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.
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning with this plot-based quiz covering Dino Buzzati’s allegorical short story titled “The Colomber.” This assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
A birthday request
A description of a colomber
The protagonist’s career choice
Advice from the protagonist’s father
Stefano’s perception of the colomber
A gift from the colomber
Qualities associated with the gift
And more
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 16, 17, 18, and 19 of Susan Beth Pfeffer’s dystopian sci-fi novel The Dead and the Gone, the sequel to Life As We Knew It. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included, along with a short answer alternate quiz for reassessment purposes. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
An incident resulting in the death of Kevin
An item Alex desperately needs to acquire from Harvey
Bri’s weak physical condition
The quarantine and its effect on Port Authority convoys
The typical time frame between convoy departures
Julie’s lack of fear over dying, except under one condition
Alex’s difficult decision for the night Bri’s sole inhaler cartridge empties
Alex’s failing condition and his sisters’ attempts to nurture him back to health
The reason Bri decides to leave the apartment
Bri’s death and the discovery of her body
Sister Rita’s comments on Bri’s faith and its influence on Bri
An offer that could potentially save Alex and Julie’s lives
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 9, 10, and 11 of Susan Beth Pfeffer’s dystopian sci-fi novel The Dead and the Gone, the sequel to Life As We Knew It. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included, along with a short answer alternate quiz for reassessment purposes. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Natural disasters of epic proportion
Kevin and Alex’s decision to go “body shopping”
A bartering system in a black market
Harvey, the neighborhood dealer with a monopoly
Julie’s devastation following the death of her garden
Alex’s conversation with Sister Rita
Alex’s motive leading to his conversation with Father Franco
A comparison of city life and country life in the current climate
The return of Bri
The witnessing of a suicide and Alex’s subsequent confession
Alex’s decision to confess his sins to Father Mulrooney
A surprise celebration
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 6, 7, and 8 of Susan Beth Pfeffer’s dystopian sci-fi novel The Dead and the Gone, the sequel to Life As We Knew It. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included, along with a short answer alternate quiz for reassessment purposes. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Uncle Jimmy’s reappearance
Uncle Jimmy’s offer to Briana
Mr. Dunlap and his kind offer to Alex and Julie
Alex’s conflicting feelings about “stealing” food
Father Mulrooney’s announcement that school will continue through summer
Alex’s specific job, which must be done daily before school
Julie’s newfound love for gardening
The lack of sufficient food resources and the consequent mob
Alex’s failed effort to wish Briana a happy birthday
Father Mulrooney’s “insufficient compassion” and Alex’s reaction to it
Kevin’s kindness and generosity
Volcanic eruptions leading to the deaths of millions
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 12, 13, 14, and 15 of Susan Beth Pfeffer’s dystopian sci-fi novel The Dead and the Gone, the sequel to Life As We Knew It. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included, along with a short answer alternate quiz for reassessment purposes. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Alex’s friends’ concerns for Briana’s health
Alex’s decision for the siblings to skip school to move away
Alex and Kevin’s 'body shopping" endeavors
Julie’s feelings of inferiority
The sudden closing of Julie’s school
The conflict between Bri and Julie regarding the probability that their parents are dead
Lottery tickets
Alex’s efforts to save Julie from a potential kidnapper
Harvey’s arrangements for Alex and Bri
Harvey’s disturbing arrangements for Julie
Mr. Flynn’s kindness and generosity
Alex’s physically exhausting labor
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 3, 4, and 5 of Susan Beth Pfeffer’s dystopian sci-fi novel The Dead and the Gone, the sequel to Life As We Knew It. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included, along with a short answer alternate quiz for reassessment purposes. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Observations about who is missing in the chapel
Alex’s decision to miss school and visit Yankee Stadium
The rules that must be followed while at Yankee Stadium
Methods of lessening the severity of the experience at Yankee Stadium
Alex’s austere reaction to Julie’s “Who died and made you boss?” remark
Chris Flynn and his father’s generosity
Bri’s belief that Mami may be alive, and her reasoning
Father Franco’s good news concerning Bri
Why Julie is not offered the same opportunity as Bri
A promise Bri wants Alex to make before departing
Alex’s maturity
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 1 and 2 of Susan Beth Pfeffer’s dystopian sci-fi novel The Dead and the Gone, the sequel to Life As We Knew It. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
The absence of Alex’s father
Alex’s brother, Carlos, and his Marine status
The setting of the novel
Why Mami is not home on the night of the meteor strike
Uncle Jimmy’s need for help at the bodega
The phone conversation between Alex and Carlos
Alex’s failed effort to visit the school for more information
Why the subway system is inoperable
The purpose of Alex’s list
Clarification on the disaster provided by Father Franco
Alex’s search for hidden cash
The bulletin board at St. Margaret’s
A curfew, a national day of mourning, and Alex’s belief that the government is searching for solutions
Alex’s visit to the hardware store
A telephone hotline
A phone conversation with Aunt Lorraine
The location of unidentified bodies
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 “Home” by Gwendolyn Brooks. 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
Examine the title of the narrative to make inferences about the author’s intent
Discern the function of the opening paragraph
Articulate the situational irony associated with a character’s vision of the future
Contrast the characters of Helen and Maud Martha
Analyze the author’s stylistic decision to offset a particular detail with em dashes
Explain the intended meaning of a metaphor in context
Articulate how Helen is a good example of dynamic character
Write clearly, concisely, and accurately in response to analytical questioning
Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims
Support the development of high school and college close reading skills with this assessment on John Collier’s short story “The Chaser.” A variety of question types facilitates the process of analyzing the author’s craft, applying knowledge of literary devices, identifying relevant and compelling textual evidence to support claims, and more. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging in this exercise, students will…
Discern what is stated in the text explicitly and implicitly
Analyze the author’s choice of words to discern the intended effect of language
Explore how the protagonist is characterized
Discern the tone of dialogue in context
Apply knowledge of satire to the plot
Apply knowledge of literary devices to the text
Analyze dialogue to discern what is implied
Analyze dialogue to discern one of its primary functions in the story
Identify an example of figurative language in the text
Isolate a false statement concerning plot from factual ones
Help high school students analyze how John Collier used direct description (setting and characterization), figurative language (euphemism, metaphor, and simile), and foreshadowing to develop a compelling work of fantasy in “The Chaser.” Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this resource serves well for an independent learning opportunity, as well as for small-group discussions. Through such discussions, students may evaluate peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to support claims, clarifying or challenging ideas as needed. An answer key is included.
Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering the short story “The Portable Phonograph” by Walter van Tilburg Clark. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable 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.
By completing this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly
Analyze the significance of the season in the context of the plot
Make logical inferences about the dugout’s significance to the plot
Analyze the thematic importance of a given detail
Analyze how complex characters interact and develop
Explore the author’s use of language
Discern the most relevant theme
Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering the classic fairy tale “Tom Thumb” by the Brothers Grimm. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable 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.
By completing this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Determine the function of a given detail
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including aphorism, dramatic irony, foreshadowing, idiom, invective, situational irony, and more
Explore themes in context
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Anton Chekhov’s short story “The Lady with the Dog.” The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with literature. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
Setting
Gurov’s occupation
Gurov’s initial impressions of Anna
Gurov’s unfaithfulness
How Gurov tries to appeal to Anna
Anna’s self-image
Gurov’s reaction to Anna’s vulnerability
Gurov’s philosophy on life
A letter Anna receives
What surprises Gurov when he returns to Moscow
A reunion between Gurov and Anna
Anna’s assessment of her relationship with Gurov
The resolution
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Willa Cather’s short story titled 'The Sentimentality of William Tavener." The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
Character descriptions with emphasis on personality types
The type of business the couple runs and its effect on their marriage
Interactions between complex characters
Details of the couple’s past
How sharing memories brings about meaningful change
Dynamic character
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Stephen Vincent Benet’s short story titled “By the Waters of Babylon.” The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
The protagonist’s community
Societal expectations
The destruction of the Place of the Gods
A valuable resource
Restrictions on who may access the valuable resource
A sign that indicates to the protagonist that she should travel
The protagonist’s personal motivations
The protagonist’s philosophy on life
Setting
The former inhabitants of the Place of the Gods
Theme
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Gina Berriault’s short story “The Stone Boy.” The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
The age of the protagonist
Eugie’s relation to Arnold
Arnold’s intentions
The cause of a significant complication
The nature of Eugie’s death
Arnold’s immediate response to Eugie’s death
Arnold’s response to a question about not contacting authorities
The sheriff’s beliefs
The identity of a family member who agrees with the sheriff
The effect of a conversation among neighbors on Arnold
The root of Arnold’s concern in the resolution
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Fritz Leiber’s science fiction short story titled “Mariana.” The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with literature. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
Mariana’s feelings toward the tall pine trees around her house
Jonathan’s comments on the origin of the pine trees
Jonathan’s condescension toward Mariana
Mariana’s decision to switch off the trees and her observations about the landscape
Mariana’s attempt to cheer herself up
The breaking of a switch
The consequences of Mariana’s decision to switch the house off
Jonathan’s extreme reaction to Mariana’s decision
Where Mariana finds herself near the story’s resolution
The revelation of a sixth (and final) switch and its significance.
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Saki’s short story “The Open Window.” The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
The reason for Framton’s visit to the country
The concern of Framton’s sister
The nature of the relationship between Framton and Mrs. Sappleton
Vera’s relation to Mrs. Sappleton
The details of Vera’s fanciful story
Mrs. Sappleton’s general disposition toward Framton
The reason for Framton’s aprupt departure
Vera’s storytelling to conclude the narrative
Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering the science fiction short story “The Star” by H.G. Wells. A detailed answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable 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.
By completing this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Describe tone in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including alliteration, personification, simile, and more
Generate a relevant theme and support how it is developed
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “Contents of the Dead Man’s Pocket” by Jack Finney. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
Setting
The protagonist’s career
The wife’s location
The reason the protagonist does not go with his wife
Complications facing the protagonist
The protagonist’s efforts to gain attention
The psychological state of the protagonist
The resolution
Situational irony
Theme