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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.
Grammar Worksheet on Commas, Semicolons, and Conjunctions
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Grammar Worksheet on Commas, Semicolons, and Conjunctions

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Reinforce the standard conventions of academic writing and perform a quick check of students’ knowledge with this grammar worksheet on commas, conjunctions, semicolons. Two versions of this activity are provided, including a multiple choice option to expedite take-home grading. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with this material, students will demonstrate an ability to: Separate dependent clauses from independent clauses using semicolons or commas with conjunctions Join two independent clauses with a comma and contextually appropriate conjunction Separate items in a series using commas Isolate non-essential elements (appositive phrases) in the middle of sentences using commas Use commas to separate the elements of dates and places Punctuate coordinating adjectives in a series Format direct quotations Isolate interrupters (however, nevertheless, etc.) in the middle of sentences using commas Use semicolons before conjunctive adverbs that join independent clauses Use semicolons to separate items in a series if they contain internal punctuation
The Adventures of Ulysses Prologue through Chapter 3 Close Reading Questions
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The Adventures of Ulysses Prologue through Chapter 3 Close Reading Questions

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Help middle and high school students extend beyond general reading comprehension and develop close reading analysis skills while they engage with The Adventures of Ulysses by Bernard Evslin. This set of rigorous questions covers the prologue through chapter three (“The Lotus Eaters”). An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Examine the author’s phrasing in order to make logical inferences about character motivations Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact with one another Discern the nature of character relationships Select the best synonym for a given word as it is used in the text Apply knowledge of foreshadowing
A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah Chapters 1 through 9 Quiz
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A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah Chapters 1 through 9 Quiz

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Measure general reading comprehension with this multiple choice quiz covering chapters one through nine of A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah. A firsthand account of the author’s experiences as a child soldier during the Sierra Leone Civil War, this book is an excellent choice for teachers who want to incorporate more autobiographical nonfiction into their English and/or history classes. In addition to an answer key, an short answer quiz option is provided for re-assessment purposes. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Recent political changes in Sierra Leone Background details concerning key figures in the text Shared experiences among key figures in the text Major entities associated with conflict, such as the Revolutionary United Front Consequences of war And more
A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah Chapters 17 through 21 Quiz
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A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah Chapters 17 through 21 Quiz

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Measure general reading comprehension with this multiple choice quiz covering chapters 17 through 21 of A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah. A firsthand account of the author’s experiences as a child soldier during the Sierra Leone Civil War, this book is an excellent choice for teachers who want to incorporate more autobiographical nonfiction into their English and/or history classes. In addition to an answer key, an short answer quiz option is provided for re-assessment purposes. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The helpful nature of numerous figures in the text Ishmael’s recollection of having life-threatening injuries and his reaction Mambu’s tragic circumstances The United Nations Conference in New York City Ishmael’s difficulty in acquiring a passport and Visa Complications affecting the civilian government Ishmael’s escape And more
A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah Quiz and Answer Key Bundle
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A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah Quiz and Answer Key Bundle

4 Resources
Measure general reading comprehension with this quiz bundle covering A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah. A firsthand account of the author’s experiences as a child soldier during the Sierra Leone Civil War, this book is an excellent choice for teachers who want to incorporate more autobiographical nonfiction into their English and/or history classes. In addition to answer keys, alternate quiz options are provided for re-assessment purposes. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By taking these assessments, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Recent political changes in Sierra Leone General descriptions of setting Background details concerning key figures in the text Shared experiences among key figures in the text Medical concerns among key figures in the text Major entities associated with conflict, such as the Revolutionary United Front Violent events Consequences of war Coping strategies among key figures in the text Difficulties in rehabbing figures in the text The collective motivation for the boys’ attending school Complications affecting the civilian government Ishmael’s escape And more
"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson Close Reading Worksheet
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"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson Close Reading Worksheet

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Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions on Shirley Jackson’s short story “The Lottery.” A variety of question types facilitates the process of analyzing character development, examining how word choices influence a reader’s interpretations, applying knowledge of literary devices, and more. 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 Utilize dictionaries to ensure knowledge of word meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Determine the function of a given passage Consider tone in context Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and change Explore the role of setting in terms of developing characterization Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, invective, and 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
Romeo and Juliet Act 3 Scene 5 Close Reading Worksheet
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Romeo and Juliet Act 3 Scene 5 Close Reading Worksheet

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Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 3, scene 5, 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 Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word and phrase 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 including foreshadowing, personification, situational irony, and symbolism Support claims or 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
Romeo and Juliet Act 4 Scene 3 Close Reading Worksheet
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Romeo and Juliet Act 4 Scene 3 Close Reading Worksheet

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Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 4, scene 3, 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 Discern the overall purpose of a given soliloquy Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word and phrase meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Support claims or 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
Romeo and Juliet Act 3 Scene 2 Close Reading Worksheet
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Romeo and Juliet Act 3 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 3, 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 Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word and phrase meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices such as dramatic irony and oxymoronic language Conduct brief research on a variety of subjects including allusions to obscure mythological creatures Support claims or 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
Romeo and Juliet Act 3 Scene 3 Close Reading Worksheet
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Romeo and Juliet Act 3 Scene 3 Close Reading Worksheet

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Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 3, scene 3, 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 Compare elements of this scene to the preceding scene Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word and phrase meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques (with emphasis on repetition) Describe tone in context Support claims or 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
Romeo and Juliet Act 3 Scene 4 Close Reading Worksheet
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Romeo and Juliet Act 3 Scene 4 Close Reading Worksheet

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Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 3, scene 4, of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word and phrase meanings (“Things have fall’n out,” “We have had no time to move our daughter,” and “I will make a desperate tender of my child’s love.” Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony and dramatic irony Support claims or 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
The Hobbit Quiz and Answer Key Bundle
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The Hobbit Quiz and Answer Key Bundle

10 Resources
This bundle of editable assessments check for general comprehension and holds students accountable for the assigned reading of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. Answer keys are included. All materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important details: Character description of a typical Baggins Gandalf’s surprise appearance Bilbo and Gandalf’s awkward conversation The first dwarf to arrive unexpectedly Awakening “something Tookish” within Bilbo The dwarves’ skepticism toward Bilbo’s participation Bilbo’s designated role Description of the town of Dale What Thorin receives from Gandalf during the party The lost wealth of Thorin’s family The morning after the unexpected party The letter Disappearance of a major character A discovery that leads the adventurers into trouble Bert, Tom, and William Bilbo’s weak bargaining attempts Capturing the dwarves Rescuing the dwarves Discoveries made before locating the troll’s cave Lonely Mountain Rivendell Elrond The peculiar quality of the adventurers’ map Background on the weapons the adventurers’ retrieved from trolls Seeking safety inside the cave The Orcrist Glamdring the Foe-hammer Goblins’ fear of something inside the cave The riddle game Discovery of the magical ring Bilbo’s escape from the cave The dwarves’ complaints Gandalf’s insistence that the dwarves look for Bilbo The adventurers’ reaction to Bilbo’s sudden return Incident involving the Wargs Wargs and their history with another antagonistic group Gandalf’s rescue efforts The Eagles’ arrival The Eagles’ fear of man “Skin-changing” Beorn’s feelings toward animals The adventurers’ strategy for approaching Beorn Beorn’s background Bilbo’s frightening observations at night Gandalf’s discovery of animal tracks outside the residence Beorn’s concerns for the adventurers Details concerning Mirkwood’s black stream Beorn’s advice Lighting watch-fires A deep-sleep state Hastily using the last of the arrows Bombur’s dream Veering off the path in Mirkwood Bilbo’s transformative experience involving a spider Bilbo’s sword Abduction by the wood-elves The Elvenking’s questioning of Thorin Thorin’s reluctance to share details The consequence Thorin faces A near-confession Lake-town Bilbo’s plan to release his friends The escape plan and its glaring flaw The bridge guards’ response to Thorin’s presence The Master of Lake-town’s skepticism The citizens’ overwhelming response to the adventurers’ presence Reaching the mountain’s secret door The foreshadowing appearance of the thrush Bilbo’s frustration Unique quality of dragons Bilbo pilfering treasure The adventurers’ terrible realization concerning Smaug The adventurers’ abrupt frustration toward Bilbo Speaking in riddles Smaug’s suspicions and plan to attack The function of the thrush The Arkenstone Bilbo’s plans for the Arkenstone Smaug’s assault The master bowman The thrush’s instructions Why Lake Town’s citizens were furious with their Master The wood-elves response to the tragedy Thorin’s request of Roac Thorin on why the adventurers are not liable for damages Thorin’s promise to the people of Lake Town Dain’s plan Bilbo conspiring with outsiders Bilbo’s justification for bargaining Thorin’s response to Bilbo’s justification Unity among dwarves, elves, and men The return of the Eagles Thorin’s realization about what would make for a merrier world The new King Under the Mountain Bards gifts to Bilbo Beorn’s new role Gandalf’s statement regarding a more peaceful forest The surprise awaiting Bilbo at home Bilbo’s changed reputation at home
“Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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“Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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Help high school students extend beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this set of rigorous, text-dependent questions on the fairy tale “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” by the Brothers Grimm. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with this activity, students will do the following: Articulate what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, pleonasm, dramatic irony, and more Discern the function of a given excerpt Explore relationships between complex characters Determine the meaning of complex words in context Analyze what Snow White’s behavior reveals about her character Articulate how poetic justice is carried out Analyze plot to discern and articulate sexist stereotypes of women Cite textual evidence in support of inferences and claims Write with clarity and precision
The Hobbit Chapter 2 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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The Hobbit Chapter 2 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 two 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 Read closely to isolate accurate statements from false statements
Romeo and Juliet Act 2 Scene 5 Close Reading Worksheet
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Romeo and Juliet Act 2 Scene 5 Close Reading Worksheet

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Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 2, scene 5, 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 Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word and phrase meanings Determine the function of a given excerpt Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Discern tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion, hyperbole, and invective Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works
Romeo and Juliet Act 4 Scene 5 Close Reading Worksheet
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Romeo and Juliet Act 4 Scene 5 Close Reading Worksheet

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Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 4, scene 5, 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 Compare aspects of this scene with aspects of a previous scene (Act 3.5) Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word and phrase meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Discern the tone of the scene Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including simile, metaphor, personification, and situational irony Support claims or 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
Romeo and Juliet Reading Comprehension Quiz Bundle
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Romeo and Juliet Reading Comprehension Quiz Bundle

4 Resources
This bundle of 5 assessments measures general comprehension and holds students accountable for the assigned reading of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Each multiple choice quiz is delivered as an editable Word Document. Answer keys for each quiz are included. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The purpose of a chorus A character known as a peace-maker The reason for street-fighting in Verona Prince Escalus’s declaration Romeo’s cause for sadness Lord Capulet’s attitude toward marrying off Juliet Benvolio’s encouragement (to Romeo) Juliet’s attitude toward marriage Mercutio’s treatment of Romeo A foreshadowing fear Tybalt’s temperament Lord Capulet’s reaction to Romeo’s presence at the party The revelation of Juliet’s true identity Juliet’s beauty and Romeo’s metaphor The rejection of one’s name Romeo’s great fear, expressed during the balcony scene Juliet’s concerns over acting too hastily Friar Laurence’s specialty Friar Laurence’s beliefs and philosophies Friar Laurence’s thoughts regarding the union of Romeo & Juliet Tybalt’s letter Offensive comments toward the Nurse The Nurse’s news for Romeo Friar Laurence’s assessment of Romeo & Juliet’s love Mercutio’s reason for fighting Tybalt Romeo’s ill-fated attempt to stop the fight Romeo’s reason for leaving Verona Juliet’s criticisms of the Nurse The Nurse’s confusing news Juliet’s conflicting emotions toward her husband Friar Laurence’s perspective on the Prince’s punishment Romeo’s erratic behavior Lord Capulet’s arrangement with Paris Mantua A character who plans to have Romeo killed A threat of being disowned The Nurse’s advice to Juliet Juliet’s foreshadowing comments Paris’s perspective on Lord Capulet’s motivations Juliet’s confession to Paris Paris’s lack of awareness about Lord Capulet’s threat Juliet’s confession to Friar Laurence Friar Laurence’s plan Juliet’s request for her father’s forgiveness Lord Capulet’s attitude toward Friar Laurence A terrible thought An alarming discovery A shift in Lord Capulet’s emotions Friar John’s task The reason Friar John cannot complete his task Balthasar’s significance Balthasar’s lack of awareness A visit to the apothecary A conflict between Romeo and Paris in the churchyard Romeo’s suicide Juliet’s suicide Friar Laurence’s emotional reaction The resolution
Othello Act 1 Scene 1 Close Reading Worksheet
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Othello Act 1 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 1, 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 exercise, 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 Discern the tone of a given excerpt Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Consider themes in context 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 works of Shakespeare
Romeo & Juliet Close Reading Bundle (Set of 20)
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Romeo & Juliet Close Reading Bundle (Set of 20)

20 Resources
This bundle of 20 close reading exercises promotes active reading strategies, makes student engagement with text more visible, and helps improve overall student comprehension of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. By completing these activities, students will read to identify what the text says explicitly and implicitly, apply literary devices, interpret figurative expressions, analyze character motivations, define vocabulary in context, discern tone, and more. All close reads are editable and include answer keys and/or sample annotations. The following are covered: Act 1 prologue Act 1, scene 1 Act 1, scene 2 Act 1, scene 3 Act 1, scene 5 Act 2 prologue Act 2, scene 1 Act 2, scene 2 Act 2, scene 3 Act 2, scene 4 Act 2, scene 5 Act 2, scene 6 Act 3, scene 1 Act 3, scene 2 Act 3, scene 3 Act 3, scene 4 Act 4, scene 1 Act 4, scene 3 Act 4, scene 5 Act 5, scene 1 Act 5, scene 3
Romeo and Juliet Act 5 Scene 3 Close Reading Worksheet
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Romeo and Juliet Act 5 Scene 3 Close Reading Worksheet

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Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 5, scene 3, 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 Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word and phrase meanings Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing Support claims or 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