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Inquiring Mind of the English Teacher Kind

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With a decade of teaching experience, I specialize in developing student-centered ELA activities and unit plans that foster creativity and critical thinking. My resources have been tried and tested in more than 74,000 classrooms worldwide since 2013.

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With a decade of teaching experience, I specialize in developing student-centered ELA activities and unit plans that foster creativity and critical thinking. My resources have been tried and tested in more than 74,000 classrooms worldwide since 2013.
The Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 4 Close Reading Analysis Activity
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The Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 4 Close Reading Analysis Activity

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Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 3, scene 4, of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the intended effects of the Shakespeare’s word choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare the characters of Portia and Antonio Consider themes in context 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
The Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 1 Close Reading Analysis Activity
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The Merchant of Venice Act 3 Scene 1 Close Reading Analysis Activity

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Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 3, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the intended effects of the Shakespeare’s word choices and narrative techniques Determine the function of a given passage Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare the characters of Antonio and Shylock Apply knowledge of various literary devices including metaphor, personification, and more 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
Lord of the Flies Chapter 2 Vocabulary Development Games
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Lord of the Flies Chapter 2 Vocabulary Development Games

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Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement chapter 2 of Lord of the Flies by William Golding. A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: assent, bleakly, clamor, coarse, contemptuously, ebullience, festoon, gesticulate, mutter, nimble, shrill, and ungraspable. 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
Hamlet Act 5 Scene 2 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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Hamlet Act 5 Scene 2 Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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Help high school students go beyond basic comprehension, explore literary devices, and improve critical thinking skills with this close reading inference worksheet covering Act 5, scene 2, of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Consider using this resource as an in-class group activity; it may facilitate deeper conversations about characters, plot developments, and literary craft. By engaging with this close reading analysis activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly Utilize dictionaries to ensure knowledge of word meanings Infer the intended effects of Shakespeare’s word choices and dramatic techniques Describe tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Consider themes in context 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 works of Shakespeare
To Kill a Mockingbird Chapter 8 Close Reading Worksheet
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To Kill a Mockingbird Chapter 8 Close Reading Worksheet

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Help high school students go beyond basic comprehension, practice critical thinking skills, and explore literary elements with this close reading inference worksheet covering chapter 8 of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with this close reading activity, students will do the following: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings as needed 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 simile and situational irony Explore cause-and-effect relationships
Much Ado About Nothing Act 1 Scene 1 Close Reading Worksheet
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Much Ado About Nothing Act 1 Scene 1 Close Reading Worksheet

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Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and dramatic craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Act 1, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly Infer the intended effects of Shakespeare’s word choices and dramatic techniques Describe tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare two characters (Beatrice and Benedick) Apply knowledge of literary devices including hyperbole, juxtaposition, allusion, metaphor, and symbolism Support ideas and claims with relevant textual evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss works of Shakespeare
"The Birds" by Daphne du Maurier Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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"The Birds" by Daphne du Maurier Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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Challenge high school students to think critically and support analysis of characters, plot, and literary craft with this close reading inference worksheet covering Daphne du Maurier’s short story “The Birds.” A detailed answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. This close reading activity will prompt students to do the following: Read for literal comprehension Analyze the author’s choice of title in order to articulate its intended effect on readers Examine how elements of setting and other narrative techniques contribute to the development of suspense Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of various literary devices including personification, amplification, onomatopoeia, simile, epiphany, foreshadowing, and more Conduct online research to answer a question about historical context Examine what a given passage implies about humanity’s relationship with Nature Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
Hamlet Close Reading Worksheets Bundle
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Hamlet Close Reading Worksheets Bundle

19 Resources
Challenge high school students to push beyond basic reading comprehension and exercise close reading analysis skills while engaging with Hamlet 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 twenty close reading worksheets, each addressing an individual scene, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By the end of the play, 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 given passages Determine the functions of given scenes Analyze plot from a historical perspective Consider the greater significance of given details Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare and contrast characters Examine the effect of Shakespeare’s narrative techniques with emphasis on the incorporation of figurative language Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, simile, euphemism, personification, hyperbole, oxymoron, situational irony, dramatic irony, and more Conduct brief research to answer a question connecting the drama to aspects of Greek mythology Consider autobiographical parallel, drawing an informed inference about Shakespeare’s philosophy on the purpose of dramatic performances based on details provided in a given scene 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
"The Last Leaf" by O. Henry Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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"The Last Leaf" by O. Henry Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this set of rigorous, text-dependent questions on the ironic short story “The Last Leaf” by O. Henry. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings as needed Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare and contrast characters Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion, metaphor, personification, dramatic irony, and situational irony Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Come to class better prepared to discuss works of fiction
The Handmaid's Tale Test, Answer Key, and Study Guide for High School
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The Handmaid's Tale Test, Answer Key, and Study Guide for High School

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With this summative test covering the entirety of The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, English teachers will evaluate students’ reading comprehension, knowledge of literary devices, essay writing skills, and ability to articulate how the author develops and reinforces theme (that totalitarianism has grave effects on ordinary people). An answer key, standards-based writing rubric, sample essay response, and test prep study guide are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this assessment, students will demonstrate an ability to: Correctly identify characters based on given details and descriptions Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, simile, allusion, dramatic irony, portmanteau, pun, and more Analyze passages and make logical inferences in the context of those passages Write a brief essay in which students convey ideas with relevant textual evidence and adhere to the standard conventions of written English
Julius Caesar Act 2 Quiz and Close Reading Analysis Worksheets Bundle
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Julius Caesar Act 2 Quiz and Close Reading Analysis Worksheets Bundle

5 Resources
Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and craft analysis skills with this bundle of formative assessments covering Act 2 of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. A plot-based quiz, four close reading worksheets, 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 in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Determine the function of a given excerpt Describe tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare two characters (Artemidorus and Calpurnia) Compare and contrast two characters (Caesar and Calpurnia) Articulate the qualities that distinguish Artemidorus from most other characters in the play Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, symbolism, and dramatic 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
"Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut Close Reading Analysis Worksheet
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"Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut Close Reading Analysis Worksheet

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Help high school students go beyond general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading worksheet covering Kurt Vonnegut’s dystopian short story “Harrison Bergeron.” An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing the close reading activity, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words as they are used in the text Discern the narrative’s point of view Examine how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification, paradox, oxymoron, simile, onomatopoeia, situational irony, and dramatic irony 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
Macbeth Act 2 Scene 1 Close Reading Worksheet
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Macbeth Act 2 Scene 1 Close Reading Worksheet

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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 1, 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 Discern the function of Macbeth’s soliloquy Discern tone in context Explore how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare the characters of Banquo and Macbeth Consider the symbolism of a diamond in context Apply knowledge of literary devices such as personification and simile Support inferences and claims with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Macbeth Act 3 Scene 5 Close Reading Worksheet
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Macbeth Act 3 Scene 5 Close Reading Worksheet

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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 5, 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 complex words and phrases in context Explore cause-and-effect relationships Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Compare the characters of Lady Macbeth and Hecate Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on allusion Support inferences and claims with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Macbeth Act 3 Scene 6 Close Reading Worksheet
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Macbeth Act 3 Scene 6 Close Reading Worksheet

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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 6, 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 complex words and phrases in context Discern tone in context Determine the function of the scene Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Analyze Shakespeare’s incorporation of religious imagery to articulate what it implies about Macbeth Apply knowledge of literary devices such as assonance, alliteration, and sibilance Support inferences and claims with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Macbeth Act 5 Scene 1 Close Reading Worksheet
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Macbeth Act 5 Scene 1 Close Reading Worksheet

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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 5, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. More specifically, students will: Identify what the text states both explicitly and implicitly Define complex words and phrases in context Discern the greater significance of a given detail Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on hyperbole and metaphor Support inferences and claims with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Romeo and Juliet Reading Comprehension Quiz Bundle
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Romeo and Juliet Reading Comprehension Quiz Bundle

4 Resources
This bundle of 5 assessments measures general comprehension and holds students accountable for the assigned reading of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Each multiple choice quiz is delivered as an editable Word Document. Answer keys for each quiz are included. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The purpose of a chorus A character known as a peace-maker The reason for street-fighting in Verona Prince Escalus’s declaration Romeo’s cause for sadness Lord Capulet’s attitude toward marrying off Juliet Benvolio’s encouragement (to Romeo) Juliet’s attitude toward marriage Mercutio’s treatment of Romeo A foreshadowing fear Tybalt’s temperament Lord Capulet’s reaction to Romeo’s presence at the party The revelation of Juliet’s true identity Juliet’s beauty and Romeo’s metaphor The rejection of one’s name Romeo’s great fear, expressed during the balcony scene Juliet’s concerns over acting too hastily Friar Laurence’s specialty Friar Laurence’s beliefs and philosophies Friar Laurence’s thoughts regarding the union of Romeo & Juliet Tybalt’s letter Offensive comments toward the Nurse The Nurse’s news for Romeo Friar Laurence’s assessment of Romeo & Juliet’s love Mercutio’s reason for fighting Tybalt Romeo’s ill-fated attempt to stop the fight Romeo’s reason for leaving Verona Juliet’s criticisms of the Nurse The Nurse’s confusing news Juliet’s conflicting emotions toward her husband Friar Laurence’s perspective on the Prince’s punishment Romeo’s erratic behavior Lord Capulet’s arrangement with Paris Mantua A character who plans to have Romeo killed A threat of being disowned The Nurse’s advice to Juliet Juliet’s foreshadowing comments Paris’s perspective on Lord Capulet’s motivations Juliet’s confession to Paris Paris’s lack of awareness about Lord Capulet’s threat Juliet’s confession to Friar Laurence Friar Laurence’s plan Juliet’s request for her father’s forgiveness Lord Capulet’s attitude toward Friar Laurence A terrible thought An alarming discovery A shift in Lord Capulet’s emotions Friar John’s task The reason Friar John cannot complete his task Balthasar’s significance Balthasar’s lack of awareness A visit to the apothecary A conflict between Romeo and Paris in the churchyard Romeo’s suicide Juliet’s suicide Friar Laurence’s emotional reaction The resolution
Romeo and Juliet Act 2 Scene 1 Close Reading Worksheet
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Romeo and Juliet Act 2 Scene 1 Close Reading Worksheet

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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 1, 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 Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Choose the best textual evidence in support of a claim Apply knowledge of figurative language and dramatic irony Support inferences or claims with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works
Romeo and Juliet Act 3 Scene 3 Close Reading Worksheet
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Romeo and Juliet Act 3 Scene 3 Close Reading Worksheet

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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 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 Compare elements of this scene to the preceding scene 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 (with emphasis on repetition) Describe tone in context 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
The Hobbit Chapter 6 Quiz and Answer Key
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The Hobbit Chapter 6 Quiz and Answer Key

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Evaluate general reading comprehension and promote accountability for homework completion with this plot-based quiz covering The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (chapter 6). The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the novel. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable 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