1. Autobiography
By Benjamin Franklin

2. Literary Analysis Explore the key idea of self-improvement
Analyze the characteristics of an autobiography
Read an autobiography, aphorisms, and a magazine article

3. Reading Objectives
Make inferences about the author

4. Vocabulary Objectives
Build vocabulary for reading and writing
Use the Latin root FIC to help unlock meaning

5. Key Idea: Self improvement
As a young man, Benjamin Franklin believed that human beings could actually achieve perfection in a given area. All you needed was a reasonable plan and a lot of self-discipline.
Many people today also aim for perfection, although their quest may take a different path. Bookstores have a whole section devoted to self-improvement in a variety of areas, including diet, exercise, careers, and dating.

6. Assignments for today
Complete handout over reading skills definitions and author
Complete vocabulary sketches
These are HOMEWORK if you do not finish

7. Vocabulary Unremitting Felicity Affluence artifice Incorrigible
Trifling
Contrive
eradicate

8. Autobiography
Look on page What characteristics of autobiography do you find in the first paragraph of this selection?

9. Reinforce Key Idea: Self Improvement
Does Franklin find self-improvement easy?

10. Interpret
Read virtue #4. How would achieving this virtue lead to moral perfection?

11. Making Inferences
Based on Franklin’s list of virtues, what inference can you make about his view of his own moral character? Explain?

12. Making Inferences
What can you infer from lines about Franklin’s approach to problems?

13. Autobiography
In what way do lines provide an example of Franklin’s dual perspective?

14. Connect
What insight does Franklin come to about his quest for perfection? Consider what you have learned in your won life about perfection. Does his insight seem reasonable?

15. What significant moment or insight is described in this paragraph?
Autobiography
What significant moment or insight is described in this paragraph?