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 learners go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this bundle of rigorous activities covering Mary Shelley’s science fiction novel Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus. Answer keys and the public domain novel are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Discern the functions of given excerpts
Consider the greater significance of given details
Describe tone in context
Determine the intended effects of the author’s narrative techniques
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Compare and contrast characters
Explore themes in context with emphasis on “the barbarity of man,” the treatment of women, and systemic inequities
Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion, dramatic irony, foreshadowing, metaphor, simile, situational irony, symbolism, and more
Make logical predictions about plot in context
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
And more
This bundle of editable assessments check for general comprehension and holds students accountable for the assigned reading of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. Answer keys are included. All materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
Questions pertain to the following important details:
Character description of a typical Baggins
Gandalf’s surprise appearance
Bilbo and Gandalf’s awkward conversation
The first dwarf to arrive unexpectedly
Awakening “something Tookish” within Bilbo
The dwarves’ skepticism toward Bilbo’s participation
Bilbo’s designated role
Description of the town of Dale
What Thorin receives from Gandalf during the party
The lost wealth of Thorin’s family
The morning after the unexpected party
The letter
Disappearance of a major character
A discovery that leads the adventurers into trouble
Bert, Tom, and William
Bilbo’s weak bargaining attempts
Capturing the dwarves
Rescuing the dwarves
Discoveries made before locating the troll’s cave
Lonely Mountain
Rivendell
Elrond
The peculiar quality of the adventurers’ map
Background on the weapons the adventurers’ retrieved from trolls
Seeking safety inside the cave
The Orcrist
Glamdring the Foe-hammer
Goblins’ fear of something inside the cave
The riddle game
Discovery of the magical ring
Bilbo’s escape from the cave
The dwarves’ complaints
Gandalf’s insistence that the dwarves look for Bilbo
The adventurers’ reaction to Bilbo’s sudden return
Incident involving the Wargs
Wargs and their history with another antagonistic group
Gandalf’s rescue efforts
The Eagles’ arrival
The Eagles’ fear of man
“Skin-changing”
Beorn’s feelings toward animals
The adventurers’ strategy for approaching Beorn
Beorn’s background
Bilbo’s frightening observations at night
Gandalf’s discovery of animal tracks outside the residence
Beorn’s concerns for the adventurers
Details concerning Mirkwood’s black stream
Beorn’s advice
Lighting watch-fires
A deep-sleep state
Hastily using the last of the arrows
Bombur’s dream
Veering off the path in Mirkwood
Bilbo’s transformative experience involving a spider
Bilbo’s sword
Abduction by the wood-elves
The Elvenking’s questioning of Thorin
Thorin’s reluctance to share details
The consequence Thorin faces
A near-confession
Lake-town
Bilbo’s plan to release his friends
The escape plan and its glaring flaw
The bridge guards’ response to Thorin’s presence
The Master of Lake-town’s skepticism
The citizens’ overwhelming response to the adventurers’ presence
Reaching the mountain’s secret door
The foreshadowing appearance of the thrush
Bilbo’s frustration
Unique quality of dragons
Bilbo pilfering treasure
The adventurers’ terrible realization concerning Smaug
The adventurers’ abrupt frustration toward Bilbo
Speaking in riddles
Smaug’s suspicions and plan to attack
The function of the thrush
The Arkenstone
Bilbo’s plans for the Arkenstone
Smaug’s assault
The master bowman
The thrush’s instructions
Why Lake Town’s citizens were furious with their Master
The wood-elves response to the tragedy
Thorin’s request of Roac
Thorin on why the adventurers are not liable for damages
Thorin’s promise to the people of Lake Town
Dain’s plan
Bilbo conspiring with outsiders
Bilbo’s justification for bargaining
Thorin’s response to Bilbo’s justification
Unity among dwarves, elves, and men
The return of the Eagles
Thorin’s realization about what would make for a merrier world
The new King Under the Mountain
Bards gifts to Bilbo
Beorn’s new role
Gandalf’s statement regarding a more peaceful forest
The surprise awaiting Bilbo at home
Bilbo’s changed reputation at home
This bundle of exercises reinforces grammar rules to be applied in high school writing. Whether the goal is to gather formative data on student skills or augment preparation for standardized testing scenarios, these materials provide explanations for various grammar principles and straightforward practices that students may complete in the classroom or as an independent activity. All resources are delivered in both Word Document and PDF formats. Concepts covered include the following:
The Verb and its Parts.
This formative grammar worksheet measures how well students can identify main verbs and helping verbs. Featuring 20 opportunities to practice application of knowledge, this editable resource is recommended for middle and high school students enrolled in composition classes emphasizing rudimentary writing skills. An answer key is included.
Simple, Compound, and Complete Subjects and Predicates.
This formative grammar packet reviews the basics of subjects and predicates in their simple, compound, and complete forms. This resource is recommended for middle and high school students enrolled in composition classes emphasizing rudimentary writing skills. An answer key is included.
Applying Verb Tenses (Emphasis on Irregular Verbs).
This grammar packet includes explanations and examples of verbs in their principal parts with an emphasis on irregular verbs. Practices involve filling in blanks to correctly apply verb tenses. This resource is recommended for middle school students preparing for high school composition classes, as well as for high school students enrolled in composition courses emphasizing rudimentary writing skills. An answer key is included.
Transitive and Intransitive Verbs.
This formative grammar worksheet measures how well students understand transitive and intransitive verbs. Featuring 20 opportunities to practice application of knowledge, this editable resource is recommended for middle and high school students enrolled in composition classes emphasizing rudimentary writing skills. An answer key is included.
Commas, Conjunctions, and Semicolons.
This grammar packet covers 12 essential rules for using commas, semicolons, and conjunctions correctly. Students apply their understanding of these rules by making revisions to several sentences. This resource is recommended for high school students enrolled in composition classes emphasizing rudimentary writing skills. An answer key is included.
Apostrophe Rules.
This grammar packet covers 16 tips for applying apostrophe rules correctly. Students apply their understanding of these rules by making revisions to several sentences. This resource is recommended for middle and high school students enrolled in composition classes emphasizing foundational writing skills. An answer key is included.
Comparative and Superlative Adjectives.
This formative grammar worksheet reviews the basics of common and irregular adjectives that compare. Featuring 50 opportunities to apply knowledge of comparative and superlative adjectives, this resource is recommended for middle and high school students enrolled in composition classes emphasizing rudimentary writing skills. An answer key is included.
Comparative and Superlative Adverbs.
This formative grammar worksheet reviews the basics of common and irregular adverbs that compare. Featuring 45 opportunities to apply knowledge of comparative and superlative adverbs, this resource is recommended for middle and high school students enrolled in composition classes emphasizing rudimentary writing skills. An answer key is included.
Precise Language with Synonyms.
This formative grammar worksheet helps students understand how context influences word choices. Students will identify the synonym that best suits the context of a given sentence. Featuring 30 opportunities to practice application of knowledge, this resource is recommended for middle and high school students enrolled in composition classes emphasizing rudimentary writing skills. An answer key is included.
Writing Numerals and Using Active Voice.
This grammar packet covers 16 rules for writing numerals according to standard conventions. It also helps students practice using active voice (and word economy) by revising sentences written in passive voice. This resource is recommended for high school students enrolled in composition classes emphasizing rudimentary writing skills. An answer key is included.
Singular and Plural Indefinite Pronouns.
This formative grammar packet reviews the basics of singular and plural indefinite pronouns and matching them with appropriate verb forms in context. This resource is recommended for middle and high school students enrolled in composition classes emphasizing rudimentary writing skills. An answer key is included.
Possessive Pronouns.
This formative grammar worksheet reviews the basics of possessive pronouns with an emphasis on correctly applying them to animals in context. Featuring 24 opportunities to apply knowledge of possessive pronouns, this resource is recommended for middle and high school students enrolled in composition classes emphasizing rudimentary writing skills. An answer key is included.
Demonstrative & Interrogative Pronouns.
This formative grammar worksheet measures how well students can apply knowledge of demonstrative pronouns and interrogative pronouns. Featuring 20 opportunities to practice application of knowledge, this editable resource is recommended for middle and high school students enrolled in composition classes emphasizing rudimentary writing skills. An answer key is included.
Verbals.
This formative grammar worksheet helps students understand how to use verbals (gerunds, participles, and infinitives). Featuring 60 opportunities to practice application of knowledge, this resource is recommended for middle and high school students enrolled in composition classes emphasizing rudimentary writing skills. An answer key is included.
Compound Subjects and Verb Agreement.
This formative grammar worksheet addresses the basics of conjugating verbs so that their forms match their compound subjects correctly. Featuring 30 opportunities to apply knowledge of compound subjects and verbs, this resource is recommended for middle and high school students enrolled in composition classes emphasizing rudimentary writing skills. An answer key is included.
Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement.
This grammar worksheet covers the general principles of pronoun-antecedent agreement. It helps students recognize and apply these rules so they write and speak according to standard conventions. This resource is recommended for high school students enrolled in composition classes emphasizing foundational writing skills. An answer key is included.
Resolving Common Word Usage Errors.
This grammar worksheet covers 30 common word usage errors in high school writing and speaking. It is designed to help students recognize and apply standard usage principles in formal communications and is recommended for high school students enrolled in composition classes emphasizing foundational writing skills. An answer key is included. Usage principles covered include the following:
accept vs. except
advice vs. advise
affect vs. effect
all ready vs. already
all right vs. alright
all together vs. altogether
allusion vs. illusion
among vs. between
amount vs. number
anyway vs. anyways
being as/that vs. since
beside vs. besides
could/would/should have vs. could/would/should of
couldn’t care less vs. could care less
each other vs. one another
enthusiastic vs. enthused
farther vs. fewer
fewer vs. less
good vs. well
imply vs. infer
in vs. into
its vs. it’s
lay vs. lie
lose vs. loose
principal vs. principle
regardless vs. irregardless
supposedly vs. supposably
than vs. then
who vs. whom
whose vs. who’s
Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this bundle of formative assessments covering Act 2 of William Shakespeare’s comedy As You Like It. A plot-based quiz, seven close reading worksheets (one per scene), a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will:
Read for literal comprehension
Determine the meanings of unfamiliar and archaic 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
Infer the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices and dramatic techniques
Determine the function of a given scene
Describe tone in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact
Apply knowledge of literary devices such as personification, metaphor, simile, hyperbole, allusion, paradox, situational irony, and more
Consider themes in context
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works
Evaluate general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this bundle of plot-based quizzes covering each individual chapter of George Orwell’s Animal Farm. The assessments may double as guided reading worksheets to facilitate engagement with the text. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
Facilitate vocabulary development, evaluate general reading comprehension, and support critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this bundle of materials for teaching three short stories by Roald Dahl: “Lamb to the Slaughter,” “Beware of the Dog,” and “The Landlady.” 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
Explore how “Beware of the Dog” conforms to the conventions of surrealism
Conduct research as needed to answer questions involving historical context and autobiographical parallels in “Beware of the Dog”
Describe the tone of a given passage
Determine the functions of given passages
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including euphemism, foreshadowing, onomatopoeia, paradox, personification, simile, situational irony, symbolism, and more
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
Facilitate vocabulary development, evaluate general reading comprehension, and support critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this bundle of materials for teaching three short stories by Gary Soto: “The Challenge,” “The No-Guitar Blues,” and “Broken Chain.” 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
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including dramatic irony, idiom, invective, simile, situational irony, symbolism, and more
Reflect on the author’s choice of title (“Broken Chain”) and interpret it figuratively
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
Frontload assigned readings with these vocabulary games and activities to facilitate comprehension of Mary Shelley’s science fiction novel Frankenstein, also known as The Modern Prometheus. Alternatively, stash these materials in an emergency sub folder to keep students meaningfully engaged in the book during unexpected teacher absences. Included are eight vocabulary application activities, eight crossword puzzles, eight word search games, answer keys, and the public domain novel. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
A total of 160 challenging words are addressed:
abhorrent, abstruse, acquiesce, adduce, adjuration, adversary, amiable, apathy, apothecary, approbation, arbiter, ardent, arduous, assuage, augury, balmy, barbarous, benefactor, benumbed, beseech, bewildered, brood, chasten, chimera, chivalrous, combustible, conciliate, congeal, conjecture, console, consternation, convalescence, covet, dart, degenerate, delirium, despondent, detrimental, diffuse, dilatory, dirge, disconsolate, dissipate, docile, dogmatic, emaciated, enraptured, entreat, ephemeral, eradicate, erroneous, exculpate, execration, extricate, feeble, fervently, fester, fetter, fidelity, fortitude, fruitless, gesticulation, haggard, hapless, havoc, ignominy, immerse, immutable, impediment, impervious, impetuous, implore, imprudently, incantation, incessantly, indefatigable, indolence, indulge, inexorable, infallible, ingratitude, innumerable, inquisitive, insuperable, insurmountable, interment, invective, irksome, irresolute, irretrievable, keen, lamentation, lassitude, loathsome, malice, minuteness, mortification, obdurate, obliterate, odious, ominous, omnipotent, opaque, pallid, palpable, paroxysm, pensive, persecute, pertinacity, pertinent, pittance, placid, poignant, precipice, precipitous, predilection, procure, profundity, prognosticate, propagate, radiant, rankle, ravenous, reconcile, redress, rejoice, remissness, remonstrate, replete, reproach, retribution, sagacity, salubrious, satiated, scoff, shrill, singular, solitude, stealth, stigma, strife, stupendous, subsist, superfluous, sustenance, timorous, transitory, tremulous, undulation, unhallowed, unsullied, variegated, venerable, verdure, vivacity, waft, wan, withered, woeful, zeal
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
Promote student accountability and measure general reading comprehension of J.D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye. Featuring 112 questions spanning the entire novel, this bundle quickly and conveniently provides formative data on student knowledge and reading habits. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Answer keys are included.
Questions pertain to the following key details:
Point of view
The tone of Holden’s voice
Where Holden is at the start of the story
Holden’s family
Reason for Holden’s dismissal from Pencey Prep
Holden’s irresponsible behaviors and actions
Visiting Mr. Spencer
“Life is a game”
Mr. Spencer’s advice to Holden
Holden’s awful paper on ancient Egyptians
Holden’s lack of willingness to confront his own actions
A prominent article of clothing
A character description of Ackley
Inference skills (Holden’s judgment of Ackley)
A character description of Stradlater
An agreement Holden strikes with Stradlater
Jane Gallagher
Holden’s obsession with and hatred toward phonies
A trip to the movies
Application of situational irony (irony of result)
Ackley’s inclusion
The intended subject matter of Stradlater’s composition assignment
Holden’s decision to deviate from the assignment’s expectations
Character description of Allie
Holden’s response to Allie’s death
Stradlater’s reaction to Holden’s writing
Holden’s attempt to irritate Stradlater
Stradlater’s date with Jane
A physical altercation
Holden’s difficulties in falling asleep
A late-night conversation with Ackley
Holden’s decision to leave for New York abruptly
Holden’s decision to delay returning to his parents’ apartment
Holden’s train ride encounter with Ms. Morrow and the ensuing conversation
Holden’s hypocrisy
Holden’s loneliness
Holden’s attempt to set himself up on a date
Holden’s judgment of many other hotel patrons
Phoebe (her humor, creativity, and biggest imperfection according to Holden)
The Lavender Room
Holden’s actions in the Lavender Room (ordering drinks, flirting, etc.)
The history of Holden and Jane’s friendship
Textual evidence that supports how Holden felt closest to Jane (baseball glove)
Jane’s alcoholic father
“All you knew is you were happy”
Horwitz
Ernie’s nightclub
The significance of these chapters in terms of our understanding of Holden’s character (his loneliness and search for companionship)
Holden’s imagination
Holden’s confession (fearfulness)
An offer from the elevator operator
The cost of the offer
Holden’s perceptions on what women want
Holden’s attempt to avoid intimacy with Sunny
A violent altercation
Holden’s guilt over an incident involving Allie
Holden’s thoughts on organized religion
A date with Sally
Holden’s mother and her health
Holden’s feelings toward his mother
Holden’s thoughts on money and its effect on people
Holden’s thoughts as he sees the nuns
A gift for Phoebe (“Little Shirley Beans”)
A phone call to Jane
Holden’s search for his sister
An encounter with a girl who claims to know Holden’s sister
Holden’s thoughts about time as he visits the museum
Holden’s date with Sally
Sally’s flirtatiousness
Holden’s emotional instability and its influence on his treatment of Sally
A plan to meet with Carl Luce for drinks
An observation that calls to mind Allie
Holden’s thoughts about joining the military
Holden’s characterization of Carl Luce
Holden’s line of questioning (lack of maturity)
Holden’s decision to get drunk
A drunken phone call to Sally
Dropping and breaking the record
Holden’s thoughts about death and his own funeral
A decision to return home
Holden’s observation about sleeping children
How Holden was able to gain easy access to his parents’ apartment
Holden’s perusal of Phoebe’s school books and personal notes
Phoebe’s middle name
Phoebe’s concern that Dad will want to kill Holden for being expelled
How Phoebe demonstrates her frustrations toward Holden
Phoebe’s accusation that Holden hates everything
Holden’s interpretation of a misheard song lyric
The James Castle incident
What Holden loaned James
Holden’s desire to call Mr. Antolini
Mr. Antolini’s luxurious apartment
Mr. Antolini’s drunkenness
Holden’s explanation as to why he disliked Pencey Prep
That Mr. Antolini is compared to D.B.
Holden’s interest in side stories or digressions
Mr. Antolini’s fear that Holden is destined for “a terrible fall”
The root of Holden’s dissatisfaction in life, according to Mr. Antolini
The significance of an education for Holden, according to Mr. Antolini
How Mr. Antolini awakens Holden
Holden’s visceral reaction to the manner in which he was awakened
Holden’s second guessing of Mr. Antolini’s motivations
Holden’s concern for his own safety as he crosses streets
Holden’s desire to re-connect with Phoebe at the Museum of Art
Holden’s desire to move out west and avoid human interaction
What upsets Holden at the school
Holden’s impending physical collapse
The return of the red hunting hat
A trip to the zoo
Holden’s emotional state as he watches Phoebe on the carousel
Holden’s decision to return home
With this bundle of ten plot-based quizzes covering the entirety of Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf, high school English teachers will be able to evaluate general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability. Answer keys are provided, as well as a copy of the public domain novel, which is divided into ten parts. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
Frontload assigned readings with these vocabulary games and activities to facilitate comprehension of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby. Alternatively, stash these materials in an emergency sub folder to keep students meaningfully engaged in the book during unexpected teacher absences. Included are nine vocabulary application activities, nine crossword puzzles, nine word search games, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
A total of 162 challenging words are addressed: abortive, abounding, abyss, adventitious, aesthetic, affront, ajar, ambiguously, apathetically, ashen, banter, bewildered, boast, brooding, coarse, complacency, confounding, contempt, continually, continuously, cordial, corroborate, corrugated, countenance, credulity, dart, deft, defunct, dejection, desolate, dilatory, disheveled, dismayed, earnestly, effectually, elicit, elude, engrossed, epigram, euphemism, evoke, exasperated, exultant, feign, fervent, flounce, fluctuate, fumble, gaudily, genially, ghastly, gibberish, haste, haughty, hospitality, humidor, implore, imply, incessant, incoherent, incorruptible, incredulous, indifferent, indignantly, indiscernible, ingratiate, innumerable, inquire, insidious, interminable, inviolate, jauntily, jovially, keenly, languid, laudable, lethargic, lingeringly, melancholy, melodious, meretricious, modish, monopolize, murmur, muslin, nebulous, notoriety, notorious, obliged, obscure, obstinate, obtrusive, peasantry, penitentiary, permeate, poignant, portentous, presumptuous, protégé, punctilious, ragged, raspingly, ravenously, recede, redolent, relinquish, reluctance, reproach, retribution, reverent, reveries, riotous, sagely, saunter, scamper, scarcely, scornful, scrawny, scrutinize, scurry, sentimental, shiftless, shrill, skeptically, sneer, solemn, solidarity, squeamishness, strident, subdued, subtle, sumptuous, supercilious, superfluous, suppressed, swank, swoon, tactlessly, tangible, tinny, totter, tranquil, transitory, truculent, turgid, unintelligible, unpunctual, unscrupulously, unwavering, urbane, vacuous, vague, vehemently, veranda, vestibule, vigorously, vitality, wan, weary, whimper, wistfully, and withered.
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 bundle of quizzes covering the entirety of Sandra Cisneros’ novel The House on Mango Street. Answer keys are provided, and all materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. A breakdown of content follows.
Quiz (Sections 1-4).
The assessment covers sections titled “The House on Mango Street” through “My Name.” Questions pertain to the following key details:
♦ The reason behind the family’s move
♦ The qualities/description of the new house
♦ The smell of her mother’s hair
♦ The lack of interaction among boys and girls in the community
♦ Esperanza’s frustrations with spending time with Nenny
♦ Esperanza’s desire to have a best friend
♦ The origin of Esperanza’s name
♦ Esperanza’s personal feelings about her name
♦ The Chinese year of the horse and its superstitious meaning to women
♦ Cultural views on women (Chinese and Mexican)
♦ Esperanza’s great grandmother and her arranged marriage
Quiz (Sections 5-9).
The assessment covers sections titled “Cathy Queen of Cats” through “Meme Ortiz.” Questions pertain to the following key details:
♦ Cathy’s claims
♦ Cathy’s impending move and her alleged reason why her family is moving
♦ The irony of Cathy’s claim
♦ A purchase Esperanza makes with her friends Lucy and Rachel
♦ How Esperanza accumulated enough funds to make the purchase
♦ Esperanza’s realization about how well Nenny understands her
♦ A visit to the junk store
♦ A music box
♦ How Meme broke both of his arms
Quiz (Sections 10-13).
The assessment covers sections titled “Louie, His Cousin & His Other Cousin” through “There Was an Old Woman She Had So Many Children She Didn’t Know What to Do.” Questions pertain to the following key details:
♦ Louie and his car accident
♦ Marin’s Puerto Rican boyfriend and her future relationship goal
♦ Marin’s background
♦ Esperanza’s lack of knowledge about other communities leading to fear of those communities
♦ Rosa’s background and personal struggles
♦ A description of the Vargas children
♦ A death resulting from a horrible fall
♦ The significance of the idea of flying, which repeats throughout the story
Quiz (Sections 14-17).
The assessment covers sections titled “Alicia Who Sees Mice” through “The Family of Little Feet.” Questions pertain to the following key details:
♦ Alicia’s commitment to her education
♦ The mice who roam at night
♦ Alicia’s at-home responsibilities, according to her father and Hispanic culture
♦ The characterization of Darius
♦ Darius’s intriguing assessment of a cloud
♦ What incites an argument among Esperanza and her friends
♦ A gift of high-heeled shoes
♦ How the girls are treated by several men
♦ The characterization of Esperanza and who she is similar to in terms of her goals and personal interests
Quiz (Sections 18-21).
The assessment covers sections titled “A Rice Sandwich” through “The First Job.” Questions pertain to the following key details:
♦ Mom’s note
♦ Esperanza’s desire not to eat lunch at home
♦ The nun’s denial of Esperanza’s request
♦ Esperanza’s deep-rooted feelings of shame
♦ Her cousin’s baptism party
♦ Esperanza’s reluctance to dance
♦ Overcoming reluctance
♦ Esperanza’s observation while she dances
♦ A discussion on hips
♦ Esperanza’s similarity to Alicia in terms of a constant search for knowledge
♦ Summer work
♦ Flirting
♦ A distressing kiss
Quiz (Sections 22-25).
The assessment covers sections titled “Papa Who Wakes Up Tired in the Dark” through “Geraldo No Last Name.” Questions pertain to the following key details:
♦ Her father’s emotional breakdown and its cause
♦ Esperanza’s responsibility to explain death to her siblings
♦ Her father’s need to travel to Mexico unexpectedly
♦ A game Esperanza and her friends play, which ultimately causes them strife
♦ A character description of Aunt Lupe
♦ Aunt Lupe’s encouragement of Esperanza’s writing
♦ A visit to the fortune teller
♦ Esperanza’s desire to know whether she will have her own house
♦ Esperanza’s skepticism
♦ The death of Geraldo
♦ Marin’s connection
Quiz (Sections 26-29).
The assessment covers sections titled “Edna’s Ruthie” through “Four Skinny Trees.” Questions pertain to the following key details:
♦ Ruthie’s friendship with Esperanza and her friends
♦ Ruthie’s marriage
♦ The characterization of Edna
♦ Ruthie and Esperanza’s common interest in writing
♦ The characterization of Earle
♦ Sire, the boy Esperanza likes and her parents dislike
♦ Esperanza’s feelings toward Lois
♦ Esperanza’s sense of self
♦ Esperanza’s comparison to trees
♦ The reason behind the comparison
Quiz (Sections 30-33).
The assessment covers sections titled “No Speak English” through “Minerva Writes Poems.” Questions pertain to the following key details:
♦ The characterization of Mamacita
♦ The cause of Mamacita’s isolation, according to Esperanza
♦ Esperanza’s father’s personal accounts regarding learning English
♦ Rafaela’s husband and his poor treatment of her
♦ Coconut and papaya juice
♦ The characterization of Sally
♦ Esperanza’s apparent admiration of Sally
♦ An assessment of Sally’s marriage
♦ Similarities between Esperanza and Sally
♦ Sally’s request for advice and Esperanza’s response
Quiz (Sections 34-37).
The assessment covers sections titled “Bums in the Attic” through “What Sally Said.” Questions pertain to the following key details:
♦ Esperanza’s decision to stop going to look at dream houses and her reasoning
♦ Esperanza’s decision to let bums live in the attic of her future house
♦ Esperanza’s concern that she is not attractive enough
♦ Esperanza’s decision not to surrender her power as a female and how it manifests
♦ Esperanza’s mom and her past
♦ Esperanza’s mom and her comments about being “a smart cookie”
♦ Sally and the abuse she suffers from her father
♦ The reason Sally’s father abuses her
♦ Sally’s attempts to seek safety and Esperanza’s willingness to protect her
Quiz (Sections 38-40).
The assessment covers sections titled “The Monkey Garden” through “Linoleum Roses.” Questions pertain to the following key details:
♦ A peculiar pet
♦ The garden’s deterioration
♦ Tito stealing Sally’s keys and trying to get her to kiss him
♦ Esperanza’s desire to protect Esperanza, only to put herself in jeopardy
♦ A trip to the carnival
♦ Esperanza’s traumatizing experience
♦ Esperanza’s anger at Sally and women
♦ Sally’s marriage
Quiz (Sections 41-44).
The assessment covers sections titled “The Three Sisters” through “Mango Says Goodbye Sometimes.” Questions pertain to the following key details:
♦ A community’s show of support following a family death
♦ A palm reading
♦ Esperanza’s impression of the older women
♦ The older women’s advice to Esperanza concerning Mango Street
♦ Esperanza’s conversation with Alicia
♦ Whose responsibility it is to improve Mango Street in the years ahead
♦ Why Esperanza is envious of Alicia
♦ Esperanza’s realization concerning where she belongs
Help middle and high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this bundle of close reading analysis activities covering George Orwell’s Animal Farm. Ten worksheets are provided (one per chapter), as well as answer keys. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with these close reading activities, students will:
Read for literal comprehension
Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings as needed
Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Determine the main functions of given passages
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Compare and contrast characters
Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification, verisimilitude, onomatopoeia, metaphor, paradox, symbolism, and situational irony
Evaluate the role propaganda plays in the world of Animal Farm
Conduct brief research on a range of relevant subjects
Articulate whether Major’s speech reflects a belief in Marxist ideology
Consider themes in context
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
Help students go beyond basic comprehension and develop critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with these nine close reading inference worksheets, each addressing an individual chapter of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing these close reading activities, students will:
Read for literal comprehension
Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings as needed
Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Determine the functions of given details
Describe tone in context
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including foreshadowing, hyperbole, imagery, metaphor, onomatopoeia, oxymoron, personification, simile, situational irony, and more
Analyze the symbolic importance of objects
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 literature
For many high school readers, fairy tales and fantasy fiction are genres that maximize engagement with literature. This bundle focuses on five short stories by Hans Christian Andersen: “The Little Mermaid,” “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” and “The Ugly Duckling,” “The Red Shoes,” and “The Buckwheat.” English teachers may use these resources as tools for evaluating general reading comprehension, supporting the development of close reading analysis skills, and promoting homework accountability.
Included are the following: multiple choice, plot-based quizzes for each narrative; close reading analysis activities for each narrative; answer keys; and copies of each public domain short story. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats.
Evaluate general reading comprehension, promote homework accountability, and eliminate take-home assessment planning with this bundle of instructional resources covering The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. Included are formative quizzes, a summative test, and answer keys. All materials are delivered as both Word Documents and PDFs.
Evaluate general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this bundle of thirteen quizzes covering the entirety of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. Answer keys are provided.
Frontload assigned readings with these vocabulary games and activities to facilitate comprehension of John Steinbeck’s novel The Grapes of Wrath. Alternatively, stash these materials in an emergency sub folder to keep students meaningfully engaged in the book during unexpected teacher absences. Included are 10 vocabulary application activities, 10 crossword puzzles, 10 word search games, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
A total of 122 challenging words are addressed: apprehensively, aristocrat, babbitt, barren, beckon, bemused, bleak, blight, blunder, bluster, bravado, brood, cascade, casually, chitter, clamber, clamor, coarse, contemptuous, corrugated, crossly, cunningly, cynically, deftly, descend, destitute, disconsolate, dissipated, doleful, drably, effluvium, eminent, envy, exclaim, exultantly, feeble, flare, flitter, frayed, fretful, gaunt, giddy, goad, grubby, hasten, hoarse horde, humble, idle, incredulously, indistinct, intently, judiciously, jut, languid, lanky, liable, listlessly, malice, meek, morosely, mutter, nebulous, nimble, oblong, ominously, ornery, parched, perspire, pique, plead, plod, precede, principle, putrescence, quarrel, querulously, ravenously, recede, refuge, relentlessly, relish, reproachfully, restive, retort, reverent, saunter, scornfully, scowl, scurry, shrewd, shrill, shudder, sidle, slup, smugly, sneer, sparse, spindly, squint, stationery, stealthy, stern, stiflingly, stride, subside, sullenly, supplication, swiftly, toil, treacherously, trifle, trot, trudge, unanimous, vague, vehemence, wane, weary, withered, wretched, and wriggle.
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 bundle of plot-based quizzes covering To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The assessments may also double as guided reading handouts to facilitate active engagement with the novel. Answer keys are included, and all materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of the novel:
Point of view
Setting
Jem’s injury
The kids’ mother and father
Calpurnia’s job
Dill
Boo Radley’s background
The dare
Walter Cunningham’s philosophy
The effects of the Great Depression on Maycomb’s citizens
Scout’s fight
The teacher’s reaction to an alarming situation
Perception of the Ewells
Discoveries in the knothole
Jem’s fear for Scout’s life
The irony of the discovery of money
Dill’s claim of a peculiar talents
The rolling tire incident
The game the kids play
Dill and Scout’s relationship
The evolving relationship between Scout and Miss Maudie
Theories pertaining to the mystery of Boo Radley
Miss Maudie’s impressions of Boo
Delivering a note to Boo
A contest between Jem and Dill
The kids’ decision to sneak to the Radley residence
Mr. Radley scaring the kids off
How and why Jem lost his pants
Dill’s excuse for Jem’s lost pants
The lie Jem tells to Atticus
What motivates Jem to leave home in the middle of the night
Jem’s alarming discovery
Items in the knothole
Mr. Radley’s heartbreaking attempt to break Boo’s connection to the outside world
Miss Maudie’s peculiar reaction to the house fire
The blanket wrapped around Scout
Scout’s reaction upon a disturbing discovery
Beating up Cecil Jacobs
Christmas gifts
Scout’s punishment
Atticus discussing the trial with Uncle Jack
The Tim Johnson incident
Why the kids dislike Mrs. Dubose
Mrs. Dubose’s condition
Jem’s misbehavior and subsequent punishment
The true purpose behind Jem’s punishment
“The bravest person I ever knew”
A gift left for Jem
Jem’s misunderstanding of Mrs. Dubose’s intent
Jem’s moodiness
Disappointing news to begin summer
The reason for Atticus’s two-week absence
The incident involving Eunice Ann Simpson
Lula’s treatment of the children
The general reaction of the parishioners toward the children
Calpurnia’s separate identities
Why Alexandra decides to stay with the family
Alexandra’s philosophy on what makes “fine” people
Aunt Alexandra’s feelings toward Calpurnia
The discovery under Scout’s bed
Breaking “the code of childhood”
Dill’s epiphany regarding Boo Radley’s isolation
Jem breaking up the meeting
Atticus and Mr. Underwood outside of the jailhouse
Jem’s concern for his father
The lynch mob
How the lynch mob came to disperse
Dolphus Raymond as a social outcast
The “sad” life of Dolphus Raymond’s children
Who arranges for the children to have seats at the trial
Judge Taylor’s peculiarity
The prosecution’s first witness
The significance of Mayella’s injured eye
Bob Ewell’s testimony
Dramatic irony
The significance of Bob Ewell writing his name
Mayella’s insubordination
Tom Robinson’s injury
Tom’s previous run-in with the law
Why Tom had to serve 30 days
Mayella’s plan to ensure her siblings were not present
Scout’s epiphany regarding Mayella’s loneliness
Link Deas’s support of Tom
Bob Ewell’s comments according to Tom’s testimony
Why Tom frequently helped Mayella
Mr. Gilmer’s treatment of Tom
The major revelation regarding Dolphus Raymond’s condition
Atticus’s summation
Atticus’s peculiar behavior that surprises the kids
Interruption of the court proceedings
Jem’s misunderstanding racial prejudice and the justice system
The jury’s deliberation
The verdict
The African American community’s appreciation of Atticus
Altercation between Bob and Atticus
Alexandra’s strictness
Jem’s opinion on Boo’s isolation
The missionary circle
Mrs. Merriweather’s critical comments
Mrs. Merriweather’s hypocrisy
Tom’s death
The bitter editorial
Bob Ewell’s antagonistic behaviors
Miss Gates’s hypocrisy
Jem’s reaction to the trial’s outcome
Strange incidents in Maycomb
Atticus’s opinion on Bob Ewell’s malicious behaviors
Miss Tutti and Miss Frutti
The pageant and how it was ruined
Jem’s concerns on the way home
The attack
Heck Tate’s discovery at the crime scene
Jem’s method of arriving home
Who saved the kids from Bob’s assault
Atticus’s misunderstanding of the story
Heck Tate’s version of the story
The fairness of hiding the truth
Scout’s awareness of why hiding the truth is acceptable
Scout’s sadness upon recalling items in the knothole
Scout and Atticus’s activity as the novel ends
Atticus’s last lesson he teaches Scout before the novel ends
Evaluate general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this bundle of editable quizzes covering each chapter of Lord of the Flies by William Golding. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By taking these assessments, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
A general description of Ralph
The reason for the boys’ presence on the island
A general description of Piggy
Ralph’s reaction to his surroundings
The significance of a conch shell
A general description of Jack
The election of a leader
The reason for the nature of Jack’s interactions with Piggy
Ralph’s insensitivity toward Piggy
A disruption to the festive atmosphere while exploring the island
Ralph’s emphasis on the boys’ need to maintain patience and calm
Ralph’s recommendation that rules be established
Jack’s reaction to the idea of establishing and enforcing rules
A new purpose of the conch shell
Reasons for Piggy’s frustration with the boys
An unsettling claim by a young boy
Ralph’s recommendation that the boys signal for help on the mountain
The tool that is used and inadvertently causes a raging fire
The boys’ general reaction to the devastating event
Jack’s developing talent
Ralph’s commitment to manual labor
Simon’s general selflessness in comparison to his peers
Piggy’s perception of manual labor
Ralph’s complaint to Jack about others’ behavior
Ralph’s suggestion to Jack regarding new work
What Jack and Ralph decide to do despite their resentments
Jack’s increasing paranoia
Simon’s motive for wandering off
The effect of the harsh midday light on the boys
The effect of the extreme night darkness on the boys
The effect of the jungle fruit on the little 'uns
Jack and his fellow hunters’ treatment of the little 'uns
How Jack and his fellow hunters show they are becoming more savage
Piggy’s desire to make a sundial
A sudden observation while at the beach
Why the signal fire was extinguished
Jack’s response to Piggy’s criticism
Jack’s desire to exercise power over Piggy
Simon’s selfless deed
Ralph’s decision at the end of the chapter
The purpose of the meeting
Jack’s treatment of the little 'uns
The general reception to Jack’s speech
Phil’s dreams
Simon’s admission
The general reception to Simon’s dialogue
Ralph’s suggestion of a vote
Piggy’s suggestion to Ralph after the boys break away from the meeting
Ralph’s feelings toward the idea of resigning from leadership
Piggy’s desires
Percival’s nightmare
A disturbance of the peace
The characters assigned to watch the signal fire
An fear-inducing incident
Allegations involving the beast
The reason for Ralph’s apprehension
Piggy’s responsibility
Ralph’s investigation of the cave
The reason for Ralph’s anger toward the boys
How the boys have fun
Ralph’s nostalgia
Simon’s reassuring nature
Ralph’s reaction to Simon’s reassurance
The nature of Jack’s injury
The effect hunting has on Ralph
The result of the hunt
Robert’s near-death experience
Jack’s lack of compassion
How Ralph endangers his own life
Simon’s volunteerism
An exploration of the mountain
Jack’s calling of an assembly
Information Jack shares with the group
Opposition to Jack’s ideas
Simon’s suggestion to seek the beast
Piggy’s suggestion to improve their odds of rescue
Ralph’s reaction to Piggy’s suggestion
Boys’ abandonment of Ralph’s faction
Piggy’s reaction to the boys’ abandonment of Ralph’s faction
The savage behavior of Jack’s faction
Jack’s invitation
Simon’s peculiar encounter in the jungle
Simon’s disturbing experience
Ralph and Piggy’s socialization
Piggy’s suggestion to join Jack’s faction
How Piggy is injured
How Ralph and Piggy express disobedience
Ralph’s curiosity about the hunters’ lack of storm preparations
Participants in the ritualistic dance
Simon’s warnings
The reaction to Simon’s sudden appearance
The fate of the pilot’s corpse
Piggy’s explanation of Simon’s death
Ralph’s sense of personal accountability
Jack’s explanation for the physical appearance of the beast
Roger’s status within Jack’s tribe
The conflicted feelings of several of Jack’s followers
Jack’s warnings to his followers
Jack’s plan to steal fire
Sam and Eric’s emotional and psychological state
The fate of Piggy’s eyeglasses
Decisions made at an assembly
The purpose of the conch from Jack’s perspective
A dangerous discovery at Castle Rock
Ralph’s demands of Jack
Ralph’s accusations
The reason for Jack’s assault of Ralph
The nature of Piggy’s death
The identity of Piggy’s killer
Ralph’s escape
The treatment of the twins
Ralph’s encounter with the pig’s head
The identities of the armed guards
Information the armed guards provide to Ralph
Jack’s methods of trying to capture Ralph
Ralph’s near-death experiences
The reason a naval officer is attracted to the island
Percival’s loss of identity
Claims of leadership
Ralph’s emotional state to conclude the novel
The naval officer’s reaction to Ralph’s behavior