Bet.” A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, the public domain narrative, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: capricious, cleave, delusive, emaciation, envious, erudite, ethereal, farthing, incessantly, murmur, obliged, obsolete, rapture, suffuse, theology, unwearying, and zealously.
By engaging with these activities, students will:
Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the short story “Contents of the Dead Man’s Pocket” by Jack Finney. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, and answer keys 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 engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques with an emphasis on the incorporation of em-dashes and imagery
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including epiphany, onomatopoeia, personification, simile, and situational irony
Consider themes in context
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
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the short story 'The Bet" by Anton Chekhov. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the public domain narrative, and answer keys 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 engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
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
Discern the function of a given character
Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, personification, and situational irony
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
Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the short story “The Kiss” by Anton Chekhov. A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: affirm, ardor, benevolently, cumbersome, desultory, diffidence, doff, hasten, hasty, hearty, heedless, idle, incredulously, inveigle, ironical, irresolution, joviality, morose, mournful, mutter, obscure, pensive, piously, satiety, superfluity, temerity, timid, traverse, vague, verst, and weary.
By engaging with these activities, students will:
Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Evaluate reading comprehension, support critical thinking, and embrace the spirit of Christmas and wintertime no matter the time of year with this bundle of plot-based quizzes, close reading analysis worksheets, vocabulary development exercises, and an end-of-unit test for six holiday-themed short stories: “A Christmas Memory” by Truman Capote, “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry, “The Burglar’s Christmas” by Willa Cather, “At Christmas Time” by Anton Chekhov, “The Heavenly Christmas Tree” by Fyodor Dostoevsky, and “Three Wise Guys” by Sandra Cisneros. Answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
By engaging with these activities, students will:
Identify what the text states 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
Discern the intended effects of the authors’ word choices and narrative techniques
Determine the functions of given excerpts
Describe and examine tone in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including epiphany, foreshadowing, idiom, metaphor, onomatopoeia, oxymoron, paradox, personification, simile, situational irony, and more
Consider themes in context
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
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz on Fyodor Dostoevsky’s short story “The Heavenly Christmas Tree,” otherwise known as “The Beggar Boy at Christ’s Christmas Tree.” The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
The narrator’s identity
The young boy’s living conditions
A reason for wandering
The boy’s bold decision
The adults’ general reaction to the boy
External conflicts
What the boy hears beside the wood stack
A significant invitation
A devastating discovery
The narrator’s perspective on the story he tells