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 go beyond basic reading comprehension and sharpen critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering chapter 20 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
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including symbolism, hyperbole, and situational irony
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
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 19 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
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
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
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 18 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
Explore cause-and-effect relationships
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Contrast Holden and his older brother
Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on 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
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
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 16 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
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
Save time without sacrificing rigor by utilizing this bundle of analysis worksheets designed to promote close reading skills associated with Fitzgerald’s classic novel The Great Gatsby. A variety of high-order 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. Answer keys 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.
Students will be able to do the following:
Discern what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Discern point of view
Analyze character motivations
Analyze how complex characters interact
Clarify cause-and-effect relationships
Apply knowledge of a variety of literary devices including situational irony, hyperbole, simile, alliteration, assonance, metaphor, oxymoron, and others
Articulate the intended effect of metaphorical language
Analyze the author’s craft to determine intent
Make logical inferences about how Tom perceives Myrtle
Demonstrate awareness of how social status influences behavior
Compare Myrtle to the puppy she is gifted
Discern a primary function of a given chapter
Analyze the effect comparing Gatsby to Belasco has on the reader
Infer why the author may have intended to wait to introduce Gatsby until chapter three
Analyze what Nick’s dialogue and behavior at the party reveals about his psychological state
Define complex words and phrases as they are used in the text
Articulate how Nick’s expectations of Gatsby are violated
Articulate the cultural significance of the white chauffeur transporting people of color
Discern what Nick finds astonishing about Wolfsheim’s behavior
Identify the primary function of Wolfsheim’s character in the context of the plot
Articulate the technique Fitzgerald uses to spark a significant shift in tone
Identify textual evidence that best supports a claim
Explore the symbolism of an object or objects
Clarify and elaborate on a concern Nick has for Gatsby in a given passage
Explore how Tom sees himself in the context of the tragedies of Gatsby, Myrtle, and Wilson
Write with clarity and precision
Embrace the Halloween season (no matter what time of year), evaluate general reading comprehension, and sharpen critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the dark Grimm’s fairy tale “The Juniper Tree.” A plot-based quiz, a close reading worksheet, a literary craft analysis activity, the short story, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will:
Read for literal comprehension
Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings
Isolate examples of compelling sensory description
Infer the intended effects of the authors’ 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 allusion, black humor, dramatic irony, foreshadowing, onomatopoeia, personification, and more
Make connections between elements of the story and aspects of the modern-day Halloween season
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
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching Doris Lessing’s coming-of-age short story “Through the Tunnel.” A plot-based quiz, close reading analysis worksheet, craft analysis exercise, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, word search game, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in printable, editable Word Document and 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 these activities, students will:
Come to class better prepared to discuss works of fiction
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Discern the function of a given paragraph
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including simile, metaphor, personification, and oxymoron
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the science fiction short story 'There Will Come Soft Rains" by Ray Bradbury. A plot-based quiz, a close reading worksheet, a craft analysis exercise, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, and answer keys are provided. 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 these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly
Isolate numerous examples of sensory language
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Discern the intended effects of the author’s narrative techniques
Draw parallels to currently existing technologies
Consider themes in context
Support claims and inferences with relevant textual evidence
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class/leave class better prepared to discuss literature
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching John Collier’s short story “The Chaser.” A plot-based quiz, a close reading worksheet, a craft analysis exercise, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, and answer keys are provided. 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 these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Apply knowledge of satire to the plot
Describe tone in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including euphemism, metaphor, simile, situational irony, and foreshadowing
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
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.
Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions on Ray Bradbury’s short story “There Will Come Soft Rains,” which makes a fitting inclusion to a dystopian-themed short story unit at the high school level. An answer key is included. 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
Cite ample textual evidence of personification
Analyze the author’s narrative technique to discern the effect personification has on the reader
Identify and describe several advanced technologies incorporated in the narrative
Draw parallels to currently existing technologies
Locate textual evidence to support claims about the fate of humanity
Identify numerous examples of sensory language
Discern and articulate compelling and relevant themes
Write with clarity and precision
Quickly and conveniently measure general reading comprehension of Ray Bradbury’s science fiction short story “There Will Come Soft Rains” with this set of two quizzes: one multiple choice, the other constructed response. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following key details:
Unique characteristics of the house (personification)
The futuristic setting
The function of the robotic animals
The backstory
Silhouettes on the building
A frail, dirty dog
The subject matter of the poem “There Will Come Soft Rains”
A devastating fire
The house’s attempts at self-preservation
Support the development of high school and college close reading skills with this assessment on John Collier’s short story “The Chaser.” A variety of question types facilitates the process of analyzing the author’s craft, applying knowledge of literary devices, identifying relevant and compelling textual evidence to support claims, and more. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging in this exercise, students will…
Discern what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly
Analyze the author’s choice of words to discern the intended effect of language
Explore how the protagonist is characterized
Discern the tone of dialogue in context
Apply knowledge of satire to the plot
Apply knowledge of literary devices to the text
Analyze dialogue to discern what is implied
Analyze dialogue to discern one of its primary functions in the story
Identify an example of figurative language in the text
Isolate a false statement concerning plot from factual ones
With this bundle of high school resources for teaching “The Wife’s Story” by Ursula K. Le Guin, educators may conveniently measure general reading comprehension with a quiz on character and plot. Additionally, teachers will be able to support their students through the process of analyzing the author’s craft, helping readers identify textual details that evoke the reader’s sympathy and examples of literary devices that contribute to a tense mood and surprising outcome. Lastly, teachers will be able to support high-order thinking with analysis questions. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
This resource may facilitate 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 engaging with these materials, students will perform the following tasks:
Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly
Apply knowledge of anaphora to the text
Articulate how anaphora contributes to the narrator’s characterization
Analyze the narrator’s statements to infer details about her husband
Discern meaning in less familiar words and phrases, taking into consideration the context of the passage
Analyze an excerpt to discern tone in context
Analyze an excerpt to discern and articulate the narrator’s internal conflict
Apply knowledge of simile to the text
Articulate the significance of the narrator’s “grief howl”
Analyze character statements and actions to discern and articulate character motivations
Analyze the term “blessed dark” to discern and articulate what it conveys about the narrator’s mindset
Cite and explain textual details that evoke a sense of sympathy within readers
Revisit the text to identify details that foreshadow the major revelation near the story’s conclusion
Analyze the author’s craft to explain how language contributes to the major revelation near the story’s conclusion
Write with clarity and precision
For many middle and high school readers, realistic and young adult fiction are genres that maximize relatability and engagement with literature. “Thank You, Ma’am” by Langston Hughes is a short story involving socioeconomic struggles, social pressures, the importance of second chances, and the power of empathy and forgiveness. Included in this bundle are the following: a multiple choice, plot-based quiz; a worksheet composed of rigorous close reading questions; a craft analysis activity; the public domain narrative; and answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats.
By engaging in this exercise, students will…
Discern what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly
Articulate character motivations
Analyze how a character’s behaviors reveal their life principles
Apply knowledge of metaphor to the text
Analyze the author’s choice of words conveys subtle meaning
Analyze how complex characters interact
Explore Roger’s emotional and psychological state
Cite textual evidence in support of inferences and claims
Write with clarity and precision
Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this bundle of formative assessments covering W. W. Jacobs’ short story “The Monkey’s Paw.” Included are the following: a plot-based quiz, a worksheet composed of rigorous close reading questions, a craft analysis activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, a word search, a crossword puzzle, the public domain narrative, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices
Explore the role of setting in terms of developing characterization
Examine how the tone of the narrative shifts as the plot develops
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Analyze how Mr. and Mrs. White’s marriage is affected by grief
Identify specific details that contribute to the vampiric characterization of Mrs. White
Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion, situational irony, and euphemism
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
For many middle and high school readers, realistic and young adult fiction are genres that maximize relatability and engagement with literature. “Thank You, Ma’am” by Langston Hughes is a short story involving socioeconomic struggles, social pressures, the importance of second chances, and the power of empathy and forgiveness. With this challenging worksheet composed of high-order questions, English teachers will help students extend beyond basic reading comprehension, support the development of close reading analysis skills, and save valuable time at home without sacrificing quality and rigor in the classroom. A detailed answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will:
Discern what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly
Articulate character motivations
Analyze how a character’s behaviors reveal their life principles
Apply knowledge of metaphor to the text
Analyze the author’s choice of words conveys subtle meaning
Analyze how complex characters interact
Explore Roger’s emotional and psychological state
Cite textual evidence in support of inferences and claims
Write with clarity and precision
Promote active engagement with fiction, support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school, and evaluate general reading comprehension with this bundle of resources for teaching the science fiction short story “The Fog Horn” by Ray Bradbury. Included are the following: a plot-based quiz, a rigorous close reading worksheet, a craft analysis activity, and answer keys. By engaging with these materials, students will perform the following tasks:
Articulate what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly
Identify several examples of personification and/or anthropomorphism in the narrative
Identify several textual details that contribute to a sense of isolation
Discern the intended meaning of figurative language
Discern the function of a given excerpt
Apply knowledge of sonic literary devices including consonance and assonance
Analyze the author’s craft
Identify stylistic changes in a given excerpt
Articulate the intended effect of stylistic changes in a given excerpt
Analyze relationships between complex characters
Articulate how a given detail is an example of foreshadowing
Make logical inferences about character motivations
Cite textual evidence in support of inferences and claims
Write with clarity and precision
Develop a greater understanding of how Ray Bradbury used descriptive language, characterization, setting, and various literary devices to establish an eerie mood that is consistent with the supernatural fiction and science fiction genres.
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching Shirley Jackson’s short story “The Lottery.” A plot-based quiz, a close reading worksheet, a craft analysis exercise, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in a zip file as Word Documents and PDFs.
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 these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Discern the tone of a given passage
Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact
Apply knowledge of literary devices with an emphasis on foreshadowing
Determine the author’s intent, as well as its effect on readers
Support claims and inferences with relevant textual evidence
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class/leave class better prepared to discuss literature