Biography
3a
Biography Story Map
You Will Need
• a pencil
• three pencil crayons (different colours)
• pages 3b and 3c
1. Read the biography of Clara Hughes on page 3b.
Look for the characteristics of a biography
while you read.
Characteristics of Biography
‐ tells the story of a
person’s life, usually in
chronological order
‐ describes obstacles and
achievements
‐ gives information about
the past
‐ explains why a person
is famous
2. Underline all the dates in the text with a pencil crayon.
3. Use a second colour to underline descriptions of obstacles and achievements
in Clara Hughes’s life.
4. Use a third colour to underline information about past events.
5. Use the information you have underlined to complete as
much of the biography story map on page 3c as you can.
Reflect
Discuss with your partner:
a
nd
re
Copyright © 2011 by Nelson Education Ltd.
6. Find a partner and share your work.
Sha
• What did you learn about Clara Hughes from the descriptions of
obstacles and achievements?
• Was your biography story map different from your partner’s? How?
• How did knowing the characteristics of biography help you understand
what you read?
Use with “My Diary,” Nelson Literacy 6b, pages 14–16
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Biography
3b
Biography Story Map
Clara Hughes
At the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, speed skater and cyclist Clara Hughes
proudly carried the flag that led the Canadian team into the opening ceremonies. At
those games she skated the final race of her career, finishing with a bronze medal.
Hughes is a remarkable athlete—the fourth ever in history to win medals in both Winter
and Summer Olympic Games.
Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1972, Hughes was 15 when she watched the 1988
Calgary Winter Games on television and first dreamed of becoming an Olympic speed
skater. But along the way to speed-skating glory, she became a world-class cyclist,
winning many medals in world competitions and in two Summer Olympics. Switching
back to speed skating, she won a bronze medal in the 2002 Olympics, followed by
World Cup and World Championship victories. At the 2006 Olympics in Torino, Italy,
Hughes achieved her dream by winning gold in a race that was so difficult she could
barely stand when it was over.
An athlete’s climb to the top is highly demanding of both body and mind. The 2008
problems. Later that year, she was involved in a car accident. The other driver was
drunk. Luckily, there were no injuries, and Hughes used the opportunity to speak out
against drinking and driving.
Immediately after Hughes’s 2006 gold medal win, she donated $10 000 to Right To
Copyright © 2011 by Nelson Education Ltd.
season was hard for Hughes as she struggled with a lung infection and equipment
Play, an organization that works to improve the lives of disadvantaged children around
the world through sport and play. In 2007, she was named to the Order of Canada in
recognition of both her work with Right To Play and her athletic victories. Clara Hughes,
with her trademark smile, is a person who makes Canada proud.
Use with “My Diary,” Nelson Literacy 6b, pages 14–16
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Biography
3c
Biography Story Map
Biography “Bits”
Person’s name:
Born (place and year):
Died (place and year):
Lived (place):
Education:
Career:
Known for:
Interesting quote:
Description of Events (including how they
were an obstacle or achievement)
Copyright © 2011 by Nelson Education Ltd.
Major Events and Year
(in chronological order)
Use with “My Diary,” Nelson Literacy 6b, pages 14–16
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