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.
Promote homework accountability and evaluate general reading comprehension with this quiz covering Act 1 of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Olivia’s rejection of Orsino’s romantic advances
The impact of music on Orsino
Olivia’s 7-year mourning period and Orsino’s reaction to it
Viola’s shipwreck
The unknown fate of Sebastian
Characterization of Sir Toby Belch
Characterization of Sir Andrew Aguecheek
Cesario’s assigned task
Tension between Maria and Feste
Feste’s implication (criticism of Olivia’s attitude)
Malvolio’s arrogance
Olivia’s apparent romantic interest in Cesario
Olivia’s plan to reacquaint with Cesario
Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this set of rigorous questions about Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Focusing on Act 1, scene 5, this resource is delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. An answer key is included. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact
Discern the tone of a given excerpt
Explore nuances in words with similar meanings
Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on metaphor
Defend claims with reasoned thinking and relevant textual evidence
Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class/leave class better prepared to discuss literary materials
For many high school students, the horror genre promotes more active engagement with literature. “The Terrible Old Man” by H.P. Lovecraft is a concise horror story featuring plot elements such as robbery, a character who dabbles in the occult, and mutilated corpses—making the narrative a particularly compelling read during the Halloween season. This rigorous worksheet on “The Terrible Old Man” helps English teachers support the development of close reading analysis skills and save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. A detailed answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Determine the story’s point of view
Discern the overall tone of the narrative
Analyze context clues and draw logical inferences about characterization/character motivations
Define complex vocabulary as it is used in the text
Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony
Draw parallels between the author’s life and the plot of “The Terrible Old Man”
Identify relevant textual details in support of claims and ideas
Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Reduce teacher workload, promote homework accountability, and measure general reading comprehension with this assessment on chapters 1 through 3 of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats.By completing this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Victor’s childhood upbringing
The adoption of Elizabeth
The reason Victor’s parents give up their wandering ways
Henry Clerval’s role in Victor’s life
Victor’s interest in science
Caroline’s dying wish
Victor’s pursuit of an education
The nature of Krempe’s interaction with Victor
Waldman’s role in Victor’s life
Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this set of rigorous questions covering chapter six of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will:
Discern what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Analyze how complex characters interact
Discern the intended effect of figurative language in context
Make logical inferences about Gatsby’s decision making
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including metaphor, situational irony, hyperbole, euphemism, allusion, and personification
Analyze the author’s craft to determine the intended meaning of a lesser known phrase
Analyze what character dialogue reveals about their psychological and emotional states
Determine the significance of a given detail
Explore dynamic character
Identify a main function of the chapter
Incorporate autobiographical nonfiction into the English Language Arts classroom and measure general reading comprehension with this editable quiz on “Straw into Gold: The Metamorphosis of the Everyday” by Sandra Cisneros. This autobiographical essay addresses the variables that shaped Cisneros into the writer she became and emphasizes the inspirational message that seemingly impossible things are possible with a little imagination. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
The nature of a misunderstanding
The author’s self-image
The author’s educational experiences
The dynamics of the author’s family
The breaking of a “terrible taboo”
Traits the author inherited from each of her parents
How the author’s mother influenced her writing
The author’s hometown
The reasons the author disliked school as a child
A major life event in 1966
Theme
Evaluate reading comprehension, promote homework accountability, and save valuable time with this printable quiz on “Dark They Were and Golden Eyed” by Ray Bradbury. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
The setting of the narrative
The story’s inciting incident
Mr. Bittering’s nighttime experiences
The general characterization of Mr. Bittering
Bizarre discoveries on Mars
Mr. Bittering’s fear-fueled beliefs
Mr. Bittering’s work in the metal shop
Simpson’s role
Dynamic character traits
Mr. Bittering’s thoughts as he swims
The resolution
Engage a variety of middle and high school students with the incorporation of Grimm’s fairy tales into the classroom. “The Elves and the Shoemaker” by the Brothers Grimm is a short story about the positive effects of performing good deeds for others. With this plot-based quiz, teachers will be able to evaluate reading comprehension and promote homework accountability. The brevity of the narrative also helps teachers fill awkward gaps in their teaching schedules. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing editable Word Documents and printable PDFs. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
A defining characteristic of the shoemaker
The shoemaker’s main conflict
How the shoemaker spends each night
The quality of the shoes produced by elves
The effect of the elves on the shoemaker’s business
The holiday during which a key event takes place
The shoemaker’s hiding spot
How the shoemaker’s wife feels toward the elves
The resolution
Engage a variety of middle and high school students with the incorporation of Grimm’s fairy tales into the classroom. “The Queen Bee” by the Brothers Grimm is a short story about the importance of protecting the vulnerable and the positive effects of performing good deeds for others. With this plot-based quiz, teachers will be able to evaluate reading comprehension and promote homework accountability. The brevity of the narrative also helps teachers fill awkward gaps in their teaching schedules. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing editable Word Documents and printable PDFs. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
The reason two older brothers left home
A distinguishing characteristic of the two older brothers
The physical appearance of the youngest brother
The nature of the youngest brother’s interactions with his older siblings
How the older brothers react to the sight of an ant hill
An observation at the lake
Strange observations outside the castle
The importance of three tablets
The reason the brothers venture into the woods
The identities of those who help the youngest brother complete his chores
The fate of the brothers
Engage a variety of middle and high school students with the incorporation of Grimm’s fairy tales into the classroom. “The Sea Hare” by the Brothers Grimm is a short story about characters who defy expectations in order to achieve personal goals. With this plot-based quiz, teachers will be able to evaluate reading comprehension and promote homework accountability. The brevity of the narrative also helps teachers fill awkward gaps in their teaching schedules. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing editable Word Documents and printable PDFs. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
The number of windows in the princess’ apartment
The significance of the windows
A distinguishing characteristic of the princess
The reason the princess is reluctant to marry
The nature of the risk men take in courting the princess
The number of suitors who unsuccessfully courted the princess
The young suitor’s special request
The reason the princess agrees to the young suitor’s special request
How the raven assists the young suitor
How the fish assists the young suitor
How the fox assists the young suitor
The princess’ purchase at the market
The resolution
“Eleven” by Sandra Cisneros is a coming-of-age short story involving a girl who, for the first time, experiences public marginalization and must learn to navigate an unjust world. This close reading analysis worksheet helps English teachers extend reading comprehension and support the process of critical thinking. While the close reading activity upholds academic rigor and eliminates the need for take-home assessment planning, the brevity of the narrative helps teachers fill awkward gaps in their teaching schedules. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing editable Word Documents and printable PDFs. By completing the close reading activity, students will perform the following tasks:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Examine nuances in words with similar meanings
Isolate the story’s inciting incident
Examine how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact
Identify the narrative’s antagonist
Evaluate the significance of the teacher’s last name (Price) given the context of the plot
Argue in support of the claim that the protagonist is smarter and wiser than a typical eleven-year-old
Predict how Rachel will be affected by her embarrassing classroom experience
Explore the symbolic meaning behind the phrases “big red mountain” and “runaway balloon”
Discern the tone of a given excerpt
Explore theme
Defend claims with valid reasoning and relevant textual evidence
Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class/leave class better prepared to discuss literary materials
With this plot-based quiz covering the second part of Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf, high school English teachers will be able to evaluate reading comprehension and promote homework accountability. In addition to the answer key, a copy of the second part of Mrs. Dalloway is provided. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing Word Document and PDF versions. By taking this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Assumptions about the car that backfired
Another alarming noise
The effects of World War I on Septimus Warren Smith
Lucrezia Warren Smith’s work
Maisie Johnson’s native city
The reason Maisie approaches the Smiths
The effect of the abovementioned interaction on Maisie
Carrie Dempster’s judgment of Maisie
Carrie Dempster’s self-reflection
Carrie Dempster’s personal goals
With this plot-based quiz covering the fourth part of Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf, high school English teachers will be able to evaluate reading comprehension and promote homework accountability. In addition to the answer key, a copy of the fourth part of Mrs. Dalloway is provided. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing Word Document and PDF versions. By taking this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
What Peter’s thoughts reflect about his psychological state
A detail about Clarissa that Peter does not like
Peter’s observations
Peter’s actions at Trafalgar Square
Peter’s actions at Regent’s Park
Interactions between Peter and Sally
Clarissa’s hobby when she was younger
Peter’s initial assessment of the relationship between Clarissa and Richard
Peter’s assessment of Clarissa’s soul
The location of Peter’s meet-up with Clarissa
With this plot-based quiz covering the first part of Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf, high school English teachers will be able to evaluate reading comprehension and promote homework accountability. In addition to the answer key, a copy of the first part of Mrs. Dalloway is provided. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing Word Document and PDF versions. By taking this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Clarissa’s plans
The setting
Peter Walsh
Clarissa’s reaction to Peter’s letters
Hugh Whitbread
An article of clothing on which Clarissa focuses
Clarissa’s self-image
Clarissa’s feelings toward Doris Kilman
Elizabeth’s relation to Clarissa
Mrs. Pym’s profession
An alarming sound
With this plot-based quiz covering the third part of Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf, high school English teachers will be able to evaluate reading comprehension and promote homework accountability. In addition to the answer key, a copy of the third part of Mrs. Dalloway is provided. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing Word Document and PDF versions. By taking this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Lucy’s profession
A reason for Clarissa’s loneliness
The location where Clarissa often reads
The subject of a book Clarissa reads
The reason Clarissa sleeps alone
The reason Aunt Helen takes offense to Clarissa
The interaction between Sally and Joseph
The reason Clarissa declines Lucy’s offer of help
Peter’s peculiar tendency
Peter’s personal history, especially as it relates to Clarissa
Peter’s emotional reaction
Clarissa’s reminder
With this plot-based quiz covering the sixth part of Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf, high school English teachers will be able to evaluate reading comprehension and promote homework accountability. In addition to the answer key, a copy of the sixth part of Mrs. Dalloway is provided. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing Word Document and PDF versions. By taking this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Septimus’ personal interests
The location of Septimus and Lucrezia’s first meeting
The role of Mr. Brewer in Septimus’ life
Qualities of Lucrezia that agitate Septimus
Septimus’ perspective of the world
Dr. Holmes’ recommendations
Septimus’ delusions
The interaction between Septimus and Bradshaw
Bradshaw’s intentions
Lucrezia’s reaction to Bradshaw’s departure
Lady Bradshaw’s personal history
With this plot-based quiz covering the seventh part of Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf, high school English teachers will be able to evaluate reading comprehension and promote homework accountability. In addition to the answer key, a copy of the seventh part of Mrs. Dalloway is provided. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing Word Document and PDF versions. By taking this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Lady Bruton’s request of Hugh and Richard
Lady Bruton’s solution to the problems of the British Empire
Lady Bruton’s self-reflections
Richard’s assessment of Hugh
Observations that upset Richard
Richard’s gift for Clarissa
The reason Clarissa feels external pressure
The company Elizabeth keeps
Clarissa’s concerns about how she is perceived
With this plot-based quiz covering the fifth part of Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf, high school English teachers will be able to evaluate reading comprehension and promote homework accountability. In addition to the answer key, a copy of the fifth part of Mrs. Dalloway is provided. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing Word Document and PDF versions. By taking this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Dr. Holmes’ evaluation of Septimus’ condition
Sir William Bradshaw
Lucrezia’s emotional state
Septimus’ feelings as they relate to his marriage
The role of Evans in Septimus’ life
Septimus’ delusions
Peter’s evidence in support of the claim that England has changed
Sylvia’s relation to Clarissa
The cause of Sylvia’s death
The identity of the person Peter blames for Sylvia’s death
An incident that shaped Peter’s opinion of Richard
The reason Peter is surprised by Sally
With this plot-based quiz covering the eighth part of Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf, high school English teachers will be able to evaluate reading comprehension and promote homework accountability. In addition to the answer key, a copy of the eighth part of Mrs. Dalloway is provided. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing Word Document and PDF versions. By taking this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Doris Kilman’s general disposition
The reason Doris lost her job
Clarissa’s evaluation of Elizabeth and Doris’ friendship
Elizabeth and Doris’ shopping trip
Doris’ self-image
Doris’ judgment of Clarissa
Doris’ advice for Elizabeth
How Doris’s emotional state is calmed
Mr. Fletcher’s behavior
Elizabeth’s interests
Clarissa’s judgment of Elizabeth
Reduce teacher workload, measure reading comprehension, and promote homework accountability with this quiz on chapter seven of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important plot details:
“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