Memoir Basics
What is the difference between a memoir and an autobiography?
Memoir = focused on specific memories/themes; Autobiography = full life story.
What store does Michelle Zauner use as the central symbol in her memoir?
H Mart grocery store.
What is a strong hook you could use to start a memoir?
Answers vary: a shocking statement, vivid image, or question (e.g., “The smell of fried chicken always makes me cry.”).
What platform are seniors using to complete their Individual Learning Plan (ILP)?
Schoolinks.
Fix this sentence: her memoirs are honest true and relatable.
Her memoirs are honest, true, and relatable.
Name one “ingredient” every memoir should include.
Ingredients include reflection, vivid detail, theme, or personal voice.
How does Zauner use food to connect to her mother?
She uses Korean food to keep a connection with her late mother.
Why is reflection important when telling a personal story?
Reflection shows growth and meaning beyond just telling a story.
What does “Visualizing My Future” help you do?
Helps students imagine their future education, career, and life goals.
What is the difference between a plural noun and a possessive noun?
Plural = more than one (dogs). Possessive = shows ownership (dog’s).
Why do authors often write about food or family traditions in memoirs?
Because food/traditions carry memories, culture, and emotions.
What emotion is strongest in Zauner’s memories—grief, joy, or anger? Explain.
Grief (but students may argue joy or anger with text evidence).
How can you use metaphor to describe your identity?
Answers vary (e.g., “I am a storm: loud, powerful, and unpredictable.”).
What are two benefits of making a college list early?
Provides direction and saves time when applying; reduces stress.
Combine these sentences into one: I went to H Mart. I thought of my mom.
I went to H Mart, where I thought of my mom.
How can sensory details (sight, sound, taste, smell, touch) deepen a memoir?
They make the writing immersive and emotional for the reader.
How does the author connect culture and identity in her writing?
Shows how food connects her to her Korean identity and her mother.
Write a thesis statement for a short memoir about a childhood memory.
Example: “My childhood baseball games taught me how failure can build resilience.”
What is “Direct Admissions,” and why is it helpful?
Colleges admit students based on grades/test scores without lengthy applications.
What does “CUPS” stand for in writing revision?
CUPS = Capitalization, Usage, Punctuation, Spelling.
Give an example of a theme that might come from a coming-of-age memoir.
Examples: growing up, learning responsibility, loss, identity, independence, resilience.
What lesson about relationships do we learn from this memoir excerpt?
Relationships are fragile; love can endure through memory and tradition.
How can dialogue bring a personal story to life?
Dialogue reveals character, emotion, and makes the story feel real.
Name one strategy you can use to balance schoolwork with postsecondary planning.
Examples: Time management, calendar planning, goal setting, prioritizing tasks.
Why is it important to check transitions between paragraphs in an essay?
Transitions guide the reader smoothly and keep the essay organized.