This document contains pre-reading questions and activities about a biography on Langston Hughes. It asks the reader to think about their experiences with contests and competitions, and how they felt about being judged. It also has the reader sort vocabulary words into categories in preparation for the reading. Finally, it provides sections for the reader to take notes on the text as they read, look back on their predictions, and reflect on what experiences may have shaped Hughes' character and writing.

1. Langston Hughes.notebook February 01, 2013
Things to think about:
Ø Your experiences in entering contest- talent contests, science
fairs, literary, music, art, sporting events
Ø Why was the contest important to you?
Ø Was it hard to have other people judge your work or efforts?
Ø How did you feel about your performance?
Ø Who has inspired you to keep doing what you like to do?
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2. Langston Hughes.notebook February 01, 2013
Prereading­ Sort these words into categories. Be sure
to name each category. Feel free to create more
than three categories if you need to.
pallor satisfied
syncopated dull
croon melancholy
raggy
blues
troubles
echoed
mellow
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3. Langston Hughes.notebook February 01, 2013
Prereading Notes: As You Read:
Read the first four paragraphs. As you read, write comments
Then look the illustrations and about Hughes's many jobs and
read the last line of the story. how you think he felt about
What do you think happens? them.
Looking Back: After You Read:
Were your predictions accurate? Find examples of experiences that
Explain. taught Langston Hughes about life.
What events do you think helped shape
his character or writing?
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