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 middle and high school students extend beyond general reading comprehension and develop close reading analysis skills while they engage with The Adventures of Ulysses by Bernard Evslin. This set of rigorous questions covers the prologue through chapter three (“The Lotus Eaters”). An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Examine the author’s phrasing in order to make logical inferences about character motivations
Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact with one another
Discern the nature of character relationships
Select the best synonym for a given word as it is used in the text
Apply knowledge of foreshadowing
Evaluate reading comprehension, promote homework accountability, and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this bundle of resources covering chapter 16 of The Adventures of Ulysses by Bernard Evslin (“The Return”). Included are the following: a plot-based, multiple choice quiz; a set of close reading analysis questions pertaining to a significant passage; and answer keys. 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 engaging with this resource, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Discern the statement that best reflects Eumaeus’s feelings toward the beggar
Define complex words in context
Verify interpretations of language using reference materials
Discern what Eumaeus’s comments about the suitors imply about them
Compare two complex characters (Athene and Ulysses)
Analyze the author’s craft
Discern the author’s intent
Apply knowledge of literary devices including epiphany
Explore themes that are reinforced in the given passage
Measure general comprehension and hold students accountable for reading The Adventures of Ulysses by Bernard Evslin with this multiple choice, plot-based quiz covering chapter sixteen, “The Return.” An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important details:
Ulysses’ return to Ithaca
Eumaeus’ loyalty
Ulysses’ new-found knowledge upon returning home
The suitors vs. Telemachus
The concealing of an identity
Argo’s reaction to Ulysses’ return
The antagonistic nature of Eurymachus
An archery contest
Penelope’s agreement to marry the victor
Bloody conflict
The resolution
Help middle and high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and develop close reading analysis skills while they engage with The Adventures of Ulysses by Bernard Evslin. Highlighting a significant passage from chapter sixteen (“The Return”), this resource features a line of rigorous questioning to promote active engagement with the text. An answer key is provided. 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 engaging with this close reading activity, students will:
Discern the statement that best reflects Eumaeus’s feelings toward the beggar
Define complex words in context
Verify interpretations of language using reference materials
Discern what Eumaeus’s comments about the suitors imply about them
Compare two complex characters (Athene and Ulysses)
Analyze the author’s craft
Discern the author’s intent
Apply knowledge of literary devices including epiphany
Explore themes that are reinforced in the given passage
Challenge middle and high school students to push beyond basic reading comprehension and exercise close reading analysis skills while engaging with The Adventures of Ulysses by Bernard Evslin. Given the objective nature of the multiple choice questions, each close reading activity is rigorous enough for students to find deeper meaning in the novel, yet convenient enough for teachers to quickly and efficiently gather data on their students’ textual analysis skills. Seven close reading worksheets are provided, as well as answer keys. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
These resources may be used to facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using these materials for structured guidance, students will improve their ability to present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly and convincingly.
By the end of the novel, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Define complex words as they are used in a given passage
Select the best synonyms for given words as they are used in the text
Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed
Discern tone in context
Explore how characters think, behave, and interact
Compare and contrast characters
Examine how setting influences character development
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including foreshadowing, personification, simile, epiphany, understatement, symbolism, situational irony, and dramatic irony
Apply knowledge of various sound devices including sibilance and assonance
Locate relevant textual details in support of the claim that Ulysses was the only crew member with the ability to think critically in the face of danger
Explore themes that are reinforced in a given passage
Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Measure general comprehension and hold students accountable for reading The Adventures of Ulysses by Bernard Evslin with this plot-based quiz covering the prologue through the chapter titled “The Lotus Eaters.” An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in a zip file as both a Word Document and a PDF. Questions pertain to the following important details:
A bribe (inciting incident)
An oath agreed to by Helen’s suitors
The Trojan War
The wooden horse
An attack on the Island of the Ciconians
Ulysses’ efforts to save his men from subsequent attack
The tossing away of treasures
Morpheus
A characterization of the Lotus Eaters
Ulysses’ efforts to remove his men from the influence of Lotusland
Evaluate reading comprehension, promote homework accountability, and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this bundle of resources covering the prologue through chapter 3 of The Adventures of Ulysses by Bernard Evslin. A multiple choice, plot-based quiz is included along with a set of rigorous, high-order questions. Answer keys are also provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with this resource, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Examine the author’s phrasing in order to make logical inferences about character motivations
Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact with one another
Discern the nature of character relationships
Select the best synonym for a given word as it is used in the text
Apply knowledge of foreshadowing
Mythological fiction is a genre that appeals to the imaginations of many middle and high school students. The Adventures of Ulysses by Bernard Evslin is a modern retelling of Homer’s The Odyssey, written in a manner that is easier to process—even for struggling readers. With this bundle of multiple choice quizzes, English teachers will be able to evaluate students’ general text comprehension, hold learners accountable for completing assigned readings, and eliminate at-home assessment planning without sacrificing quality in the classroom. Answer keys are provided, and all materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By taking these assessments, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
A bribe (inciting incident)
An oath agreed to by Helen’s suitors
The Trojan War
The wooden horse
An attack on the Island of the Ciconians
Ulysses’ efforts to save his men from subsequent attack
The tossing away of treasures
Morpheus
A characterization of the Lotus Eaters
Ulysses’ efforts to remove his men from the influence of Lotusland
The dangers of Polyphemus
Ulysses efforts to save himself and his men
The eventual escape
A flaw in Ulysses’ character
Polyphemus’s plea to his father
Aeolus and a gift
Another mistake Ulysses makes before arriving home
Aeolus’s response to Ulysses’ mistake
Incidents on Cannibal Beach
A surprising discovery on Circe’s island
Circe’s background
Circe’s powers
Ulysses’ unexpected help from a Greek god
Ulysses and Circe’s arrangement
The men’s general feelings toward remaining on the island
Circe’s offer to Ulysses, which is refused
A revelation concerning the Land of the Dead
Ulysses’ decision to leave the island
The death of Elpenor
The importance of the white bird
The sacrificing of goats
The appearance of ghosts
Ulysses’ new-found knowledge of what has transpired at home
Strategies Ulysses must employ to successfully return home
Protection against the Sirens
Scylla and Charybdis
The Isle of the Sun Titan
A warning not to harm the golden cattle
30 days and nights of wind
Efforts to scrounge for food
Eurylochus and his lie to Ulysses
Ulysses means of survival
Calypso’s magic
Calypso’s comments about Penelope
Penelope’s weaving and her attempts to delay a major decision
Hermes’ arrival and its foreshadowing
Calypso’s sadness
Calypso’s help
Poseidon’s anger at Ulysses
The characterization of Ino
The characterization of Nausicaa
Nausicaa’s dream
Nausicaa’s encounter with Ulysses
The oracle’s warning
The men’s conspiracy against Ulysses
Nausicaa’s trick
King Alcinous’s generosity
Ulysses’ return to Ithaca
Eumaeus’ loyalty
Ulysses’ new-found knowledge upon returning home
The suitors vs. Telemachus
The concealing of an identity
Argo’s reaction to Ulysses’ return
The antagonistic nature of Eurymachus
An archery contest
Penelope’s agreement to marry the victor
Bloody conflict
The resolution
Evaluate reading comprehension, promote homework accountability, and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this bundle of resources covering chapters 8 through 11 of The Adventures of Ulysses by Bernard Evslin (“The Land of the Dead” through “Scylla and Charybdis”). Included are the following: a plot-based, multiple choice quiz covering chapters 8 through 11; a set of close reading analysis questions pertaining to a significant passage from chapter 8; and answer keys. 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 engaging with this resource, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Explore how the author establishes a supernatural atmosphere
Apply knowledge of literary devices including irony and sibilance
Discern the most logical interpretation of the author’s intent
Explore character motivations and modes of thinking
Discern the most logical inference regarding Ulysses’ feelings toward the gods
Analyze the author’s word choices to better understand how they influence meaning
Isolate a false statement about plot from correct statements
Measure general comprehension and hold students accountable for reading The Adventures of Ulysses by Bernard Evslin with this multiple choice, plot-based quiz covering chapters twelve and thirteen (“Cattle of the Sun” and “Calypso”). An answer key is provided, as is a bonus short answer assessment. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important details:
A warning not to harm the golden cattle
30 days and nights of wind
Efforts to scrounge for food
Eurylochus and his lie to Ulysses
Ulysses means of survival
Calypso’s magic
Calypso’s comments about Penelope
Penelope’s weaving and her attempts to delay a major decision
Hermes’ arrival and its foreshadowing
Calypso’s sadness
Measure general comprehension and hold students accountable for reading The Adventures of Ulysses by Bernard Evslin with these plot-based quizzes covering chapter seven, “Circe.” A multiple choice version is provided, as well as a short answer alternative. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important details:
A surprising discovery on the island
Circe’s background
Circe’s powers
Ulysses’ unexpected help from a Greek god
Ulysses and Circe’s arrangement
The men’s general feelings toward remaining on the island
Circe’s offer to Ulysses, which is refused
A revelation concerning the Land of the Dead
Ulysses’ decision to leave the island
Help middle and high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and develop close reading analysis skills while they engage with The Adventures of Ulysses by Bernard Evslin. Highlighting a significant passage from chapter seven (“Circe”), this resource features a line of rigorous questioning to promote active engagement with the text. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will:
Discern the reason for Ulysses’ reluctance in terms of advancing toward the castle
Apply knowledge of literary concepts including internal conflict and personification
Discern the significance of the white deer’s appearance
Define complex words and phrases in the context of a passage
Verify interpretations of language using reference materials
Determine which given adjective is most suitable to Ulysses in context
Explore the setting’s influence on Ulysses’ psychological state
Discern a logical inference in context
Isolate a false statement about plot from correct statements
Evaluate reading comprehension, promote homework accountability, and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this bundle of resources covering chapter seven of The Adventures of Ulysses by Bernard Evslin (“Circe”). Included are the following: a plot-based, multiple choice quiz; an alternate short answer quiz option; a set of close reading analysis questions pertaining to a significant passage; and answer keys. 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 engaging with this resource, students will:
Discern the reason for Ulysses’ reluctance in terms of advancing toward the castle
Apply knowledge of literary concepts including internal conflict and personification
Discern the significance of the white deer’s appearance
Define complex words and phrases in the context of a passage
Verify interpretations of language using reference materials
Determine which given adjective is most suitable to Ulysses in context
Explore the setting’s influence on Ulysses’ psychological state
Discern a logical inference in context
Isolate a false statement about plot from correct statements
Evaluate general reading comprehension with this set of quizzes on Life As We Knew It, a dystopian young adult novel by Susan Beth Pfeffer, with emphasis on chapters eleven through fourteen. A multiple choice assessment is provided, as well as a subjective version. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important details:
Miranda’s retrieval of books, notebooks, and pens
Miranda’s behavior that infuriates Mom
Dad’s letters highlighting life outside Howell, PA
Miranda biking to the hospital
Mrs. Nesbitt’s backstory
Miranda and Matt’s visit to the library
The family’s decision to burn something in the woodfire
Matt bringing sad news from the post office
The hypocrisy of Reverend Marshall
Miranda’s belief that she only has one gift to give her mother
Ice skating at the pond
Go beyond reading comprehension with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Covering a chapter nine journal entry dated August 15, this resource supports the development of high school close reading skills and facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in 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 exercise, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Explore how complex characters develop and interact
Apply knowledge of literary devices including hyperbole, anaphora, alliteration, and allusion
Analyze an expressions to articulate its deeper meaning
Articulate Megan’s internal conflict
Identify and explain an example of situational irony in the passage
Explore the greater effect of Miranda’s conversation with Megan
Identify the most relevant textual evidence in support of a claim
Write ideas with clarity and precision
Go beyond reading comprehension with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Covering a chapter ten journal entry dated August 29, this resource supports the development of high school close reading skills and facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in 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 exercise, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Explore how complex characters develop and interact
Discern the greater significance of a given detail
Explain an example of situational irony in the passage
Identify several narrative techniques that contribute to the development of suspense
Determine the function of the journal entry
Identify the most relevant textual evidence in support of a claim
Write ideas with clarity and precision
Go beyond reading comprehension with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Covering a chapter eleven journal entry dated August 31, this resource supports the development of high school close reading skills and facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in 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 exercise, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Analyze how complex characters develop and interact
Explore character motivations
Apply knowledge of literary devices such as metaphor
Determine the most applicable theme to the passage
Make logical inferences in the context of the passage
Analyze differences between and nuances of a set of adjectives
Defend a claim with sound reasoning and textual evidence
Write ideas with clarity and precision
Go beyond reading comprehension with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Covering a chapter eight journal entry dated July 17, this resource supports the development of high school close reading skills and facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in 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 exercise, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact
Apply knowledge of literary devices including verbal irony
Explore nuances in word meanings
Articulate what Miranda means by “Everything is worse on Sundays”
Identify the most relevant textual evidence in support of a claim
Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Go beyond reading comprehension with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Covering a chapter twelve journal entry dated September 6, this resource supports the development of high school close reading skills and facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in 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 exercise, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Explore how complex characters develop and interact
Apply knowledge of literary devices such as hyperbole, simile, personification, and more
Explain the intended meaning of a figurative expression
Explain the irony associated with a character’s behavior
Write ideas with clarity and precision
Go beyond reading comprehension with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Covering a chapter thirteen journal entry dated September 29, this resource supports the development of high school close reading skills and facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in 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 exercise, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Analyze how complex characters develop and interact
Explore the significance of a given detail
Analyze differences and nuances in word meanings
Explore character motivations
Determine the tone of a given quote
Apply knowledge of literary devices such as symbolism
Write about literature with clarity and precision