Biographies and Autobiographies | Grade 6 Printable

This Grade 6 reading worksheet helps students confidently distinguish between biographies, autobiographies, memoirs, and personal narratives. By evaluating genre definitions, point of view, and author perspectives, learners will master the structural differences of nonfiction texts. The clear multiple-choice format ensures focused practice on essential literary concepts.

At a Glance

• Grade: 6 · Subject: ELA
• Standard: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.6 — Determine an author's point of view or purpose.
• Skill Focus: Comparing Nonfiction Genres
• Format: 2 pages · 21 problems · PDF
• Best For: Formative assessment or independent practice
• Time: 15–20 minutes

This resource features a comprehensive 21-question multiple-choice quiz spanning two pages. Students will encounter a mix of vocabulary questions breaking down root words like "auto" and "bio," point-of-view identification tasks focusing on first-person versus third-person pronouns, and scenario-based application questions. The straightforward layout minimizes distractions, allowing students to focus entirely on demonstrating their understanding of nonfiction text types.

Designed for maximum efficiency, this worksheet requires virtually no teacher setup.

• Print (1 minute): The two-page layout is optimized for quick, standard black-and-white printing.
• Distribute (1 minute): Hand out the copies directly to students with no additional materials required.
• Review (3 minutes): The multiple-choice format allows for rapid grading or whole-class review.

Total teacher prep time is under two minutes, making this an excellent option for emergency sub plans or last-minute lesson additions.

This worksheet is aligned to primary standard CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.6: Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text and explain how it is conveyed in the text. By analyzing how different genres utilize first-person and third-person perspectives, students build a foundational understanding of authorial intent. Both standard codes can be copied directly into lesson plans, IEP goals, or district curriculum mapping tools.

Deploy this worksheet as a formative assessment after direct instruction on nonfiction genres. It serves perfectly as an independent practice activity to gauge student comprehension of point of view and genre characteristics. As an observation tip, monitor how students answer the scenario-based questions to ensure they can apply definitions to real-world examples. Expected completion time is 15 to 20 minutes.

This resource is ideal for middle school ELA students, particularly those in grades 5 through 7. The clear, multiple-choice structure provides built-in scaffolding for students who struggle with open-ended responses, making it accessible for diverse learners. It pairs naturally with an introductory lesson on nonfiction text structures or a classroom anchor chart detailing the differences between biographies and autobiographies.

Mastering the distinctions between nonfiction genres is a critical component of middle school reading comprehension. Aligned with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.6, this resource requires students to determine an author's point of view or purpose. According to Fisher & Frey (2014), explicit instruction in text structure and genre characteristics significantly improves a student's ability to navigate complex informational texts. When learners understand the fundamental differences between a biography and an autobiography, they can better anticipate the author's perspective, potential bias, and overall purpose. This targeted practice ensures students recognize key indicators, such as first-person versus third-person pronouns, which are essential for deeper textual analysis and critical thinking. By providing structured, repetitive exposure to these foundational concepts, educators can foster stronger analytical skills that transfer across all reading domains and prepare students for advanced literary critique.