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Six Word Memoir Activity

Lauren Peterson Feb 17, 2026 11:34:38 AM

AP® English ELA AP® Literature AP® Language

In this creative and reflective assignment, you’ll explore the art of powerful storytelling through just six words. You’ll examine examples of 6-word memoirs, analyze the emotions and meanings they convey, and reflect on how they connect to personal identity and universal human experiences such as love, loss, resilience, and hope.

Then, you’ll write your own set of 6-word memoirs that express something real about you—your memories, feelings, or worldview. This short form of writing challenges you to be thoughtful, intentional, and honest with your words.

By the end of the assignment, you’ll have:

Practiced literary analysis and close reading skills
Explored theme, voice, and emotional nuance
Created original writing that is personal and meaningful
Reflected on your experiences through concise, impactful storytelling

This lesson aligns with Common Core Standards for Grades 11–12 in reading, writing, and speaking, and is designed to strengthen your ability to:

Analyze literature and understand authorial choices
Write clearly and creatively with purpose and structure
Participate in thoughtful discussion (if included)
Use language with depth and precision

Before the Lesson:

Introduce the concept of memoir and personal narrative in earlier lessons, helping students understand that memoirs focus on key moments, emotions, or identity rather than a full life story.

Model close reading and inference skills using short texts, quotes, or poetry. Students should be comfortable interpreting subtle meanings and reading between the lines.

Review figurative language and word choice with an emphasis on how language can carry emotional weight and nuance, even in very short texts.
Create a safe and supportive environment where students feel comfortable sharing personal reflections, especially since this activity can bring up emotional topics.
Ensure access to technology if students will explore sixwordmemoirs.com online.
Print or share digital copies of the 6-word memoir chart/questions so students can work individually or in small groups.

Materials:

Printed or digital copies of 6-word memoir examples and reflection questions chart (Part 1)
Student response sheets or worksheets for all parts of the assignment (Parts 1–4)
Projector or SmartBoard (optional, for modeling examples or showcasing memoirs)
Access to sixwordmemoirs.com (via student devices or teacher-led browsing)

Optional: Sticky notes or index cards (for drafting or peer sharing)

What To Do:

Step 1: Introduction (5-10 minutes)

Begin by briefly explaining what a memoir is and how a six-word memoir captures a powerful story or emotion in just six words.
Share a few engaging examples of six-word memoirs aloud or on the board/screen.
Highlight the connection between concise writing and deep meaning.

Step 2: Part 1 – Analyze Provided Memoirs (15-20 minutes)

Distribute or project the chart with several six-word memoir examples alongside reflection questions.
Guide students through the first example together, modeling how to think about emotions, storylines, and what is implied but left unsaid.
Have students work individually or in pairs to analyze the remaining memoirs and answer the questions.
Facilitate a brief class discussion about their observations.

Step 3: Part 2 – Explore SixWordMemoirs.com (15-20 minutes)

Introduce the website sixwordmemoirs.com and explain how it collects short personal stories from people around the world.
Have students browse the site (or selected memoirs you prepare in advance) looking for memoirs that express universal emotions like joy, grief, love, or identity.
Ask students to select one or more memoirs that stand out to them and write about why these memoirs connect with them personally.

Step 4: Part 3 – Write Their Own Memoirs (20-25 minutes)

Explain the task: students will write at least three different six-word memoirs about themselves, focusing on truth and emotion rather than perfection.
Encourage brainstorming and free writing before finalizing their memoirs.
Circulate the room to provide support, prompt deeper thinking, and answer questions.

Step 5: Part 4 – Reflect on the Process (10-15 minutes)

Have students answer reflective questions about what writing their six-word memoirs revealed about their own stories and why they think short stories can be powerful.
Optionally, invite students to share their memoirs and reflections with the class or in small groups, if comfortable.

Step 6: Wrap-Up and Homework (5 minutes)

Summarize key takeaways about brevity, emotional impact, and storytelling.
Assign any follow-up work, such as revising memoirs or preparing for a related writing assignment.
Remind students where to find resources (websites, worksheets) if they want to explore more.

Downloadable Resource/Worksheet is included on the following page.

6-Word Memoir: Anticipatory Set

In this assignment, you will begin to explore the emotional and narrative power of six-word memoirs and reflect on their connection to personal identity and universal human experiences.

PART 1: Review the following 6-word memoirs copied in the left side of the below chart. Then, for each one, answer the questions in the right-hand column.

6-Word Memoir Examples	Questions for Response
	What emotions or storylines do you read into these six words? How is it possible to tell a story this short that still feels powerful? What’s left out—but still felt? How does the writer’s inspiration support or challenge your assumptions? What question do you wish that you could ask?
	What emotions or storylines do you read into these six words? How is it possible to tell a story this short that still feels powerful? What’s left out—but still felt? How does the writer’s inspiration support or challenge your assumptions? What question do you wish that you could ask?
	What emotions or storylines do you read into these six words? How is it possible to tell a story this short that still feels powerful? What’s left out—but still felt? How does the writer’s inspiration support or challenge your assumptions? What question do you wish that you could ask?

PART 2: Look through the memoirs included on the website, sixwordmemoirs.com. Look for universal emotions such as joy, grief, love, loss, fear, resilience, or identity. Answer the following questions.

Which memoirs stood out to you? In the space below, write them, describe them, or summarize them.

Explain why these particular memoirs stood out to you. You can talk about all or one specifically.

What emotions do you recognize in these memoirs? Do you relate to any of these? Explain your connection to one memoir of your choosing.

PART 3: Write at least three different six-word memoirs that reflect a part of your life or identity. Focus on truth, clarity, and emotion—not perfection.