Say hello to a platform dedicated to industrious, yet overtasked teachers like you. Say goodbye to countless hours spent developing relevant and engaging ELA lessons. Whether you are teaching the fundamentals of grammar, creative writing skills, classic literature, or contemporary fiction, you will find thousands of activities and assessments to help you achieve a healthier work-life balance without sacrificing academic rigor.
Say hello to a platform dedicated to industrious, yet overtasked teachers like you. Say goodbye to countless hours spent developing relevant and engaging ELA lessons. Whether you are teaching the fundamentals of grammar, creative writing skills, classic literature, or contemporary fiction, you will find thousands of activities and assessments to help you achieve a healthier work-life balance without sacrificing academic rigor.
Help high school students analyze how Ray Bradbury used figurative language (personification, onomatopoeia, metaphor, and simile) and direct description to develop a compelling work of science fiction in “There Will Come Soft Rains.” Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this resource serves well for an independent learning opportunity, as well as for small-group discussions. Through such discussions, students may evaluate peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to support claims, clarifying or challenging ideas as needed. An answer key is included.
Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet covering metaphysical poet John Donne’s “Meditation 17,” an excerpt from Devotions Upon Emergent Occasions. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
This resource may facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will improve their ability to present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly and convincingly.
By engaging with this close reading activity, students will:
Read for literal and interpretive comprehension
Apply knowledge of setting, characterization, conflict, and literary devices
Be better prepared to engage in collaborative discussions about literature
Use this close reading worksheet to help high school students find deeper meaning in E. E. Cummings’ poem “anyone lived in a pretty how town,” a creative exploration of the ideas of conformity and its effects on individuals and communities. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
This resource may facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will improve their ability to present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly and convincingly.
By engaging with this close reading activity, students will:
Read for literal and interpretive comprehension
Apply knowledge of setting, characterization, and conflict
Be better prepared to engage in collaborative discussions about poetry
Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet covering Sonnet X, also known as “Death be Not Proud,” by metaphysical poet John Donne. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
This resource may facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will improve their ability to present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly and convincingly.
By engaging with this close reading activity, students will:
Read for literal and interpretive comprehension
Apply knowledge of setting, characterization, conflict, and literary devices
Be better prepared to engage in collaborative discussions about poetry
Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet covering “Sonnet 130” by William Shakespeare. 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 and interpretive comprehension
Apply knowledge of setting, characterization, conflict, and literary devices
Determine the rhyme scheme and overall tone of the poem
Be better prepared to engage in collaborative discussions about poetry
For many middle and high school readers, realistic and young adult fiction are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “Raymond’s Run” by Toni Cade Bambara is a representative short story that focuses on the relationship between a devoted, young woman and her brother, who happens to have a disability. English Language Arts teachers may assign this set of rigorous close reading analysis questions to complement the story and evaluate students’ high-order skills. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly
Apply knowledge of literary devices including hyperbole, metaphor, simile, epiphany, situational irony, and more
Discern and articulate the intended effect of the author’s word choices
Identify textual evidence in support of ideas and claims
Analyze how complex characters interact and develop
Read a passage to isolate a false statement about plot
Make logical inferences about the narrator’s imagery and figurative language
Articulate a self vs. society conflict in the context of a given passage
Write with clarity and precision
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 4 of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. 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 nature of Antony’s conversation with Octavius and Lepidus
What Antony intends to do with Caesar’s will
Antony’s intentions for Lepidus
The changing nature of Brutus and Cassius’s relationship
Brutus’s observations about Cassius’s behavior
Information provided to Brutus by Lucilius
Why Brutus punished Lucius
Brutus’s accusations against Cassius
Cassius’s self-image
Cassius’s emotionally charged offer to Brutus
An unexpected visitor to the tent
A supernatural encounter
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 5 of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. 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:
Antony’s assumption about Brutus and Cassius’s motives
Conflict between Antony and Octavius
Brutus and Cassius’s denigrating assessment of Antony
Cassius’s opinion on superstitions
Messala’s role in the battle
The death of Cassius’s flag-bearer
Titinius’s scrutiny of Brutus’s battlefield decision-making
The cause of Cassius’s death
Lucilius’s persona
Antony’s motives with regard to his treatment of Lucilius
The cause of Brutus’s death
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 2 of William Shakespeare’s King Lear. The assessment may otherwise double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active reading experiences and subsequent class discussions. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Edmund’s newest methods of compromising Edgar’s reputation
A physical confrontation and its instigator’s punishment
Gloucester’s reluctance to offer help
Edgar’s decision to assume a new identity
King Lear’s reaction to Kent’s punishment
King Lear’s efforts to seek clarification on what led to Kent’s situation
An argument among father and daughters
King Lear’s isolation
Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 5, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s King Lear. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
This resource may facilitate 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
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
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
Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 5, scene 3, of William Shakespeare’s King Lear. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
This resource may facilitate 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
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, simile, oxymoron, and onomatopoeia
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
Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 4, scene 7, of William Shakespeare’s King Lear. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
This resource may facilitate 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
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including dramatic irony, metaphor, and simile
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
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 Act 5, scene 2, of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word and phrase meanings
Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Discern the function of the scene
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including oxymoron and situational irony
Conduct brief research on Shakespeare’s life
Support claims or 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
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 Act 5, scene 3, of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. More specifically, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Connect previous plot details to current developments
Discern tone in context
Determine the greater significance of a given detail
Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including aposiopesis and metaphor
Support inferences and claims with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
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 Act 5, scene 2, of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will:
Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly
Discern the intended effects of figurative language in context
Define complex words and phrases in context
Determine the function of the scene
Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices such as hyperbole, simile, metaphor, and symbolism
Support inferences and claims with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
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 Act 5, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. More specifically, students will:
Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly
Define complex words and phrases in context
Discern the greater significance of a given detail
Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on hyperbole and metaphor
Support inferences and claims with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
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 Act 2, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will:
Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly
Discern the function of Macbeth’s soliloquy
Discern tone in context
Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Compare the characters of Banquo and Macbeth
Consider the symbolism of a diamond in context
Apply knowledge of literary devices such as personification and simile
Support inferences and claims with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
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 Act 3, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will:
Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly
Define challenging words as they are used in the text
Explore cause-and-effect relationships
Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Compare characters in the play
Apply knowledge of literary devices such as allusion and assonance
Support inferences and claims with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
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 Act 1, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will:
Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly
Discern the intended effect of Shakespeare’s diction
Analyze language and articulate its intended effect
Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including assonance, foreshadowing, and paradox
Identify the best textual evidence in support of claims and inferences
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
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 Act 5, scene 4, of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will:
Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly
Discern the intended effects of Shakespeare’s diction
Define complex words and phrases in context
Determine the function of the scene
Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices such as alliteration and allusion
Support inferences and claims with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision