Say hello to a platform dedicated to industrious, yet overtasked teachers like you. Say goodbye to countless hours spent developing relevant and engaging ELA lessons. Whether you are teaching the fundamentals of grammar, creative writing skills, classic literature, or contemporary fiction, you will find thousands of activities and assessments to help you achieve a healthier work-life balance without sacrificing academic rigor.
Say hello to a platform dedicated to industrious, yet overtasked teachers like you. Say goodbye to countless hours spent developing relevant and engaging ELA lessons. Whether you are teaching the fundamentals of grammar, creative writing skills, classic literature, or contemporary fiction, you will find thousands of activities and assessments to help you achieve a healthier work-life balance without sacrificing academic rigor.
Help high school students improve fluency, stamina, text comprehension, and close reading analysis of the formal elements of fiction with this set of rigorous, text-dependent questions on the short story titled “Home” by Gwendolyn Brooks. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly
Examine the title of the narrative to make inferences about the author’s intent
Discern the function of the opening paragraph
Articulate the situational irony associated with a character’s vision of the future
Contrast the characters of Helen and Maud Martha
Analyze the author’s stylistic decision to offset a particular detail with em dashes
Explain the intended meaning of a metaphor in context
Articulate how Helen is a good example of dynamic character
Write clearly, concisely, and accurately in response to analytical questioning
Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims
Support the development of high school and college close reading skills with this assessment on John Collier’s short story “The Chaser.” A variety of question types facilitates the process of analyzing the author’s craft, applying knowledge of literary devices, identifying relevant and compelling textual evidence to support claims, and more. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging in this exercise, students will…
Discern what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly
Analyze the author’s choice of words to discern the intended effect of language
Explore how the protagonist is characterized
Discern the tone of dialogue in context
Apply knowledge of satire to the plot
Apply knowledge of literary devices to the text
Analyze dialogue to discern what is implied
Analyze dialogue to discern one of its primary functions in the story
Identify an example of figurative language in the text
Isolate a false statement concerning plot from factual ones
Help high school students analyze how John Collier used direct description (setting and characterization), figurative language (euphemism, metaphor, and simile), and foreshadowing to develop a compelling work of fantasy in “The Chaser.” Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this resource serves well for an independent learning opportunity, as well as for small-group discussions. Through such discussions, students may evaluate peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to support claims, clarifying or challenging ideas as needed. An answer key is included.
Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering the short story “The Portable Phonograph” by Walter van Tilburg Clark. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable 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 completing this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly
Analyze the significance of the season in the context of the plot
Make logical inferences about the dugout’s significance to the plot
Analyze the thematic importance of a given detail
Analyze how complex characters interact and develop
Explore the author’s use of language
Discern the most relevant theme
Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering the classic fairy tale “Tom Thumb” by the Brothers Grimm. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable 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 completing this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Determine the function of a given detail
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including aphorism, dramatic irony, foreshadowing, idiom, invective, situational irony, and more
Explore themes in context
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Anton Chekhov’s short story “The Lady with the Dog.” The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with literature. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
Setting
Gurov’s occupation
Gurov’s initial impressions of Anna
Gurov’s unfaithfulness
How Gurov tries to appeal to Anna
Anna’s self-image
Gurov’s reaction to Anna’s vulnerability
Gurov’s philosophy on life
A letter Anna receives
What surprises Gurov when he returns to Moscow
A reunion between Gurov and Anna
Anna’s assessment of her relationship with Gurov
The resolution
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Stephen Vincent Benet’s short story titled “By the Waters of Babylon.” 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 protagonist’s community
Societal expectations
The destruction of the Place of the Gods
A valuable resource
Restrictions on who may access the valuable resource
A sign that indicates to the protagonist that she should travel
The protagonist’s personal motivations
The protagonist’s philosophy on life
Setting
The former inhabitants of the Place of the Gods
Theme
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
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Saki’s short story titled “The Storyteller.” 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:
Setting
Weather conditions
Details about the aunt’s story
The moral of the aunt’s story
The children’s reaction to the aunt’s story
The identity of the person who travels alongside the aunt and kids
A description of Bertha
Bertha’s meaningful objects
Where Bertha visits
The danger facing Bertha
The aunt’s reaction to the bachelor’s story
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.
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
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Saki’s short story “The Open Window.” The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
The reason for Framton’s visit to the country
The concern of Framton’s sister
The nature of the relationship between Framton and Mrs. Sappleton
Vera’s relation to Mrs. Sappleton
The details of Vera’s fanciful story
Mrs. Sappleton’s general disposition toward Framton
The reason for Framton’s aprupt departure
Vera’s storytelling to conclude the narrative
Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering the science fiction short story “The Star” by H.G. Wells. A detailed answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable 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 completing this close reading activity, 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 alliteration, personification, simile, and more
Generate a relevant theme and support how it is developed
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “Contents of the Dead Man’s Pocket” by Jack Finney. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
Setting
The protagonist’s career
The wife’s location
The reason the protagonist does not go with his wife
Complications facing the protagonist
The protagonist’s efforts to gain attention
The psychological state of the protagonist
The resolution
Situational irony
Theme
Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet covering metaphysical poet John Donne’s “Meditation 17,” an excerpt from Devotions Upon Emergent Occasions. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable 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 this close reading activity, students will:
Read for literal and interpretive comprehension
Apply knowledge of setting, characterization, conflict, and literary devices
Be better prepared to engage in collaborative discussions about literature
Use this close reading worksheet to help high school students find deeper meaning in E. E. Cummings’ poem “anyone lived in a pretty how town,” a creative exploration of the ideas of conformity and its effects on individuals and communities. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable 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 this close reading activity, students will:
Read for literal and interpretive comprehension
Apply knowledge of setting, characterization, and conflict
Be better prepared to engage in collaborative discussions about poetry
Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet covering Sonnet X, also known as “Death be Not Proud,” by metaphysical poet John Donne. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable 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 this close reading activity, students will:
Read for literal and interpretive comprehension
Apply knowledge of setting, characterization, conflict, and literary devices
Be better prepared to engage in collaborative discussions about poetry
Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet covering “Sonnet 130” by William Shakespeare. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will:
Read for literal and interpretive comprehension
Apply knowledge of setting, characterization, conflict, and literary devices
Determine the rhyme scheme and overall tone of the poem
Be better prepared to engage in collaborative discussions about poetry
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
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 4 of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. 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 nature of Antony’s conversation with Octavius and Lepidus
What Antony intends to do with Caesar’s will
Antony’s intentions for Lepidus
The changing nature of Brutus and Cassius’s relationship
Brutus’s observations about Cassius’s behavior
Information provided to Brutus by Lucilius
Why Brutus punished Lucius
Brutus’s accusations against Cassius
Cassius’s self-image
Cassius’s emotionally charged offer to Brutus
An unexpected visitor to the tent
A supernatural encounter