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 middle and high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering “The Wonderful Musician” by the Brothers Grimm. The brevity of the narrative, coupled with the learning objectives of the activity, helps teachers fill awkward gaps in the teaching schedule without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are 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 and implicitly
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including simile and foreshadowing
Consider themes in context
Articulate the irony associated with the narrative’s title
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss works of fiction
Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help students analyze a brief, yet complex short story: “Memory” by H.P. Lovecraft. This narrative has an estimated Lexile Measure of 1200-1300, making it an appropriate addition to a high school short story or fantasy unit, especially at the 11th and 12th grade levels. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will demonstrate an ability to do the following:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Discern the most accurate description of setting
Analyze the author’s craft with emphasis on how adjectives enhance the story
Define complex words in context
Analyze given excerpts to discern which literary devices are applied
Justify claims using reasoned thinking
Articulate the purpose of architectural remnants in the context of the story’s setting
Demonstrate knowledge of simile and explain its intended effect in context
Analyze the plot to infer the author’s perspectives on human existence
Write with clarity, logic, and precision
Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering the classic fairy tale “Tom Thumb” by the Brothers Grimm. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story 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 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
Determine the function of a given detail
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including aphorism, dramatic irony, foreshadowing, idiom, invective, situational irony, and more
Explore 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
Fairy tales are not just for elementary students; even high school readers can use (and enjoy) fairy tales as a tool for practicing close reading analysis skills. This worksheet composed of rigorous questions covers “The Fox and the Horse” by the Brothers Grimm. With an estimated Lexile Measure range of 1100-1200, the short story is especially suitable for middle and high school students. The briefness of the narrative also makes it an appropriate time-filler for awkward gaps in teaching schedules. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly
Isolate a factual statement from falsehoods in the context of the plot
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including anthropomorphism, hyperbole, situational irony, dramatic irony, and sibilance
Make logical inferences about character motivations
Analyze a character’s actions and statements to discern what they reveal about their morality
Make a reasonable argument about whether the horse could have benefited from giving greater consideration to the fox’s personal motivations
Cite textual evidence in support of original claims
Write with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering the fairy tale “Snow White and Rose Red” by the Brothers Grimm. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story 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 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
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, invective, onomatopoeia, simile, situational irony, and more
Explore 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
Fairy tales are not just for elementary readers; even middle and high school students may use fairy tales as tools for extending beyond reading comprehension and practicing close reading analysis skills. “The Girl Without Hands” by the Brothers Grimm, also known as “The Maiden Without Hands” and “The Armless Maiden,” is a short story about the plight of a maiden whose poor father makes a bargain that results in her disfigurement and confinement. English Language Arts teachers may assign this set of rigorous questions to complement the story and evaluate students’ high-order skills. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly
Explore how complex characters think, behave, and interact with others
Isolate a factual statement from falsehoods in the context of the miller’s characterization
Explain how situational irony and dramatic irony are applied
Discern the significance of the maiden’s decision to draw a circle around her
Explore cause-and-effect relationships (how losing her hands affects the maiden physically, psychologically, and interpersonally)
Analyze the silver hands for symbolic value
Define complex words in context
Apply knowledge of literary devices including alliteration and foreshadowing
Cite textual evidence to support claims and ideas
Write with clarity and precision
Support the development of high school close reading skills with this set of analysis questions to complement “The Other Gods” by H.P. Lovecraft. With an estimated Lexile Measure of 1200-1300, this text and its corresponding active reading exercise are appropriate additions to a mythology- or fantasy-themed 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 will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking.
By completing this exercise, high school students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Articulate character motivations
Articulate the means by which characters travel
Articulate how characters have undergone change
Clarify relationships between characters
Articulate how characters achieve objectives
Analyze how a character demonstrates hubris and the factors that contribute to the manifestation of hubris
Articulate the purpose of a given paragraph
Analyze how conflicting allegiances contribute to the development of internal conflict
Identify and explain multiple examples of situational irony in the text
Articulate how a character survives, connecting this explanation to a relevant theme
Write with clarity, logic, and precision
Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions on the short story “The Stolen Farthings” by the Brothers Grimm. The variety of question types will also help prepare students for standardized testing scenarios; emphasis is placed on character motivations and modes of thinking. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story (estimated Lexile measure of 1000-1100) are provided. This resource is most suitable for a short story or Halloween-themed unit at the middle school and early high school levels. 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 exercise, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly
Identify context clues that indicate a character is having a paranormal experience
Analyze the psychological state of the family, providing a rational explanation for why the family does not see the ghost
Define complex words in context
Apply knowledge of literary devices to the text (epiphany)
Explain the ghost’s unfinished business
Infer the parents’ shared motivation to donate two farthings to a poor person
Articulate a relevant theme
Discern the best description of the story’s tone
Write with clarity and precision
Engage a variety of middle and high school students with the incorporation of Grimm’s fairy tales into the classroom. “The Sea Hare” by the Brothers Grimm is a short story about characters who defy expectations in order to achieve personal goals. With this set of high-order questions, teachers will be able to extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills. While the close reading activity upholds academic rigor, the brevity of the narrative helps teachers fill awkward gaps in their teaching schedules. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing editable Word Documents and printable PDFs. By completing this activity, students will perform the following tasks:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Examine how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact
Evaluate whether the relationship between the princess and the young suitor is healthy or unhealthy
Explore aspects of the princess’ characterization that make her sympathetic to the audience
Define complex words as they are used in the text
Compare and contrast characters (the young suitor and the previous 99)
Apply knowledge of literary devices including onomatopoeia, symbolism, foreshadowing, and dramatic irony
Explore cause-and-effect relationships
Defend claims and ideas with valid reasoning and relevant textual evidence
Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class/leave class better prepared to discuss literary material
Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and develop critical thinking and craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering a lesser-known Grimm’s fairy tale titled “The Donkey.” An answer key and copy of the short story are provided. 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
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including alliteration, dramatic irony, simile, and situational irony
Articulate a relevant theme
Explore the motif of the guest-host relationship
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 middle and high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering the satirical short story “The Emperor’s New Clothes” by Hans Christian Andersen. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly
Explore nuances in words with similar meanings in order to choose the most appropriate synonym for a given term
Consider how the story conforms to conventions of fairy tale literature
Discern the function of a given passage
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including dramatic irony and situational irony
Explore implied themes about society
Make a claim about which human vice is most scrutinized in the story
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 middle and high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet covering the classic Grimm’s fairy tale “The Raven,” which centers on themes of persistence and resilience. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included. Materials are delivered in 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 completing this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Discern the function of a given excerpt
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, hyperbole, pun, paradox, symbolism, and more
Explore relevant themes in context
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about fairy tale fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and develop critical thinking and craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering a classic Grimm’s fairy tale titled “The Singing, Springing Lark.” An answer key and copy of the short story are provided. 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
Consult reference materials in order to learn or verify word meanings
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Compare and contrast characters
Apply knowledge of literary devices including alliteration, foreshadowing, hubris, hyperbole, metaphor, oxymoron, personification, simile, situational irony, symbolism, and more
Consider a relevant theme 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
This resource extends beyond text comprehension, helping high school students analyze the formal elements of fiction and respond thoughtfully in writing to questions about fairy tale literature. The featured short story is titled “The Hare and the Hedgehog” by the Brothers Grimm. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story, which has an estimated Lexile measure of 1000-1100, are provided. 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
Discern the target audience of the narrative
Apply knowledge of alliteration, assonance, sibilance, simile, and dramatic irony to the text
Discern the meaning of complex phrases in context
Discern the tone of a particular excerpt
Discern the most accurate characterization of the hedgehog
Articulate the consequence of the hare’s stubbornness
Compare and contrast the hare and the hedgehog
Cite textual evidence to support claims and ideas
Write with clarity and precision
For many high school readers, age-appropriate fantasy and fairy tale fiction are genres that maximize engagement with literature. With this worksheet composed of rigorous questions on “The Little Mermaid” by Hans Christian Andersen, English teachers will help students extend beyond reading comprehension, support the development of close reading analysis skills, and save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative (estimated Lexile Range 810-1000) are included. 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
Identify textual evidence in support of claims
Write with clarity and precision
Identify examples of various literary devices including alliteration, consonance, sibilance, situational irony, dramatic irony, metaphor, personification, inversion, and hyperbole
Discern author’s intent
Analyze the author’s incorporation of multiple similes to discern and explain what they have in common and what purpose(s) they serve
Discern tone in context
Identify and explain an example of situational irony in a given passage
Articulate why mermaids suffer sadness more strongly than humans
Articulate why there is a merry atmosphere aboard the prince’s ship
Identify and explain an example of dramatic irony in a given passage
Analyze the mermaid’s character to discern how she is naïve
Articulate factors that contribute to the little mermaid’s strife
Analyze how the little mermaid undergoes dynamic transformation
Isolate a factual statement about plot from falsehoods
Articulate the obstacles facing the little mermaid, according to her grandmother
Make logical inferences about the mermaid’s psychological state given her statements, thoughts, and actions
Infer why the little mermaid is most disturbed by the discovery of a mermaid’s skeleton in the sea-witch’s home
Analyze the character of the sea-witch to discern how she is portrayed as an antagonist
Define words and phrases in the context of a passage
Verify interpretations of language using reference materials such as a dictionary or thesaurus
Articulate the personal sacrifices the little mermaid will make in order to have a chance at gaining love and an immortal soul
Explain what makes a given scenario ironic
Analyze the relationship between the little mermaid and the prince to discern and articulate how it is unhealthy
Articulate the significance of a given detail or details
Analyze the little mermaid’s actions the night before the prince’s wedding to determine which virtues she exhibits
Articulate an internal conflict facing the little mermaid
Identify what the Daughters of the Air say about the effect of heat on human psychology
Explain the irony of the story’s resolution
Fairy tales are not just for elementary readers; even middle and high school students may use fairy tales as tools for extending beyond reading comprehension and practicing close reading analysis skills. “The Ugly Duckling” by Hans Christian Andersen is a representative short story that promotes active engagement with fiction. English Language Arts teachers may assign this set of rigorous questions to complement the story and evaluate students’ high-order skills. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Identify examples of various literary devices including onomatopoeia, assonance, consonance, foreshadowing, simile, personification, and symbolism
Discern author’s intent
Discern tone in context
Explain an example of foreshadowing in a given passage
Isolate a falsehood about plot among factual statements
Define words and phrases in the context of a passage
Verify interpretations of language using reference materials such as a dictionary or thesaurus
Articulate the significance of a given detail or details
Identify which descriptor best applies to the mother duck
Articulate why the mother duck rarely receives visitors
Discern and articulate a lesson the mother duck tries to instill in her babies
Analyze plot to generate a relevant theme about motherhood
Argue whether the mother duck is a sympathetic character
Support the claim that the tom cat and the hen do not appreciate the ugly duckling’s unique qualities
Articulate how the duckling comes into the possession of a peasant
Write with clarity and precision
Go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet to complement chapter 6 of Dracula by Bram Stoker. An answer key and copy of the chapter, which is in the public domain, 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 completing this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text says explicitly and implicitly
Determine the function of a given excerpt
Explore mood in relation to a given excerpt
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Contrast two characters (Mina and Swales)
Come to class better prepared to engage in collaborative discussions
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about Gothic literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet to complement chapter 5 of Dracula by Bram Stoker. An answer key and copy of the chapter, which is in the public domain, 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 completing this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text says explicitly and implicitly
Explain the benefits to maintaining an epistolary style
Discern the primary function of a particular journal entry
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Come to class better prepared to engage in collaborative discussions
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about Gothic literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet to complement chapter 4 of Dracula by Bram Stoker. An answer key and copy of the chapter, which is in the public domain, 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 completing this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text says explicitly and implicitly
Discern the intended effect of figurative language in context
Consider the greater significance of given details
Discern the primary function of a particular journal entry
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on epiphany, situational irony, personification, alliteration, and diacope
Conduct brief research on gypsies in order to to explain why Harker believes they may be helpful to him
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about Gothic literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet to complement chapter 3 of Dracula by Bram Stoker. An answer key and copy of the chapter, which is in the public domain, 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 completing this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text says explicitly and implicitly
Discern the primary purpose of a given paragraph
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on epiphany, oxymoron, and dramatic irony
Explain how gender norms of 19th Century England are broken
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about Gothic literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision