Biographies Close Reading Nonfiction

Biography Definition: a story of a person’s life told by someone else and written from the third-person point of view. The writer (or biographer) gathers information about the subject by doing detailed research using several sources.

Autobiography Definition: the story of a person’s life, but it is told by THAT person and is written from first-person point of view.

If a person lived many years ago, t can be more difficult to gather information for his or her biography. Consider what sources a biographer may use for Abraham Lincoln. May be Available Not Available Source 1 Source 2 Source 3 Source 1 Source 2 Source 3

Model 1: Biography AFTER reading the selection on pg. 779, select ONE of the questions on the right to answer in your composition notebook. From The Wright Brothers by Russell Freedman 1.What clues tell you that this is a biography rather than an autobiography? 2.How were Wilbur and Orville different? Cite details to support your answer.

Model 2: Autobiography AFTER reading the selection on pg. 779, select ONE of the questions on the right to answer in your composition notebook. From The Invisible Thread 1.What clues in the boxed sentences signal that this is an autobiography? 2.Name two things you learn about Uchida from her description of her own thoughts and fewelings.

Clues to find a GOOD biography…. Praising the subject as “the greatest writer,” “the best athlete,” or “most brilliant scientist.” Using only sources that agree with the biographer’s opinion Leaving unexplained gaps in the story Writing the biography right after a major event in the subject’s life

Why would someone write about themselves? Brainstorm some ideas as to why someone would write an autobiography about themselves. 1.To capitalize on his or her fame 2.To defend against criticism by telling their own story 3.To help others understand who he/she is or why he/she believes or feels something

from Christopher Reeve Select one of the following questions to answer after reading the selection on pg Look at the boxed details. How would you describe the author’s attitude toward Reeve? 2.What sources does the author use for quotes by and about Reeve? 3.Based on this article, how would you describe Reeve?

from Living Without Fear Select one of the following questions to answer after reading the selection on pg Describe Reeve’s personality at this point in his life. IN your opinion, has his attitude toward life changed or stayed the same? 2.What picture do you get of Reeve’s life as a whole? Explain how his picture would be different if you had only read one of the excerpts.

Rosa Parks Some Background: In the south, in 1955, African Americans were required to enter buses through the rear door and sit in the back. That section of the bus is nearer to the exhaust fumes, and the ride is noisier and bumpier. African Americans were also required to stand if a white person needed a seat. If they did not cooperate, they could be arrested and sent to jail.

Analyze the text Read both excerpts on pg Choose TWO questions (on the right hand side of each page) to answer with each selection SO… you should have FOUR questions answered by the end of this close reading activity.