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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.
“Beyond the Wall of Sleep” by H.P. Lovecraft Quiz and Answer Key
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“Beyond the Wall of Sleep” by H.P. Lovecraft Quiz and Answer Key

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For many high school readers, supernatural fiction and fantasy are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “Beyond the Wall of Sleep” by H.P. Lovecraft is a compelling short story that features elements consistent with both genres: dreamy aberrations, astral projection, the possession of a human body, and more. This multiple choice quiz on “Beyond the Wall of Sleep” 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: The narrator’s career The narrator’s beliefs concerning dreams Setting The general characterization of Joe Slater The effects of Joe Slater’s dreams How aging affects Joe Slater’s dreams The fate of Joe Slater’s neighbor The narrator’s personal feelings toward Joe Slater A technological achievement What the narrator shares in common with Joe Slater The narrator’s primary motivation Dr. Fenton’s evaluation of the narrator’s psychological state
"Dr. Heidegger's Experiment" by Nathaniel Hawthorne Quiz and Answer Key
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"Dr. Heidegger's Experiment" by Nathaniel Hawthorne Quiz and Answer Key

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Eliminate take-home assessment planning responsibilities, evaluate general reading comprehension, and promote homework accountability with this multiple choice quiz covering “Dr. Heidegger’s Experiment” by Nathaniel Hawthorne. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are 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: The subject of a portrait The personal histories of the doctor’s guests The reason for the acquaintances’ visit Dr. Heidegger’s claims and his guests’ immediate reactions The object the doctor uses to prove a point The doctor’s general characterization The effects of the doctor’s experiment The resolution
"Souvenir" by Jayne Anne Phillips Quiz
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"Souvenir" by Jayne Anne Phillips Quiz

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Save time, support improved reading stamina, and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on “Souvenir,” a short story by Jayne Anne Phillips. 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: Point of view An upcoming holiday Kate’s personal history Kate’s oversight Mom’s medical conditions Robert’s personal history Robert’s suggestion regarding the sharing of medical information Kate’s opinion of Robert’s suggestion Mom’s sentimental collection of items Where Kate takes her mother Mom’s confession to Kate
Never Cry Wolf by Farley Mowat Quiz Bundle
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Never Cry Wolf by Farley Mowat Quiz Bundle

3 Resources
Measure general reading comprehension and promote student accountability with this set of quizzes on Never Cry Wolf by Farley Mowat. Three multiple choice assessments are included (with three alternate short answer versions also available). Answer keys for each resource are provided. Questions pertain to the following: An incident that helped lead Mowat to become a biologist The purpose behind Mowat’s study A long trip to “the middle of nowhere” Mowat’s supplies Mike’s background The first encounter with a wolf Alarming discoveries A move to facilitate wolf observations “Marking territory” “Wolf naps” Uncle Albert A fear for the wolves’ survival A staple of the wolves’ diet George’s painful experience The purpose of a scientific experiment The main point of Ootek’s story How wolves catch fish The death of large quantities of caribou Ootek’s unique skill The wolves’ behavior An experiment involving Mike’s husky Angeline’s surprising ability Angeline’s family Census of the wolf population Population control The Churchill incident Why Inuit women thought Mowat was crazy The purpose behind the wolves’ test of the caribou A repulsive discovery concerning the caribou Growth of the pups A study involving a gas mask A mass death The final professional obligation
"The War Against the Trees" by Stanley Kunitz Quiz
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"The War Against the Trees" by Stanley Kunitz Quiz

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Stanley Kunitz’s environmental poem “The War Against the Trees” creatively explores the issue of prioritizing corporate interests and commercial progress over Nature and is a suitable option to incorporate into the high school ELA classroom. This printable assessment measures general reading comprehension and holds students accountable for their academic responsibilities. Resources are delivered in Word document and PDF formats. An answer key is included. By engaging with this resource, students will perform the following tasks: Read for literal and interpretive comprehension Apply knowledge of setting, characterization, and conflict Be better prepared to engage in collaborative discussions about poetry Develop improved reading stamina
“The Last Leaf” by O. Henry Quiz and Answer Key
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“The Last Leaf” by O. Henry Quiz and Answer Key

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Promote active engagement with ironic fiction, reinforce understanding of situational irony, and evaluate general reading comprehension with this multiple choice quiz on the short story “The Last Leaf” by O. Henry. 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 setting and its appeal (and lack of appeal) to specific communities The backstory of the narrative’s protagonists Johnsy’s medical circumstances The doctor’s assessment of Johnsy’s condition and survival chances Character motivations Johnsy’s psychological state The general characterization of Mr. Behrman An ironic turn of events A sacrifice in the resolution
"The Last Leaf" by O. Henry Close Reading Worksheet
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"The Last Leaf" by O. Henry Close Reading 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 ironic short story “The Last Leaf” by O. Henry. 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 activity, students will: Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Analyze how complex characters interact and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion, metaphor, personification, dramatic irony, and situational irony Compare and contrast characters Analyze the author’s diction to understand its intended effect Analyze the author’s stylistic choices such as the decision to capitalize “Art” and “Literature” Cite textual evidence in support of claims Write with clarity, accuracy, and precision
"Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut Quiz and Answer Key
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"Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut Quiz and Answer Key

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For many reluctant readers, science fiction helps to maximize student engagement. “Harrison Bergeron” by Kurt Vonnegut is a satirical, cautionary short story about governmental efforts to enforce equality on all citizens. 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 quiz, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Harrison’s physical characteristics Setting The reason for Harrison’s arrest The purpose of the law regarding mandated handicaps Hazel’s general characterization George’s specific handicap Breaking news Harrison’s defiant behavior Hazel’s reaction to her son’s death
“The Cop and the Anthem” by O. Henry Quiz and Answer Key
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“The Cop and the Anthem” by O. Henry Quiz and Answer Key

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Promote active engagement with humorous fiction, reinforce understanding of situational irony, and evaluate general reading comprehension with this multiple choice quiz on the short story “The Cop and the Anthem” by O. Henry. 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: Setting The protagonist’s living circumstances The onset of a particular season The function of newspapers in the context of the protagonist’s life The protagonist’s motivations The protagonist’s attempts to achieve his goals The prevalence of situational irony Factors contributing to dynamic character The fate of the protagonist as the story resolves
"The Duke's Children" by Frank O'Connor Quiz
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"The Duke's Children" by Frank O'Connor Quiz

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Save time, support improved reading stamina, and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on the short story titled “The Duke’s Children” by Frank O’Connor. 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: General details Character hopes and motivations How complex characters interact Theme
“Hansel and Gretel” by the Brothers Grimm Quiz and Close Reading Bundle
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“Hansel and Gretel” by the Brothers Grimm Quiz and Close Reading Bundle

2 Resources
For many high school readers, age-appropriate fantasy and fairy tale fiction are genres that maximize engagement with literature. This quiz and close reading activity bundle covers “Hansel and Gretel” by the Brothers Grimm and helps English teachers promote homework accountability, evaluate general reading comprehension, support the development of literary analysis skills, and save time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. Included are the following: a multiple choice, plot-based assessment; a worksheet composed of challenging analysis questions; answer keys; and a copy of the public domain short story. 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 Analyze dialogue to discern how a character uses manipulative tactics to achieve a goal Analyze characterization to discern and articulate a dominant internal conflict in the text Apply knowledge of alliteration to the text Analyze the authors’ word choices to discern and articulate how these choices create the literary device of paradox Identify several examples of simile in the text Apply knowledge of dramatic irony to the text, discerning and articulating how it manifests Apply knowledge of situational irony to the text, discerning and articulating how it manifests Apply knowledge of foreshadowing to the text, explaining what is foreshadowed and how Write with clarity and precision
"Twelve Dancing Princesses" by the Brothers Grimm Resource Bundle
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"Twelve Dancing Princesses" by the Brothers Grimm Resource Bundle

2 Resources
With this printable bundle of high school resources for teaching “The Twelve Dancing Princesses” by the Brothers Grimm, educators will measure reading comprehension with a multiple choice quiz on character and plot and support high-order thinking with a set of close reading analysis questions. A copy of the public domain short story and answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. 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. By engaging with these materials, students will: Demonstrate general comprehension of the plot Analyze the author’s craft to determine how diction affects the reader Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on foreshadowing, metaphor, and dramatic irony Analyze character actions to draw reasoned inferences about interests and motivations Write with clarity and precision
"The Bremen Town Musicians" by the Brothers Grimm Resource Bundle
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"The Bremen Town Musicians" by the Brothers Grimm Resource Bundle

2 Resources
With this printable bundle of high school resources for teaching “The Bremen Town Musicians” by the Brothers Grimm, educators will measure reading comprehension with a multiple choice quiz on character and plot and support high-order thinking with a set of close reading analysis questions. A copy of the public domain short story and answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. 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. By engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Analyze the authors’ craft, paying special attention to diction and how it contributes to the complexity of the text Apply knowledge of literary devices to the text, identifying and explaining examples of simile and situational irony in the text Define complex words in context, taking into consideration denotative definitions and connotative associations and using reference materials as needed Respond clearly, concisely, and accurately to analytical questioning
"Donkey Cabbages" by the Brothers Grimm Quiz and Close Reading Bundle
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"Donkey Cabbages" by the Brothers Grimm Quiz and Close Reading Bundle

2 Resources
Fairy tales are not just for elementary readers; even middle and high school students may use Grimms’ fairy tales as tools for extending beyond reading comprehension and practicing close reading analysis skills. “Donkey Cabbages” by the Brothers Grimm is a representative short story that promotes active engagement with fiction. Included in this bundle are the following: a multiple choice, plot-based quiz; a set of rigorous close reading questions; the public domain narrative; 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 and implicitly Analyze how complex characters think, behave, and interact with others Articulate what makes a particular character’s actions suspicious Analyze nuances in words with similar meanings Select the most appropriate synonym to replace a word in the text Discern the greater significance of a given detail Articulate the irony associated with a given detail Apply knowledge of various literary devices including situational irony, dramatic irony, foreshadowing, and juxtaposition Isolate an example of figurative language from among several options Examine the authors’ diction to determine its intended effect Defend claims and ideas with valid reasoning and relevant evidence Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision
"The Godfather" by the Brothers Grimm Resource Bundle
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"The Godfather" by the Brothers Grimm Resource Bundle

2 Resources
With this printable bundle of high school resources for teaching “The Godfather” by the Brothers Grimm, educators will measure reading comprehension with a multiple choice quiz on character and plot and support high-order thinking with a set of close reading analysis questions. A copy of the public domain short story and answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. 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. By engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Demonstrate understanding of the narrative’s surreal tone, identifying several pieces of textual evidence that advances the tone Explore character motivations, whether explicitly stated in the text or implied through character actions Analyze character interactions to discern intent Analyze textual details to draw inferences and support rational arguments Apply knowledge of literary devices to the text, articulating how the title is ironic Explore cause-and-effect relationships Respond clearly, concisely, and accurately to analytical questioning
"Dr. Heidegger's Experiment" by Nathaniel Hawthorne Quiz and Close Reading Bundle
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"Dr. Heidegger's Experiment" by Nathaniel Hawthorne Quiz and Close Reading Bundle

2 Resources
Evaluate reading comprehension, support the development of close reading analysis skills, and reduce time spent assessment planning with this bundle of materials covering “Dr. Heidegger’s Experiment” by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Included are the following: a plot-based, multiple choice quiz; a rigorous close reading activity; a copy of the public domain short story; and answer keys. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing editable Word Documents and printable PDFs. By engaging with these materials, students will engage in the following performance tasks: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Compare and contrast characters Infer the intended effect of the author’s phrasing (“liquor of youth”) Apply knowledge of various literary devices including foreshadowing and symbolism Examine nuances in words with similar meanings Articulate the significance of a given detail Come to class/leave class better prepared to discuss literary materials Support claims and ideas with relevant evidence and valid reasoning Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision
1984 Test and Answer Key
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1984 Test and Answer Key

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Conclude a unit on 1984 by George Orwell with this printable summative assessment. Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this test includes 65 multiple choice questions. In addition to objective questions on character, plot, literary devices, and passage analysis, an essay section is featured, requiring high school students to analyze plot development, character development, and theme development. An answer key is included with sample essay responses. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate an ability to: Correctly identify characters based on given details and descriptions Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, simile, personification, oxymoron, allusion, situational irony, and more Analyze passages and make logical inferences in the context of those passages Write two brief essays in which students defend claims with relevant textual evidence and adhere to the standard conventions of written English
"The Jay" by Yasunari Kawabata Quiz and Answer Key
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"The Jay" by Yasunari Kawabata Quiz and Answer Key

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Save time, support improved reading stamina, and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on Yasunari Kawabata’s “The Jay,” a sentimental Japanese short story. 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 reason for a jay’s singing Yoshiko’s personal history A misinterpreted sign of good luck Characters’ shared traits The effect of the father’s second marriage on his family How Yoshiko and her brother came to live with their grandmother The grandmother’s medical condition The father’s arrangement for Yoshiko An important meeting Yoshiko’s discovery
"Foundling Bird" ("Fundevogel") by the Brothers Grimm Quiz and Answer Key
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"Foundling Bird" ("Fundevogel") by the Brothers Grimm Quiz and Answer Key

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Save time, support improved reading stamina, and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on the fairy tale “Foundling Bird” by the Brothers Grimm, also known as “Fundevogel.” 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 cause of a forester’s alarm A surprising discovery General characterization details Old Sanna’s intentions The nature of the relationship between Lina and Fundevogel The many transformations of Lina and Fundevogel The fate of old Sanna*
Life As We Knew It Chapter 17 Close Reading Worksheet
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Life As We Knew It Chapter 17 Close Reading Worksheet

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Support the development of high school close reading skills with this set of analysis questions for Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. With emphasis on a chapter 17 journal entry dated December 19, this worksheet saves teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable Word Documents and PDFs. 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. Copyright restrictions do not allow for novel content to be included, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with the text. By completing this exercise, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Analyze how complex characters develop and interact Explore character motivations Isolate an example of figurative language Identify relevant themes Determine the function of the entire entry Apply knowledge of literary devices such as symbolism Evaluate whether Miranda’s assumptions are reasonable and accurate Justify claims with valid reasoning Write about literature with clarity and precision