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Inquiring Mind of the English Teacher Kind

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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.

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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.
1984 Book 1 Chapters 2 and 3 Quiz and Answer Key
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1984 Book 1 Chapters 2 and 3 Quiz and Answer Key

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Measure general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this set of two quizzes covering Book 1, chapters 2 and 3, of George Orwell’s 1984. A multiple choice assessment and a short answer option are provided, along with answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing these quizzes, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Winston’s fear of the Thought Police The Junior Spies and their job Public executions of the Party’s dissidents Winston’s dream involving O’Brien’s voice Winston’s dream involving his mother A government purge Physical jerks Why it is so difficult to recall one’s childhood Oceania’s enemy country Communication via the telescreen
1984 Book 1 Chapters 4 through 6 Quiz and Answer Key
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1984 Book 1 Chapters 4 through 6 Quiz and Answer Key

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Measure general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this set of two quizzes covering Book 1, chapters 4 through 6, of George Orwell’s 1984. A multiple choice assessment and a short answer option are provided, along with answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Comrade Withers The concept of “unpersoning” someone The purpose of Newspeak Examples of Doublespeak An explanation of Facecrime Syme’s intelligence and Winston’s concerns about it Syme’s work Ironic messaging from the Ministry of Plenty Winston’s diary entry The government’s goal concerning sexual behavior Winston’s ex-wife Winston’s internal strife
1984 Book 1 Chapter 1 Quiz and Answer Key
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1984 Book 1 Chapter 1 Quiz and Answer Key

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Measure general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this set of two quizzes covering Book 1, chapter 1, of George Orwell’s 1984. A multiple choice assessment and a short answer option are provided, along with answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The setting The nature of the propaganda disseminated by way of the telescreen Winston’s professional responsibilities The ironic role of the Ministry of Peace The significance of Emmanuel Goldstein The general characterization of proles How Winston rebels against the government The Party’s treatment of enemies of the state And more
1984 Book 1 Chapters 7 and 8 Quiz and Answer Key
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1984 Book 1 Chapters 7 and 8 Quiz and Answer Key

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Measure general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this set of two quizzes covering Book 1, chapters 7 and 8, of George Orwell’s 1984. A multiple choice assessment and a short answer option are provided, along with answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Winston’s assessment on who would best stage a revolt against the government Winston’s reasoning behind the aforementioned assessment The logic as to why the proles would not likely stage a revolt Living conditions A photograph and Winston’s concerns about it Winston’s belief on how reality should be determined Winston’s curiosity about actual history (not the Party-sanctioned accounts of it) Winston’s fear over being followed An alternative to the Thought Police’s torture
1984 Book 2 Chapters 1 through 3 Quiz and Answer Key
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1984 Book 2 Chapters 1 through 3 Quiz and Answer Key

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Measure general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this set of two quizzes covering Book 2, chapters 1 through 3, of George Orwell’s 1984. A multiple choice assessment and a short answer option are provided, along with answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The irony of Julia’s message to Winston Analysis of Julia’s comment, “We’re not dead yet.” Hate Week The prisoner transport Winston’s reaction to Julia’s very personal admission Primary influences on Julia’s behaviors How the government manipulates people into frenzy Winston’s alarming admission about his ex-wife
1984 Book 2 Chapters 4 through 6 Quiz and Answer Key
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1984 Book 2 Chapters 4 through 6 Quiz and Answer Key

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Measure general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this set of two quizzes covering Book 2, chapters 4 through 6, of George Orwell’s 1984. A multiple choice assessment and a short answer option are provided, along with answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The room Winston rents Julia’s encounter with a rat The significance of the paperweight Winston’s imagination as he stares into the paperweight The expected vanishing of a character Winston’s reaction to the singing of a prole woman The hate song and other preparations for Hate Week Julia’s accusations against the Party An encounter with O’Brien O’Brien’s offer to Winston
1984 Book 3 Chapters 4 through 6 Quiz and Answer Key
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1984 Book 3 Chapters 4 through 6 Quiz and Answer Key

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Measure general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this set of two quizzes covering Book 3, chapters 4 through 6, of George Orwell’s 1984. A multiple choice assessment and a short answer option are provided, along with answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Winston’s nightmare Winston’s confession that he still hates the Party Room 101 Winston’s worst nightmare and O’Brien’s most effective torture technique Winston’s means of getting out of his torturous situation (betrayal) A reunion at the Chestnut Tree Café Winston’s ultimate feelings about Big Brother News about the war
1984 Book 2 Chapters 9 and 10 Quiz and Answer Key
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1984 Book 2 Chapters 9 and 10 Quiz and Answer Key

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Measure general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this set of two quizzes covering Book 2, chapters 9 and 10, of George Orwell’s 1984. A multiple choice assessment and a short answer option are provided, along with answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Winston’s 90-hour work week Oceania’s new enemy Goldstein’s book Crimestop A singing prole woman “We are the dead” The picture on the wall and what it conceals The sudden appearance of troops A realization about Mr. Charrington
1984 Book 3 Chapters 1 through 3 Quiz and Answer Key
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1984 Book 3 Chapters 1 through 3 Quiz and Answer Key

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Measure general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this set of two quizzes covering Book 3, chapters 1 through 3, of George Orwell’s 1984. A multiple choice assessment and a short answer option are provided, along with answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Winston’s imprisonment A prole woman with the last name of Smith An imprisoned poet and his crime Parson’s imprisonment and his crime Who turned Parsons in for his crime Winston’s suicidal thoughts O’Brien’s torture techniques/methods of persuasion The Party’s efforts to control the mind Winston’s growing appreciation for O’Brien The Party’s efforts to eliminate their opposition O’Brien’s comments about Julia Room 101
"Split Cherry Tree" by Jesse Stuart - Quiz & Key
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"Split Cherry Tree" by Jesse Stuart - Quiz & Key

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This resource measures reading comprehension and holds students accountable for the assigned reading of “Split Cherry Tree” by Jesse Stuart. A short answer assessment, this quiz features 9 questions and includes an answer key. Questions pertain to the following key details: ♦ The cause of the split cherry tree ♦ Dave’s means of repayment ♦ Dave’s insistence that he not stay after school and why ♦ Dave’s father’s behavior ♦ Professor Herbert’s lesson involving bacteria ♦ Dave’s father’s philosophy on killing ♦ Professor Herbert’s thoughtful offer ♦ A surprising admission regarding how education has changed and how it has passed Dave’s father by
"Backward Step" by Paul Jennings Quiz and Answer Key
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"Backward Step" by Paul Jennings Quiz and Answer Key

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Promote active engagement with fiction and evaluate general reading comprehension with this multiple choice quiz on the science fiction short story “Backward Step” by Paul Jennings. 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: The television program John watches What John’s mom does that makes her feel very guilty A teenage boy’s desperate plea for John’s mom to read a book John’s status as a famous child John’s sudden appearance in a classroom John’s family background An attempt to help John find his home A visit to the police station John’s grandmother, who agrees to take John in John’s unique capabilities (time travel)
"Middle Woman" by Orson Scott Card Quiz
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"Middle Woman" by Orson Scott Card Quiz

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Save time and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on “Middle Woman,” a short story by Orson Scott Card. Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this assessment makes it easier to quickly gather data on student recall and reading habits. An answer key is provided. Due to copyright restrictions, a copy of the short story is not included. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Middle Woman’s annual journey to visit her sisters The malevolent reason the dragon offers humans three wishes Middle Woman’s reasonable first wish The dragon’s evil actions Situational irony Middle Woman’s intelligent second wish Her husband’s criticism of her, berating her as a changeable woman Middle Woman’s cheerfulness despite criticism Ensuing years in which Middle Woman uses her intellect rather than her remaining wish The dragon’s return many years later An offer of immortality Middle Woman’s kind final wish.
Grammar Worksheet on Commas, Semicolons, and Conjunctions
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Grammar Worksheet on Commas, Semicolons, and Conjunctions

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Reinforce the standard conventions of academic writing and perform a quick check of students’ knowledge with this grammar worksheet on commas, conjunctions, semicolons. Two versions of this activity are provided, including a multiple choice option to expedite take-home grading. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with this material, students will demonstrate an ability to: Separate dependent clauses from independent clauses using semicolons or commas with conjunctions Join two independent clauses with a comma and contextually appropriate conjunction Separate items in a series using commas Isolate non-essential elements (appositive phrases) in the middle of sentences using commas Use commas to separate the elements of dates and places Punctuate coordinating adjectives in a series Format direct quotations Isolate interrupters (however, nevertheless, etc.) in the middle of sentences using commas Use semicolons before conjunctive adverbs that join independent clauses Use semicolons to separate items in a series if they contain internal punctuation
Grammar Practice Worksheet on Applying Verb Tenses
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Grammar Practice Worksheet on Applying Verb Tenses

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Reinforce the standard conventions of academic writing and perform a quick check of students’ knowledge with this grammar worksheet on verb tenses, which emphasizes irregular verbs. Two versions of this activity are provided, including a multiple choice option to expedite the grading process. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in a zip file as both Word Documents and PDFs.
"The Monkey's Paw" by W. W. Jacobs Close Reading Analysis Questions
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"The Monkey's Paw" by W. W. Jacobs Close Reading Analysis Questions

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Engage middle and high school students with a classic example of horror and supernatural fiction, “The Monkey’s Paw” by W. W. Jacobs, and use this set of rigorous questions to promote close reading analysis skills. A variety of question types facilitates the process of analyzing character motivations, examining how word choices influence a reader’s interpretations, applying knowledge of literary devices, and articulating ideas in writing with clarity and precision. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Analyze the author’s word choices to gain deeper insight into setting and characterization Explore the role of setting in terms of developing characterization Make logical inferences about characters based on their actions Find deeper meaning in a given allusion Discern the tone of a character’s dialogue Explore how complex characters think and interact Determine the function of a given detail Examine details that represent a shift in tone Make logical inferences about the author’s intent Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony and euphemism Analyze how Mr. and Mrs. White’s marriage is affected by grief Identify specific details that contribute to the vampiric characterization of Mrs. White Defend claims and support ideas with relevant textual details Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision
“The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe Close Reading Questions
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“The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe Close Reading Questions

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Help high school students extend beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this set of rigorous, text-dependent questions on the Gothic short story “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Analyze the nature of character relationships and interactions Examine grammatically correct structure Define complex words and phrases as they are used in the text Identify the best evidence of foreshadowing in a given passage Apply knowledge of various literary devices including verbal irony Make logical inferences about the protagonist’s mindset and motivations Identify relevant textual evidence in support of a claim or idea
The Hobbit Quiz and Answer Key Bundle
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The Hobbit Quiz and Answer Key Bundle

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This bundle of editable assessments check for general comprehension and holds students accountable for the assigned reading of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. Answer keys are included. All materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important details: Character description of a typical Baggins Gandalf’s surprise appearance Bilbo and Gandalf’s awkward conversation The first dwarf to arrive unexpectedly Awakening “something Tookish” within Bilbo The dwarves’ skepticism toward Bilbo’s participation Bilbo’s designated role Description of the town of Dale What Thorin receives from Gandalf during the party The lost wealth of Thorin’s family The morning after the unexpected party The letter Disappearance of a major character A discovery that leads the adventurers into trouble Bert, Tom, and William Bilbo’s weak bargaining attempts Capturing the dwarves Rescuing the dwarves Discoveries made before locating the troll’s cave Lonely Mountain Rivendell Elrond The peculiar quality of the adventurers’ map Background on the weapons the adventurers’ retrieved from trolls Seeking safety inside the cave The Orcrist Glamdring the Foe-hammer Goblins’ fear of something inside the cave The riddle game Discovery of the magical ring Bilbo’s escape from the cave The dwarves’ complaints Gandalf’s insistence that the dwarves look for Bilbo The adventurers’ reaction to Bilbo’s sudden return Incident involving the Wargs Wargs and their history with another antagonistic group Gandalf’s rescue efforts The Eagles’ arrival The Eagles’ fear of man “Skin-changing” Beorn’s feelings toward animals The adventurers’ strategy for approaching Beorn Beorn’s background Bilbo’s frightening observations at night Gandalf’s discovery of animal tracks outside the residence Beorn’s concerns for the adventurers Details concerning Mirkwood’s black stream Beorn’s advice Lighting watch-fires A deep-sleep state Hastily using the last of the arrows Bombur’s dream Veering off the path in Mirkwood Bilbo’s transformative experience involving a spider Bilbo’s sword Abduction by the wood-elves The Elvenking’s questioning of Thorin Thorin’s reluctance to share details The consequence Thorin faces A near-confession Lake-town Bilbo’s plan to release his friends The escape plan and its glaring flaw The bridge guards’ response to Thorin’s presence The Master of Lake-town’s skepticism The citizens’ overwhelming response to the adventurers’ presence Reaching the mountain’s secret door The foreshadowing appearance of the thrush Bilbo’s frustration Unique quality of dragons Bilbo pilfering treasure The adventurers’ terrible realization concerning Smaug The adventurers’ abrupt frustration toward Bilbo Speaking in riddles Smaug’s suspicions and plan to attack The function of the thrush The Arkenstone Bilbo’s plans for the Arkenstone Smaug’s assault The master bowman The thrush’s instructions Why Lake Town’s citizens were furious with their Master The wood-elves response to the tragedy Thorin’s request of Roac Thorin on why the adventurers are not liable for damages Thorin’s promise to the people of Lake Town Dain’s plan Bilbo conspiring with outsiders Bilbo’s justification for bargaining Thorin’s response to Bilbo’s justification Unity among dwarves, elves, and men The return of the Eagles Thorin’s realization about what would make for a merrier world The new King Under the Mountain Bards gifts to Bilbo Beorn’s new role Gandalf’s statement regarding a more peaceful forest The surprise awaiting Bilbo at home Bilbo’s changed reputation at home
“Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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“Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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Help high school students extend beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this set of rigorous, text-dependent questions on the fairy tale “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” by the Brothers Grimm. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with this activity, students will do the following: Articulate what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, pleonasm, dramatic irony, and more Discern the function of a given excerpt Explore relationships between complex characters Determine the meaning of complex words in context Analyze what Snow White’s behavior reveals about her character Articulate how poetic justice is carried out Analyze plot to discern and articulate sexist stereotypes of women Cite textual evidence in support of inferences and claims Write with clarity and precision
Othello Act 1 Scene 1 Close Reading Worksheet
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Othello Act 1 Scene 1 Close Reading Worksheet

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Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Othello. With a focus on Act 1, scene 1, this resource saves teachers valuable time without sacrificing academic rigor. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable PDFs and Word Documents. 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 completing this exercise, students will: Analyze what the text states explicitly and implicitly Make logical inferences in context Explore character motivations Discern the tone of a given excerpt Discern the meaning of complex words and phrases in context Explore theme Write with clarity and precision
Othello Act 1 Scene 2 Close Reading Worksheet
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Othello Act 1 Scene 2 Close Reading Worksheet

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Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Othello. With a focus on Act 1, scene 2, this resource saves teachers valuable time without sacrificing academic rigor. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable PDFs and Word Documents. 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. More specifically, questions pertain to the following: Analyzing the phrase “He comes to bad intent” for meaning. Analyzing the phrase “Come, sir, I am for you” for meaning and synthesizing it with knowledge of Iago’s characterization. Analyzing text for meaning: why Othello claims that Brabantio is worthy of respect. Analyzing text to determine character motivations (why Brabantio thinks Othello is a thief). Analyzing text to isolate true statements from unfounded statements. Locating textual evidence and annotating text to make comprehension visible: identifying all references to supernatural forces and all indications of Brabantio’s prejudiced mentality. Paraphrasing dialogue.