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.
Crime fiction appeals to many high school readers and maximizes engagement with literature. “Lamb to the Slaughter” by Roald Dahl is a darkly comedic short story belonging to a subgenre called revenge fantasy, as it details a husband’s murder at the hands of his wife (and the frozen leg of a lamb). This plot-based quiz covering the short story helps English teachers promote homework accountability and evaluate general reading comprehension—while eliminating take-home assessment planning responsibilities. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing editable Word Documents and printable PDFs. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
Point of view
Description of setting
Mary Malone’s general characterization in the exposition
Patrick Malone’s profession
A typical Thursday night for the couple
A surprising turn of events
A deadly weapon
Mary’s behavior immediately following Patrick’s death
Noonan’s general disposition toward Mary
A theory regarding a deadly weapon
Mary’s reaction to eavesdropping on the detectives
“Spunk” by Zora Neale Hurston is a short story marked by the hubris of a self-assured man who has an affair with a meeker man’s wife—a decision that leads to his demise. This plot-based quiz covering the short story helps English teachers promote homework accountability and evaluate general reading comprehension—while eliminating take-home assessment planning responsibilities. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing editable Word Documents and printable PDFs. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
Spunk Banks’ characterization in the exposition
The gathering place for the community’s men
Lena Kanty’s characterization in the exposition
Elijah’s treatment of Joe
Joe’s weapon
The men’s opinion of Joe’s plan to confront Spunk
The outcome of Joe’s plan
Spunk’s assessment of Joe following his death
Speculation concerning the relationship between Spunk and Lena
An animal sighting and its significance to Spunk
Spunk’s manner of death
The resolution
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Gina Berriault’s short story “The Stone Boy.” The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
The age of the protagonist
Eugie’s relation to Arnold
Arnold’s intentions
The cause of a significant complication
The nature of Eugie’s death
Arnold’s immediate response to Eugie’s death
Arnold’s response to a question about not contacting authorities
The sheriff’s beliefs
The identity of a family member who agrees with the sheriff
The effect of a conversation among neighbors on Arnold
The root of Arnold’s concern in the resolution
For many high school readers, realistic, historical, and young adult fiction are genres that maximize relatability and engagement with literature. “Blues Ain’t No Mockin Bird” by Toni Cade Bambara is a short story focusing on a Black family whose ways of life are being infringed upon by opportunistic, politically motivated filmmakers. English Language Arts teachers may administer this editable assessment to promote homework accountability and evaluate students’ reading comprehension. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Point of view
Setting
Characterization in the exposition
Cathy’s relation to the narrator
The upcoming holiday
The content of two filmmakers’ work
Granny’s perception of her husband
Granddaddy’s manner of approaching the filmmakers
The outcome of Granddaddy’s interaction with the filmmakers
For many middle and high school readers, realistic and young adult fiction are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “Raymond’s Run” by Toni Cade Bambara is a representative short story that focuses on the relationship between a devoted, young woman and her brother, who happens to have a disability. English Language Arts teachers may assign this set of rigorous close reading analysis questions to complement the story and evaluate students’ high-order skills. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly
Apply knowledge of literary devices including hyperbole, metaphor, simile, epiphany, situational irony, and more
Discern and articulate the intended effect of the author’s word choices
Identify textual evidence in support of ideas and claims
Analyze how complex characters interact and develop
Read a passage to isolate a false statement about plot
Make logical inferences about the narrator’s imagery and figurative language
Articulate a self vs. society conflict in the context of a given passage
Write with clarity and precision
For many middle and high school readers, realistic and young adult fiction are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “Raymond’s Run” by Toni Cade Bambara is a representative short story that focuses on the relationship between a devoted, young woman and her brother, who happens to have a disability. English Language Arts teachers may administer this multiple choice, plot-based quiz to evaluate general reading comprehension associated with the narrative. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
Point of view
Hazel’s nickname
Setting
Raymond’s relation to Hazel
Life-limiting circumstances
Hazel’s commitment to her passion
Gretchen’s general characterization
The significance of Mary Louise and Rosie
Hazel’s stubbornness and conviction
Mr. Pearson’s suggestion
Hazel’s mental state just before the race begins
Hazel’s observation from the other side of the fence
A change in the relationship between Gretchen and Hazel
Save time and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on “A Hunger Artist,” a short story by Franz Kafka. Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this multiple choice assessment makes it easier to quickly and efficiently gather data on student recall and reading habits. An answer key is provided.
By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
Point of view
The length of time the artist is known to fast
The location of the artist’s performances
The task of the local butchers
The artist’s self-criticism
The artist’s feelings toward the public
The waning popularity of the artist’s work
The most important quality of the artist’s work from his perspective
A humiliating turn of events for the artist
The reason the artist finds it easy to fast
The artist’s replacement following his death
Save time, support improved reading stamina, and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on “Barbie-Q,” a short story by Sandra Cisneros. Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this multiple choice assessment makes it easier to quickly and efficiently gather data on student recall and reading habits. An answer key is provided.
By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
Point of view
The nature of the interactions between the narrator and her friend
The general characterization of the narrator
The reason for the dolls’ flaws
How the girls unexpectedly came into possession of extra toys
The means by which the girls typically acquired clothes for their dolls
The socioeconomic status of the girls’ families
The girls’ feelings toward the flawed toys
The narrator’s implications to conclude the narrative
Evaluate general reading comprehension and maximize students’ interest in works of fiction with this plot-based quiz covering a classic Grimm’s fairy tale titled “Donkey Cabbages.” The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate students’ engagement with the short story. An answer key and copy of the narrative are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
The protagonist’s hobby
An old crone’s instructions
The reward of following the old crone’s directions
A major life change
The young witch’s motivations
The location where the protagonist is abandoned
The dangerous inhabitants of the aforementioned location
The purpose of the spell cast upon the protagonist
The means by which the protagonist enters a cabbage patch
The magical properties of the cabbages
The protagonist’s disguise
The fate of the old witch
The protagonist’s change of heart
The resolution
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the classic Grimm’s fairy tale “The Twelve Dancing Princesses,” a story in which a wounded soldier is given useful information that transforms his fate. The assessment may otherwise double as a guided reading handout to facilitate engagement with fiction. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
The clue indicating the princesses leave home every night
The length of time a man has to satisfy the king’s request
A reward for success
A consequence for failure
The method by which the princesses set men up for failure
How an old soldier learns the secret of the princesses
An item that helps the old soldier follow the princesses
The mentality of the youngest princess
Signs that alert the youngest princess that she is being followed
The festive parties attended by the princesses
An item that helps the old soldier prove his success
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Fritz Leiber’s science fiction short story titled “Mariana.” The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with literature. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
Mariana’s feelings toward the tall pine trees around her house
Jonathan’s comments on the origin of the pine trees
Jonathan’s condescension toward Mariana
Mariana’s decision to switch off the trees and her observations about the landscape
Mariana’s attempt to cheer herself up
The breaking of a switch
The consequences of Mariana’s decision to switch the house off
Jonathan’s extreme reaction to Mariana’s decision
Where Mariana finds herself near the story’s resolution
The revelation of a sixth (and final) switch and its significance.
Save time, support improved reading stamina, and measure general reading comprehension with this set of printable quizzes on “Gwilan’s Harp,” a short story by Ursula K. Le Guin. Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, these assessments make it easier to quickly and efficiently gather data on student recall and reading habits. Multiple choice and short answer versions are included, as well as answer keys.
By engaging with these materials, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
The acquisition of the harp and Gwilan’s talent for playing it
The harp’s personal significance to Gwilan
Tom and Gwilan’s travels
Damage to the harp
What made it possible for Gwilan to play the harp again
Gwilan’s physical condition and the consequences
A new instrument to be utilized
The reason for Gwilan’s decision to use this instrument
Save time and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on “Astronomer’s Wife,” a short story by Kay Boyle. Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this multiple choice assessment makes it easier to quickly and efficiently gather data on student recall and reading habits. An answer key is provided.
By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
Point of view
The general behavior of Mrs. Ames in the exposition
Mrs. Ames’ evaluation of her marriage
Mr. Ames’ general attitude toward his wife
Mr. Ames’ personal and professional interests
The nature of the interaction between Mrs. Ames and a plumber
The aspects of the plumber to which Mrs. Ames pays much attention
The nature of the plumber’s dialogue
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz on Marvin Kaye’s satirical short story “Ms. Lipshutz and the Goblin.” The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
Daphne’s Quest for the Perfect Mate
The story’s setting
Daphne’s professional life
Daphne’s first impression of Klotsch
Klotsch’s poor behavior
Klotsch’s previous employer
The reason Daphne misses the bus
Daphne and Klotsch’s post-marriage lives
Save time, support improved reading stamina, and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on “The Bremen Town Musicians,” a short story by the Brothers Grimm. Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this multiple choice assessment makes it easier to quickly and efficiently gather data on student recall and reading habits. An answer key and a copy of the public domain fairy tale are provided.
By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
The reason the donkey leaves the mill
The reason a master wants to kill a hound
The means by which a mistress wants to kill her cat
The donkey and rooster’s roles in their band
The rooster’s observations
The occupants of a house
The methods by which the animals drive away the robbers
The reason the cat scratches at a human’s face
The assailed human’s irrational thinking
The length of time the animals live in the house
Evaluate general reading comprehension and maximize students’ interest in works of fiction with this plot-based quiz covering a classic Grimm’s fairy tale titled “The Mouse, the Bird, and the Sausage.” Themes addressed include the importance of teamwork and the consequences of stubbornness. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate students’ engagement with the short story. An answer key and copy of the narrative are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
The nature of the characters’ living arrangements
The main responsibilities of the mouse, the bird, and the sausage, respectively
The narrative’s inciting incident
The bird’s changing self-image
The general reaction to the bird’s suggestion of new living arrangements
The process by which major decisions are made
The cause of death for the mouse, the bird, and the sausage, respectively
Engage students with a classic Grimm’s fairy tale and evaluate general reading comprehension with this plot-based quiz covering “The Dog and the Sparrow.” The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate engagement with the short story. An answer key and copy of the narrative are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
The condition of the sheep-dog
The nature of the relationship between the sheep-dog and the sparrow
The cause of the sheep-dog’s death
The sparrows numerous acts of retaliation
The scope of the sparrow’s request for assistance
The carter’s cruelty
The fates of the sparrow and the carter
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “The Test” by Theodore Thomas. The resource may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the narrative. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
Robert’s characterization in the exposition
A description of setting in the exposition
The person with whom Robert is driving
Robert’s decision in violation of professional advice
The significance of a blue convertible
An image that has intense emotional resonance with Robert
A new routine pertaining to taking a driving test
The cost of the driving test
The reason for Robert’s failure
The resolution
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “Charles” by Shirley Jackson. The resource may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the narrative. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
The identity of the narrator
Laurie’s tendencies upon returning home from school
The general characterization of Laurie’s teacher
Laurie’s changing behavior toward his parents
Mrs. Hyman’s concerns about Laurie’s schooling
The lesson Mr. Hyman believes Laurie must learn
The reason Mrs. Hyman cannot attend a parent-teacher conference
The general characterization of Charles
Mr. Hyman’s suggestion pertaining to Charles’ mother
A revelation in the resolution
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “Priscilla and the Wimps” by Richard Peck. The resource may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the narrative. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
Point of view
The identity of the main antagonist
The name of the group of bullies
How the narrator deals with the school’s bullies
The physical characteristics of Priscilla Roseberry
The nature of the relationship between Priscilla and Melvin
The narrator’s reason for why gang members don’t need names
The interaction between Priscilla and Monk
The reason Monk’s ego seems bruised
The reason for a week-long cancellation of school
An inference to be drawn from the resolution