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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.
Macbeth Act 4 Scene 2 Close Reading Worksheet
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Macbeth Act 4 Scene 2 Close Reading Worksheet

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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 Act 4, scene 2, of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Explain the intended effect of figurative language in context Define complex words and phrases in context Determine the function of the scene Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare and contrast the murders of Lady Macduff and her son to previous homicides Compare and contrast the characters of Lady Macduff and Lady Macbeth Apply knowledge of literary devices such as simile, paradox, invective, and hyperbole Support inferences and claims with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Romeo and Juliet Act 2 Scene 4 Close Reading Worksheet
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Romeo and Juliet Act 2 Scene 4 Close Reading Worksheet

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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 Act 2, scene 4, of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Indicate the purpose of a given set of lines Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word and phrase meanings (“deal double with her” and “fool’s paradise”) Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works
Hamlet Act 3 Scene 3 Close Reading Worksheet
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Hamlet Act 3 Scene 3 Close Reading Worksheet

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Help high school students extend beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 3, scene 3, of Hamlet by William Shakespeare. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, this worksheet saves English Language Arts teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. 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. More specifically, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Consider the greater significance of given details Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Discern the intended effect of Shakespearean language in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on dramatic irony, simile, and metaphor Determine the tone of a given passage Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Hamlet Act 4 Scene 7 Close Reading Worksheet
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Hamlet Act 4 Scene 7 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 Hamlet. With a focus on Act 4, scene 7, 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 will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking. More specifically, students will do the following: Discern what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Analyze character statements and behaviors to draw logical inferences about character development and motivations Determine the tone of a given passage Determine the functions of a given passage Isolate a true statement about plot from falsehoods Apply knowledge of a variety of literary devices including hubris, personification, metaphor, and irony Provide textual evidence in support of a claim about Claudius Articulate ideas with clarity and precision
Hamlet Act 1 Scene 2 Close Reading Worksheet
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Hamlet Act 1 Scene 2 Close Reading Worksheet

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Help high school students extend beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 1, scene 2, of Hamlet by William Shakespeare. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, this worksheet saves English Language Arts teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. 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 resource, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Examine Shakespeare’s narrative techniques with emphasis on the incorporation of figurative language Determine the tone of the scene Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Macbeth Act 4 Scene 3 Close Reading Worksheet
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Macbeth Act 4 Scene 3 Close Reading Worksheet

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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 a meaningful excerpt from Act 4, scene 3, of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Define complex words and phrases in context Discern the greater significance of a given detail Determine the function of a particular excerpt Discern tone in context Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion
1984 Book 1 Chapter 6 Close Reading Worksheet
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1984 Book 1 Chapter 6 Close Reading Worksheet

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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 George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984. Featuring a brief passage about Winston’s marriage from Book 1, chapter 6, this activity may be assigned as independent homework or as a collaborative classroom exercise. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading worksheet, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices and narrative techniques Determine the function of a given passage Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on paradox 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
Dracula Chapter 6 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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Dracula Chapter 6 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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Go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet to complement chapter 6 of Dracula by Bram Stoker. An answer key and copy of the chapter, which is in the public domain, 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 says explicitly and implicitly Determine the function of a given excerpt Explore mood in relation to a given excerpt Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Contrast two characters (Mina and Swales) Come to class better prepared to engage in collaborative discussions Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Gothic literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
The Great Gatsby Chapter 7 Vocabulary Development Games
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The Great Gatsby Chapter 7 Vocabulary Development Games

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Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement chapter 7 of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: abounding, abyss, affront, dart, earnestly, elude, gibberish, inviolate, keenly, portentous, presumptuous, relinquish, sagely, sneer, tangible, truculent, weary, and whimper. 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
Animal Farm Chapter 2 Quiz and Answer Key
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Animal Farm Chapter 2 Quiz and Answer Key

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Evaluate reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this plot-based quiz covering chapter two of George Orwell’s Animal Farm. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the text. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The animal who was absent from Old Major’s speech The fate of Old Major The significance of Napoleon and Snowball The Commandments of Animalism Moses’ statements on what happens after an animal dies Why Moses is disliked by the other animals Mollie’s conflict The most loyal disciples of Animalism The cause of Mr. Jones’ worsening emotional state Details about the Revolution The passing of a resolution Snowball’s instructions to the animals at the end of the chapter
"After Twenty Years" by O. Henry Close Reading Worksheet
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"After Twenty Years" by O. Henry Close Reading 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 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
Much Ado About Nothing Act 1 Scene 3 Close Reading Worksheet
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Much Ado About Nothing Act 1 Scene 3 Close Reading Worksheet

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Help high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 1, scene 3, of Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, this worksheet saves English Language Arts teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. 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. More specifically, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the intended effect of figurative language as it is used in the text Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare two characters (Don John and Benedick) Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification, hyperbole, pun, alliteration, dramatic irony, and more
King Lear Act 2 Scene 2 Close Reading Worksheet
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King Lear Act 2 Scene 2 Close Reading Worksheet

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Help high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 2, scene 2, of William Shakespeare’s King Lear. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, this worksheet saves English Language Arts teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. 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: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the meaning of complex words and figurative language in context Determine the function of a given passage Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification and metaphor Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Macbeth Act 2 Scene 2 Close Reading Worksheet
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Macbeth Act 2 Scene 2 Close Reading Worksheet

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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 Act 2, scene 2, of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Discern the intended effect of figurative language in context Discern tone in context Define challenging words as they are used in the text Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Consider the symbolic meaning of sleep in context Apply knowledge of various literary devices including hyperbole and simile Support inferences and claims with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Macbeth Act 5 Scene 5 Close Reading Worksheet
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Macbeth Act 5 Scene 5 Close Reading Worksheet

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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 Act 5, scene 5, of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Define challenging words and phrases in context Discern the intended effect of Shakespeare’s diction Discern tone in context Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on metaphor Support inferences and claims with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
"All the Years of Her Life" by Morley Callaghan Quiz and Answer Key
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"All the Years of Her Life" by Morley Callaghan Quiz and Answer Key

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Morley Callaghan’s “All the Years of Her Life,” a short story focusing on how a young son’s behavior influences the psychological state of his loving mother. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Setting Conflict The background of the protagonist How complex characters interact
"A Pair of Silk Stockings" by Kate Chopin Quiz, Close Reading, and Vocabulary Games
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"A Pair of Silk Stockings" by Kate Chopin Quiz, Close Reading, and Vocabulary Games

3 Resources
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the short story “A Pair of Silk Stockings” by Kate Chopin. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the public domain narrative, 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 with emphasis on the decision not to give the protagonist a first name Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, simile, and situational irony Consider 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
Dracula Chapter 12 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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Dracula Chapter 12 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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Go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet to complement chapter 12 of Dracula by Bram Stoker. An answer key and copy of the chapter, which is in the public domain, 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 says explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed Discern the intended effects of the author’s narrative techniques with emphasis on figurative language and the development of an ominous atmosphere Consider tone in context Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop List examples of male chauvinism in context Consider how heteronormativity may play a role in Van Helsing’s decision not to ask the maids to donate their blood to save Lucy’s life Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on personification, alliteration, paradox, onomatopoeia, and more Come to class better prepared to engage in collaborative discussions Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Gothic literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Othello Quiz and Answer Key Bundle
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Othello Quiz and Answer Key Bundle

5 Resources
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this set of plot-based quizzes covering the entirety of William Shakespeare’s Othello. These assessments may double as guided reading handouts to facilitate active reading experiences. Answer keys are provided. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Roderigo’s affections for Desdemona Iago’s fury toward Othello Brabantio The Turks’ plan to attack Cyprus Othello and Desdemona’s relationship Desdemona’s internal conflict Othello’s departure Desdemona’s arrangement to stay with Iago Brabantio’s warning to Othello Iago’s manipulation of Roderigo The end of the war with the Turks Iago’s emphasis on Cassio’s friendliness toward Desdemona Cassio’s weakness Iago’s taking advantage of Cassio’s weakness The consequences of Cassio’s actions Othello’s ironic perspective on Iago’s character Cassio seeking advice from one he considers his closest friend Iago’s next manipulative move involving Desdemona Cassio’s verbal exchange with Desdemona Iago encouraging Othello’s suspicions toward Desdemona Desdemona’s requests for Othello to forgive Cassio Othello’s insistence that Iago tell him everything he knows Iago’s underhanded behaviors and statements Othello’s statements on marital trust and jealousy The retrieval of Desdemona’s handkerchief Othello’s mounting suspicions Othello’s ultimatum to Iago Desdemona’s frustrations Othello’s rage-fueled trance Iago’s conspiracy to make Othello think Cassio loves Desdemona Iago’s barbarous suggestion regarding Desdemona’s fate The letter from Venice Lodovico’s witnessing Othello’s abusive behavior Emilia’s verbal exchange with Othello Othello’s confrontation with Desdemona Desdemona turning to Iago for help Roderigo’s frustration with Iago The arrangement Iago makes for Roderigo Desdemona’s foreshadowing fear Iago’s concern that Roderigo could expose him Iago’s irrational jealousy of Cassio Cassio’s injury Fatal wounds The arrest of Bianca Othello’s verbal exchange with Desdemona The subsequent killing Emilia’s news The brief revival of a character The ensuing stabbings, one fatal Othello’s subsequent perception of himself The fatal flaw of the hero
Othello Act 4 Quiz, Close Reading Worksheets, and Vocabulary Games Bundle
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Othello Act 4 Quiz, Close Reading Worksheets, and Vocabulary Games Bundle

5 Resources
Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and craft analysis skills with this bundle of formative assessments covering Act 4 of William Shakespeare’s Othello. A plot-based quiz, three close reading worksheets (one per scene), a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define complex words and phrases as they are used in the text Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Compare two characters Make logical inferences from the point of view of a particular character Discern the tone of given passages Apply knowledge of various literary devices including metaphor, alliteration, sibilance, personification, foreshadowing, and paradox Articulate the significance of a particular statement Analyze what dialogue reveals about a character’s psychological state Consider how the imagery of a willow tree is relevant to the content of Desdemona’s song Cite specific, relevant textual evidence in support of a claim or idea Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision