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 middle and high school students extend beyond general reading comprehension and develop close reading analysis skills while they engage with The Adventures of Ulysses by Bernard Evslin. This set of rigorous questions covers chapters four through six (“The Cyclops’ Cave,” “Keeper of the Winds,” and “Cannibal Beach”). An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Define complex words as they are used in a given passage
Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, dramatic irony, and simile
Apply knowledge of sound devices including sibilance
Locate relevant textual details in support of the claim that Ulysses was the only crew member with the ability to think critically in the face of danger
Examine how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact with one another
Select the most appropriate synonym for a word as it is used in the novel
Isolate a true statement about plot from a set of false statements
Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Measure general comprehension and hold students accountable for reading The Adventures of Ulysses by Bernard Evslin with this multiple choice, plot-based quiz covering chapter sixteen, “The Return.” An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important details:
Ulysses’ return to Ithaca
Eumaeus’ loyalty
Ulysses’ new-found knowledge upon returning home
The suitors vs. Telemachus
The concealing of an identity
Argo’s reaction to Ulysses’ return
The antagonistic nature of Eurymachus
An archery contest
Penelope’s agreement to marry the victor
Bloody conflict
The resolution
Measure general comprehension and hold students accountable for reading The Adventures of Ulysses by Bernard Evslin with this multiple choice, plot-based quiz covering chapters twelve and thirteen (“Cattle of the Sun” and “Calypso”). An answer key is provided, as is a bonus short answer assessment. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important details:
A warning not to harm the golden cattle
30 days and nights of wind
Efforts to scrounge for food
Eurylochus and his lie to Ulysses
Ulysses means of survival
Calypso’s magic
Calypso’s comments about Penelope
Penelope’s weaving and her attempts to delay a major decision
Hermes’ arrival and its foreshadowing
Calypso’s sadness
Help middle and high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and develop close reading analysis skills while they engage with The Adventures of Ulysses by Bernard Evslin. Highlighting a significant passage from chapter seven (“Circe”), this resource features a line of rigorous questioning to promote active engagement with the text. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will:
Discern the reason for Ulysses’ reluctance in terms of advancing toward the castle
Apply knowledge of literary concepts including internal conflict and personification
Discern the significance of the white deer’s appearance
Define complex words and phrases in the context of a passage
Verify interpretations of language using reference materials
Determine which given adjective is most suitable to Ulysses in context
Explore the setting’s influence on Ulysses’ psychological state
Discern a logical inference in context
Isolate a false statement about plot from correct statements
Evaluate general reading comprehension with this set of quizzes on Life As We Knew It, a dystopian young adult novel by Susan Beth Pfeffer, with emphasis on chapters eleven through fourteen. A multiple choice assessment is provided, as well as a subjective version. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important details:
Miranda’s retrieval of books, notebooks, and pens
Miranda’s behavior that infuriates Mom
Dad’s letters highlighting life outside Howell, PA
Miranda biking to the hospital
Mrs. Nesbitt’s backstory
Miranda and Matt’s visit to the library
The family’s decision to burn something in the woodfire
Matt bringing sad news from the post office
The hypocrisy of Reverend Marshall
Miranda’s belief that she only has one gift to give her mother
Ice skating at the pond
Measure general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability with this set of two quizzes covering Book 1, chapters 2 and 3, 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.
By completing these quizzes, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Winston’s fear of the Thought Police
The Junior Spies and their job
Public executions of the Party’s dissidents
Winston’s dream involving O’Brien’s voice
Winston’s dream involving his mother
A government purge
Physical jerks
Why it is so difficult to recall one’s childhood
Oceania’s enemy country
Communication via the telescreen
Save time and measure general reading comprehension with this printable quiz on “Middle Woman,” a short story by Orson Scott Card. Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this assessment makes it easier to quickly gather data on student recall and reading habits. An answer key is provided. Due to copyright restrictions, a copy of the short story is not included.
By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
Middle Woman’s annual journey to visit her sisters
The malevolent reason the dragon offers humans three wishes
Middle Woman’s reasonable first wish
The dragon’s evil actions
Situational irony
Middle Woman’s intelligent second wish
Her husband’s criticism of her, berating her as a changeable woman
Middle Woman’s cheerfulness despite criticism
Ensuing years in which Middle Woman uses her intellect rather than her remaining wish
The dragon’s return many years later
An offer of immortality
Middle Woman’s kind final wish.
Reinforce the standard conventions of academic writing and perform a quick check of students’ knowledge with this grammar worksheet on commas, conjunctions, semicolons. Two versions of this activity are provided, including a multiple choice option to expedite take-home grading. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats.
By engaging with this material, students will demonstrate an ability to:
Separate dependent clauses from independent clauses using semicolons or commas with conjunctions
Join two independent clauses with a comma and contextually appropriate conjunction
Separate items in a series using commas
Isolate non-essential elements (appositive phrases) in the middle of sentences using commas
Use commas to separate the elements of dates and places
Punctuate coordinating adjectives in a series
Format direct quotations
Isolate interrupters (however, nevertheless, etc.) in the middle of sentences using commas
Use semicolons before conjunctive adverbs that join independent clauses
Use semicolons to separate items in a series if they contain internal punctuation
Reinforce the standard conventions of academic writing and perform a quick check of students’ knowledge with this grammar worksheet on verb tenses, which emphasizes irregular verbs. Two versions of this activity are provided, including a multiple choice option to expedite the grading process. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in a zip file as both Word Documents and PDFs.
This assessment measures general reading comprehension, gathers formative data to inform instructional planning, and holds students accountable for the assigned reading of King Lear by Shakespeare (Act 5). An answer key is included. The material is delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following relevant details:
Edmund’s deception as it relates to the nature of his relationship with Goneril
The delivery of a letter to Albany
Edmund’s motives
Edgar’s viewpoints on life
Cordelia’s attempts to console her father
King Lear’s perspective on being held prisoner
Goneril’s evil deeds
A deadly duel
Albany’s motives
Edmund’s reaction to his brother’s account
Goneril’s suicide
One of Edmund’s final acts
The death of Cordelia
The death of King Lear
Kent’s loyalty to the king
Edgar’s promotion
Measure reading comprehension and support the development of close reading skills for high school and college with this set of analysis questions on H.P. Lovecraft’s short story “Old Bugs,” a social commentary narrative that marks a departure from Lovecraft’s tendency to write horror and supernatural fiction. With an estimated Lexile Measure of 1300-1400, this text and its corresponding assessment are appropriate additions to any high school English classroom, especially at the 11th and 12th grade levels. It also aligns nicely to American History courses in that the narrative addresses the topic of Prohibition. 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 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:
Respond clearly, concisely, and accurately to analytical questioning
Respond clearly, concisely, and accurately to literal comprehension-based questioning
Analyze textual details to discern, articulate, and support claims about tone
Apply knowledge of literary devices to the text, articulating how they are applied while citing textual evidence in support of claims (allusion, complex/dynamic character)
Analyze the effect of dialect on the reader
Explore and articulate character motivations.
Analyze the author’s craft, exploring unique and unfamiliar phrasing, sentence structures, and sensory language to make sense of meaning
Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze chapter 27 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 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:
Address Scout’s youthful misconception of “two minor changes” in Maycomb
Analyze an excerpt to discern its significance to the plot
Draw a logical inference about Atticus’s remarks, which allude to the Supreme Court of the United States
Conduct brief research on the Great Depression’s influence on common Halloween practices, especially in the South
Write with clarity, logic, and precision
Analyze the author’s craft to discern her intent
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Apply knowledge of foreshadowing to the text, with emphasis on how Miss Tutti and Miss Frutti’s deafness contribute to the plot
Analyze an excerpt to discern its tone in context
This resource extends beyond text comprehension, helping high school students analyze the formal elements of fiction and respond thoughtfully in writing to questions about fairy tale literature. The featured short story is titled “The Hare and the Hedgehog” by the Brothers Grimm. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story, which has an estimated Lexile measure of 1000-1100, are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly
Discern the target audience of the narrative
Apply knowledge of alliteration, assonance, sibilance, simile, and dramatic irony to the text
Discern the meaning of complex phrases in context
Discern the tone of a particular excerpt
Discern the most accurate characterization of the hedgehog
Articulate the consequence of the hare’s stubbornness
Compare and contrast the hare and the hedgehog
Cite textual evidence to support claims and ideas
Write with clarity and precision
Engage a variety of middle and high school students with the incorporation of Grimm’s fairy tales into the classroom. “The Sea Hare” by the Brothers Grimm is a short story about characters who defy expectations in order to achieve personal goals. With this set of high-order questions, teachers will be able to extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills. While the close reading activity upholds academic rigor, the brevity of the narrative helps teachers fill awkward gaps in their teaching schedules. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in a zip file containing editable Word Documents and printable PDFs. By completing this activity, students will perform the following tasks:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Examine how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact
Evaluate whether the relationship between the princess and the young suitor is healthy or unhealthy
Explore aspects of the princess’ characterization that make her sympathetic to the audience
Define complex words as they are used in the text
Compare and contrast characters (the young suitor and the previous 99)
Apply knowledge of literary devices including onomatopoeia, symbolism, foreshadowing, and dramatic irony
Explore cause-and-effect relationships
Defend claims and ideas with valid reasoning and relevant textual evidence
Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class/leave class better prepared to discuss literary material
Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions on the short story “The Stolen Farthings” by the Brothers Grimm. The variety of question types will also help prepare students for standardized testing scenarios; emphasis is placed on character motivations and modes of thinking. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story (estimated Lexile measure of 1000-1100) are provided. This resource is most suitable for a short story or Halloween-themed unit at the middle school and early high school levels. 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 completing this exercise, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly
Identify context clues that indicate a character is having a paranormal experience
Analyze the psychological state of the family, providing a rational explanation for why the family does not see the ghost
Define complex words in context
Apply knowledge of literary devices to the text (epiphany)
Explain the ghost’s unfinished business
Infer the parents’ shared motivation to donate two farthings to a poor person
Articulate a relevant theme
Discern the best description of the story’s tone
Write with clarity and precision
Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help students analyze a brief, yet complex short story: “Memory” by H.P. Lovecraft. This narrative has an estimated Lexile Measure of 1200-1300, making it an appropriate addition to a high school short story or fantasy unit, especially at the 11th and 12th grade levels. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will demonstrate an ability to do the following:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Discern the most accurate description of setting
Analyze the author’s craft with emphasis on how adjectives enhance the story
Define complex words in context
Analyze given excerpts to discern which literary devices are applied
Justify claims using reasoned thinking
Articulate the purpose of architectural remnants in the context of the story’s setting
Demonstrate knowledge of simile and explain its intended effect in context
Analyze the plot to infer the author’s perspectives on human existence
Write with clarity, logic, and precision
Fairy tales are not just for elementary students; even high school readers can use (and enjoy) fairy tales as a tool for practicing close reading analysis skills. This worksheet composed of rigorous questions 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. By completing this exercise, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly
Isolate a factual statement from falsehoods in the context of the plot
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including anthropomorphism, hyperbole, situational irony, dramatic irony, and sibilance
Make logical inferences about character motivations
Analyze a character’s actions and statements to discern what they reveal about their morality
Make a reasonable argument about whether the horse could have benefited from giving greater consideration to the fox’s personal motivations
Cite textual evidence in support of original claims
Write with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Extend comprehension and support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of analytical questions on chapters 7 through 9 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 situational irony
Define complex words and phrases in context
Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed
Analyze figurative language to articulate its effect
Isolate an accurate statement about plot among a set of falsehoods
Explain the significance of a locket
Articulate how Victor contributes to a grave injustice
Explore cause-and-effect relationships
Compare and contrast complex characters
Extend comprehension and support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of analytical questions on chapters 22 through 24 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, metaphor, situational irony, and symbolism
Articulate Victor’s internal conflict in a given excerpt
Define complex words in context
Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed
Explore cause-and-effect relationships
Discern the tone of Elizabeth’s letter to Victor
Isolate a false statement about plot among a set of true statements
Analyze the treatment of Elizabeth and other female characters in the novel
Make logical inferences about the author’s intent
Articulate the significance of Victor’s condition at the end of the novel
Extend comprehension and support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of analytical questions on chapters 19 through 21 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, metaphor, and aposiopesis
Define complex words and phrases in context
Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed
Analyze the author’s craft to discern how Shelley aligns Victor’s experiences with his creature’s
Evaluate Victor’s psychological state
Make logical predictions in context
Compare Victor to Justine
Analyze the effect of Victor’s dialogue in context
Analyze how complex characters interact
Explore the topic of systemic inequity