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.
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning duties with this bundle of plot-based quizzes covering The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells. Answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Setting
Strange sightings on Mars
The Martians’ intentions
First impressions of the Martians’ ship
General characterization of the narrator
The narrator’s assumptions about the cylinder
The identity of a journalist
Physical description of the alien beings
An apparent complication for the extraterrestrials
Acts of violence
Effects of the heat ray
The narrator’s interactions with his wife
The reason many news agencies report that Martians are not a true threat
The arrival of a second cylinder
Factors that contribute to the aliens’ formidability
The item rented by the narrator
The narrator’s intentions
The weather conditions
The means by which Martians travel on Earth
A complication that faces the narrator
How the narrator survives the heat ray
New threats facing the narrator
General characterization of the narrator’s brother
The reason news of the invasion has not spread farther
The fixation of the minister
How the narrator’s brother escapes the aliens
Details concerning “Thunder Child”
Ominous observations by the narrator’s brother
The narrator’s stated intentions
The narrator’s main motivations
The eerie strangeness of London
The reason for the narrator and minister’s entry into a house
The reason the narrator and the minister get stuck in the house
The narrator’s observations of the aliens
The conclusions the narrator draws about the extraterrestrials
The means by which the minister dies
What happens to the minister’s body
The length of the narrator’s confinement
A reunion with the artilleryman
Characters’ specific fears
An unappealing suggestion for humanity’s survival
The narrator’s judgments about the artilleryman
A theory concerning the aliens’ cause of death
The narrator’s psychological state
Beliefs concerning an alternative location for colonization
Discoveries made at the narrator’s home
The invasion’s effect on humanity in general
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this bundle of plot-based quizzes covering each Act of William Shakespeare’s tragedy King Lear. The assessments may double as guided reading worksheets to facilitate active engagement with Shakespearean drama. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills while teaching Act 2 of Shakespeare’s Macbeth with this bundle of formative assessments. Included are the following: a multiple choice quiz on characters and plot, seven close reading worksheets addressing the author’s craft, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly
Discern the intended effect of Shakespeare’s diction
Analyze language and articulate its intended effect
Discern tone in context
Determine the function of a given excerpt
Define complex and archaic words as they are used in the text
Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Compare the characters of Banquo and Macbeth
Consider the symbolism of sleep and diamonds in context
Apply knowledge of literary devices such as personification, hyperbole, simile, allusion, dramatic irony, and situational irony
Identify the best textual evidence in support of claims and inferences
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this bundle of plot-based quizzes covering each act of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The assessments may double as guided reading worksheets to facilitate active engagement with Shakespearean drama. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
The opening scene
Characterization of Norway’s king
The fate of the Thane of Cawdor
Macbeth’s new title
The witches’ prophecy
Banquo’s presence
The news Malcolm shares with his father
King Duncan’s declared successor
Lady Macbeth’s concerns about her husband
Lady Macbeth’s ambition
Lady Macbeth’s influence on her husband
Details concerning the plot to kill King Duncan
Banquo’s psychological state
Macbeth’s deception of Banquo
Macbeth’s hallucination
Details regarding the plot to kill King Duncan
Lady Macbeth’s reason for not being able to kill King Duncan herself
Macbeth’s inability to utter words of prayer
Lady Macbeth’s frustration with her husband
The porter’s thoughts on the effects of alcohol
Macduff’s suspicions
Lady Macbeth’s fainting spell
The peculiar events following King Duncan’s death
The reason Malcolm and Donalbain are suspected of killing their father
Banquo’s suspicions
A feast to honor Macbeth
Macbeth’s newest murderous plan
Lady Macbeth’s ironic reaction to her newfound power
Macbeth’s psychological state
Macbeth’s desire to spare his wife additional guilt
How Macbeth’s murderous plan is a failure
The appearance of Banquo’s ghost
Macbeth’s reason for visiting the witches
Why Heccate is upset
A plan to thwart Macbeth
Setting
The prophecy of the first apparition
The imagery of the second apparition
The effect of the second apparition’s prophecy on Macbeth’s mindset
Macbeth’s curiosity about the future
Lennox’s interaction with Macbeth
Lady Macduff’s anger at her husband
Ross’s attempts to assuage Lady Macduff’s anger
A messenger’s ominous message
Malcolm’s cleverness
News regarding Macduff’s family
The conclusion of Act 4
The effect of Macbeth’s absence on Lady Macbeth
The side effects of Lady Macbeth’s guilt
A doctor’s discovery
Macbeth’s attitude toward his war generals
Malcolm’s demands of his men
Macbeth’s hubris
The news that causes Macbeth to change his perspective
Macbeth’s reaction to a messenger
The reason for Macbeth’s rekindled hope
Macbeth’s battle with a young man
Macduff’s ultimate act of conquering his enemy
The resolution
Help students engage in analysis of Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers with this set of close reading worksheets delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Passages from chapters 1, 5, 10, 14, and 21 are featured. Answer keys are included.
By engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Identify textual evidence in support of claims
Discern what given passages reflect about the protagonist’s modes of thinking
Make logical inferences about characters’ psychological states based on actions
Apply knowledge of a variety of literary devices
Determine the functions of given passages
Analyze a situation to discern what is both positive and negative in terms of its outcome
Explore character motivations
Explain how dramatic irony is present in a given passage
Make logical inferences about the author’s intent
Examine how complex characters behave and interact
Discern tone in context
Write with clarity and precision
And more
Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills while teaching Act 5 of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet with this bundle of formative assessments. Included are the following: a reading guide, a multiple choice quiz on characters and plot, three close reading worksheets addressing the author’s craft, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Annotate text to show active engagement
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word and phrase meanings
Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Discern the function of a scene
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Argue whether Romeo’s behavior is consistent with his characterization throughout the play
Apply knowledge of literary devices including oxymoron and situational irony
Conduct brief research on Shakespeare’s life
Support claims or 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 students achieve more purposeful reading experiences and sharpen their note-taking skills with this reading guide covering the entirety of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. In addition, this resource aims to facilitate review and future recall of plot. Students will identify what the text states explicitly, track character and plot development, articulate the context and significance of given quotations, and more. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. The following plot details are addressed:
Feuding in the streets
The prince’s declaration of punishment
Romeo’s despair at lost love
Rosaline’s decision
Juliet’s refusal to accept marriage
Lord Capulet’s beliefs toward the prospect of marriage
Romeo’s invite to Lord Capulet’s party
Paris
Mercutio’s harsh, sarcastic tone toward Romeo’s heartbreak
Queen Mab
Romeo’s foreshadowing prediction
Tybalt’s reaction to Romeo’s presence (in contrast to Capulet’s)
Romeo’s discovery of Juliet’s identity
Dramatic irony
The rejection of names
Romeo’s fear of rejection
Juliet’s concern over acting hastily
Juliet’s desire for Romeo to send her a message
Friar Laurence’s beliefs on good and evil
Friar Laurence’s concerns for Romeo
Romeo’s request of Friar Laurence
Friar Laurence’s optimistic view of the union of Romeo and Juliet
The Nurse’s private conversation with Romeo
The plan to marry Juliet
The Nurse’s comic relief
Tybalt’s verbal attack on Romeo
Dramatic irony
Mercutio’s decision to fight Tybalt
Romeo’s abrupt character change
Defying the prince’s orders
Lady Capulet’s demand
Romeo’s punishment
The Nurse’s news and ensuing confusion
Juliet’s immediate reaction to learning the truth
Juliet’s defense of her husband
The Nurse’s motivation to seek out Romeo
Romeo’s feelings toward his punishment
Friar Laurence’s strong words for Romeo
Romeo’s potential suicide attempt
Friar Laurence’s optimistic plan
Lord Capulet’s arrangement with Paris
Whether Romeo believes he will see his wife once more
Foreshadowing
Lady Capulet’s plan for Romeo after exile
The Nurse’s advice to Juliet
Juliet’s desire to seek Friar Laurence’s help
Lord Capulet’s rush to marry off Juliet
Lord Capulet’s threat to Juliet
Juliet’s morbid confession to Friar Laurence
The purpose of the vial
Juliet’s request for forgiveness from her father
Lord Capulet’s praise for Friar Laurence
Juliet’s paranoia in regard to Friar Laurence’s motives
The burial vault
The Nurse’s terrible discovery
Cancellation of the wedding
Failure of Friar Laurence’s plan
Romeo’s visit to the apothecary
The apothecary’s concern
Friar Laurence and the quarantine
Friar John’s task
Paris in the churchyard
Balthasar’s news
Romeo’s interaction with Paris
Romeo’s suicide
Juliet’s awakening
Friar Laurence’s upsetting news
Juliet’s method of suicide
Lady Montague’s death
The resolution
And more
Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this bundle of formative assessments covering Act 1 of William Shakespeare’s comedy As You Like It. A plot-based quiz, three 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 to the text including foreshadowing, situational irony, 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 dramatic works
Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this bundle of formative assessments covering Act 1 of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. A plot-based quiz, three 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 editable Word Document and printable 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
Describe tone in context
Determine the functions of various passages
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Compare and contrast two characters
Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor and situational irony
Conduct brief research as needed to answer a question about a biblical allusion
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
This bundle of editable quizzes measures comprehension and holds students accountable for the assigned reading of Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. For each section of the novel, a multiple choice assessment and short answer alternative are provided. The subjective assessments may double as guided reading worksheets to encourage more active engagement with the text. Answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in both Word Document and PDF formats.
Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills while teaching Act 1 of William Shakespeare’s King Lear with this bundle of formative assessments. Included are the following: a quiz on characters and plot, five close reading worksheets addressing the author’s craft, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these activities, students will do the following:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Define words/phrases as they are used in context
Explore nuances in words with similar meanings
Choose the most appropriate synonym for a given word
Verify interpretations of language using reference materials
Describe tone in context
Consider the greater significance of given details
Determine the primary function of a given excerpt
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including alliteration, hyperbole, synecdoche, antithesis, aphorism, allusion, dramatic irony, situational irony, and double denotation
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
Promote homework accountability, measure and extend reading comprehension, support the development of close reading skills, and encourage deeper analysis of fiction with this bundle of teaching resources covering the entirety of The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells. With this product, high school English Language Arts teachers may save valuable time outside the classroom without sacrificing rigor inside the classroom. Six resources are provided, all with answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats.
For many middle and high school readers, realistic and young adult fiction are genres that maximize engagement with literature. This bundle focuses on three representative short stories by Toni Cade Bambara: “Raymond’s Run,” “Blues Ain’t No Mockin Bird,” and “Geraldine Moore the Poet.” English Language Arts teachers may use this bundle as a tool for evaluating general reading comprehension, supporting the development of close reading analysis skills, and promoting homework accountability. Included are the following: editable, plot-based quizzes for each narrative; close reading analysis activities for each narrative; and answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats.
Evaluate comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this bundle of resources covering chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4 of Dracula by Bram Stoker. A plot-based quiz, close reading worksheets, vocabulary activities, and answer keys are provided. 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 materials, students will:
Identify what the text says both explicitly and implicitly
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
Determine the function of a given excerpt
Explore how setting contributes to mood
Discern the intended effects of the author’s narrative techniques
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Explain how gender norms of 19th Century England are broken
Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony, verbal irony, dramatic irony, foreshadowing, metaphor, oxymoron, epiphany, and more
Read a portion of Emily Gerard’s “Transylvanian Superstitions” to make sense of a character’s actions and thinking
Conduct brief research on gypsies to explain why Harker believes they may be helpful to him
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about Gothic literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Evaluate comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this bundle of resources covering chapters 14, 15, 16, and 17 of Dracula by Bram Stoker. A plot-based quiz, close reading worksheets, vocabulary activities, and answer keys are provided. 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 materials, students will:
Identify what the text says explicitly and implicitly
Determine the meaning 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
Discern the intended effects of the author’s narrative techniques
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Identify which characters are more and less amenable to Van Helsing’s approach to liberating Lucy’s soul, as well as what factors contribute to their amenability or lack thereof
Apply knowledge of literary devices including dramatic irony
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about Gothic literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Evaluate comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this bundle of resources covering chapters 18, 19, 20, and 21 of Dracula by Bram Stoker. A plot-based quiz, close reading worksheets, vocabulary activities, and answer keys are provided. 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 materials, students will:
Identify what the text says explicitly and implicitly
Determine the meaning 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
Discern the intended effects of the author’s narrative techniques
Describe tone in context
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Contrast the attack against Mina with Dracula’s previous attacks
Apply knowledge of literary devices including ambiguity, oxymoron, metaphor, simile, personification, and foreshadowing
Consider the role sexism plays in terms of plot developments
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about Gothic literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Evaluate reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and support the development of critical thinking skills with this bundle of resources for teaching The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (chapters 1 and 2). Two plot-based quizzes, two close reading analysis worksheets, two vocabulary application activities, two crossword puzzles, two word search games, and answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these activities, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed
Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Discern the intended effects of the author’s diction and narrative techniques
Describe the tone of a given passage
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices
Come to class better prepared to discuss works of fiction
Evaluate reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and support the development of critical thinking skills with this bundle of resources for teaching The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (chapters 13, 14, 15, and 16). Four close reading analysis worksheets, a plot-based quiz, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, and answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these activities, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed
Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Discern the intended effects of the author’s diction and narrative techniques
Describe the tone of a given passage
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including imagery, symbolism, and dramatic irony
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
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this bundle of plot-based quizzes covering Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, a dystopian novel. These assessments may otherwise serve as guided reading handouts to facilitate active reading experiences. Answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and craft analysis skills with this bundle of formative assessments covering Act 5 of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. A plot-based quiz, five close reading worksheets, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, 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 situational irony and symbolism
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