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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.
1984 Book 2 Chapters 9 and 10 Quiz and Answer Key
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1984 Book 2 Chapters 9 and 10 Quiz and Answer Key

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Measure general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this set of two quizzes covering Book 2, chapters 9 and 10, of George Orwell’s 1984. A multiple choice assessment and a short answer option are provided, along with answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Winston’s 90-hour work week Oceania’s new enemy Goldstein’s book Crimestop A singing prole woman “We are the dead” The picture on the wall and what it conceals The sudden appearance of troops A realization about Mr. Charrington
"Backward Step" by Paul Jennings Quiz and Answer Key
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"Backward Step" by Paul Jennings Quiz and Answer Key

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Promote active engagement with fiction and evaluate general reading comprehension with this multiple choice quiz on the science fiction short story “Backward Step” by Paul Jennings. An answer key is included. All materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: The television program John watches What John’s mom does that makes her feel very guilty A teenage boy’s desperate plea for John’s mom to read a book John’s status as a famous child John’s sudden appearance in a classroom John’s family background An attempt to help John find his home A visit to the police station John’s grandmother, who agrees to take John in John’s unique capabilities (time travel)
“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
To Kill a Mockingbird Chapter 25 Close Reading Worksheet
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To Kill a Mockingbird Chapter 25 Close Reading Worksheet

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Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze chapter 25 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. An answer key is provided. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, these instructional materials save teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. This resource may serve as the basis for small-group discussions. Through these discussions, students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development, demonstrating an ability to analyze how complex characters transform and advance the plot and themes by applying logic and citing compelling, meaningful textual evidence. They will also evaluate their peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to advance claims, clarifying or challenging unclear ideas. Using this resource for structured guidance, students, ultimately, will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking. Copyright restrictions prohibit the inclusion of the complete chapter, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with access to the novel. By engaging in this exercise, students will: Analyze an excerpt to draw rational inferences Discern the most logical interpretation of a particular excerpt Analyze an excerpt to discern its significance to the plot Analyze Mr. Underwood’s actions to discern his personal motivations Analyze Bob Ewell’s remarks to predict his future behaviors, possibly addressing foreshadowing in the process Discern the meaning of complex vocabulary and phrases in context, taking into consideration both denotative definitions and connotative associations Isolate factual statements from false statements Apply knowledge of literary devices (metaphor) to the text Write with clarity, logic, and precision Cite textual evidence in support of claims
1984 Book 1 Chapter 4 Close Reading Worksheet
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1984 Book 1 Chapter 4 Close Reading Worksheet

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Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984. Featuring a brief passage about the Ministry of Truth’s mission to falsify records from Book 1, chapter 4, this resource saves teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing academic rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable Word Documents and PDFs. This resource may facilitate small-group discussions. Through these discussions, students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development, demonstrating an ability to analyze how complex characters transform and advance the plot and themes by applying logic and citing compelling, meaningful textual evidence. They will also evaluate their peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to advance claims, clarifying or challenging unclear ideas. Using this resource for structured guidance, students, ultimately, will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking. By engaging in this exercise, students will: Discern what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Conduct brief research to discern and articulate historical parallels to media manipulation and the falsification of records Apply and articulate knowledge of literary devices and techniques including euphemism Analyze the author’s word choices to discern and articulate how they contribute to the development of plot Analyze an excerpt to discern its primary function Define complex words and phrases in context Write with logic, clarity, and precision
1984 Book 1 Chapter 7 Close Reading Worksheet
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1984 Book 1 Chapter 7 Close Reading Worksheet

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Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984. Featuring a brief passage about the threat proles could theoretically pose to the Party from Book 1, chapter 7, this resource saves teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing academic rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable Word Documents and PDFs. This resource may facilitate small-group discussions. Through these discussions, students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development, demonstrating an ability to analyze how complex characters transform and advance the plot and themes by applying logic and citing compelling, meaningful textual evidence. They will also evaluate their peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to advance claims, clarifying or challenging unclear ideas. Using this resource for structured guidance, students, ultimately, will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking. By engaging with this resource, students will: Identify what the text says both explicitly and implicitly Articulate why the proles could pose a formidable threat to the Party Articulate why the Brotherhood is comparatively and profoundly less powerful than the proles could be Paraphrase what the narrator means by “[r]ebellion meant a look in the eyes, an inflexion of the voice, at the most, an occasional whispered word.” Analyze the author’s use of simile Analyze the author’s craft to discern and articulate the author’s intent Apply knowledge of aposiopesis to the text Analyze the symbolic significance of reverberating bells and inferring why the author made reference to them in context Analyze an excerpt to discern and articulate examples of situational irony Write with clarity and precision
Othello Act 5 Scene 1 Close Reading Worksheet
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Othello Act 5 Scene 1 Close Reading Worksheet

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Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Othello. With a focus on Act 5, scene 1, this resource saves teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing academic rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable PDFs and Word Documents. This resource may serve as the basis for small-group discussions. Through these discussions, students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development, demonstrating an ability to analyze how complex characters transform and advance the plot and themes by applying logic and citing compelling, meaningful textual evidence. They will also evaluate their peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to advance claims, clarifying or challenging unclear ideas. Using this resource for structured guidance, students, ultimately, will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking. More specifically, students will be able to: Articulate what the text says explicitly and implicitly Write with clarity and precision Cite specific, relevant textual evidence in support of a claim or idea Apply knowledge of literary devices including dramatic irony, situational irony, and caesura Articulate character motivations Discern the best description of Roderigo’s characterization Analyze and articulate how the setting contributes to a sense of uncertainty Articulate how dialogue contributes to the development of suspense Analyze character interactions Define complex words or phrases in context Verify interpretations using reference materials including a dictionary or thesaurus
Frankenstein Chapters 10-12 Close Reading Worksheet
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Frankenstein Chapters 10-12 Close Reading Worksheet

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Extend comprehension and support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of analytical questions on chapters 10 through 12 of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. With this resource, high school English teachers can save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain chapters are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. More specifically, students will be able to: Articulate what the text states explicitly and implicitly Write with clarity, logic, and precision Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims Explore character motivations Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing and allusion Isolate an accurate statement about plot among a set of falsehoods Explain the significance of the pool of water Discern the function of a given paragraph Analyze how Victor becomes a dynamic character in the context of a given chapter Analyze the author’s craft Articulate how chapter 10 is different from chapter 11 Explore “the barbarity of man” Explore how the creature demonstrates childlike naivety
Frankenstein Chapters 13-15 Close Reading Worksheet
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Frankenstein Chapters 13-15 Close Reading Worksheet

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Extend comprehension and support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of analytical questions on chapters 13 through 15 of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. With this resource, high school English teachers can save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain chapters are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. More specifically, students will be able to: Articulate what the text states explicitly and implicitly Write with clarity, logic, and precision Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims Explore character motivations Apply knowledge of literary devices including antithesis, allusion, and irony Isolate a factual statement about plot from falsehoods Articulate how the creature acquires an education Articulate how a person’s value is determined by society, according to the creature’s teachings Define complex words in context Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed Discern the effect that learning has on the creature’s psychological state Discern what the treatment of Safie’s father reveals about about the class system Explore cause-and-effect relationships Articulate the influence of Paradise Lost on the creature Compare and contrast the creature to the biblical character of Adam Explain the greater significance of a given excerpt
Othello Act 4 Scene 3 Close Reading Worksheet
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Othello Act 4 Scene 3 Close Reading Worksheet

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Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Othello. With a focus on Act 4, scene 3, this resource saves teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing academic rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable PDFs and Word Documents. This resource may serve as the basis for small-group discussions. Through these discussions, students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development, demonstrating an ability to analyze how complex characters transform and advance the plot and themes by applying logic and citing compelling, meaningful textual evidence. They will also evaluate their peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to advance claims, clarifying or challenging unclear ideas. Using this resource for structured guidance, students, ultimately, will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking. More specifically, students will be able to: Articulate what the text says explicitly and implicitly Write with clarity and precision Cite specific, relevant textual evidence in support of a claim or idea Discern the tone of a given excerpt Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, alliteration, sibilance, personification, foreshadowing, and paradox Articulate character motivations Compare two characters Articulate the significance of dialogue Analyze what dialogue reveals about a character’s psychological state Consider how the imagery of a willow tree is relevant to the content of Desdemona’s song Make logical inferences from the point of view of a particular character
Hamlet Act 1 Quiz and Answer Key
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Hamlet Act 1 Quiz and Answer Key

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Promote homework accountability and measure general reading comprehension with this quiz on Act 1 of Hamlet by William Shakespeare. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The sighting of the King of Denmark’s ghost Horatio’s forceful interaction with the ghost Character motivations Hamlet’s mourning over the loss of his father The reason for Hamlet’s anger toward his mother Laertes’ perspective on the relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia Polonius’ condemnation of young men for their lack of decency A ghost’s revelation to Hamlet Horatio and Marcellus’ promise to Hamlet
Hamlet Act 5 Scene 1 Close Reading Worksheet
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Hamlet Act 5 Scene 1 Close Reading Worksheet

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Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Hamlet. With a focus on Act 5, scene 1, this resource saves teachers valuable time without sacrificing academic rigor. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable PDFs and Word Documents. This resource may serve as the basis for small-group discussions. Through these discussions, students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development, demonstrating an ability to analyze how complex characters transform and advance the plot and themes by applying logic and citing compelling, meaningful textual evidence. They will also evaluate their peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to advance claims, clarifying or challenging unclear ideas. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking. More specifically, students will be able to: Articulate what the text says explicitly and implicitly Consider author’s intent and articulate why Shakespeare may have chosen to begin this scene in a graveyard Analyze characterization to discern the gravedigger’s primary function(s) Discern the tone of a given excerpt Consider how aristocratic class privileges influence plot development Describe Hamlet’s reaction to the gravedigger’s singing, as well as the reason for his reaction Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, simile, hyperbole, allusion, alliteration, dramatic irony, situational irony, and more Characterize Hamlet’s relationship with Yorick Articulate how Hamlet’s lack of emotional or psychological control is manifested physically Make logical inferences from the point of view of Hamlet Demonstrate knowledge of Claudius’s mindset Write with clarity and precision
The Tempest Act 4 Scene 1 Close Reading Worksheet
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The Tempest Act 4 Scene 1 Close Reading Worksheet

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Support the development of high school close reading skills and analysis of Shakespeare’s The Tempest with this worksheet on Act 4, scene 1. A variety of high-order 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. This resource is delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. A detailed answer key is included. More specifically, students will be able to: Articulate what the text says explicitly and implicitly Write with clarity and precision Cite specific, relevant textual evidence in support of a claim or idea Discern the tone of an excerpt Discern and articulate meaning in figurative language Articulate the task assigned to Ariel Analyze Shakespeare’s craft to discern and explain how humor is incorporated into the scene Articulate the intended effect of Shakespeare’s language Explore character motivations Identify why Ceres is reluctant to participate in a celebration Analyze how complex characters change over the course of the scene Define complex words or phrases in context Verify interpretations of language using reference materials such as a dictionary and thesaurus Identify the reason Caliban, Trinculo, and Stephano would be tempted by colorful clothes Articulate how moral character and physical appearance are related, according to Prospero Articulate Caliban’s epiphany at the end of the scene
“Thank You, Ma’am” by Langston Hughes Close Reading Analysis Questions
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“Thank You, Ma’am” by Langston Hughes Close Reading Analysis Questions

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For many middle and high school readers, realistic and young adult fiction are genres that maximize relatability and engagement with literature. “Thank You, Ma’am” by Langston Hughes is a short story involving socioeconomic struggles, social pressures, the importance of second chances, and the power of empathy and forgiveness. With this challenging worksheet composed of high-order questions, English teachers will help students extend beyond basic reading comprehension, support the development of close reading analysis skills, and save valuable time at home without sacrificing quality and rigor in the classroom. A detailed answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Discern what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly Articulate character motivations Analyze how a character’s behaviors reveal their life principles Apply knowledge of metaphor to the text Analyze the author’s choice of words conveys subtle meaning Analyze how complex characters interact Explore Roger’s emotional and psychological state Cite textual evidence in support of inferences and claims Write with clarity and precision
Lord of the Flies Chapter 8 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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Lord of the Flies Chapter 8 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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Go beyond reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this set of rigorous questions on chapter 8 of Lord of the Flies by William Golding. A variety of question types facilitates preparation for standardized testing scenarios. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. This resource may serve as the basis for 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 resource, students will: Discern what the text states explicitly and implicitly Analyze how complex characters interact and develop Apply knowledge of various literary devices (simile, onomatopoeia, situational irony, and more) Analyze a given passage to identify which of Jack’s character traits are highlighted Analyze a given passage to identify which literary theme is most dominant in context Articulate the significance of given descriptive details in terms of character and plot development Analyze the author’s craft to identify the technique used to maximize shock value Isolate a passage that reflects the conflict between primal impulses and the conditioning of civil society Conduct brief research on the Greek myth of Prometheus and draw literary parallels between it and Lord of the Flies Write with clarity and precision
Lord of the Flies Chapter 2 Quiz and Answer Key
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Lord of the Flies Chapter 2 Quiz and Answer Key

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this multiple choice, plot-based quiz on chapter 2 of Lord of the Flies by William Golding. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Ralph’s emphasis on the boys’ need to maintain patience and calm Ralph’s recommendation that rules be established Jack’s reaction to the idea of establishing and enforcing rules A new purpose of the conch shell Reasons for Piggy’s frustration with the boys An unsettling claim by a young boy Ralph’s recommendation that the boys signal for help on the mountain The tool that is used and inadvertently causes a raging fire The boys’ general reaction to the devastating event
"A Haunted House" by Virginia Woolf Quiz and Answer Key
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"A Haunted House" by Virginia Woolf Quiz and Answer Key

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Save time and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on “A Haunted House,” a short story by Virginia Woolf. Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this multiple choice assessment makes it easier to quickly and efficiently gather data on student recall and reading habits. An answer key and a copy of the public domain narrative are provided. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Setting Signs of a supernatural presence The nature of the ghosts’ discussions The background of the ghostly couple How the ghostly husband (when alive) reacted to his wife’s death The ghosts’ courteous demeanor The living couple’s new understanding of the ghosts’ purpose The personification of the house The effect of the moonlight An appropriate classification of the narrative
"Eleven" by Sandra Cisneros Quiz and Answer Key
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"Eleven" by Sandra Cisneros Quiz and Answer Key

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“Eleven” by Sandra Cisneros is a coming-of-age short story involving a girl who, for the first time, experiences public marginalization and must learn to navigate an unjust world. This plot-based quiz covering the short story helps English teachers promote homework accountability and evaluate general reading comprehension—while eliminating take-home assessment planning responsibilities. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing editable Word Documents and printable PDFs. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot: Point of view The significance of the title The narrator’s perspective on aging The general characterization of Mrs. Price The reason the narrator is upset How the narrator attempts to cope with emotional turmoil Why the narrator is instructed to put on a sweater The actual owner of the red sweater The narrator’s assumption about Sylvia The narrator’s desire for her mother’s comfort The narrator’s self-perception
“Not Poor, Just Broke” by Dick Gregory Quiz and Answer Key
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“Not Poor, Just Broke” by Dick Gregory Quiz and Answer Key

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Incorporate narrative nonfiction into the English Language Arts classroom and measure general reading comprehension with this editable quiz on “Not Poor, Just Broke” by Dick Gregory. This autobiographical account addresses the author’s formative years with emphasis on the transformational incident that caused him to feel personal shame for the first time. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The mother’s perspective on life The mother’s job and how it complicates life for the family How the narrator demonstrates anger at his mother’s treatment An item hidden in the family closet The reason for hiding the item The importance of Helene Tucker Why the narrator gathers ice from the grocery store How the teacher treats the narrator The narrator’s motivations Why the mother called her son, the narrator, a “little rat” A terrible incident at the diner and its effect on the narrator The narrator’s reaction to a visitor Why the narrator throws a brick through the grocery store window
Grammar Practice Worksheet on Subordinate Clauses
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Grammar Practice Worksheet on Subordinate Clauses

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Reinforce the standard conventions of academic writing and perform a quick check of students’ knowledge with this grammar worksheet on the three types of subordinate clauses: adverb clauses, adjective clauses, and noun clauses. 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 resource, students will demonstrate an ability to: Distinguish among adverb clauses, adjective clauses, and noun clauses Isolate examples of each type of subordinate clauses Identify the subjects and verbs in a variety of subordinate clauses Discern the functions of relative pronouns and noun clauses