Name:
Date:

Graded Assignment
Comparing Memoirs
Answer the questions below. When you are finished, submit this assignment to your teacher by the due date for full credit.
Total score: ____ of 37 points
(Score for Question 1: ___ of 12 points)
The authors of the memoirs you read in this Unit create vivid characters in much the same way that authors of fiction create their characters. Readers understand the characters through their speech, their actions, and their interactions with others. Discuss how the various authors reveal characters using these three techniques. For each technique, give at least one example and explain how the author uses the method to reveal the character in the example you have chosen.
Answer:
Technique | Story name and example from text | Explanation of how author uses the method to reveal the character | Speech | ? | | Actions | ? | | Interactions | ? | |
(Score for Question 2: ___ of 8 points)
Are there any themes that run through more than one of the memoirs in this unit? If so, what are they? List at least two themes that appear in more than one of the memoirs you read, and explain the similarities you noticed in how the author explored those themes.
Answer: Uplifting, Courage (Score for Question 3: ___ of 8 points)
Think of two words to describe the tone of each of the four memoirs you read in this unit. List these two words for each memoir and briefly explain why these words describe the story’s tone.
“A Cub Pilot” Bravery and courage to become a Cub pilot
“Barrio Boy” Trouble, Struggle
“No Gumption” energy, motive
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Uplifting, Sad (Score for Question 4: ___ of 9 points)
What are some of the elements that make a memoir a memoir? Write a paragraph in which you describe at least three characteristics of a typical memoir, like the stories you have been reading in this unit.
Answer:
Type your answer here. A memoir is about story about someone’s life. I don’t understand what you mean by 3 characteristics of a typical memoir?