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, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the short story “The Kiss” by Anton Chekhov. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the public domain narrative, and answer keys 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 engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Make logical inferences about the author’s interests based on a given passage
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Discern the function of a given character
Apply knowledge of literary devices including alliteration, dynamic character, epiphany, foreshadowing, imagery, invective, personification, and more
Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the classic fairy tale “Snow White and Rose Red” by the Brothers Grimm. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the public domain short story, and answer keys 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 engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, invective, onomatopoeia, simile, 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, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the short story “The Portable Phonograph” by Walter van Tilburg Clark. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, and answer keys 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 engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
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
Consider themes in context
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the classic fairy tale “Tom Thumb” by the Brothers Grimm. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the public domain short story, and answer keys 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 engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Infer 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, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the short story 'The Bet" by Anton Chekhov. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the public domain narrative, and answer keys 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 engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Infer 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
Discern the function of a given character
Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, personification, and situational irony
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, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the short story “The Devil and Tom Walker” by Washington Irving. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, and answer keys 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 engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Explore cause-and-effect relationships
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on situational irony
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, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the short story “The Dinner Party” by Mona Gardner. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
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
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
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 epiphany, metaphor, simile, and situational irony
Conduct research online in order to answer questions related to plot
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, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the short story “Home” by Gwendolyn Brooks. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, and answer keys 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 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
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Contrast the characters of Helen and Maud Martha
Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor and situational irony
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, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching Sandra Cisneros’ short story titled “Three Wise Guys: Un Cuento de Navidad.” A plot-based quiz, close reading analysis worksheet, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, word search game, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
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
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including idiom, metaphor, onomatopoeia, oxymoron, and personification
Consider themes in context
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about coming-of-age fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching Louise Erdrich’s short story “The Leap.” A plot-based quiz, close reading analysis worksheet, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, word search game, and answer keys 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 engaging with these activities, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly
Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Consider the multiple possible meanings of the story’s title
Isolate examples of figurative language used in the text
Discern the intended effect of the author’s narrative techniques
Explore how the author conveys a sense of liveliness and urgency
Determine the function of a given excerpt
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Evaluate general reading comprehension, support critical thinking, and promote homework accountability with this bundle of formative assessments covering Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Murders in the Rue Morgue.” A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the public domain narrative, and answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in printable 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:
Make a logical inference based on the narrative’s title
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Discern the intended effect of the author’s language in context
Determine the function of the narrative’s point of view
Consider the effects of the author’s narrative techniques
Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed
Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Contrast the characterizations of the protagonist and the police
Apply knowledge of literary devices with an emphasis on red herring and symbolism
Evaluate general reading comprehension, support critical thinking, and promote homework accountability with this bundle of formative assessments covering Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story “The Wives of the Dead,” a piece addressing themes of grief and illusion. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the public domain narrative, and answer keys are included. 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 engaging with these materials, students will perform the following tasks:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Discern the narrative’s point of view
Describe tone in context
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Compare and contrast the protagonists
Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion, ambiguity, dramatic irony, and situational irony
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Embrace the Halloween season (no matter what time of year), evaluate general reading comprehension, and sharpen critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the dark Grimm’s fairy tale “The Juniper Tree.” A plot-based quiz, a close reading worksheet, a literary craft analysis activity, the short story, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will:
Read for literal comprehension
Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings
Isolate examples of compelling sensory description
Infer the intended effects of the authors’ word choices and narrative techniques
Determine the function of a given passage
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including allusion, black humor, dramatic irony, foreshadowing, onomatopoeia, personification, and more
Make connections between elements of the story and aspects of the modern-day Halloween season
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
Measure reading comprehension and support analysis of Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger (chapters 1-2) with this bundle, which features a plot-based quiz and close reading exercises. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in both 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.
Copyright restrictions prohibit the inclusion of complete literary works, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with access to the novel.
By engaging in these exercises, students will:
Articulate what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Explain the significance of a given detail
Write with clarity, logic, and precision
Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims
Analyze the author’s craft to discern how language contributes to the narrator’s psychological state
Explore character motivations
Analyze the author’s craft to discern how Holden attempts to control the readers’ impressions of him
Analyze the significance of Holden’s allusion to David Copperfield in terms of how it establishes his character
Analyze Holden’s use of figurative language to discern meaning
Identify the factors that contribute to Holden’s perceptions of Selma
Consider plot developments from Holden’s point of view, articulating why it is not a big deal that he has been expelled from school
Identify several examples of colloquial language
Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor and overstatement
Identify textual details that convey Holden’s sense of isolation
Identify context clues that suggest Holden’s family is wealthy
Articulate what makes Holden’s visit to see Mr. Spencer unsettling
Explore how Holden’s interactions with adults contribute to his self-worth
Interpret idiomatic expressions in context
Analyze Mr. Spencer’s motivations
Analyze Holden’s curiosities about ducks and what they reveal about his moral compass
Identify and explain an example of situational irony
Infer how Holden feels about the idea of getting older
Analyze the phrase “good luck” from Holden’s perspective
Articulate a primary function of chapter two
Measure reading comprehension and support analysis of Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger (chapters 16-17) with this bundle, which features a plot-based quiz and rigorous close reading worksheets. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in both 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.
Copyright restrictions prohibit the inclusion of complete literary works, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with access to the novel.
By engaging in these exercises, students will:
Articulate what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Write with clarity, logic, and precision
Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims
Explore character motivations
Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on hyperbole and irony
Define complex words and phrases in context
Analyze the portrayal of complex characters
Measure reading comprehension and support analysis of Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger (chapters 5-6) with this bundle, which features a plot-based quiz and close reading exercises. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in both 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.
Copyright restrictions prohibit the inclusion of complete literary works, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with access to the novel.
By engaging in these exercises, students will:
Articulate what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Explain the significance of a given detail
Write with clarity, logic, and precision
Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims
Analyze Holden to discern his motivations for inviting Ackley to the movies and for not chucking the snowball at snow-covered objects
Analyze the author’s craft to discern what the placement of a particular sentence reflects about Holden’s mindset
Identify details that support the claim that Allie is a nonconformist, both by choice and chance
Apply knowledge of hyperbole
Demonstrate knowledge of Holden’s superstitious tendencies
Articulate the reason Holden did not break the windows of the station wagon
Articulate the unintended consequence of an action
Analyze what makes a particular paragraph emotionally impactful
Articulate how Holden’s traumas have affected him
Explain why it is unfair for Stradlater to be so mad at Holden over the composition
Articulate why Stradlater’s criticism of Holden is hypocritical
Articulate why Holden is offended by a particular remark
Identify what provokes a physical altercation
Analyze how Holden interprets Stradlater’s rejection of the composition
Articulate the implied motivation for Holden to visit Ackley
Measure reading comprehension and support analysis of Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger (chapters 3-4) with this bundle, which features a plot-based quiz and close reading exercises. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in both 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.
Copyright restrictions prohibit the inclusion of complete literary works, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with access to the novel.
By engaging in these exercises, students will:
Articulate what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Explain the significance of a given detail
Write with clarity, logic, and precision
Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims
Articulate how old Ossenburger acquired his wealth
Infer the reason for Holden’s interest in the novel Out of Africa
Identify what type of literature most appeals to Holden
Articulate why Holden feels like a failure
Identify examples of Holden’s sarcasm and dark humor
Explore Holden’s intellectual curiosity
Compare the characters of Holden and Ackley
Compare the plot of chapter 2 to chapter 3
Identify what Holden does to Ackley that he did not appreciate Mr. Spencer doing to him
Articulate a primary function of the chapter
Identify examples of Holden’s generosity
Articulate the meaning of “secret slob” in the context of Stradlater’s behavior
Demonstrate awareness of Holden’s status as an unreliable narrator
Explore the significance of Jane’s checkers-playing behavior in Holden’s mind
Articulate the reason(s) for Holden’s hostility toward Stradlater
Demonstrate awareness of Holden’s struggle to convey the importance of information to Stradlater
Analyze how Stradlater’s actions and statements reflect the trait of carelessness
Analyze the author’s craft to discern how the narrator’s tone influences the readers perceptions of other characters
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this bundle of materials for teaching “Games at Twilight” by Anita Desai, a short story about a young boy whose youthful determination and immaturity lead to a difficult outcome he is not prepared to process emotionally or intellectually. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings
Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Infer the intended effects of the author’s stylistic choices and narrative techniques
Discern the function of given detail
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, personification, foreshadowing, imagery, paradox, situational irony, dramatic 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
Crime fiction appeals to many high school readers and maximizes engagement with literature. “Lamb to the Slaughter” by Roald Dahl is a darkly comedic short story belonging to a subgenre called revenge fantasy, as it details a husband’s murder at the hands of his wife (and the frozen leg of a lamb). This bundle helps English teachers evaluate reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and support critical thinking. It includes a plot-based quiz, close reading analysis worksheet, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, word search game, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.
Students will perform the following tasks:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences
Discern the narrative’s inciting incident
Analyze the setting and its immediate effect on the audience
Determine the tone of a given passage
Examine how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact
Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony, foreshadowing, ambiguity, and more
Discern the most relevant theme from among several options
Argue whether Mary is portrayed as an intelligent individual
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about fictional texts with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
With this bundle of high school resources for teaching “The Wife’s Story” by Ursula K. Le Guin, educators may conveniently measure general reading comprehension with a quiz on character and plot. Additionally, teachers will be able to support their students through the process of analyzing the author’s craft, helping readers identify textual details that evoke the reader’s sympathy and examples of literary devices that contribute to a tense mood and surprising outcome. Lastly, teachers will be able to support high-order thinking with analysis questions. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
This resource may facilitate 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 engaging with these materials, students will perform the following tasks:
Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly
Apply knowledge of anaphora to the text
Articulate how anaphora contributes to the narrator’s characterization
Analyze the narrator’s statements to infer details about her husband
Discern meaning in less familiar words and phrases, taking into consideration the context of the passage
Analyze an excerpt to discern tone in context
Analyze an excerpt to discern and articulate the narrator’s internal conflict
Apply knowledge of simile to the text
Articulate the significance of the narrator’s “grief howl”
Analyze character statements and actions to discern and articulate character motivations
Analyze the term “blessed dark” to discern and articulate what it conveys about the narrator’s mindset
Cite and explain textual details that evoke a sense of sympathy within readers
Revisit the text to identify details that foreshadow the major revelation near the story’s conclusion
Analyze the author’s craft to explain how language contributes to the major revelation near the story’s conclusion
Write with clarity and precision