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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.
“To Build a Fire” by Jack London Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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“To Build a Fire” by Jack London Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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Engage middle and high school students with a classic example of adventure fiction, “To Build a Fire” by Jack London, and use this set of rigorous questions to promote close reading analysis skills. A variety of question types facilitates the process of analyzing character motivations, examining how word choices influence a reader’s interpretations, applying knowledge of literary devices, and articulating ideas in writing with clarity and precision. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Define unfamiliar and challenging vocabulary in context Explore the author’s narrative techniques such as increasing the frequency of shorter, choppier sentences as the narrative reaches its climax Determine author’s intent in writing that the protagonist’s limitation is that he is without imagination Identify the protagonist’s motivation in continuing despite extremely harsh conditions Draw logical inferences based on the fact that the dog “knew it was no time for traveling” and “its instinct told it a truer tale than was told to the man by the man’s judgment” Apply knowledge of literary devices including symbolism and simile Locate textual evidence in support of claims associated with the protagonist’s self-awareness Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision
"The Most Dangerous Game" Close Reading Inference Worksheet and Answer Key
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"The Most Dangerous Game" Close Reading Inference Worksheet and Answer Key

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Help high schoolers go beyond basic comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading inference worksheet covering Richard Connell’s short story “The Most Dangerous Game.” 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 do the following: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings as needed Infer the intended effects of the authors’ word choices and narrative techniques Determine the function of a given detail Discern tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare and contrast two characters (Zaroff and Rainsford) Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on allusion, euphemism, personification, situational irony, verbal irony, and more Make a rational prediction about the protagonist’s future behavior given the full context of the narrative 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
Romeo and Juliet Act 2 Scene 2 Close Reading Worksheet
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Romeo and Juliet 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 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 Annotate text to show active engagement Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word and phrase meanings Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Determine the function of a given passage Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Choose the best textual evidence in support of a claim Apply knowledge of personification, dramatic irony, and simile Choose a theme that is best reinforced in a given passage Support inferences or claims with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works
"The Juniper Tree" by the Brothers Grimm Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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"The Juniper Tree" by the Brothers Grimm Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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Engage high school students with a dark fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm: “The Juniper Tree.” With this close reading worksheet, students will go beyond basic reading comprehension and practice their critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills. An answer key is included, as well as a copy of the narrative, which makes a fitting addition to a short story unit for grades 9 through 12, especially during the Halloween season. 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 various literary devices including allusion, black humor, dramatic irony, foreshadowing, onomatopoeia, personification, and more 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
"Donkey Cabbages" by the Brothers Grimm Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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"Donkey Cabbages" by the Brothers Grimm Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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Help middle and high schoolers go beyond basic comprehension and develop critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading inference worksheet covering a classic Grimm’s fairy tale titled “Donkey Cabbages.” An answer key and copy of the short story are 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 Infer the intended effects of the authors’ word choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of various literary devices including situational irony, dramatic irony, foreshadowing, and juxtaposition Isolate an example of figurative language from among several options 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 Cask of Amontillado" by Edgar Allan Poe Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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"The Cask of Amontillado" by Edgar Allan Poe Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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Help high schoolers go beyond basic comprehension and develop critical thinking and literary analysis skills with this close reading inference worksheet covering Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Cask of Amontillado.” 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 Utilize dictionaries to ensure knowledge of word meanings Examine grammatically correct structure Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Determine the function of a given excerpt Discern tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing and verbal irony Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
Othello Act 3 Scene 1 Close Reading Worksheet
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Othello Act 3 Scene 1 Close Reading Worksheet

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Help learners 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 1, of William Shakespeare’s Othello. An answer key is included. 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 Shakespeare’s word choices and dramatic techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Discern the tone of a given excerpt Support ideas and claims with relevant textual evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss works of Shakespeare
The Great Gatsby  Quiz and Answer Key Bundle
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The Great Gatsby Quiz and Answer Key Bundle

9 Resources
With this bundle of plot-based, multiple choice quizzes covering The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, high school English teachers will be able to evaluate reading comprehension, promote homework accountability, and eliminate assessment planning. Answer keys are provided, as are short answer options, and all materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following key details: Nick’s personal background Nick’s self perception Nick’s perception of Gatsby The setting Nick’s career The contrast between West Egg and East Egg Nick’s academic background A character description of Daisy A character description of Tom A character description of Jordan The green light in the distance Conditions of daily life in the valley The enormous advertisement overlooking the valley A character description of George Wilson A character description of Myrtle A trip to the Morningside Heights apartments Speculation concerning Gatsby’s background The behavior of the party-goers (and Nick’s reaction to it) Tom’s gift to Myrtle Myrtle’s behavior and why it unsettles Tom How Tom takes his anger out on Myrtle The flamboyant nature of Gatsby’s parties The enduring mystery of Gatsby’s background Sensationalized rumors surrounding Gatsby Owl Eyes’ surprising realization about Gatsby’s books Nick and Gatsby’s shared past Nick’s characterization of Gatsby’s smile Gatsby’s manner of speaking to others Gatsby’s general behavior at his own party Gatsby’s request to see Jordan The drunken incident involving Owl Eyes Nick’s characterization of Jordan The purpose of Nick’s list The apparent inconsistencies in Gatsby’s autobiography Gatsby’s proof to assuage Nick’s skepticism Gatsby’s interaction with a police officer Meyer Wolfshiem’s questionable background Nick’s new assumption concerning Gatsby’s wealth Gatsby’s motive to move into his West Egg mansion A revelation concerning the green light across the water A request Gatsby makes of Jordan Gatsby’s efforts to convince Nick to arrange a reunion Gatsby’s gratitude to Nick for agreeing Daisy’s humorous response to Nick’s request that Tom not join Examples of Gatsby’s self-conscious and nervous behavior Daisy’s being brought to tears Gatsby’s long nights outside staring at the green light Klipspringer A characterization of Gatsby’s mansion Gatsby’s biography Gatsby’s college experience Gatsby’s job to pay for college Gatsby meeting Dan Cody Dan Cody’s influence on Gatsby Tom’s presence in Gatsby’s house Tom’s suspicions of Gatsby Nick’s insight concerning Gatsby and Daisy’s relationship The death of a dream Gatsby’s rationale for ceasing the parties Gatsby’s concerns that information about Daisy will be revealed A luncheon at Tom and Daisy’s house A revelation concerning Myrtle Tom’s confrontation with Gatsby Gatsby’s assured reaction to Tom’s confrontational behavior A surprise shift in Daisy’s feelings The death of Myrtle (what happened, who’s responsible, etc.) Gatsby’s desire to protect Daisy from Tom A broken promise The gardener’s intention and Gatsby’s refusal Nick’s judgment of Gatsby Dr. T.J. Eckleburg’s eyes and Wilson’s interpretation of them The death of Myrtle Wilson’s beliefs concerning Myrtle’s death A tragic, deadly incident Underwhelming attendance at Gatsby’s funeral An unexpected telegram Henry Gatsby’s discovery of his son’s death Young Gatsby’s self-improvement plan A brief conversation with Klipspringer Nick’s decision to move back to the Midwest Nick and Jordan’s breakup An encounter with Tom Tom’s feelings concerning Gatsby’s death Nick’s character assessment of Tom and Daisy Nick’s analysis of people’s dreams
The Grapes of Wrath Test and Quizzes Bundle
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The Grapes of Wrath Test and Quizzes Bundle

11 Resources
Evaluate general reading comprehension, promote homework accountability, and eliminate take-home assessment planning with this bundle of instructional resources covering The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. Included are formative quizzes, a summative test, and answer keys. All materials are delivered as both Word Documents and PDFs.
Othello Act 3 Scene 3 Close Reading Worksheet
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Othello Act 3 Scene 3 Close Reading Worksheet

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Help learners 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 Othello. An answer key is included. 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 Shakespeare’s word choices and dramatic techniques Describe tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including dramatic irony, verbal irony, situational irony, and metaphor Support ideas and claims with relevant textual evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss works of Shakespeare
Othello Act 3 Scene 4 Close Reading Worksheet
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Othello Act 3 Scene 4 Close Reading Worksheet

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Help learners 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 4, of William Shakespeare’s Othello. An answer key is included. 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 Shakespeare’s word choices and dramatic techniques Describe tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Support ideas and claims with relevant textual evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss works of Shakespeare
Othello Act 4 Scene 1 Close Reading Worksheet
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Othello Act 4 Scene 1 Close Reading Worksheet

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Help learners go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 4, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s Othello. An answer key is included. 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 Shakespeare’s word choices and dramatic techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Support ideas and claims with relevant textual evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss works of Shakespeare
The Hobbit Chapter 6 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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The Hobbit Chapter 6 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions covering chapter six of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. With this resource, students will focus on significant details in order to develop a deeper understanding of the novel and its craft, thus helping them contribute more meaningfully during class discussions. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging in this exercise, students will: Analyze the effect of the author’s language upon the reader Explore how complex characters think, behave, and develop Determine tone in context Define unfamiliar and challenging vocabulary in context Draw reasoned inferences about characterization Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on imagery Read closely to isolate accurate statements from false statements Explore the motif of heroism Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Support claims with relevant textual evidence
The Hobbit Chapter 7 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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The Hobbit Chapter 7 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions covering chapter seven of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. With this resource, students will focus on significant details in order to develop a deeper understanding of the novel and its craft, thus helping them contribute more meaningfully during class discussions. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with this resource, students will: Analyze the effect of the author’s language upon the reader Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Determine tone in context Define unfamiliar and challenging vocabulary in context Draw reasoned inferences about characterization Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on metaphor Read closely to isolate accurate statements from false statements Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Support claims with relevant textual evidence
The Hobbit Chapter 5 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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The Hobbit Chapter 5 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions covering chapter five of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. With this resource, students will focus on significant details in order to develop a deeper understanding of the novel and its craft, thus helping them contribute more meaningfully during class discussions. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging in this exercise, students will… Analyze the effect of the author’s language upon the reader Determine tone in context Define unfamiliar and challenging vocabulary in context Draw reasoned inferences about characterization Apply knowledge of literary devices to the novel with emphasis on dramatic irony and onomatopoeia Read closely to isolate accurate statements from false statements Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
"Sleeping Beauty" by The Brothers Grimm Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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"Sleeping Beauty" by The Brothers Grimm Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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Fairy tales are not just for elementary students; even high school readers can use (and enjoy) fairy tales as a tool for practicing close reading analysis skills. This worksheet composed of rigorous questions covers “Sleeping Beauty” by the Brothers Grimm. With an estimated Lexile Measure range of 1200-1300, the short story is suitable for both 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. By completing this exercise, students will: Articulate what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly Apply knowledge of literary devices including anthropomorphism, symbolism, foreshadowing, and more Identify the story’s inciting incident Analyze the author’s craft Explore relationships between complex characters Define complex words in context Articulate conventions of the fairy tale genre Cite textual evidence in support of inferences and claims Write with clarity and precision
Othello Act 4 Scene 2 Close Reading Worksheet
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Othello Act 4 Scene 2 Close Reading Worksheet

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Help learners go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 4, scene 2, of William Shakespeare’s Othello. An answer key is included. 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 Shakespeare’s word choices and dramatic techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Support ideas and claims with relevant textual evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss works of Shakespeare
The Hobbit Chapter 3 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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The Hobbit Chapter 3 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions covering chapter three of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. With this resource, students will focus on significant details in order to develop a deeper understanding of the novel and its craft, thus helping them contribute more meaningfully during class discussions. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging in this exercise, students will… Analyze the effect of the author’s language upon the reader Determine tone in context Define unfamiliar and challenging vocabulary in context Draw reasoned inferences about character intent Apply knowledge of literary devices to the novel Read closely to isolate accurate statements from false statements Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
The Hobbit Chapter 12 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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The Hobbit Chapter 12 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 12 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 emphasis on imagery and figurative language 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 Chapter 13 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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The Hobbit Chapter 13 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 13 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 emphasis on dramatic irony, imagery, and symbolism 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