BIOGRAPHY

Independent and Active Reading Project Name ______

Due dates ______

Final Project due ______Total Possible Points ______

You will select a BIOGRAPHY from the school or public library. We may have some class time to read, but you will also be expected to complete at home reading.

COVER: You will create a cover for your project after you have finished all other parts. As you read, think about images you may use to illustrate your cover.

Cover points possible: 10

BIOGRAPHEE’S BACKGROUND: Some of this section may require additional research.

In this section, explain important facts about the time period and place in which the person grew up and lived/lives: important event or issues of the time

concerns or challenges of younger days

family history if given

parents’ influence

personal problems of childhood if any

education and special experiences

Background portion possible points: 40

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND SIGNIFICANCE: Identify the field of accomplishment (government, medicine, sports, etc.) List and explain in detail the prime events, decisions and actions of this individual that makes him or her important enough to have this book written. Also include any records, awards, honors. What do others say about this person to recognize his or her importance? If this is a recent person, find out from additional research if the person is still

alive and active in the field. If the person has died, locate an obituary and record the cause, date and what people said about him or her.

Accomplishment portion points possible: 50

STUDENT’S INTEREST: Explain why you chose this person to read about. Describe any new information you have learned. Evaluate the book. Did it meet your expectations? Why or why not? Record several statements by the person or by the biographer that reveal the individual’sphilosophy, view of life, or field of accomplishment. For each, respond with your opinion with several sentences. Interest portion possible points: 30

CREATIVE CONNECTIONS:

You must selectone of the following. 40 points possible

You may do one extra for possible additional credit. 40 extra points possible

(Extra credit is available only if all required portions are fulfilled first.)

  • Assume the persona of THE PERSON. Compose 4 - 7 journal detailed entries thisfigure might write in response to events or decisions in his or her life.
  • Create a mini-newspaper or magazine articles that report events of the book. Add human-interest columns and illustrations.
  • Write a poem or create song or rap lyrics (PG 13 only) that reflects one or more events or decisions in the person’s life. 30 lines minimum.
  • Create an original interpretation of the person or scene as a drawing, painting or diorama.

This must be completed with appropriate materials and demonstrate skill and effort.

  • Create a PowerPoint or videotaped advertisement for the book to interest to interest others in reading the book. You can also use Animoto or Xtranormal Movie Maker.
  • Select a scene that is tense or exciting. Write a script for several characters. Enlist one or more classmates to present a readers’ theater skit.
  • Create a dramatic monologue by the person. Come in costume and present the monologue.
  • Other ideas may be proposed, but you must receive my prior approval.