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.
Gothic fantasy and horror are genres that maximize many high school students’ engagement with literature. “The Cats of Ulthar” by H.P. Lovecraft is a macabre short story featuring savage neighbors, an avenging curse, and flesh-eating felines—making it an especially chilling choice for the Halloween season. This rigorous worksheet on “The Cats of Ulthar” helps English teachers support the development of close reading analysis skills and save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will:
Discern a key purpose of the mythological allusions delivered in the exposition
Draw parallels between the author’s choices and knowledge of cat-related proverbs
Explore the antagonistic characterization of the community’s old couple
Examine the narrator’s feelings toward the people of Ulthar
Explore the greater significance of imagery from a mythological perspective
Investigate the author’s decision to name a key character after an Egyptian figure
Discern the functions of several paragraphs
Apply knowledge of a variety of literary devices including personification, irony, inversion, and onomatopoeia
Make logical inferences about the author’s decision to include two seemingly insignificant details
Identify and explain a significant example of foreshadowing in the story
Argue whether the people of Ulthar are better or worse off for having gone through their experiences
Support claims and ideas with reasoned thinking and relevant textual evidence
Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision
For many high school readers, science fiction, supernatural fiction, and horror are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “From Beyond” by H.P. Lovecraft is a compelling short story that features elements consistent with those genres: advanced technology, parallel realities, alien life, and more. This rigorous worksheet covering “From Beyond” helps English teachers extend student learning beyond reading comprehension, support the development of close reading analysis skills, and save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An 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:
Analyze a passage in the text in order to discern its function.
Define complex vocabulary in context
Analyze context clues and draw logical inferences about character motivations
Analyze context clues and draw logical inferences about character relationships
Analyze the text for literary devices such as foreshadowing, situational irony, and theme
Find and articulate relevant textual details in support of a claim
Analyze context clues to discern and articulate the significance of a given detail
Articulate what the text indicates both explicitly and implicitly
Write with clarity and precision
Support the development of close reading skills with this comprehensive bundle of worksheets composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze Shakespeare’s classic drama Othello. With an activity for each individual scene, this bundle saves teachers valuable time without sacrificing academic rigor. All materials are delivered as printable PDFs and Word Documents.
Each 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.
Make reading more purposeful with these close reading activities to support students in their efforts to demonstrate the following:
An ability to define complex vocabulary in context
An ability to analyze context clues and draw logical inferences about character motivations
An ability to analyze context clues and draw logical inferences about character relationships
An ability to analyze the text for literary devices such as foreshadowing, situational irony, dramatic irony, theme, symbolism, dynamic character, and more
An ability to find and articulate relevant textual details in support of a claim
An ability to analyze context clues to discern and articulate the significance of a given detail
An ability to articulate what the text indicates both explicitly and implicitly
An ability to write with clarity and precision
Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this rigorous worksheet covering the short story “Dr. Heidegger’s Experiment” by Nathaniel Hawthorne (estimated Lexile Measure range of 1300-1400). Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. An answer key and copy of the public domain text are included. By completing this activity, high school students will do the following:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact
Compare and contrast characters
Infer the intended effect of the author’s phrasing (“liquor of youth”)
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including foreshadowing and symbolism
Examine nuances in words with similar meanings
Articulate the significance of a given detail
Come to class/leave class better prepared to discuss literary materials
Support claims and ideas with relevant evidence and valid reasoning
Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Fairy tales are not just for elementary students; even high school readers can use (and enjoy) fairy tales as a tool for practicing close reading analysis skills. This worksheet composed of rigorous questions covers “Rapunzel” by the Brothers Grimm. With an estimated Lexile Measure range of 1010-1200, the short story is suitable for both middle and high school students. The briefness of the narrative also makes it an appropriate time-filler for awkward gaps in teaching schedules. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will:
Articulate what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly
Explore character motivations
Analyze how complex characters think, behave, and interact with others
Examine tone
Analyze the authors’ craft, paying special attention to diction in order to make logical inferences
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including simile, situational irony, and dramatic irony
Analyze nuances in words with similar meanings
Choose the most synonymous word to replace a word used in the text
Write with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Support the development of close reading skills for middle and high school with this set of comprehension and analysis questions on “The Godfather,” a short story by the Brothers Grimm. The variety of question types will also help prepare students for standardized testing scenarios; emphasis is placed on how the Brothers Grimm use direct description to create a complex narrative with a surreal tone. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story (estimated Lexile measure of 700-800) are provided. This resource is most suitable for a short story unit at the middle school level, and it may also be useful for struggling readers in a high school setting. Materials are delivered in 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, ultimately, will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking.
Questions pertain to the following:
Identifying what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly
Demonstrating understanding of the narrative’s surreal tone, identifying several pieces of textual evidence that advances the tone
Exploring character motivations, whether explicitly stated in the text or implied through character actions, and articulating responses clearly
Analyzing character interactions to discern character intent
Responding clearly, concisely, and accurately to analytical questioning
Analyzing textual details to draw inferences and support rational arguments
Applying knowledge of literary devices to the text, articulating how the title is ironic
Exploring cause-and-effect relationships
Writing with clarity and precision
This resource extends beyond text comprehension, helping high school students analyze the formal elements of fiction and respond thoughtfully in writing to questions about literature. The featured short story is titled “The Singing Bone” by the Brothers Grimm. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story, which has an estimated Lexile measure of 1100-1200, are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly
Define complex words and phrases in context, with emphasis on archaic usage
Analyze nuances in word meanings
Choose the most appropriate synonym to replace a word
Apply knowledge of literary devices to the text with emphasis on lesser known concepts: metonymy, epizeuxis, polysyndeton, and anastrophe
Apply knowledge of more basic literary devices to the text: consonance, assonance, alliteration, personification, and situational irony
Write clearly, concisely, and accurately in response to analytical questioning
Cite textual evidence in support of claims
For many high school readers, age-appropriate fantasy and fairy tale fiction are genres that maximize engagement with literature. With this worksheet composed of rigorous questions on “Hansel and Gretel” by the Brothers Grimm, English teachers will help students extend beyond reading comprehension, support the development of close reading analysis skills, and save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative (estimated Lexile Range 810-1000) 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 as well as implicitly
Analyze dialogue to discern how a character uses manipulative tactics to achieve a goal
Analyze characterization to discern and articulate a dominant internal conflict in the text
Apply knowledge of alliteration to the text
Analyze the authors’ word choices to discern and articulate how these choices create the literary device of paradox
Identify several examples of simile in the text
Apply knowledge of dramatic irony to the text, discerning and articulating how it manifests
Apply knowledge of situational irony to the text, discerning and articulating how it manifests
Apply knowledge of foreshadowing to the text, explaining what is foreshadowed and how
Write with clarity and precision
This close reading assessment features 15 text-dependent, high-order questions to promote improved reading comprehension and analysis of Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost (Act 1, scene 1). An answer key is included, as are Word Document and PDF versions of the assessment.
This resource aligns well to Academic Literacy Project teaching principles and 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.
In addition to helping students gain deeper understanding of the material and greater confidence in their ability to read and comprehend complex texts, this resource was designed to prepare students for ACT-style questioning.
By engaging in this exercise, students will:
Discern and articulate what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Isolate a factual statement about the passage from false statements
Examine cause-and-effect relationships
Analyze Shakespearean language to discern and articulate meanings of words and phrases in context, taking into consideration denotative definitions and connotative associations
Analyze Shakespearean language to discern and articulate tone in context
Gain deeper insight into character modes of thinking by analyzing dialogue
Analyze a portion of text to discern which literary device is applied in context (anaphora and simile)
Demonstrate knowledge of Biron’s criticisms of those who are obsessive in their pursuit of knowledge
Write with clarity, logic, and precision
This close reading assessment features 16 text-dependent, high-order questions to promote improved reading comprehension and analysis of Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost (Act 2, scene 1).
An answer key is included, as are Word Document and PDF versions of the assessment.
This resource aligns well to Academic Literacy Project teaching principles and 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.
In addition to helping students gain deeper understanding of the material and greater confidence in their ability to read and comprehend complex texts, this resource was designed to prepare students for ACT-style questioning.
By engaging in this exercise, students will:
Discern and articulate what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Apply knowledge of literary devices to the text including alliteration, simile, hyperbole, and stichomythia
Articulate the intended effect of hyperbole in the context of the passage
Articulate the intended meaning of a given simile
Define complex words and phrases in context, taking into consideration denotative meanings and connotative associations
Identify the Princess’s motivation for choosing Boyet to be a spokesperson
Identify textual evidence that serves to justify Maria’s judgment of Longaville
Analyze Rosaline’s dialogue to discern tone in the context of her conversation with Biron
Determine and articulate the primary purpose of a passage
Explain why Longaville grows impatient with Boyet’s responses
Identify the evidence supporting the claim that Ferdinand is lovesick, according to Boyet
Write with clarity, logic, and precision
This close reading assessment features 14 text-dependent, high-order questions to promote improved reading comprehension and analysis of Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost (Act 3, scene 1).
An answer key is included, as are Word Document and PDF versions of the assessment. All materials are delivered in a zip file.
This resource aligns well to Academic Literacy Project teaching principles and 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.
In addition to helping students gain deeper understanding of the material and greater confidence in their ability to read and comprehend complex texts, this resource was designed to prepare students for ACT-style questioning.
By engaging in this exercise, students will:
Discern and articulate what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Define complex words and phrases in context, taking into consideration denotative meanings and connotative associations
Articulate the intended meaning of a given metaphor
Analyze Armado’s dialogue to discern and articulate what it reveals about his mindset
Analyze Moth’s dialogue to discern and articulate his intent
Identify the most synonymous word or phrase to replace a given word in the text
Analyze Moth’s dialogue to discern tone in context
Contrast Costard’s characterization with that of Biron and Armado
Analyze Biron as a dynamic character, identifying textual evidence in support of the claim that he is dynamic
Analyze Biron’s diaogue to discern and articulate what he believes is Cupid’s motivation for plaguing him with feelings of love
Write with clarity, logic, and precision
This close reading assessment features 10 text-dependent, high-order questions to promote improved reading comprehension and analysis of Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost (Act 4, scene 1).
An answer key is included, as are Word Document and PDF versions of the assessment. All materials are delivered in a zip file.
This resource aligns well to Academic Literacy Project teaching principles and 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.
In addition to helping students gain deeper understanding of the material and greater confidence in their ability to read and comprehend complex texts, this resource was designed to prepare students for ACT-style questioning.
By engaging in this exercise, students will:
Discern and articulate what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Define complex words and phrases in context, taking into consideration denotative meanings and connotative associations
Articulate the intended meaning of a given metaphor
Articulate how verbal irony is manifested in the text
Analyze how complex characters interact and discern what these interactions reveal about their mindsets
Analyze an excerpt to isolate a true statement in context from false statements
Apply knowledge of epiphora to the text
Identify logical inferences in context
Analyze Armado’s letter and articulate the function of an excerpt
Interpret figurative language
Analyze Rosaline’s dialogue and actions to argue how she defies standard conventions of femininity and what her motivations are
Analyze Shakespeare’s craft to identify which literary devices he employs and what their intended effects are (emphasis is placed on rhyme, innuendo, diacope, metaphor, and irony)
Write with clarity, logic, and precision
This close reading assessment bundle features text-dependent, high-order questions to promote improved reading comprehension and analysis of Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost. By completing these activities, students will:
Discern and articulate what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Isolate a factual statement about the passage from false statements
Examine cause-and-effect relationships
Analyze Shakespearean language to discern and articulate meanings of words and phrases in context, taking into consideration denotative definitions and connotative associations
Analyze Shakespearean language to discern and articulate tone in context
Gain deeper insight into character modes of thinking by analyzing dialogue
Analyze a portion of text to discern which literary device is applied in context (anaphora and simile)
Demonstrate knowledge of Biron’s criticisms of those who are obsessive in their pursuit of knowledge
Make reasonable inferences about why the quickness of Moth’s responses frustrates Armado
Articulate Armado’s internal conflict in the context of an excerpt
Analyze Moth’s dialogue to discern what is implied about women who wear makeup
Analyze Moth’s asides to discern and articulate what they reveal about his true feelings
Conduct brief research on the topic of Humorism
Analyze Costard’s use of malaprops and explain why Shakespeare had him speak in such a manner
Interpret figurative language with emphasis on metaphor (“love is a devil”)
Make an inference about what Armado finds reassuring about the tale of Samson
Apply knowledge of situational irony by explaining what is unexpected about Cupid’s powers
Articulate the significance of of Armado’s closing soliloquy
Apply knowledge of literary devices to the text including alliteration, simile, hyperbole, and stichomythia
Articulate the intended effect of hyperbole in the context of the passage
Articulate the intended meaning of a given simile
Define complex words and phrases in context, taking into consideration denotative meanings and connotative associations
Identify the Princess’s motivation for choosing Boyet to be a spokesperson
Identify textual evidence that serves to justify Maria’s judgment of Longaville
Analyze Rosaline’s dialogue to discern tone in the context of her conversation with Biron
Determine and articulate the primary purpose of a passage
Explain why Longaville grows impatient with Boyet’s responses
Identify the evidence supporting the claim that Ferdinand is lovesick, according to Boyet
Articulate the intended meaning of a given metaphor
Analyze Armado’s dialogue to discern and articulate what it reveals about his mindset
Analyze Moth’s dialogue to discern and articulate his intent
Identify the most synonymous word or phrase to replace a given word in the text
Analyze Moth’s dialogue to discern tone in context
Contrast Costard’s characterization with that of Biron and Armado
Apply knowledge of epiphora to the text
Analyze Biron as a dynamic character, identifying textual evidence in support of the claim that he is dynamic
Analyze Biron’s diaogue to discern and articulate what he believes is Cupid’s motivation for plaguing him with feelings of love
Analyze Armado’s letter and articulate the function of an excerpt
Analyze Rosaline’s dialogue and actions to argue how she defies standard conventions of femininity and what her motivations are
Analyze Shakespeare’s craft to identify which literary devices he employs and what their intended effects are (emphasis is placed on rhyme, innuendo, diacope, metaphor, and irony)
Write with clarity, logic, 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 Masque of the Red Death” by Edgar Allan Poe (estimated Lexile Measure of 1180). An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are made delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Provide an objective summary of the plot
Analyze the intended effect of Poe’s descriptive language
Analyze the author’s technique to explain whether a suggested revision would be appropriate
Make logical inferences about characterization
Articulate how setting influences character actions
Determine the intended effect(s) of simile
Apply knowledge of situational irony to the text
Apply knowledge of anaphora to the text
Apply knowledge of consonance to the text
Isolate examples of inversion in a given excerpt
Identify textual evidence in support of claims
Define complex vocabulary and phrasing in context
Write with clarity, logic, and precision
Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions for Edgar Allan Poe’s The Black Cat." With an estimated Lexile Measure of 1100, the narrative and its corresponding close reading exercise are appropriate additions to a horror- or Halloween-themed short story unit. A copy of “The Black Cat” by Edgar Allan Poe is provided, as is a detailed answer key. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this activity, secondary students will demonstrate an ability to do the following:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Articulate the narrator’s intent in a given excerpt
Isolate a false statement from factual details associated with a given excerpt
Examine the narrator’s modes of thinking to discern and articulate what he identifies as the cause(s) of his current circumstances
Analyze a given excerpt to discern its primary function
Apply knowledge of the anaphora to an excerpt
Apply knowledge of simile to an excerpt
Apply knowledge of hyperbaton to an excerpt
Apply knowledge of paradox to an excerpt
Apply knowledge of alliteration to an excerpt
Examine cause and effect relationships
Conduct brief research on Roman mythology to discern and articulate why the name Pluto carries symbolic value
Analyze the narrator’s past behaviors and statements to make logical inferences about the cause of a destructive fire
Identify textual details to support the claim that the second cat never existed
Use logic and textual evidence to support the claim that the narrator feels subconscious guilt over the murder of Pluto
Articulate why the narrator may be resentful of his wife
Articulate how the narrator exhibits hubris and how hubris contributes to plot development
Write with clarity, logic, and precision
For many high school readers, age-appropriate fantasy and fairy tale fiction are genres that maximize engagement with literature. With this worksheet composed of rigorous questions on “The Little Mermaid” by Hans Christian Andersen, English teachers will help students extend beyond reading comprehension, support the development of close reading analysis skills, and save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative (estimated Lexile Range 810-1000) 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
Identify textual evidence in support of claims
Write with clarity and precision
Identify examples of various literary devices including alliteration, consonance, sibilance, situational irony, dramatic irony, metaphor, personification, inversion, and hyperbole
Discern author’s intent
Analyze the author’s incorporation of multiple similes to discern and explain what they have in common and what purpose(s) they serve
Discern tone in context
Identify and explain an example of situational irony in a given passage
Articulate why mermaids suffer sadness more strongly than humans
Articulate why there is a merry atmosphere aboard the prince’s ship
Identify and explain an example of dramatic irony in a given passage
Analyze the mermaid’s character to discern how she is naïve
Articulate factors that contribute to the little mermaid’s strife
Analyze how the little mermaid undergoes dynamic transformation
Isolate a factual statement about plot from falsehoods
Articulate the obstacles facing the little mermaid, according to her grandmother
Make logical inferences about the mermaid’s psychological state given her statements, thoughts, and actions
Infer why the little mermaid is most disturbed by the discovery of a mermaid’s skeleton in the sea-witch’s home
Analyze the character of the sea-witch to discern how she is portrayed as an antagonist
Define words and phrases in the context of a passage
Verify interpretations of language using reference materials such as a dictionary or thesaurus
Articulate the personal sacrifices the little mermaid will make in order to have a chance at gaining love and an immortal soul
Explain what makes a given scenario ironic
Analyze the relationship between the little mermaid and the prince to discern and articulate how it is unhealthy
Articulate the significance of a given detail or details
Analyze the little mermaid’s actions the night before the prince’s wedding to determine which virtues she exhibits
Articulate an internal conflict facing the little mermaid
Identify what the Daughters of the Air say about the effect of heat on human psychology
Explain the irony of the story’s resolution
Fairy tales are not just for elementary readers; even middle and high school students may use fairy tales as tools for extending beyond reading comprehension and practicing close reading analysis skills. “The Ugly Duckling” by Hans Christian Andersen is a representative short story that promotes active engagement with fiction. English Language Arts teachers may assign this set of rigorous questions to complement the story and evaluate students’ high-order skills. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are 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
Identify examples of various literary devices including onomatopoeia, assonance, consonance, foreshadowing, simile, personification, and symbolism
Discern author’s intent
Discern tone in context
Explain an example of foreshadowing in a given passage
Isolate a falsehood about plot among factual statements
Define words and phrases in the context of a passage
Verify interpretations of language using reference materials such as a dictionary or thesaurus
Articulate the significance of a given detail or details
Identify which descriptor best applies to the mother duck
Articulate why the mother duck rarely receives visitors
Discern and articulate a lesson the mother duck tries to instill in her babies
Analyze plot to generate a relevant theme about motherhood
Argue whether the mother duck is a sympathetic character
Support the claim that the tom cat and the hen do not appreciate the ugly duckling’s unique qualities
Articulate how the duckling comes into the possession of a peasant
Write with clarity and precision
Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions on the short story “Simeli Mountain” by the Brothers Grimm. A detailed answer key and a copy of the public domain short story are included. The narrative has an estimated Lexile measure of 1200-1300, making it an appropriate addition to a short story or fantasy literature unit at the high school level. Materials are delivered in 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, 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:
Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly
Define complex words and phrases in context
Explain how situational irony is applied in the text
Apply knowledge of consonance to the text
Articulate the protagonist’s internal conflict in context
Infer what the protagonist’s internal conflict reveals about his sense of morality
Locate textual evidence in support of the claim that the protagonist practices moderation
Make logical inferences about character motivations
Explain how dramatic irony is applied in the text
Examine cause-and-effect relationships
Analyze character actions to discern what they reveal or reinforce about their characterization
Apply knowledge of metaphor to the text
Articulate the significance of a given detail
Explain how poetic justice is carried out
Articulate relevant themes
Write with clarity and precision
Support the development of close reading skills for high school and facilitate analysis of fiction with this rigorous worksheet on Hans Christian Andersen’s short story “The Leap Frog,” also called “The Leaping Match.” A variety of question types are included to help prepare for standardized testing scenarios: vocabulary-in-context questions, main idea questions, detail questions, author’s craft questions, and more. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative, which has an estimated Lexile measure of 1100-1200, are provided. Materials are delivered in 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, 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:
Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly
Analyze the author’s craft to discern where and how literary devices are applied including inversion and dramatic irony
Discern cause-and-effect relationships
Analyze the author’s word choices to discern and explain where and how double-denotation is applied
Analyze a character’s statements and beliefs to articulate how they are contradictory
Interpret and explain the meaning of unique phrases in context
Analyze the characters of the king and the frog to discern several qualities they have in common
Discern which theme is best supported by a particular excerpt
Cite textual evidence in support of claims and ideas
Write with clarity and precision
Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of comprehension and analysis questions on “The Three Languages,” a short story by the Brothers Grimm. 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, which has an estimated Lexile Measure of 1100-1200, are included. Materials are delivered in 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, 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:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Cite textual evidence in support of claims
Write with clarity and precision
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including situational irony, dramatic irony, foreshadowing, and alliteration
Verify interpretations of words and phrases using reference materials such as a dictionary or thesaurus
Make logical inferences about character motivations
Discern tone in context
Isolate a true statement among falsehoods
Make and defend logical inferences about character behaviors and motivations
Articulate what the narrative suggests about the power of effective communication
