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 school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 5, scene 8, of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will:
Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly
Articulate the intended effect of figurative language in context
Discern the intended effects of Shakespeare’s diction
Discern tone in context
Define complex words and phrases in context
Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices such as metaphor and allusion
Conduct brief online research in order to answer a question
Articulate the greater significance of the placement of young Siward’s fatal injuries
Support inferences and claims with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 1, scene 2, of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Describe tone in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including hyperbaton and simile
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
Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 2, scene 2, of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. 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:
Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Compare and contrast Caesar and Calpurnia
Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, symbolism, and dramatic irony
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 Shakespearean drama
Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 3, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Describe tone in context
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Determine the function of a given excerpt
Describe tone in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices to the text including metaphor, simile, hubris, alliteration, personification, and irony
Come to class better prepared to discuss Shakespearean drama
Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 2, scene 3, of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. 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:
Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Describe tone in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Compare aspects of Artemidorus’s characterization with Calpurnia’s
Articulate Artemidorus’ distinguishing qualities
Predict whether Caesar will seriously consider Artemidorus’s advice
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 Shakespearean drama
Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 2, scene 4, of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. 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:
Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly
Define words as they are used in the text
Describe tone in context
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Compare and contrast characters
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 Shakespearean drama
Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 4, scene 3, of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Describe tone in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including foreshadowing, irony, metaphor, and hyperbole
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 eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this bundle of plot-based quizzes covering each Act of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Answer keys are included.
Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Setting
The motivation of a crowd
Marullus’s perception of Caesar
A coinciding event
Flavius’s perception of Caesar
Cassius’s fear
The actions of a Soothsayer
Cassius’s efforts to diminish Caesar
Caesar’s medical condition
Cassius’s plan to manipulate Brutus
Casca’s fear
Cinna’s role in a conspiracy
The role of Lucius
How Brutus rationalizes murdering Caesar
How Brutus feels about his men taking an oath
Individuals not permitted into the group
The nature of Antony’s relationship with Caesar
Portia’s concern for her husband
How Brutus’s secrecy affects Portia
Ligarius’s loyalty
Calpurnia’s nightmares
Ominous occurrences that foreshadow tragic events
Decius’s influence on Caesar
The purpose of Artemidorus’s letter
Information from the Soothsayer
Portia’s grievances
Caesar’s decision involving Artemidorus’s letter
Why Cassius fears the conspiracy has fallen apart before Caesar speaks
Cassius’s extreme reaction to his fear
Brutus’s motivation for kissing Caesar’s hand
Caesar’s self image
Brutus’s motivation for having Antony brought to him
Antony’s apology to Caesar’s corpse
Antony’s ominous prediction for the region
The basis on which Brutus asks the public to trust him
How Antony manipulates the public into distrusting Brutus
The reading of Caesar’s will
The nature of Antony’s conversation with Octavius and Lepidus
What Antony intends to do with Caesar’s will
Antony’s intentions for Lepidus
The changing nature of Brutus and Cassius’s relationship
Brutus’s observations about Cassius’s behavior
Information provided to Brutus by Lucilius
Why Brutus punished Lucius
Brutus’s accusations against Cassius
Cassius’s self-image
Cassius’s emotionally charged offer to Brutus
An unexpected visitor to the tent
A supernatural encounter
Antony’s assumption about Brutus and Cassius’s motives
Conflict between Antony and Octavius
Brutus and Cassius’s denigrating assessment of Antony
Cassius’s opinion on superstitions
Messala’s role in the battle
The death of Cassius’s flag-bearer
Titinius’s scrutiny of Brutus’s battlefield decision-making
The cause of Cassius’s death
Lucilius’s persona
Antony’s motives with regard to his treatment of Lucilius
The cause of Brutus’s death
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 3 of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with Shakespeare’s drama. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Salerio and Solanio’s reaction to the news about Antonio
Why Shylock is angry at Salerio and Solanio
How Shylock justifies his behavior
Tubal’s role
Jessica’s behavior
Interactions between Portia and Bassanio
Bassanio’s participation in the riddle-solving contest
The relationship between Gratiano and Nerissa
A letter from Antonio
Shylock’s self-image
Portia’s reaction to news about Antonio
Balthazar’s role
Jessica’s perception of Portia
Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 3, scene 2, of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. 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
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the intended effects of the Shakespeare’s word choices and narrative techniques
Describe tone in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including oxymoron, onomatopoeia, allusion, personification, symbolism, invective, and more
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
Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 3, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. 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
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the intended effects of the Shakespeare’s word choices and narrative techniques
Determine the function of a given passage
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Compare the characters of Antonio and Shylock
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including metaphor, personification, and more
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 eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 2 of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with Shakespeare’s drama. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Morocco’s wooing of Portia
The consequences facing any man who fails to solve a riddle
Launcelot’s feelings toward Shylock
Old Gobbo’s condition
Launcelot’s crass behavior
Bassanio’s generosity toward Launcelot
Gratiano’s reputation
Jessica’s promise to Lorenzo
Launcelot’s service to Lorenzo and Jessica
Jessica’s willingness to behave criminally
Jessica’s discomfort with her appearance
A sign that the “right” casket is chosen
Aragon’s intent
The identity of a young visitor
Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 2, scene 9, of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. 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
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the intended effects of the Shakespeare’s word choices and narrative techniques
Determine the function of a given passage
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including metaphor, allusion, and more
Conduct brief online research (if necessary) to determine the symbolic value of a particular object
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
Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 2, scene 6, of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. 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
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the intended effects of the Shakespeare’s word choices and narrative techniques
Describe tone in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including situational irony, allusion, hyperbole, personification, oxymoron, and more
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 eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 5 of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with Shakespearean drama. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Specifically, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Friar John’s task
The reason Friar John cannot complete his task
Balthasar’s significance
Balthasar’s lack of awareness
A visit to the apothecary
A conflict between Romeo and Paris in the churchyard
Romeo’s suicide
Juliet’s suicide
Friar Laurence’s emotional reaction
The resolution
A visually stimulating Power Point that provides context for the drama. Information covered includes Shakespeare’s background, The Globe Theatre, characteristics of Shakespearean performances, and character overviews.
For the purpose of engaging students, I will occasionally use humor to convey important ideas. This is intended to come across in this presentation.
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 3 of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with Shakespearean drama. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Specifically, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Mercutio’s reason for fighting Tybalt
Romeo’s ill-fated attempt to stop the fight
Romeo’s reason for leaving Verona
Juliet’s criticisms of the Nurse
The Nurse’s confusing news
Juliet’s conflicting emotions toward her husband
Friar Laurence’s perspective on the Prince’s punishment
Romeo’s erratic behavior
Lord Capulet’s arrangement with Paris
Mantua
A character who plans to have Romeo killed
A threat of being disowned
The Nurse’s advice to Juliet
Juliet’s foreshadowing comments
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 4 of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with Shakespeare’s drama. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
The interaction between Jaques and Rosalind
Jaques’ assertions about his mental state
Jaques’ character motivations
Orlando’s tardiness
Rosalind’s artificial anger
Rosalind and Orlando’s role playing lesson
“Men have died from time to time and worms have eaten them, but not for love.”
A fake wedding ceremony
Silvius’ continued affection for Phebe
The content of a letter Phebe sends Ganymede
Rosalind’s comments on how Phebe can prove her love
Oliver’s unexpected appearance and character transformation
Orlando’s heroism
Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 4, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will:
Read for literal comprehension
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the intended effects of the Shakespeare’s word choices and narrative techniques
Describe tone in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including double entendre, hyperbole, allusion, personification, and simile
Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works
Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 1, scene 3, of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will:
Read for literal comprehension
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the intended effects of the Shakespeare’s word choices and narrative techniques
Describe tone in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on dramatic irony
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works
