Hero image

Inquiring Mind of the English Teacher Kind

Average Rating3.44
(based on 23 reviews)

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.

2k+Uploads

482k+Views

78k+Downloads

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.
"The Monkey's Paw" by W. W. Jacobs Close Reading Analysis Questions
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

"The Monkey's Paw" by W. W. Jacobs Close Reading Analysis Questions

(0)
Engage middle and high school students with a classic example of horror and supernatural fiction, “The Monkey’s Paw” by W. W. Jacobs, and use this set of rigorous questions to promote close reading analysis skills. A variety of 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. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Analyze the author’s word choices to gain deeper insight into setting and characterization Explore the role of setting in terms of developing characterization Make logical inferences about characters based on their actions Find deeper meaning in a given allusion Discern the tone of a character’s dialogue Explore how complex characters think and interact Determine the function of a given detail Examine details that represent a shift in tone Make logical inferences about the author’s intent Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony and euphemism Analyze how Mr. and Mrs. White’s marriage is affected by grief Identify specific details that contribute to the vampiric characterization of Mrs. White Defend claims and support ideas with relevant textual details Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision
“The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe Close Reading Questions
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

“The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe Close Reading Questions

(0)
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 Gothic short story “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe. 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 explicitly and implicitly Analyze the nature of character relationships and interactions Examine grammatically correct structure Define complex words and phrases as they are used in the text Identify the best evidence of foreshadowing in a given passage Apply knowledge of various literary devices including verbal irony Make logical inferences about the protagonist’s mindset and motivations Identify relevant textual evidence in support of a claim or idea
The Hobbit Quiz and Answer Key Bundle
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

The Hobbit Quiz and Answer Key Bundle

10 Resources
This bundle of editable assessments check for general comprehension and holds students accountable for the assigned reading of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. Answer keys are included. All materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important details: Character description of a typical Baggins Gandalf’s surprise appearance Bilbo and Gandalf’s awkward conversation The first dwarf to arrive unexpectedly Awakening “something Tookish” within Bilbo The dwarves’ skepticism toward Bilbo’s participation Bilbo’s designated role Description of the town of Dale What Thorin receives from Gandalf during the party The lost wealth of Thorin’s family The morning after the unexpected party The letter Disappearance of a major character A discovery that leads the adventurers into trouble Bert, Tom, and William Bilbo’s weak bargaining attempts Capturing the dwarves Rescuing the dwarves Discoveries made before locating the troll’s cave Lonely Mountain Rivendell Elrond The peculiar quality of the adventurers’ map Background on the weapons the adventurers’ retrieved from trolls Seeking safety inside the cave The Orcrist Glamdring the Foe-hammer Goblins’ fear of something inside the cave The riddle game Discovery of the magical ring Bilbo’s escape from the cave The dwarves’ complaints Gandalf’s insistence that the dwarves look for Bilbo The adventurers’ reaction to Bilbo’s sudden return Incident involving the Wargs Wargs and their history with another antagonistic group Gandalf’s rescue efforts The Eagles’ arrival The Eagles’ fear of man “Skin-changing” Beorn’s feelings toward animals The adventurers’ strategy for approaching Beorn Beorn’s background Bilbo’s frightening observations at night Gandalf’s discovery of animal tracks outside the residence Beorn’s concerns for the adventurers Details concerning Mirkwood’s black stream Beorn’s advice Lighting watch-fires A deep-sleep state Hastily using the last of the arrows Bombur’s dream Veering off the path in Mirkwood Bilbo’s transformative experience involving a spider Bilbo’s sword Abduction by the wood-elves The Elvenking’s questioning of Thorin Thorin’s reluctance to share details The consequence Thorin faces A near-confession Lake-town Bilbo’s plan to release his friends The escape plan and its glaring flaw The bridge guards’ response to Thorin’s presence The Master of Lake-town’s skepticism The citizens’ overwhelming response to the adventurers’ presence Reaching the mountain’s secret door The foreshadowing appearance of the thrush Bilbo’s frustration Unique quality of dragons Bilbo pilfering treasure The adventurers’ terrible realization concerning Smaug The adventurers’ abrupt frustration toward Bilbo Speaking in riddles Smaug’s suspicions and plan to attack The function of the thrush The Arkenstone Bilbo’s plans for the Arkenstone Smaug’s assault The master bowman The thrush’s instructions Why Lake Town’s citizens were furious with their Master The wood-elves response to the tragedy Thorin’s request of Roac Thorin on why the adventurers are not liable for damages Thorin’s promise to the people of Lake Town Dain’s plan Bilbo conspiring with outsiders Bilbo’s justification for bargaining Thorin’s response to Bilbo’s justification Unity among dwarves, elves, and men The return of the Eagles Thorin’s realization about what would make for a merrier world The new King Under the Mountain Bards gifts to Bilbo Beorn’s new role Gandalf’s statement regarding a more peaceful forest The surprise awaiting Bilbo at home Bilbo’s changed reputation at home
The Great Gatsby  Quiz and Answer Key Bundle
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

The Great Gatsby Quiz and Answer Key Bundle

9 Resources
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
"The Tree" by H.P. Lovecraft Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

"The Tree" by H.P. Lovecraft Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

(0)
Help high school students improve fluency, stamina, text comprehension, and close reading analysis of the formal elements of fiction with this resource for teaching “The Tree” by H.P. Lovecraft. Additional materials are included to facilitate planning for unexpected teacher absences. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. Included are the following: Public domain short story. With an estimated Lexile Measure range of 1200 to 1300, the narrative is a suitable selection for high school English Language Arts classes. Close reading analysis worksheet. By engaging with this exercise, students will articulate what is stated explicitly and implicitly; analyze how complex characters think, interact, and behave; compare and contrast characters; analyze a given excerpt and explain how situational irony develops; discern the meaning of complex words and phrases; make logical inferences about the author’s intentions; cite textual evidence in support of claims; and write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision. Questions are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Close reading analysis worksheet answer key. Low-prep lesson plan for unexpected absences. This comes pre-filled with learning targets and agenda items. Space is also designated for classroom teachers to identify the name(s) of their class(es), the hour(s) of their class(es), student leaders, and upcoming homework assignments and assessments. Bell ringer activity. Help a substitute teacher engage students (and find time to take attendance) with a thematically linked writing prompt. Miscellaneous performance tasks handout. Extend student thinking and learning in the event of unexpected absences with this item outlining creative tasks pertaining to the short story. For example, students may write poetry or journal entries from the perspective of a character; write a brief retelling of the narrative from a different character’s perspective; explore the thematic significance of stories; review the overall quality of the narrative with objectivity and supporting evidence; and more.
"Old Bugs" by H.P. Lovecraft Close Reading Worksheet
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

"Old Bugs" by H.P. Lovecraft Close Reading Worksheet

(0)
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
“The Beast in the Cave” by H.P. Lovecraft Close Reading Worksheet
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

“The Beast in the Cave” by H.P. Lovecraft Close Reading Worksheet

(0)
Gothic fiction is a genre that maximizes many high school students’ engagement with literature. “The Beast in the Cave” by H.P. Lovecraft is a Gothic short story featuring an ominous setting, a protagonist with a deteriorating psychological state, a mysterious being, and a twist ending. This rigorous worksheet on “The Beast in the Cave” helps English teachers support the development of close reading analysis skills and save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. A detailed answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will: Articulate what the text states explicitly and implicitly Use context clues to determine the state in which the story is set Isolate the statement that best describes the narrator among several options Apply knowledge of various literary devices including onomatopoeia, oxymoron, foreshadowing, Isolate a false statement about a particular passage from among several truths Make logical inferences about the narrator’s self-image Define complex words as they are used in the text Explore how the protagonist thinks, behaves, and interacts with others Discern the intended effect of the author’s diction (for example, why the author used a phrase like occult manner and why the author repeatedly uses variations of the word labyrinth) Examine the deeper meaning behind the narrator’s use of a euphemistic phrase Analyze sentence structures to determine how they contribute to the reader’s experience Explain how the narrator becomes a dynamic character Justify ideas and claims with relevant textual evidence Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision
To Kill a Mockingbird Chapter 25 Close Reading Worksheet
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

To Kill a Mockingbird Chapter 25 Close Reading Worksheet

(0)
Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze chapter 25 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, ultimately, 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: Analyze an excerpt to draw rational inferences Discern the most logical interpretation of a particular excerpt Analyze an excerpt to discern its significance to the plot Analyze Mr. Underwood’s actions to discern his personal motivations Analyze Bob Ewell’s remarks to predict his future behaviors, possibly addressing foreshadowing in the process Discern the meaning of complex vocabulary and phrases in context, taking into consideration both denotative definitions and connotative associations Isolate factual statements from false statements Apply knowledge of literary devices (metaphor) to the text Write with clarity, logic, and precision Cite textual evidence in support of claims
Twelfth Night Act 1 Quiz and Answer Key
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

Twelfth Night Act 1 Quiz and Answer Key

(0)
Promote homework accountability and evaluate general reading comprehension with this quiz covering Act 1 of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Olivia’s rejection of Orsino’s romantic advances The impact of music on Orsino Olivia’s 7-year mourning period and Orsino’s reaction to it Viola’s shipwreck The unknown fate of Sebastian Characterization of Sir Toby Belch Characterization of Sir Andrew Aguecheek Cesario’s assigned task Tension between Maria and Feste Feste’s implication (criticism of Olivia’s attitude) Malvolio’s arrogance Olivia’s apparent romantic interest in Cesario Olivia’s plan to reacquaint with Cesario
Twelfth Night Act 4 Quiz and Answer Key
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

Twelfth Night Act 4 Quiz and Answer Key

(0)
Promote homework accountability and evaluate general reading comprehension with this quiz covering Act 4 of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Feste’s message from Olivia Character motivations (why Toby intervenes in a fight) Olivia’s sudden appearance “If it be thus to dream, still let me sleep!” (context) Maria’s newest deceptive plot against Malvolio Malvolio’s treatment and his attempts to improve his situation Dynamic character (a change within Toby) “Blame not this haste of mine…” (context) Dynamic character (a change within Malvolio)
Twelfth Night Act 3 Quiz and Answer Key
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

Twelfth Night Act 3 Quiz and Answer Key

(0)
Promote homework accountability and evaluate general reading comprehension with this quiz covering Act 3 of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Cesario’s encountering of Feste Cesario’s reaction to Olivia’s declarations of love Olivia’s misinterpretation of Cesario’s motives Olivia’s breaking of societal expectations in the times of Elizabethan England. Toby and Fabian’s underhanded deeds Andrew’s challenge Sebastian and Antonio’s arrival in Illyria Antonio’s personal history Toby’s intentions Olivia’s newest gift to Cesario Antonio’s interruption of the duel A case of mistaken identity and its consequences
Twelfth Night Act 5 Quiz and Answer Key
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

Twelfth Night Act 5 Quiz and Answer Key

(0)
Promote homework accountability and evaluate general reading comprehension with this quiz covering Act 5 of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: Feste’s delivery of a letter The use of figurative language and its purpose: “Why should I not, had I the heart to do it, / Like to the Egyptian thief, at point of death, / Kill what I love?” The context of Viola’s claim that she would die “a thousand deaths” Olivia’s rationalization of Cesario’s apparently inconsistent behavior Andrew and Toby’s injuries The context of Toby’s remarks: “An asshead and a coxcomb and a knave, a thin-faced knave, a gull!” Andrew’s frustration with Viola Olivia’s feelings toward Malvolio A lie told by Fabian Maria’s marriage The tone of the closing song
“The Terrible Old Man” by H.P. Lovecraft Close Reading Worksheet
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

“The Terrible Old Man” by H.P. Lovecraft Close Reading Worksheet

(0)
For many high school students, the horror genre promotes more active engagement with literature. “The Terrible Old Man” by H.P. Lovecraft is a concise horror story featuring plot elements such as robbery, a character who dabbles in the occult, and mutilated corpses—making the narrative a particularly compelling read during the Halloween season. This rigorous worksheet on “The Terrible Old Man” helps English teachers support the development of close reading analysis skills and save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. A detailed answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Determine the story’s point of view Discern the overall tone of the narrative Analyze context clues and draw logical inferences about characterization/character motivations Define complex vocabulary as it is used in the text Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony Draw parallels between the author’s life and the plot of “The Terrible Old Man” Identify relevant textual details in support of claims and ideas Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Hamlet Act 4 Scene 4 Close Reading Worksheet
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

Hamlet Act 4 Scene 4 Close Reading Worksheet

(0)
Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Hamlet. With a focus on Act 4, scene 4, this resource saves teachers valuable time without sacrificing academic rigor. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable PDFs and Word Documents. This resource may serve as the basis for small-group discussions. Through these discussions, students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development, demonstrating an ability to analyze how complex characters transform and advance the plot and themes by applying logic and citing compelling, meaningful textual evidence. They will also evaluate their peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to advance claims, clarifying or challenging unclear ideas. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking. More specifically, questions pertain to the following: Analyzing character statements and behaviors to draw logical inferences about character development and motivations Analyzing complex vocabulary and phrasing in context to determine meaning and intended effect Analyzing an excerpt to discern tone in context Analyzing textual details to discern and articulate their significance to the plot Citing textual evidence in support of a claim
Love's Labour's Lost Close Reading Worksheet for Act 1 Scene 2
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

Love's Labour's Lost Close Reading Worksheet for Act 1 Scene 2

(0)
This close reading assessment features 11 text-dependent, high-order questions to promote improved reading comprehension and analysis of Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost (Act 1, scene 2). An answer key is included, as are Word Document and PDF versions of the assessment. This resource aligns well to Academic Literacy Project teaching principles and 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. 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 was designed to prepare students for ACT-style questioning. By engaging in this exercise, students will: Discern and articulate what the text states explicitly and implicitly Make reasonable inferences about why the quickness of Moth’s responses frustrates Armado Articulate Armado’s internal conflict in the context of an excerpt Analyze Moth’s dialogue to discern what is implied about women who wear makeup Analyze Moth’s asides to discern and articulate what they reveal about his true feelings Conduct brief research on the topic of Humorism Analyze Costard’s use of malaprops and explain why Shakespeare had him speak in such a manner Interpret figurative language with emphasis on metaphor (“love is a devil”) Make an inference about what Armado finds reassuring about the tale of Samson Apply knowledge of situational irony by explaining what is unexpected about Cupid’s powers Articulate the significance of of Armado’s closing soliloquy Write with clarity, logic, and precision
"The Sphinx" by Edgar Allan Poe Close Reading Worksheet
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

"The Sphinx" by Edgar Allan Poe Close Reading Worksheet

(0)
For many high school readers, horror and psychological fiction are genres that maximize engagement with literature. “The Sphinx” by Edgar Allan Poe features plot elements consistent with both genres: a cholera epidemic, social isolation, omens, fear of death, and more. With this challenging worksheet composed of high-order questions, English teachers will help students extend beyond basic reading comprehension, support the development of close reading analysis skills, and save valuable time at home without sacrificing quality and rigor in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Examine how complex characters think, behave, and interact Explore character motivations Define complex words as they are used in context Analyze nuances in words with similar meanings Choose the most appropriate synonym to replace a given word without changing fundamental meaning Paraphrase information Make logical inferences based on context clues Explain how a given detail (the fact that it was “an exceedingly warm day”) is an example of paradox Apply knowledge of various literary devices including hyperbole Identify several examples of the narrator’s self-awareness Identify several examples of the narrator’s questionable judgment Support claims and ideas with reasoned thinking and relevant textual evidence Write ideas with clarity, logic, and precision
“The Hare and the Hedgehog” by the Brothers Grimm Close Reading Worksheet
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

“The Hare and the Hedgehog” by the Brothers Grimm Close Reading Worksheet

(0)
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
"The Sea Hare" by the Brothers Grimm Close Reading Worksheet
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

"The Sea Hare" by the Brothers Grimm Close Reading Worksheet

(0)
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
Grimms' Fairy Tale "The Stolen Farthings" Close Reading Worksheet
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

Grimms' Fairy Tale "The Stolen Farthings" Close Reading Worksheet

(0)
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
"The Girl Without Hands" by the Brothers Grimm Close Reading Analysis Questions
inquiringmind44inquiringmind44

"The Girl Without Hands" by the Brothers Grimm Close Reading Analysis Questions

(0)
Fairy tales are not just for elementary readers; even middle and high school students may use fairy tales as tools for extending beyond reading comprehension and practicing close reading analysis skills. “The Girl Without Hands” by the Brothers Grimm, also known as “The Maiden Without Hands” and “The Armless Maiden,” is a short story about the plight of a maiden whose poor father makes a bargain that results in her disfigurement and confinement. English Language Arts teachers may assign this set of rigorous questions to complement the story and evaluate students’ high-order skills. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are 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 as well as implicitly Explore how complex characters think, behave, and interact with others Isolate a factual statement from falsehoods in the context of the miller’s characterization Explain how situational irony and dramatic irony are applied Discern the significance of the maiden’s decision to draw a circle around her Explore cause-and-effect relationships (how losing her hands affects the maiden physically, psychologically, and interpersonally) Analyze the silver hands for symbolic value Define complex words in context Apply knowledge of literary devices including alliteration and foreshadowing Cite textual evidence to support claims and ideas Write with clarity and precision