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.
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 2, 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
Determine several functions of a particular excerpt
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
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 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 go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 2, scene 2, of Twelfth Night 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.
With this close reading activity, students will do the following:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Examine nuances in words with similar meanings
Explore cause-and-effect relationships
Discern tone in context
Discern the intended effect of Shakespeare’s choices related to characterization
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification and situational irony
Help high school students extend beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 4, 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.
More specifically, students will do the following:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Discern the intended effect of Shakespearean language in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Discern the tone of a given passage
Apply knowledge of literary devices including verbal irony, sibilance, personification, consonance, and inversion
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
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
Support the development of close reading skills with this worksheet composed of challenging questions designed to help high school students analyze chapter 9 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. An answer key is provided. Delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats, these instructional materials save teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom.
This resource may 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 do the following:
Identify what the text says explicitly as well as implicitly about Scout’s behavior
Identify what the text says explicitly as well as implicitly about Atticus’s reasoning for not using offensive language
Analyze Scout’s motivations for faking illness
Isolate factual statements from false statements
Identify the context for a particular excerpt
Analyze a character’s dialogue to infer intent
Apply knowledge of metaphorical language to the text
Discern the meaning of complex vocabulary and phrases in context, taking into consideration both denotative definitions and connotative associations
Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the short story “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson. A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: boisterous, gravely, interminably, jovial, lapse, murmur, paraphernalia, perfunctory, precede, profusely, reprimand, and shabby.
By engaging with these activities, students will:
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
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 4, scene 2, 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
Explain the intended effect of figurative language in context
Define complex words and phrases in context
Determine the function of the scene
Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Compare and contrast the murders of Lady Macduff and her son to previous homicides
Compare and contrast the characters of Lady Macduff and Lady Macbeth
Apply knowledge of literary devices such as simile, paradox, invective, and hyperbole
Support inferences and claims with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet to complement chapter 7 of Dracula by Bram Stoker. An answer key and copy of the chapter, which is in the public domain, 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 says 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 narrative techniques
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, simile, assonance, consonance, sibilance, personification, and dramatic irony
Come to class better prepared to engage in collaborative discussions
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about Gothic literature 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
Conclude your unit on Shakespeare’s The Tempest with this summative assessment, which is delivered as a Word Document and a PDF. An answer key is included. Students will demonstrate comprehension of the following:
Gonzalo’s general demeanor
Miranda’s relation to Prospero
Prospero’s intentions in terms of his magic
Antonio’s past betrayal of Prospero
Ariel’s role
General characterization of Trinculo
Caliban’s perception of Stephano
Ferdinand’s captivity
Prospero’s true feelings toward Ferdinand
Ariel’s warnings for King Alonso and his men
Prospero’s reaction to Ferdinand’s relationship with Miranda
An interruption of wedding festivities
Prospero’s tempting of the criminals
Prospero’s perception of Caliban
Prospero’s motivation for releasing his enemies
A major decision made by Prospero
Prospero’s motivation for not charging Antonio and Sebastian with treason
Caliban’s dynamic character
Arrangements for wedding entertainment
Miranda’s offering to help Ferdinand with his physical labor
King Alonso’s psychological state after the presumed death of his son
Gonzalo’s fear regarding his peers
Stephano, Trinculo, and Caliban’s collective behavior
Caliban’s feelings toward Prospero
Antonio’s feelings toward King Alonso
Sebastian’s self-blame
Act 1, scene 1: I pray thee, mark me–that a brother should / Be so perfidious…
Act 1, scene 1: You mar our labour.
Act 1, scene 2: …my library / Was dukedom large enough.
Act 1, scene 2: Is there more toil? Since thou dost give me pains, / Let me remember thee what thou hast promised, / Which is not yet performed me.
Act 2, scene 1: That our garments, being, as they were, drenched in / the sea, hold notwithstanding their freshness and / glosses, being rather new-dyed than stained with / salt water.
Act 2, scene 2: I’ll show thee the best springs; I’ll pluck thee berries; / I’ll fish for thee and get thee wood enough. / A plague upon the tyrant that I serve!
Act 3, scene 1: Poor worm, thou art infected! / This visitation shows it.
Act 3, scene 3: I am right glad that he is so / out of hope.
Act 5, scene 1: What a thrice-double ass / Was I, to take this drunkard for a god…
Hyperbole
Allusion
Personification
Oxymoron
Metaphor
Simile
Sibilance
Onomatopoeia
This formative grammar worksheet reinforces the basic principles of linking verbs and measures how well students can distinguish them from action verbs. In addition, this resource assesses a learner’s ability to identify predicate words of linking verbs. Featuring 48 opportunities to practice application of knowledge, this printable resource is recommended for middle and high school students who are enrolled in composition classes emphasizing rudimentary writing skills. An answer key is included, as is a brief PowerPoint presentation to facilitate discussion of the topic.
Help high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 2, scene 3, of Twelfth Night 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.
With this close reading activity, students will do the following:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Examine how characters think, behave, develop, and interact
Compare and contrast characters in the play
Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion, metaphor, and simile
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 2, scene 4, 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
Indicate the purpose of a given set of lines
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word and phrase meanings (“deal double with her” and “fool’s paradise”)
Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works
Help middle and high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering chapter 7 of Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger. This worksheet is delivered in Word Document and PDF formats, and it eliminates the need for take-home assessment planning while upholding 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.
With this close reading activity, students will be able to:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Define words and/or phrases as they are used in the text
Verify interpretations of language using reference materials
Explain the significance of a given detail
Describe the tone of a given remark
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including euphemism and allusion
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Challenge high school students to push beyond basic reading comprehension and exercise close reading analysis skills while engaging with The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare. Given the objective nature of the multiple choice questions, each close reading activity is rigorous enough for students to find deeper meaning in the text, yet convenient enough for teachers to quickly and efficiently gather data on their students’ textual analysis skills. Included are twelve close reading worksheets, each addressing an individual scene, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
Materials in this bundle 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 resources for structured guidance, students will improve their ability to present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly and convincingly.
By the end of the play, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Define complex words as they are used in the text
Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact
Determine the tone of given passages
Discern the functions of given passages
Examine the greater significance of a given detail
Consider how the effect of humor is achieved in context
Apply knowledge of literary devices including oxymoron, hyperbole, sibilance, onomatopoeia, assonance, metaphor, simile, situational irony, verbal irony, dramatic irony, and more
Conduct brief research on the Roman goddess Diana and articulate the similarities between her and Katharina
Conduct brief research on the four humours and articulate the findings
Evaluate behavior to determine which character is most committed to their role in the charade
Isolate details that represent the best textual evidence in support of claims
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 George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984. Featuring a brief passage about the Ministry of Truth’s mission to falsify records from Book 1, chapter 4, this resource saves teachers valuable time at home without sacrificing academic rigor in the classroom. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered as printable Word Documents and PDFs.
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 in this exercise, students will:
Discern what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly
Conduct brief research to discern and articulate historical parallels to media manipulation and the falsification of records
Apply and articulate knowledge of literary devices and techniques including euphemism
Analyze the author’s word choices to discern and articulate how they contribute to the development of plot
Analyze an excerpt to discern its primary function
Define complex words and phrases in context
Write with logic, clarity, and precision
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 3, 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 tone in context
Identify the greater significance of a given detail
Apply knowledge of literary devices including hyperbole and simile
Explore cause-and-effect relationships
Identify a function of the scene
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 3, 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
Apply knowledge of literary devices including simile and metaphor
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Determine the tone of the scene
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Extend reading comprehension and support the development of close reading skills for high school with this set of analysis questions covering chapter 17 of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. With this resource, students will focus on significant details in order to develop a deeper understanding of the novel and its craft, thus helping them contribute more meaningfully during class discussions. An answer key is provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
By engaging with this resource, students will…
Analyze the effect of the author’s language upon the reader
Define unfamiliar and challenging vocabulary in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact
Apply knowledge of literary devices to the novel
Read closely to isolate accurate statements from false statements
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Support claims with relevant textual evidence and/or reasoned thinking