Bio Poem

How to Write a BioPoem

(Line 1) First name
(Line 2) Three or four adjectives that describe the person
(Line 3) Important relationship (daughter of . . . , mother of . . . , etc)
(Line 4) Two or three things, people, or ideas that the person loved
(Line 5) Three feelings the person experienced
(Line 6) Three fears the person experienced
(Line 7) Accomplishments (who composed . . . , who discovered . . . , etc.)
(Line 8) Two or three things the person wanted to see happen or wanted to experience
(Line 9) His or her residence
(Line 10) Last name
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Biopoem Sample
Rosa
Determined, brave, strong, loving
Wife of Raymond Parks, mother of all children
Who loved equality, freedom, and the benefits of a good education
Who hated discrimination, loved to stand up for her beliefs, and loved to help others
Who feared that racism would continue, feared losing the opportunity to make a difference, and feared that young people might lose opportunities to develop strength and courage
Who changed history as she accomplished great strides for equality and encouraged excellence for all
Who wanted to see love triumph and see an end to all bias and discrimination in a world in which respect is freely given to all
Born in Alabama and living in Detroit
Parks

From Abromitis, B.S. (1994, June/July). Bringing lives to life. Biographies in reading and the content areas. Reading Today, 11, 26. Reprinted with permission of the publisher and author.


Copyright 2004 IRA/NCTE. All rights reserved

  Auto-Bio Poem Rubric

CATEGORY	4	3	2	1	Score
Content	Content of the Auto-Bio poem is focused on a variety of character traits.	Content of the Auto-Bio poem is focused on a few character traits.	Content of the Auto-Bio poem is focused on a couple of character traits.	Only one character trait is described.
Style	The style of the Auto-Bio poem follows the proper format and pattern. The writer uses phrases instead of single words throughout.	The style of the Auto-Bio poem usually follows the proper format and pattern. The writer uses phrases instead of single words at least two times.	The style of the Auto-Bio poem sometimes follows the proper format and pattern. The writer uses phrases instead of single words at least one time.	The Auto-Bio poem does not follow the proper form or pattern. It may be missing parts of the poem. The writer uses only single words instead of phrases.
Creativity	Very clever; original; poetic feeling & creativity; many illustrations to enhance the poem’s meaning. It shows pride and attention to detail in uncommon and descriptive words and design.	Displays creative thinking; some poetic feelings; some illustrations. It shows creativity in many of the words chosen.	The poem is hard to read or has only a few uncommon and descriptive words and phrases. It shows limited creative thinking; limited poetic feelings; very few illustrations	The poem is written with no creative expression from the writer. It lacks creativity; no illustrations; very simple expression
Originality	The Auto-Bio poem shows at least three original ideas the writer expresses in addition to those provided by the teacher.	The Auto-Bio poem shows two original ideas the writer expresses in addition to those provided by the teacher.	The Auto-Bio poem shows one original idea the writer expresses in addition to those provided by the teacher.	The Auto-Bio poem shows no original ideas other than those provided by the teacher.
Language conventions	No Errors	Almost no errors	Some errors, but they do not interfere with meaning	Multiple errors, meaning is confusing at times.
Word Usage	Very high vocabulary, vivid, paints a clear picture in the readers mind.	Use of vocabulary is routine, some descriptive and figurative language.	Vocabulary is more telling that showing.  Little description.	Vocabulary is very basic.  Little figurative language.
Effort (points will be awarded)	Always works in class and at home 14-13	Usually works in class and at home 12-10	Sometimes works in class. 9-7	Seldom works in class 6-3
Due Date	Turned in on time	One Day late	Two Days late	Three days late. (nothing will be accepted after_________)