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Inquiring Mind of the English Teacher Kind

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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.

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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.
The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 9 Close Reading Analysis Activity
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The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 9 Close Reading Analysis Activity

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Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 2, scene 9, of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the intended effects of the Shakespeare’s word choices and narrative techniques Determine the function of a given passage Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of various literary devices including metaphor, allusion, and more Conduct brief online research (if necessary) to determine the symbolic value of a particular object Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works
The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 6 Close Reading Analysis Activity
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The Merchant of Venice Act 2 Scene 6 Close Reading Analysis Activity

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Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 2, scene 6, of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the intended effects of the Shakespeare’s word choices and narrative techniques Describe tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of various literary devices including situational irony, allusion, hyperbole, personification, oxymoron, and more Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works
Romeo and Juliet Act 5 Quiz and Answer Key
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Romeo and Juliet Act 5 Quiz and Answer Key

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 5 of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with Shakespearean drama. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Specifically, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Friar John’s task The reason Friar John cannot complete his task Balthasar’s significance Balthasar’s lack of awareness A visit to the apothecary A conflict between Romeo and Paris in the churchyard Romeo’s suicide Juliet’s suicide Friar Laurence’s emotional reaction The resolution
Romeo and Juliet Introductory PowerPoint
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Romeo and Juliet Introductory PowerPoint

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A visually stimulating Power Point that provides context for the drama. Information covered includes Shakespeare’s background, The Globe Theatre, characteristics of Shakespearean performances, and character overviews. For the purpose of engaging students, I will occasionally use humor to convey important ideas. This is intended to come across in this presentation.
Romeo and Juliet Act 3 Quiz and Answer Key
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Romeo and Juliet Act 3 Quiz and Answer Key

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 3 of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with Shakespearean drama. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Specifically, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Mercutio’s reason for fighting Tybalt Romeo’s ill-fated attempt to stop the fight Romeo’s reason for leaving Verona Juliet’s criticisms of the Nurse The Nurse’s confusing news Juliet’s conflicting emotions toward her husband Friar Laurence’s perspective on the Prince’s punishment Romeo’s erratic behavior Lord Capulet’s arrangement with Paris Mantua A character who plans to have Romeo killed A threat of being disowned The Nurse’s advice to Juliet Juliet’s foreshadowing comments
"The Outsider" by H.P. Lovecraft Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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"The Outsider" by H.P. Lovecraft Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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Help middle and high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering the short story “The Outsider” by H.P. Lovecraft. An answer key is provided, as well as a copy of the narrative, which makes for an excellent addition to a Halloween-themed short story unit for grades 9 through 12. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices and narrative techniques Describe tone in context Determine the function of a given passage Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion, foreshadowing, hyperbole, situational irony, symbolism, 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
"The Outsider" by H.P. Lovecraft Quiz and Answer Key
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"The Outsider" by H.P. Lovecraft Quiz and Answer Key

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering H.P. Lovecraft’s short story “The Outsider.” The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate more purposeful engagement with fiction. An answer key is provided, as well as a copy of the narrative, which makes for an excellent addition to a Halloween-themed short story unit for grades 9 through 12. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The narrator’s previous experiences Conditions of the setting The narrator’s acquisition of his education The narrator’s desire for light A discovery beyond a trap door A violation of the narrator’s expectations The cause of mass panic The effect of the mirror in terms of plot development The resolution
“The Outsider” by H.P. Lovecraft Craft Analysis Worksheet
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“The Outsider” by H.P. Lovecraft Craft Analysis Worksheet

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Help high school students explore literary craft with this activity covering H.P. Lovecraft’s short story “The Outsider.” With this worksheet, students will isolate and reflect upon textual details the author provided to establish a suspenseful tone that is consistent with the conventions of Dark Romanticism. An answer key is provided, as well as a copy of the narrative, which makes for an excellent addition to a Halloween-themed short story unit for grades 9 through 12. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this literary craft analysis activity, students will: Isolate examples of compelling sensory description Isolate characterization details that elicit emotional responses from readers Reflect upon traditional aspects of the Halloween season and identify textual details that evoke those aspects Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on dramatic irony, foreshadowing, personification, situational irony, and symbolism Convey information through speech and writing in a coherent manner Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works
Shakespeare's As You Like It Act 4 Quiz and Answer Key
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Shakespeare's As You Like It Act 4 Quiz and Answer Key

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 4 of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with Shakespeare’s drama. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The interaction between Jaques and Rosalind Jaques’ assertions about his mental state Jaques’ character motivations Orlando’s tardiness Rosalind’s artificial anger Rosalind and Orlando’s role playing lesson “Men have died from time to time and worms have eaten them, but not for love.” A fake wedding ceremony Silvius’ continued affection for Phebe The content of a letter Phebe sends Ganymede Rosalind’s comments on how Phebe can prove her love Oliver’s unexpected appearance and character transformation Orlando’s heroism
Shakespeare's As You Like It Act 4 Scene 1 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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Shakespeare's As You Like It Act 4 Scene 1 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 4, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the intended effects of the Shakespeare’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 double entendre, hyperbole, allusion, personification, and simile Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works
Shakespeare's As You Like It Act 1 Scene 3 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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Shakespeare's As You Like It Act 1 Scene 3 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 1, scene 3, of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the intended effects of the Shakespeare’s word choices and narrative techniques Describe tone in context 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 Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works
Shakespeare's As You Like It Act 1 Quiz and Answer Key
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Shakespeare's As You Like It Act 1 Quiz and Answer Key

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 1 of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with Shakespeare’s drama. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Orlando’s complaint about his brother Oliver’s devious plans for his brother The cause of Oliver’s hatred for Orlando The banishment of Duke Senior The characterization of Duke Senior The characterization of Rosalind Rosalind’s belief regarding love Rosalind’s request of Duke Frederick Orlando’s perspective on facing danger The cause of Celia’s shame toward her father Duke Frederick’s shifting attitude toward Rosalind Rosalind’s banishment Touchstone’s agreement to travel with Rosalind and Celia
Catcher in the Rye Chapter 3 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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Catcher in the Rye Chapter 3 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and sharpen critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering chapter 3 of Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. With this close reading activity, students will be able to: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices and narrative techniques Compare elements of the plot of chapter 3 to elements of the plot of chapter 2 Explain the significance of a given detail Determine the function of the chapter Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Identify examples of Holden’s sarcasm and dark humor Compare the characters of Holden and Ackley 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
Catcher in the Rye Chapter 9 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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Catcher in the Rye Chapter 9 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and sharpen critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering chapter 9 of Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. With this close reading activity, students will be able to: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices and narrative techniques Explain the significance of a given detail Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, hyperbole, 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
Catcher in the Rye Chapter 15 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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Catcher in the Rye Chapter 15 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and sharpen critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering chapter 15 of Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. With this close reading activity, students will be able to: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices and narrative techniques Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare Holden to the character of Mercutio in Romeo & Juliet Apply knowledge of literary devices including irony, symbolism, and hyperbole 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
Catcher in the Rye Chapter 17 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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Catcher in the Rye Chapter 17 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and sharpen critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering chapter 17 of Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. With this close reading activity, students will be able to: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices and narrative techniques Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on hyperbole and 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
Catcher in the Rye Chapter 21 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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Catcher in the Rye Chapter 21 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and sharpen critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering chapter 21 of Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. With this close reading activity, students will be able to: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices and narrative techniques Describe tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Evaluate the parenting style of Holden and Phoebe’s parents Apply knowledge of literary devices including symbolism and 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
Catcher in the Rye Chs. 1-2 Quiz & Close Reading Bundle
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Catcher in the Rye Chs. 1-2 Quiz & Close Reading Bundle

3 Resources
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
Catcher in the Rye Chs. 5-6 Quiz & Close Reading Bundle
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Catcher in the Rye Chs. 5-6 Quiz & Close Reading Bundle

3 Resources
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
1984 Book 1 Chapter 4 Close Reading Worksheet
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1984 Book 1 Chapter 4 Close Reading Worksheet

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Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984. Featuring a brief passage about the Ministry of Truth’s mission to falsify records from Book 1, chapter 4, this activity may be assigned as independent homework or as a collaborative classroom exercise. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading worksheet, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices and narrative techniques Discern the function of a given passage Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on euphemism Conduct brief research to discern and articulate historical parallels to media manipulation and the falsification of records 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