Save time without sacrificing rigor by utilizing resources designed for teachers to measure their students' skills in areas such as close reading, analytical thinking, and creative writing.
Save time without sacrificing rigor by utilizing resources designed for teachers to measure their students' skills in areas such as close reading, analytical thinking, and creative writing.
Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this set of rigorous questions about Shakespeare’s Othello. Focusing on Act 3, scene 3, this resource may serve as the basis for 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. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
By completing this exercise, students will:
Analyze what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Discern the meaning of complex words and phrases in context
Analyze how complex characters interact
Explore character motivations
Demonstrate knowledge of multiple literary devices including dramatic irony, verbal irony, situational irony, and metaphor
Make logical inferences in context
Discern the tone of a given excerpt
Support claims with relevant textual evidence and valid reasoning
Write with clarity and precision
Help high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 1, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s King Lear. Delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, this worksheet saves English Language Arts teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided.
This resource may facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will improve their ability to present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly and convincingly.
By engaging with this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Define words/phrases as they are used in context
Verify interpretations of language using reference materials
Explore nuances in words with similar meanings
Describe tone in context
Consider the greater significance of given details
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including alliteration and situational irony
Conduct brief research on mythological and historical subjects
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Promote high school close reading skills and analysis of Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice with this resource. A variety of high-order question types facilitates the process of analyzing character motivations, examining how word choices influence a reader’s interpretations, applying knowledge of literary devices, and articulating ideas in writing with clarity and precision. A detailed answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
This resource may serve as the basis for small-group discussions. Through these discussions, students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development, demonstrating an ability to analyze how complex characters transform and advance the plot and themes by applying logic and citing compelling, meaningful textual evidence. They will also evaluate their peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to advance claims, clarifying or challenging unclear ideas. Using this resource for structured guidance, students, ultimately, will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking.
Specifically, questions pertain to the following:
Discerning what the text says implicitly and explicitly
Analyzing the symbolic significance of rain and articulating how acts of mercy are like rain, according to the perspective of Portia
Analyzing character dialogue to draw reasoned inferences about the power of mercy
Activating prior knowledge regarding Christians’ past treatment of Shylock
Analyzing character behaviors to discern and articulate their motives
Analyzing cause-and-effect relationships
Analyzing a portion of the passage to discern its tone in context
Applying knowledge of situational irony to the passage
Isolating a false statement from accurate details
Writing with clarity, logic, and precision
Citing textual evidence in support of claims
Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and facilitate analysis of Shakespeare’s craft with this close reading worksheet covering Act 2, scene 1, of The Tempest. 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 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 effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Describe the tone of a particular excerpt
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Compare two characters (Antonio and Sebastian)
Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on situational irony
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works
Help high school students extend beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering chapter 1 of Animal Farm by George Orwell. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, this worksheet saves English Language Arts teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. By completing this exercise, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification and verisimilitude
Make logical inferences about the author’s intent
Identify the greater significance of a given detail
Discern the main function of a given passage
Write about literature with clarity and precision
Conduct brief research on the beliefs of German philosopher Karl Marx
Articulate whether Major’s speech reflects a belief in Marxist ideology
Articulate how the author incorporates humor into his writing
Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims
Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this complete bundle of worksheets composed of inference questions covering every individual scene in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. These resources will encourage students to analyze how complex characters develop, explore character motivations, interpret figurative expressions, apply knowledge of literary devices, develop greater confidence in decoding Shakespearean language, and much more. Answer keys are included. All materials are delivered in a zip file containing printable Word Document and PDF versions.
Use these resources for independent or small group engagement with the text; they may lead to thoughtful discussions that contribute meaningfully to a culture of active learning in high school English classrooms. With these instructional materials, students will demonstrate the following:
An ability to define complex vocabulary in context
An ability to analyze context clues and draw logical inferences about character motivations
An ability to analyze context clues and draw logical inferences about character relationships
An ability to analyze the text for literary devices such as foreshadowing, situational irony, dramatic irony, theme, symbolism, dynamic character, and more
An ability to identify the function of a particular passage
An ability to find and articulate relevant textual details in support of a claim
An ability to analyze context clues to discern and articulate the significance of a given detail
An ability to articulate what the text indicates both explicitly and implicitly
An ability to write with clarity and precision
Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions on Ray Bradbury’s short story “There Will Come Soft Rains,” which makes a fitting inclusion to a dystopian-themed short story unit at the high school level. An answer key is included. 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
Cite ample textual evidence of personification
Analyze the author’s narrative technique to discern the effect personification has on the reader
Identify and describe several advanced technologies incorporated in the narrative
Draw parallels to currently existing technologies
Locate textual evidence to support claims about the fate of humanity
Identify numerous examples of sensory language
Discern and articulate compelling and relevant themes
Write with clarity and precision
Support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions for The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. With questions covering chapters 1 through 5, this worksheet saves teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable Word Documents and PDFs.
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 do not allow for novel content to be included, so the purchaser is responsible for providing students with the text.
By completing this exercise, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Analyze how complex characters develop and interact
Explore the significance of a given detail
Discern the function of a particular chapter
Analyze differences and nuances in word meanings
Explore the author’s intent
Articulate the contradictory nature of a given term as it is used in the text
Isolate an illogical statement from a set of logical statements
Explore character motivations
Determine the tone of a given quote
Apply knowledge of literary devices such as anaphora
Explore how language is used as a manipulative tool
Write about literature with clarity and precision
Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 3, scene 2, of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word and phrase meanings
Infer 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 such as dramatic irony and oxymoronic language
Conduct brief research on a variety of subjects including allusions to obscure mythological creatures
Support claims or inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works
This assessment measures general reading comprehension, gathers formative data to inform instructional planning, and holds students accountable for the assigned reading of King Lear by Shakespeare (Act 3). An answer key is included. The material is delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following relevant details:
Character motivations (King of France)
The application of metaphor in the text
Analysis of King Lear as a dynamic character and articulating relevant textual evidence
A character’s treasonous actions
Significant details about Gloucester
King Lear’s epiphany regarding his treatment of struggling subjects
Edgar’s deceptive behavior
The application of dramatic irony in the text
Edmund as the new Earl of Gloucester
Displays of King Lear’s mental decline
Regan’s display of disrespect toward Gloucester
Cornwall’s cruel and violent acts
Cornwall’s injury
Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills for high school with this set of rigorous questions about Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Focusing on Act 1, scene 5, this resource is delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. An answer key is included. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact
Discern the tone of a given excerpt
Explore nuances in words with similar meanings
Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on metaphor
Defend claims with reasoned thinking and relevant textual evidence
Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class/leave class better prepared to discuss literary materials
Extend comprehension and support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of analytical questions on chapters 4 through 6 of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. With this resource, high school English teachers can save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key and copy of the public domain chapters are included. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. More specifically, students will be able to:
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 including dramatic irony
Define complex words and phrases in context
Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed
Analyze the author’s craft
Articulate what diction reveals about the narrator’s psychological state
Make logical inferences about how the narrator perceives himself as he works toward generating life
Analyze the contradictory nature of Victor Frankenstein
Isolate a falsehood from accurate statements about plot
Infer the cause of Victor’s disturbing dream
Draw parallels between Coleridge’s Ancient Mariner and Shelley’s Frankenstein
Explore Henry’s compassion and selflessness
Explore the interactions of complex characters
Discern the function of a given paragraph
This 30-slide PowerPoint presentation complements a unit on memory devices and study skills for high school freshmen. The following concepts are covered in a visually pleasing manner:
- Memory (includes 3 brief memory exercises requiring students to attempt to remember 13 items; this always lends itself to great follow-up discussion on memory devices students used to meet their goal)
- Aspects of Short-term and Long-term Memory
- Stages of Memory
- Numbers and Why They Tend to Frustrate the Brain
- Ebbinghaus's Memory Curve (a.k.a. "Forgetting Curve")
- Contributing Factors that Influence Retention of Information
- Flashbulb Memory
- The Importance of Reviewing Information Over Time
- Memory Devices
- Mnemonics
- Acronyms
- Chunking
- Grouping
- Repetition
- Flashcards
- Imagery & Visualization
Help high school students extend beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 1, scene 1, of Hamlet by William Shakespeare. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, this worksheet saves English Language Arts teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided.
This resource may facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will improve their ability to present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly and convincingly.
By engaging with this resource, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Discern the tone of a given passage
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Analyze plot from a historical context
Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing
Identify context clues that suggest Horatio’s opinion on supernatural occurrences is correct
Explore themes with emphasis on humanity’s relationship with the universe
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 3, scene 3, of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this exercise, students will:
Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly
Define challenging words as they are used in the text
Discern tone in context
Examine cause-and-effect relationships
Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including callback and situational irony
Explain the symbolism of the extinguished light
Support inferences and claims with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
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 Othello. With a focus on Act 2, scene 1, 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, 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:
Discern tone in context
Explore character motivations
Discern the meaning of complex words and phrases in context
Analyze the author’s craft, discerning how Shakespeare’s language influences the audience’s perception of Iago
Locate textual evidence in support of claims
Apply knowledge of figurative language to the text
Promote homework accountability and evaluate general reading comprehension with this quiz covering Act 2 of Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. 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:
Morocco’s wooing of Portia
The consequences facing any man who fails to solve a riddle
Launcelot’s feelings toward Shylock
Old Gobbo’s condition
Launcelot’s crass behavior
Bassanio’s generosity toward Launcelot
Gratiano’s reputation
Jessica’s promise to Lorenzo
Launcelot’s service to Lorenzo and Jessica
Jessica’s willingness to behave criminally
Jessica’s discomfort with her appearance
A sign that the “right” casket is chosen
Aragon’s intent
The identity of a young visitor
This worksheet features 62 common roots and formatives. Students will define each root or formative, using context and available resources (e.g., dictionaries, internet). Also, students will form words by combining roots and formatives.
LEARNING TARGETS:
1. Students will determine the meanings of common word roots.
2. Students will apply knowledge of word roots by combining word roots and creating new words.
3. Students will discern meanings of common formatives using context clues.
This grammar worksheet helps middle and high school students understand the importance of communicating ideas objectivity and logically, as opposed to using emotionally charged, manipulative language. By engaging with this resource, students will practice isolating examples of loaded language (also known as emotive and high-inference language) from more appropriate, accurate alternatives, and vice versa. Featuring 20 opportunities to practice, this editable product is recommended for middle and high school students who are enrolled in composition classes emphasizing rudimentary writing skills. An answer key is included.
Reduce teacher workload, measure reading comprehension, and promote homework accountability with this quiz on chapter six of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Questions pertain to the following important plot details:
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