Autobiographies

1. When I say autobiography, what comes to your mind? Somenody’s life written by him/herself.2. What makes up an autobiography?Events, early life (childhood), personal problems, life experiences, memories, challenges, family issues, daily life.

**With a partner, make a list of as many elements/features you can think of that are found in autobiographies.

1st Person Narrative

Contextualisation Direct & Indirect Speech

Anecdotal Engages with readers about author´s problems , struggles, and challenges

Emotive & Descriptive language

Tell Me What You Think Each One Means

Separate into Groups of 3-4

• Read the reviews of Nelson Mandela´s autobiography

• Although you may not know much about Nelson Mandela, what is your opinion of him after reading these reviews?

Group Activity Continued

• NELSON MANDELA • Circle any language features you find

(descriptive language, simile, metaphor, alliteration, etc)

Group Activity Continued

• What problems did Mandela face?• What did you think of the text (tragic, funny,

inspiring, etc)? Why?• What was his dream?• What obstacles did he face?• Are you Nelson Mandela? Are you similar to

him in any way?Each group share observations with the class

• ANNE FRANK • Underline important words and phrases. 1. What problems did Anne Frank face?2. What was her dream? 3. How did she overcome these problems?4. How are you similar to Anne Frank in any way?

RECORDING ACTIVITY

• Review your table from the first activity this week (five challenges)

• Share your stories with five other people (get up and walk around)

• Which stories did you find most interesting? Why?

Writing Assignment:

• WRITE A DIARY ENTRY (or autobiographical extract) (250-300 words)

• Use language techniques you’ve learned from the extracts you read (Mandela & AnneFrank)

You can talk about your:Hero, dreams, obstacles/challenges to overcome, goals, conflicts/resolutions, break through barriers to experience new possibilities in life, etc…

Share Time

• Share your work out loud.• Participation points for constructive responses

and comments on each other´s work.• What is your opinion about the story?• What was the problem/challenge?