Hero image

Inquiring Mind of the English Teacher Kind

Average Rating3.44
(based on 23 reviews)

Say hello to a platform dedicated to industrious, yet overtasked teachers like you. Say goodbye to countless hours spent developing relevant and engaging ELA lessons. Whether you are teaching the fundamentals of grammar, creative writing skills, classic literature, or contemporary fiction, you will find thousands of activities and assessments to help you achieve a healthier work-life balance without sacrificing academic rigor.

2k+Uploads

518k+Views

80k+Downloads

Say hello to a platform dedicated to industrious, yet overtasked teachers like you. Say goodbye to countless hours spent developing relevant and engaging ELA lessons. Whether you are teaching the fundamentals of grammar, creative writing skills, classic literature, or contemporary fiction, you will find thousands of activities and assessments to help you achieve a healthier work-life balance without sacrificing academic rigor.
Frankenstein Quiz, Close Reading, and Vocab Games Bundle (Chapters 1-3)
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

Frankenstein Quiz, Close Reading, and Vocab Games Bundle (Chapters 1-3)

3 Resources
Evaluate comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this bundle of resources covering chapters 1 through 3 of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Included are a plot-based quiz, a worksheet composed of high-order questions, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search, answer keys, and a copy of the relevant chapters. With this collection of resources, high school English teachers may save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the most proper application of vocabulary words as they are used in sentences Explore cause-and-effect relationships Determine the intended effect of the author’s figurative language Discern the primary function of chapters one through three Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, epiphany, simile, allusion, and personification Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
"The Murders in the Rue Morgue" Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

"The Murders in the Rue Morgue" Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

(0)
Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and develop critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet covering Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Murders in the Rue Morgue.” An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are provided. 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. Students will perform the following tasks: Make a logical inference based on the narrative’s title Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the intended effect of the author’s language in context Determine the function of the narrative’s point of view Consider the effects of the author’s narrative techniques Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Contrast the characterizations of the protagonist and the police Apply knowledge of literary devices with an emphasis on red herring and symbolism
Halloween Research Project and Speech Materials for High School ELA
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

Halloween Research Project and Speech Materials for High School ELA

(0)
Complement a unit on Gothic fiction and embrace the harvest season with this low-prep, standards-based research project addressing 33 topics directly and indirectly related to Halloween: ancient celebrations, holidays, and practices (Samhain, Lemuria, guising, souling, and more); more recent traditions (Guy Fawkes Night, the history of trick-or-treating, and the history of pumpkin carving); myths, legends, and superstitions (Jack O’Lantern, the Beast of Bray Road, Mothman, and more); medical conditions (“werewolf syndrome,” “walking corpse syndrome,” and “vampire disease”); historical figures (Vlad the Impaler, John Hathorne, Sarah Good, and more); and Halloween-inspired authors (Ray Bradbury, Edgar Allan Poe, Mary Shelley, H.P. Lovecraft, and more). Supporting materials—including a detailed scoring rubric—are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Ultimately, students will perform the following tasks: Collect and classify reliable sources on an assigned topic Develop successful methods of recording information Evaluate the credibility of nonfiction texts, taking into consideration readability, date, relevance, expertise, and bias Apply conventions of MLA formatting Correctly site resources to avoid plagiarism Organize information in a cohesive manner, using a note-taking system that includes summary, paraphrasing, and quoted material Analyze, synthesize, and integrate information, generating a thoughtfully comprehensive report, free of generalities and redundancies Present information in a formal, coherent manner
Employability Skills Activities for Job Interview Prep and Career Planning
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

Employability Skills Activities for Job Interview Prep and Career Planning

(0)
Help high school students reflect on their employability skills as they begin interviewing for jobs and planning for careers with this set of activities. Although these resources are intended for individuals to evaluate their own transferable skills for their own unique circumstances, they may also serve to facilitate engaging conversations among peers. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will: Communicate ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision Consider how to navigate complications in the workplace while maintaining integrity Participate in a structured process of developing coherent and compelling responses for job interviewing scenarios Reflect on their accomplishments, personality traits, interests, and hobbies Retain tools that may improve their commitment to growth mindset
"Through the Tunnel" by Doris Lessing Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

"Through the Tunnel" by Doris Lessing Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

(0)
Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and sharpen their critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet covering Doris Lessing’s coming-of-age short story “Through the Tunnel,” a narrative about a boy who rises above his limitations to achieve a goal. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable 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 engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the function of a given paragraph Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification and oxymoron Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
"The Terrible Old Man" by H.P. Lovecraft Quiz, Close Reading, and Vocabulary Games Bundle
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

"The Terrible Old Man" by H.P. Lovecraft Quiz, Close Reading, and Vocabulary Games Bundle

3 Resources
For many high school students, the horror genre promotes more active engagement with literature. “The Terrible Old Man” by H.P. Lovecraft is a concise horror story featuring plot elements such as robbery, a character who dabbles in the occult, and mutilated corpses - making the narrative a particularly compelling read during the Halloween season. The following are included in this bundle: a plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the public domain narrative, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable 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 engaging with these activities, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences Determine the story’s point of view Discern the overall tone of the narrative Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony Draw parallels between the author’s life and the plot of “The Terrible Old Man” Identify relevant textual details in support of claims and ideas Write about compelling fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
“The Leap” by Louise Erdrich Quiz and Answer Key
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

“The Leap” by Louise Erdrich Quiz and Answer Key

(0)
Promote active engagement with fiction and evaluate general reading comprehension with this plot-based quiz on the short story “The Leap” by Louise Erdrich. An answer key is included. All materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Anna’s degenerative condition Anna’s professional background Events leading to Harold’s death The means by which the narrator learned of her mother’s brush with death Challenges Anna faced throughout life How Anna’s choices influenced the course of her life, as well as the life of her daughter Practical skills Anna learned while in the hospital The reason the narrator returns home many years later Anna’s efforts to save her daughter’s life What the narrator learns about falling
"The Lie" by Kurt Vonnegut Quiz and Close Reading Bundle
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

"The Lie" by Kurt Vonnegut Quiz and Close Reading Bundle

2 Resources
For many high school readers, realistic fiction is a genre that maximizes relatability and engagement with literature. “The Lie” by Kurt Vonnegut is a story about rejection, family pressures, and the unintended and unexpected consequences of one’s actions. With this bundle of high school resources covering “The Lie,” English teachers will save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. Included are the following: a multiple choice, plot-based quiz; a worksheet composed of rigorous close reading analysis questions; and answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. With these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Explore character motivations Make logical inferences about a character’s values and beliefs Explain how point of view shapes the reader’s understanding of plot Articulate how one character serves as a foil to another State two significant conflicts in the story Defend the claim that Mrs. Remenzel is a good mother despite her shortcomings Explore the similarities between the protagonist and his father Generate a relevant theme that relates to the idea of embarrassment Support claims and ideas with reasoned thinking and relevant textual evidence Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision
"The Wife's Story" by Ursula K. Le Guin Quiz and Key
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

"The Wife's Story" by Ursula K. Le Guin Quiz and Key

(3)
Reduce teacher workload, measure general reading comprehension, and promote homework accountability with this printable quiz on “The Wife’s Story” by Ursula K. Le Guin. An answer key is included. Questions pertain to the following key details: The narrator’s emotional state The narrator’s characterization of her husband The relationship between the narrator and her sister A quality about the narrator’s husband that “brings the shivers on” her The moon’s role in the husband’s transformation The “curse in his blood” The husband’s tendency to leave home abruptly The husband’s strange smell upon returning The children’s fear of their own father A physical transformation The story’s resolution
Much Ado About Nothing Act 5 Scene 1 Close Reading Worksheet
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

Much Ado About Nothing Act 5 Scene 1 Close Reading Worksheet

(0)
Help high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 5, scene 1, of Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, this worksheet saves English Language Arts teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. 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. More specifically, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the intended effect of figurative language as it is used in the text Consider how Shakespeare’s narrative techniques achieve both humorous and tension-relieving effects Determine the tone of dialogue in context Examine nuances in words with similar meanings Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Evaluate whether Claudio is a sympathetic and accountable character Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on simile, verbal irony, and dramatic irony Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence
Much Ado About Nothing Act 5 Scene 4 Close Reading Worksheet
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

Much Ado About Nothing Act 5 Scene 4 Close Reading Worksheet

(0)
Help high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 5, scene 4, of Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, this worksheet saves English Language Arts teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. 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. More specifically, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the intended effect of figurative language as it is used in the text Define complex words and phrases in context Verify the meanings of words and phrases using reference materials as needed Examine nuances in words with similar meanings Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on invective and callback Articulate an unanswered question related to the plot Make rational predictions about future events using context clues Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence
Twelfth Night Act 3 Scene 1 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

Twelfth Night Act 3 Scene 1 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

(0)
Help high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 3, scene 1, of Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, this worksheet saves English Language Arts teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. 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. With this close reading activity, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Demonstrate knowledge of the effects of punctuation in context Discern tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
"The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World" Quiz
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

"The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World" Quiz

(0)
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning duties with this plot-based, multiple choice quiz covering “The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. A short answer alternative is also provided for re-assessment purposes. Alternatively, these resources may serve as guided reading handouts to foster active reading habits. Answer keys are included. All materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The found man’s impressive physical attributes The immediate awareness of the man’s status as ‘stranger’ The village’s attributes The women’s discoveries as they clean the found man The women’s acts of reverence toward the found man The men’s perception of the found man The village’s realization that their community is one of desolation The narrative’s point of view and its significance The narrative’s use of hyperbole and its overall effect
Othello Act 5 Quiz and Answer Key
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

Othello Act 5 Quiz and Answer Key

(0)
Evaluate general reading comprehension with this multiple choice quiz covering Act 5 of William Shakespeare’s Othello. The plot-based assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active reading experiences. An answer key is included. Additionally, a short answer worksheet is provided for re-assessment purposes. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Iago’s concern that Roderigo could expose him Iago’s irrational jealousy of Cassio Cassio’s injury Fatal wounds The arrest of Bianca Othello’s verbal exchange with Desdemona The subsequent killing Emilia’s news The brief revival of a character The ensuing stabbings, one fatal Othello’s subsequent perception of himself The fatal flaw of the hero
Othello Act 2 Quiz and Close Reading Worksheets Bundle
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

Othello Act 2 Quiz and Close Reading Worksheets Bundle

4 Resources
Measure high school reading comprehension and support analysis of Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello (Act 2) with this bundle that features a quiz and close reading activities. Answer keys are included. 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 engaging in these exercises, students will: Discern the intended meaning of various complex words and phrases Analyze actions and statements to discern character motivations Discern the tone of a passage Analyze the author’s craft, demonstrating knowledge of how Shakespeare’s language shapes the audience’s perception of Iago Apply knowledge of various literary devices to the text including metaphor, simile, situational irony, and more Demonstrate understanding of figurative language Locate textual evidence in support of claims Write with clarity and precision
King Lear Act 1 Scene 1 Close Reading Worksheet
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

King Lear Act 1 Scene 1 Close Reading Worksheet

(0)
Help high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 1, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s King Lear. Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this worksheet saves English Language Arts teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. 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 this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words/phrases as they are used in context Verify interpretations of language using reference materials Explore nuances in words with similar meanings Describe tone in context Consider the greater significance of given details Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including alliteration and situational irony Conduct brief research on mythological and historical subjects Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
King Lear Act 1 Scene 4 Close Reading Worksheet
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

King Lear Act 1 Scene 4 Close Reading Worksheet

(0)
Help high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 1, scene 4, of William Shakespeare’s King Lear. Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this worksheet saves English Language Arts teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. 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 this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Choose the most appropriate synonym for a given word Verify interpretations of language using reference materials Explore cause-and-effect relationships Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including synecdoche, antithesis, aphorism, and allusion
King Lear Act 1 Scene 2 Close Reading Worksheet
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

King Lear Act 1 Scene 2 Close Reading Worksheet

(0)
Help high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 1, scene 2, of William Shakespeare’s King Lear. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, this worksheet saves English Language Arts teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. 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 this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words/phrases as they are used in the text Verify interpretations of language using reference materials Determine the primary function of a given excerpt Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including dramatic irony Conduct brief research on Bethlem Royal Hospital Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
The Handmaid’s Tale Vocabulary Games and Activities (Chapters 31 through 34)
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

The Handmaid’s Tale Vocabulary Games and Activities (Chapters 31 through 34)

(0)
Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood (chapters 31, 32, 33, and 34). A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: anguished, appease, camaraderie, diffuse, fruitful, gaiety, ignominious, indifferent, indignity, luxuriate, palpable, querulous, respectively, smoldering, squeamish, subversive, transgression, and whimper. 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
The Great Gatsby Chapter 7 Vocabulary Development Games and Activities
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

The Great Gatsby Chapter 7 Vocabulary Development Games and Activities

(0)
Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement chapter 7 of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: abounding, abyss, affront, dart, earnestly, elude, gibberish, inviolate, keenly, portentous, presumptuous, relinquish, sagely, sneer, tangible, truculent, weary, and whimper. 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