Hero image

Inquiring Mind of the English Teacher Kind

Average Rating3.44
(based on 23 reviews)

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.

2k+Uploads

482k+Views

78k+Downloads

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.
“Cinderella” by the Brothers Grimm Quiz and Answer Key
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

“Cinderella” by the Brothers Grimm Quiz and Answer Key

(0)
Help middle and high school students improve fluency, stamina, and text comprehension with a brief, engaging fairy tale titled “Cinderella” by the Brothers Grimm. A plot-based quiz is provided to measure reading comprehension, along with an answer key. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The origin of Cinderella’s name The step-sisters’ request of their step-father Cinderella’s request of her father The conditions under which the step-mother claims Cinderella may attend the ball The reason the step-mother does not follow through on her promise The person whose grave Cinderella visits The pigeons’ offering of help What happens when Cinderella attends the ball How Cinderella lost her slipper How the step-sisters attempt to deceive the prince The consequence of the step-sisters’ actions
“The Black Cat” by Edgar Allan Poe Quiz and Close Reading Bundle
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

“The Black Cat” by Edgar Allan Poe Quiz and Close Reading Bundle

3 Resources
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 Gothic short story “The Black Cat” by Edgar Allan Poe. Included are the following: a 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 with these materials, students will perform the following tasks: 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
Macbeth Act 5 Scene 7 Close Reading Worksheet
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

Macbeth Act 5 Scene 7 Close Reading Worksheet

(0)
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 7, 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 Explain the dual interpretations of a given phrase Discern the intended effect of figurative language in context Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Analyze how Macbeth’s circumstances have changed since preceding scenes transpired Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on onomatopoeia Support inferences and claims with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Macbeth Act 5 Scene 3 Close Reading Worksheet
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

Macbeth Act 5 Scene 3 Close Reading Worksheet

(0)
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
Macbeth Act 5 Scene 1 Close Reading Worksheet
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

Macbeth Act 5 Scene 1 Close Reading Worksheet

(0)
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
Macbeth Act 3 Scene 5 Close Reading Worksheet
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

Macbeth Act 3 Scene 5 Close Reading Worksheet

(0)
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 5, 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 complex words and phrases in context Explore cause-and-effect relationships Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare the characters of Lady Macbeth and Hecate Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on allusion Support inferences and claims with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Macbeth Act 3 Scene 3 Close Reading Worksheet
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

Macbeth Act 3 Scene 3 Close Reading Worksheet

(0)
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 3, 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 Discern tone in context Examine cause-and-effect relationships Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including callback and situational irony Explain the symbolism of the extinguished light Support inferences and claims with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Macbeth Act 1 Scene 2 Close Reading Worksheet
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

Macbeth Act 1 Scene 2 Close Reading Worksheet

(0)
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 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 Infer the intended effect of Shakespeare’s figurative language Discern tone in context Define complex and archaic words as they are used in the text Examine cause-and-effect relationships Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including sibilance, verbal irony, and allusion Identify the best textual evidence in support of claims and inferences
"The Devil and Daniel Webster" by Stephen Vincent Benet Craft Analysis Activity
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

"The Devil and Daniel Webster" by Stephen Vincent Benet Craft Analysis Activity

(0)
Help high school students develop a greater understanding of how Stephen Vincent Benet used hyperbole, simile, metaphor, and other literary devices to convey an exaggerated narrative in “The Devil and Daniel Webster” that is consistent with the supernatural fiction and tall tales. Delivered in both 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.
"The Monkey's Paw" by W. W. Jacobs Craft Analysis Activity
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

"The Monkey's Paw" by W. W. Jacobs Craft Analysis Activity

(0)
Help high school students analyze how W. W. Jacobs used foreshadowing, characterization, description, situational irony, verbal irony, personification, and symbolism to establish a tense mood and tone in “The Monkey’s Paw” that is consistent with the conventions of horror and supernatural fiction. 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.
“The Oval Portrait” by Edgar Allan Poe Craft Analysis Worksheet
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

“The Oval Portrait” by Edgar Allan Poe Craft Analysis Worksheet

(0)
Help high school students analyze how Edgar Allan Poe used figurative language, sonic language, and descriptive language to develop a complex Gothic narrative and convey obsessiveness of character in “The Oval Portrait.” 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 and copy of the public domain narrative are included.
“The Chaser” by John Collier Craft Analysis Activity
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

“The Chaser” by John Collier Craft Analysis Activity

(0)
Help high school students analyze how John Collier used direct description (setting and characterization), figurative language (euphemism, metaphor, and simile), and foreshadowing to develop a compelling work of fantasy in “The Chaser.” 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.
"Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" Craft Analysis Worksheet
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

"Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" Craft Analysis Worksheet

(0)
Help high school students explore how Mark Twain used literary devices like hyperbole, allusion, and simile to develop an exaggerated short story in “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,” also known as “Jim Smiley and His Jumping Frog” and “The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.” Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this resource serves well for an independent learning opportunity, as well as for small-group discussions in which students evaluate their peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to support claims. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included.
“The Beast in the Cave” by H.P. Lovecraft Craft Analysis Worksheet
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

“The Beast in the Cave” by H.P. Lovecraft Craft Analysis Worksheet

(0)
Help high school students develop a greater understanding of how H.P. Lovecraft used descriptive language, auditory imagery, characterization, and various literary techniques in “The Beast in the Cave” to establish an eerie mood consistent with the Gothic fiction genre. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, this resource serves well as 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 and copy of the public domain short story are included.
“Thank You, Ma’am” by Langston Hughes Craft Analysis Activity
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

“Thank You, Ma’am” by Langston Hughes Craft Analysis Activity

(0)
Help high school students analyze how Langston Hughes used direct description, dialect, and various literary devices to develop complex characters and situations in “Thank You, Ma’am.” 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.
"Through the Tunnel" by Doris Lessing Craft Analysis Activity
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

"Through the Tunnel" by Doris Lessing Craft Analysis Activity

(0)
Help high school students analyze how Doris Lessing used figurative language (simile), alliteration, descriptive language, and characterization to develop a compelling narrative and a mature, emotionally intelligent protagonist in “Through the Tunnel.” 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.
Much Ado About Nothing Quiz Bundle
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

Much Ado About Nothing Quiz Bundle

5 Resources
Conveniently measure general reading comprehension and hold students accountable for the entirety of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing with this bundle of five quizzes. Answer keys are included. All assessments are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The news Leonato receives Beatrice’s relation to Leonato Claudio’s romantic interest Don Pedro’s offer to Claudio Hero’s relation to Leonato Don John’s relation to Don Pedro Conrade’s interactions with Don John The quality Don John values most Borachio’s discovery and the method by which he made it The cause of Don John’s bitterness toward Don Pedro Why Leonato teases Beatrice Beatrice’s dance partner Beatrice’s treatment of her dance partner Borachio and Don John’s deception Benedick’s self-reflection Don Pedro’s promise to find Beatrice a husband Hero’s chambermaid The nature of Borachio’s interaction with Margaret A plan to misrepresent Hero Benedick’s assumptions about his future Balthasar’s actions The deception of Benedick Benedick’s promise to love Beatrice Hero and Margaret’s trickery The effect of Hero and Margaret’s trickery Hero and Margaret’s criticism of Beatrice Benedick’s character transformation Benedick’s request to speak to Leonato privately Don Pedro and Claudio’s agreement should Hero be proven unfaithful Claudio’s comparison of Benedick and Beatrice to two bears The identity of the magistrate The characterization of the magistrate Borachio’s drunken bragging The identities of two arrested characters Claudio’s behavior at the wedding Hero’s reaction to Claudio’s insults Don John’s statements on the significance of Hero’s reaction Leonato’s feelings toward his daughter Friar Francis’ feelings toward Hero Friar Francis’ suggested course of action Beatrice’s dramatic request of Benedick Dogberry’s terrible interrogation Sexton’s task Conrade’s insults toward Dogberry Antonio’s attempts to calm Leonato Leonato’s decision to seek revenge Leonato’s change of heart Claudio’s feelings about dueling against Benedick Don John’s decision to flee Claudio’s rekindled affection toward Hero Leonato’s demands of Don Pedro and Claudio Ursula’s news Benedick’s request of Friar Francis News that disrupts the wedding
“The Fog Horn” by Ray Bradbury Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

“The Fog Horn” by Ray Bradbury Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

(0)
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 science fiction short story “The Fog Horn” by Ray Bradbury. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging in this exercise, students will… 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
Fallen Angels Close Reading Worksheets Bundle
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

Fallen Angels Close Reading Worksheets Bundle

5 Resources
Help students engage in analysis of Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers with this set of close reading worksheets delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Passages from chapters 1, 5, 10, 14, and 21 are featured. Answer keys are included. By engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Identify textual evidence in support of claims Discern what given passages reflect about the protagonist’s modes of thinking Make logical inferences about characters’ psychological states based on actions Apply knowledge of a variety of literary devices Determine the functions of given passages Analyze a situation to discern what is both positive and negative in terms of its outcome Explore character motivations Explain how dramatic irony is present in a given passage Make logical inferences about the author’s intent Examine how complex characters behave and interact Discern tone in context Write with clarity and precision And more
Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers Quiz and Answer Key Bundle
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers Quiz and Answer Key Bundle

6 Resources
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this bundle of plot-based quizzes covering the entirety of Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers. The assessments may double as guided reading worksheets to facilitate active engagement with the novel. Answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By taking these quizzes, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Perry’s home city Perry’s hopes and dreams Perry’s motivations for serving in the military Perry’s physical limitations Rumors concerning the war Peewee’s erratic behavior Perry’s relation to Kenny Why Peewee likes being in the military Jenkins’ motivations for serving in the military Why Lt. Carroll refers to Jenkins as an “angel warrior” The veteran soldiers’ perception of Lt. Carroll The reason for a mission to a Vietnamese village The purpose of Earlene’s letter to Peewee Lt. Carroll’s request of Perry Perry’s loyalty to his squad Lobel’s mindset at he is on patrol Perry’s stated reason for being a soldier The reason Perry does not participate in the killing of an adversary Perry’s mindset as he looks at the corpse of the adversary Captain Stewart’s lies Perry’s physical condition The reason for a fistfight between two characters Why Peewee asks Perry to write a letter to Earlene A major mistake by another squad Lt. Carroll’s generosity Perry’s request of Brew Monaco’s reckless behavior The purpose of a visit to a Vietnamese village Brunner’s behavior while in the Vietnamese village Johnson’s defense of Perry What Peewee wants to buy while in the Vietnamese village The content of a letter Lobel receives Kenny’s personal goals as outlined in his letter to Perry Peewee’s emotional state as he interacts with Red Cross representatives The location where the squad will wait to ambush enemy forces The death of a character following a conflict Who is tasked with notifying the dead character’s family Perry’s declining of an offer from Stewart Perry’s learning of how Vietnamese forces treat hostages Lobel’s extreme guilt The author of a letter sent to Peewee A lengthy discussion on draft-dodging The rumor circulating about the war An incident that jeopardizes the squad’s safety Who accepts responsibility for the aforementioned incident The reason for a group vote The main purpose of the American soldiers’ mission to ambush Vietnamese forces Perry’s brush with death How Peewee is affected by events The ARVN Jamal’s role Tam Ky Why Gearhart does not order his men to fire upon enemy forces Simpson’s feelings toward Captain Stewart Perry’s physical condition The nature of Perry’s injuries Judy’s role What happens to Brew What Perry sends Kenny The squad’s suspicions about Dongan Dongan’s trick to make enemy forces vulnerable to attack A booby-trapped child Perry’s observations before shooting an enemy soldier Dongan’s death The reason for burning American soldiers’ bodies The incident involving a jet Monaco’s hallucinations The reason Gearhart hands Perry a letter What Gearhart hands Walowick Why Perry feels distressed when writing to Kenny Brunner’s new role Qualities Perry and Peewee share in common How Perry and Peewee are separated from their peers Where Perry and Peewee spend a night The Viet Cong fighters’ trap Perry’s concerns for his physical condition An update on Judy Duncan Characters who are sent home