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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.
"The Lady with the Dog" by Anton Chekhov Close Reading Worksheet
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"The Lady with the Dog" by Anton Chekhov Close Reading Worksheet

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Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet covering Anton Chekhov’s short story “The Lady with the Dog.” An answer key and a copy of the public domain narrative 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 Utilize dictionaries to ensure knowledge of word meanings Describe the tone of a given passage Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Discern the functions of a given character and a given passage Apply knowledge of literary devices including auditory imagery, invective, metaphor, onomatopoeia, personification, simile, situational irony, and more Consider 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
"The Yellow Wallpaper" Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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"The Yellow Wallpaper" Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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Help high school students extend beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet covering the short story “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative 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 functions of given details Describe tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare characters in the story Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, imagery, personification, symbolism, situational irony, dramatic irony, and more Consider themes in context Conduct research on the author’s life in order to draw autobiographical parallels 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
Dracula by Bram Stoker Test and Answer Key with Study Guide
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Dracula by Bram Stoker Test and Answer Key with Study Guide

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With this summative test covering the entirety of Dracula by Bram Stoker, English teachers will evaluate students’ reading comprehension, essay writing skills, and ability to analyze key aspects of plot. Included are the following: an answer key, standards-based writing rubric, and test prep study guide. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will: Demonstrate knowledge of primary and secondary characters and the key aspects of their lives Demonstrate knowledge of significant events that take place throughout the novel Evaluate substantive quotations for deeper meaning Respond to an essay prompt about the effects of fear and curiosity on characters in the novel Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims made in an academic essay
"The Wolf and the Fox" by the Brothers Grimm Quiz and Close Reading Bundle
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"The Wolf and the Fox" by the Brothers Grimm Quiz and Close Reading Bundle

2 Resources
Evaluate reading comprehension, support the development of critical thinking skills, and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this bundle for teaching the classic Grimm’s fairy tale “The Wolf and the Fox,” a cautionary story about the consequences of impulsiveness. A plot-based quiz, close reading analysis worksheet, the public domain short story, and answer keys are included. The brevity of the narrative helps to fill awkward gaps in the teaching schedule, while the supporting activity upholds rigor in the classroom. 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. By engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed Discern the intended effect of word choices in context Determine the function of a given excerpt Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare and contrast the two primary characters Apply knowledge of literary devices with an emphasis on situational irony Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about fairy tale fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
"The Spindle, the Shuttle, and the Needle" by the Brothers Grimm Quiz and Close Reading Bundle
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"The Spindle, the Shuttle, and the Needle" by the Brothers Grimm Quiz and Close Reading Bundle

2 Resources
Evaluate reading comprehension, support the development of critical thinking skills, and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this bundle for teaching the classic Grimm’s fairy tale “The Spindle, the Shuttle, and the Needle,” a narrative addressing the values of hard work and devotion. A plot-based quiz, close reading analysis worksheet, the public domain short story, and answer keys are included. The brevity of the narrative helps to fill awkward gaps in the teaching schedule, while the supporting activities uphold rigor in the classroom. 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. By engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Choose the most appropriate synonym to replace a given word Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed Discern the intended effect of narrative techniques in context Determine the function of a given excerpt Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of several literary devices including alliteration, assonance, hyperbole, euphemism, oxymoron, hypophora, personification, paradox, and situational irony Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about fairy tale fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
"Cat and Mouse in Partnership" by the Brothers Grimm Quiz and Close Reading Bundle
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"Cat and Mouse in Partnership" by the Brothers Grimm Quiz and Close Reading Bundle

2 Resources
Evaluate reading comprehension, support the development of critical thinking skills, and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this bundle for teaching the classic Grimm’s fairy tale “Cat and Mouse in Partnership,” a cautionary story about manipulative and predatory behavior. A plot-based quiz, close reading analysis worksheet, the public domain short story, and answer keys are included. The brevity of the narrative helps to fill awkward gaps in the teaching schedule, while the supporting activities uphold rigor in the classroom. 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. By engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed Discern the intended effect of word choices in context Determine the function of a given excerpt Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices with an emphasis on foreshadowing, pun, verbal irony, situational irony, and more Explore how details in the text contribute to the superstition that cats are agents of evil Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about fairy tale fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
"Grandmother" by Hans Christian Andersen Quiz and Close Reading Bundle
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"Grandmother" by Hans Christian Andersen Quiz and Close Reading Bundle

2 Resources
Evaluate reading comprehension, support the development of critical thinking skills, and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this bundle for teaching Hans Christian Andersen’s short story “Grandmother,” which centers on themes of appreciating one’s elders and the fleeting nature of physical life. A plot-based quiz, close reading analysis worksheet, the public domain short story, and answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Determine the function of a given excerpt Describe the tone of the complete text Discern the intended effects of figurative language and other narrative techniques Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including alliteration, sibilance, irony, symbolism, imagery, metaphor, and more Explore themes in context Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
"The Old Tombstone" by Hans Christian Andersen Quiz and Close Reading Bundle
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"The Old Tombstone" by Hans Christian Andersen Quiz and Close Reading Bundle

2 Resources
Evaluate reading comprehension, support the development of critical thinking skills, and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this bundle for teaching Hans Christian Andersen’s short story “The Old Tombstone,” a narrative that conveys a method by which beauty may always exist in the world despite humanity’s tendency to be ruinous. A plot-based quiz, close reading analysis worksheet, the public domain short story, and answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Consider the greater significance of given details Discern the tone of a given excerpt Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, symbolism, and situational irony Conduct brief research as needed to convey how modern memorial services are different from those in the 1800s Explore themes in context Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about complex literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
"The Fox and the Cat" by the Brothers Grimm Quiz and Close Reading Bundle
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"The Fox and the Cat" by the Brothers Grimm Quiz and Close Reading Bundle

2 Resources
Evaluate reading comprehension, support the development of critical thinking skills, and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this bundle for teaching the classic Grimm’s fairy tale “The Fox and the Cat,” a cautionary story about hubris and its consequences. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, the public domain short story, and answer keys are included. The brevity of the narrative helps to fill awkward gaps in the teaching schedule, while the supporting activity upholds rigor in the classroom. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Describe the tone of a given excerpt Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed Discern the intended effect of figurative language in context Consider the greater significance of a given detail Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices with an emphasis on hubris, invective, and metaphor Explore themes in context
"The Goose Girl" by the Brothers Grimm Quiz and Close Reading Bundle
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"The Goose Girl" by the Brothers Grimm Quiz and Close Reading Bundle

2 Resources
Evaluate reading comprehension, support the development of critical thinking skills, and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this bundle for teaching the classic Grimm’s fairy tale “The Goose Girl,” which centers on the themes of greed and karma. A plot-based quiz, close reading analysis worksheet, the public domain short story, and answer keys are 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. By engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Indicate the greater significance of given details Select the most appropriate synonym to replace a word as it is used in the text Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed Discern the intended effect language and narrative techniques Examine how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Discern the function of a particular character in terms of advancing plot Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification, metaphor, hyperbole, callback, situational irony, and more Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about fairy tale fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
"The Raven" by the Brothers Grimm Quiz and Close Reading Worksheet Bundle
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"The Raven" by the Brothers Grimm Quiz and Close Reading Worksheet Bundle

2 Resources
Evaluate reading comprehension, support the development of critical thinking skills, and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this bundle for teaching the classic Grimm’s fairy tale “The Raven,” which centers on the themes of persistence and resilience. A plot-based quiz, close reading analysis worksheet, the public domain short story, and answer keys are 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. By engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the function of a given excerpt Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, hyperbole, pun, paradox, symbolism, and more Explore relevant themes in context Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about fairy tale fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Halloween Research Project and Speech Materials for High School ELA
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Halloween Research Project and Speech Materials for High School ELA

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Complement a unit on Gothic fiction and embrace the harvest season with this low-prep, standards-based research project addressing 33 topics directly and indirectly related to Halloween: ancient celebrations, holidays, and practices (Samhain, Lemuria, guising, souling, and more); more recent traditions (Guy Fawkes Night, the history of trick-or-treating, and the history of pumpkin carving); myths, legends, and superstitions (Jack O’Lantern, the Beast of Bray Road, Mothman, and more); medical conditions (“werewolf syndrome,” “walking corpse syndrome,” and “vampire disease”); historical figures (Vlad the Impaler, John Hathorne, Sarah Good, and more); and Halloween-inspired authors (Ray Bradbury, Edgar Allan Poe, Mary Shelley, H.P. Lovecraft, and more). Supporting materials—including a detailed scoring rubric—are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Ultimately, students will perform the following tasks: Collect and classify reliable sources on an assigned topic Develop successful methods of recording information Evaluate the credibility of nonfiction texts, taking into consideration readability, date, relevance, expertise, and bias Apply conventions of MLA formatting Correctly site resources to avoid plagiarism Organize information in a cohesive manner, using a note-taking system that includes summary, paraphrasing, and quoted material Analyze, synthesize, and integrate information, generating a thoughtfully comprehensive report, free of generalities and redundancies Present information in a formal, coherent manner
"The Emissary" by Ray Bradbury Quiz and Close Reading Bundle
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"The Emissary" by Ray Bradbury Quiz and Close Reading Bundle

2 Resources
Evaluate general reading comprehension, support critical thinking, and promote homework accountability with this bundle of formative assessments covering Ray Bradbury’s short story “The Emissary,” a piece of special appeal to high school students interested in Halloween, supernatural fiction, and the meaningful bond between humans and their pets. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, and answer keys are 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. By engaging with these materials, students will perform the following tasks: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the intended effect of the author’s language in context Consider the effects of the author’s narrative techniques Describe tone in context Verify interpretations of language, using reference materials as needed Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices with an emphasis on foreshadowing, personification, onomatopoeia, simile, metaphor, callback, and more Conduct brief research on Halloween’s history to answer a question pertaining to the season’s relevance to the plot Support claims and inferences with relevant evidence and sound reasoning Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
"Graves and Goblins" by Nathaniel Hawthorne Quiz and Close Reading Bundle
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"Graves and Goblins" by Nathaniel Hawthorne Quiz and Close Reading Bundle

2 Resources
Evaluate general reading comprehension, support critical thinking, and promote homework accountability with this bundle of formative assessments covering Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story “Graves and Goblins,” a piece of special appeal to high school students interested in Halloween, supernatural fiction, and the relationship between the living and the dead. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, the public domain narrative, and answer keys are 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. By engaging with these materials, students will perform the following tasks: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Consider the effects of the author’s language and narrative techniques Define complex words as they are used in the text Verify interpretations of language, using reference materials as needed Discern tone in context Classify the narrative as an example of a particular genre Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices with an emphasis on metaphor, euphemism, personification, and more
Ender's Game Chapters 11 through 13 Quiz and Close Reading Activity Bundle
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Ender's Game Chapters 11 through 13 Quiz and Close Reading Activity Bundle

2 Resources
Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this bundle of assessments covering chapters 11 through 13 of Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card. Included are the following: a plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, and answer keys. These activities eliminate the need for take-home assessment planning without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. Answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Examine nuances in words with similar meanings Discern the greater significance of given details Make logical inferences about the author’s thinking in context Consider historical context when answering questions about plot Discern the intended effects of given details Determine the function of a given character or chapter Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including euphemism, pun, ambiguity, foreshadowing, rhetorical question, dramatic irony, and verbal irony, Explore themes in context Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Ender's Game Chapters 9 and 10 Quiz and Close Reading Activity Bundle
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Ender's Game Chapters 9 and 10 Quiz and Close Reading Activity Bundle

2 Resources
Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this bundle of assessments covering chapters 9 and 10 of Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card. Included are the following: a plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, and answer keys. These activities eliminate the need for take-home assessment planning without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. Answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Examine nuances in words with similar meanings Discern the greater significance of given details Make logical inferences about the author’s thinking in context Consider historical context when answering questions about plot Discern the intended effects of given details Determine the function of a given detail Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including epiphany, dramatic irony, situational irony, and more Explore themes in context
Ender's Game Chapters 14 and 15 Quiz and Close Reading Activity Bundle
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Ender's Game Chapters 14 and 15 Quiz and Close Reading Activity Bundle

2 Resources
Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this bundle of assessments covering chapters 14 and 15 of Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card. Included are the following: a plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, and answer keys. These activities eliminate the need for take-home assessment planning without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. Answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Examine nuances in words with similar meanings Discern the greater significance and intended effects of given details Make logical inferences about the author’s thinking in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Consider the symbolism associated with Mazer Rackham Apply knowledge of literary devices with an emphasis on situational irony Explore themes in context
Ender's Game Chapters 1 and 2 Quiz and Close Reading Activity Bundle
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Ender's Game Chapters 1 and 2 Quiz and Close Reading Activity Bundle

2 Resources
Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this bundle of assessments covering chapters 1 and 2 of Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card. These activities eliminate the need for take-home assessment planning without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. Answer keys are provided. These resources 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 activities 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 do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Discern the greater significance of a given detail Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare and contrast characters (Ender and Peter) Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on simile, metaphor, and invective Determine the intended effect of the author’s stylistic choices
Ender's Game Chapters 3 and 4 Quiz and Close Reading Activity Bundle
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Ender's Game Chapters 3 and 4 Quiz and Close Reading Activity Bundle

2 Resources
Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this bundle of assessments covering chapters 3 and 4 of Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card. These activities eliminate the need for take-home assessment planning without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. Answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. These resources 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 activities 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 do the following: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define challenging words and phrases as they are used in the text Explore nuances in words with similar meanings Discern the greater significance of given details Determine the intended effect of the author’s stylistic choices Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Discern the tone of a given excerpt Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on slang, personification, metaphor, and simile Explore themes in context
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card Literature Circle Activities
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Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card Literature Circle Activities

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Facilitate active participation in small-group discussions of science fiction literature with this set of literature circle materials for teaching Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card. The following are included: a handout detailing student roles, documentation logs to hold students accountable for their tasks, and a standards-based rubric for scoring student performances. Materials are delivered in both Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these literature circle materials, students will do the following: Articulate key details from the story Generate open-ended questions related to the novel in order to carry out meaningful discussions with peers Respond thoughtfully to open-ended questions and others’ contributions to the discussion Document ways in which the novel is consistent with aspects of modern society Locate specific passages and/or quotations that relate to major themes and concepts such as those relating to technology, space travel, the military, and the value of independent thinking Artistically convey important information from the assigned reading Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision