The Biography/Autobiography/Memoir Oral Book Review

Ladies! As I mentioned in the beginning of this week's Reading Workshops, you'll be asked to read a biography/autobiography/memoir of your choice and then present an oral book report on your selection in the coming new year (2009!) For those of you who like to plan ahead, I'm giving you this assignment a tad bit early! Basically you should choose a book on a person that interests you, read it, and then prepare the oral presentation (we will discuss this more thoroughly in class before the winter break). Be sure as you read to mark passages that are particularly riveting, as you'll need to begin your formal oral presentation with a short reading.

Here are the details of the presentation format, so you can begin thinking about it. Remember, we WILL go over this in class...I'll include it now so that you can stay abreast of what's ahead! (Get it??)

Oral Book Report Format

Please use a 3x5 or 4x6 card or paper cut to that size. In the upper right hand corner, head the card with your name and the date. On the left hand side of the card list the following:

Title (underlined)
Author’s Name
Year of publication or copyright date
Number of pages

This card must be given to me at the beginning of your presentation. It will be the card I shall use to critique your report.

Begin your oral book report by reading an excerpt from your book. This excerpt’s length is to be approximately one to one and a half minutes when read. Next, tell why you chose that particular excerpt to introduce your book. IT IS AT THIS TIME THAT YOU SHOULD GIVE YOUR BOOK’S TITLE, AUTHOR, PUBLICATION YEAR AND NUMBER OF PAGES.

Briefly highlight the plot of your story. Do not tell the entire story or anything that would ruin another’s reading of the story.

Focus now on how the book has served you by addressing the following questions:

1. What is one specific lesson about life that you, as a young woman in the beginning of the 21st century, learned?

2. What is the greatest strength of your author as a writer?

3. If your biography were to win an award, what might that award be and why?

End your book report by indicating to what degree you would recommend or not recommend your book, or what reservations you would have in recommending your book.

In your oral delivery, strive for a strong, clear, modulated voice and avoid beginning with “OK” or “Ummm” or using too many “like’s” etc. Try to have a memorable ending statement.

Use note cards or small slips of paper as necessary. These cards are for your use. Do not write out everything on your cards so that you speak to the class in your own words and give evidence that you have practiced your report. (I will ask to see these cards after your deliver your report.)