Teaching rhetorical devices? Looking for an engaging way for students to complete a rhetorical analysis of a given speech? Then the Rhetorical Analysis Mini Flip Book is for you! This low-prep resource is a perfect addition to your rhetorical analysis unit. Simply print, cut, and staple - great for interactive notebooks! The best thing about this flip book is that it can be used for any speech. What’s included in the Rhetorical Analysis Mini Flip Book: 5 tab mini flip book Printable version Fillable PDF version - ideal for online completion. Simply upload it to your LMS. Tabs include: Glossary - includes 6 most commonly used rhetorical devices Rhetorical Devices Chart - provide examples of devices and analyze their effect on the text Rhetorical Pyramid - Provide examples of ethos, pathos, and logos Rhetorical Precis - Includes formula SOAPSTone chart Rhetorical Devices included: Allusion Anaphora Antithesis Appeals (ethos, pathos, logos) Parallelism Rhetorical question

Looking for a quick and easy way to incorporate language and editing tasks into your class? These CCSS aligned grammar task cards are the perfect solution. These 52 task cards have been created to align with the Common Core State Standards for 9-10 ELA. Skills covered include parallel structure; phrases and clauses; semicolons and colons; context clues; patterns of word changes; and figurative language. Included in this resource: ✷ Three versions Print: The PDF includes four task cards per sheet. Print and laminate for longer use. Ideal for stations. Google Slides: Interactive presentation with one task card per slide. Perfect for bell ringers or exit tickets. Self-grading Google Forms: Great for use as a pre-test or post-test. Make a copy of the form and track your class’ answers. ✷ Editable PowerPoint: Change the questions and/or the answer choices. Includes instructions for saving your PPT as a PDF. ✷ Answer key

Looking for an engaging way for your students to interact with and analyze sonnets? Then this Sonnet Analysis Flip Book is for you! Practice identifying rhyme scheme, theme, tone, mood, and more while studying four popular sonnets. Whether you’re new to teaching sonnets or just looking to replace standard worksheets, these sonnet analysis activities are a perfect addition to your curriculum. Designed to help students easily access a sometimes difficult genre, this flip book allows students to practice closing reading for a variety of literary devices and skills. What’s included in the Sonnet Analysis Flip Book: Introduction to sonnets: review the characteristics of a sonnet as well as iambic pentameter Full text of four popular British sonnets Analysis questions for each sonnet Digital and print versions Sonnets included: Sonnet 18 - William Shakespeare Sonnet 75 - Edmund Spencer Sonnet 130 - William Shakespeare Sonnet 43 - Elizabeth Barrett Browning

John Updike’s short story “A&P” revolves around a young cashier, three bathing-suit clad girls, and a hasty decision. A classic coming-of-age story, “A&P” examines the consequences of actions taken. This resource contains: ↝ Eight interactive slides focusing on reading comprehension, characterization, and theme ↝ Three blank theme slides to focus on a different or additional theme ↝ Fillable PDF that can be uploaded to Google Classroom™, Schoology™, or LMS of your choice or printed for students to complete by hand. Note: If choosing to have students complete the PDF electronically, they may need to download the PDF or use an extension such as Kami to “write” on the PDF ↝ Suggested answer key: both Google Slides™ and PDF form Use this resource as a stand-alone or as part of a larger short story unit. This resource is completely digital. Simply create a copy of the Google Slides™ presentation and upload it to your Google Classroom™, Schoology™, or LMS of your choice. Students type directly into the presentation and can download their responses as a PDF when finished.

Knowledge and understanding of literary devices is vital for any high school student. Tired of the same old drill? Looking for a way to change things up? These visual notes will help do just that. Students can color and/or add additional doodles while taking notes, thereby activating both sides of their brains, leading to better retention. There are three versions of the student handouts: ✧ Version A: This version is best suited for students who struggle with note-taking. Most of the information is provided, allowing the student to focus on only writing down a few points. ✧ Version B: This version is best suited for students who may need some scaffolding but are able to take longer and more detailed notes than students who use Version A. Students will complete definitions and additional notes, as well as some examples. ✧ Version C: This version is best suited for students who require no scaffolding when taking notes. With this version, students will complete definitions and additional notes as well as most examples. Also included is a PowerPoint presentation that can be used to review the literary devices with your students. This presentation includes all information needed for completing the visual notes, with the exception of the “More Examples” spots; these spots are left open to allow teachers to interject specific examples from texts that either have been or will be read during the term or from other sources relevant to their students’ lives (favorite songs, tv shows, movies, etc.).

Looking for an engaging way to help students analyze characters in Romeo and Juliet? Mini flip books to the rescue! These Romeo and Juliet Character Analysis Organizers, Mini Flip Books will help students not only keep track of all characters, but also provide examples of characterization, theme, and more. A play of forbidden love, loyalty, and reckless decisions, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, long a staple in ELA classrooms, still resonates with teenagers nearly 400 years after its publication. Created with the reluctant learner in mind, these mini flip books provide quick and easy practice in analyzing key characters. What’s included in the Romeo and Juliet Character Analysis Organizers, Mini Flip Books: Two mini flip books: Main characters and minor characters Main characters: ▶ Romeo ▶ Juliet ▶ Tybalt ▶ Mercutio ▶ Friar ▶ Nurse Minors characters: ▶ Benvolio ▶ Montague ▶ Lady Montague ▶ Capulet ▶ Lady Capulet ▶ Prince Each Romeo and Juliet Character Analysis Mini Flip Book includes: Background: What is known about the character Quote Analysis: Choose one quote that best exemplifies the character and analyze for its impact on the text Theme: Explain how the character’s actions help develop the theme Characterization: Provide examples of direct and indirect characterization Characterization: Determine if each character is static, dynamic, round, or flat and explain Easy to assemble. Cut along the dotted lines and then staple pages together along the left margin. Mini flip books are the perfect size for interactive notebooks.

Looking for an engaging way to introduce Romanticism and Transcendentalism to your students? This American Literary Periods: Romanticism, Transcendentalism Introduction presentation and visual notes resource is a great addition to any American Literature course. Research shows that students retain more information when visuals are combined with words. The more students make connections between graphics and written notes, the stronger their ability to apply information becomes. This resource was created to provide background knowledge that will be useful as students tackle a staple unit in any American Literature curriculum - Romanticism and Transcendentalism. Visual notes as well as Cornell notes are included to take away any prep work and allow students to focus on the material at hand. Included in this resource: PowerPoint presentation with a timeline of important events and literary works as well as additional information about Romanticism, Dark Romanticism, and Transcendentalism. 3 versions of student handouts: 1. Version A: completed notes for students who struggle with note-taking 2. Version B: partially completed notes for students who need some scaffolding 3. Version C: blank notes for students who don’t require scaffolding Cornell notes version interactive ThingLink version - perfect for individual exploration of the topic provides the same information as the PowerPoint, with additional links to external websites and texts Note: Make sure that ThingLink.com is not blocked by your school district if you intend to use the interactive version.

Field trips are a fantastic way to expose students to new places and experiences. A trip to England not feasible? Virtual field trip to the rescue. This resource includes eleven interactive Google Slides™. On this trip, students will visit: ✈Stop #1: Stratford-upon-Avon (Shakespeare’s birthplace) ↪ explore some of the museum collection ↪ watch an embedded YouTube video on Shakespeare’s life ↪ create a timeline of some of his most famous works ↪ discover phrases we owe to Shakespeare and convert their own phrases to “Shakespearean” ✈Stop #2: Anne Hathaway’s cottage: Learn a little bit more about his wife and explore some of the museum’s collection ✈Stop #3: The Globe Theatre ↪ learn more about Shakespeare’s life and the Globe Theatre ↪ take a virtual 360° tour of the Globe to learn more facts and watch short clips Also included is an answer key. This resource is completely digital. You will receive a Google Drive™ folder with the Google Slides™ presentation along with instructions.

Looking for an engaging way to introduce Chaucer’s influential The Canterbury Tales? Look no further. The Canterbury Tales Virtual Field Trip to the rescue. If you’re tired of the same old introductory presentations where students sit passively taking notes, then this resource was designed for you. Students take a three-day virtual field trip ending in Canterbury. Along the way, they will read a biography on Chaucer, watch videos on the Middle Ages and the evolution of the English language, try their hand at translating some Middle English, and explore sites in Canterbury. Each stop features a text, video, and/or website to interact with. Students use the information gathered to complete their passports. Your The Canterbury Tales Virtual Field Trip includes: Itinerary and links (hosted on Google Sites) A digital passport (Google Slides compatible) A printable passport Note: In order to use the digital passport, students will need a Google account. Accounts are not required to access the site. Several YouTube videos are embedded in the site. Please ensure that your district does not block YouTube for students. Copyright Windows into Literature Terms of Use: This product is for individual single classroom use only. Copying, altering, redistributing, editing, or re-selling anything from this product is strictly forbidden. Use in multiple classrooms requires the purchase of additional licenses.

Do your students struggle with identifying sentence types? Looking for a quick review of these two foundational sentence structure types? Review and practice with the Sentence Structures, Types Unit. Designed to provide a quick review of simple and compound sentences, this resource covers definitions and allows for practice. What’s included in the Sentence Structures, Types Unit: Simple and compound sentences Complex and compound-complex sentences Pretest and Posttest PowerPoint presentation 3 versions of student visual notes Cornell Notes Practice worksheet Google Slides version of the presentation and all handouts Fillable PDF version for electronic completion 3 versions of student visual handouts: 1. Version A: completed notes for students who struggle with note-taking 2 Version B: partially completed notes for students who need some scaffolding 3. Version C: blank notes for students who don’t require scaffolding Presentation includes: Independent and dependent clauses Complex and compound-complex sentences Definitions Examples Practice sentences

If your students are obsessed with their technology, then they need to read Ray Bradbury’s “The Veldt”. This dystopian short story addresses what happens when people get too attached to their devices. What’s included in “The Veldt” Lesson Plan: Daily Teacher Notes: notes for 5 days of lessons. Each day includes pre-reading, whole-class instruction, and independent practice suggestions as well as materials needed and standards addressed. Teacher Notes - Background: Summary of the story and breakdown of text complexity Anticipation Guide: Students respond to 8 questions and explain their answers to three of them. After reading, students revisit the anticipation guide and analyze one statement in light of the text. Pre-Reading Vocabulary Practice: Use context clues to define 4 words. Then, write a paragraph using the words. Annotations Directions & Key: Have students practice close reading skills by annotating as they read. Includes key for various annotations. Note: Due to copyright laws, the full text is not included in this resource. A link to a PDF version is provided. Plot: complete a plot diagram 2 ways to practice skills Text-dependent questions and quote analysis Key focus handouts 8 Key Focus handouts 1. Literary devices: review allusions, figurative language, and imagery 2. Conflict: Review the 4 types of conflict. Includes 2 versions of student handouts for differentiation 3. Characterization: Review 2 types of characterization. Includes 2 versions of student handouts for differentiation 4. Quote Analysis: Examine 4 quotes. Provide: speaker, context, and significance 5. Diction: Examine 5 excerpts. Highlight examples of strong diction. Provide connotation. 6. Topics and Themes: Analyze how six topics are addressed in the text. Then, choose one to write a theme development analysis paragraph. Includes scaffolded outline with sentence starters for struggling students 7. Argue Your Point: Students chose one of two prompts and write an argumentative paragraph Film Comparision Venn Diagram Multiple-choice quiz: characterization, inferences, vocabulary, point of view, and more 4 Optional Extensions: 2 videos and 2 articles. Include links, discussion questions, and extension tasks and/or debate topics Suggested answer key Fillable PDF for online completion Check out what other teachers are saying: ❤ “My kids love that they can fill in these worksheets digitally! I appreciate the visually-appealing, organized layout. Each literary device is clearly explained with opportunities to practice text analysis. The answer key is thorough and helpful. Thanks!” ❤ “This was a great resource for my students. My campus uses the HyFlex model, so we have in-person, blended, and online learners using the same resources. It was easy to use and the materials worked well in my Google Classroom.”

This resource includes everything you need to teach one of Edgar Allan Poe’s most famous short stories - “The Fall of the House of Usher”. One of the masters of the Gothic literature genre, Poe is often a staple in English literature courses. His short story “The Fall of the House of Usher” - a tale of an isolated family and a decaying house - is a perfect introduction to this genre. This resource can be used as a stand-alone lesson or as part of a larger short stories and/or Gothic literature unit. Don’t have time to cover everything? Use the handouts that align with the focus of your unit. Included in this resource: ❊ Suggested lesson plan ❊ Edgar Allan Poe introduction Prezi (including a link, offline version, and PDF version - for those inevitable days when technology doesn’t work) ❊ Prezi guided notes ❊ Vocabulary handouts: 3 different handouts that cover 10 words from the text → Context Clues: Students use context clues to determine the meaning of the words and then compare their definitions to the actual definitions → Exercises: Match the vocabulary words to their synonyms; complete the sentences using the correct vocabulary word; write a paragraph using the vocabulary words → Quiz: Match vocabulary words and definitions; choose the correct word for provided synonyms; write an original paragraph using the vocabulary words ❊ Five key focus handouts: →Plot: answer plot-based questions and complete a plot diagram → Symbolism: review six symbols and provide an explanation of the symbol. Then, write a short paragraph describing Poe's use of symbolism. → Narrator Reliability: Review traits of reliable and unreliable then determine which the narrator of "The Fall of the House of Usher" is → Gothic Elements: Review elements of Gothic literature and find examples of each within the text → Topics and Themes: Examine how the text treats seven topics; create a thematic statement; complete a theme development paragraph (includes scaffolded and non-scaffolded versions) ❊ Writing Extensions ❊ Two grammar focus handouts: → Sentence Types: Review the four types of sentences; determine the type of sentence for ten excerpts from text; mark independent and dependent clauses. → Parallelism: Review parallelism and four types of parallelism problems. Identify parallelism in five excerpts. Rewrite three sentences without parallelism. ❊ Suggested answer key

Looking for an engaging way to introduce Realism and Naturalism to your students? This American Literary Periods: Realism, Naturalism Introduction presentation and visual notes resource is a great addition to any American Literature course. Research shows that students retain more information when visuals are combined with words. The more students make connections between graphics and written notes, the stronger their ability to apply information becomes. This resource was created to provide background knowledge that will be useful as students tackle a staple unit in any American Literature curriculum - Realism and Naturalism. Visual notes, as well as Cornell notes, are included to take away any prep work and allow students to focus on the material at hand. Included in this resource: PowerPoint presentation with a timeline of important events and literary works as well as additional information about Realism, Regionalism, Naturalism, and Civil Rights Milestones. Google Slides version of the presentation PDF version of the presentation - ideal for distributing to absent students 3 versions of student handouts: ➡Version A: completed notes for students who struggle with note-taking ➡ Version B: partially completed notes for students who need some scaffolding ➡ Version C: blank notes for students who don’t require scaffolding Cornell notes version Interactive ThingLink version - perfect for individual exploration of the topic ➡provides the same information as the PowerPoint, with additional links to external websites and texts Note: Make sure that ThingLink.com is not blocked by your school district if you intend to use the interactive version.

This resource includes everything you need to teach one of Nathaniel Hawthorne’smost famous short stories - “The Birthmark”. One of the masters of the Gothic literature genre, Hawthorne is often a staple in English literature courses. His short story “The Birthmark” - a cautionary tale of the consequences of seeking perfection - is a perfect introduction to this genre. This resource can be used as a stand-alone lesson or as part of a larger short stories and/or Gothic literature unit. Don’t have time to cover everything? Use the handouts that align with the focus of your unit. Included in this resource: ❊ Suggested lesson plan ❊ American Gothicism and Nathaniel Hawthorne introduction PowerPoint ❊ 2 versions of guided notes ❊ Vocabulary handouts: 3 different handouts that cover 12 words from the text → Context Clues: Students use context clues to determine the meaning of the words and then compare their definitions to the actual definitions → Exercises: Match the vocabulary words to their synonyms; complete the sentences using the correct vocabulary word; write a paragraph using the vocabulary words → Quiz: Match vocabulary words and definitions; choose the correct word for provided synonyms; write an original paragraph using the vocabulary words ❊ Five key focus handouts: →Plot: answer plot-based questions and complete a plot diagram → Characterization: Review direct and indirect characterization. Examine four excerpts, determining which type of characterization is used and explaining what it reveals. Includes handout for Aylmer and Georgiana → Symbolism: review four symbols and provide an explanation of the symbol. Then, write a short paragraph describing Hawthorne’s use of symbolism. → Gothic Elements: Determine which Gothic elements are present. Write a paragraph arguing whether or not “The Birthmark” should be considered a Gothic text. → Topics and Themes: Examine how the text treats five topics; create a thematic statement; complete a theme development paragraph (includes scaffolded and non-scaffolded versions) ❊ Two grammar focus handouts: → Sentence Types: Review the four types of sentences; determine the type of sentence for ten excerpts from text; mark independent and dependent clauses. → Parallelism: Review parallelism and four types of parallelism problems. Identify parallelism in five excerpts. Rewrite three sentences without parallelism. ❊ Suggested answer key

Looking for an engaging way to help students analyze Edgar Allan Poe’s famous short story “The Masque of the Red Death”? Want to go beyond basic reading comprehension questions? Then the “The Masque of the Red Death” Analysis, Symbolism, Allegory Flip Book is for you! Poe’s creepy story of a selfish monarch and a devastating plague, “The Masque of the Red Death” reminds readers of the inevitability of death and the futility of trying to escape it. What’s included in** “The Masque of the Red Death” Analysis, Symbolism, Allegory Flip Book: Five sections covering a variety of skills ** Sample answer key Easy assembly - simply cut and staple Fillable PDF for online completion Google Slides version Activities/Skills include: Symbolism: Determine and analyze the symbolic meaning behind the colors of the seven rooms as well as 3 other elements: the ebony clock, the castle, and the Red Death. Reading comprehension: Answer 6 questions Characterization: Analyze Prince Prospero to determine if he is a tragic hero. Provide examples of direct and indirect characterization to support the response. Shakespeare’s “The Seven Ages of Man” speech: Compare Jacques’ famous speech from Shakespeare’s comedy As You Like It to Poe’s story The Seven Deadly Sins: Locate examples of each of the seven deadly sins and examine how the story is an allegory for these Literary devices: Examine irony, theme, imagery, tone, and mood

Looking for an engaging way to introduce the Colonialism Literary Period to your students? This American Literary Periods: Colonialism introduction presentation and visual notes resource is a great addition to any American Literature course. Research shows that students retain more information when visuals are combined with words. The more students make connections between graphics and written notes, the stronger their ability to apply information becomes. This resource was created to provide background knowledge that will be useful as students tackle what is typically the first unit in American Literature curriculum - Puritan writings. Visual notes as well as Cornell notes are included to away any prep work and allow students to focus on the material at hand. Included in this resource: PowerPoint presentation with a timeline of important events as well as additional information about Puritan writings, The Salem Witch Trials, and more. 3 versions of student handouts: * Version A: completed notes for students who struggle with note-taking * Version B: partially completed notes for students who need some scaffolding * Version C: blank notes for students who don’t require scaffolding Cornell notes version interactive ThingLink version - perfect for individual exploration of the topic provides the same information as the PowerPoint, with additional links to external websites and texts Note: Make sure that ThingLink.com is not blocked by your school district if you intend to use the interactive version. Need a Google Slides compatible version? Simply upload the PowerPoint to Google Slides. Terms of Use: This product is for individual single classroom use only. Copying, altering, redistributing, editing, or re-selling anything from this product is strictly forbidden. Use in multiple classrooms requires the purchase of additional licenses.

Looking for an engaging way to introduce Post-Modernism to your students? This American Literary Periods: Contemporary, Post-Modernism Introduction presentation and visual notes resource is a great addition to any American Literature course. Research shows that students retain more information when visuals are combined with words. The more students make connections between graphics and written notes, the stronger their ability to apply information becomes. This resource was created to provide background knowledge that will be useful as students tackle a staple unit in any American Literature curriculum - Post-Modernism. Visual notes, as well as Cornell notes, are included to take away any prep work and allow students to focus on the material at hand. What’s included in the Contemporary, Post-Modernism American Literature Introduction, Visual Notes: PowerPoint presentation with a timeline of important events and literary works as well as additional information about origins and characteristics, McCarthyism/“The Red Scare”, theKorean War, key political moments, and national emergencies. Google Slides version of the presentation PDF version of the presentation - ideal for distributing to absent students 3 versions of student handouts: ➡Version A: completed notes for students who struggle with note-taking ➡ Version B: partially completed notes for students who need some scaffolding ➡ Version C: blank notes for students who don’t require scaffolding Cornell notes version Interactive ThingLink version - perfect for individual exploration of the topic ➡provides the same information as the PowerPoint, with additional links to external websites and texts Note: Make sure that ThingLink.com is not blocked by your school district if you intend to use the interactive version.

Looking for an engaging way to introduce Modernism to your students? This American Literature Movements: Modernism Introduction presentation and visual notes resource is a great addition to any American Literature course. Research shows that students retain more information when visuals are combined with words. The more students make connections between graphics and written notes, the stronger their ability to apply information becomes. This resource was created to provide background knowledge that will be useful as students tackle a staple unit in any American Literature curriculum - Modernism. Visual notes, as well as Cornell notes, are included to take away any prep work and allow students to focus on the material at hand. What’s included in the Modernism American Literature Movements Introduction, Visual Notes: PowerPoint presentation with a timeline of important events and literary works as well as additional information about Imagism, the Harlem Renaissance, Prohibition, The Roaring 20s, and The Lost Generation Google Slides version of the presentation PDF version of the presentation - ideal for distributing to absent students 3 versions of student handouts: ➡Version A: completed notes for students who struggle with note-taking ➡ Version B: partially completed notes for students who need some scaffolding ➡ Version C: blank notes for students who don’t require scaffolding Cornell notes version Interactive ThingLink version - perfect for individual exploration of the topic ➡provides the same information as the PowerPoint, with additional links to external websites and texts Note: Make sure that ThingLink.com is not blocked by your school district if you intend to use the interactive version.

Adding “The Devil and Tom Walker” by Washington Irving to your short story unit or Gothic literature unit? This “The Devil and Tom Walker” lesson plan includes everything you need to teach this classic piece of American Gothic literature. What’s included: ↝ Background PowerPoint presentation. Review the elements of Gothic literature as well as a brief Washington Irving biography and “The Devil and Tom Walker” background. ↝ Student guided notes. Includes two versions - a visual notes version and a Cornell notes style version. ↝ Vocabulary. Includes two lists with twelve vocabulary words each. Each list includes a context clues handout, exercises (matching synonyms and completing sentences), and a quiz. Each list also includes three puzzles - crossword, word search, and cryptogram. ↝ Key Focus handouts. ★ Plot. Answer reading comprehension questions and complete a plot diagram. ★ Characterization. Includes a characterization chart for students to find examples of characterization about Tom Walker, Mrs. Walker, and the devil. Also includes two handouts with characterization examples already provided for Tom and Mrs. Walker. ★ Gothic elements. Examine the text for elements of Gothic literature and write a paragraph on the elements' effects on the text. ★ Topics and theme. Examine how the text treats 5 topics and provide textual evidence. Write a thematic statement. Then, chose one topic and write a theme development paragraph. Includes scaffolded and blank versions.

Teaching “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe? Looking for a way to increase engagement? Then this “The Cask of Amontillado” Unit Plan is for you. A classic tale of revenge, Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado” has been a staple in secondary English classrooms for years. This four-day, low-prep lesson plan was designed to help students practice skills such as annotating, irony, suspense and tension, and more. This “The Cask of Amontillado” Unit Plan contains: Teacher notes for a four-day unit plan materials list CCSS standard(s) Links (if applicable) pre-reading suggestions Whole-class lesson plan independent practice exit ticket Edgar Allan Poe introduction Prezi presentation: includes a link to the presentation, PDF version, and student notes American Gothicism presentation & student visual notes (Note: This information is also available in the Poe Prezi. Use whichever you prefer) Vocabulary: Use context clues to determine the meaning of four words. Write a paragraph using the words. Full text with wide margins for annotating. Includes annotation instructions/key. Full text with guided reading questions for whole-class reading and discussion Eight key focus handouts: plot, characterization, suspense & tension, irony, narrator reliability, Gothic elements, and topics & themes Three versions of characterization, suspense, and irony handouts: Version A: Includes full quote from the text. Students identify the key focus and complete the exercise. Version B: Includes a longer excerpt from the text. Students identify the example of the key focus skill prior to completing the task. Version C: Students are provided with a summary of the skill and a chart. This requires students to return to the text to find evidence of the skill prior to completing the task. Visual character analysis pages for Montresor and Fortunato Visual summary of the text Theme development paragraph: includes scaffolded fill-in-the-blanks version and a blank version Multiple-choice quiz Answer key