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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.
War of the Worlds Book 2 Chapters 1-5 Close Reading Worksheet
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War of the Worlds Book 2 Chapters 1-5 Close Reading Worksheet

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Help middle and high school students improve fluency, stamina, text comprehension, and close reading analysis of the formal elements of fiction with this set of rigorous, text-dependent questions on The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells (book 2, chapters 1 through 5). An answer key is included, as well as a copy of the featured chapters, which are in the public domain. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By completing the close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Explore character development and motivations Analyze how complex characters interact Articulate the greater significance of a given detail Explore the symbolism of given objects or circumstances Make logical inferences about the author’s point of view on religion in the context of disastrous survival situations Discern a relevant theme in the context of a given chapter Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification Discern the function of a given chapter Write clearly, concisely, and accurately in response to analytical questioning Cite textual evidence in support of claims
“Dark They Were and Golden-Eyed” by Ray Bradbury Close Reading Worksheet
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“Dark They Were and Golden-Eyed” by Ray Bradbury Close Reading Worksheet

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Help high school students improve fluency, stamina, text comprehension, and close reading analysis of the formal elements of fiction with this set of rigorous, text-dependent questions on the short story titled “Dark They Were and Golden Eyed” by Ray Bradbury. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Identify the narrative’s inciting incident Identify the narrative’s dominant conflict Explore the functions of a particular character Explore character development and motivations Analyze figurative language to infer the author’s intent Make logical interpretations of metaphorical expressions Explain the intended effect of repetition as it appears in a given excerpt Analyze passages to discern their greater significance Explore themes in context Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification, simile, metaphor, onomatopoeia, and more Analyze the author’s descriptive language as it relates to setting to infer its purpose Write clearly, concisely, and accurately in response to analytical questioning Cite textual evidence in support of claims
Lord of the Flies Chapter 12 Quiz and Close Reading Bundle
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Lord of the Flies Chapter 12 Quiz and Close Reading Bundle

2 Resources
Evaluate reading comprehension, promote homework accountability, and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this bundle of resources for teaching Lord of the Flies by William Golding (chapter 12). A multiple choice, plot-based quiz is included along with a set of rigorous, high-order questions. Answer keys are also provided. Materials are delivered in printable 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 (personification, aposiopesis, sibilance, and situational irony) Demonstrate understanding of figurative language Make logical inferences about character behavior Analyze character intentions and motivations Analyze the author’s craft to articulate how the incorporation of frequent em-dashes contributes to storytelling Articulate the significance of a given detail Conduct brief research on the author and identify examples of autobiographical parallel Identify textual evidence in support of a claim Write with clarity and precision
The Great Gatsby Close Reading Worksheets Bundle
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The Great Gatsby Close Reading Worksheets Bundle

9 Resources
Save time without sacrificing rigor by utilizing this bundle of analysis worksheets designed to promote close reading skills associated with Fitzgerald’s classic novel The Great Gatsby. A variety of high-order question types facilitates the process of analyzing character motivations, examining how word choices influence a reader’s interpretations, applying knowledge of literary devices, and articulating ideas in writing with clarity and precision. 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. Students will be able to do the following: Discern what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern point of view Analyze character motivations Analyze how complex characters interact Clarify cause-and-effect relationships Apply knowledge of a variety of literary devices including situational irony, hyperbole, simile, alliteration, assonance, metaphor, oxymoron, and others Articulate the intended effect of metaphorical language Analyze the author’s craft to determine intent Make logical inferences about how Tom perceives Myrtle Demonstrate awareness of how social status influences behavior Compare Myrtle to the puppy she is gifted Discern a primary function of a given chapter Analyze the effect comparing Gatsby to Belasco has on the reader Infer why the author may have intended to wait to introduce Gatsby until chapter three Analyze what Nick’s dialogue and behavior at the party reveals about his psychological state Define complex words and phrases as they are used in the text Articulate how Nick’s expectations of Gatsby are violated Articulate the cultural significance of the white chauffeur transporting people of color Discern what Nick finds astonishing about Wolfsheim’s behavior Identify the primary function of Wolfsheim’s character in the context of the plot Articulate the technique Fitzgerald uses to spark a significant shift in tone Identify textual evidence that best supports a claim Explore the symbolism of an object or objects Clarify and elaborate on a concern Nick has for Gatsby in a given passage Explore how Tom sees himself in the context of the tragedies of Gatsby, Myrtle, and Wilson Write with clarity and precision
Much Ado About Nothing Act 4 Quiz and Answer Key
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Much Ado About Nothing Act 4 Quiz and Answer Key

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning responsibilities with this multiple choice quiz covering Act 4 of Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Claudio’s behavior at the wedding Hero’s reaction to Claudio’s insults Don John’s statements on the significance of Hero’s reaction Leonato’s feelings toward his daughter Friar Francis’ feelings toward Hero Friar Francis’ suggested course of action Beatrice’s dramatic request of Benedick Dogberry’s terrible interrogation Sexton’s task Conrade’s insults toward Dogberry
Much Ado About Nothing Act 1 Quiz and Close Reading Bundle
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Much Ado About Nothing Act 1 Quiz and Close Reading Bundle

4 Resources
Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills while teaching Act 1 of William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing with this bundle of formative assessments. Included are the following: a multiple choice quiz on characters and plot, three close reading worksheets addressing the author’s craft, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Materials in this bundle may facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using these resources for structured guidance, students will improve their ability to present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly and convincingly. By engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the function of a given detail Discern the function of a given scene Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Examine nuances in words with similar meanings Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare characters (Beatrice and Benedick; Don John and Benedick) Discern tone in context Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification, pun, hyperbole, juxtaposition, allusion, metaphor, dramatic irony, and more Explore the symbolism associated with a given detail Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Shakespeare’s Sonnet 146 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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Shakespeare’s Sonnet 146 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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Help high school students develop close reading and poetry analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 146. Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this worksheet eliminates assessment planning responsibilities without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. This resource may facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will improve their ability to present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly and convincingly. More specifically, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the intended effect of figurative language Explore the narrator’s mindset Discern the overall tone of the sonnet Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on metaphor, paradox, and personification
Much Ado About Nothing Act 3 Quiz and Close Reading Bundle
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Much Ado About Nothing Act 3 Quiz and Close Reading Bundle

6 Resources
Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills while teaching Act 3 of William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing with this bundle of formative assessments. Included are the following: a multiple choice quiz on characters and plot, five close reading worksheets addressing the author’s craft, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the functions of scenes Determine tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare two characters (Beatrice and Benedick) Apply knowledge of literary devices including oxymoron, personification, malapropism, paradox, allusion, metaphor, simile, pun, hyperbole, foreshadowing, innuendo, situational irony, dramatic irony, and more Discern the intended effects of literary devices in context Explore the symbolism of lapwings and haggards in the context of scene one Articulate the greater significance of Benedick’s appearance in the context of scene two Conduct brief research on the four humors of classical Greek medicine to facilitate an evaluation of Benedick’s condition Articulate how Shakespeare established a tense atmosphere in scenes four and five Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence
To Kill a Mockingbird Chapters 4 and 5 Quiz and Answer Key
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To Kill a Mockingbird Chapters 4 and 5 Quiz and Answer Key

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based, multiple choice quiz covering chapters 4 and 5 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. An alternate short answer version is provided for re-assessment purposes. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following plot elements: Discoveries in the knothole Jem’s fear for Scout’s life The irony of the discovery of money Dill’s claim of a peculiar talent The rolling tire incident The game the kids play Dill and Scout’s relationship The evolving relationship between Scout and Miss Maudie Theories pertaining to the mystery of Boo Radley Miss Maudie’s impressions of Boo Delivering a note to Boo Atticus’s trick
To Kill a Mockingbird Chapters 1 through 3 Quiz and Answer Key
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To Kill a Mockingbird Chapters 1 through 3 Quiz and Answer Key

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based, multiple choice quiz covering chapters 1 through 3 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. An alternate short answer version is provided for re-assessment purposes. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following plot elements: Point of view Setting Jem’s injury The kids’ mother and father Calpurnia’s job Dill Boo Radley’s background The dare Walter Cunningham’s philosophy The effects of the Great Depression on Maycomb’s citizens Scout’s fight The teacher’s reaction to an alarming situation Perception of the Ewells
Hamlet Act 1 Scene 2 Close Reading Worksheet
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Hamlet Act 1 Scene 2 Close Reading Worksheet

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Help high school students extend beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 1, scene 2, of Hamlet by William Shakespeare. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, this worksheet saves English Language Arts teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. This resource may facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will improve their ability to present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly and convincingly. By engaging with this resource, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Examine Shakespeare’s narrative techniques with emphasis on the incorporation of figurative language Determine the tone of the scene Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Hamlet Act 1 Scene 3 Close Reading Worksheet
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Hamlet Act 1 Scene 3 Close Reading Worksheet

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Help high school students extend beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 1, scene 3, of Hamlet by William Shakespeare. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, this worksheet saves English Language Arts teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. This resource may facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will improve their ability to present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly and convincingly. By engaging with this resource, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Apply knowledge of literary devices including simile and metaphor Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Determine the tone of the scene Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Hamlet Act 2 Scene 2 Close Reading Worksheet
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Hamlet Act 2 Scene 2 Close Reading Worksheet

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Help high school students extend beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 2, scene 2, of Hamlet by William Shakespeare. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, this worksheet saves English Language Arts teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. This resource may facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will improve their ability to present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly and convincingly. More specifically, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Discern the intended effect of Shakespearean language in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Discern tone in context Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
House on Mango Street Quiz on Vignettes 1-4
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House on Mango Street Quiz on Vignettes 1-4

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this quiz covering vignettes 1 through 4 of The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros: “The House on Mango Street,” “Hairs,” “Boys and Girls,” and “My Name.” An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: 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
House on Mango Street Quiz on Vignettes 14-17
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House on Mango Street Quiz on Vignettes 14-17

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this quiz covering vignettes 14 through 17 of The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros: “Alicia Who Sees Mice,” “Darius and the Clouds,” “And Some More,” and “The Family of Little Feet.” An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: 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
"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson Quizzes and Answer Keys
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"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson Quizzes and Answer Keys

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning responsibilities with this multiple choice quiz covering the short story “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson. Additionally, a short answer option is provided for re-assessment purposes. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By taking these assessments, students will demonstrate: A knowledge of characters A knowledge of the lottery’s procedural aspects A knowledge of how foreshadowing An ability to make reasonable inferences about plot An ability to discern relevant details in response to a question An ability to write with clarity and precision And more
"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson Close Reading Worksheet
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"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson Close Reading Worksheet

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Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions on Shirley Jackson’s short story “The Lottery.” A variety of question types facilitates the process of analyzing character development, examining how word choices influence a reader’s interpretations, applying knowledge of literary devices, and more. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. This resource may facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will improve their ability to present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly and convincingly. In addition to helping students gain deeper understanding of the material and greater confidence in their ability to read and comprehend complex texts, this resource helps prepare students for ACT reading question types. By engaging with this resource, students will… Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define unfamiliar or challenging vocabulary terms in context Determine the tone of a particular passage Determine the author’s intent and its effect on readers Apply knowledge of literary devices (foreshadowing)
"The Monkey's Paw" by W. W. Jacobs Quiz and Close Reading Bundle
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"The Monkey's Paw" by W. W. Jacobs Quiz and Close Reading Bundle

5 Resources
Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this bundle of formative assessments covering W. W. Jacobs’ short story “The Monkey’s Paw.” Included are the following: a plot-based quiz, a worksheet composed of rigorous close reading questions, a craft analysis activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, a word search, a crossword puzzle, the public domain narrative, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices Explore the role of setting in terms of developing characterization Examine how the tone of the narrative shifts as the plot develops Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Analyze how Mr. and Mrs. White’s marriage is affected by grief Identify specific details that contribute to the vampiric characterization of Mrs. White Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion, situational irony, and euphemism Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
"The Outsider" by H.P. Lovecraft Quiz, Close Reading, and Vocabulary Activities Bundle
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"The Outsider" by H.P. Lovecraft Quiz, Close Reading, and Vocabulary Activities Bundle

4 Resources
This bundle of resources for teaching "The Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this bundle of formative assessments covering H.P. Lovecraft’s short story “The Outsider.” Included are the following: a plot-based quiz, a worksheet composed of rigorous close reading questions, a craft analysis activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, a word search, a crossword puzzle, the public domain narrative, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. With these materials, students will: Respond clearly, concisely, and accurately to concrete and analytical questioning Locate textual evidence in support of claims Analyze the symbolic meaning of an object Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony and foreshadowing, articulating how they are applied while citing evidence in support of claims Explore character motivations Analyze the author’s craft with emphasis on unique phrasing, sentence structures, and sensory language
Grammar Practice Worksheet on Possessive Pronouns
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Grammar Practice Worksheet on Possessive Pronouns

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Use this editable grammar activity to help middle and high school students review the basics of singular and plural possessive pronouns. To facilitate this process, the worksheet offers tips on when possessive pronouns should precede nouns and when they may stand alone. Additionally, tips are provided for how to navigate possessive pronouns when addressing animals. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.