1. Do you know of any other autobiographies written by explorers? 2. Are you familiar with any biographies written about explorers?
Understand
1. According to Chris Hadfield, what happens every 92 minutes? 2. What does Chris compare islands to from his view of the Earth? 3. How fast does Chris tell us that the spaceship is orbiting Earth? 4. What dilemma does Chris face as he is about to complete his first spacewalk? 5. If all else failed, how would Chris return to safety? 6. What features of a typical autobiography do you recognise in this extract?
Explore
3 3
1. ‘The first paragraph of this extract is rich in descriptive imagery.’ Do you agree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer.
2. What impression do you form of Chris, having read this extract? Create
Imagine that you are an astronaut or an explorer. Write an extract from your autobiography in the space provided on page 34 of your Portfolio. Be sure to include the features of an autobiography listed.
Autobiographies
Personal details Facts and information Written in the first person Narrative style
Revelation of secrets and private events
Honest tone Descriptive writing Informal language