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.
Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions covering chapter 11 of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. With this resource, students will focus on significant details in order to develop a deeper understanding of the novel and its craft, thus helping them contribute more meaningfully during class discussions. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
By engaging with this resource, students will…
Analyze the effect of the author’s language upon the reader
Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact
Determine tone in context
Define unfamiliar and challenging vocabulary in context
Apply knowledge of literary devices with an emphasis on callback and situational irony
Analyze the symbolism of an object
Read closely to isolate logical inferences from less compelling or illogical inferences
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Support claims with relevant textual evidence and/or reasoned thinking
Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions covering chapter 10 of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. With this resource, students will focus on significant details in order to develop a deeper understanding of the novel and its craft, thus helping them contribute more meaningfully during class discussions. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
By engaging in this exercise, students will…
Analyze the effect of the author’s language upon the reader
Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact
Determine tone in context
Define unfamiliar and challenging vocabulary in context
Draw reasoned inferences about characterization
Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on simile and alliteration
Read closely to isolate accurate statements from false statements
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Support claims with relevant textual evidence and/or reasoned thinking
Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions covering chapter nine of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. With this resource, students will focus on significant details in order to develop a deeper understanding of the novel and its craft, thus helping them contribute more meaningfully during class discussions. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
By engaging with this resource, students will…
Analyze the effect of the author’s language upon the reader
Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact
Determine tone in context
Define unfamiliar and challenging vocabulary in context
Draw reasoned inferences about characterization
Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on situational irony
Read closely to isolate accurate statements from false statements
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Support claims with relevant textual evidence and/or reasoned thinking
Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions covering chapter eight of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. With this resource, students will focus on significant details in order to develop a deeper understanding of the novel and its craft, thus helping them contribute more meaningfully during class discussions. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
By engaging with this resource, students will…
Analyze the effect of the author’s language upon the reader
Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact
Determine tone in context
Define unfamiliar and challenging vocabulary in context
Draw reasoned inferences about characterization
Apply knowledge of literary devices with an emphasis on symbolism
Read closely to isolate accurate statements from false statements
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Support claims with relevant textual evidence and/or reasoned thinking
Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions covering chapter seven of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. With this resource, students will focus on significant details in order to develop a deeper understanding of the novel and its craft, thus helping them contribute more meaningfully during class discussions. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
By engaging with this resource, students will:
Analyze the effect of the author’s language upon the reader
Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact
Determine tone in context
Define unfamiliar and challenging vocabulary in context
Draw reasoned inferences about characterization
Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on metaphor
Read closely to isolate accurate statements from false statements
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Support claims with relevant textual evidence
Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions covering chapter six of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. With this resource, students will focus on significant details in order to develop a deeper understanding of the novel and its craft, thus helping them contribute more meaningfully during class discussions. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
By engaging in this exercise, students will:
Analyze the effect of the author’s language upon the reader
Explore how complex characters think, behave, and develop
Determine tone in context
Define unfamiliar and challenging vocabulary in context
Draw reasoned inferences about characterization
Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on imagery
Read closely to isolate accurate statements from false statements
Explore the motif of heroism
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Support claims with relevant textual evidence
Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions covering chapter five of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. With this resource, students will focus on significant details in order to develop a deeper understanding of the novel and its craft, thus helping them contribute more meaningfully during class discussions. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
By engaging in this exercise, students will…
Analyze the effect of the author’s language upon the reader
Determine tone in context
Define unfamiliar and challenging vocabulary in context
Draw reasoned inferences about characterization
Apply knowledge of literary devices to the novel with emphasis on dramatic irony and onomatopoeia
Read closely to isolate accurate statements from false statements
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions covering chapter three of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. With this resource, students will focus on significant details in order to develop a deeper understanding of the novel and its craft, thus helping them contribute more meaningfully during class discussions. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
By engaging in this exercise, students will…
Analyze the effect of the author’s language upon the reader
Determine tone in context
Define unfamiliar and challenging vocabulary in context
Draw reasoned inferences about character intent
Apply knowledge of literary devices to the novel
Read closely to isolate accurate statements from false statements
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, 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 “Sleeping Beauty” by the Brothers Grimm. With an estimated Lexile Measure range of 1200-1300, the short story is suitable for both 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:
Articulate what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly
Apply knowledge of literary devices including anthropomorphism, symbolism, foreshadowing, and more
Identify the story’s inciting incident
Analyze the author’s craft
Explore relationships between complex characters
Define complex words in context
Articulate conventions of the fairy tale genre
Cite textual evidence in support of inferences and claims
Write with clarity and precision
Help learners go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 4, scene 2, of William Shakespeare’s Othello. 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 as well as implicitly
Utilize dictionaries to ensure knowledge of word meanings
Infer the intended effects of Shakespeare’s word choices and dramatic techniques
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Support ideas and claims with relevant textual evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss works of Shakespeare
Help learners go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 4, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s Othello. 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 as well as implicitly
Utilize dictionaries to ensure knowledge of word meanings
Infer the intended effects of Shakespeare’s word choices and dramatic techniques
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Support ideas and claims with relevant textual evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss works of Shakespeare
Help learners go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 3, scene 4, of William Shakespeare’s Othello. 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 as well as implicitly
Utilize dictionaries to ensure knowledge of word meanings
Infer the intended effects of Shakespeare’s word choices and dramatic techniques
Describe tone in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Support ideas and claims with relevant textual evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss works of Shakespeare
Help learners go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 3, scene 3, of William Shakespeare’s Othello. 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 as well as implicitly
Utilize dictionaries to ensure knowledge of word meanings
Infer the intended effects of Shakespeare’s word choices and dramatic techniques
Describe tone in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including dramatic irony, verbal irony, situational irony, and metaphor
Support ideas and claims with relevant textual evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss works of Shakespeare
Help learners go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 3, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s Othello. 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 as well as implicitly
Utilize dictionaries to ensure knowledge of word meanings
Infer the intended effects of Shakespeare’s word choices and dramatic techniques
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Discern the tone of a given excerpt
Support ideas and claims with relevant textual evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss works of Shakespeare
Evaluate general reading comprehension, promote homework accountability, and eliminate take-home assessment planning with this bundle of instructional resources covering The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. Included are formative quizzes, a summative test, and answer keys. All materials are delivered as both Word Documents and PDFs.
With this bundle of plot-based, multiple choice quizzes covering The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, high school English teachers will be able to evaluate reading comprehension, promote homework accountability, and eliminate assessment planning. Answer keys are provided, as are short answer options, and all materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following key details:
Nick’s personal background
Nick’s self perception
Nick’s perception of Gatsby
The setting
Nick’s career
The contrast between West Egg and East Egg
Nick’s academic background
A character description of Daisy
A character description of Tom
A character description of Jordan
The green light in the distance
Conditions of daily life in the valley
The enormous advertisement overlooking the valley
A character description of George Wilson
A character description of Myrtle
A trip to the Morningside Heights apartments
Speculation concerning Gatsby’s background
The behavior of the party-goers (and Nick’s reaction to it)
Tom’s gift to Myrtle
Myrtle’s behavior and why it unsettles Tom
How Tom takes his anger out on Myrtle
The flamboyant nature of Gatsby’s parties
The enduring mystery of Gatsby’s background
Sensationalized rumors surrounding Gatsby
Owl Eyes’ surprising realization about Gatsby’s books
Nick and Gatsby’s shared past
Nick’s characterization of Gatsby’s smile
Gatsby’s manner of speaking to others
Gatsby’s general behavior at his own party
Gatsby’s request to see Jordan
The drunken incident involving Owl Eyes
Nick’s characterization of Jordan
The purpose of Nick’s list
The apparent inconsistencies in Gatsby’s autobiography
Gatsby’s proof to assuage Nick’s skepticism
Gatsby’s interaction with a police officer
Meyer Wolfshiem’s questionable background
Nick’s new assumption concerning Gatsby’s wealth
Gatsby’s motive to move into his West Egg mansion
A revelation concerning the green light across the water
A request Gatsby makes of Jordan
Gatsby’s efforts to convince Nick to arrange a reunion
Gatsby’s gratitude to Nick for agreeing
Daisy’s humorous response to Nick’s request that Tom not join
Examples of Gatsby’s self-conscious and nervous behavior
Daisy’s being brought to tears
Gatsby’s long nights outside staring at the green light
Klipspringer
A characterization of Gatsby’s mansion
Gatsby’s biography
Gatsby’s college experience
Gatsby’s job to pay for college
Gatsby meeting Dan Cody
Dan Cody’s influence on Gatsby
Tom’s presence in Gatsby’s house
Tom’s suspicions of Gatsby
Nick’s insight concerning Gatsby and Daisy’s relationship
The death of a dream
Gatsby’s rationale for ceasing the parties
Gatsby’s concerns that information about Daisy will be revealed
A luncheon at Tom and Daisy’s house
A revelation concerning Myrtle
Tom’s confrontation with Gatsby
Gatsby’s assured reaction to Tom’s confrontational behavior
A surprise shift in Daisy’s feelings
The death of Myrtle (what happened, who’s responsible, etc.)
Gatsby’s desire to protect Daisy from Tom
A broken promise
The gardener’s intention and Gatsby’s refusal
Nick’s judgment of Gatsby
Dr. T.J. Eckleburg’s eyes and Wilson’s interpretation of them
The death of Myrtle
Wilson’s beliefs concerning Myrtle’s death
A tragic, deadly incident
Underwhelming attendance at Gatsby’s funeral
An unexpected telegram
Henry Gatsby’s discovery of his son’s death
Young Gatsby’s self-improvement plan
A brief conversation with Klipspringer
Nick’s decision to move back to the Midwest
Nick and Jordan’s breakup
An encounter with Tom
Tom’s feelings concerning Gatsby’s death
Nick’s character assessment of Tom and Daisy
Nick’s analysis of people’s dreams
Help learners go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 2, scene 3, of William Shakespeare’s Othello. 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 as well as implicitly
Utilize dictionaries to ensure knowledge of word meanings
Infer the intended effects of Shakespeare’s word choices and dramatic techniques
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor
Support ideas and claims with relevant textual evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss works of Shakespeare
Help learners go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 2, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s Othello. 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 as well as implicitly
Utilize dictionaries to ensure knowledge of word meanings
Infer the intended effects of Shakespeare’s word choices and dramatic techniques
Discern tone in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Identify textual evidence in support of claims
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss works of Shakespeare
Help learners go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 1, scene 3, of William Shakespeare’s Othello. 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 as well as implicitly
Utilize dictionaries to ensure knowledge of word meanings
Infer the intended effects of Shakespeare’s word choices and dramatic techniques
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Discern the tone of a character’s remarks
Identify textual evidence in support of claims
Come to class better prepared to discuss works of Shakespeare
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this bundle of quizzes covering the entirety of Sandra Cisneros’ novel The House on Mango Street. Answer keys are provided, and all materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. A breakdown of content follows.
Quiz (Sections 1-4).
The assessment covers sections titled “The House on Mango Street” through “My Name.” Questions pertain to the following key details:
♦ The reason behind the family’s move
♦ The qualities/description of the new house
♦ The smell of her mother’s hair
♦ The lack of interaction among boys and girls in the community
♦ Esperanza’s frustrations with spending time with Nenny
♦ Esperanza’s desire to have a best friend
♦ The origin of Esperanza’s name
♦ Esperanza’s personal feelings about her name
♦ The Chinese year of the horse and its superstitious meaning to women
♦ Cultural views on women (Chinese and Mexican)
♦ Esperanza’s great grandmother and her arranged marriage
Quiz (Sections 5-9).
The assessment covers sections titled “Cathy Queen of Cats” through “Meme Ortiz.” Questions pertain to the following key details:
♦ Cathy’s claims
♦ Cathy’s impending move and her alleged reason why her family is moving
♦ The irony of Cathy’s claim
♦ A purchase Esperanza makes with her friends Lucy and Rachel
♦ How Esperanza accumulated enough funds to make the purchase
♦ Esperanza’s realization about how well Nenny understands her
♦ A visit to the junk store
♦ A music box
♦ How Meme broke both of his arms
Quiz (Sections 10-13).
The assessment covers sections titled “Louie, His Cousin & His Other Cousin” through “There Was an Old Woman She Had So Many Children She Didn’t Know What to Do.” Questions pertain to the following key details:
♦ Louie and his car accident
♦ Marin’s Puerto Rican boyfriend and her future relationship goal
♦ Marin’s background
♦ Esperanza’s lack of knowledge about other communities leading to fear of those communities
♦ Rosa’s background and personal struggles
♦ A description of the Vargas children
♦ A death resulting from a horrible fall
♦ The significance of the idea of flying, which repeats throughout the story
Quiz (Sections 14-17).
The assessment covers sections titled “Alicia Who Sees Mice” through “The Family of Little Feet.” Questions pertain to the following key details:
♦ Alicia’s commitment to her education
♦ The mice who roam at night
♦ Alicia’s at-home responsibilities, according to her father and Hispanic culture
♦ The characterization of Darius
♦ Darius’s intriguing assessment of a cloud
♦ What incites an argument among Esperanza and her friends
♦ A gift of high-heeled shoes
♦ How the girls are treated by several men
♦ The characterization of Esperanza and who she is similar to in terms of her goals and personal interests
Quiz (Sections 18-21).
The assessment covers sections titled “A Rice Sandwich” through “The First Job.” Questions pertain to the following key details:
♦ Mom’s note
♦ Esperanza’s desire not to eat lunch at home
♦ The nun’s denial of Esperanza’s request
♦ Esperanza’s deep-rooted feelings of shame
♦ Her cousin’s baptism party
♦ Esperanza’s reluctance to dance
♦ Overcoming reluctance
♦ Esperanza’s observation while she dances
♦ A discussion on hips
♦ Esperanza’s similarity to Alicia in terms of a constant search for knowledge
♦ Summer work
♦ Flirting
♦ A distressing kiss
Quiz (Sections 22-25).
The assessment covers sections titled “Papa Who Wakes Up Tired in the Dark” through “Geraldo No Last Name.” Questions pertain to the following key details:
♦ Her father’s emotional breakdown and its cause
♦ Esperanza’s responsibility to explain death to her siblings
♦ Her father’s need to travel to Mexico unexpectedly
♦ A game Esperanza and her friends play, which ultimately causes them strife
♦ A character description of Aunt Lupe
♦ Aunt Lupe’s encouragement of Esperanza’s writing
♦ A visit to the fortune teller
♦ Esperanza’s desire to know whether she will have her own house
♦ Esperanza’s skepticism
♦ The death of Geraldo
♦ Marin’s connection
Quiz (Sections 26-29).
The assessment covers sections titled “Edna’s Ruthie” through “Four Skinny Trees.” Questions pertain to the following key details:
♦ Ruthie’s friendship with Esperanza and her friends
♦ Ruthie’s marriage
♦ The characterization of Edna
♦ Ruthie and Esperanza’s common interest in writing
♦ The characterization of Earle
♦ Sire, the boy Esperanza likes and her parents dislike
♦ Esperanza’s feelings toward Lois
♦ Esperanza’s sense of self
♦ Esperanza’s comparison to trees
♦ The reason behind the comparison
Quiz (Sections 30-33).
The assessment covers sections titled “No Speak English” through “Minerva Writes Poems.” Questions pertain to the following key details:
♦ The characterization of Mamacita
♦ The cause of Mamacita’s isolation, according to Esperanza
♦ Esperanza’s father’s personal accounts regarding learning English
♦ Rafaela’s husband and his poor treatment of her
♦ Coconut and papaya juice
♦ The characterization of Sally
♦ Esperanza’s apparent admiration of Sally
♦ An assessment of Sally’s marriage
♦ Similarities between Esperanza and Sally
♦ Sally’s request for advice and Esperanza’s response
Quiz (Sections 34-37).
The assessment covers sections titled “Bums in the Attic” through “What Sally Said.” Questions pertain to the following key details:
♦ Esperanza’s decision to stop going to look at dream houses and her reasoning
♦ Esperanza’s decision to let bums live in the attic of her future house
♦ Esperanza’s concern that she is not attractive enough
♦ Esperanza’s decision not to surrender her power as a female and how it manifests
♦ Esperanza’s mom and her past
♦ Esperanza’s mom and her comments about being “a smart cookie”
♦ Sally and the abuse she suffers from her father
♦ The reason Sally’s father abuses her
♦ Sally’s attempts to seek safety and Esperanza’s willingness to protect her
Quiz (Sections 38-40).
The assessment covers sections titled “The Monkey Garden” through “Linoleum Roses.” Questions pertain to the following key details:
♦ A peculiar pet
♦ The garden’s deterioration
♦ Tito stealing Sally’s keys and trying to get her to kiss him
♦ Esperanza’s desire to protect Esperanza, only to put herself in jeopardy
♦ A trip to the carnival
♦ Esperanza’s traumatizing experience
♦ Esperanza’s anger at Sally and women
♦ Sally’s marriage
Quiz (Sections 41-44).
The assessment covers sections titled “The Three Sisters” through “Mango Says Goodbye Sometimes.” Questions pertain to the following key details:
♦ A community’s show of support following a family death
♦ A palm reading
♦ Esperanza’s impression of the older women
♦ The older women’s advice to Esperanza concerning Mango Street
♦ Esperanza’s conversation with Alicia
♦ Whose responsibility it is to improve Mango Street in the years ahead
♦ Why Esperanza is envious of Alicia
♦ Esperanza’s realization concerning where she belongs