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.
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Saki’s short story titled “The Storyteller.” The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
Setting
Weather conditions
Details about the aunt’s story
The moral of the aunt’s story
The children’s reaction to the aunt’s story
The identity of the person who travels alongside the aunt and kids
A description of Bertha
Bertha’s meaningful objects
Where Bertha visits
The danger facing Bertha
The aunt’s reaction to the bachelor’s story
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Fritz Leiber’s science fiction short story titled “Mariana.” The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with literature. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
Mariana’s feelings toward the tall pine trees around her house
Jonathan’s comments on the origin of the pine trees
Jonathan’s condescension toward Mariana
Mariana’s decision to switch off the trees and her observations about the landscape
Mariana’s attempt to cheer herself up
The breaking of a switch
The consequences of Mariana’s decision to switch the house off
Jonathan’s extreme reaction to Mariana’s decision
Where Mariana finds herself near the story’s resolution
The revelation of a sixth (and final) switch and its significance.
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Arthur C. Clarke’s science fiction short story “History Lesson.” A short answer quiz option is also provided for re-assessment purposes. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
The tribe’s fears
Hope for survival
A reason for the Ice Age
The Ice Age’s effect on Venus
Shann’s sons and their efforts to save items for future generations
The discovery of the preserved items
Human accomplishments vs. those of the Venusians
Studying the film record
Dramatic irony
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz on Marvin Kaye’s satirical short story “Ms. Lipshutz and the Goblin.” The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
Daphne’s Quest for the Perfect Mate
The story’s setting
Daphne’s professional life
Daphne’s first impression of Klotsch
Klotsch’s poor behavior
Klotsch’s previous employer
The reason Daphne misses the bus
Daphne and Klotsch’s post-marriage lives
Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the short story “The Open Window” by Saki. A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: briskly, bustle, endeavor, habitation, hoarse, imminent, infirmity, mope, pariah, rectory, scarcity, treacherous, and unduly.
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
Help high school students improve fluency, stamina, text comprehension, and close reading analysis of the formal elements of fiction with this resource for teaching “The Open Window” by Saki. Additional materials are included to facilitate planning for unexpected teacher absences. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Included are the following:
Public domain short story. With an estimated Lexile Measure range of 1000 to 1100, the narrative is a suitable selection for middle and high school English Language Arts classes.
Close reading analysis worksheet. By engaging with this exercise, students will articulate what is stated explicitly and implicitly; identify the point of view and setting details; analyze how complex characters think, interact, and behave; discern the meaning of unfamiliar words and phrases; examine cause-and-effect relationships; apply knowledge of literary devices including dramatic irony; cite textual evidence in support of claims; and write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision. Questions are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
Close reading analysis worksheet answer key.
Low-prep lesson plan for unexpected absences. This comes pre-filled with learning targets and agenda items. Space is also designated for classroom teachers to identify the name(s) of their class(es), the hour(s) of their class(es), student leaders, and upcoming homework assignments and assessments.
Bell ringer activity. Help a substitute teacher engage students (and find time to take attendance) with a thematically linked writing prompt.
Miscellaneous performance tasks handout. Extend student thinking and learning in the event of unexpected absences with this item outlining creative tasks pertaining to the short story. For example, students may write poetry or journal entries from the perspective of a character; write a brief retelling of the narrative from a different character’s perspective; explore the thematic significance of stories; review the overall quality of the narrative with objectivity and supporting evidence; and more.
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Saki’s short story “The Open Window.” The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
The reason for Framton’s visit to the country
The concern of Framton’s sister
The nature of the relationship between Framton and Mrs. Sappleton
Vera’s relation to Mrs. Sappleton
The details of Vera’s fanciful story
Mrs. Sappleton’s general disposition toward Framton
The reason for Framton’s aprupt departure
Vera’s storytelling to conclude the narrative
Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills for high school with this close reading analysis worksheet covering the science fiction short story “The Star Beast” by Nicholas Stuart Gray. A detailed answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques with emphasis on how the author helps the audience empathize with a non-human protagonist
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including hubris and situational irony
Consider themes in context
Articulate how the narrative conforms to standard conventions of science fiction
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
Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the science fiction short story “The Star Beast” by Nicholas Stuart Gray. A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: acquisition, coffer, collate, cower, disused, draggled, dreary, graceful, inflammable, mutter, prod, refuge, shamble, 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
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the science fiction short story “The Star Beast” by Nicholas Stuart Gray. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the narrative. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Where the creature first encounters humans
What drives the creature to approach humans
The physical characteristics of the creature
The older couple’s emotional reaction to the creature
Where the city experts keep the creature detained
The knowledge of the creature
The collective reaction to the creature after examination and interrogation
How humans mock the creature
The creature’s definition of a man
How the proceeds of the creature’s sale are invested
The new location of the creature after being sold
The creature’s prominent fear
The resolution
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, sharpen critical thinking skills, and prepare for unexpected teacher absences with this bundle of materials for teaching the short story “The Open Window” by Saki. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, emergency lesson plans, 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
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on dramatic 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
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the short story “The Good Deed” by Pearl S. Buck, a piece of realistic fiction that highlights different cultural perspectives on marriage and family dynamics. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, 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
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Articulate Lili’s internal conflict
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including situational irony, dramatic irony, aposiopesis, symbolism, and more
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, support critical thinking, and promote homework accountability with this bundle of formative assessments covering Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story “The Wives of the Dead,” a piece addressing themes of grief and illusion. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the public domain narrative, and answer keys are 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 these materials, students will perform the following tasks:
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
Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Discern the narrative’s point of view
Describe tone in context
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Compare and contrast the protagonists
Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion, ambiguity, dramatic irony, and situational irony
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering the science fiction short story “The Star” by H.G. Wells. A detailed answer key is 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 completing this close reading activity, 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
Describe tone in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including alliteration, personification, simile, and more
Generate a relevant theme and support how it is developed
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 and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the science fiction short story “The Star” by H.G. Wells. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the narrative. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Setting
A discovery about the planet Neptune
The cause of a disastrous fireball
Scientists’ initial findings about the fireball
A mathematician’s discovery
The reaction of the general public
The effects of the fireball’s approach on Earth
The reason Earth is saved from complete annihilation
The future of surviving humans
A revelation in the resolution
Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement H.G. Wells’ short story “The Star.” A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, the public domain narrative, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: agape, apparition, astir, engender, erratic, feign, flare, habitual, imminent, impalpable, incandescence, incessantly, jestingly, minaret, obdurate, pallid, pitiless, recede, rudderless, scant, scarcely, seething, sentinel, serene, trudge, tumult, turbid, and zenith.
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
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Anton Chekhov’s short story “The Bet.” The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
Point of view
The context of the lawyer and banker’s encounter
The lawyer and banker’s respective views on capital punishment
The general tone of the conversation
The terms of the bet
The lawyer’s motivations
Items the lawyer is allowed to possess
The banker’s carelessness
The banker’s willingness to commit a crime
The lawyer’s revelation
News from the night watchman
The resolution
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “Contents of the Dead Man’s Pocket” by Jack Finney. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
Setting
The protagonist’s career
The wife’s location
The reason the protagonist does not go with his wife
Complications facing the protagonist
The protagonist’s efforts to gain attention
The psychological state of the protagonist
The resolution
Situational irony
Theme
Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet covering Jack Finney’s short story “Contents of the Dead Man’s Pocket.” An answer key is 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 completing this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly
Isolate an example of figurative language
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques with an emphasis on the incorporation of em-dashes and imagery
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including epiphany, onomatopoeia, personification, simile, 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
Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement Jack Finney’s short story “Contents of the Dead Man’s Pocket.” A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: convoluted, deftness, exhalation, flare, interminable, mutter, ornate, pane, precede, revel, scrabble, shudder, sill, taut, and totter.
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