Name Block UNIT ONE: WRITING YOUR STORY Why do we read and write memoirs? Introduction: What is a memoir? Directions: Read the quotation about memoir writing. Then, answer questions 1-2 with your partner. Quotation about Memoir Writing “A memoir forces me to stop and remember carefully. It is an exercise in truth. In a memoir, I look at myself, my life, and the people I love the most in the mirror of the blank screen. In a memoir, feelings are more important than facts, and to write honestly, I have to confront my demons.” Isabel Allende 1. Based on the quotation, what are three traits of a memoir? 2. Write a one to two sentence working definition for memoir based on your answer above. Unit 1: Writing Your Story: Memoir and Application Essays 1 Unless otherwise noted, this content is licensed under the CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license. PART 1: Why do we write memoirs? Directions: Watch the three clips from “The Art of the Memoir” and answer the questions that follow each clip. Clip 1: Richard Blanco 3. According to Blanco, what are some of the reasons why people write memoirs? Clip 2: Dani Shapiro and Kiese Laymon 4. Why does Shapiro (the first speaker in this clip) call memoir writing “a discovery?” 5. What does Laymon’s response reveal about possible motivations for memoir writing? Clip 3: Richard Blanco, continued 6. According to Blanco, how does memoir writing connect people? Turn & Talk Consider all three clips. Why might memoir writing be both difficult and rewarding? Unit 1: Writing Your Story: Memoir and Application Essays 2 Unless otherwise noted, this content is licensed under the CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license. PART 2: Why do we enjoy memoirs? Directions: Read the title and description of each video. Choose two videos to watch. Then, answer questions 7-12. Choice Board: Videos from “The Moth” My Grandfather’s Shoes A boy steals from his grandfather, a preacher, but makes up for it later on. The Missing Ingredient A woman learns a family recipe from her grandmother, whose mind is slipping away. Tackle Football Birthday Party A little boy doesn't want to attend a football-themed party. Fangs for the Memories A teenager has a frightening encounter that changes his perspective on life. Questions for Choice Video 1: 7. Which video did you select, and why? 8. How did the speaker make their specific experience feel relatable or universal? 9. What universal truths did this memoir reveal? Questions for Choice Video 2: 10. What video did you select and why? 11. How did the speaker make their specific experience feel relatable or universal? 12. What universal truths did this memoir reveal? Unit 1: Writing Your Story: Memoir and Application Essays 3 Unless otherwise noted, this content is licensed under the CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license. Turn & Talk Which traits of a memoir did you notice in the videos you watched? PART 3: Finding Your Voice Directions: Watch the clip from “Clint Smith - Reframing the narrative (Tell Your Truth)” and answer questions 13-14. 13. The speakers in this clip talk about the impact of a memoir. Why might it be especially important for young people to write memoirs? 14. What is an aspect of yourself that you might be able to show people by telling your story? Unit 1: Writing Your Story: Memoir and Application Essays 4 Unless otherwise noted, this content is licensed under the CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license. PART 4: Independent Reflection Directions: Respond to the prompt below by writing or typing in the box. PROMPT: Imagine you are writing a recipe card for a memoir. What are three essential ingredients you should include? Explain your reason for each “ingredient.” PART 5: Dig Deeper & Discuss Directions: Share your answer to the question from Part 4 with the class. Then, keep the conversation going by CHOOSING TWO OF the questions below and respond in your composition notebook. ● Do you think all memoirs have to be about sad or difficult moments? Explain. ● Which characteristic of a memoir resonated with you the most? Why? ● Think of a time in your life when you had to share a memory or trait about yourself. Did you find it easy or difficult to share? Why? ● If you could read a memoir written by any person — someone you know, a celebrity, or an historical figure— whose would you want to read? Why? Unit 1: Writing Your Story: Memoir and Application Essays 5 Unless otherwise noted, this content is licensed under the CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license.
