Reinforce the standard conventions of academic writing and perform a quick check of knowledge with this grammar worksheet designed to help students understand how context influences word choices. Delivered in printable Word Document format, as well as in PDF format, this resource conveniently offers the option to edit. An answer key is provided.

Use this editable grammar activity to help middle and high school students apply knowledge of demonstrative and interrogative pronouns. To facilitate this process, the editable worksheet offers tips on when to use specific demonstratives over interrogatives, and vice versa. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with this grammar exercise, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following rules: Use the demonstrative pronoun this to indicate a single person or object that is near in space or time Use the demonstrative pronoun these to indicate multiple people or objects that are near in space or time Use the demonstrative pronoun that to indicate a single person or object that is far away in space or time Use the demonstrative pronoun those to indicate multiple people or objects that are near in space or time Use the interrogative pronoun who to ask questions about a person performing an action Use the interrogative pronoun whom to ask questions about a person on the receiving end of an action Use the interrogative pronoun whose to ask questions about a person in possession of something Use the interrogative pronoun which to ask for identification of a specific person or thing in a group Use the interrogative pronoun what to ask open-ended questions about non-specific things

Reinforce the standard conventions of academic writing and perform a quick check of students’ knowledge with this grammar worksheet on apostrophe usage. 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 completing this activity, students will demonstrate an ability to: Indicate possession with a singular or plural common noun Indicate possession with a singular or plural proper noun Indicate possession with regular and irregular nouns Indicate possession with singular and plural compound nouns Indicate possession with a last name ending with s Indicate possession with phrases including two names Indicate the omission of letters and form contractions Punctuate possessive adjectives Refrain from inserting apostrophes into personal pronouns And more

Use this editable grammar activity to help middle and high school students review the basics of singular and plural possessive pronouns. To facilitate this process, the worksheet offers tips on when possessive pronouns should precede nouns and when they may stand alone. Additionally, tips are provided for how to navigate possessive pronouns when addressing animals. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.

Reinforce the standard conventions of academic writing and perform a quick check of students’ knowledge with this grammar worksheet on mains verbs and helping verbs. Students will practice identifying main and helping verbs while navigating the fact that they may be separated by words that are not 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 printable Word Document and PDF formats.

Reinforce the standard conventions of academic writing and perform a quick check of students’ knowledge with this grammar worksheet on the three types of verbals: gerunds, participles, and infinitives. Delivered in printable Word Document format, as well as in PDF format, this resource conveniently offers the option to edit. An answer key is provided.

Reinforce the standard conventions of academic writing and perform a quick check of students’ knowledge with this grammar worksheet on distinguishing transitive verbs from intransitive verbs. Delivered in printable Word Document format, as well as in PDF format, this resource conveniently offers the option to edit. An answer key is provided.

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and develop critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet covering Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story “The Wives of the Dead,” a piece addressing themes of grief and illusion. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are provided. Materials are delivered in 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. Students will perform the following tasks: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the narrative’s point of view Describe tone in context Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare and contrast the protagonists Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion, ambiguity, dramatic irony, and situational irony Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Support the development of high school close reading skills with this assessment on the short story “The Legend of the Christmas Rose” by Selma Lagerlöf. A variety of question types facilitates the process of analyzing character motivations, applying knowledge of literary devices, citing relevant and compelling textual evidence to support claims, and more. The resource is delivered in Word Doc and PDF formats. An answer key and copy of the public domain text are included. By engaging in this exercise, students will… Articulate what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly Identify setting Analyze how complex characters think, interact, and behave Analyze the dynamic transformation of a character Articulate an internal conflict in context Cite textual evidence in support of claims Write with clarity and precision Explore character motivations and intentions Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony and symbolism Analyze the author’s craft to discern how the author conveys the immediacy and intensity of the forest’s transformation Conduct brief research to articulate historical parallels Explore cause-and-effect relationships Define complex words and phrases in context

Support the development of high school and college close reading skills with this assessment on the allegory titled “The Island of the Fay” by Edgar Allan Poe. A variety of question types facilitates the process of analyzing the author’s craft, applying knowledge of literary devices, making logical inferences about author’s intent, citing relevant and compelling textual evidence to support claims, and more. The resource is delivered in Word Doc and PDF formats. An answer key and copy of the public domain text are included. 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 engaging in this exercise, students will… Articulate what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly Analyze how the author uses figurative language and direct description to give the impression that Nature is a living force Apply knowledge of various literary devices including oxymoron, metaphor, symbolism, and personification Compare and contrast two regions of the island Analyze the author’s craft to articulate how Poe evokes the concept of death in a given excerpt Define complex words and phrases in context Make logical inferences about the author’s mindset in the context of his allegory Cite textual evidence in support of inferences and claims Write with clarity and precision

Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering the short story “The Imp of the Perverse” by Edgar Allan Poe, a piece of horror and psychological fiction that explores the impulse to do wrong for wrong’s sake alone. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative, which is especially fitting for the Halloween season, are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Consult reference materials as needed to verify word meanings Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Infer the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices and narrative techniques Discern the tone of a given paragraph Determine the function of a given paragraph Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on situational irony 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

Support the development of high school and college close reading skills with this assessment on the satirical short story “The Businessman” by Edgar Allan Poe. A variety of question types facilitates the process of analyzing character motivations, analyzing the author’s craft, citing relevant and compelling textual evidence to support claims, and more. The resource is delivered in Word Doc and PDF formats. An answer key and copy of the public domain text are included. 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 engaging in this exercise, students will… Articulate what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly Explore cause-and-effect relationships Discern the primary function of a given excerpt Define complex words and phrases in context Analyze how complex characters think, interact, and behave Analyze the author’s use of language and direct characterization Explore nuances in word meanings Make logical inferences about American culture in the context of a given passage Explore character motivations Articulate the situational irony present in a given excerpt Analyze the author’s decision to name his protagonist Peter Profitt Cite textual evidence in support of inferences and claims Write with clarity and precision

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 short story “After Twenty Years” by O. Henry. 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: Articulate what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly Articulate the significance of a given detail Discern the tone of a given excerpt Discern the function of a given paragraph Apply knowledge of foreshadowing Explore character motivations Demonstrate knowledge of characterization Analyze the effect point of view has on the reader Cite textual evidence in support of inferences and claims Write with clarity and precision

Support the development of high school and college close reading skills with this assessment on the modernist short story “The Wind Blows” by Katherine Mansfield. A variety of question types facilitates the process of analyzing character motivations, applying knowledge of literary devices, citing relevant and compelling textual evidence to support claims, and more. The resource is delivered in Word Doc and PDF formats. An answer key and copy of the public domain text are included. 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 engaging in this exercise, students will… Articulate what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly Identify setting Analyze the symbolism of something seemingly ordinary Analyze how complex characters think, interact, and behave Analyze the dynamic transformation of character(s) Explore cause-and-effect relationships Explore character motivations and intentions Apply knowledge of literary devices including assonance, simile, and imagery Articulate the effect that repetition has on the reader’s understanding of character and plot Define complex words or phrases in context Analyze nuances in word meanings Conduct brief research on the author’s life and articulate several autobiographical parallels Cite textual evidence in support of inferences and claims Write with clarity and precision

Support the development of high school and college close reading skills with this assessment on the modernist short story “Bliss” by Katherine Mansfield. A variety of question types facilitates the process of analyzing character motivations, applying knowledge of literary devices, citing relevant and compelling textual evidence to support claims, and more. The resource is delivered in both Word Doc and PDF formats. An answer key and copy of the public domain text are included. 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 engaging in this exercise, students will… Articulate what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly Analyze how complex characters think, interact, and behave Analyze the dynamic transformation of character(s) Explore character motivations and intentions Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony, foreshadowing, repetition, and assonance Define complex words or phrases in context Analyze nuances in word meanings Analyze the author’s craft to discern what is revealed about a character’s psychological state Analyze the author’s craft to articulate why she may have chosen the last name of Young for the protagonist Analyze why the author may have chosen to title this piece “Bliss” Cite textual evidence in support of inferences and claims Write with clarity and precision

Help high school students improve fluency, stamina, text comprehension, and close reading analysis of the formal elements of fiction with this resource for teaching “A White Heron” by Sarah Orne Jewett. Additional materials are included to facilitate planning for unexpected teacher absences. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Included are the following: Public domain short story. With an estimated Lexile Measure range of 1200 to 1300, the narrative is a suitable selection for high school English Language Arts classes. Close reading analysis worksheet. By engaging with this exercise, students will articulate what is stated explicitly and implicitly; provide a description of the narrative’s setting; analyze how complex characters think, interact, and behave; explore the dynamic transformation of a character; discern the tone of a given passage; explore cause-and-effect relationships; compare and contrast characters; apply knowledge of literary devices including simile and anthropomorphism; explore how the author achieves effects such as conveying a sense of awe; conduct brief online research; cite textual evidence in support of claims; and write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision. Questions are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Close reading analysis worksheet answer key. Low-prep lesson plan for unexpected absences. This comes pre-filled with learning targets and agenda items. Space is also designated for classroom teachers to identify the name(s) of their class(es), the hour(s) of their class(es), student leaders, and upcoming homework assignments and assessments. Bell ringer activity. Help a substitute teacher engage students (and find time to take attendance) with a thematically linked writing prompt. Miscellaneous performance task handouts. Extend student thinking and learning in the event of unexpected absences with this item outlining creative tasks pertaining to the short story. For example, students may write poetry or journal entries from the perspective of a character; write a brief retelling of the narrative from a different character’s perspective; explore the thematic significance of stories; review the overall quality of the narrative with objectivity and supporting evidence; and more.

Support the development of high school close reading skills with this assessment on the short story “The Open Boat” by Stephen Crane. A variety of question types facilitates the process of analyzing character motivations, applying knowledge of literary devices, citing relevant and compelling textual evidence to support claims, and more. Materials are delivered as Word Doc and PDF files. An answer key and copy of the public domain text (estimated Lexile measure of 980) are included. 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 engaging in this exercise, students will… Articulate what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly Analyze how complex characters think, interact, and behave Cite textual evidence in support of claims Write with clarity and precision Explore character motivations and intentions Examine cause-and-effect relationships Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony and metaphor Conduct brief research to discern and articulate autobiographical parallels between the author’s life and the narrative’s plot Analyze the greater significance of the oiler’s fate in comparison to that of the cook

“Desiree’s Baby” by Kate Chopin is an example of historical fiction that, when integrated into the English Language Arts classroom, complements American History curricula, as the plot precedes the Civil War and addresses the issue of how race and ethnicity affect one’s life experiences in the South. With this worksheet composed of challenging, text-dependent questions, teachers will help students extend beyond general reading comprehension, exercise close reading analysis skills, and save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will do the following: Articulate what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly Analyze how complex characters think, interact, and behave Explore character motivations and intentions Apply knowledge of literary devices including irony and foreshadowing Analyze the author’s craft, determining how figurative language contributes to storytelling and character development Articulate point of view Make logical inferences about the psychological states of characters Cite textual evidence in support of claims Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision

Help high school students improve fluency, stamina, text comprehension, and close reading analysis of the formal elements of fiction with this resource for teaching “The Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield. Additional materials are included to facilitate planning for unexpected teacher absences. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Included are the following: Public domain short story. Close reading analysis worksheet. By engaging with this exercise, students will articulate what is stated explicitly and implicitly; define complex words and phrases in context; analyze how complex characters think, interact, and behave; explore how a particular incident contributes to the development of a dynamic character; apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor and dramatic irony; analyze the author’s craft to discern and articulate how she creates a dreamy atmosphere in the garden; compare two characters from different classes; explore shifts in tone; articulate the symbolism of a seemingly ordinary object; cite textual evidence in support of claims; and write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision. Questions are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Close reading analysis worksheet answer key. Low-prep lesson plan for unexpected absences. This comes pre-filled with learning targets and agenda items. Space is also designated for classroom teachers to identify the name(s) of their class(es), the hour(s) of their class(es), student leaders, and upcoming homework assignments and assessments. Bell ringer activity. Help a substitute teacher engage students (and find time to take attendance) with a thematically linked writing prompt. Miscellaneous performance tasks handout. Extend student thinking and learning in the event of unexpected absences with this item outlining creative tasks pertaining to the short story. For example, students may write poetry or journal entries from the perspective of a character; write a brief retelling of the narrative from a different character’s perspective; explore the thematic significance of stories; review the overall quality of the narrative with objectivity and supporting evidence; and more.

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 25 through 27 of Dracula by Bram Stoker. The assessment may otherwise 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: A decision agreed to by the entire group Mina’s hypnosis Van Helsing’s theories about Dracula’s manipulation Seward’s concern for others’ traveling efforts Van Helsing’s mode of protecting Mina and himself from danger The return of the three sisters Dracula’s defeat The nature of Jonathan’s injuries The death of Morris Morris’ dying thoughts