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Parts of Speech - Know and use appropriately the meaning, forms, and functions of nouns (e.g., collective nouns, compound nouns, noun clauses, noun functions as direct and indirect objects, and as predicate nouns), pronouns (e.g., proper case: nominative, objective, possessive; reflexive pronouns, interrogative; demonstrative; agreement of pronouns with their antecedents), verbs (e.g., agreement with subject in person and number, verbs that take objects, regular and irregular verb forms, correct use of the three perfect tenses), adjectives (e.g., comparative and superlative forms, compound predicate adjectives, adjective clauses), adverbs (e.g., comparative and superlative forms, punctuation with introductory adverb phrases and clauses, correct placement within the sentence), conjunctions (e.g., coordinating, correlative, and subordinating conjunctions to combine words, phrases, clauses, and sentences), interjections, and prepositions (recognize prepositional phrases as adjective/adverb modifiers and note their functions in the sentence). 0701.1.1
Conjunctions - twenty multiple-choice questions Click on the buttons to find the correct answer
Conjunctions - Conjunctions are words used as joiners. Different kinds of conjunctions join different kinds of grammatical structures.
Plural and Possessive Nouns - By clicking on a bubble, identify whether the highlighted word is a plural or possessive noun and then click on the "Submit Answer" button.
Power Proofreading- Commas - Choose 7th grade then select; Climb Every Mountain, , or any one of the mixed practice exercises.
Power Proofreading - Prepositions - Choose 7th grade then select; The Runaway Classroom, or any one of the mixed practice exercises.
Power Proofreading - Nouns - Choose 7th grade then select; Around the World, Five O'clock News, E-mail to Debbie, or any one of the mixed practice exercises.
Power Proofreading - Pronouns - Choose 7th grade then select; Barnyard Ballet, Action Hero Role, Deadpan Acting Awards, or any one of the mixed pronoun practice exercises.
Prepositions at the Crossword I - Type the correct letter in each box. Use the tab key to move from box to box or use your mouse-button to place the letter in each box.
Prepositions at the Crossword II - Type the correct letter in each box. Use the tab key to move from box to box or use your mouse-button to place the letter in each box.
Prepositions at the Crossword III - Type the correct letter in each box. Use the tab key to move from box to box or use your mouse-button to place the letter in each box.
Recognizing Prepositions - The following paragraph is taken from Ernest Hemingway's short story "The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber." Click on the prepositions in the order in which they appear and they will appear in the text-area below the paragraph.
To Lie/To Lay - To Sit/To Set - Select one answer from the choices provided after each sentence. The word you choose should fit the blank in the sentence
Its/It's and There/Their/They're - Select one answer from the choices provided after each sentence. The word you choose should fit the blank in the sentence.
To / Two / Too - Learn the difference between the homophones to, two, and too.
Sit or Set Quiz - Complete the sentences using the proper form of "sit" or "set."
The Importance of Punctuation - Rewrite each sentence, punctuating it differently. (You may have to capitalize letters, but don't change any of the words.) Can you think of more than one way to change some of the sentences?
Power Proofreading - Choose 7th grade then select; Letter to Ms. Flack, , or any one of the mixed practice exercises.
Quotation Marks: Exercise - In the given sentences put quotation marks wherever they are needed, and underline words where italics are needed.
Punctuation - Demonstrate the correct use of commas (e.g., after introductory words, phrases or clauses; setting off appositives and interrupters; before coordinating conjunction joining independent clauses to form compound sentences), colons (e.g., in business letters or before a list of items in a series), semicolons (e.g., combining sentences, between items in a series when the items already contain commas), underlining and italicizing (e.g., titles; certain words, letters, figures; foreign words), quotation marks (e.g., with direct quotations, to set off dialogue, in titles, use of end punctuation with quotation marks) and apostrophes (e.g., to form both singular and plural possessives). 0701.1.4
Avoiding Comma Splices - Click on "The sentence, please!" and a sentence containing a comma splice will appear in the top text-area. Repair the sentence.
Avoiding Comma Splices II - Click on "The sentence, please!" and a sentence containing a comma splice will appear in the top text-area. Repair the sentence.
Comma Exercise - decide how the commas are used in the example sentences
Fragments and Run-On's - After each sentence, select the option which best describes that sentence.
The Need to Combine Sentences - Sentences have to be combined to avoid the monotony that would surely result if all sentences were brief and of equal length. This lesson is followed by three quizzes.
Repairing Run-On Sentences - After each run-on sentence select the remedy that would best repair that sentence.
Run on's and Comma Splices - Look at the passage and decide whether the sentence is correct or whether it is a run-on.
Sample of a good 239-word sentence - It's not the kind of thing you'd want to read very often, but it does work. Remember, this is not a run-on sentence.
Sentence Fragments - Classify by placing the number of each sentence in the appropriate column. If you do it correctly, the total in both columns will be the same. At the bottom of the page, fix the fragments; making them into complete sentences.
Spell - Spell correctly high-frequency, misspelled words (appropriate to grade level), and words commonly used in content specific vocabulary. 0701.1.5
Spelling Wizard - create your on list to unscramble or find in a word search.
Usspeller - Select your list of words, the do the spelling quiz. The lists includes 540 of the most commonly misspelled words in 27 lists
Sentence Structure - Demonstrate knowledge of correct sentence structure by correcting run-on sentences (e.g., conjunctions, semicolons, periods to join or separate elements) and sentence fragments (e.g., supplying the missing elements). 0701.1.6
Conjunctions
And-But-Or - quiz - Click the answer button to see the answer - good for whole class review
Subject-Verb Agreement - eight question quiz - for each sentence, select the correct verb
Word Guides - Use printed and electronic dictionaries, thesauruses, and glossaries to determine the pronunciation, spelling, and part of speech of words; to clarify meaning and improve understanding of words (including connotation and denotation); and to distinguish among contextually appropriate synonyms and definitions. 0701.1.13
Connotation Mini-Lesson - lesson plan - proceed through a series of steps, gradually increasing their control over language, until they independently produce a text in which they concentrate on selecting words with powerful connotations
Infoplease - dictionary, encyclopedia, atlas, thesaurus and more
Literature Terms - lesson plan with activity - read sentence and determine if the wording is connotative or denotative
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Homonyms - Define and recognize word synonyms, antonyms, and homonyms. 0701.1.14
Alien Word Mine - Click on synonyms or antonyms on the the right side then click Begin Game. Select Maybe later and the game will open in a new window.
Antonyms - When you see the word that is a synonym of the given word, click on the button at the bottom left of the screen
Word Frog - Match correct word on incoming flies - select synonym, homonym or antonym practice
Latin and Greek Roots - Identify and define English words derived from Latin and Greek words that form common roots (e.g., audio, auto, malus) and recognize English words that are based on them (e.g., audible, autobiography, malice). 0701.1.15
Distinguish Multi-meaning Words - Continue to use previously learned strategies to distinguish among multi-meaning words and to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words. 0701.1.17
Historical and Cultural Context - Use your sleuthing skills to figure out when and where an historical event took place by examining some primary sources and using an educated guess to pinpoint them on a map and timeline
Textual Structure - Use textual structure (e.g., examples of cause-effect and compare-contrast relationships) to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words or distinguish multi-meaning words. 0701.1.19
Foreign Phrases - Demonstrate understanding of common phrases and terms from other languages commonly used in English (e.g., RSVP, déjà vu, faux pas, du jour, bon voyage). 0701.1.20
Foreign Words and Phrases - English meanings given are not necessarily literal translations - from a (ad absurdum) to z (Zeitgeist)
Nouns and Pronouns - Identify the correct use of nouns (i.e., common/proper, singular/plural, possessives, direct/indirect objects, predicate) and pronouns (i.e., agreement, reflexive, interrogative, demonstrative) within context. SPI 0701.1.1
Forming Compound Words - Match the words in the center with the words in the corners to form compound words that are found in a kitchen.
Plural and Possessive Nouns - By clicking on a bubble, identify whether the highlighted word is a plural or possessive noun and then click on the "Submit Answer" button.
Power Proofreading - Commas - Choose 7th grade then select; Climb Every Mountain, or any one of the mixed practice exercises.
Power Proofreading - Nouns - Choose 7th grade then select; Around the World, Five O'clock News, E-mail to Debbie, or any one of the mixed practice exercises.
Verbs - Identify the correct use of verbs (i.e., action/linking, regular/irregular, agreement, perfect tenses, verb phrases) within context. SPI 0701.1.2
Phrasal verb quiz - matching phrasal verbs in one column with sentences that could contain those verbs in another column
Power Proofreading - Verbs - Choose 7th grade then select; American Biography, HME-TV Weather, Cooking at HME-TV, Endless Summer, Improve your HOme!, or any one of the mixed practice exercises.
Subject Verb Agreement Quiz- Select one answer from the choices provided after each sentence. The word you choose should fit the blank in the sentence. Don't use the HINT buttons unless you really need them.
Subject-Verb Agreement Quiz2 - After each sentence select the verb form that will best fit in the blank. The explanation will describe the process of arriving at the correct choice for that sentence.
Subject-Verb Agreement Quiz3 - Select the appropriate verbs from the drop-down menus to complete each sentence correctly. There are thirty-three "opportunities for error" in these paragraphs.
Verb Tenses - Students select verb tense in given sentence
Adjectives and Adverbs - Identify the correct use of adjectives (i.e., common/proper, comparative/superlative, adjective clauses) and adverbs (comparative and superlative forms) within context. SPI 0701.1.3
Adjective or Adverb - a worksheet which discusses the differences between adjectives and adverbs
Adjective or Adverb - defines adjectives and adverbs, shows what each can do, and offers several examples of each in use
Power Proofreading - Adjectives - Choose 7th grade then select; Know it All, Review for Endless Entertainment Show, or any one of the mixed practice exercises.
Conjunctions - Identify the correct use of conjunctions (i.e., coordinating, correlative, subordinating) and interjections within context. SPI 0701.1.4
Conjunctions - Click on the buttons to find the correct answer
Prepositional Phrases - Identify the correct use of prepositional phrases (place correctly according to the words they modify within the sentence) within context. SPI 0701.1.5
Prepositional Phrases - Choose the correct preposition to complete the prepositional phrase in the question.
Recognizing Prepositions - The following paragraph is taken from Ernest Hemingway's short story "The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber." Click on the prepositions in the order in which they appear and they will appear in the text-area below the paragraph.
Commas - Identify the correct use of commas (i.e., compound sentences, coordinating conjunctions, introductory words, appositives, interrupters) within context. SPI 0701.1.6
Comma Exercise - decide how the commas are used in the example sentences
Punctuation: Fill-in-the-Blanks - provide a comma, semicolon, or colon where appropriate or write a small-case "x" (without the quotation marks) where none of those marks is appropriate.
Quiz on Punctuation - Select the option which shows how that portion should be punctuated. Select The explanation, please! to learn the grammar rule(s) behind the correct answer
Sentence Combining - Identify within context a variety of appropriate sentence-combining techniques (i.e., comma + coordinating conjunction, use of semicolon, introductory phrases or clauses). SPI 0701.1.7
Combining Sentences - Decide the best way to write each underlined section and choose the correct answer - quiz
Sentence Combining - Match the two columns to have a meaningful sentence
Run-On Sentences - Select the most appropriate method to correct a run-on sentence (i.e., conjunctions, semicolons, periods to join or separate elements) within context. SPI 0701.1.8
To Lie/To Lay - To Sit/To Set - Select one answer from the choices provided after each sentence. The word you choose should fit the blank in the sentence
Its/It's and There/Their/They're - Select one answer from the choices provided after each sentence. The word you choose should fit the blank in the sentence.
To / Two / Too - Learn the difference between the homophones to, two, and too.
Sit or Set Quiz - Complete the sentences using the proper form of "sit" or "set."
Tutorial Quiz - quiz with instant feedback for each question.
Quotation Marks - Choose the correct use of quotation marks and commas (i.e., in direct quotations, with explanatory material within the quote, proper use with end marks). SPI 0701.1.15
Quiz on Using Quotation Marks - from the Guide to Grammar and Writing, sponsored by the Capital Community College Foundation, Hartford, CT
Quotation Marks - a rundown of the general rules of when and where to use quotation marks
Quotation Marks - Place commas and periods inside, not outside, quotation marks. Place all other punctuation outside quotation marks unless it was contained in the original source.
Quotation Marks - In the United States, periods and commas go inside quotation marks regardless of logic.
Single Quotation Marks - Use single quotation marks for a quotation or title using quotation marks inside another quotation or title which uses quotation marks.
Spelling Exercises for -ible and -able - Read the paragraph, locate the misspelled words and write the correct spellings in the space provided below the paragraph.
Multi-meaning Words - Use context clues and background knowledge of roots and affixes to determine the meaning of multi-meaning words. SPI 0701.1.17
Follow Instructions - Follow multi-step spoken instructions to perform single tasks, to answer questions, and to solve problems. 0701.2.1
Asking Questions - the types of questions depend on the answer to that first important question: Why am I reading this? Once you establish a purpose for yourself, you can then ask which questions will help you achieve that goal. This page asks students to rank a set of questions on a scale of one to five.
Critical Reasoning Warm-ups - These are warm-ups for people who are somewhat familiar with critical reasoning questions. These questions are a good way to start your brain thinking before you answer the real questions.
Questioning Toolkit - seventeen types of questions from the educational journal, FNO
Thesis of a Speech - Identify the thesis of a speech in which the main idea may be explicitly or implicitly stated, concepts may be more abstract, and extended metaphors may be used, and determine the essential elements that elaborate it. 0701.2.2
Summarize Information - Summarize information presented orally by others in which the main ideas may be explicitly or implicitly stated, including the purposes, major ideas, and supporting details or evidence. 0701.2.3
Author's Purpose and Tone of Voice - focuses on strategies to use with students to increase their ability to discern tone and offers opportunities to practice those skills.
Paraphrase - Paraphrase accurately ideas and information presented orally by others. 0701.2.4
Summary and Paraphrase - Construct a summary and a paraphrase of a speech. 0701.2.5
Determine what is important - this lesson unit focuses on text rather than speech but will help students understand what to look for orally as well as written.
Speech Critiques Examples - great site with video of people speaking to critique, plus their critique on the speech.
Speech Self Critique Guide - he following guidelines should be used in practice sessions to evaluate the speaker and speech and note possible areas of improvement.
Speech Structure - Identify and analyze the structure of a speech (e.g., sequential, chronological, problem-solution, comparison-contrast, cause-effect). 0701.2.7
Listen Actively - Listen actively in group discussions by asking clarifying and elaborating questions and by managing internal (e.g., emotional state, prejudices) and external (e.g., physical setting, difficulty hearing, recovering from distractions) barriers to aid comprehension. 0701.2.8
Asking Questions - the types of questions depend on the answer to that first important question: Why am I reading this? Once you establish a purpose for yourself, you can then ask which questions will help you achieve that goal. This page asks students to rank a set of questions on a scale of one to five.
Questioning Toolkit - seventeen types of questions from the educational journal, FNO
Speaking
Support a Thesis - Include relevant facts, reasons, details, and examples to support a relatively complicated thesis. 0701.2.9
On Writing a Paper - article suggesting on how to write a complicated thesis; outline suggestion given along with tips
Oral Presentation - Organize oral presentations marinating a relatively simple three-part structure, previewing the content of presentation in introduction, offering ideas with supporting details, and providing a brief summary or conclusion. 0701.2.10
Ordering the Phrases - excellent interactive quiz; learn about the different stages of a presentation and to learn some phrases that tell your audience where you are in your presentation.
Use Organizational Pattern - Use an organizational pattern appropriate for the topic and purpose (e.g., sequential, chronological, problem-solution, comparison-contrast, cause-effect). 0701.2.11
Transition Strategies - Connect ideas using a variety of transition strategies that signal addition of information and relationships between ideas (e.g., Use listing words such as first, in addition, but, and however). 0701.2.13
Transitional Devices - transitional guides are connectives (symbols,words, phrases; sometimes whole sentences and paragraphs) that make possible a smooth "passing over" from one idea to the next.
Conclusion - Provide an effective conclusion that reinforces the focus of the presentation. 0701.2.14
5 Effective Strategies to Conclude a Speech - Speech conclusion tutorial including strategies and speech topics for an effective way to conclude your public speaking speech
Presentation Skills - Employ presentation skills such as good eye contact, clear enunciation, effective speaking rate and volume, and natural gestures. 0701.2.15
Teamwork - Participate productively in self-directed work teams for a particular purpose (e.g., to interpret literature, solve a problem, make a decision). 0701.2.16
Purpose of Speech - Identify the purpose of a speech (i.e., to inform, to describe, to explain, to persuade). SPI 0701.2.1
Author's Purpose - read an online story and answer questions on paper - a detailed explanation follows passage, teaching how to find the answers in passages
Author's Purpose - read an online story and answer questions on paper - a detailed explanation follows passage, teaching how to find the answers in passages
Audience - Identify the targeted audience of a speech. SPI 0701.2.2
Adapting to Your Audience - adjust the message - how we say to and what information we include - by recognizing that different readers can best understand different messages
Audience Analysis - article - audience analysis can help you gain valuable insight about your readers
In Search of an Audience - lesson and exercise - consider what attitudes and assumptions potential audience members will bring with them
Thesis - Identify the thesis and main points of a speech. SPI 0701.2.3
A Thesis Statement - brief outline of what to look for and how to create one
Engage an Audience - Determine the most effective methods for engaging an audience during an oral presentation (e.g., making eye contact, adjusting speaking rate). SPI 0701.2.4
Organize Ideas - Organize ideas in the most effective order for an oral presentation. SPI 0701.2.5
Ordering the Phrases - excellent interactive quiz; learn about the different stages of a presentation and to learn some phrases that tell your audience where you are in your presentation.
Team Behavior - Select the most appropriate behaviors for participating productively in a team (e.g., ask primarily relevant questions that move the team toward its goal and contribute to the topic of discussion, articulate the goals that have been provided for the team work and ask clarifying questions, come to agreement by seeking consensus or following the majority) .SPI 0701.2.7
Roles Within a Group - Identify the functions and responsibilities of individual roles within an organized group (i.e., reporter, recorder, information gatherer, leader, timekeeper). SPI 0701.2.8
Group Roles - definitions of various roles of a group.
Various Modes - Write in a variety of modes and genres, including description, narration, exposition, persuasion, literary response, personal expression, and imaginative. 0701.3.1
0701.3.3 Create Texts - Create somewhat complicated work-related texts, such as instructions, directions, letters, memos, and reports that employ the following techniques:
•Appropriate Medium - Select a medium or format appropriate to purpose for writing, and maintain focus on the purpose.
Purposes in Writing - explanation of various purposes from writers' point of view
•Varied Strategies - Use varied strategies to achieve different purposes (e.g., providing facts and details or including examples to illustrate).
Comic Strips - Make up your own comics, using characters, emotions, and more
Comic Strips - How to use them in your classroom. This is a site that wants you to buy their software, but go to the middle section and take a look at some ideas they are using in the classroom.
Comic Strips - Create your own comics and your own characters also at Professor Garfield's Comic Lab!
•Awareness of Audience - Demonstrate awareness of audience through selection of medium or format, choice of supporting ideas, background information, and word choice and tone.
•Guide Readers - Include formatting or visual elements to guide readers by highlighting specific categories of information and/or to signal transitions between steps (e.g., headings, bulleted lists).
Transitional Devices - transitional guides are connectives (symbols,words, phrases; sometimes whole sentences and paragraphs) that make possible a smooth "passing over" from one idea to the next.
Topics - 300 writing topics to inspire you to come up with plenty of fresh ideas of your own.
Create a Thesis - Create a thesis statement and include relevant facts, details, reasons, and examples that support the thesis. 0701.3.5
Compose a Thesis Statement - Now that you have decided, at least tentatively, what information you plan to present in your essay, you are ready to write your thesis statement.
Organize Writing - Organize writing using structures appropriate for the topic, and meet the needs of the audience (e.g., If using an anecdote to provide an example, use chronological order with sufficient time signals for the reader to follow easily). 0701.3.7
Organization - Use appropriate and effective words and phrases to indicate the organizational pattern (e.g., problem-solution, with order of steps necessary indicated in the solution). 0701.3.8
News Quiz Archive - over 50 news stories from the BBC - Choose carefully, not all of these would be appropriate for 7th grade students. Also, take a look at a section of stories which include math in the news and the quiz
Precise Language - Use accurate and precise language to convey meaning. 0701.3.10
Strong Verbs - Use strong verbs and figurative language (e.g., metaphors, similes) for emphasis or creative effect as appropriate to the purpose. 0701.3.11
Chasing Metaphors - students explore the figurative language of metaphors by turning a series of objects, concepts, events, or characters into metaphors, first in written form and then by creating a video with images, text, and sound [Quick Time required]
Say What? - an interactive game where the user decides the correct answer to the question depending on formal or informal language (this is a British site so the audio may be challenging for some students)
Writing an Informal Letter - Understanding the difference between formal and informal letters, vocabulary practice, writing practice
Syntactic Structures - Incorporate some variety of syntactic structures for effect when appropriate (e.g., modifying phrases, parenthetical expressions). 0701.3.13
Parenthetical Expression - ten question quiz - Decide which choice contains the sentence with the correctly placed commas by clicking on the red button next to that choice
Sentence Variety - This resource presents methods for adding sentence variety and complexity to writing that may sound repetitive or boring. Sections are divided into general tips for varying structure, a discussion of sentence types, and specific parts of speech which can aid in sentence variety.
Sentence Variety - large number of tips about sentence variety plus links to related quizzes
Sentence Variety - 37 slides explaining nine sentence patterns to encourage variety
Craft a Tone - Edit to craft a tone that is appropriate for the topic and audience, and supports the purpose. 0701.3.14
Tone in Business Writing - provides overviews and examples of how to use tone in business writing. This includes considering the audience and purpose for writing
Seventh Grade Writing - Read the introduction and the passage that follows. Then read each question and mark the circle next to the correct answer.
0701.3.16 When other sources are used or referenced (such as in research, informational essays, or literary essays) adhere to the following:
•Acknowledge Sources - Acknowledge source material (e.g., list sources).
Citation Machine - an interactive web tool designed to assist students, their teachers, and independent researchers in their effort to respect other people's intellectual properties (select type of citation on left side of page)
Seventh Grade Writing - Read the introduction and the passage that follows. Then read each question and mark the circle next to the correct answer.
Revise - Drawing on reader’s comments, revise papers to focus on topic or thesis, develop ideas, employ transitions, and identify a clear beginning and ending. 0701.3.19
Transitional Devices - transitional guides are connectives (symbols,words, phrases; sometimes whole sentences and paragraphs) that make possible a smooth "passing over" from one idea to the next.
TWA Rubric - Demonstrate confidence in using the Tennessee Writing Assessment Rubric while evaluating one’s own writing and the writing of others. 0701.3.20
Software - Use relatively basic software programs (e.g., Word, PowerPoint) to write texts and create graphics to present ideas visually and in writing. 0701.3.21
Publication - Identify and explore opportunities for publication (e.g., local/national contests, Internet web sites, newspapers, periodicals, school displays). 0701.3.22
Transitional Devices - transitional guides are connectives (symbols,words, phrases; sometimes whole sentences and paragraphs) that make possible a smooth "passing over" from one idea to the next.
Sentence Variety - This resource presents methods for adding sentence variety and complexity to writing that may sound repetitive or boring. Sections are divided into general tips for varying structure, a discussion of sentence types, and specific parts of speech which can aid in sentence variety.
Sentence Variety - large number of tips about sentence variety plus links to related quizzes
Sentence Variety - 37 slides explaining nine sentence patterns to encourage variety
Relevant Sentences - Identify the sentence(s) irrelevant to a paragraph’s theme or flow. SPI 0701.3.7
Information Elimination (6 - 8) model, instruct, and practice narrowing a topic for expository writing
Conclusion - Select an appropriate concluding sentence for a well-developed paragraph. SPI 0701.3.8
Trailblazing Conclusions (6 - 8) develop a sense of ending by using closure and thought-provoking statements
Support Key Ideas - Select illustrations, explanations, anecdotes, descriptions and/or facts to support key ideas. SPI 0701.3.9
Graphic Organizer - Complete a graphic organizer (e.g., clustering, listing, mapping, webbing) with information from notes for a writing selection. SPI 0701.3.12
Outline - information on how to map out an outline.
Format - Select the most appropriate format for writing a specific work-related text (i.e., instructions, directions, letters, memos, e-mails, reports). SPI 0701.3.13
Reading for Meaning - template to use as guide for reading; the question on the left-hand side will help you describe and analyze the text; the question on the right hand side will help focus your response
Primary and Secondary - Distinguish between primary and secondary sources, defining the characteristics of each and evaluating each for their benefits and limitations. 0701.4.4
Document Analysis Worksheets - You may find these worksheets useful as you introduce students to various documents
Primary and Secondary Sources - Primary sources such as letters, diaries, photographs, maps and artifacts provide students with authentic materials from the past. By looking closely for details, students can draw conclusions about the items and formulate their own hypotheses about the time period(s) during which they were created
Reliability of Sources - Choose among sources provided and those found independently based on the usefulness, credibility, and reliability of the sources. 0701.4.5
Primary vs. Secondary Sources: A Comparison - use this form as a review - Examine a historical event by looking at both a primary and a secondary source related to it. Record the information you find in each below.
Collect Evidence - Collect evidence in various ways (e.g., gathering relevant reasons, examples, and facts; defining key terms and ideas; identifying relationships such as
cause-effect). 0701.4.10
Cause-and-Effect Writing Challenges Students - The cause-and-effect relationship is both a way of thinking and a format for writing. Teachers who emphasize cause-and-effect writing say that they are helping students learn to think critically as well as write cogently. Read what three experienced teachers have to say about this teaching approach, which can be used with students of all ages. This is an article from Education World magazine .
Thesis Statement - Craft an introductory paragraph in which a thesis statement(s) clearly presents the topic of the documented essay. 0701.4.11
Support the Topic - Present a body of well-developed and specific facts and information pertinent to the topic, developed as a series of paragraphs which support the topic. 0701.4.12
Transitional Devices - transitional guides are connectives (symbols,words, phrases; sometimes whole sentences and paragraphs) that make possible a smooth "passing over" from one idea to the next.
Organizing Structure - Create an effective organizing structure based on research information (e.g., description, problem-solution, question-answer, comparison-contrast, cause-effect). 0701.4.14
Developing Unified and Coherent Paragraphs - discusses three of the most common types of paragraph structure: development by detail, comparison and contrast, and process.
Conclusion - Craft a conclusion in which closure is provided, such as by restating the topic and summarizing findings. 0701.4.15
Use Standard Format - Acknowledge source material using a predetermined standard format (e.g., APA, MLA). 0701.4.16
Bibme - fully automatic bibliography maker that auto-fills. It's the easiest way to build a works cited page.
Citation Machine - an interactive Web tool designed to assist teachers in modeling the proper use of information property (Students are welcome to use this as well)
MLA-Style Bibliography Builder - Choose a form, fill it out, and push the button... you will get an individual entry for a "Works Cited" page, which you may then copy and paste into your word processor.
Following a standard format and appropriate technology, embed text graphics, including a title, a contents page, numbered pages, and a bibliography. 0701.4.19
APA documentation - These materials will introduce you to APA documentation and show you examples which you can use as templates for citing your own references.
MLA Formatting and Style Guide - excellent resource showing examples for the general format of MLA research papers, in-text citations, endnotes/footnotes, and the Works Cited page
Primary and Secondary Sources - Primary sources such as letters, diaries, photographs, maps and artifacts provide students with authentic materials from the past. By looking closely for details, students can draw conclusions about the items and formulate their own hypotheses about the time period(s) during which they were created
Irrelevant Material - Discern irrelevant research material from written text. SPI 0801.4.5
Information Elimination - Students model, instruct, and practice narrowing a topic for expository writing.
Predict Events - Make logical predictions of future events in text. 0701.5.1
Reading With Meaning - Show your thinking behind predictions using the text to justify or explain your answers
Reading Predictions Form - template for students - Prior to reading each chapter, students draw from the information they had from previous reading and from their own experiences to write a short prediction.
Sequence Events - Identify sequence of events in text. 0701.5.2
Sequence It!- using fairy tales to be read on online, students sequence the events they read about; lesson plan; can adapt this by selecting different fairy tales.
Story Shackles (Linking Students To Written Text) - lesson plan - Story Shackles is an imaginative and stimulating way for students to acquire the ability to retell events of a story or text, sequence the action or happenings in a story, or to simply summarize the plot, main ideas with supporting details, or general information of a story or text
Story Sequence with Word - lesson plan - the description contains a link to a Word document to download - you can insert your own stories in the boxes and let your students place them in correct sequence
Complete Analogy - Construct and complete analogies using synonyms, antonyms, homonyms, categories, subcategories, whole/part, functions, and verb forms). 0701.5.3
Cause-and-Effect Writing Challenges Students - The cause-and-effect relationship is both a way of thinking and a format for writing. Teachers who emphasize cause-and-effect writing say that they are helping students learn to think critically as well as write cogently. Read what three experienced teachers have to say about this teaching approach, which can be used with students of all ages. This is an article from Education World magazine
Fact/Opinion - Determine simple criteria for recognizing factual claim and opinion (e.g., scientific method, provability, quality of evidence, sources). 0701.5.5
Fact or Opinion Quiz - Decide which of these statements are fact or opinion from the drop-down list, then click on the "Finished" button to obtain your score out of ten.
Support Argument - Determine the relevance and quality of evidence given to support or oppose an argument. 0701.5.6
The Art of Argument and Persuasion - lesson plan - understanding the forces that shape their ideas and opinions, and work in reshaping their arguments so that truth and reason are evident.
Persuasive Arguments - lesson plan - Each group member is given an argument and presents it to group members to discuss and generate ideas for persuasion. Students then independently write argument, defending their position.
Compare and Contrast - Compare and contrast evidence and conclusions between two or more arguments on the same topic. 0701.5.7
Compare or Contrast? - Which is it? Read the sentence and decide whether you are comparing or contrasting
Comparing and Contrasting Fables - apply literal, interpretive, and critical thinking skills to two versions of a fable. They will then draw a cartoon to illustrate the moral of one of the fables they read.
Enchanting Readers with Revisionist Fairy Tales - students will read three examples of literature in which common fairy tale themes are revised and then compare and contrast them thematically and in terms of form.
Identify False Premise - Identify a variety of false premises, including those involving categorical claims (e.g., all mammals are human beings). 0701.5.11
Logical Fallacies - article with examples - Fallacies can be either illegitimate arguments or irrelevant points, and are often identified because they lack evidence that supports their claim
Some Common Fallacies - brief list of some of the more common fallacies, along with illustrations of them
Persuasive Devices - Identify the persuasive devices in written and oral communication (e.g., bandwagon, loaded terms, testimonial, name-calling, plain folks). 0701.5.12
Logical Fallacies - Explore common logical fallacies (e.g., appeal to fear, personal attack, false dilemma, false analogy) a variety of texts. 0701.5.13
Don't Throw Away That Junk Mail! - lesson plan - students to identify all the techniques used in junk mail to attract and hold the reader's attention that they can think of.
Logical Fallacies - article with examples - Fallacies can be either illegitimate arguments or irrelevant points, and are often identified because they lack evidence that supports their claim
Some Common Fallacies - brief list of some of the more common fallacies, along with illustrations of them
Stereotyping and Bias - Explore the concepts of stereotyping and bias. 0701.5.14
Stereotyping and Bias: The Three Little Pigs - lesson plan - This lesson helps students recognize and understand stereotyping and bias in literature and film by looking at representations of wolves
Stereotypes - lesson plan - Each time a profession is mentioned, write down a fictional name for the person doing the job. Don’t think about it; go with your first reaction
Understanding stereotypes - lesson plan - categorizing things or people is a natural human inclination; however, people often make assumptions about groups of people they don’t even know
Fact or Opinion - Evaluate text for fact and opinion. SPI 0701.5.2
Fact or Opinion Quiz - Decide which of these statements are fact or opinion from the drop-down list, then click on the "Finished" button to obtain your score out of ten.
Cause-and-Effect Writing Challenges Students - The cause-and-effect relationship is both a way of thinking and a format for writing. Teachers who emphasize cause-and-effect writing say that they are helping students learn to think critically as well as write cogently. Read what three experienced teachers have to say about this teaching approach, which can be used with students of all ages. This is an article from Education World magazine
Text Types - Online game helping learn about the different text types such as persuasion, informative, descriptive, or instructive.
Analyzing Political Ads - Students will view current political ads and learn how they make use of various commercial ad appeals. Students will also develop familiarity with basic videography terms.
Affluenza: A PBS Program - Lessons such as "Be an Adbuster!" and "What are Advertisers Selling?" are based on Affluenza, a one-hour television special that explores the high social and environmental costs of materialism and over consumption. The lessons can be used without the video.
Analogy - Select the correct word or phrase to complete an analogy, using synonyms, antonyms, homonyms, categories, subcategories, whole/part, functions, verb forms). SPI 0701.5.5
False Premise - Identify a false premise in text. SPI 0701.5.7
Don't Throw Away That Junk Mail! - lesson plan; students to identify all the techniques used in junk mail to attract and hold the reader's attention that they can think of.
Inferences - Make inferences and draw conclusions based on evidence in text. SPI 0701.5.8
News Quiz Archive - over 50 news stories from the BBC - Choose carefully, not all of these would be appropriate for 7th grade students. Also, take a look at a section of stories which include math in the news and the quiz
Summarize - Summarize succinctly the main idea and supporting details (presented as text and/or visuals) in informational texts. 0701.6.5
Brainchild Test - (This quiz opens in a new page. Close the page when finished to return to this list.) 12 questions - Students should use the summary page after finishing this test to practice their areas of weakness.
News Quiz Archive - over 50 news stories from the BBC - Choose carefully, not all of these would be appropriate for 7th grade students. Also, take a look at a section of stories which include math in the news and the quiz
Seventh Grade Reading - Read the introduction and the passage that follows. Then read each question and mark the circle next to the correct answer.
Paraphrase and Critique - Summarize, paraphrase, and critique texts (informational and literary). 0701.6.6
Exploring Plagiarism, Copyright, and Paraphrasing - a lesson which helps students understand copyright, fair use, and plagiarism by focusing on why students should avoid plagiarism and exploring strategies that respect copyright and fair use.
Paraphrasing Topic Sentences - read a passage and then decide which statement best paraphrases the topic sentence
Quoting, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing - intended to help students become more comfortable with the uses of and distinctions among quotations, paraphrases, and summaries
Using Paraphrases - "A paraphrase is an indirect quotation" from Literacy Education Online (LEO)
Identify Organizational Structure - Identify the organizational structures of informational texts (e.g., chronological, sequential, cause-effect, comparison-contrast, problem-solution). 0701.6.7
Ordering the Phrases - interactive quiz - learn about the different stages of a presentation and to learn some phrases that tell your audience where you are in your presentation
Print Format - Recognize that print format varies according to purpose and genre (e.g., prose, poetry, newspaper/magazine, letters, dramas, technical manuals, textbooks). 0701.6.8
What is Poetry? - in-depth analysis of poetry in its various formats
Writing genres - it is important to understand what these commonly shared attributes are for each of the different genre; definitions with examples
Text Features - Use text features to locate information and make meaning from text (e.g., headings, key words, captions, tables of content, footnotes, illustrations). 0701.6.9
News Quiz Archive - over 50 news stories from the BBC - Choose carefully, not all of these would be appropriate for 7th grade students. Also, take a look at a section of stories which include math in the news and the quiz
Graphs and Charts - Comprehend and interpret factual, quantitative, technical, or mathematical information presented in maps, charts, graphs, time lines, tables, and diagrams. 0701.6.10
Questioning - Formulate clarifying questions before, during, or after reading. SPI 0701.6.1
Asking Questions - the types of questions depend on the answer to that first important question: Why am I reading this? Once you establish a purpose for yourself, you can then ask which questions will help you achieve that goal. This page asks students to rank a set of questions on a scale of one to five.
Questioning Toolkit - seventeen types of questions from the educational journal, FNO
Main Idea - Identify the main idea and supporting details in text. SPI 0701.6.2
How are They Selling It? - students read three advertisements and evaluate the type of persuasive writing being employed
Main Idea - building blocks of comprehension - exercises to print included
Main Idea - The main idea of a paragraph is what all the sentences are about. Read the paragraph and ask, “What’s your point?”
Reading Comprehension - free reading comprehension worksheets for teachers and parents - includes original stories, poems, essays, and articles
Summarize as You Read - When you summarize, eliminate unnecessary details. Focus on the main idea of the whole passage.
What's the Big Idea? Exercise 1 - Write the common subject for each group of words, or "write a good title for each list." - a worksheet to print, not interactive
What's the Big Idea? Exercise 2 - Write the common subject for each group of words, or "write a good title for each list." - a worksheet to print, not interactive
What's the Big Idea? Exercise 3 - a bit harder than 1 & 2 - Write the common subject for each group of words, or "write a good title for each list." Then add another example that could be included in that group. Be as specific as you can. - a worksheet to print, not interactive
Use Text Features - Use text features to locate information and make meaning from text (e.g., headings, key words, captions, footnotes). SPI 0701.6.3
Reading Headlines - students read eight headlines and try to determine what the article is about
Charts and Graphs - Interpret factual, quantitative, technical, or mathematical information presented in text features (e.g., maps, charts, graphs, time lines, tables, and diagrams). SPI 0701.6.4
Organizational Structure - Identify the organizational structure of an informational text (i.e., chronological, cause-effect, comparison-contrast, sequential, problem-solution). SPI 0701.6.6
Evaluate Media Effectiveness - Interpret how the sounds, images, and words used in television, radio, film, and the Internet are used to support the purpose of the production, and evaluate the
effectiveness of the techniques. 0701.7.1
Cinema - interactive web site explaining how Hollywood makes movies
Framing and Point of View - This lesson focuses on how those different types of camera shots affect meaning
The Function of Images in Text - The lesson will focus on three major ways - as example, as evidence, and as expression - that images can be used in a text.
Information Literacy Exercise - example of a web page that should allow students to use both their critical thinking and critical viewing skills.
Reading a Photograph - activity to help students examine information about photos
Scanning for Visual Details - This lesson will focus on locating visual details and examining them within the overall context of an image
Visual and Verbal - Identify, analyze, and discuss the relationship between the visual (e.g., media images, painting, film, graphic arts) and the verbal in more challenging media and explain how the elements support or conflict with each other. 0701.7.2
Elements of Messages - lesson plan - explore various media include literary, artistic or visual, and technical elements to convey messages to audiences. Students analyze and compare various media elements.
The Function of Images in Text - The lesson will focus on three major ways - as example, as evidence, and as expression - that images can be used in a text.
Images As Persuasion - images can be used to convey messages that may influence an audience
Media Elements - chart format of questions to ask when evaluating media.
Media and Message - Identify visual and sound techniques and design elements (e.g., special effects, camera angles, lighting, and music in television or film or layout, pictures, and typeface in newspapers, magazines, and print advertisements) in various media, and explain how they carry or influence messages. 0701.7.3
Get Media Smart - encourages users to think critically about media and become smart consumers. Activities on the site are designed to provide users with some of the skills and knowledge needed to question, analyze, interpret and evaluate media messages
The Internet's Impact on Political Participation - lesson plan - Discuss what aspects of the Internet and its culture affect individual participation in the political process at the local, state, and national level
Audience Analysis - audience analysis can help you gain valuable insight about your readers
In Search of an Audience - consider what attitudes and assumptions potential audience members will bring with them
Audience Reaction - Consider potential audience reaction (e.g., being aware of verbal and nonverbal cues given by the audience during a presentation) to improve media productions 0701.7.6
Appropriate Medium - Choose the most appropriate medium for a prescribed purpose and audience. SPI 0701.7.1
Audience Analysis - three main areas to consider when analyzing your audience: demographics, dispositions and knowledge of the topic
Images - Select the visual image that best reinforces a viewpoint or enhances a presentation. SPI 0701.7.2
Images: Focus on the details! - Learn how to unlock the meaning of images providing students with a broader understanding of events, objects and people
Semiotics for Beginners - in-depth study of systems of signs; 'semiology aims to take in any system of signs, whatever their substance and limits; images, gestures, musical sounds, objects, and the complex associations of all of these, which form the content of ritual, convention or public entertainment
Inference - Draw an inference from a non-print medium. SPI 0701.7.4
Message - Choose the statement that best summarizes/communicates the message presented by a medium.
SPI 0701.7.5
Test Tutor - read the passages and pick the best summary answer
Conflict - Identify the type of conflict (i.e., person vs. person, person vs. self, person vs. environment, person vs. technology) represented in a non-print medium. 0701.7.6
News Quiz Archive - over 50 news stories from the BBC - Choose carefully, not all of these would be appropriate for 7th grade students. Also, take a look at a section of stories which include math in the news and the quiz
Seventh Grade Reading - Read the introduction and the passage that follows. Then read each question and mark the circle next to the correct answer. [this test released by Texas]
Sequence Events - Sequence and identify the plot’s main events, their causes, and the influence of each event on future actions. 0701.8.2
Teaching Plot Structure through Short Stories - lesson plan to be adapted; identify the significant events that shape the structure of a familiar fairy tale, “Jack and the Beanstalk,” using an online graphic organizer.
Plot Development - Identify plot development techniques (e.g., foreshadowing and flashbacks) and explain their function in the text. 0701.8.3
Story Character Homepage - This lesson involves collaborative work, deep analysis of a character, and integration of technology
What a Character! - unit plan; Explore characters created by authors and identify personality traits. Apply these ideas to their own characters using language skills identified to convey these traits.
Moral Dilemmas - Identify moral dilemmas in works of literature, as revealed by characters’ motivation and behavior. 0701.8.5
Moral Dilemma Discussion - goal of this learning unit is to develop adolescents' moral-democratic competencies, in particular their ability to act upon commonly shared ideals or principles
Literature - Conflict - Decide which kind of conflict each item describes [you can take the quiz without entering an email address]
Identify Conflict - Identify the kind(s) of conflict (e.g., person vs. person, person vs. self, person vs. environment, person vs. technology) present in literary plots. 0701.8.7
Identify Plot Elements - Identify the basic elements of plot (i.e., exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution/denouement). 0701.8.8
Fiction, Setting the Story - learn how authors manipulate time and space, mood, and spatial order in descriptions of settings
Explore Character Development - Explore how the author reveals character (e.g., what the author tells us, what the characters say about him or her, what the character does, what the character says, what the character thinks). 0701.8.10
Identify Point of View - Identify the narration and point of view (e.g., first person, third person, third-person limited, third-person omniscient) in literary texts. 0701.8.11
Sound Patterns - Identify sound patterns (e.g., alliteration, onomatopoeia, rhyme scheme), figurative language (e.g., metaphor, simile), and other conventions of verse (e.g., limerick, lyric, narrative, haiku) in poetry and explain how these contribute to the poem’s meaning and to the poem’s effect. 0701.8.13
Chasing Metaphors - students explore the figurative language of metaphors by turning a series of objects, concepts, events, or characters into metaphors, first in written form and then by creating a video with images, text, and sound [Quick Time required]
Similes and Metaphors - identify the comparison in each sentence as a simile or a metaphor
Structural Elements - Explain the purpose and use of structural elements particular to dramatic literature (e.g., scenes, acts, cast of characters, stage directions) in plays that are read or viewed. 0701.8.14
Writing about Theme - lesson plan - format could be adapted to another story
Similar Themes - Identify and explain the development of similar themes across two or more literary texts. 0701.8.16
A Variety of Unwise Characters - explore the common elements of folk tales and tall tales, while learning how these tales built the spirit of American people
Historical Period - Identify the historical period in which a literary text was written and explain the text in light of this understanding. 0701.8.17
Historical and Cultural Context - Use your sleuthing skills to figure out when and where an historical event took place by examining some primary sources and using an educated guess to pinpoint them on a map and timeline.
Author’s Viewpoint - Demonstrate understanding that an author’s individual viewpoint may differ from the general values, attitudes, and beliefs of the author’s society and culture. 0701.8.18
Critical Literacy: Point of View - lesson plan helps students look at the author's purpose and viewpoint, and also recognize gaps in the text - Extension activities include debating a fairy tale using different character viewpoints.
“The Negro Speaks of Rivers” - by Langston Hughes - lesson plan - gain understanding on interpreting author’s viewpoint, figurative language, historical perspective, cultural perspective
Figurative Words - Determine the appropriate meaning of figurative words and phrases (e.g., idiom, metaphor, simile, personification, pun) in passages. 0701.8.19
Chasing Metaphors - students explore the figurative language of metaphors by turning a series of objects, concepts, events, or characters into metaphors, first in written form and then by creating a video with images, text, and sound [Quick Time required]
Plot Elements - Demonstrate an understanding of the basic elements of plot: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution/denouement. SPI 0701.8.1
Plot Chart - chart the plot with this graphic organizer
Plot Development - article with example of how a plot is developed
Plot diagram - interactive tool to chart a circle plot - demonstration of how to use this tool given
Plot Diagram - interactive tool to chart beginning to ending of plot - demonstration of how to use this tool given
Writing about Theme - lesson plan - format could be adapted to another story
Character Development - Identify how the author reveals character (i.e., what the author tells us, what the characters say about him or her, what the character does, what the character says, what the character thinks). SPI 0701.8.6
Plot Devices - Identify flashback, foreshadowing, and symbolism within context. SPI 0701.8.7
Mr. Bailey's Literary Terms Quiz - ten multiple choice questions - keep track of your answers, the answer page gives answers but does not tell you if you were right or wrong
Dictionary of Symbolism - students look up objects of symbolism and see how it is used in literature.
Oral Practice to Use with Response Cards - a 3 page Word document - to be read aloud, giving students practice with alliteration, metaphor, onomatopoeia, personification, and more
Practicing onomatopoeia, alliteration, rhyme, simile and metaphor (5 question quizzes)
A concept map to use when you work with your students on these topics.
Poetic Devices - a classroom sign about the forms of poetic devices
Conflict - Identify the kind(s) of conflict present in a literary plot (i.e., person vs. person, person vs. self, person vs. environment, person vs. technology). SPI 0701.8.9
"The Diary of Anne Frank" - Students will learn how diversity creates bias which leads to conflict, where students confront their bias and practice tolerance
Battling for Freedom - "By examining two speeches by Chief Tecumseh of the Shawnee alongside Henry's speech, students develop a new respect for the Native Americans' politically effective and poetic use of language."
Figurative Language - Identify and analyze figurative language (i.e., hyperbole, simile, metaphor, personification, pun) within context. SPI 0701.8.10
Chasing Metaphors - students explore the figurative language of metaphors by turning a series of objects, concepts, events, or characters into metaphors, first in written form and then by creating a video with images, text, and sound [Quick Time required]
The Metaphysical Poets - a study guide to be used as a way in to the study of metaphysical poetry
The Role of Oral Tradition - These traditions account for the ways things are and often the way they should be, and assist people in educating the young and teaching important lessons about the past and about life
The FCAT Sample Test Books are designed to help students become familiar with FCAT (Florida) by providing helpful hints and offering practice answering questions in different formats. Half of this document is math and half is reading.
site for teachers | 
PowerPoint show | 
Acrobat document | 
Word document | 
whiteboard resource | 
sound | 
video format | 
interactive lesson | 
a quiz | 
to print
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