Less than $5 Higher Education Writing-Essays Resources (by date, oldest first)

• Do you need help getting your students to understand how text is structured and how authors craft their writing?
• Do you want them to practice aligning ideas and writing their own?

Help your students master paragraph structure with this comprehensive resource designed for middle and high school learners. "Building Strong Paragraphs" focuses on key writing skills such as identifying topic sentences, supporting details, and crafting thesis statements. This ready-to-use packet includes practice worksheets, engaging exercises, and thesis sentence-building activities that will enhance your students' writing abilities.

Ideal for both informational and argumentative writing, this resource walks students through the entire process of constructing well-organized, coherent paragraphs. Whether you're teaching how to develop supporting sentences, transition between ideas, or conclude effectively, this resource covers it all!

What's Included:

• Graphic Organizer for understanding structure
• Identification exercise
• Two Unique Passages per skill: topic sentences, thesis statements, supporting sentences & concluding sentences
• 9 Passages
• 20 Pages
• Available as a PDF and a Word Document

Perfect for:

• Grades 6-10
• English Language Arts (ELA) Teachers
• Writing Workshops
• STAAR Writing Prep
• Argumentative and Informational Essay Practice

Benefits of this Resource:

• Aligned with Common Core Standards and TEKS for writing.
• Great for differentiated learning in classrooms with ELLs and students needing extra practice.
• Supports critical thinking and writing clarity.

Who is this for?

• Middle and High School Teachers: Perfect for educators looking to strengthen their students’ paragraph-writing skills with structured, step-by-step activities.
• ELA Teachers: Aligned with TEKS and Common Core standards, this resource is ideal for anyone teaching informational and argumentative writing.
• Students Preparing for Standardized Tests: Great for test prep, including STAAR writing, helping students improve clarity, coherence, and overall writing structure.
• Special Education & ELL Support: Easily adaptable for differentiated instruction, making it an excellent tool for classrooms with diverse learners, including English Language Learners and students with varying writing levels.
• Homeschool Educators: A valuable resource for guiding students through the fundamentals of paragraph writing at home.

This handout provides a thorough and clear explanation of how to properly embed quotations within a paper. The handout will introduce students to the three methods they should be using to introduce textual evidence. It offers a lucid account of how to properly punctuate quotations, how to properly alter quotations, and how to properly cite evidence from different literary genres (novel, plays, poems, etc).

Tired of reading papers in which students repeat the exact same phrases to introduce a series of quotations? Tired of reading papers in which students contextualize evidence by writing, On page 34, it says, "blah blah" ?? Look no further! I developed this resource after listening to my talented English colleagues chat about their shared frustrations over how students frame quotations in their papers. If the teachers at your school are facing similar frustrations, then you might find this handout to be helpful.

As it turns out, there are only three strategies that writers employ when embedding quotations in a paper. This handout explains when and how students should use each of the three strategies:

1. Block Quotations: The best technique for framing a long quotation is to use a block quotation. The examples in this handout will model not only how to punctuate a block quotation but also how to follow up with analysis by picking out key words from the quotation and unpacking their significance.

2. Clause-and-Colon Method: The best technique for framing a mid-sized quotation is to introduce the quotation with an independent clause followed by a colon (:). The examples in this handout will model the grammatically correct way to use a colon to set up a quotation.

3. Integration-of-Keywords Method: The best technique for framing shorter quotations is to integrate the quotations into the writer's own sentences. The examples in this handout demonstrate how to integrate quotations seamlessly into the flow of one's sentences.

Here's my suggestion for how to use this handout. What I'd recommend is that you distribute this handout to your students before you distribute your next writing assignment. After reading and discussing each of the three methods, you might announce that all students will be required to utilize both the "clause-and-colon method" and the "integration-of-keywords method" at least once in their next papers. Should you do that, I promise their papers will improve!

My store is called “Rigorous Resources” because all of the materials prioritize rigorous content over decorative graphics. While there are plenty of sellers whose lessons feature beautiful design elements, my resources promise to improve students' writing by equipping them with practical skills used by published academic writers.

The previews for my resources provide direct access to several pages of exemplary materials. Hit the green “Preview” button to see exactly what you’ll get. . . .

This 3-page document will come to you in two separate formats: a Word doc *and* a PDF. Because the Word doc is editable, you'll be able to costumize the resource to suit the skill levels of your students — year after year! If you don't have Microsoft Word, you'll still be able to access the resource as a PDF — which is easy to navigate and quick to print.

If there's anything I can do to support your amazing work in the classroom, please don't hesitate to get in touch. Thank you for choosing “Rigorous Resources”!!

Happy teaching!

Adam Jernigan, Ph.D.

adamjernigan@gmail.com

P.S. Don't forget to click “follow” for email updates on new products by Rigorous Resources. New products will be 50% OFF for the first 24 hours!

Feel free to check out these other resources on writing:

How to Write a College Application Essay

How to Write an Analytical Essay

How to Write an Poem Analysis Essay (AP Lit FRQ 1)

Figurative Language Stations

Looking for a final writing assignment on William Shakespeare's Macbeth? This resource features everything you'll need to lead students through the process of writing an analytical essay about Macbeth.

The resource features 5 writing prompts which will motivate students to think with nuance about important themes in the play. The resource also includes scaffolding to help students select evidence, generate an outline, and begin writing. For teachers, the resource features an assessment rubric which can be used to grade and provide feedback on students' analytical writing.

As a bonus for AP Lit teachers, this resource also includes an FRQ3 practice essay with 3 prompts for Macbeth. The in-class practice essay is a great way for students to prepare for the AP Literature and Composition Exam.

Here's what you'll find in this editable 13-page resource:

• Analytical Writing Assignment: Challenge students to take their interpretations one step further by writing an analytical paper on Shakespeare's Macbeth. Let students choose from one of 5 thought-provoking sample topics — or invite them to develop a topic of their own. Writing schedule, outline template, and rubric included. (8 pages)
• AP Lit Practice Essay: Designed for teachers of AP Literature, this in-class practice essay will allow students to rehearse the "FRQ3" essay from the AP Literature and Composition Exam. The assignment asks students to write a 40-minute in-class essay in response to one of three recent FRQ3 prompts for which Macbeth would be a viable work of literary merit. (5 pages)

The entire unit will come to you in two separate formats: Word Docs *and* PDFs. Because the Word docs are fully editable, you'll be able to customize them to match the skill levels of your students year after year. If you don't have Microsoft Word, you'll still be able to access PDF versions which are easy to navigate and quick to print.

Rigorous Resources is your one-stop shop for top-quality resources on William Shakespeare. Wishing you an amazing experience with teaching the "Scottish play." If you have any questions along the way, please don't hesitate to get in touch. I love hearing from fellow teachers who share a passion for great literature! 

Happy teaching!

Adam Jernigan, Ph.D.

adamjernigan@gmail.com

P.S. Remember to “follow” my store to receive email updates on new products by Rigorous Resources. New products will be 50% OFF for the first 24 hours!

Feel free to check out these complete units on Shakespeare's masterpieces:

COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Romeo and Juliet

COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Julius Caesar

COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Macbeth

COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Othello

COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Hamlet

COMPLETE UNIT with Workbooks on Much Ado About Nothing

INTRO TO SHAKESPEARE: Biography, Globe Theater, Language, & Meter

AP Spanish® teachers- here is a GREAT way to assess both content knowledge and either writing or speaking skill! This assessment can be digital or printable, formative or summative! It can serve as a good introduction to the argumentative essay or a faster way to assess persuasive writing than having students do a full argumentative AP®-style essay. Included in this resource is a student study guide explaining what their task is and some helpful do's and don'ts to writing persuasively!

Instead of an entire essay, students will write a concise paragraph defending a position related to a topic investigated in class. In order to do well, students must reference the sources they read, listened to, viewed and discussed in class. This task asks a question about climate change, but simply change out the question to make this assessment fit with any unit or context!

Who can use this product?

• Advanced Spanish students (Year 4, 5 AP®)

How can I use this product?

• Assign this assessment via Google Classroom (or other digital learning platform) or print this out to use it in paper form
• Use this assessment as a writing or a speaking task
• Change out the question to use and re-use this assessment
• Grade this as a formal or informal assessment (formative or summative)
• Use this as a homework assignment or a class activity
• Use this as a lead-in to writing an entire argumentative essay
• Assess content knowledge as well ask language proficiency

What's included in this product?

• a page of Teacher Notes with helpful hints about using this resource
• a study guide for students including the do's and don'ts of writing persuasively
• an assessment question related to climate change (easily changed or edited to fit your unit or context)
• a grading rubric

Visit my store for more resources you might like, and follow me to find out about sales, new products and free stuff!

Here are some other resources for Global Challenges and the Argumentative Essay:

Argumentative Essay How To

AP Spanish Argumentative Essay: Graphic Organizer for Student Practice

2 articles with comprehension questions and GoFormative version: Environmental Challenges

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2 PowerPoints in one: Author's Style and Types of Sentences

Upper level, 31 page lesson on Authors' Style and Types of Sentences that focuses on how and why writers' styles changed over the years, introduces the use of author's style in students' essays, and reviews the four kinds of sentences: Basic, Compound, Complex, Compound-Complex.

It includes:

Simple explanations for author's style & types of sentences

Color coded examples

Peer workshopping activities

Extra individual/group/class activities

Tips for helping writers identify author's style & types of sentences

Why author's style & sentence variety is important in writing

Activities for understanding and practicing author's style and types of sentences

Real life connections

Excellent for homeschool, Gifted & Talented, AP/Pre-AP, flipped classes, literacy centers, and test prep. Helps student writers understand and master author's style and sentencing skills through collaborative, colorcoded, peer workshopping techniques.

Free checklist of parts of an introductory literary analysis for AP, Pre-AP, G/T, college level writers. Students are asked to locate: Hook--different kinds list Author's name Title of text Summary Area of literary analysis list Thesis, and write down your thesis Makes writing an introduction for a literary analysis easier to understand. Great for ELA test prep! Meets CCSS.

What's it take to be a peer workshopper? This quick introduction to peer workshopping will help students understand the process and includes a Peer Workshopping Checklist, as well as an example, to get students started! Use with college prep, homeschool, flipped classrooms, upper level learners, higher ed, and teacher training/professional development programs to introduce what peer workshopping is and how to get started. Excellent prep for writing tests. Follows Common Core and State Assessment Writing guidelines.

Make using and working with symbolism collaborative, fun and educational (Meets CCSS) with this interactive writing project that focuses on 850 B.C. and the discovery of the Snake Circle: Includes: 1. KWL Chart 2. Extra Resources: Take a tour of Ancient Greece, learn about the lives of adults and children, and watch videos to understand the time period of 850 B.C. 3. Uncover its origin: The Snake Circle object came from the days of Homer, so explore its meaning with the use of two symbolism sheets. 4. Discuss and interpret the Snake Circle shield handout. 5. Write stories: choose a genre; then Peer Workshop essays 6. Color the shields--review students' colorful examples 7. Display for all to enjoy! Comes with: handouts to complete writings, students' samples, and class project photos. Everything needed for writing fun! Excellent for teaching how to interpret and use symbolism, reinforce concepts and skills, and working with multigenres. Combination of historical technology resources with writing and using literal concepts.

One-page quiz for introduction or assessment to working with citations. Whole group or individual activity that combines technology and how to properly cite research materials.

A quick, two page review of Grammar Tips (sentence variety with examples and reader as writer instructions) along with a five-step format for structuring standardized essays. Easy to follow with color-coded examples.

Basic, simple, easy-to-follow rules with examples that cover writing concepts of: Numbers Dates Money Time Includes: Tips for using and writing numbers, dates, money, time Peer Workshopping Activity for student/peer essays Activities/comprehension checks for numbers, dates, money, time in sentences Answers to sentences Great for centers, flipped classes, homeschool, small/whole group, ELL/ESL, adult learners, beginning writers, test prep, assessment, and quick brush up on skills. Easy to use and follow!

An easy-to-follow, 14-page guide for understanding and writing literature analysis. Includes: Individual/Group activities Writing process approach Definitions Purpose Goal Options Terminologies for students to look up and define Steps for analyzing Critical thinking components Literary Prior Knowledge Handout Worksheet for Analyzing Literature Extra Resources (Video and more...) Interactive approach to understanding how to properly begin, write, and complete literary analysis essays. Be sure to build a class model!

Simple, to the point 5 slide presentation that walks students through using For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So (FANBOYS) in their writings. Includes: Rules Tips Practice Exercises Peer Workshopping Component Meets Common Core Standards for grammar usage.

Do your students need help categorizing and defining their research sources? Are you asking them to meet a minimum number of research sources for their essays? If so, then these worksheets are just what you need! Included are: 2 formatted sets of worksheets: Table format & Listing format for Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Research Sources Easy to understand definitions Examples of all sources Blank space for recording students' own research sources Number of Sources Used line for each source Students can easily understand Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary research sources, their examples, and can easily define and chart their research sources. Perfect for developing upper level critical thinking skills and research skills! Great for homeschooling, AP, dual credit, college composition, and elementary GT students. Excellent for non-fiction based CCSS and state standardized research writing.

Looking to make your classroom more welcoming this back to school season?

This bright Writing Center Banner is a great way to welcome students and visitors into your classroom each day! It will liven up your space and motivate your students....plus, it's so cute!! Prints two letters per page for a total of 8 pages. There are also three printable pencils in different colors which can be printed out and attached to the banner to your liking.

**For personal and single classroom use only. If using with multiple classrooms, please purchase additional licenses at the discounted rate.**

Best of all, this banner coordinated perfectly with my best-selling Writing Tools Folder: get your students writing at a higher level by offering them a colorful and coordinated reference for your Writing Center!! This reference guide is ideal for middle school students to use during independent writing assignments. Whether it is class work, center work, writing workshop, or homework, it provides quality writing The pages can be placed in a folder, booklet, or even displayed in a writing center. It helps eliminate questions and shows students ways to write effectively. This is going to help your students work independently while writing. This product is geared toward middle school but can also be used in upper elementary. I make a bunch of these Writing Tools Folders and keep them in my Writing Center and love how it helps students become more organized and independent while writing.

This resource includes 8 Anchor Charts and 3 Cover Page Options

Character Traits which comes in 4 different colors with chevron and swirls styles. The chart contains over 100 character traits that students can use to refer to during various writing activities.

Elaboration Stems which features writing stems students can use while elaborating on evidence in their essays. This chart is essential because students can refer to them while writing but gradually start incorporating them as it becomes a force of habit.

**Other Ways to Say...**which offers students multiple synonyms for overused words such as happy or sad. Great for displaying in your writing center!

Transitions which includes a strong set of transitions every writer should be using to aid in the flow of their writing, whether it's for emphasizing, giving an example or concluding an essay!

Said is Dead! which features other words for said, which is terribly overused in my classroom when there are tons of better choices!

Use This...Not That! which features better word choices for commonly used words and expressions.

Mood...which offers a great choice of words that depict either a positive, negative, or neutral mood!

Tone...which offers a great choice of words that depict either a positive, negative, or neutral tone!

★★I would love to have you as my newest follower!★★ Click here to follow.

ROMEO AND JULIET Essay Exam provides students a chance to show what they know. 15 Essay Writing Prompts to encourage insightful responses from this canonized work. Also, there are an additional 15 Discussion Questions to be used for additional essay practice or group projects. 11th - 12th Graders will love this essay exam. Check it out!

SUMMARY:

An age-old feud between two powerful families ends in bloodshed. At a Masquerade ball, young lovesick Romeo Montague falls instantly in love with Juliet Capulet, who is due to marry her father’s choice, the County Paris. With the help of Juliet’s nurse, the women arrange for the couple to marry the next day, but Romeo’s attempt to halt a street fight leads to the death of Juliet’s own cousin, Tybalt, for which Romeo is banished. In a desperate attempt to be reunited with Romeo, Juliet follows the Friar’s plot and fakes her own death. The message fails to reach Romeo, and believing Juliet is dead, he takes his life in her tomb. Juliet wakes to find Romeo’s dead body beside her and, distraught, kills herself. The grieving family agree to end their feud.

This 10th - 12th grade canonized work allows students to beg the question: should individuals be oppressed and how far would you go for love, family, and loyalty?

You may also appreciate:

OTHELLO [SHORT RESPONSE QUIZZES]

HAMLET [LESSON ACTIVITIES]

MACBETH [LESSON ACTIVITIES]

BEOWULF [LESSON ACTIVITIES]

"Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" Discussion Questions

HAMLET [MULTIPLE CHOICE QUIZ]

FIND ME ON THESE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS:

TheAngryTeacherBLOG

EMAIL LIST

INSTAGRAM

Youtube

Facebook

Pinterest

TeeSpring

TIKTOK

Hey guys,

I'm Richard Williams, The Angry Teacher. I've been teaching for 18+ Years , and have amassed quite a bit of knowledge to share. Please consider joining the Angry Teacher family; we'll enjoy having you in the fam!

Please consider checking out the other short story materials and resources in my store.

Also, guys, remember that leaving REVIEWS is a way that TeachShare gives you credit on products! So let's do it!

Thanks for stopping by!

ROMEO AND JULIET Essay Exam provides students a chance to show what they know. 15 Essay Writing Prompts to encourage insightful responses from this canonized work. Also, there are an additional 15 Discussion Questions to be used for additional essay practice or group projects. 11th - 12th Graders will love this essay exam. Check it out!

SUMMARY:

An age-old feud between two powerful families ends in bloodshed. At a Masquerade ball, young lovesick Romeo Montague falls instantly in love with Juliet Capulet, who is due to marry her father’s choice, the County Paris. With the help of Juliet’s nurse, the women arrange for the couple to marry the next day, but Romeo’s attempt to halt a street fight leads to the death of Juliet’s own cousin, Tybalt, for which Romeo is banished. In a desperate attempt to be reunited with Romeo, Juliet follows the Friar’s plot and fakes her own death. The message fails to reach Romeo, and believing Juliet is dead, he takes his life in her tomb. Juliet wakes to find Romeo’s dead body beside her and, distraught, kills herself. The grieving family agree to end their feud.

This 10th - 12th grade canonized work allows students to beg the question: should individuals be oppressed and how far would you go for love, family, and loyalty?

You may also appreciate:

OTHELLO [SHORT RESPONSE QUIZZES]

HAMLET [LESSON ACTIVITIES]

MACBETH [LESSON ACTIVITIES]

BEOWULF [LESSON ACTIVITIES]

"Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" Discussion Questions

HAMLET [MULTIPLE CHOICE QUIZ]

FIND ME ON THESE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS:

TheAngryTeacherBLOG

EMAIL LIST

INSTAGRAM

Youtube

Facebook

Pinterest

TeeSpring

TIKTOK

Hey guys,

I'm Richard Williams, The Angry Teacher. I've been teaching for 18+ Years , and have amassed quite a bit of knowledge to share. Please consider joining the Angry Teacher family; we'll enjoy having you in the fam!

Please consider checking out the other short story materials and resources in my store.

Also, guys, remember that leaving REVIEWS is a way that TeachShare gives you credit on products! So let's do it!

Thanks for stopping by!

HAMLET Essay Exam provides students a chance to show what they know. 17 Essay Writing Prompts to encourage insightful responses from this canonized work. Also, there are an additional 15 Discussion Questions to be used for additional essay practice or group projects. 11th - 12th Graders will love this essay exam. Check it out!

SUMMARY:

William Shakespeare’s HAMLET takes place in Elsinore, Denmark. King Hamlet has died, seemingly murdered. His ghost returns to ask his son, Young Prince Hamlet, to avenge his death. The tragedy highlights Prince Hamlet's moral struggle after his father’s ghost tells him that Claudius, Prince Hamlet's uncle, murdered the king. How does he maneuver the situation? Can family also be your foe?

This 10th - 12th grade canonized work allows students to delve into the importance of what happens when we try to take revenge. Can we be too ambitious? Can one person show both heroic and villainous sides at the same time?

You may also appreciate:

HAMLET [LESSON ACTIVITIES]

MACBETH [LESSON ACTIVITIES]

BEOWULF [LESSON ACTIVITIES]

"Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" Discussion Questions

HAMLET [MULTIPLE CHOICE QUIZ]

FIND ME ON THESE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS:

TheAngryTeacherBLOG

INSTAGRAM

Youtube

Facebook

Pinterest

TeeSpring

EMAIL

TIKTOK

Hey guys,

I'm Richard Williams, The Angry Teacher. I've been teaching for 18+ Years , and have amassed quite a bit of knowledge to share. Please consider joining the Angry Teacher family; we'll enjoy having you in the fam!

Please consider checking out the other short story materials and resources in my store.

Also, guys, remember that leaving REVIEWS is a way that TeachShare gives you credit on products! So let's do it!

Thanks for stopping by!

HAMLET Essay Exam provides students a chance to show what they know. 17 Essay Writing Prompts to encourage insightful responses from this canonized work. Also, there are an additional 15 Discussion Questions to be used for additional essay practice or group projects. 11th - 12th Graders will love this essay exam. Check it out!

SUMMARY:

William Shakespeare’s HAMLET takes place in Elsinore, Denmark. King Hamlet has died, seemingly murdered. His ghost returns to ask his son, Young Prince Hamlet, to avenge his death. The tragedy highlights Prince Hamlet's moral struggle after his father’s ghost tells him that Claudius, Prince Hamlet's uncle, murdered the king. How does he maneuver the situation? Can family also be your foe?

This 10th - 12th grade canonized work allows students to delve into the importance of what happens when we try to take revenge. Can we be too ambitious? Can one person show both heroic and villainous sides at the same time?

You may also appreciate:

HAMLET [LESSON ACTIVITIES]

MACBETH [LESSON ACTIVITIES]

BEOWULF [LESSON ACTIVITIES]

"Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" Discussion Questions

HAMLET [MULTIPLE CHOICE QUIZ]

FIND ME ON THESE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS:

TheAngryTeacherBLOG

INSTAGRAM

Youtube

Facebook

Pinterest

TeeSpring

EMAIL

TIKTOK

Hey guys,

I'm Richard Williams, The Angry Teacher. I've been teaching for 18+ Years , and have amassed quite a bit of knowledge to share. Please consider joining the Angry Teacher family; we'll enjoy having you in the fam!

Please consider checking out the other short story materials and resources in my store.

Also, guys, remember that leaving REVIEWS is a way that TeachShare gives you credit on products! So let's do it!

Thanks for stopping by!

THE BEAR Essay Exam provides students a chance to show what they know. 15 Essay Writing Prompts to encourage insightful responses from this canonized work. Also, there are an additional 15 Discussion Questions to be used for additional essay practice or group projects. 10th - 12th Graders will love this essay exam. Check it out!

SUMMARY:

In the 1888, The Bear: A Joke in One Act, or The Boor , Elena Popova and Grigory Smirnov engage in an aggressive verbal sparing of wits that turns into a lesson on love. Anton Chekhov's one-act comedic play shows how ironic life is.

This 10th - 12th grade canonized work allows students to delve into the importance of what happens as life proves who's in charge. Can we love our enemies? Can one person be in anger and in love at the same time?

You may also appreciate:

THE BEAR [UNIT QUIZZES]

OTHELLO [UNIT QUIZZES]

MACBETH [LESSON ACTIVITIES]

BEOWULF [LESSON ACTIVITIES]

"Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" Discussion Questions

FIND ME ON THESE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS:

TheAngryTeacherBLOG

INSTAGRAM

Youtube

Facebook

Pinterest

TeeSpring

EMAIL

TIKTOK

Hey guys,

I'm Richard Williams, The Angry Teacher. I've been teaching for 18+ Years , and have amassed quite a bit of knowledge to share. Please consider joining the Angry Teacher family; we'll enjoy having you in the fam!

Please consider checking out the other short story materials and resources in my store.

Also, guys, remember that leaving REVIEWS is a way that TeachShare gives you credit on products! So let's do it!

Thanks for stopping by!