Memoir Unit



click to see memoir samples.


from Angela's Ashes

by Frank McCourt


ACTIVITIES

As you read the selection, answer the following questions. Make sure to use full sentences in your answers. Check your spelling and grammar.
  1. As you read, underline details that help you understand the seriousness of Frank's illness.
  2. How serious was Frank's illness?
  3. Review the details you underlined as you read. What happens top Frank during his first days in the hospital? (Clarify)
  4. Imagine that you were in Frank's position. What would be the worst thing about being in the hospital? (Connect)
  5. Reread the boxed passage (lines 71-74). What does this passage reveal about the relationship between Frank and his father? (Infer)
  6. As you read, circle details that help you get to know Frank's fellow patient, Patricia Madigan.
  7. According to the details you circled is Patricia Madigan the kind of person you'd like to get to know? Yes/No, because_____......  (connect)
  8. How would you describe Sister Rita?
  9. Describe Frank's reaction to reading Shakespeare for the first time.
  10. What does Frank like about " The Highwayman"?
  11. What trouble results from the reading of "The Highwayman"? (cause and effect)
  12. Semus is the janitor, the man who mops the floors. How would you describe his feelings about Patricia and Frank? (Draw conclusions)
  13. How does Frank find out the ending of the poem? (Clarify)
  14. What happens to Bess and the highwayman in the poem? (clarify)
  15. Seamus cries after reciting the poem and says there was "no call at all" to separate Frank from Patricia. Why is Seamus still upset by this incident? (Draw Conclusions)
  16. Based on this selection, what do you think life was like in Ireland in the 1940's? Circle passages that support your opinions? (Evaluate)


    17. MAKING INFERENCES
Every time people use bits of evidence to figure something out, they are making inferences. They are combining facts with what they already know from personal experience. As you read this excerpt form Angela's Ashes, record the facts you learn from your reading and any inferences you make. Also record other clues that help you make inferences.

 

What I know as Fact
 What I can Infer
 Other Clues
That led to Inference
Frank's father kissed him for the
first time in the hospital
 Frank's father is not demonstrative
but he still loves Frank










VOCABULARY
  1. confraternity: a religious society or association
  2. extreme Unction: in the Roman Catholic faith, the sacrament given to a person who is in danger of dying.
  3. rosary: a series of prayers repeated by Roman Catholics as a form of devotion too the Virgin Mary-usually counted off on a string of beads as they are said.
  4. exception: a case in which a rule doesn't apply.
  5. internal apparatus: the internal organs of the body.
  6. relapse: a worsening of an illness after a partial surgery.
  7. induced: persuaded, influenced (induce)
  8. potent: powerful
  9. recite: to say out loud something memorized.
  10. torrent: a rushing stream.
  11. pagan: non-Christian.
  12. perfidy: dishonesty, treachery
  13. privilege: a special benefit or advantage.
  14. clamoring: making loud demands; crying out. (clamor)

WORDS TO KNOW SKILL BUILDER

Words to Know

clamoring, exception, induced, perfidy, pagan, potent, privilege, recite, relapse, torrent

A. Complete each analogy with one of the words above. In an analogy, the last two words must be related in the same way that the first two are related.

  1. SLOW: RAPID: : weak: __________
  2. GOODNESS: EVIL: : honesty: ________
  3. AFFECTED: CAUSED: : influenced: _________
  4. HEALTH: ILLNESS: : recovery: __________
  5. BELIEF: FAITH: : heathen: __________
  6. SNOWSTORM: BLIZZARD: : flood: __________
  7. EAR: LISTEN: : mouth: ________________
  8. LAW: EXEMPTION: : rule: ____________
B. Circle the word in each group that is closest in meaning to the boldfaced word.


1.perfidy

doubt
treachery
alarm
confusion

2. pagan
worker
leader
promoter
heathen

3. privilege
advantage
reward
idleness
mystery

4. potent
disturbing
weak
powerful
wicked

5. induced
forced
influenced
prevented
accomplished

6. clamoring
speaking
objecting
listening
demanding

7. relapse
worsening
restriction
interruption
surprise

HOMEWORK

  • The story "Angela's Ashes" is a memoir. You are to write a memoir. You can click on the link to see memoir samples. Read the samples and write one of your own.


    • You can write your answers to the questions above in this box and click on "SUBMIT"

    Name:




    You can also attach the work you saved on your computer and submit it. (I prefer this one)






    References: The InterActive Reader Plus for English Learners (McDougal Littel)