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This complete lesson will guide you to write a full, 5-paragraph ‘summarize and describe’ essay on a topic related to volcanoes (in particular, Mount Vesuvius). It includes full instructions, a list of possible topics, worksheets and all necessary primary texts. This assignment will take at least one week to complete. Make the most of this easy and efficient way to practice essay writing, without having to commit to reading an entire novel or play before getting started! Texts: Letters of Pliny, by Pliny the Younger Pliny was born in 62 CE. He witnessed an eruption of the famous Mount Vesuvius, which he describes here in two detailed letters to a friend. Buried Cities: Pompeii, Olympia, Mycena, by Jennie Hall Written in 1922 by a History and English teacher, this text describes Mount Vesuvius first-hand according to various different sources, from ancient times to the early twentieth century. Mount Vesuvius, by Edwin J. Houston Written in 1907 by a professor, this text offers interesting information both about Mount Vesuvius’ eruptions and the cities and people affected by them. TIP! This may be a good choice for a student with an interest in Roman history, or geology. Need some extra essay writing practice? Check out our Beginning and Concluding Paragraphs resource!

This complete lesson will guide you to write a full, 5-paragraph ‘summarize and describe’ essay on a topic related to the natural events in springtime, as explored in two short, challenging primary texts (included). It contains full instructions, a list of possible topics, worksheets and all necessary sources. This assignment will take at least one week to complete. Make the most of this easy and efficient way to practice essay writing, without having to commit to reading an entire novel or play before getting started! Texts: A Woodland Valentine, by Marian Storm Marian Storm was a 20th century American writer, journalist, poet, animal rights advocate and conservationist. She is also known for saving the Mexican shrub Ayuque (later named Balmea stormiae after her) from extinction. Here she describes the arrival of spring in highly poetic language. Field And Hedgerow, by Richard Jefferies This short excerpt is from collection of essays written in the late 19th century, and is a reflection of Jefferies’ deep appreciation for nature and the countryside. He explores themes related to the relationship between humans and the natural world, as well as observations on rural life, seasons, and the essence of existence. TIP! This may be a good choice for a student with an interest in poetry or nature studies. Need some extra essay writing practice? Check out our Beginning and Concluding Paragraphs resource!

This complete lesson will guide you to write a full, 5-paragraph ‘summarize and describe’ essay on a topic related to the art of conversation as described in three short historical texts (included). It contains full instructions, a list of possible topics, worksheets and all relevant sources. This assignment will take at least one week to complete. Make the most of this easy and efficient way to practice essay writing, without having to commit to reading an entire novel or play before getting started! Texts: Polite Conversation (excerpt), by Jonathan Swift This selection by Jonathan Swift (1667 –1745) comes from the introduction to a collection of dialogues in which the author explores the art of polite conversation in his social circle. A Definition of a Gentleman, by Cardinal Newman This description of a perfect secular gentleman was written by Cardinal John Henry Newman (1801 – 1890), an English Catholic academic and poet. To Read and Speak with Eloquence, by “Browne” The origins and true author of this piece of writing are a mystery – it was found in a compilation entitled The Illustrated London Reading Book. TIP! This may be a good choice for a student with an interest in etiquette or history. Need some extra essay writing practice? Check out our Beginning and Concluding Paragraphs resource!

Who better to show the usefulness of a well-asked question - and the importance of a clear and concise answer - than Sherlock Holmes? In 'The Adventure of the Three Students’, Holmes and Watson find themselves at the heart of an old university, where someone may have tampered with an Ancient Greek exam. The future of a promising student, and the reputation of a noble house of learning, hang in the balance! As it turns out, it is not too late for one character to make a noble gesture that will bring all to a happy conclusion. For young readers who are ready for their first Sherlock Holmes mystery (but who would rather not read about murders or ghosts), this is an excellent tale! Contents: • The full, original tale of ‘The Adventure of the Three Students’, divided into ten short sections • Following each section: Five questions to be answered separately in a student’s notebook Vocabulary, in alphabetical order, with definitions or synonyms (making the word comprehensible in the story’s context), from the chapter just read A ‘looking up close’ page, exploring one main theme of the section just read, such as Gothic architecture, tea, pencils, Victorian furniture, the long-jump, etc. (with pictures) Directions: • Read one section of the book at a time. Use the vocabulary list to help with understanding the story (and practise looking things up in alphabetical order). Answer the questions in a separate notebook. Read the ‘looking up close’ page for fun. Enjoy a good, old-fashioned, Sherlock Holmes mystery!

In this introduction to botany for young readers, the narrator presents a selection of wildflowers during a fictional tour of an old farm. Learn where they grow, their names, and notable features (petal colours, leaf shape, etc.), with each new fact introduced in a gentle conversational style. You will learn about wildflowers in general (common to the Northern Hemisphere), and about specific plants as well, all from a teacher whose love of flowers and respect for young minds shines through the pages. The text also includes a very manageable handful of scientific terms. This book is an excellent beginner’s botany text, being neither too simplistic nor overly detailed. Once you’re done, you will very likely be able to recognize a number of common wildflowers the next time you take a nature walk. For English Language Arts purposes, this resource is suitable for young readers who are ready to begin to read longer texts; the format and Reading Comprehension questions focus on reading more than writing. Drawings of the flowers – some colour and some black and white – help to entertain and inform as you read. Included in this resource are: The complete text in fourteen short chapters Following each chapter, four to six very simple reading comprehension questions which need not be answered in full sentences (single words or short phrases will do) A vocabulary vist Decorative mini-poster pages ; the student may want to label the flowers and hang the pages on a wall as a pretty reminder of what they’ve learned.

The rich descriptive language in this gentle fairy-tale by classic children’s author Walter de la Mare is balanced by a simple and unique story. Read a page a day and answer five reading comprehension questions in a notebook of your own (29 pages and 145 questions in total). If your child is ready to read more advanced English, but not old enough for the mature content of classics like Treasure Island, ‘A Penny A Day’ is a good choice. Excerpt: ‘Whenever Griselda had time to herself, which was very seldom, she would climb up by the broken weed-grown steps to the very top of the Castle tower, and sit there looking out over the green cliffs and the vast flat blue of the ocean. When the sea-winds had blown themselves out she would search the beach for driftwood in the thin salt spray blown in on the wind, the only human creature to be seen. And the sea-birds would scream around her while the slow, toppling Atlantic breakers shook the earth with their thunder.’

This advanced French reading comprehension resource contains the complete story ‘Gants blancs . . . guêtres blanches . . .’ by Maurice Leblanc. The story is divided into 15 small sections. Each section is followed by: Five reading comprehension questions A blank list for vocabulary (The lists are multicoloured for variety.) Full instructions explaining how to use this resource are included. About Arsène Lupin This story is one of many featuring the same protagonist, a gentleman-thief by the name of Arsène Lupin, here disguised as ‘Jim Barnett’. He is remarkable for his ability to glean a fortune from wealthy (and usually greedy and unpleasant) people through the clever manipulation of events which are already in motion when he arrives on the scene. His success depends on his intelligence and his prowess as a thief and master of disguise, which allow him to avoid violence or guilt of crime in his adventures. Adding to the fun, he consistently outwits whatever official inspector (here, inspector ‘Béchoux’) he is supposedly helping. The story is narrated in the passé simple, making it an excellent tool for practising this French verb tense. All advanced French students will benefit from reading Leblanc’s well-written prose!

About The Book ‘Hearne’s Incredible Overland Journey’ is the second chapter of Stephen Leacock’s ‘Adventurers of the Far North’, which contains accounts of the historic voyages to the northern regions of what is now Canada. This chapter describes the three amazing overland journeys made by Samuel Hearne on behalf of the Hudson’s Bay Company, in search of a copper mine and a Northwest Passage. Though neither was found, Hearne’s adventures, as recounted in his own journal in detail (and quoted in Leacock’s book), became an iconic account of northern survival. It also offers descriptions of encounters with First Nations that provide unique food for thought, as they reveal the widely varied historical behaviours of these peoples toward one another and toward Europeans. The tone of the writing invites the reader to take an interest in a topic for which the author evidently had a genuine passion. Contents For study purposes, the text has been divided into 12 short sections, each 1-3 pages long. After every section there are: * 10 reading comprehension questions about the text, to be answered after reading that section. These are meant to help the student to remember and understand important facts. At least 2 further questions under the heading ‘Thinking About the Details’. These ask that the student find a specific small segment of the text which has been underlined (page numbers are given) and answer pointed questions about that section. They focus on writing style, word choice, intent and tone. Sometimes the student may be asked to verify facts. The purpose is to encourage the student to think critically about history and historical writing. After the main text and assignments there is a blank map of Canada, which can be used by the student to make a visual representation of what they have learned from reading and thinking about ‘Hearne’s Incredible Overland Journey’.

About This Book ‘By Canadian Streams’ was first published in 1909. Each short chapter describes notable historic events that took place on one of Canada’s most well-known rivers The author’s affection for waterways shines through his writing. As a result, reading this book makes for a gentle and interesting introduction to many famous names and places in Canada. In addition to Burpee’s own writing, most chapters begin with a short poetic excerpt by a renowned Canadian poet. Although this is a history book, the overall effect is to peak the curiosity and enthusiasm of the reader, and introduce them to some of Canada’s remarkable landscapes and historic moments. Contents For study purposes, this book has been divided into 11 short sections, each no more than 5 pages long After every section there are 10 reading comprehension questions about the text, which the student may answer as they read or after reading the previous section. These questions are meant to help the student to remember and understand important facts. There are also at least two more questions under the heading ‘Examining the Details’. These ask that the student find a specific small segment of the text which has been put in italics (page numbers are also given) and answer pointed questions about that small piece of writing. They focus on writing style, word choice, intent and tone. Their purpose is to encourage the student to think critically about how history is written. After the main text and assignments, there is a blank map of Canada, which should be used by the student to make a visual representation of what they have learned from reading and thinking about ‘By Canadian Streams’ There are also two study sheets that can be used to do simple research about a handful of Canadian poets (those whose work is sampled here) and the origins of the names of a few of Canada’s waterways.

Great Elizabethan Navigators is the first chapter of Stephen Leacock’s Adventurers of the Far North, which contains accounts of the historic voyages to the northern regions of what is now Canada. This chapter describes the earliest quests to find a Northwest Passage by European explorers such as Frobisher and Davis. Leacock explains the political and business reasons for the men’s journeys, and also gives short but interesting accounts of the voyages themselves, in some cases referring to journals as first-hand sources. These are short histories, but they are thorough. A student will be familiar with major dates, events and personalities after working through each text. The tone of the writing invites the reader to take an interest in a topic for which the author evidently had a genuine passion. Contents For study purposes, the chapter has been divided into 6 short sections, each roughly 3 pages long. After every section there are: 10 reading comprehension questions, which the student may answer as they read or after reading the previous section. These questions are meant to help the student to remember and understand important facts. At least 2 questions under the heading Thinking About the Details. These ask that the student find a specific small segment of the text which has been underlined (page numbers are given) and answer pointed questions about that section. Questions focus on writing style, word choice, intent and tone. Sometimes the student may be asked to verify facts. The purpose is to encourage the student to think critically about history and historical writing. After the main text and assignments there is a blank map of Canada, which can be used by the student to make a visual representation of what they have learned from reading and thinking about Great Elizabethan Navigators.

This reading comprehension resource focuses on the pre-Jacques Cartier era of Canadian history. Read an original text by Stephen Leacock and complete the assignments, and you will have a good picture of the setting which served as the backdrop to events following 1524. First published in 1915, the text accurately represents the scholarship and attitudes of the time. As such, it contains some outdated generalizations. This makes it an excellent resource for learning both about historical facts, and how to examine how history is ‘told’. The text is concise and written in a pleasant, easily-understood style. Contents Six chapters, each followed by: 15 basic reading comprehension questions (to reinforce the facts) Suggested research topic (to inspire critical thinking and curiosity Also included: A blank map of Canada, which can be used to make a visual representation of what was learned in the book A bonus Food for Thought section - a collection of excerpts from the main text, each accompanied by a short explanation of relevant themes and ideas about how history is told, etc. Following the explanation there are questions that require the student to think critically about what they just read and about history in general.

This advanced French reading comprehension resource contains the complete story ‘Le hasard fait des miracles’ by Maurice Leblanc. The story is divided into 16 small sections. Each section is followed by: Five reading comprehension questions A blank list for vocabulary (The lists are multicoloured for variety.) Full instructions explaining how to use this resource are included. About Arsène Lupin TThis story is one of many featuring the same protagonist, a gentleman-thief by the name of Arsène Lupin, here disguised as ‘Jim Barnett’. He is remarkable for his ability to glean a fortune from wealthy (and usually greedy and unpleasant) people through the clever manipulation of events which are already in motion when he arrives on the scene. His success depends on his intelligence and his prowess as a thief and master of disguise, which allow him to avoid violence or guilt of crime in his adventures. Adding to the fun, he consistently outwits whatever official inspector (here, inspector ‘Béchoux’) he is supposedly helping. The story is narrated in the passé simple, making it an excellent tool for practising this French verb tense. All advanced French students will benefit from reading Leblanc’s well-written prose!

This advanced French reading comprehension resource contains the complete story ‘La lettre d’amour du Roi George’ by Maurice Leblanc. The story is divided into 13 small sections. Each section is followed by: Five reading comprehension questions A blank list for vocabulary (The lists are multicoloured for variety.) Full instructions explaining how to use this resource are included. About Arsène Lupin This story is one of many featuring the same protagonist, a gentleman-thief by the name of Arsène Lupin, here disguised as ‘Jim Barnett’. He is remarkable for his ability to glean a fortune from wealthy (and usually greedy and unpleasant) people through the clever manipulation of events which are already in motion when he arrives on the scene. His success depends on his intelligence and his prowess as a thief and master of disguise, which allow him to avoid violence or guilt of crime in his adventures. Adding to the fun, he consistently outwits whatever official inspector (here, inspector ‘Béchoux’) he is supposedly helping. The story is narrated in the passé simple, making it an excellent tool for practising this French verb tense. All advanced French students will benefit from reading Leblanc’s well-written prose!

Here are six pieces of beautiful art from revolutionary France. Each has been prepared for use as a paper ‘cut and paste’ puzzle. There are a simpler 6-piece puzzle and a more difficult 10-piece puzzle for each work of art. Cut and Paste puzzles are a proven and effective way to improve younger students’ fine motor skills, as well as their ability to solve visual problems. Older students may also complete this type of activity, with a dual purpose, integrating hands-on learning into a study of revolutionary France, or as a ‘change of pace’ from intellectual activities. The selection of great art in this collection will encourage young people to admire and appreciate beautiful works, developing their artistic taste and greater cultural knowledge. Take a moment to appreciate the beautiful colours and images of a time and place gone by! Bonus: Includes a page of questions that can be used to investigate the who-what-when-where-why-how of any one of the paintings.

Imagine that you have stumbled upon an old, leather-bound book in the dusty corner of a library. You crack open the cover and discover a real piece of history: a text that has been forgotten for many years. You have discovered both a history book, and an historical artifact. Learn about history by reading a piece of history! And while you’re at it, learn to think about history. Wells introduces his readers to concepts as well as facts. His very writing style and assumptions are a part of history. Reading his work invites students to check facts, assess language, and dig deeper, while retaining respect for the scholarship of bygone times. This chapter focuses on the French Revolution and the rise and fall of the monarchy in France. Contents About the Book Thinking About History & How To Use This Resource About the Assignments Chapter Fifty-Five : **The French Revolution and the Restoration of the Monarchy in France ** Chapter Fifty-Five Worksheets Worksheets ask students to analyse the short chapter they just read and identify: A concept or opinion A fact that you are certain to be accurate A date and a relevant event A fact that you are not certain to be accurate Researching this fact, you discovered that . . . An outdated word or phrase Bonus: find modern visuals equivalent to those included and cite them correctly. To think accurately about history, you need the facts!

Imagine that you have stumbled upon an old, leather-bound book in the dusty corner of a library. You crack open the cover and discover a real piece of history: a text that has been forgotten for many years. You have discovered both a history book, and an historical artifact. Learn about history by reading a piece of history! And while you’re at it, learn to think about history. Wells introduces his readers to concepts as well as facts. His very writing style and assumptions are a part of history. Reading his work invites students to check facts, assess language, and dig deeper, while retaining respect for the scholarship of bygone times. These two chapters focus on the origins of the universe and of life on Earth. Contents About the Book Thinking About History & How To Use This Resource About the Assignments Chapter One: The World in Space Chapter One Worksheets Chapter Two: The World in Time Chapter Two Worksheets Worksheets ask students to analyse the short chapter they just read and identify: A concept or opinion A fact that you are certain to be accurate A date and a relevant event A fact that you are not certain to be accurate Researching this fact, you discovered that . . . An outdated word or phrase Bonus: find modern visuals equivalent to those included and cite them correctly. To think accurately about history, you need the facts!

About the Novel You are about to embark on your own adventure, and your mind is on what is ahead. But you must never neglect the past. It pulls at our decisions like a magnet, and can block our progress as if it were in front of us, not behind. (Jade Dragon Mountain) Jade Dragon Mountain is a mystery set in the city of Dayan in China, in the early 18th century. The story’s protagonist, an exiled librarian named Li Du, finds himself unable to turn a blind eye as a group of local traders is accused of poisoning a Jesuit astronomer. This book is not currently part of any standard curriculum; however, it addresses important themes related to government, storytelling, and truth vs. fiction which have an important place in high school studies. It contains no explicit content and offers a means by which timeless themes can be addressed in a subtle manner, for highly sensitive students (among others). About this Resource For each chapter there are a handful of questions touching on comprehension and description, with a focus on asking the student to explain. Learning about something is one thing, but in order to explain what you have learned (or explain your own thought process, or your own understanding) thorough reflection is required. When performed thoughtfully, this approach encourages (and often reveals) a deeper level of understanding. Teachers can decide which assignments beyond the basic chapter questions students should complete, and how far to take them, based on their own learning goals and individual student needs. Contents Chapter Questions Prologue . . . page 6 Six Days . . . pages 7-10 Five Days . . . page 11 Four Days . . . page 12 Three Days . . . pages 13-15 Two Days . . . pages 16-21 One Day . . . pages 22-23 The Eclipse . . . page 24 Assignments for the Full Novel Essay Topics . . . page 25 The Power of Details . . . pages 26-27 Music Assignments . . . pages 28-29 Partial Answer Key . . . pages 30-31 Note: the novel is protected by copyright and must be procured separately.

About the Novel You are about to embark on your own adventure, and your mind is on what is ahead. But you must never neglect the past. It pulls at our decisions like a magnet, and can block our progress as if it were in front of us, not behind. (Jade Dragon Mountain) Jade Dragon Mountain is a mystery set in the city of Dayan in China, in the early 18th century. The story’s protagonist, an exiled librarian named Li Du, finds himself unable to turn a blind eye as a group of local traders is accused of poisoning a Jesuit astronomer. This book is not currently part of any standard curriculum; however, it addresses important themes related to government, storytelling, and truth vs. fiction which have an important place in high school studies. It contains no explicit content and offers a means by which timeless themes can be addressed in a subtle manner, for highly sensitive students (among others. About this Resource For each chapter there are a handful of questions touching on comprehension and description, with a focus on asking the student to explain. Learning about something is one thing, but in order to explain what you have learned (or explain your own thought process, or your own understanding) thorough reflection is required. When performed thoughtfully, this approach encourages (and often reveals) a deeper level of understanding. Teachers can decide which assignments beyond the basic chapter questions students should complete, and how far to take them, based on their own learning goals and individual student needs. Contents Chapter Questions Prologue . . . page 6 Six Days . . . pages 7-10 Five Days . . . page 11 Four Days . . . page 12 Three Days . . . pages 13-15 Two Days . . . pages 16-21 One Day . . . pages 22-23 The Eclipse . . . page 24 Assignments for the Full Novel Essay Topics . . . page 25 The Power of Details . . . pages 26-27 Music Assignments . . . pages 28-29 Partial Answer Key . . . pages 30-31 Additional Assignments (novel study extras) Six Days . . . page 34 Five Days . . . page 35 Four Days . . . pages 36-37 Three Days . . . page 38 Two Days . . . pages 39-40 The Eclipse . . . page 41 Setting the Scene . . . pages 42-44 Astronomy Assignment . . . page 45 Write a Tourism Article . . . pages 46-47 Note: the novel is protected by copyright and must be procured separately.