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 middle and high school students improve fluency, stamina, and text comprehension with a brief, engaging fairy tale titled “The Hare and the Hedgehog” by the Brothers Grimm. A plot-based quiz is provided to measure reading comprehension, along with an answer key and copy of the public domain narrative (estimated Lexile Measure of 1000-1100). Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Point of view
Setting
Character actions and descriptions
The hedgehog’s insecurity
The wager between the hare and the hedgehog
The wife’s role in the hedgehog’s plan
The fate of the hare
Theme
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 “Dark They Were and Golden Eyed” by Ray Bradbury. 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
Identify the narrative’s inciting incident
Identify the narrative’s dominant conflict
Explore the functions of a particular character
Explore character development and motivations
Analyze figurative language to infer the author’s intent
Make logical interpretations of metaphorical expressions
Explain the intended effect of repetition as it appears in a given excerpt
Analyze passages to discern their greater significance
Explore themes in context
Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification, simile, metaphor, onomatopoeia, and more
Analyze the author’s descriptive language as it relates to setting to infer its purpose
Write clearly, concisely, and accurately in response to analytical questioning
Cite textual evidence in support of claims
Fairy tales are not just for elementary students; even high school readers can use (and enjoy) fairy tales as a tool for measuring general reading comprehension. This multiple choice quiz covers “The Fox and the Horse” by the Brothers Grimm. With an estimated Lexile Measure range of 1100-1200, the short story is especially suitable for middle and high school students. The briefness of the narrative also makes it an appropriate time-filler for awkward gaps in teaching schedules. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
How age has affected the protagonist
The seemingly insurmountable challenge the protagonist faces
The protagonist’s emotional state
The role of the fox in terms of assisting the horse
The execution of a plan to resolve the protagonist’s conflict
The resolution
For many high school readers, supernatural fiction and fantasy are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “Polaris” by H.P. Lovecraft features plot elements consistent with the aforementioned genres: a narrator of questionable sanity, a dreamscape setting, the conflict between imagination and reality, and more. This rigorous worksheet covering “Polaris” (estimated Lexile Measure of 1200-1300) helps English teachers extend student learning beyond reading comprehension, support the development of close reading analysis skills, and save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. A detailed answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Provide an objective description of the story’s setting
Discern how the narrator feels about Polaris and cite textual evidence in support of the claim
Analyze the author’s craft to discern which literary devices are applied, with emphasis on hyperbaton, sibilance, callback, and personification
Analyze a portion of the text to determine tone in context
Identify several variables that put the protagonist and his people at a severe disadvantage against their brutish enemies
Describe the narrator’s physical condition and infer how it may have influenced his opinion of Alos
Understand the narrator’s modes of thinking, particularly as it relates to his failures
Elaborate upon what is revealed in the poem, paying special attention to the Pole Star’s influence on the narrator
Explain the effect that callback and personification have upon the reader
Define complex vocabulary and phrasing in context
Navigate specialized reference materials successfully
Write with clarity, logic, and precision
Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of comprehension and analysis questions on the short story “The Mouse, the Bird, and the Sausage” by the Brothers Grimm. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative, which has an estimated Lexile measure of 1100-1200, are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
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 with these materials, students will:
Demonstrate comprehension of the general plot
Analyze the author’s craft to discern the meaning of particular words and phrases in context
Apply knowledge of literary devices by identifying examples of inciting incident, situational irony, and theme
Support analysis of text by using relevant textual evidence and reasoned logic
Analyze character dialogue and actions to infer their interests and motivations
Write with clarity and precision
Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of comprehension and analysis questions on Hans Christian Andersen’s short story “The Butterfly.” A variety of question types are included to help prepare for standardized testing scenarios: vocabulary-in-context questions, main idea questions, detail questions, author’s craft questions, and more. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story (estimated Lexile range of 700-800) are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
This resource may serve as the basis for small-group discussions. Through these discussions, students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development, demonstrating an ability to analyze how complex characters transform and advance the plot and themes by applying logic and citing compelling, meaningful textual evidence. They will also evaluate their peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to advance claims, clarifying or challenging unclear ideas. Using this resource for structured guidance, students, ultimately, will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking.
By completing this exercise, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Cite textual evidence in support of claims
Write with clarity and precision
Verify interpretations of words and phrases using reference materials such as a dictionary or thesaurus
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including situational irony and alliteration
Articulate variables that influence the protagonist’s modes of thinking
Evaluate whether the protagonist is fair in his process of selecting a potential wife
Make logical inferences about characters’ motivations
Explain how the author incorporates foreshadowing into the text
For many high school readers, fairy tales and fantasy fiction are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “The Red Shoes” by Hans Christian Andersen is about a peasant girl whose obsession with her footwear leads to supernatural events, seemingly divine punishment, and eventual redemption. With this rigorous worksheet composed of high-order questions, English Language Arts teachers will help students extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills. A detailed answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including dramatic irony, personification, symbolism, and more
Make logical inferences about the author’s intent
Explore how complex characters think, behave, and interact with others
Make a claim about whether a detail is ironic
Defend claims with valid reasoning and relevant textual details
Explore potential themes
Discern the function of a given paragraph
Connect the text to societally relevant concepts in modern society, such as social mobility
Conduct research to answer questions about autobiographical parallel
Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision
For many high school readers, fairy tales and fantasy fiction are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “The Buckwheat” by Hans Christian Andersen is a cautionary tale about a young buckwheat whose pride becomes his tragic downfall. With this rigorous worksheet composed of high-order questions, English Language Arts teachers will help students extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills. The briefness of the narrative also helps teachers fill awkward gaps in scheduling. A detailed answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Verify interpretations of language using reference materials such as a dictionary or thesaurus
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including hyperbole, alliteration, assonance, hubris, personification, dramatic irony, and more
Analyze a passage to discern author’s intent
Discern the function of a given paragraph
Analyze what characters’ actions reveal about their modes of thinking
Make logical inferences about characters’ actions
Explain how the author incorporates personification into the text
Explore the symbolism of trees and articulate how the old willow tree’s characterization is consistent with symbolic interpretations
Articulate a relevant theme and connect it to plot developments
Defend claims with valid reasoning and relevant textual details
Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Evaluate general reading comprehension with this set of quizzes on Life As We Knew It, a dystopian young adult novel by Susan Beth Pfeffer, with emphasis on chapters fifteen through seventeen. A multiple choice assessment is provided, as well as a subjective version. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important details:
Mom’s feelings about needing Miranda’s help
Why Mrs. Nesbitt believes it is better that Miranda visit daily
What Mrs. Nesbitt wants Miranda’s mom to know
The significance of people moving plywood into their living rooms
Miranda’s feelings following the death of Mrs. Nesbitt
Mrs. Nesbitt’s pendant
The alarming discovery at Mrs. Nesbitt’s house following her death
Gray snow and the blizzard
Miranda and Jonny’s plan to help Matt find his way home
Jonny’s discovery about the family’s eating habits
Matt’s suggested diet change
The fantasy that plays out in Miranda’s head
Evaluate general reading comprehension with this set of quizzes on Life As We Knew It, a dystopian young adult novel by Susan Beth Pfeffer, with emphasis on chapters eight through ten. A multiple choice assessment is provided, as well as a subjective version. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important details:
Miranda’s major mistake, which devastates her
Miranda and Mom’s building tension
Sammi’s awkward and alarming news
“National Good News Day”
Miranda’s visit to the hospital
Jonny’s surprising request at the dinner party
Megan’s self-perceived sinfulness
Jonny’s apparent maturity
Miranda’s sad observation on the future
The disappearance of radio signals
Miranda’s frightening discovery while she bikes through town
Evaluate general reading comprehension with this set of quizzes on Life As We Knew It, a dystopian young adult novel by Susan Beth Pfeffer, with emphasis on chapters eighteen through twenty-one. A multiple choice assessment is provided, as well as a subjective version. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important details:
The family’s closeness since Christmas passed
Miranda’s reflections on what she learned over the past year
How the hospital has changed since Miranda’s last visit
Information provided by the hospital’s nurses
Miranda’s near-deadly mistake
Mom’s birthday and why she believes it is the best ever
The return of radio activity
Miranda’s anxiety coinciding with the return of electricity
Miranda’s need to travel into town
A discovery that changes everything
Miranda’s philosophy on her birthday
The purpose of journal writing
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this multiple choice quiz covering chapters 10 and 11 of A Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Newton Peck. In addition to an answer key, an alternate short answer option is provided for re-assessment purposes. Materials are delivered in a zip file as Word Documents and PDFs. Questions pertain to the following details:
Haven’s advice to Rob
Rob’s assumptions when he sees buildings marked Ladies and Gents
Mrs. Tanner’s warning
Seeing a “shovel explode”
Judging
Pinky’s stain
Why Rob feels physically sick
Pinky’s award
Catching a weasel
Ira Long and his dog
Purpose of the barrel
Haven’s promise
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this multiple choice quiz covering chapters 12 and 13 of A Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Newton Peck. In addition to an answer key, an alternate short answer option is provided for re-assessment purposes. Materials are delivered in a zip file as Word Documents and PDFs. Questions pertain to the following details:
Pinky’s possible barrenness
Rob’s rifle
Mom’s request of Rob
A poor apple crop
Why Haven thinks the bad crop is Rob’s fault
Haven’s admission
Rob’s advice to Haven concerning the winter
Haven’s ominous remarks
Samson
Mr. Tanner’s compensation
Rob’s realization that he was wrong about something
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this multiple choice quiz covering chapters 14 and 15 of A Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Newton Peck. In addition to an answer key, an alternate short answer option is provided for re-assessment purposes. Materials are delivered in a zip file as Word Documents and PDFs. Questions pertain to the following details:
How Haven tries to stay warm
What Haven means when he says Rob needs to “get it done”
Why Haven lights a fire to boil water
The purpose of the crowbar
Rob’s emotional reaction to the situation
Haven’s perspective on what constitutes being a man
Rob’s expression of forgiveness
Mr. Wilcox’s role
Surprising discoveries
The resolution
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning responsibilities with this multiple choice quiz covering Act 4 of Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Claudio’s behavior at the wedding
Hero’s reaction to Claudio’s insults
Don John’s statements on the significance of Hero’s reaction
Leonato’s feelings toward his daughter
Friar Francis’ feelings toward Hero
Friar Francis’ suggested course of action
Beatrice’s dramatic request of Benedick
Dogberry’s terrible interrogation
Sexton’s task
Conrade’s insults toward Dogberry
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning responsibilities with this multiple choice quiz covering Act 3 of Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Hero and Margaret’s trickery
The effect of Hero and Margaret’s trickery
Hero and Margaret’s criticism of Beatrice
Benedick’s character transformation
Benedick’s request to speak to Leonato privately
Don Pedro and Claudio’s agreement should Hero be proven unfaithful
Claudio’s comparison of Benedick and Beatrice to two bears
The identity of the magistrate
The characterization of the magistrate
Borachio’s drunken bragging
The identities of two arrested characters
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 5, 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
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 including euphemism, simile, personification, and hyperbole
Conduct brief research to answer a question connecting the drama to aspects of Greek mythology
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
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 4, 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
Determine the primary function of a given passage
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Examine the effect of Shakespeare’s figurative language upon the reader
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Compare and contrast two characters
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
“Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston is a short story about a woman of color who must reconcile the resentment she feels toward her abusive husband with her faith—a task that threatens to compromise the integrity of her soul. This multiple choice quiz covering “Sweat” helps English teachers evaluate general reading comprehension while eliminating take-home assessment planning responsibilities. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
Setting
Delia’s line of work
Items with which Sykes attempts to instill fear
Sykes’ attitude toward Delia’s Sunday work
The length of time Delia and Sykes have been married
Aspects of Sykes’ antagonistic characterization
Delia’s motivations
Delia’s observation while passing the store
Sykes’ affair with Bertha
Delia’s remarks that leave Sykes nearly speechless
The fate of Sykes
Delia’s intentional inaction
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this quiz covering vignettes 22 through 25 of The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros: “Papa Who Wakes Up Tired in the Dark,” “Born Bad,” “Elenita, Cards, Palm, Water,” and “Geraldo No Last Name.” An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Her father’s emotional breakdown and its cause
Esperanza’s responsibility to explain death to her siblings
Her father’s need to travel to Mexico unexpectedly
A game Esperanza and her friends play, which ultimately causes them strife
A character description of Aunt Lupe
Aunt Lupe’s encouragement of Esperanza’s writing
A visit to the fortune teller
Esperanza’s desire to know whether she will have her own house
Esperanza’s skepticism
The death of Geraldo
Marin’s connection