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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 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
Shakespeare's As You Like It Act 3 Quiz and Answer Key
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Shakespeare's As You Like It Act 3 Quiz and Answer Key

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 3 of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with Shakespeare’s drama. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Duke Frederick’s newest command of Oliver Orlando’s love poem Touchstone’s mockery Touchstone and Corin’s debate over what constitutes a moral person Corin’s lack of education Rosalind’s concern about Orlando finding her attractive Rosalind’s offer to help cure Orlando of love Touchstone’s flirtatiousness with Audrey Celia’s criticism of Orlando Silvius’ feelings toward Phebe The characterization of Phebe The reason for Rosalind’s agitation Phebe’s romantic feelings toward Rosalind
Shakespeare's As You Like It Act 4 Quiz and Answer Key
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Shakespeare's As You Like It Act 4 Quiz and Answer Key

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 4 of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with Shakespeare’s drama. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The interaction between Jaques and Rosalind Jaques’ assertions about his mental state Jaques’ character motivations Orlando’s tardiness Rosalind’s artificial anger Rosalind and Orlando’s role playing lesson “Men have died from time to time and worms have eaten them, but not for love.” A fake wedding ceremony Silvius’ continued affection for Phebe The content of a letter Phebe sends Ganymede Rosalind’s comments on how Phebe can prove her love Oliver’s unexpected appearance and character transformation Orlando’s heroism
The Hobbit Chapter 16 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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The Hobbit Chapter 16 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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Help middle and high schoolers go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering chapter 16 of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Describe tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices with an 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
The Hobbit Close Reading Analysis Worksheets Bundle
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The Hobbit Close Reading Analysis Worksheets Bundle

19 Resources
This bundled close reading resource promotes thoughtful, critical analysis of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, helping students focus on significant details to develop improved reading proficiency and contribute more meaningfully to class discussion. Each close reading assessment includes an answer key with detailed explanations for correct options. You will receive two versions of each individual worksheet: a Word Document version and a PDF version. Featuring more than 125 high-order questions, this bundle gives students clearer purposes for reading such as the following: To analyze the effect of the author’s language upon the reader To determine tone in context To define unfamiliar and challenging vocabulary in context To draw reasoned inferences about characterization To apply knowledge of literary devices to the novel To isolate accurate statements from false statements To write about literature such that the reader will follow the student’s reasoning To support claims with relevant textual evidence And more
“The Cats of Ulthar” by H.P. Lovecraft Close Reading Worksheet
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“The Cats of Ulthar” by H.P. Lovecraft Close Reading Worksheet

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Gothic fantasy and horror are genres that maximize many high school students’ engagement with literature. “The Cats of Ulthar” by H.P. Lovecraft is a macabre short story featuring savage neighbors, an avenging curse, and flesh-eating felines—making it an especially chilling choice for the Halloween season. This rigorous worksheet on “The Cats of Ulthar” helps English teachers support the development of close reading analysis skills and save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will: Discern a key purpose of the mythological allusions delivered in the exposition Draw parallels between the author’s choices and knowledge of cat-related proverbs Explore the antagonistic characterization of the community’s old couple Examine the narrator’s feelings toward the people of Ulthar Explore the greater significance of imagery from a mythological perspective Investigate the author’s decision to name a key character after an Egyptian figure Discern the functions of several paragraphs Apply knowledge of a variety of literary devices including personification, irony, inversion, and onomatopoeia Make logical inferences about the author’s decision to include two seemingly insignificant details Identify and explain a significant example of foreshadowing in the story Argue whether the people of Ulthar are better or worse off for having gone through their experiences Support claims and ideas with reasoned thinking and relevant textual evidence Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Grimms' Fairy Tales Close Reading Bundle
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Grimms' Fairy Tales Close Reading Bundle

17 Resources
This bundled close reading resource promotes thoughtful, critical analysis of several classic Grimms’ fairy tales, helping students focus on significant details to develop improved reading proficiency and contribute more meaningfully to class discussion. Each close reading assessment includes an answer key with detailed explanations for correct options. You will receive two versions of each individual item: a Word Document version and a PDF version. These resources 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. Make reading more purposeful with these close reading activities to support students in their efforts to demonstrate the following: An ability to define complex vocabulary in context An ability to analyze context clues and draw logical inferences about character motivations An ability to analyze context clues and draw logical inferences about character relationships An ability to analyze the text for literary devices such as foreshadowing, situational irony, dramatic irony, theme, symbolism, dynamic character, and more An ability to find and articulate relevant textual details in support of a claim An ability to analyze context clues to discern and articulate the significance of a given detail An ability to articulate what the text indicates both explicitly and implicitly An ability to write with clarity and precision
"From Beyond" by H.P. Lovecraft Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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"From Beyond" by H.P. Lovecraft Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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Help high schoolers go beyond basic comprehension and sharpen their critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet on H.P. Lovecraft’s short story “From Beyond,” a piece featuring numerous compelling elements for high school students: alien life, advanced technology, parallel realities, and more. An answer key and copy of the narrative are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings Infer the intended effects of the authors’ word 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 including foreshadowing, situational irony, and more 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
Othello Close Reading Analysis Worksheets Bundle with Answer Keys
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Othello Close Reading Analysis Worksheets Bundle with Answer Keys

15 Resources
Challenge high school students to push beyond basic reading comprehension and exercise close reading analysis skills while engaging with Othello by William Shakespeare. Given the objective nature of the multiple choice questions, each close reading activity is rigorous enough for students to find deeper meaning in the text, yet convenient enough for teachers to quickly and efficiently gather data on their students’ textual analysis skills. Included are fifteen close reading worksheets, each addressing an individual scene, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By the end of the play, 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 Analyze the author’s craft, discerning how Shakespeare’s language influences the audience’s perception of Iago Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, simile, allusion, epiphany, foreshadowing, personification, verbal irony, dramatic irony, situational irony, and more Explore themes in the play Discern the tone of given passages Determine the functions of given scenes Articulate the significance of given details Articulate how dialogue contributes to the development of suspense Articulate how the setting contributes to a sense of uncertainty Consider how the imagery of a willow tree is relevant to the content of Desdemona’s song Explore cause-and-effect relationships Cite specific, relevant textual evidence in support of a claim or idea Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
"Dr. Heidegger's Experiment" by Nathaniel Hawthorne Close Reading Questions
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"Dr. Heidegger's Experiment" by Nathaniel Hawthorne Close Reading Questions

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Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this rigorous worksheet covering the short story “Dr. Heidegger’s Experiment” by Nathaniel Hawthorne (estimated Lexile Measure range of 1300-1400). Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. An answer key and copy of the public domain text are included. By completing this activity, high school students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Compare and contrast characters Infer the intended effect of the author’s phrasing (“liquor of youth”) Apply knowledge of various literary devices including foreshadowing and symbolism Examine nuances in words with similar meanings Articulate the significance of a given detail Come to class/leave class better prepared to discuss literary materials Support claims and ideas with relevant evidence and valid reasoning Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Julius Caesar Act 2 Scene 1 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet and Answer Key
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Julius Caesar Act 2 Scene 1 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet and Answer Key

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Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 2, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Discern the primary function of an excerpt Describe tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Articulate flaws in a character’s logic Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, simile, and situational irony Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss Shakespearean drama
The Merchant of Venice Act 1 Scene 1 Close Reading Analysis Activity
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The Merchant of Venice Act 1 Scene 1 Close Reading Analysis Activity

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Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 1, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the intended effects of the Shakespeare’s word choices and narrative techniques Determine the primary function of a given excerpt Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including figurative language and situational irony Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works
Julius Caesar Act 2 Scene 2 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet and Answer Key
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Julius Caesar Act 2 Scene 2 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet and Answer Key

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Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 2, scene 2, of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare and contrast Caesar and Calpurnia Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, symbolism, and dramatic irony Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss Shakespearean drama
"The Owl" by the Brothers Grimm Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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"The Owl" by the Brothers Grimm Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and develop critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering the short story “The Owl” by the Brothers Grimm, a cautionary tale about how fear affects human behavior. The brevity of the narrative and the nature of the learning targets help teachers fill awkward gaps in schedules without sacrificing academic rigor. An answer key and copy of the fairy tale are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Utilize dictionaries to ensure knowledge of word meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare the actions of the owl with those of the humans Apply knowledge of literary devices including hyperbole, onomatopoeia, personification, situational irony, symbolism, and more 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
The Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 3 Close Reading Analysis Activity
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The Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 3 Close Reading Analysis Activity

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Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 3, scene 3, of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the intended effects of the Shakespeare’s word choices and narrative techniques Describe tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of various literary devices with emphasis on situational irony and pun Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works
1984 Book 2 Chapter 1 Close Reading Worksheet
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1984 Book 2 Chapter 1 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 the social obstacles facing Winston from Book 2, chapter 1, 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: Identify what the text says both explicitly and implicitly Discern meaning from figurative expressions Use context as a clue to the meaning of words and phrases Analyze nuances in the meaning of words with similar denotations Analyze and articulate how the author’s word choices contribute to Winston’s characterization Demonstrate knowledge of onomatopoeia Analyze the passage to discern its primary function Analyze and articulate Winston’s internal conflict as illustrated in the passage Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
King Lear Act 1 Scene 5 Close Reading Worksheet
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King Lear Act 1 Scene 5 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 5, 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 intended effect of figurative language in context Determine the functions of the scene Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including double denotation Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
King Lear Act 3 Scene 4 Close Reading Worksheet
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King Lear Act 3 Scene 4 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 3, scene 4, 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 Define words/phrases as they are used in the text Verify interpretations of language using reference materials Explore the intended effects of Shakespeare’s narrative techniques Describe tone in context Conduct brief research on pelicans to better understand their symbolic value in context ('pelican daughters") Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Frankenstein Chapters 10-12 Quiz and Answer Key
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Frankenstein Chapters 10-12 Quiz and Answer Key

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 10, 11, and 12 of Mary Shelley’s science fiction novel Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Victor’s reaction to the creature’s appearance The creature’s expectations of Victor The creature’s request for compassion Victor’s dynamic character The villagers’ treatment of the creature The creature’s selflessness toward the rustic family The creature’s observations about the rustic family The creature’s commitment to stop stealing food The creature’s first experiencing seeing himself The effect of the rustic family’s kindness on the creature
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Close Reading Inference Worksheets Bundle
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Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Close Reading Inference Worksheets Bundle

9 Resources
Help learners go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this bundle of rigorous activities covering Mary Shelley’s science fiction novel Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus. Answer keys and the public domain novel are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the functions of given excerpts Consider the greater significance of given details Describe tone in context Determine the intended effects of the author’s narrative techniques Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare and contrast characters Explore themes in context with emphasis on “the barbarity of man,” the treatment of women, and systemic inequities Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion, dramatic irony, foreshadowing, metaphor, simile, situational irony, symbolism, and more Make logical predictions about plot in context Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision And more