Body Biography Scoring Guide

A Body Biography should demonstrate thorough understanding of the literary work, insight into the character and creativity in depicting that insight. Quotes are carefully selected and properly attributed. The original text is interesting and informative. Knowledge above and beyond summary or online shortcuts is evident in every detail.

An A Body Biography:
Contains all 4 body biography requirements (a review of significant happenings of the work, visual symbols, an original text, five most important quotes from the work) Is an accurate depiction of the character (based on evidence from the play) Creatively represents character traits and actions Exemplifies ideas or issues that go beyond the text (gender issues, marital and love issues, gang and family loyalty issues, issues of violence) and stimulates discussion during your presentation Prepared to explain and answer questions about you body biography during your presentation

A B Body Biography:
Contains all 4 body biography requirements Is an accurate depiction of character Character traits and actions are represented, but not very creatively Touches on ideas or issues that go beyond the text Somewhat prepared to explain and answer questions about your body biography during your presentation

A C Body Biography:
Contains only 3 body biography requirements Does not accurately depict the character, or is limited and superficial Character traits and actions are not represented creatively. They seem thrown together and not thought out. Does not connect to ideas or issues that go beyond the text Not prepared to explain or answer questions about your body biography during your presentation

A D/F Body Biography:

Contains less than 3 body biography requirements Does not depict the character beyond SparkNotes or other such sources Character traits and actions are clich Does not demonstrate knowledge of the text Unable to explain or answer questions about your body biography during your presentation

Body Biography
Trace a group members body outline on a sheet of paper and then cut the paper off of the roll. Every group should do this once. Choose colors, graphics, designs carefully. Place the following: Heart: What represents the heart of the person and where should it be placed to identify what the person loves most? What should it look like and what shape, color, pictures, or symbols should be included? Eyes: Where is this persons focus? What does this person see (as in I see you in Navi). Backbone: What motivates this person the most? What gives them strength? Hands: What does this person hold in their hands literal and figurative? Feet: On what foundation is this person standing? What are their fundamental life beliefs? The Background: what elements make up this persons environment/background Quotations: Quotes by or about this person that you feel represent them Virtues and Vices: Admirable and unadvisable qualities of this person Original Text: Create an original text that helps understand this person and include it somewhere appropriate on the body biography. Formula poem, paragraph, etc.

The Body Biography

The Body Biography

For your chosen character, your group will be creating a body biography a visual and written portrait illustrating several aspects of the characters life within the literary work. Obviously, begin by drawing in the outline of the body. I have listed some possibilities for your body biography, but feel free to come up with your own creations. As always, the choices you make should be based on the text, for you will be verbally explaining (and thus, in a sense, defending) them. Above all, your choices should be creative, analytical, and accurate. After completing this portrait, you will participate in a showing in which you will present your masterpiece to the class. This showing should accomplish the following objectives: Review us on the literary work that involves your character Communicate to us the full essence of your character by emphasizing the traits that make the character unique Promote discussion of your character

Body Biography Requirements

Although I expect your biography to contain additional dimensions, your portrait must contain: A review of the works events (dont take all references from one oart of the work) Visual symbols An original text The five most important quotes (either exposition or dialogue) relating to your character (be sure to attribute correctly and annotate)

Body Biography Suggestions

Placement -- Carefully choose the placement of your text and artwork. For example, the area where your characters heart would be might be appropriate for illustrating the important relationships within his/her life. The hands might refer to actions or accomplishments of the character. Spine -- Actors often discuss a characters spine. This is his/her objective within the work. What is the most important goal for your character? What drives his/her thoughts and actions? The answers to these questions are his/her spine. How can you illustrate it? Virtues and Vices -- What are your characters most admirable qualities? His/her worst? How can you make us visualize them? Color -- Colors are often symbolic. What color(s) do you most associate with your character? Why? How can you effectively weave these colors into your presentation? Symbols -- What objects can you associate with your character that illustrate his/her essence? Are there objects mentioned within the work itself that you could use? If not, choose objects that especially seem to correspond with the character. Formula Poems -- These are fast, but effective recipes for producing a text because they are designed to reveal much about a character. (See below for suggestions). Mirror, Mirror -- Consider both how your character appears to others on the surface and what you know about the characters inner self. Do these images clash or correspond? What does this tell you about the character? How can you illustrate this mirror image? Changes -- How has your character changed within the work? Trace these changes within your text and/or artwork.

I Am (as if the character were spealing)*

1st Stanza I am (two special characteristics the character has). I wonder (something the character is curious about). I hear (an imaginary sound). I see (an imaginary sight) I want (an actual desire). I am (the first line of the poem repeated). 2nd Stanza I pretend (something the character pretends to do). I feel (a feeling about something imaginary). I touch (an imaginary touch). I worry (something that really bothers the character) I cry (something that makes the character very sad). I am (the first line of the poem repeated). 3rd Stanza I understand (something the character knows is true). I say (something the character believes in). I dream (something the character dreams about). I try (something the character really make an effort about). I hope (something the character hopes for). I am (the first line of the poem repeated).

Name Poem (or, Acrostic Poem):

Write the letters of the characters first and last names in a column. Using words that begin with the letters of the name [and even the name itself if you want], write a poem that describes the character. Play with words until the poem looks, sounds, and feels right.

Where Im From (George Ella Lyon poem as a model): Focus on

how your character would write this poem.

Cinquain, Diamante, Tanka, Poem for Two Voices, Persona Poem, even Haiku (if several settings are referenced) . . .
http://homepage.mac.com/mseffie/handouts/formulapoems.html

*Samples of all types available in class. Variations encouraged as relevant to the character

Body Biography Rubric

Name(s) _______________________________________________ Grade __________ Title of Work ______________________________________________________________ Character _________________________________________________________________ Excellent
Creatively depicts/describes character Reveals deep understanding of character 10 - 9 points Maintains a clear, distinctive focus throughout entire writing Successfully constructs strong, effective paragraphs 10 - 9 points Actively engages the audience Extensively uses precise word choice, sensory details, & active voice 5 points No errors in usage, spelling, capitalization, punctuation, or sentence formation 5 points

Satisfactory
Accurately depicts/describes character Reveals satisfactory understanding of character 8 - 6 points Maintains a clear, distinctive focus throughout most of writing Constructs strong, effective paragraphs 8 - 6 points Often engages the audience Effectively uses precise word choice, sensory details, & active voice 4 points Few errors in usage, spelling, capitalization, punctuation, or sentence formation 4 points

Fair
Accurately depicts/describes character Reveals some understanding of character 5 - 3 points Focus of writing is often unclear Some paragraphs lack structure

Poor
Accurately depicts/describes character Reveals limited understanding of character 2 - 1 points Focus of writing is unclear Most paragraphs lack structure

Score

ORGANIZATION

CONTENT

5 - 3 points Occasionally engages the audience Uses precise word choice, sensory details, & active voice 3 points Many errors in usage, spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and sentence formation 3 points

2 - 1 points Rarely engages the audience Rarely uses precise word choice, sensory details, & active voice 2 1 points Numerous errors in usage, spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and sentence formation 2 -1 points

Comments: _________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________

CONVENTIONS

STYLE

Body Biography Rubric

Group Members ________________________ ________________________ Title of Work ______________________________ ________________________ Character _________________________________ ________________________
20 Project is neat, well organized, and easy to read All team members work well and efficiently; no one was ever off task Each member wrote a thoughtful and grammatically correct poem, letter, or response to or about the character The body as well as the symbolic images were well done, colorful, and added to the meaning of the literary work and the character chosen 5 important quotes or passages were written on the poster The characters body, clothing, and symbolic images portray an understanding of the literary work. 15 Project is somewhat neat, organization is sufficient, and it is easy to read Team members work efficiently; at times a group member was off task Each member wrote an original piece, but one or more was lacking in quality The body as well as the symbolic images were somewhat completed, colorful, and added to the meaning of the literary work and the character chosen 4 important quotes or passages were written on the poster The characters body, clothing, and symbolic images are appropriate for the literary work. 10 Project is either lacking in neatness, organization, or the handwriting is too sloppy or small Team members worked well at times, were off task at times One or more member did not write an original piece 5 Project is not neat, organized, or clearly written Team members did not work efficiently Original pieces were altogether missing or did not follow directions The visuals overall did not meet the requirements

Neatness

Team Work

Original Written Piece

Visual

Passages/ quotes Attention to time period

The body or the symbolic images were either incomplete, not colored, or did not make sense based on the literary work and/ or the character chosen 3 important quotes or passages were written on the poster The characters body, clothing, and symbolic images are somewhat appropriate for the literary work or are too plain to be distinguishable

Fewer than 3 important quotes or passages were written on the poster The body, clothing, and/or symbolic images are not appropriate for the literary work demonstrates a lack of understanding of the era

Comments: ___________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ Grade = __________

Body Biography
You will be creating a Body Biography--a visual and written portrait illustrating several aspects of a character's life within the novel. You may use the novel for help. Choose a character from To Kill a Mockingbird that you will use to complete this assignment. You may choose Scout, Jem, Dill, Atticus, Boo Radley, Miss Maudie, or Calpurnia. Then you will write three paragraphs about this character. The information from the paragraphs will then be placed on a body template.

Part I - Writing
Paragraph 1 - Visual Symbols Create at least three symbols that represent significant personality traits or important things in this person's life. For example, you might use a light bulb to show how the character has good ideas. Each symbol from the paragraph will be placed on the drawing in a meaningful place. For example, you might draw one object close to the character's heart if it symbolizes something he/she loves or feels; around the head if it symbolizes what a character thinks; on the hands if symbolizes his/her work; etc. The paragraph should identify each symbol, explain what it represents, where you plan to place it on the body template, and why you chose to place it there. Be sure to use a topic sentence and a closing sentence. Paragraph 2 Quotations - Choose at least three quotations from the novel which reveal personality traits of your character. These do not have to be things the character actually says but could be part of the narration or what another character says about him/her. These quotations will also be placed on the body template in a significant place like the symbols from Paragraph 1. In your paragraph, write the exact sentence(s) from the book, explain what each quotation reveals about the characters personality, and explain where you will place the quote on the drawing and why. Be sure to use a topic sentence and a closing sentence. Paragraph 3 - Symbolic Colors- On the body template, you will add hair, clothing, a face, and any other decorations you think apply to the character. The colors you choose for these decorations should be symbolic of the characters personality. Use the color symbolism chart to help you choose the best colors for your character. Use at least three colors. In your paragraph, describe the colors you will use and how those colors apply to your characters personality. Be sure to use a topic sentence and a closing sentence.

Part II Visual Presentation

On the body template provided, draw and write the information from your three paragraphs three symbols, three quotations, and symbolic colors. Remember the symbols and quotations should be placed in significant places as stated in your paragraphs. Make your body biography creative and colorful, and be sure it contains the specific information from the novel about your character! Have fun! Create a product for which you (and I) will be proud!

Body Biography Rubric

Student Name ________________________
Excellent Content (RL1 & RL2) Satisfactory Fair

Grade ___________
Poor Score

-Creatively depicts/describes character -Reveals deep understanding of character 10 - 9 points

-Accurately depicts/describes character -Reveals satisfactory understanding of character 8 - 6 points -Maintains a clear, distinctive focus throughout most of writing -Constructs strong, effective paragraphs 8 - 6 points -Often engages the audience -Effectively uses precise word choice, sensory details, & active voice 4 points -Few errors in usage, spelling, capitalization, punctuation, or sentence formation 4 points

-Accurately depicts/describes character -Reveals some understanding of character 5 - 3 points

-Accurately depicts/describes character -Reveals limited understanding of character 2 - 1 points

-Maintains a clear, distinctive focus throughout entire writing -Successfully constructs strong, effective paragraphs 10 - 9 points -Actively engages the audience -Extensively uses precise word choice, sensory details, & active voice 5 points -No errors in usage, spelling, capitalization, punctuation, or sentence formation 5 points

Organization

-Focus of writing is often unclear -Some paragraphs lack structure 5 - 3 points

-Focus of writing is unclear -Most paragraphs lack structure 2 - 1 points

-Occasionally engages the audience -Uses precise word choice, sensory details, & active voice 3 points -Many errors in usage, spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and sentence formation 3 points

-Rarely engages the audience -Rarely uses precise word choice, sensory details, & active voice 2 1 points -Numerous errors in usage, spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and sentence formation 2 -1 points

Conventions (C1)

Style (W1 & W2)

TKAM Body Biography Example Vera from The Open Window Paragraph 1 I chose a light bulb, a clock, and a heart for Veras symbols. The light bulb represents her creative imagination. In The Open Window, Vera makes up two very detailed and elaborate tales about Mr. Sappleton and the two brothers disappearance. She also makes up a story about Mr. Nuttles fear of dogs due to his entrapment in a hollow grave. I placed the light bulb next to hear head because these ideas originate in her brain. I chose the clock because Vera is able to make up these wild lies at a moments notice. In no time, she can concoct a believable story, because Romance at short notice was her specialty. The clock is located by her head because her brain works quickly to think of these lies, and the lies spew forth quickly from her mouth without hesitation. Finally, I chose to draw a large heart around most her body because Vera is self-centered. In general, she cares only about herself and doesnt mind hurting others. Paragraph 2 Three quotations from The Open Window describe Veras personality perfectly. She is a very self-possessed young lady of fifteen(541). This quote is an example of direct characterization that reveals important information about her. We know that she does not care about other peoples feelings. I put the quote next to her heart because she loves herself and is cold-hearted to others. Then you know practically nothing about my aunt?(541) is an additional quotation that gives insight into Veras personality. She is inquisitive and quickly gathers information from people to use in her tales. She asks Mr. Nuttle about his knowledge of the family so that she can form her story. Since he doesnt know anything about them, she can tell the tale of the tragedy. This quotation is located around her head because she asks the question to formulate her story. The final quotation, Romance at short notice was her specialty(544) is the key to the whole story. This piece of information let the reader know that Vera made up both stories because she enjoys lying. I put the quotation around her head because she made up these stories in her head. All three of these quotations help the reader understand the self-centered, lying girl that Vera really is. Paragraph 3 I used several colors to symbolize Veras personality. Yellow is the dominate color of her dress because it symbolizes imagination, dishonesty, betrayal, and deceit. Vera definitely has imagination to come up with so many creative stories. She displays dishonesty, betrayal, and deceit when she tells Mr. Nuttle the tale of tragedy. The dress is trimmed in orange, which symbolizes a demand for attention. Vera is described as self-possessed, so she obviously tells the stories to draw focus to herself. The large heart is red for love because Vera loves herself. Her hair is black, which means evilness. Her eyes are blue to symbolize the coldness she shows to other by lying to them. Each color on the template reveals various aspects of Veras self-centered personality.

The Scarlet Letter Body Biography

Directions: 1. Pick a character from the book (Hester Prynne, Pearl, Rev. Dimmesdale, Roger Chillingworth). 1. Find 10 quotes by or about your character. These quotes should give some insight into the character or reflect your characters personality in some way. The quotes can be directly from your character or what other characters say about him/her. Make sure you include the page number. 2. List at least 3 physical traits that your character possesses: height, hair color, eye color, how they dress, body size and shape, etc. The more you find, the better off youll be. 3. Pick 3 items that symbolize your character or your characters life. Example: For Hester, you might choose the fancy dresses she wore, her elaborate A, both of which are symbolic of how she is different from the rest of Puritan society, or the scaffold which would symbolize her shame. 4. Create an outline of a human body that will represent your character. Fill in the body with the quotes, symbols, and be sure the body has the physical traits you listed in step 2. 5. Use markers, crayons, colored pencils, or magazine cut outs to colorfully fill in your body biography. Make sure it is neat and legible. Write your characters name at the top of your poster/paper. *Suggestions/Things to Consider: Carefully choose the placement of your text and artwork. For example, the area where your characters heart would be might be appropriate for illustrating the important relationships within his/her life. The hands might refer to actions or accomplishments of the character. The feet might be a symbolic representation of the characters most fundamental beliefs. The spine/backbone might include the objective, beliefs, or goals of the character. Colors are often symbolic. Consider the color(s) that you most associate with your character. Use these colors in your illustrations. Consider both how your character appears to others on the surface and what you know about the characters inner self. Do these images clash or correspond? How can you illustrate this mirror image? How has your character changed within in the play? Trace these changes within your text and/or your artwork.

The Scarlet Letter Body Biography

Character: ___________________________________________________ Group Members: _________________________________,________________________________,_________________________________
QUOTES: 10 appropriate quotes that give insight to the character; page #s given for each quote PHYSICAL TRAITS: 3 appropriate traits illustrated or represented SYMBOLIC ITEMS: 3 appropriate symbolic items PLACEMENT: appropriate & creative placement of each item or text VISUAL APPEAL: creativity; use of color; neatness EXTRAS: any additional elements added to enhance your characters biography TOTAL 40 15 15 20 10 +1-5 100

The Scarlet Letter Body Biography

Character: ___________________________________________________ Group Members: _________________________________,________________________________,_________________________________
QUOTES: 10 appropriate quotes that give insight to the character; page #s given for each quote PHYSICAL TRAITS: 3 appropriate traits illustrated or represented SYMBOLIC ITEMS: 3 appropriate symbolic items PLACEMENT: appropriate & creative placement of each item or text VISUAL APPEAL: creativity; use of color; neatness EXTRAS: any additional elements added to enhance your characters biography TOTAL 40 15 15 20 10 +1-5 100