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.
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.
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 4, scene 1, of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest. An answer key is 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 in order to learn and verify word meanings
Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Consider tone in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including epiphany and figurative language
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 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 Tempest. An answer key is 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 in order to learn and verify word meanings
Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Describe tone in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Contrast two characters (Miranda and Ferdinand)
Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification, situational irony, 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
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this quiz covering Act 1 of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest. The quiz may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the play. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
The purpose of King Alonso’s travels
The calmest character in the midst of a terrible storm
Prospero’s former title
The relationship between Prospero and Miranda
Prospero’s intentions
Prospero’s studies
The relationship between Prospero and Antonio
Ariel’s function
Ferdinand’s sadness
The characterization of Sycorax
Interactions between Prospero and Ariel
The first interaction between Ferdinand and Miranda
Prospero’s feelings toward Ferdinand
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this quiz covering Act 3 of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest. The quiz may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the play. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Ferdinand’s status at the start of the Act
Ferdinand’s perspective on doing hard labor
The interactions between Ferdinand and Miranda
The effect of said interactions on Prospero
Caliban’s resentment of Trinculo
Stephano’s visions of the future
Ariel’s eavesdropping on Stephano, Trinculo, and Caliban
A strange occurrence
Ariel’s warnings to King Alonso and his attendants
Prospero’s observations
King Alonso’s psychological state
Gonzalo’s concerns about his cohorts
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this quiz covering Act 4 of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest. The quiz may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the play. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Prospero’s advice for the engaged couple, Miranda and Ferdinand
Ariel’s role in terms of arranging the wedding ceremony
Gifts given to Miranda and Ferdinand
The sprites who impersonate various goddesses
An interruption during the wedding festivities
Prospero’s erratic behavior
How Prospero intends to entice his enemies
Caliban’s awareness of a trap
Prospero’s assessment of Caliban’s character
Caliban’s epiphany
The appearance of spirits in the form of animals
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this quiz covering Act 5 of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest. The quiz may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with the play. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Miranda and Ferdinand’s actions
Advice given to help Prospero “become tender”
Prospero’s reason for letting his enemies go
A major personal decision made by Prospero
Ariel’s fate
Alonso’s dynamic character
Prospero’s reason for not accusing his enemies of treason
The fate of the shipwrecked crew
Caliban’s promise
Prospero’s storytelling
Ariel’s last act of helping Prospero
Conditions under which Caliban will be freed
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this bundle of plot-based quizzes covering William Shakespeare’s The Tempest. These assessments may double as guided reading handouts to facilitate active engagement with the play. Answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
The purpose of King Alonso’s travels
The calmest character in the midst of a terrible storm
Prospero’s former title
The relationship between Prospero and Miranda
Prospero’s intentions
Prospero’s studies
The relationship between Prospero and Antonio
Ariel’s function
Ferdinand’s sadness
The characterization of Sycorax
Interactions between Prospero and Ariel
The first interaction between Ferdinand and Miranda
Prospero’s feelings toward Ferdinand
Gonzalo’s interactions with King Alonso
Sebastian’s interactions with King Alonso
The reason for King Alonso’s emotional distress
Ariel’s effect on the shipwrecked crew
Antonio’s planned betrayal of King Alonso
Caliban’s feelings toward Prospero
The role of Trinculo
Trinculo’s reaction to Caliban
The characterization of Stephano
Caliban’s assumption about Trinculo and Caliban
Caliban’s decision to serve Stephano
Ferdinand’s status at the start of the Act
Ferdinand’s perspective on doing hard labor
The interactions between Ferdinand and Miranda
The effect of said interactions on Prospero
Caliban’s resentment of Trinculo
Stephano’s visions of the future
Ariel’s eavesdropping on Stephano, Trinculo, and Caliban
A strange occurrence
Ariel’s warnings to King Alonso and his attendants
Prospero’s observations
King Alonso’s psychological state
Gonzalo’s concerns about his cohorts
Prospero’s advice for the engaged couple, Miranda and Ferdinand
Ariel’s role in terms of arranging the wedding ceremony
Gifts given to Miranda and Ferdinand
The sprites who impersonate various goddesses
An interruption during the wedding festivities
Prospero’s erratic behavior
How Prospero intends to entice his enemies
Caliban’s awareness of a trap
Prospero’s assessment of Caliban’s character
Caliban’s epiphany
The appearance of spirits in the form of animals
Miranda and Ferdinand’s actions
Advice given to help Prospero “become tender”
Prospero’s reason for letting his enemies go
A major personal decision made by Prospero
Ariel’s fate
Alonso’s dynamic character
Prospero’s reason for not accusing his enemies of treason
The fate of the shipwrecked crew
Caliban’s promise
Prospero’s storytelling
Ariel’s last act of helping Prospero
Conditions under which Caliban will be freed
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 2 of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with Shakespeare’s drama. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. 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
Evaluate general reading comprehension with this multiple choice quiz covering Act 5 of Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By taking this assessment, students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
The fake Vincentio’s reaction to meeting the real Vincentio
The interactions between the real Vincentio and Biondello
Baptista and Vincentio’s forgiveness of their children
Petruchio’s getting Katherine to kiss him
Hortensio’s marriage
Tranio’s teasing of Petruchio
A bet among men
The content of Katherine’s major speech
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 1 of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with Shakespeare’s drama. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Antonio’s lack of awareness in terms of the cause of his sadness
Why Salerio and Solanio think Antonio is unsettled
Salerio’s stated belief concerning human emotions
Gratiano’s thoughts on sad men
Bassanio’s motive for needing money
Antonio’s generosity
Why Portia is sad, according to Nerissa
The condition under which Portia is allowed to marry
Nerissa’s role in Portia’s life
Shylock’s profession
The quality that most distinguishes Shylock
The reason for Shylock’s resentment toward Antonio
Shylock’s deal with Antonio
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this plot-based quiz covering Act 3 of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate active engagement with Shakespeare’s drama. 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:
Salerio and Solanio’s reaction to the news about Antonio
Why Shylock is angry at Salerio and Solanio
How Shylock justifies his behavior
Tubal’s role
Jessica’s behavior
Interactions between Portia and Bassanio
Bassanio’s participation in the riddle-solving contest
The relationship between Gratiano and Nerissa
A letter from Antonio
Shylock’s self-image
Portia’s reaction to news about Antonio
Balthazar’s role
Jessica’s perception of Portia
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 1, 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
Compare and contrast two characters (Orsino and Olivia)
Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, hyperbole, and sibilance
Discern the intended effect of figurative language in context
Explore cause-and-effect relationships
Define complex vocabulary in the context of a passage
Examine nuances in words with similar denotations
Determine the function of a particular excerpt
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 4, 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
Apply knowledge of figurative language
Discern the significance of a given detail
Explore cause-and-effect relationships
Identify excerpts in support of claims
Isolate a factual detail about plot from falsehoods
Come to class/leave class better prepared to discuss literary material
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 plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 2, scene 4, 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
Analyze figurative language to determine its effect on the reader
Discern tone in context
Examine how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact
Choose the best textual evidence in support of a claim
Apply knowledge of various literary devices including allusion, oxymoron, simile, hyperbole, and ambiguity
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 5, 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
Analyze the author’s craft
Explore cause-and-effect relationships
Identify the function of Maria’s letter
Examine how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact
Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, allusion, consonance, oxymoron, and dramatic irony
Help students go beyond basic comprehension and develop critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading inference worksheet covering chapter 3 of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. An answer key is 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
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices to the text with an emphasis on understatement and situational irony
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
Help high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 5, scene 1, 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
Explore nuances in words with similar meanings
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification, hyperbole, situational irony, personification, metaphor, allusion, and oxymoron
Help high school students go beyond basic plot recall and develop close reading analysis skills with this set of high-order questions covering Act 4, 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
Determine the significance of given details
Discern the intended effects of Shakespeare’s choices in terms of characterization
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including oxymoron, allusion, dramatic irony
Isolate the best evidence in support of a claim
Help students go beyond basic comprehension and develop critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this close reading inference worksheet covering chapter 9 of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. An answer key is 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
Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony and metaphor
Examine how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Come to class better prepared to discuss literature
