9th - 10th Grade Common Core Worksheets

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts (ELA) provide a framework of educational expectations for students in reading, writing, and other language skills. The goals of the CCSS ELA are broken out by grade and subject area, including Reading: Literature, Reading: Informational Text, Writing, Speaking and Listening, and Language, as well as expectations in additional subject areas such as science and technology, history, and further writing areas. Ninth and tenth graders are expected to master reading and analyzing fiction and non-fiction books, be able to execute complex writing and grammar skills, branch out into new technologies and collaborations in their oral presentations, and continue to deepen the complexity of their reading choices. See the subheadings for each ELA category for more information on the specific expectations for students.

Narrator’s Point of View Flow Chart

This flowchart helps students identify the correct point of view. They answer “yes” and “no” questions to identify the correct point of view.

Charles Dickens Visits America

In 1842 Charles Dickens was probably the most famous English language author in the world. In this year he visited America. Students read about the trip and answer the questions.

Charles Dickens: David Copperfield and His Aunt

Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield, published in 1849, is one of his most famous works. Students read the passage and answer questions.

Circle It! Correct Punctuation

Students will practice identifying correctly used punctuation in this printable activity. They will be asked to read through the given sentences and circle the number of the sentences that have correct punctuation. Ideal for 6th – 12th grade, but can be used where needed.

Edgar Allan Poe and the Fall of the House of Usher

In this activity, students read a passage from Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher” and write what they think the underlined words mean.

Edgar Allan Poe: The Oval Portrait

In this activity, students read a passage from Edgar Allan Poe’s 1842 short story “The Oval Portrait” and answer questions.

Elegy for Lincoln: Walt Whitman’s Poem

In this activity, students read a “O Captain! My Captain!” about Abraham Lincoln and his death. Students then answer questions about the poem.

Explaining Oxymorons

This oxymoron worksheet is awfully good!

How to Write a Thesis Statement

This activity helps students develop a strong thesis statement for their essays by providing practice writing sample statements.

How to Write an Introduction: Bridge Building Activity

This activity is designed to help students learn about writing introductions through a fun bridge building activity to join the lead noun card and thesis statement card.

How to Write an Introduction: Different Leads

This is a fun, creative activity where students explore ways to include factoids, stories, metaphors and more to create “hooks”. A great activity to help students develop strong introductions.

How to Write an Introduction: Lead Types

Creating an attention-grabbing lead isn’t always easy but it’s very rewarding to students when they are able to create engaging introductions. This activity provides great practice to build better introductions!

How to Write an Introduction: Lead, Bridge, and Thesis

Let’s combine it all! This activity helps students use thesis statements, bridges and leads to write strong essay introductions.

How to Write an Introduction: Write a Complete Introduction

This activity helps students bring together what they’ve learned to write a complete introduction, including the lead, bridge, and thesis statement.

Irish Proverbs Worksheet Activity

This activity lists some Irish proverbs, and your students will explain what they think each one means.

Main Idea Graphic Organizer

Staying organized can be difficult, especially when you are trying to keep your writing and ideas well organized. With this printable Main Idea Graphic Organizer, students can keep their thoughts and ideas organized and separated based on their order of importance.

Mark Twain and the Homesick Connecticut Yankee

Mark Twain published A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court in 1889. Students read an excerpt from chapter 7 and answer questions.

Mark Twain: How to Tell a Story

Students read the beginning of Mark Twain’s essay “How to Tell a Story” and answer related questions.

Mark Twain: Travels Abroad

Mark Twain is known for his fictional works, but he also wrote one of the best-selling travel books of all time: The Innocents Abroad. Students read an excerpt from Chapter 7 and answer questions.