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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.
"Home" by Gwendolyn Brooks Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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"Home" by Gwendolyn Brooks Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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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
“Home” by Gwendolyn Brooks Quiz and Answer Key
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“Home” by Gwendolyn Brooks Quiz and Answer Key

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning with this plot-based quiz covering Gwendolyn Brooks’ short story titled “Home.” The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The length of time the family has lived in their home Mama and Helen’s reaction to the possibility of losing their home Papa’s plan during his lunch break Helen’s personal shame Maud Martha’s emotional state The task Mama will be relieved to stop doing Mama’s daily motto Papa’s nonverbal communication A description of Mama’s eyes The resolution
"Home" by Gwendolyn Brooks Vocabulary Games and Activities for High School
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"Home" by Gwendolyn Brooks Vocabulary Games and Activities for High School

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Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the short story “Home” by Gwendolyn Brooks. A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: burden, casually, emerge, emphatic, flat, graceful, jardinière, obstinate, rein, slip, staccato, stride, and suspect. By engaging with these activities, students will: 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
"The Chaser" by John Collier Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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"The Chaser" by John Collier Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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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
"The Chaser" by John Collier Quiz and Answer Key
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"The Chaser" by John Collier Quiz and Answer Key

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For many middle and high school students, the fantasy genre promotes active engagement with literature. With this printable assessment on “The Chaser” by John Collier, a short story in the fantasy genre, English Language Arts teachers will evaluate general reading comprehension and hold students accountable for homework completion. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By taking this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: A character description of Alan Austen Characteristics of the “glove cleaner” An alternative name for the “glove cleaner” The cost of the “glove cleaner” Alan’s reason for visiting the old man The effects of the love potion Side effects of ingesting the love potion The cost of the love potion The old man’s business philosophy The significance of the title (analysis) Situational irony in the story
“The Chaser” by John Collier Craft Analysis Activity
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“The Chaser” by John Collier Craft Analysis Activity

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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.
"The Chaser" by John Collier Vocabulary Games and Activities for High School
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"The Chaser" by John Collier Vocabulary Games and Activities for High School

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Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the short story “The Chaser” by John Collier. A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: apprehensively, bountifully, effect, fervently, giddy, indifferently, laxative, oblige, obscurely, phial, rapture, scorn, and solitude. By engaging with these activities, students will: 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
"The Call of Cthulhu" by H.P. Lovecraft Close Reading Analysis Worksheets
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"The Call of Cthulhu" by H.P. Lovecraft Close Reading Analysis Worksheets

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Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this set of three rigorous worksheets covering H.P. Lovecraft’s short story “The Call of Cthulhu,” a narrative of special appeal to those interested in horror, science fiction, and the supernatural. Each worksheet corresponds to a particular section of the story (“The Horror in Clay,” “The Tale of Inspector Legrasse,” and “The Madness from the Sea”). Answer keys and a copy of the public domain text are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. These resources may facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using these resources for structured guidance, students will improve their ability to present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly and convincingly. By engaging with these close reading activities, students will: Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Determine the tone of a particular passage Discern the author’s intent and its effect on readers. Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Apply knowledge of literary devices including idiom, euphemism, simile, metaphor, invective, personification, hubris, hyperbole, and onomatopoeia Draw parallels between “The Call of Cthulhu” and the epic The Odyssey 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
"The Interlopers" by Saki Literary Craft Analysis Worksheet
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"The Interlopers" by Saki Literary Craft Analysis Worksheet

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Help high school readers explore how Saki used direct description, characterization, figurative language, foreshadowing, and symbolism to develop a complex short story: “The Interlopers.” This craft analysis activity helps students go beyond general reading comprehension by making them reflect on the motivations behind the author’s word choices and narrative techniques. Delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats, this resource also helps prepare students for more meaningful classroom discussions. Through these discussions, students may evaluate peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to support claims, clarifying or challenging ideas as needed. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included.
"The Portable Phonograph" by Walter Clark Close Reading Worksheet
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"The Portable Phonograph" by Walter Clark Close Reading Worksheet

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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
"Tom Thumb" by the Brothers Grimm Vocabulary Games and Activities
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"Tom Thumb" by the Brothers Grimm Vocabulary Games and Activities

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Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the classic fairy tale “Tom Thumb” by the Brothers Grimm. A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, the public domain short story, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: affliction, byre, contrive, dusk, fodder, granary, haste, imp, larder, merry, midden, nimble, reckon, rein, scythe, subterranean, vexation, and wayside. By engaging with these activities, students will: 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
"Tom Thumb" by the Brothers Grimm Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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"Tom Thumb" by the Brothers Grimm Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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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
"The Star Beast" by Nicholas Stuart Gray Quiz, Close Reading, and Vocab Games Bundle
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"The Star Beast" by Nicholas Stuart Gray Quiz, Close Reading, and Vocab Games Bundle

3 Resources
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the science fiction short story “The Star Beast” by Nicholas Stuart Gray. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, 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. 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 states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques with emphasis on how the author helps the audience empathize with a non-human protagonist Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including hubris and situational irony Consider themes in context Articulate how the narrative conforms to standard conventions of science fiction 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
"Tom Thumb" by the Brothers Grimm Quiz and Answer Key
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"Tom Thumb" by the Brothers Grimm Quiz and Answer Key

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz on the classic fairy tale “Tom Thumb” by the Brothers Grimm. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The origin of Tom Thumb’s name Tom’s offerings of help The motivations of the two strangers Tom’s cleverness Tom’s efforts to thwart the antagonists The complications Tom faces The resolution And more
"The Portable Phonograph" by Walter van Tilburg Clark Quiz and Answer Key
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"The Portable Phonograph" by Walter van Tilburg Clark Quiz and Answer Key

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz on the short story “The Portable Phonograph” by Walter van Tilburg Clark. 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: Setting Circumstances preceding the events in the story The nature of the meeting The frequency of meetings General characterization of key figures The resolution
"Snow White and Rose Red" Quiz, Close Reading, and Vocabulary Games Bundle
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"Snow White and Rose Red" Quiz, Close Reading, and Vocabulary Games Bundle

3 Resources
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the classic fairy tale “Snow White and Rose Red” by the Brothers Grimm. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the public domain short story, and answer keys 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 engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states 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 Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, invective, onomatopoeia, simile, 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
"The Portable Phonograph" Quiz, Close Reading, and Vocabulary Games Bundle
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"The Portable Phonograph" Quiz, Close Reading, and Vocabulary Games Bundle

3 Resources
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the short story “The Portable Phonograph” by Walter van Tilburg Clark. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, 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. 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 states 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 Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques 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 Consider themes in context
"Tom Thumb" by the Brothers Grimm Quiz, Close Reading, and Vocabulary Games Bundle
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"Tom Thumb" by the Brothers Grimm Quiz, Close Reading, and Vocabulary Games Bundle

3 Resources
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the classic fairy tale “Tom Thumb” by the Brothers Grimm. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the public domain short story, and answer keys 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 engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states 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 Infer 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
"Snow White and Rose Red" by the Brothers Grimm Close Reading Worksheet
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"Snow White and Rose Red" by the Brothers Grimm Close Reading Worksheet

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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 fairy tale “Snow White and Rose Red” 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 Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, invective, onomatopoeia, simile, 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
"Snow White and Rose Red" by the Brothers Grimm Quiz and Answer Key
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"Snow White and Rose Red" by the Brothers Grimm Quiz and Answer Key

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz on the classic fairy tale “Snow White and Rose Red” by the Brothers Grimm. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Distinguishing characteristics of the protagonists The nature of the relationship between Snow White and Rose Red Peculiar encounters in the woods The general characterization of the bear The complications facing a dwarf The sisters’ reaction to the dwarf’s struggles A surprising revelation near the story’s end And more