Engish STAAR ( State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) Practice Test

A memoir differs from an autobiography primarily in that it focuses on:

1. A single event or theme from the author's life

2. The author's entire life history

3. The lives of historical figures

4. Fictional narratives

The correct answer is: A single event or theme from the author's life

A memoir is a specific type of personal writing that highlights a particular event, experience, or theme from the author's life, often providing deeper insights and emotional reflections on that specific moment or series of related experiences. In contrast, an autobiography encompasses the entirety of the author's life, detailing their entire history from birth to the present. This makes memoirs more focused and thematic, allowing readers to explore specific aspects of the author's life rather than an overarching history. The other choices do not accurately reflect the distinguishing characteristics of a memoir. An autobiography, as mentioned, provides a comprehensive view of the author's life rather than a singular event. The lives of historical figures pertain to biographies, not memoirs or autobiographies, while fictional narratives relate to storytelling within made-up worlds, rather than personal life experiences. Thus, the emphasis of a memoir on a specific event or theme is what sets it apart from other forms of life writing.