Say hello to a platform dedicated to industrious, yet overtasked teachers like you. Say goodbye to countless hours spent developing relevant and engaging ELA lessons. Whether you are teaching the fundamentals of grammar, creative writing skills, classic literature, or contemporary fiction, you will find thousands of activities and assessments to help you achieve a healthier work-life balance without sacrificing academic rigor.
Say hello to a platform dedicated to industrious, yet overtasked teachers like you. Say goodbye to countless hours spent developing relevant and engaging ELA lessons. Whether you are teaching the fundamentals of grammar, creative writing skills, classic literature, or contemporary fiction, you will find thousands of activities and assessments to help you achieve a healthier work-life balance without sacrificing academic rigor.
Help high schoolers go beyond basic comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading inference worksheet covering Richard Connell’s short story “The Most Dangerous Game.” An answer key and copy of the narrative are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will do the following:
Read for literal comprehension
Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings as needed
Infer the intended effects of the authors’ word choices and narrative techniques
Determine the function of a given detail
Discern tone in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Compare and contrast two characters (Zaroff and Rainsford)
Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on allusion, euphemism, personification, situational irony, verbal irony, and more
Make a rational prediction about the protagonist’s future behavior given the full context of the narrative
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
Help high school students explore literary craft with this activity covering Richard Connell’s short story “The Most Dangerous Game.” With this worksheet, students will isolate and reflect upon textual details that meaningfully develop character and advance plot. An answer key is provided, as well as a copy of the narrative, which makes for an excellent addition to a short story unit for grades 9 through 12. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this literary craft analysis activity, students will:
Isolate characterization details that elicit emotional responses from readers
Isolate examples of figurative language and articulate the intended effects
Isolate examples of descriptive language that contribute to an atmosphere of curiosity and urgency
Convey information through speech and writing in a coherent manner
Come to class better prepared to discuss works of fiction
Help students demonstrate knowledge of literary elements and apply their understanding to Richard Connell’s short story “The Most Dangerous Game.” With this worksheet, students will identify the literary device that best applies to a given detail and explain their reasoning. An answer key and copy of the text are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. The following essential vocabulary terms are addressed:
Exposition
Setting
Inciting incident
External conflict
Internal conflict
Complication
Rising action
Climax
Resolution
Theme
Protagonist
Antagonist
Characterization
Foreshadowing
Dynamic character
Dramatic irony
Verbal irony
Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement W. W. Jacobs’ short story “The Monkey’s Paw.” The following are included: a crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, the public domain narrative, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. 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 comprehension and engage high schoolers with a classic example of horror fiction with this plot-based quiz covering W. W. Jacobs’ short story “The Monkey’s Paw.” The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate engagement with the narrative. An answer key and copy of the text are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By taking this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Weather conditions
Interactions among family members
The visitor’s background
Herbert’s initial reaction to the object
Strange observations in a dying fire
The effects of a strange object
The reason Mr. White is reluctant to make subsequent wishes
Ominous sounds
Conflicting motivations of characters
The resolution
Help high school students explore literary craft with this activity covering W. W. Jacobs’ short story “The Monkey’s Paw.” With this worksheet, students will isolate and reflect upon textual details that meaningfully establish setting, develop characterization, and advance plot. An answer key is provided, as well as a copy of the narrative, which makes for an excellent addition to a short story unit for grades 9 through 12. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this literary craft analysis activity, students will:
Isolate characterization details that elicit emotional responses from readers
Isolate examples of descriptive language that establish and sustain a suspenseful tone
Isolate examples of foreshadowing and articulate what those details reveal about future events
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including personification, situational irony, symbolism, and verbal irony
Convey information through speech and writing in a coherent manner
Come to class better prepared to discuss works of fiction
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering “The Interlopers” by Saki. This resource 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 printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
The story’s setting
The story’s point of view
A legal judgment and corresponding conflict
A secret wish
The encounter between Ulrich and Georg
A complication
A major realization and sudden friendship
The resolution
The title’s significance
Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this rigorous close reading analysis worksheet covering the short story “The Interlopers” by Saki. A detailed answer key and copy of the public domain narrative 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 completing this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Explore how point of view shapes the readers’ understanding of the story
Articulate the intended effects of the author’s diction (“pestilential wind,” “snarled,” etc.)
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including metaphor, oxymoron, personification, onomatopoeia, foreshadowing, symbolism, and situational irony
Determine the function of a given passage
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the short story “The Interlopers” by Saki. A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, the public domain narrative, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: acquiesce, affray, dispossess, exasperation, fitful, interloper, keen, languor, pious, plight, precipitous, retort, vain, and wrest.
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, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching Saki’s short story “The Interlopers,” which features elements consistent with the horror and psychological fiction genres: a moody setting, bloodlust, entrapment, and more. A plot-based quiz, close reading worksheet, craft analysis exercise, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, 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
Explore how point of view shapes the readers’ understanding of the story
Articulate the intended effects of the author’s diction (“pestilential wind,” “snarled,” etc.)
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
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including metaphor, oxymoron, personification, onomatopoeia, foreshadowing, symbolism, and situational irony
Determine the function of a given passage
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Help high school students explore literary craft with this activity covering Saki’s short story “The Interlopers.” With this worksheet, students will isolate and reflect upon textual details that meaningfully develop character and advance plot. An answer key is provided, as well as a copy of the narrative, which makes for an excellent addition to a short story unit for grades 9 through 12. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this literary craft analysis activity, students will:
Isolate characterization details that elicit emotional responses from readers
Isolate examples of figurative language and articulate the intended effects
Isolate examples of descriptive language that contribute to an atmosphere of urgency
Isolate examples of foreshadowing and articulate what those details reveal about future events
Explore the symbolism associated with objects in the narrative
Convey information through speech and writing in a coherent manner
Come to class better prepared to discuss works of fiction
Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions on Shirley Jackson’s short story “The Lottery.” A variety of question types facilitates the process of analyzing character development, examining how word choices influence a reader’s interpretations, applying knowledge of literary devices, and more. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will…
Read for literal comprehension
Utilize dictionaries to ensure knowledge of word meanings
Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Determine the function of a given passage
Consider tone in context
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and change
Explore the role of setting in terms of developing characterization
Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, invective, and situational irony
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning responsibilities with this multiple choice quiz covering the short story “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson. Additionally, a short answer option is provided for re-assessment purposes. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By taking these assessments, students will demonstrate:
A knowledge of characters
A knowledge of the lottery’s procedural aspects
A knowledge of how foreshadowing
An ability to make reasonable inferences about plot
An ability to discern relevant details in response to a question
An ability to write with clarity and precision
And more
Facilitate vocabulary development, evaluate general reading comprehension, and support critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this bundle of materials for teaching three compelling short stories by Shirley Jackson: “The Lottery,” “The Possibility of Evil,” and “Charles.” A quiz, close reading worksheet, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, and word search game are provided for each narrative. Answer keys for everything are also included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will do the following:
Identify what the texts state explicitly and implicitly
Determine the meanings of unfamiliar and complex words
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Determine the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Discern the functions of given details
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including dramatic irony, foreshadowing, situational irony, and symbolism
Conduct brief online research on a relevant topic to answer a question about plot
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
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 14 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
Isolate examples of internal conflict in context
Reflect on the author’s stylistic choices
Discern the function of a given passage
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 13 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
Indicate the function of Van Helsing’s telegram to Mina
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including dramatic irony
Make a prediction about potential plot developments
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 12 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
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed
Discern the intended effects of the author’s narrative techniques with emphasis on figurative language and the development of an ominous atmosphere
Consider tone in context
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
List examples of male chauvinism in context
Consider how heteronormativity may play a role in Van Helsing’s decision not to ask the maids to donate their blood to save Lucy’s life
Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on personification, alliteration, paradox, onomatopoeia, and more
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 9 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
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed
Consider tone in context
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Contrast two characters
Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on dramatic irony
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 8 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
Consider the greater significance of given details
Discern the intended effects of the author’s narrative techniques with emphasis on developing suspense
Determine the function of a given excerpt
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including symbolism and dramatic irony
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
