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.
This bundled close reading resource promotes thoughtful, critical analysis of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, helping students focus on significant details to develop improved reading proficiency and contribute more meaningfully to class discussion. Each close reading assessment includes an answer key with detailed explanations for correct options. You will receive two versions of each individual worksheet: a Word Document version and a PDF version. Featuring more than 125 high-order questions, this bundle gives students clearer purposes for reading such as the following:
To analyze the effect of the author’s language upon the reader
To determine tone in context
To define unfamiliar and challenging vocabulary in context
To draw reasoned inferences about characterization
To apply knowledge of literary devices to the novel
To isolate accurate statements from false statements
To write about literature such that the reader will follow the student’s reasoning
To support claims with relevant textual evidence
And more
For many high school readers, science fiction, supernatural fiction, and horror are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “From Beyond” by H.P. Lovecraft is a compelling short story that features elements consistent with those genres: advanced technology, parallel realities, alien life, and more. This rigorous worksheet covering “From Beyond” helps English teachers extend student learning beyond reading comprehension, support the development of close reading analysis skills, and save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will:
Analyze a passage in the text in order to discern its function.
Define complex vocabulary in context
Analyze context clues and draw logical inferences about character motivations
Analyze context clues and draw logical inferences about character relationships
Analyze the text for literary devices such as foreshadowing, situational irony, and theme
Find and articulate relevant textual details in support of a claim
Analyze context clues to discern and articulate the significance of a given detail
Articulate what the text indicates both explicitly and implicitly
Write with clarity and precision
Gothic fantasy and horror are genres that maximize many high school students’ engagement with literature. “The Cats of Ulthar” by H.P. Lovecraft is a macabre short story featuring savage neighbors, an avenging curse, and flesh-eating felines—making it an especially chilling choice for the Halloween season. This rigorous worksheet on “The Cats of Ulthar” helps English teachers support the development of close reading analysis skills and save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will:
Discern a key purpose of the mythological allusions delivered in the exposition
Draw parallels between the author’s choices and knowledge of cat-related proverbs
Explore the antagonistic characterization of the community’s old couple
Examine the narrator’s feelings toward the people of Ulthar
Explore the greater significance of imagery from a mythological perspective
Investigate the author’s decision to name a key character after an Egyptian figure
Discern the functions of several paragraphs
Apply knowledge of a variety of literary devices including personification, irony, inversion, and onomatopoeia
Make logical inferences about the author’s decision to include two seemingly insignificant details
Identify and explain a significant example of foreshadowing in the story
Argue whether the people of Ulthar are better or worse off for having gone through their experiences
Support claims and ideas with reasoned thinking and relevant textual evidence
Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions covering chapter 16 of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. With this resource, students will focus on significant details in order to develop a deeper understanding of the novel and its craft, thus helping them contribute more meaningfully during class discussions. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
By engaging with this resource, students will…
Analyze the effect of the author’s language upon the reader
Determine tone in context
Define unfamiliar and challenging vocabulary in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact
Apply knowledge of literary devices with an emphasis on situational irony
Read closely to determine logical inferences
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Support claims with relevant textual evidence and/or reasoned thinking
Help high school students extend beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 3, scene 2, of Hamlet 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
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Discern the intended effect of Shakespearean language in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Determine the tone of a given excerpt
Consider autobiographical parallel, drawing an informed inference about Shakespeare’s philosophy on the purpose of dramatic performances based on details provided in this scene
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Help high school students extend beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 2, scene 2, of Hamlet 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
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Discern the intended effect of Shakespearean language in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Discern tone in context
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Help high school students extend beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 1, scene 2, of Hamlet 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.
By engaging with this resource, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Examine Shakespeare’s narrative techniques with emphasis on the incorporation of figurative language
Determine the tone of the scene
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 5 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:
Touchstone’s comments about a young forest-dweller
The nature of the conversation between Touchstone and the forest-dweller
Oliver’s intentions as he moves forward in life
Orlando’s feelings about the abruptness of Celia and Oliver’s engagement
Ganymede’s promise to Orlando
Phebe’s assessment of Ganymede’s behavior
Audrey’s excitement about marriage
Touchstone’s driving motive for marrying Audrey
Jaques’ allusion to Noah’s Ark
A conversation between Jaques and Touchstone
Hymen’s attendance
The most dynamic character in Act 5
Duke Frederick’s intentions as he moves forward in life
Duke Senior’s intentions as he moves forward in life
Jaques’ assessment of the marriage between Touchstone and Audrey
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
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 3 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:
Duke Frederick’s newest command of Oliver
Orlando’s love poem
Touchstone’s mockery
Touchstone and Corin’s debate over what constitutes a moral person
Corin’s lack of education
Rosalind’s concern about Orlando finding her attractive
Rosalind’s offer to help cure Orlando of love
Touchstone’s flirtatiousness with Audrey
Celia’s criticism of Orlando
Silvius’ feelings toward Phebe
The characterization of Phebe
The reason for Rosalind’s agitation
Phebe’s romantic feelings toward Rosalind
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 2 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:
“Sweet are the uses of adversity”
Jaques’ stated reason for not hunting
The fundamental goodness of Adam
Oliver’s homicidal intentions
Comparing Rosalind and Orlando’s plights
Corin’s efforts to console a lovesick Silvius
Celia and Rosalind’s big purchase
Jaques’ combativeness and its effect on others
Jaques’ motivations for becoming a jester
An assumption that turns out to be ill-informed
The metaphorical language of Duke Senior
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 1 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:
Orlando’s complaint about his brother
Oliver’s devious plans for his brother
The cause of Oliver’s hatred for Orlando
The banishment of Duke Senior
The characterization of Duke Senior
The characterization of Rosalind
Rosalind’s belief regarding love
Rosalind’s request of Duke Frederick
Orlando’s perspective on facing danger
The cause of Celia’s shame toward her father
Duke Frederick’s shifting attitude toward Rosalind
Rosalind’s banishment
Touchstone’s agreement to travel with Rosalind and Celia
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 5, 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
Define challenging words and phrases in context
Discern the intended effect of Shakespeare’s diction
Discern tone in context
Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on metaphor
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 literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 4, scene 1, 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
Discern apparent contradictions in dialogue
Define complex words and phrases in context
Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Applying knowledge of literary devices including situational irony
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 literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 3, scene 2, 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
Define challenging words as they are used in the text
Determine the function of a given detail
Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Compare characters in the play
Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor and situational irony
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 literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 2, scene 2, 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
Discern the intended effect of figurative language in context
Discern tone in context
Define challenging words as they are used in the text
Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Consider the symbolic meaning of sleep in context
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including hyperbole and simile
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 literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 1, scene 7, 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
Discern tone in context
Infer the intended effects of Shakespeare’s language and narrative techniques
Define complex and archaic words as they are used in the text
Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices such as hyperbole and dramatic irony
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 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
Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this set of rigorous questions about Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Focusing on Act 1, scene 5, this resource is delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. An answer key is included. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact
Discern the tone of a given excerpt
Explore nuances in words with similar meanings
Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on metaphor
Defend claims with reasoned thinking and relevant textual evidence
Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class/leave class better prepared to discuss literary materials
Promote homework accountability and evaluate general reading comprehension with this quiz covering Act 5 of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. 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:
Feste’s delivery of a letter
The use of figurative language and its purpose: “Why should I not, had I the heart to do it, / Like to the Egyptian thief, at point of death, / Kill what I love?”
The context of Viola’s claim that she would die “a thousand deaths”
Olivia’s rationalization of Cesario’s apparently inconsistent behavior
Andrew and Toby’s injuries
The context of Toby’s remarks: “An asshead and a coxcomb and a knave, a thin-faced knave, a gull!”
Andrew’s frustration with Viola
Olivia’s feelings toward Malvolio
A lie told by Fabian
Maria’s marriage
The tone of the closing song