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.
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.
Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this rigorous close reading analysis worksheet covering the short story “The Interlopers” by Saki. A detailed answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
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 completing this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Explore how point of view shapes the readers’ understanding of the story
Articulate the intended effects of the author’s diction (“pestilential wind,” “snarled,” etc.)
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including metaphor, oxymoron, personification, onomatopoeia, foreshadowing, symbolism, and situational irony
Determine the function of a given passage
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching Daphne du Maurier’s short story “The Birds,” which features compelling elements consistent with the horror and psychological fiction genres: an isolated setting, killings without clear motivations, the suggestion of humanity’s inevitable extinction, and more. A plot-based quiz, close reading analysis worksheet, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, word search game, and answer keys are provided in this bundle. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
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 these exercises, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Examine how elements of setting contribute to the development of suspense
Explore how complex characters think, behave, and interact with others
Determine the functions of characters
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including personification, amplification, onomatopoeia, simile, epiphany, foreshadowing, and more
Conduct online research to answer a question about historical context
Reflect on humanity’s relationship with Nature
Consider relevant themes
Discern the significance of the protagonist’s final actions
Support claims and ideas with reasoned thinking and relevant textual evidence
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
For many high school readers, horror and psychological fiction are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “The Birds” by Daphne du Maurier features elements consistent with both genres: an isolated setting, killings without clear motivations, the suggestion of humanity’s imminent extinction, and more. With this challenging worksheet composed of high-order questions, English Language Arts 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:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Analyze the author’s choice of title in order to articulate its intended effect on readers
Examine how elements of setting contribute to the development of suspense
Explore how complex characters think, behave, and interact with others
Determine the functions of characters
Infer character motivations
Make logical inferences about the author’s intent
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including personification, amplification, onomatopoeia, simile, epiphany, foreshadowing, and more
Conduct online research to answer a question about historical context
Paraphrase the author’s words (“You had to endure something yourself before it touched you”)
Examine what a given passage implies about humanity’s relationship with Nature
Identify narrative techniques used in a given passage to convey an unsettling mood
Articulate the irony associated with imagery in a given passage
Explore relevant themes
Discern the significance of the protagonist’s final actions
Support claims and ideas with reasoned thinking and relevant textual evidence
Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Fairy tales are not just for elementary readers; even middle and high school students may use fairy tales as tools for extending beyond reading comprehension and practicing close reading analysis skills. “The Girl Without Hands” by the Brothers Grimm, also known as “The Maiden Without Hands” and “The Armless Maiden,” is a short story about the plight of a maiden whose poor father makes a bargain that results in her disfigurement and confinement. Included are the following: an editable, plot-based quiz; a worksheet composed of rigorous close reading analysis questions; the public domain short story; and answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly
Explore how complex characters think, behave, and interact with others
Isolate a factual statement from falsehoods in the context of the miller’s characterization
Explain how situational irony and dramatic irony are applied
Discern the significance of the maiden’s decision to draw a circle around her
Explore cause-and-effect relationships (how losing her hands affects the maiden physically, psychologically, and interpersonally)
Analyze the silver hands for symbolic value
Define complex words in context
Apply knowledge of literary devices including alliteration and foreshadowing
Cite textual evidence to support claims and ideas
Write with clarity and precision
Fairy tales are not just for elementary readers; even middle and high school students may find fairy tales highly engaging. “The Girl Without Hands” by the Brothers Grimm, also known as “The Maiden Without Hands” and “The Armless Maiden,” is a short story about the plight of a maiden whose poor father makes a bargain that results in her disfigurement and confinement. English Language Arts teachers may assign the Grimms’ tale and administer this editable assessment to evaluate reading comprehension. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
The miller’s understanding of his deal with a stranger
The stranger’s underhandedness
The true identity of the stranger
The maiden’s attempts at saving herself
The means by which the maiden loses her hands
The assistance of a guardian fairy
The nature of the relationship between the king and the maiden
The king’s gift to the maiden
The trickery of the wizard and its effect on the king’s relationship with the maiden
The message displayed on the cottage
The reason the maiden’s hands grow back
The length of time the king travels in search of the maiden
The nickname of the maiden’s son
The son’s initial reaction to learning the identity of his father
The resolution
For many middle and high school readers, realistic and young adult fiction are genres that maximize engagement with literature. This bundle focuses on three representative short stories by Toni Cade Bambara: “Raymond’s Run,” “Blues Ain’t No Mockin Bird,” and “Geraldine Moore the Poet.” English Language Arts teachers may use this bundle as a tool for evaluating general reading comprehension, supporting the development of close reading analysis skills, and promoting homework accountability. Included are the following: editable, plot-based quizzes for each narrative; close reading analysis activities for each narrative; and answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats.
For many high school readers, realistic and young adult fiction are genres that maximize relatability and engagement with literature. “Blues Ain’t No Mockin Bird” by Toni Cade Bambara is a short story focusing on a Black family whose ways of life are being infringed upon by opportunistic, politically motivated filmmakers. With this bundle of high school resources covering “Blues Ain’t No Mockin Bird,” English Language Arts teachers will be able to evaluate general reading comprehension and support the continued development of close reading analysis skills. Included are the following: an editable, plot-based quiz; a worksheet composed of rigorous close reading analysis questions; and answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. With these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Explore how complex characters think, behave, and interact with others
Infer character motivations
Articulate the function of a specific character (Cathy)
Make logical inferences about the author’s intent
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including metaphor, idiom, and onomatopoeia
Isolate an example of figurative language from among several options
Choose an opinion with which Granny would most likely agree based on an anecdote she shares with her family
Determine which character or characters are represented in the character of Goldilocks
Identify several ways in which the filmmakers dehumanize Granny and members of her family
Draw parallels between the American folk hero John Henry and the character of Granddaddy Cain
Support claims and ideas with reasoned thinking and relevant textual evidence
Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision
For many high school readers, realistic, historical, and young adult fiction are genres that maximize relatability and engagement with literature. “Blues Ain’t No Mockin Bird” by Toni Cade Bambara is a short story focusing on a Black family whose ways of life are being infringed upon by opportunistic, politically motivated filmmakers. With this challenging worksheet composed of high-order questions, English Language Arts 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:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Explore how complex characters think, behave, and interact with others
Infer character motivations
Articulate the function of a specific character (Cathy)
Make logical inferences about the author’s intent
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including metaphor, idiom, and onomatopoeia
Isolate an example of figurative language from among several options
Choose an opinion with which Granny would most likely agree based on an anecdote she shares with her family
Determine which character or characters are represented in the character of Goldilocks
Identify several ways in which the filmmakers dehumanize Granny and members of her family
Draw parallels between the American folk hero John Henry and the character of Granddaddy Cain
Support claims and ideas with reasoned thinking and relevant textual evidence
Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision
For many high school readers, realistic and young adult fiction are genres that maximize relatability and engagement with literature. “Geraldine Moore the Poet” by Toni Cade Bambara is a short story focusing on a girl with unfavorable life circumstances who is on the verge of an important self-discovery: that she has a natural talent for expressing herself poetically. With this bundle of high school resources covering “Geraldine Moore the Poet,” English Language Arts teachers will be able to evaluate general reading comprehension and support the continued development of close reading analysis skills. Included are the following: a multiple choice, plot-based quiz; a worksheet composed of rigorous close reading analysis questions; and answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable, editable Word Document and PDF formats. With these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Explore how complex characters think, behave, and interact with others
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including foreshadowing, idiom, and ambiguity
Articulate the function of a given detail
Make logical inferences about the author’s intent
Demonstrate awareness of the narrative’s inciting incident
Articulate the symbolism associated with Geraldine’s being offered tomato soup
Choose an opinion with which Geraldine is most likely to agree
Evaluate the qualities that make Geraldine’s poem “the most poetic thing”
Argue whether Geraldine or Mrs. Scott experiences the greatest epiphany
Support claims and ideas with reasoned thinking and relevant textual evidence
Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision
For many high school readers, realistic and young adult fiction are genres that maximize relatability and engagement with literature. “Geraldine Moore the Poet” by Toni Cade Bambara is a short story focusing on a girl with unfavorable life circumstances who is on the verge of an important self-discovery: that she has a natural talent for expressing herself poetically. With this challenging worksheet composed of high-order questions, English Language Arts 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:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Explore how complex characters think, behave, and interact with others
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including foreshadowing, idiom, and ambiguity
Articulate the function of a given detail
Make logical inferences about the author’s intent
Demonstrate awareness of the narrative’s inciting incident
Articulate the symbolism associated with Geraldine’s being offered tomato soup
Choose an opinion with which Geraldine is most likely to agree
Evaluate the qualities that make Geraldine’s poem “the most poetic thing”
Argue whether Geraldine or Mrs. Scott experiences the greatest epiphany
Support claims and ideas with reasoned thinking and relevant textual evidence
Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this bundle of formative assessments covering Morley Callaghan’s “All the Years of Her Life,” a short story focusing on how a young son’s behavior influences the psychological state of his loving mother. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Infer the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices and narrative techniques
Determine the point of view of the narrative
Discern the tone of a particular passage
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Compare and contrast characters
Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony and epiphany
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Morley Callaghan’s “All the Years of Her Life,” a short story focusing on how a young son’s behavior influences the psychological state of his loving mother. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
Setting
Conflict
The background of the protagonist
How complex characters interact
Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Morley Callaghan’s “All the Years of Her Life,” a short story focusing on how a young son’s behavior influences the psychological state of his loving mother. 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 both explicitly and implicitly
Infer the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices and narrative techniques
Determine the point of view of the narrative
Discern the tone of a particular passage
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Compare and contrast characters
Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony and epiphany
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the tall tale “The Devil and Daniel Webster” by Stephen Vincent Benet. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a craft analysis exercise, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the public domain narrative, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
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 these activities, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Discern 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 allusion, hyperbole, foreshadowing, metaphor, onomatopoeia, and simile
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about coming-of-age fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
For many high school students, humorous fiction, tall tales, and satire are types of literature that maximize interest and engagement. “The Devil and Daniel Webster” by Stephen Vincent Benet is a representative short story with great literary and academic merit. With this set of rigorous questions to complement the reading of “The Devil and Daniel Webster,” English Language Arts teachers will help students exercise close reading analysis skills. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will:
Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly
Apply knowledge of literary devices including hyperbole, metaphor, simile, allusion, and onomatopoeia
Discern the intended effect of the author’s word choices
Analyze a given detail to discern what it foreshadows
Identify several textual details in support of the claim that the stranger is the devil
Explain the complication that threatens to derail the trial for both Daniel Webster and Jabez Stone
Articulate how Daniel Webster overcomes the aforementioned complication
Identify several details that convey Daniel Webster’s personal strength.
Write with clarity and precision
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching Jack London’s short story “To Build a Fire.” A plot-based quiz, a close reading worksheet, a craft analysis exercise, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the public domain narrative, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in a zip file as Word Documents and PDFs.
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 these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Discern the intended effects of the author’s narrative techniques such as the increasing frequency of shorter, choppier sentences as the narrative reaches its climax
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including symbolism and simile
Support claims and inferences with relevant textual evidence
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class/leave class better prepared to discuss literature
For many high school readers, realistic and young adult fiction are genres that maximize relatability and engagement with literature. “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst is a story about overcoming obstacles, family pressures, the unintended consequences of one’s actions, and more. With this bundle of high school resources covering “The Scarlet Ibis,” English teachers will save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. Included are the following: a multiple choice, plot-based quiz; a worksheet composed of rigorous close reading analysis questions; and answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. With these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Explore how complex characters think, behave, and interact with others
Discern the function of a particular paragraph
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including oxymoron, idiom, personification, dramatic irony, hubris, and more
Determine the tone of a particular excerpt
Conduct brief research online to make sense of setting and an allusion
Interpret the intended effect of a given passage on the audience
List several similarities between Doodle and the scarlet ibis
Infer Doodle’s attitude toward mortality based on his treatment of the dead bird
Examine a passage to identify several narrative techniques used to intensify suspense
Explore the traditional symbolism associated with rain in order to make sense of the phrase “heresy of rain” as it is used in the story
Support claims and ideas with reasoned thinking and relevant textual evidence
Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Help middle and high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering the short story “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst. 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 and implicitly
Infer the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices and narrative techniques
Discern the function of a particular paragraph
Describe the tone of a particular excerpt
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
List several similarities between Doodle and the scarlet ibis
Conduct brief research to make sense of setting and an allusion
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including oxymoron, idiom, personification, dramatic irony, hubris, and more
Explore the traditional symbolism associated with rain in order to make sense of the phrase “heresy of rain” as it is used in the story
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
Fairy tales are not just for elementary students; even high school readers can use (and enjoy) fairy tales as a tool for measuring general reading comprehension. This multiple choice quiz covers “The Fox and the Horse” by the Brothers Grimm. With an estimated Lexile Measure range of 1100-1200, the short story is especially suitable for 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. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
How age has affected the protagonist
The seemingly insurmountable challenge the protagonist faces
The protagonist’s emotional state
The role of the fox in terms of assisting the horse
The execution of a plan to resolve the protagonist’s conflict
The resolution
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the classic Grimm’s fairy tale “Little Red Riding Hood” (also called “Little Red Cap”). Alternatively, the assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active reading. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
How people generally perceive Little Red Cap
Grandmother’s expressions of affection
The items Little Red Cap is instructed to bring Grandmother
The reason for the delivery of items
Mother’s advice to Little Red Cap
Little Red Cap’s initial reaction to meeting the wolf
The wolf’s methods of manipulating Little Red Cap
Signs of danger at Grandmother’s house
The reason the huntsman does not shoot the wolf
The rescuing of Little Red Cap and her grandmother
How Little Red Cap gets justice
The huntsman’s reward for his efforts
Information provided in the epilogue