Autobiography vs. Biography

Autobiography vs. Biography What are the characteristics of a biography and an autobiography?

Daily Objective • SPI 0701.8.3 Distinguish among different genres using their distinguishing characteristics.

Essential Questions • What are the characteristics of autobiographies and biographies?

Set • We will be looking at two readings. • They are both very similar, but they are both different as well. • Be on the look out for the difference.

READING 1 Set Aunt Cindy was a big part of Jane’s childhood. Jane and her parents visited Aunt Cindy at least once a month. She remembers many visits to Aunt Cindy’s tiny, dark apartment. It was very quiet in that building– maybe because tenants were not allowed to have children or pets. In spite of that, Aunt Cindy found a way to express her love for animals; she spent days working at an animal shelter near her home, and scouting out alleyways for strays and finding them homes.

READING 2 Set Aunt Cindy was a big part of my childhood. My parents and I visited her at least once a month. I remember many visits to Aunt Cindy’s tiny, dark apartment. It was very quiet in that building– maybe because tenants were not allowed to have children or pets. In spite of that, my Aunt Cindy found a way to express her love for animals; she spent days working at an animal shelter near her home, and scouting out alleyways for strays and finding them homes.

Set • Think: How are the two readings alike and how are they different? • Pair: Turn to the person next to you and share the ways that the two readings are alike and different. • Share: Volunteers to share with the class.

Autobiography • The main character is the author • Recounts the key incidents in the writer’s life • Written in first person point of view. • Reveals the writer’s feelings, reactions, values, and goals

Let’s Review #1 Aunt Cindy was a big part of my childhood. My parents and I visited her at least once a month. I remember many visits to Aunt Cindy’s tiny, dark apartment. It was very quiet in that building– maybe because tenants were not allowed to have children or pets. In spite of that, my Aunt Cindy found a way to express her love for animals; she spent days working at an animal shelter near her home, and scouting out alleyways for strays and finding them homes. * What clues tell us that the first reading was an autobiography?

Let’s Review #1: Autobiography Aunt Cindy was a big part of my childhood. My parents and I visited her at least once a month. I remember many visits to Aunt Cindy’s tiny, dark apartment. It was very quiet in that building– maybe because tenants were not allowed to have children or pets. In spite of that, my Aunt Cindy found a way to express her love for animals; she spent days working at an animal shelter near her home, and scouting out alleyways for strays and finding them homes.

Biography • Tells about a real person • Shows that the writer knows a lot about this person • Describes the person’s environment • Shows how the person affects other people • States or implies how the writer feels about the person • Written in the third person point of view

Let’s Review #2 Aunt Cindy was a big part of Jane’s childhood. Jane and her parents visited Aunt Cindy at least once a month. She remembers many visits to Aunt Cindy’s tiny, dark apartment. It was very quiet in that building– maybe because tenants were not allowed to have children or pets. In spite of that, Aunt Cindy found a way to express her love for animals; she spent days working at an animal shelter near her home, and scouting out alleyways for strays and finding them homes. * What clues tell us that the first reading was an biography?

Let’s Review #2- Biography Aunt Cindy was a big part of Jane’s childhood. Jane and her parents visited Aunt Cindy at least once a month. She remembers many visits to Aunt Cindy’s tiny, dark apartment. It was very quiet in that building– maybe because tenants were not allowed to have children or pets. In spite of that, Aunt Cindy found a way to express her love for animals; she spent days working at an animal shelter near her home, and scouting out alleyways for strays and finding them homes.

Fact vs. Opinion • Fact: something that can be proved to be true • Opinion: thoughts or feelings • To check for opinions, ask yourself, • “Does this tell a thought or feeling?” • “Would the statement be true all of the time?” • Look for clue words such as : feel, believe, always, never, none, most, least, best, and worst

Fact or Opinion? • Abraham Lincoln was the greatest president. • Although Abraham Lincoln was a president, it is an opinion that he was the greatest one. • Marilyn Monroe was an actress. • Marilyn Monroe was in 29 movies. Since she acted in those movies, that is a fact • Tiger Woods is the best golfer who ever played the game. • Although Tiger Woods has won many golf titles, whether he is the greatest golfer is an opinion.

Fact or Opinion • Tiger Woods was the first African American to win the Masters Golf Tournament. • In the history of the Masters Tournament, this is a fact. Tiger Woods was the first African American to win the Masters. • Dale Earnhardt died in a NASCAR race crash. • Dale Earnhardt died on February 18, 2001 as a result of a crash during the 2001 Daytona NASCAR race. This is a fact. • All Rap lyrics are offensive • Although Rap lyrics often contain questionable language, whether they are offensive or not is an opinion, not a fact.

Subjective vs. Objective • Subjective = questionable, based on opinion not fact (OPINION) • Objective = able to be seen, heard, etc., it can be proven, it is a fact (FACT)

Subjective or Objective? 1. Ms. Leonard teaches reading. -Objective 2. Ms. Leonard is the best teacher ever! -Subjective 3. Taylor Swift is the CMA Entertainer of the Year. -Objective 6. Taylor Swift is the best country entertainer. -Subjective

Autobiography vs. Biography