Ms. Jackson's LA Class

Biography Book Report

 To explore the genre of “biography” in written work, the Biography Book Report will be assigned in the Grade 6 Language Arts Classes.

 The book must be a biography or an autobiography. All book selections must be approved by the classroom teacher prior to reading. Students are expected to set time aside for reading each day, which is taken into account when assigning daily homework.  Please try to find a book on a person whose life and work interests you, which will make this project more enjoyable. 

Instructions are given to students as to how to fulfill the requirements of the project. Each student also has a copy of the rubrics that will be used in the grading process.

 The purpose is to find out about people that others may not know of. For this reason books selected on people such as Oprah Winfrey, Martin Luther King Jr. and other such people will not be accepted reading for this report. The book selected must have no less than 100 pages (written text).

Biography Book Report Requirements

For this project, you will write a report, create a visual, and use your visual to help you present your report orally to the class. Use the requirements that follow to complete your report and visual.  Check off each requirement after you have completed it.

Part One: Written Report

Ø      Book Report Cover (worth 30 points)

Create an interesting book cover for your Biography Book Report. This may be hand drawn or computer generated provided it is your original work.

·         Include your name, the author, and the title of the book in an imaginative way.

·         Include a creative illustration that shows something important about the book.

Ø      Book Report Contents: Your report should follow the format below: (worth 60 Points)

First paragraph (introduction) should include:

·         The title, author, and a brief description of why the subject of the book is important.

Middle paragraphs should include:

·         Identify at least one character trait this person possessed and explain how it contributed to his/her success.

·         Explain how this person began in his/her field

·         How did he/she get started?

·         Were there any obstacles he/she had to overcome?

·         Facts (details) about how this person contributed to his/her field or specialty

·         What is the achievement (s) for which he/she is best known?

·         The part of this person’s life you admire the most, and why.

Concluding paragraph (s) should include:

·         A summation of the body of the report, including whether or not you think this book gives an honest account of your subject.

Part Two: Poster and Oral Report (worth 10 points)

Ø      Poster: Use a standard-sized poster board which includes:

·         Title of the biography and name of the author

·         A timeline showing important achievements

·         A direct quote from the book which you feel accurately portrays the subject of your biography

·         2- 3 pictures related to your subject.  These may be hand drawn, photocopied, or from the Internet.  You must cite your source!

·         All work must be neat and visually appealing

Ø      Oral Report: Prepare a 3 – 5 minute oral report on your subject. Note cards are required.

·         Use your visual creatively during the oral report.

·         Be prepared to answer questions from the audience.

·         Review the rubric for the oral presentation carefully as you practice your delivery of the oral presentation.