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Inquiring Mind of the English Teacher Kind

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Say hello to a platform dedicated to industrious, yet overtasked teachers like you. Say goodbye to countless hours spent developing relevant and engaging ELA lessons. Whether you are teaching the fundamentals of grammar, creative writing skills, classic literature, or contemporary fiction, you will find thousands of activities and assessments to help you achieve a healthier work-life balance without sacrificing academic rigor.

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Say hello to a platform dedicated to industrious, yet overtasked teachers like you. Say goodbye to countless hours spent developing relevant and engaging ELA lessons. Whether you are teaching the fundamentals of grammar, creative writing skills, classic literature, or contemporary fiction, you will find thousands of activities and assessments to help you achieve a healthier work-life balance without sacrificing academic rigor.
“The Hare and the Hedgehog” by the Brothers Grimm Quiz and Key
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“The Hare and the Hedgehog” by the Brothers Grimm Quiz and Key

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Help middle and high school students improve fluency, stamina, and text comprehension with a brief, engaging fairy tale titled “The Hare and the Hedgehog” by the Brothers Grimm. A plot-based quiz is provided to measure reading comprehension, along with an answer key and copy of the public domain narrative (estimated Lexile Measure of 1000-1100). Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Point of view Setting Character actions and descriptions The hedgehog’s insecurity The wager between the hare and the hedgehog The wife’s role in the hedgehog’s plan The fate of the hare Theme
“From Beyond” by H.P. Lovecraft Quiz and Answer Key
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“From Beyond” by H.P. Lovecraft Quiz and Answer Key

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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 multiple choice quiz on “From Beyond” helps English teachers promote homework accountability, evaluate reading comprehension, and save time at home without sacrificing quality in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Crawford Tillinghast’s beliefs The purpose of an advanced machine The narrator’s connection to Tillinghast The narrator’s advice for Tillinghast The physical transformation of Tillinghast The location of Tillinghast’s lab The effects of the machine on the narrator The narrator’s emotional reaction to his supernatural experiences Tillinghast’s advice for staying safe The collective fate of Tillinghast’s servants Peculiar creatures surrounding the characters The fate of the machine Tillinghast’s apparent cause of death The police officers’ assumptions about the narrator
“Polaris” by H.P. Lovecraft Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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“Polaris” by H.P. Lovecraft Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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For many high school readers, supernatural fiction and fantasy are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “Polaris” by H.P. Lovecraft features plot elements consistent with the aforementioned genres: a narrator of questionable sanity, a dreamscape setting, the conflict between imagination and reality, and more. This rigorous worksheet covering “Polaris” (estimated Lexile Measure of 1200-1300) 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. 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 close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Provide an objective description of the story’s setting Discern how the narrator feels about Polaris and cite textual evidence in support of the claim Analyze the author’s craft to discern which literary devices are applied, with emphasis on hyperbaton, sibilance, callback, and personification Analyze a portion of the text to determine tone in context Identify several variables that put the protagonist and his people at a severe disadvantage against their brutish enemies Describe the narrator’s physical condition and infer how it may have influenced his opinion of Alos Understand the narrator’s modes of thinking, particularly as it relates to his failures Elaborate upon what is revealed in the poem, paying special attention to the Pole Star’s influence on the narrator Explain the effect that callback and personification have upon the reader Define complex vocabulary and phrasing in context Navigate specialized reference materials successfully Write with clarity, logic, and precision
"The Very Old Folk" by H.P. Lovecraft Close Reading
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"The Very Old Folk" by H.P. Lovecraft Close Reading

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Measure comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school and college with this set of rigorous questions on H.P. Lovecraft’s short story “The Very Old Folk.” The variety of reading question types also facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. With an estimated Lexile Measure of 1400-1500, this text and its corresponding active reading exercise are appropriate additions to a high school short story unit, especially at the 11th and 12th grade levels. A detailed answer key is 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 activity, students will demonstrate the following: 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 mindsets An ability to analyze complex vocabulary and phrasing in context An ability to navigate specialized reference materials successfully An ability to analyze a passage to discern its primary purpose An ability to analyze the text for literary devices such as situational irony An ability to analyze cause-and-effect relationships An ability to analyze textual details to infer and articulate the author’s intent An ability to find and articulate relevant textual details in support of a claim An ability to articulate what the text indicates both explicitly and implicitly An ability to write with clarity, logic, and precision
Life As We Knew It Chapter 16 Close Reading Worksheet
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Life As We Knew It Chapter 16 Close Reading Worksheet

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Go beyond reading comprehension with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Covering a chapter sixteen journal entry dated November 17, this resource supports the development of high school close reading skills and facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. This resource may serve as the basis for 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 Explain the intended effect of figurative language Consider how an allusion shapes meaning Analyze differences and nuances in word meanings Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Apply knowledge of literary devices such as onomatopoeia Explore implications about society in a post-meteor world Write about literature with clarity and precision
Life As We Knew It Chapter 2 Close Reading Worksheet
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Life As We Knew It Chapter 2 Close Reading Worksheet

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Go beyond reading comprehension with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Covering a chapter two journal entry dated May 18, this resource supports the development of high school close reading skills and facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. This resource may serve as the basis for 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 Explore how complex characters develop and interact Analyze language to discern the intended effect Apply knowledge of literary devices including hyperbole and metaphor Explore the author’s craft Support claims with relevant textual evidence and reasoning Write ideas with clarity and precision And more
Life As We Knew It Chapter 1 Close Reading Worksheet
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Life As We Knew It Chapter 1 Close Reading Worksheet

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Go beyond reading comprehension with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Covering a chapter one journal entry dated May 11, this resource supports the development of high school close reading skills and facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. This resource may serve as the basis for 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 Explore how complex characters develop and interact Analyze language to discern the intended effect Apply knowledge of literary devices including pun Make logical inferences about the protagonist’s modes of thinking Discern the main function of a given excerpt
Life As We Knew It Chapter 3 Close Reading Worksheet
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Life As We Knew It Chapter 3 Close Reading Worksheet

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Go beyond reading comprehension with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Covering a chapter three journal entry dated May 19, this resource supports the development of high school close reading skills and facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. This resource may serve as the basis for 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 Explore how complex characters develop and interact Analyze language to discern the intended effect Consider both denotative and connotative definitions of words as they are used in context Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony Determine a primary function of the chapter Support claims with relevant textual evidence and reasoning Write ideas with clarity and precision And more
Life As We Knew It Chapter 4 Close Reading Worksheet
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Life As We Knew It Chapter 4 Close Reading Worksheet

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Go beyond reading comprehension with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Covering a chapter four journal entry dated May 20, this resource supports the development of high school close reading skills and facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. This resource may serve as the basis for 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 Explore how complex characters develop and interact Analyze the author’s language to articulate the intended effect Apply knowledge of literary devices including simile, foreshadowing, and aposiopesis Explore the greater significance of a given detail Support claims with relevant textual evidence and reasoning Write ideas with clarity and precision
Life As We Knew It Chapter 6 Close Reading Worksheet
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Life As We Knew It Chapter 6 Close Reading Worksheet

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Go beyond reading comprehension with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Covering a chapter six journal entry dated June 15, this resource supports the development of high school close reading skills and facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. This resource may serve as the basis for 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 Analyze how complex characters develop and interact Analyze figurative language to articulate the intended effect Define complex words as they are used in the text Apply knowledge of literary devices including pun and dramatic irony Explore a significant shift in narrative tone Articulate the symbolic value of a given detail Support claims with relevant textual evidence and reasoning Write ideas with clarity and precision
Life As We Knew It Chapter 7 Close Reading Worksheet
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Life As We Knew It Chapter 7 Close Reading Worksheet

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Go beyond reading comprehension with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Covering a chapter seven journal entry dated July 2, this resource supports the development of high school close reading skills and facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. This resource may serve as the basis for 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 Analyze how complex characters develop and interact Make logical inferences about Miranda’s mindset in the context of the language she uses to communicate ideas Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion and situational irony Infer the reason(s) for Miranda’s frequent dreams of Becky Determine the function of the diary entry Support claims with relevant textual evidence and reasoning Write ideas with clarity and precision
Life As We Knew It Chapter 18 Close Reading Worksheet
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Life As We Knew It Chapter 18 Close Reading Worksheet

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Go beyond reading comprehension with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Covering a chapter eighteen journal entry dated December 25, this resource supports the development of high school close reading skills and facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. This resource may serve as the basis for 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 Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Apply knowledge of literary devices such as paradox and dramatic irony Compare and contrast Miranda’s childhood with her mother’s Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Life As We Knew It Chapter 15 Close Reading Worksheet
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Life As We Knew It Chapter 15 Close Reading Worksheet

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Go beyond reading comprehension with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Covering a chapter fifteen journal entry dated October 29, this resource supports the development of high school close reading skills and facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. This resource may serve as the basis for 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 Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Analyze differences and nuances in word meanings Apply knowledge of literary devices such as idiom, alliteration, cliché, euphemism, and dramatic irony Explore cause-and-effect relationships Defend whether Miranda’s behavior as it is conveyed in the entry is consistent or inconsistent with her previous characterization Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Life As We Knew It Chapter 5 Close Reading Worksheet
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Life As We Knew It Chapter 5 Close Reading Worksheet

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Go beyond reading comprehension with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Covering a chapter five journal entry dated June 3, this resource supports the development of high school close reading skills and facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. This resource may serve as the basis for 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 Explore how complex characters develop and interact Analyze the author’s language to articulate the intended effect Apply knowledge of literary devices including paradox, pun, and internal conflict Explore the greater significance of a given detail Determine the tone of a passage Support claims with relevant textual evidence and reasoning Write ideas with clarity and precision
"The Devil and Daniel Webster" Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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"The Devil and Daniel Webster" Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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For many high school students, humorous fiction, tall tales, and satire are types of literature that maximize interest and engagement. “The Devil and Daniel Webster” by Stephen Vincent Benet is a representative short story with great literary and academic merit. With this set of rigorous questions to complement the reading of “The Devil and Daniel Webster,” English Language Arts teachers will help students exercise close reading analysis skills. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Apply knowledge of literary devices including hyperbole, metaphor, simile, allusion, and onomatopoeia Discern the intended effect of the author’s word choices Analyze a given detail to discern what it foreshadows Identify several textual details in support of the claim that the stranger is the devil Explain the complication that threatens to derail the trial for both Daniel Webster and Jabez Stone Articulate how Daniel Webster overcomes the aforementioned complication Identify several details that convey Daniel Webster’s personal strength. Write with clarity and precision
To Kill a Mockingbird Chapters 12 and 13 Vocabulary Games and Activities
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To Kill a Mockingbird Chapters 12 and 13 Vocabulary Games and Activities

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Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement chapters 12 and 13 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: altercation, appalling, austere, clad, contemptuously, convey, curt, denunciation, diligently, elusive, formidable, frivolous, garish, habiliments, haughty, mutter, myopic, obliquely, prerogative, qualm, tactful, and tedious. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
To Kill a Mockingbird Chapters 16 through 18 Vocabulary Games and Activities
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To Kill a Mockingbird Chapters 16 through 18 Vocabulary Games and Activities

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Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement chapters 16, 17, and 18 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: acrimonious, affluent, ambidextrous, amiable, concede, eccentricity, elucidate, evoke, genially, haughty, mollify, serene, shrill, strenuous, sulk, tedious, unobtrusive, and weary. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
To Kill a Mockingbird Chapters 21 through 23 Vocabulary Games and Activities
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To Kill a Mockingbird Chapters 21 through 23 Vocabulary Games and Activities

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Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement chapters 21, 22, and 23 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: acquittal, appeal, credibility, fatalistic, feral, fretfully, furtive, grudge, impassive, indignant, inquire, peeved, resolve, ruefully, scurry, tranquil, vividly, and wrathfully. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
To Kill a Mockingbird Chapters 10 and 11 Vocabulary Games and Activities
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To Kill a Mockingbird Chapters 10 and 11 Vocabulary Games and Activities

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Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement chapters 10 and 11 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: apoplectic, cowardice, escapade, inconspicuous, mausoleum, meekly, oppressive, palliation, passe, propensity, providence, rectitude, skulk, tirade, umbrage, undulate, and vehemently. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
To Kill a Mockingbird Chapters 8 and 9 Vocabulary Games and Activities
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To Kill a Mockingbird Chapters 8 and 9 Vocabulary Games and Activities

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Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement chapters 8 and 9 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: aberrations, accost, feeble, guilelessness, inordinately, jim-dandy, libel, meteorological, procure, sternness, subdued, touchous, trousseau, vivid, and wary. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences