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.
Go beyond reading comprehension with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Covering a chapter fourteen journal entry dated October 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 think, behave, develop, and interact
Analyze differences and nuances in word meanings
Explore cause-and-effect relationships
Consider relevant themes in the context of the diary entry
Apply knowledge of literary devices such as simile, metaphor, and foreshadowing
Articulate the intended effect of a figurative expression
Write about literature with clarity and precision
This resource measures reading comprehension and holds students accountable for the assigned reading of “Split Cherry Tree” by Jesse Stuart. A short answer assessment, this quiz features 9 questions and includes an answer key. Questions pertain to the following key details:
♦ The cause of the split cherry tree
♦ Dave’s means of repayment
♦ Dave’s insistence that he not stay after school and why
♦ Dave’s father’s behavior
♦ Professor Herbert’s lesson involving bacteria
♦ Dave’s father’s philosophy on killing
♦ Professor Herbert’s thoughtful offer
♦ A surprising admission regarding how education has changed and how it has passed Dave’s father by
Promote active engagement with fiction and evaluate general reading comprehension with this multiple choice quiz on the science fiction short story “Backward Step” by Paul Jennings. An answer key is included. All materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
The television program John watches
What John’s mom does that makes her feel very guilty
A teenage boy’s desperate plea for John’s mom to read a book
John’s status as a famous child
John’s sudden appearance in a classroom
John’s family background
An attempt to help John find his home
A visit to the police station
John’s grandmother, who agrees to take John in
John’s unique capabilities (time travel)
Save time and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on “Middle Woman,” a short story by Orson Scott Card. Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this assessment makes it easier to quickly gather data on student recall and reading habits. An answer key is provided. Due to copyright restrictions, a copy of the short story is not included.
By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
Middle Woman’s annual journey to visit her sisters
The malevolent reason the dragon offers humans three wishes
Middle Woman’s reasonable first wish
The dragon’s evil actions
Situational irony
Middle Woman’s intelligent second wish
Her husband’s criticism of her, berating her as a changeable woman
Middle Woman’s cheerfulness despite criticism
Ensuing years in which Middle Woman uses her intellect rather than her remaining wish
The dragon’s return many years later
An offer of immortality
Middle Woman’s kind final wish.
Reinforce the standard conventions of academic writing and perform a quick check of students’ knowledge with this grammar worksheet on commas, conjunctions, semicolons. Two versions of this activity are provided, including a multiple choice option to expedite take-home grading. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats.
By engaging with this material, students will demonstrate an ability to:
Separate dependent clauses from independent clauses using semicolons or commas with conjunctions
Join two independent clauses with a comma and contextually appropriate conjunction
Separate items in a series using commas
Isolate non-essential elements (appositive phrases) in the middle of sentences using commas
Use commas to separate the elements of dates and places
Punctuate coordinating adjectives in a series
Format direct quotations
Isolate interrupters (however, nevertheless, etc.) in the middle of sentences using commas
Use semicolons before conjunctive adverbs that join independent clauses
Use semicolons to separate items in a series if they contain internal punctuation
Reinforce the standard conventions of academic writing and perform a quick check of students’ knowledge with this grammar worksheet on verb tenses, which emphasizes irregular verbs. Two versions of this activity are provided, including a multiple choice option to expedite the grading process. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in a zip file as both Word Documents and PDFs.
Engage middle and high school students with a classic example of horror and supernatural fiction, “The Monkey’s Paw” by W. W. Jacobs, and use this set of rigorous questions to promote close reading analysis skills. A variety of question types facilitates the process of analyzing character motivations, examining how word choices influence a reader’s interpretations, applying knowledge of literary devices, and articulating ideas in writing with clarity and precision. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Analyze the author’s word choices to gain deeper insight into setting and characterization
Explore the role of setting in terms of developing characterization
Make logical inferences about characters based on their actions
Find deeper meaning in a given allusion
Discern the tone of a character’s dialogue
Explore how complex characters think and interact
Determine the function of a given detail
Examine details that represent a shift in tone
Make logical inferences about the author’s intent
Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony and euphemism
Analyze how Mr. and Mrs. White’s marriage is affected by grief
Identify specific details that contribute to the vampiric characterization of Mrs. White
Defend claims and support ideas with relevant textual details
Write ideas 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
This bundle of editable assessments check for general comprehension and holds students accountable for the assigned reading of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. Answer keys are included. All materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
Questions pertain to the following important details:
Character description of a typical Baggins
Gandalf’s surprise appearance
Bilbo and Gandalf’s awkward conversation
The first dwarf to arrive unexpectedly
Awakening “something Tookish” within Bilbo
The dwarves’ skepticism toward Bilbo’s participation
Bilbo’s designated role
Description of the town of Dale
What Thorin receives from Gandalf during the party
The lost wealth of Thorin’s family
The morning after the unexpected party
The letter
Disappearance of a major character
A discovery that leads the adventurers into trouble
Bert, Tom, and William
Bilbo’s weak bargaining attempts
Capturing the dwarves
Rescuing the dwarves
Discoveries made before locating the troll’s cave
Lonely Mountain
Rivendell
Elrond
The peculiar quality of the adventurers’ map
Background on the weapons the adventurers’ retrieved from trolls
Seeking safety inside the cave
The Orcrist
Glamdring the Foe-hammer
Goblins’ fear of something inside the cave
The riddle game
Discovery of the magical ring
Bilbo’s escape from the cave
The dwarves’ complaints
Gandalf’s insistence that the dwarves look for Bilbo
The adventurers’ reaction to Bilbo’s sudden return
Incident involving the Wargs
Wargs and their history with another antagonistic group
Gandalf’s rescue efforts
The Eagles’ arrival
The Eagles’ fear of man
“Skin-changing”
Beorn’s feelings toward animals
The adventurers’ strategy for approaching Beorn
Beorn’s background
Bilbo’s frightening observations at night
Gandalf’s discovery of animal tracks outside the residence
Beorn’s concerns for the adventurers
Details concerning Mirkwood’s black stream
Beorn’s advice
Lighting watch-fires
A deep-sleep state
Hastily using the last of the arrows
Bombur’s dream
Veering off the path in Mirkwood
Bilbo’s transformative experience involving a spider
Bilbo’s sword
Abduction by the wood-elves
The Elvenking’s questioning of Thorin
Thorin’s reluctance to share details
The consequence Thorin faces
A near-confession
Lake-town
Bilbo’s plan to release his friends
The escape plan and its glaring flaw
The bridge guards’ response to Thorin’s presence
The Master of Lake-town’s skepticism
The citizens’ overwhelming response to the adventurers’ presence
Reaching the mountain’s secret door
The foreshadowing appearance of the thrush
Bilbo’s frustration
Unique quality of dragons
Bilbo pilfering treasure
The adventurers’ terrible realization concerning Smaug
The adventurers’ abrupt frustration toward Bilbo
Speaking in riddles
Smaug’s suspicions and plan to attack
The function of the thrush
The Arkenstone
Bilbo’s plans for the Arkenstone
Smaug’s assault
The master bowman
The thrush’s instructions
Why Lake Town’s citizens were furious with their Master
The wood-elves response to the tragedy
Thorin’s request of Roac
Thorin on why the adventurers are not liable for damages
Thorin’s promise to the people of Lake Town
Dain’s plan
Bilbo conspiring with outsiders
Bilbo’s justification for bargaining
Thorin’s response to Bilbo’s justification
Unity among dwarves, elves, and men
The return of the Eagles
Thorin’s realization about what would make for a merrier world
The new King Under the Mountain
Bards gifts to Bilbo
Beorn’s new role
Gandalf’s statement regarding a more peaceful forest
The surprise awaiting Bilbo at home
Bilbo’s changed reputation at home
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 fairy tale “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” by the Brothers Grimm. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with this activity, students will do the following:
Articulate what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly
Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, pleonasm, dramatic irony, and more
Discern the function of a given excerpt
Explore relationships between complex characters
Determine the meaning of complex words in context
Analyze what Snow White’s behavior reveals about her character
Articulate how poetic justice is carried out
Analyze plot to discern and articulate sexist stereotypes of women
Cite textual evidence in support of inferences and claims
Write with clarity and precision
Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Othello. With a focus on Act 1, scene 1, this resource saves teachers valuable time without sacrificing academic rigor. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable PDFs and Word Documents.
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.
By completing this exercise, students will:
Analyze what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Make logical inferences in context
Explore character motivations
Discern the tone of a given excerpt
Discern the meaning of complex words and phrases in context
Explore theme
Write with clarity and precision
Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Othello. With a focus on Act 1, scene 2, this resource saves teachers valuable time without sacrificing academic rigor. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable PDFs and Word Documents.
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.
More specifically, questions pertain to the following:
Analyzing the phrase “He comes to bad intent” for meaning.
Analyzing the phrase “Come, sir, I am for you” for meaning and synthesizing it with knowledge of Iago’s characterization.
Analyzing text for meaning: why Othello claims that Brabantio is worthy of respect.
Analyzing text to determine character motivations (why Brabantio thinks Othello is a thief).
Analyzing text to isolate true statements from unfounded statements.
Locating textual evidence and annotating text to make comprehension visible: identifying all references to supernatural forces and all indications of Brabantio’s prejudiced mentality.
Paraphrasing dialogue.
With this bundle of plot-based, multiple choice quizzes covering The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, high school English teachers will be able to evaluate reading comprehension, promote homework accountability, and eliminate assessment planning. Answer keys are provided, as are short answer options, and all materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following key details:
Nick’s personal background
Nick’s self perception
Nick’s perception of Gatsby
The setting
Nick’s career
The contrast between West Egg and East Egg
Nick’s academic background
A character description of Daisy
A character description of Tom
A character description of Jordan
The green light in the distance
Conditions of daily life in the valley
The enormous advertisement overlooking the valley
A character description of George Wilson
A character description of Myrtle
A trip to the Morningside Heights apartments
Speculation concerning Gatsby’s background
The behavior of the party-goers (and Nick’s reaction to it)
Tom’s gift to Myrtle
Myrtle’s behavior and why it unsettles Tom
How Tom takes his anger out on Myrtle
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
The purpose of Nick’s list
The apparent inconsistencies in Gatsby’s autobiography
Gatsby’s proof to assuage Nick’s skepticism
Gatsby’s interaction with a police officer
Meyer Wolfshiem’s questionable background
Nick’s new assumption concerning Gatsby’s wealth
Gatsby’s motive to move into his West Egg mansion
A revelation concerning the green light across the water
A request Gatsby makes of Jordan
Gatsby’s efforts to convince Nick to arrange a reunion
Gatsby’s gratitude to Nick for agreeing
Daisy’s humorous response to Nick’s request that Tom not join
Examples of Gatsby’s self-conscious and nervous behavior
Daisy’s being brought to tears
Gatsby’s long nights outside staring at the green light
Klipspringer
A characterization of Gatsby’s mansion
Gatsby’s biography
Gatsby’s college experience
Gatsby’s job to pay for college
Gatsby meeting Dan Cody
Dan Cody’s influence on Gatsby
Tom’s presence in Gatsby’s house
Tom’s suspicions of Gatsby
Nick’s insight concerning Gatsby and Daisy’s relationship
The death of a dream
Gatsby’s rationale for ceasing the parties
Gatsby’s concerns that information about Daisy will be revealed
A luncheon at Tom and Daisy’s house
A revelation concerning Myrtle
Tom’s confrontation with Gatsby
Gatsby’s assured reaction to Tom’s confrontational behavior
A surprise shift in Daisy’s feelings
The death of Myrtle (what happened, who’s responsible, etc.)
Gatsby’s desire to protect Daisy from Tom
A broken promise
The gardener’s intention and Gatsby’s refusal
Nick’s judgment of Gatsby
Dr. T.J. Eckleburg’s eyes and Wilson’s interpretation of them
The death of Myrtle
Wilson’s beliefs concerning Myrtle’s death
A tragic, deadly incident
Underwhelming attendance at Gatsby’s funeral
An unexpected telegram
Henry Gatsby’s discovery of his son’s death
Young Gatsby’s self-improvement plan
A brief conversation with Klipspringer
Nick’s decision to move back to the Midwest
Nick and Jordan’s breakup
An encounter with Tom
Tom’s feelings concerning Gatsby’s death
Nick’s character assessment of Tom and Daisy
Nick’s analysis of people’s dreams
Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Othello. With a focus on Act 1, scene 3, this resource saves teachers valuable time without sacrificing academic rigor. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable PDFs and Word Documents.
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.
More specifically, questions pertain to the following:
Analyzing text for tone.
Analyzing the text for meaning: discerning Othello’s self-described weakness.
Analyzing text for meaning: how long Othello has fought in wars.
Analyzing text for meaning: Othello’s willingness to disclose the truth of his courting of Desdemona.
Analyzing text for meaning: how Brabantio describes his daughter.
Analyzing text for meaning: the type of person Brabantio thinks would believe Othello’s claims.
Analyzing text for meaning: the devil’s role in the union, according to Brabantio.
Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this set of rigorous questions about Shakespeare’s Othello. Focusing on Act 3, scene 3, 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. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
By completing this exercise, students will:
Analyze what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Discern the meaning of complex words and phrases in context
Analyze how complex characters interact
Explore character motivations
Demonstrate knowledge of multiple literary devices including dramatic irony, verbal irony, situational irony, and metaphor
Make logical inferences in context
Discern the tone of a given excerpt
Support claims with relevant textual evidence and valid reasoning
Write with clarity and precision
Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this set of rigorous questions about Shakespeare’s Othello. Focusing on Act 3, scene 4, 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. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
By completing this exercise, students will:
Explore character motivations
Discern the tone of a given excerpt
Make logical inferences in context
Discern the meaning of complex words and phrases in context
Paraphrase Shakespearean language
Isolate a falsehood from factual statements about plot
Articulate the significance of a given detail
Write with clarity and precision
Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this set of rigorous questions about Shakespeare’s Othello. Focusing on Act 4, scene 1, 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. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
By completing this exercise, students will:
Analyze what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Discern the meaning of complex words and phrases in context
Make logical inferences in context
Explore character motivations
Analyze how complex characters interact
Analyze the author’s craft to articulate the effect of an idiomatic expression
Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims
Write with clarity and precision
Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Othello. With a focus on Act 2, scene 1, this resource saves teachers valuable time without sacrificing academic rigor. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable PDFs and Word Documents.
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.
By completing this exercise, students will:
Discern tone in context
Explore character motivations
Discern the meaning of complex words and phrases in context
Analyze the author’s craft, discerning how Shakespeare’s language influences the audience’s perception of Iago
Locate textual evidence in support of claims
Apply knowledge of figurative language to the text
Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Othello. With a focus on Act 2, scene 3, this resource saves teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing academic rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable PDFs and Word Documents.
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.
By completing this exercise, students will:
Discern the meaning of complex words and phrases in context
Analyze the author’s craft, with emphasis on the effect of archaic vocabulary
Explore character motivations
Apply knowledge of figurative language
Make logical inferences in context
Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this set of rigorous questions about Shakespeare’s Othello. Focusing on Act 3, scene 1, 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. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
By completing this exercise, students will:
Analyze what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Make logical inferences in context
Explore character motivations
Analyze how complex characters interact
Discern the meaning of complex words and phrases in context
Discern the tone of a given excerpt
Cite textual evidence in support of claims
Write with clarity and precision