Exploring Real Lives

Overview

Year Level: Year 10
Subject: English
Duration: 60 minutes
Curriculum Link: Australian Curriculum: English - Year 10, Literacy Strand, Content Description ACELY1756: "Analyse and evaluate how people, cultures, places, events, objects and concepts are represented in texts, including media texts, through language, structural and/or visual choices."

Focus: Biographical study with an emphasis on analysing representations of individuals' lives and preparing students for a final written biography assessment.

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Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:

• Identify key features of a biographical text.
• Analyse the techniques used by authors to represent significant moments in individuals’ lives.
• Begin brainstorming and planning ideas for their final written biography assessment.

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Preparation and Materials

• Copies of an excerpt from "The Happiest Refugee" by Anh Do (or another engaging Australian biography).
• A whiteboard and markers.
• Sticky notes.
• A4 paper for drafts/planning.
• A short video clip (3-4 minutes) of Anh Do discussing his life (optional).

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Lesson Outline

1. Introduction – Hook (10 minutes)

Objective: Spark curiosity and engagement.

Activity: Present a thought-provoking question:
"If someone were to write a biography about you in the future, what would you hope they’d say?"

• Display the question on the board. Give students 2 minutes of silent writing to jot down their thoughts.
• Facilitate a 5-minute discussion where students share their responses, focusing on what they value about the way lives are represented in narratives.

Teacher's Role:

• Encourage participation by asking follow-up questions like, “Why would that detail be important in your story?”

Transition: “Today, we’re going to dive into a powerful example of how one Australian author captured the complex story of a life—let’s explore how it’s done.”

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2. Exploration – Analysing Real Lives (20 minutes)

Objective: Identify and analyse techniques in a biographical text.

Activity – Text Study:

1. Provide each student with an excerpt from The Happiest Refugee (or a substitute Australian biography).
2. Read aloud the text as a class (teacher starts, then students take turns).
3. Group Brainstorm (on the board): Identify features of biographies in the excerpt (e.g., chronological structure, descriptive language, emotional tone).

Mini Analysis:

• Split the class into four groups. Each group analyses one aspect of the text and shares observations:
  • Group 1: Structure – How is the story organised?
  • Group 2: Language – What types of descriptive language or imagery stand out?
  • Group 3: Themes – What themes or messages emerge?
  • Group 4: Tone – How does the author express emotions or attitudes?

Teacher's Role:

• Guide students to notice subtle techniques, e.g., the role of dialogue, reflection, or cultural context in biography writing.

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3. Application – Make it Personal (25 minutes)

Objective: Begin brainstorming and planning ideas for their final biography assessment.

Activity – Biography Brainstorming:

1. Writing Prompt (5 minutes): “Think of someone you admire or find interesting—this could be a family member, a friend, or a historical figure. What makes their life significant? Jot down 3 key events or traits that could shape their biography.”

2. Gallery Walk with Sticky Notes (10 minutes):

   • Students write one potential key event or quality of the person they’ve chosen on a sticky note and post it on the classroom wall.
   • Students walk around, reading their classmates’ ideas and adding comments on other sticky notes (e.g., “This sounds intriguing—how would you show this event in their story?”).

3. Plan Drafting (10 minutes): On A4 paper, students draft a simple biography structure:

   • Introduction (Who are they and why are they significant?)
   • Key Event 1
   • Key Event 2
   • Key Event 3
   • Conclusion (How do they inspire/challenge us?)

Teacher's Role:

• Roam the room providing feedback, nudging students towards clarity and detail as they plan their biographies.
• Offer advice on how cultural, historical, or personal contexts could enrich their narrative.

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4. Conclusion – Reflection and Exit Ticket (5 minutes)

Objective: Reflect on learning and prepare for next steps.

Activity:

• Ask students to complete a quick reflection using “Exit Tickets” (index cards or small papers):
  • One technique I noticed in biographies today that I’ll try using in my own work is…
  • One question I have about writing biographies is…

Wrap-Up Discussion:

• Read/acknowledge a few anonymous responses aloud to provide insight into their learning process.

Homework: Encourage students to continue gathering information on their chosen figure for the biography assessment. Suggest they interview the person (if possible) or research credible sources.

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Differentiation

• For advanced learners: Encourage deeper analysis by asking them to identify cultural representation in the excerpt (e.g., Anh Do’s Vietnamese-Australian heritage).
• For EAL/D students: Provide a simplified version of the text and support through guided discussions in smaller groups.
• For students needing support: Offer scaffolds such as sentence starters or biographical templates.

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Assessment

Formative assessment will take place via:

1. Observing student contributions during text analysis and brainstorming.
2. Evaluating the detail and structure in their biography plans.
3. Analysing Exit Tickets to check understanding and questions about biography writing.

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Follow-Up Lessons

• Deep dive into drafting biographies and incorporating literary techniques.
• Peer-review workshops to refine writing.
• Exploring digital tools for presenting biographies (e.g., timelines, video interviews).

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Reflection Notes for Teachers

This lesson blends critical thinking, creativity, and self-directed learning, all crucial skills for Year 10 students. By focusing on a culturally relevant text like The Happiest Refugee, students engage deeply with themes of identity and resilience in Australia’s context. The interactivity of the gallery walk and the emphasis on personal choice in biography topics ensure students remain engaged throughout the session.