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.
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 4, scene 5, 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, ultimately, will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking.
More specifically, students will do the following:
Discern what the text states both explicitly and implicitly
Determine the function of a given passage
Analyze character statements and behaviors to draw logical inferences about character development and motivations
Discern the tone of a given passage
Apply knowledge of literary devices to the text
Analyze complex vocabulary and phrasing in context to determine meaning and intended effect
Locate textual evidence in support of claims
Compare and contrast Hamlet and Ophelia
Compare and contrast Hamlet and Laertes
Articulate ideas with clarity and precision
Help high school students develop a greater understanding of how Richard Connell used descriptive language, direct and indirect characterization, and figurative language to generate a distinct protagonist and compelling piece of adventure fiction in “The Most Dangerous Game.” Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this resource serves well for an independent learning opportunity, as well as for small-group discussions. Through such discussions, students may evaluate peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to support claims, clarifying or challenging ideas as needed. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included.
Go beyond reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this set of rigorous questions on chapter 2 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. 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 zoomorphism and metaphor
Discern the tone of a given passage in context
Discern the significance of the boys’ allusions to adventure fiction
Discern the significance of the group’s not bringing the conch shell to the mountain
Analyze a character’s behavior to infer what is revealed about his mindset
Analyze the author’s craft to articulate how Golding achieves a particular effect
Identify relevant textual evidence in support of claims regarding Jack’s defiant nature and Piggy’s leadership potential
Write with clarity and precision
Go beyond reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this set of rigorous questions on chapter 4 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
Analyze the author’s craft to identify language and details that contribute to Percival’s distinct characterization
Isolate a falsehood from among several true statements
Discern the function of a given passage
Apply knowledge of various literary devices (neologism and onomatopoeia)
Articulate the internal conflict Simon experiences
Contrast Jack’s behavior toward Ralph versus Piggy and evaluate what it indicates about Jack’s mindset
Identify specific textual details from this chapter that reinforce the claim that Simon is compassionate and thoughtful
Write with clarity and precision
Go beyond reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this set of rigorous questions on chapter 7 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 (metaphor and personification)
Determine the function of a given passage
Analyze the author’s craft to articulate what literary technique is applied and what purpose it serves
Determine the function of the entire chapter
Analyze how Ralph becomes a dynamic character and connect Ralph’s transformation to the author’s theme on human nature
Write with clarity and precision
Go beyond reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this set of rigorous questions on chapter 9 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
Define complex words and phrases in context
Apply knowledge of various literary devices (metaphor, personification, and oxymoron)
Articulate how details associated with heat contribute to the development of both plot and character
Analyze the author’s language to determine what it implies about a given character
Identify several chapter details that contribute to Jack’s deified characterization
Identify several chapter details that contribute to Piggy and Ralph’s loss of discipline
Explain how a given passage honors and dignifies the character of Simon after his death
Write with clarity and precision
Evaluate general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this multiple choice, plot-based quiz on chapter 1 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:
A general description of Ralph
The reason for the boys’ presence on the island
A general description of Piggy
Ralph’s reaction to his surroundings
The significance of a conch shell
A general description of Jack
The election of a leader
The reason for the nature of Jack’s interactions with Piggy
Ralph’s insensitivity toward Piggy
A disruption to the festive atmosphere while exploring the island
Evaluate general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this editable quiz on chapter 3 of Lord of the Flies by William Golding. 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:
Jack’s developing talent
Ralph’s commitment to manual labor
Simon’s general selflessness in comparison to his peers
Piggy’s perception of manual labor
Ralph’s complaint to Jack about others’ behavior
Ralph’s suggestion to Jack regarding new work
What Jack and Ralph decide to do despite their resentments
Jack’s increasing paranoia
Simon’s motive for wandering off
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
Evaluate general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this editable quiz on chapter 5 of Lord of the Flies by William Golding. 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 purpose of the meeting
Jack’s treatment of the little ‘uns
The general reception to Jack’s speech
Phil’s dreams
Simon’s admission
The general reception to Simon’s dialogue
Ralph’s suggestion of a vote
Piggy’s suggestion to Ralph after the boys break away from the meeting
Ralph’s feelings toward the idea of resigning from leadership
Piggy’s desires
Percival’s nightmare
Evaluate general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this editable quiz on chapter 6 of Lord of the Flies by William Golding. 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:
A disturbance of the peace
The characters assigned to watch the signal fire
An fear-inducing incident
Allegations involving the beast
The reason for Ralph’s apprehension
Piggy’s responsibility
Ralph’s investigation of the cave
The reason for Ralph’s anger toward the boys
How the boys have fun
Evaluate general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this bundle of editable quizzes covering each chapter of Lord of the Flies by William Golding. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By taking these assessments, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
A general description of Ralph
The reason for the boys’ presence on the island
A general description of Piggy
Ralph’s reaction to his surroundings
The significance of a conch shell
A general description of Jack
The election of a leader
The reason for the nature of Jack’s interactions with Piggy
Ralph’s insensitivity toward Piggy
A disruption to the festive atmosphere while exploring the island
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
Jack’s developing talent
Ralph’s commitment to manual labor
Simon’s general selflessness in comparison to his peers
Piggy’s perception of manual labor
Ralph’s complaint to Jack about others’ behavior
Ralph’s suggestion to Jack regarding new work
What Jack and Ralph decide to do despite their resentments
Jack’s increasing paranoia
Simon’s motive for wandering off
The effect of the harsh midday light on the boys
The effect of the extreme night darkness on the boys
The effect of the jungle fruit on the little 'uns
Jack and his fellow hunters’ treatment of the little 'uns
How Jack and his fellow hunters show they are becoming more savage
Piggy’s desire to make a sundial
A sudden observation while at the beach
Why the signal fire was extinguished
Jack’s response to Piggy’s criticism
Jack’s desire to exercise power over Piggy
Simon’s selfless deed
Ralph’s decision at the end of the chapter
The purpose of the meeting
Jack’s treatment of the little 'uns
The general reception to Jack’s speech
Phil’s dreams
Simon’s admission
The general reception to Simon’s dialogue
Ralph’s suggestion of a vote
Piggy’s suggestion to Ralph after the boys break away from the meeting
Ralph’s feelings toward the idea of resigning from leadership
Piggy’s desires
Percival’s nightmare
A disturbance of the peace
The characters assigned to watch the signal fire
An fear-inducing incident
Allegations involving the beast
The reason for Ralph’s apprehension
Piggy’s responsibility
Ralph’s investigation of the cave
The reason for Ralph’s anger toward the boys
How the boys have fun
Ralph’s nostalgia
Simon’s reassuring nature
Ralph’s reaction to Simon’s reassurance
The nature of Jack’s injury
The effect hunting has on Ralph
The result of the hunt
Robert’s near-death experience
Jack’s lack of compassion
How Ralph endangers his own life
Simon’s volunteerism
An exploration of the mountain
Jack’s calling of an assembly
Information Jack shares with the group
Opposition to Jack’s ideas
Simon’s suggestion to seek the beast
Piggy’s suggestion to improve their odds of rescue
Ralph’s reaction to Piggy’s suggestion
Boys’ abandonment of Ralph’s faction
Piggy’s reaction to the boys’ abandonment of Ralph’s faction
The savage behavior of Jack’s faction
Jack’s invitation
Simon’s peculiar encounter in the jungle
Simon’s disturbing experience
Ralph and Piggy’s socialization
Piggy’s suggestion to join Jack’s faction
How Piggy is injured
How Ralph and Piggy express disobedience
Ralph’s curiosity about the hunters’ lack of storm preparations
Participants in the ritualistic dance
Simon’s warnings
The reaction to Simon’s sudden appearance
The fate of the pilot’s corpse
Piggy’s explanation of Simon’s death
Ralph’s sense of personal accountability
Jack’s explanation for the physical appearance of the beast
Roger’s status within Jack’s tribe
The conflicted feelings of several of Jack’s followers
Jack’s warnings to his followers
Jack’s plan to steal fire
Sam and Eric’s emotional and psychological state
The fate of Piggy’s eyeglasses
Decisions made at an assembly
The purpose of the conch from Jack’s perspective
A dangerous discovery at Castle Rock
Ralph’s demands of Jack
Ralph’s accusations
The reason for Jack’s assault of Ralph
The nature of Piggy’s death
The identity of Piggy’s killer
Ralph’s escape
The treatment of the twins
Ralph’s encounter with the pig’s head
The identities of the armed guards
Information the armed guards provide to Ralph
Jack’s methods of trying to capture Ralph
Ralph’s near-death experiences
The reason a naval officer is attracted to the island
Percival’s loss of identity
Claims of leadership
Ralph’s emotional state to conclude the novel
The naval officer’s reaction to Ralph’s behavior
Save time without sacrificing rigor with this collection of challenging close reading analysis worksheets for teaching William Golding’s Lord of the Flies. Each worksheet covers a single chapter for a total of 12 resources. Answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
By engaging with these materials, students will do the following:
Discern what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Analyze how complex characters interact and develop
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including personification, slang, invective, simile, zoomorphism metaphor, onomatopoeia, situational irony, and more
Analyze the author’s craft to articulate the intended effect of language and imagery
Infer what is foreshadowed by a given detail using reasoned thinking
Determine the most appropriate synonym for a given word in context
Contrast Simon with his peers in the context of a given passage
Conduct brief research on the mythological figure Triton and compare him to Ralph
Identify relevant textual evidence in support of claims regarding Jack’s defiant nature and Piggy’s leadership potential
Analyze the author’s craft to better understand how Jack is becoming more savage
Analyze Ralph’s behavior in a given passage to infer what it reveals about his psychological state
Identify textual evidence that reinforces the idea of being disconnected from modern society
Articulate the internal conflict Simon experiences
Contrast Jack’s behavior toward Ralph versus Piggy and evaluate what it indicates about Jack’s mindset
Identify specific textual details from this chapter that reinforce the claim that Simon is compassionate and thoughtful
Articulate the potential error in Ralph’s judgment in terms of the assembly’s timing
Identify the qualities that make Jack successful in garnering larger scale support
Infer the author’s social commentary associated with Jack’s manner of leadership
Analyze how Ralph becomes a dynamic character and connect Ralph’s transformation to the author’s theme on human nature
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
Identify several chapter details that contribute to Piggy and Ralph’s loss of discipline
Explain how a given passage honors and dignifies the character of Simon after his death
Articulate the purpose of Wilfred’s brutal punishment in terms of plot development
Conduct brief research on the author and identify examples of autobiographical parallel
Analyze the author’s craft to articulate how the incorporation of frequent em-dashes contributes to storytelling
Write with clarity and precision
Save time and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on “Who Am I This Time?” by Kurt Vonnegut. 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 is provided.
By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
The North Crawford Mask and Wig Club
The avoidance of social gatherings
The narrator’s wish for Harry Nash
The narrator’s invitation to an auditioning woman
The town’s reaction to Harry’s acting
The narrator’s first impression of Helene’s acting
Efforts to improve Helene’s acting
Helene’s fantasy when viewing movies in the past
Helene’s difficulty in establishing relationships
Lydia’s impressions on who will direct
Lydia’s prediction for Helene
A gift from Harry
“The luckiest girl in town”
Promote active engagement with fiction and evaluate general reading comprehension with this multiple choice quiz on the satirical science fiction short story titled “Lose Now, Pay Later” by Carol Farley. A short answer option is also included, as are answer keys. All materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
Setting
The narrator’s assessment of her brother
The name of a deliciously sweet treat
The protagonist’s initial reaction to the discovery of a new mall business
The message conveyed on the store’s largest sign
The mall directors’ feelings toward the new establishment
The name of a new feature in the mall parking lot
The function of a new feature in the mall parking lot
How the power of the new feature is regulated
The protagonist’s emotional reaction prior to using the new feature
Trinja’s immediate reaction to witnessing the new feature in action
The physical effects of the new feature
The general characterization of the woman who operates the new feature
The brother’s theory about the machines
For many high school readers, fairy tales and fantasy fiction are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “The Buckwheat” by Hans Christian Andersen is a cautionary tale about a young buckwheat whose pride becomes his tragic downfall. With this editable quiz on “The Buckwheat,” English teachers will promote homework accountability and evaluate reading comprehension. 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 assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
The narrator’s stated purpose for the narrative
The description of a willow tree
The personality trait associated with the buckwheat
The buckwheat’s treatment of the willow tree
How the buckwheat exhibits defiance
The antagonist of the narrative
The willow tree’s reaction to the buckwheat’s fate
The sparrow’s compassionate nature
For many high school students, supernatural fiction is a genre that maximizes engagement with literature. “The Moon Bog” by H.P. Lovecraft features strange beings, mind manipulations, and even implied social criticism of humanity’s greed and treatment of the environment. This multiple choice quiz on “The Moon Bog” helps English teachers promote homework accountability, evaluate reading comprehension, and save time at home without sacrificing quality in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Setting
The purpose of the narrator’s visit
Denys Barry’s intentions for the bog
Denys Barry’s disregard for the supernatural
The legend of the bog
Eerie happenings
The locals’ collective reaction to Denys Barry’s decisions
The narrator’s dreams
The narrator’s observations of the bog
The fate of Denys Barry
Save time and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on “The Godfather,” a short story by the Brothers Grimm. 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:
The cause of the poor man’s poverty
The reason the protagonist approaches a stranger
The stranger’s gift to the protagonist
The protagonist’s new ability
The appearance of a particular mythical figure
The reason the protagonist decides to visit the stranger
Strange encounters at the stranger’s residence
Physical traits of the stranger
The nature of the conversation between the protagonist and the stranger
The resolution
For many high school students, the horror genre promotes more active engagement with literature. “The Terrible Old Man” by H.P. Lovecraft is a concise horror story featuring plot elements such as robbery, a character who dabbles in the occult, and mutilated corpses—making the narrative a particularly compelling read during the Halloween season. This multiple choice quiz on “The Terrible Old Man” helps English teachers promote homework accountability, evaluate reading comprehension, and save time at home without sacrificing quality in the classroom. 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 assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Setting
Rumors circulating about the Terrible Old Man
Details that suggest something sinister about the Terrible Old Man
What curious people see when they look into the Terrible Old Man’s window
A peculiar habit of the Terrible Old Man
The means by which three men in the story make their living
An alarming physical characteristic of the Terrible Old Man
A disturbing discovery
An implied hobby of the Terrible Old Man
The background of the Terrible Old Man
For many high school readers, age-appropriate fantasy and fairy tale fiction are genres that maximize engagement with literature. With this multiple choice, plot-based assessment on “Hansel and Gretel” by the Brothers Grimm, English teachers will promote homework accountability, measure general reading comprehension, and save valuable time without sacrificing quality in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following plot elements:
The problem facing Hansel and Gretel’s family
The stepmother’s solution to the family’s problem
Hansel’s strategic thinking and resourcefulness
A key instance of dramatic irony
Hansel and Gretel’s encounter with the white bird
The discovery of an old witch’s house
A supernatural quality associated with witches
Gretel’s duty according to the old witch
Gretel’s strategic thinking
The resolution