Author and Me

“AUTHOR AND ME” questions usually do not have "right" or "wrong" answers; they ask students to give an opinion, then back it up with facts and details from a piece of reading.

"Author and Me" questions require students to use their prior knowledge to answer.  Their answer will include information that is beyond what is found in the text. They must read the text to understand what the question is asking.

An "Author and Me" question has an answer that cannot be pointed to in a book.  It does require you to have read the book, though.  To answer the question, you need to think about what happened in the book and come up with answers based on your own thoughts and experiences.

Example:

What could Anne Frank have done differently to get along better with the people in the Secret Annexe?

“AUTHOR AND ME” questions require students to use their prior knowledge to answer.  Their answer will include information that is beyond what is found in the text in addition to information from the text. They must read the text to understand what the question is asking.  Author and Me questions may begin with statements like:

Example: Author and Me

The topic of the reading was cloning.  In what instances, if ever, do you think cloning should be used?

 

Remember: The answer is not in the text.  Think about how "what you know" and "what is in the text" fit together. 

§         reread

§         think about what you already know and what the author says

§         predict

You will see "Author and Me" questions on the NJASK; they are open-ended or essay prompts.   The 6+1 traits of writing can help you craft a strong answer to an "Author and Me" question.  You should be using MLA citations and bibliography in an "Author and Me" piece.