Simone Biles Biography Worksheet Spotlight Series
Profile 01: Simone Biles
Student Name
Date
Gravity Defier: The Evolution of an Icon
BEFORE she was the most decorated gymnast in history, Simone Biles was just a high-energy child jumping off mailboxes in Spring, Texas. Her journey began unexpectedly during a daycare field trip to a gymnastics center. When the 6-year-old started mimicking the older athletes, a coach immediately spotted her natural spatial awareness and raw power. This early anecdote marks the introduction of a talent that would eventually redefine the physical limits of the sport.
As her career progressed, Biles didn't just win; she broke the mold. Her success is shown through the "Biles" moves—skills so difficult and dangerous that other gymnasts wouldn't even attempt them. By achieving these technical milestones, she demonstrated a level of mastery that forced the International Gymnastics Federation to rethink how they scored the sport. These accomplishments built on the idea that Biles wasn't just competing against others, but against gravity itself.
However, the true depth of Biles’ character was revealed during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Faced with a psychological phenomenon known as "the twisties," where an athlete loses their sense of where they are in the air, Biles made the unprecedented decision to withdraw from several events. This choice was a pivotal display of her growth. It shifted the narrative from her physical prowess to her mental fortitude, showing the world that even the greatest athlete must prioritize self-care over gold medals.
Today, Biles continues to expand her legacy through her advocacy for foster care children and mental health awareness. Her story is no longer just about backflips; it is about a woman who used her platform to change the culture of elite sports forever. From a mailbox-jumping kid to a global leader, Biles has shown that the way one handles the "landing" is just as important as the height of the jump.
Analyzing the Profile (RI.7.3)
1. How does the author introduce Simone Biles in the first paragraph?
By listing all the gold medals she has won.
By providing an anecdote about her as a child on a field trip.
By comparing her to other famous gymnasts of the past.
By explaining the medical science behind "the twisties."
2. What specific example from paragraph 2 is used to show Biles' technical mastery?
3. How does the author develop the idea that Biles "redefined the physical limits" of her sport?
By describing moves named after her that others cannot perform.
By detailing her strict childhood diet.
By focusing on her height compared to others.
By citing her training hours per week.
4. The mention of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics serves to show which aspect of Biles' character?
Her physical speed during high-pressure events.
Her inability to handle international stress.
Her growth and prioritization of mental health over winning.
Her sudden retirement from all sports.
5. How does the childhood mailbox story connect to her later career success?
6. Which detail best shows that Biles has "changed the culture" of sports?
"She demonstrated mastery that forced the federation to rethink scoring."
"She was just a high-energy child jumping off mailboxes."
"Her advocacy for foster care children and mental health awareness."
"Performing a double-double dismount on the beam."
7. Explain how the "landing" metaphor in the conclusion summarizes the passage's main points.
Vocabulary & Language (7.L.4, 7.L.5)
8. What is the most likely meaning of the word fortitude in paragraph 3?
Physical strength and speed.
Mental courage in the face of adversity.
A sudden loss of focus.
The ability to stay hidden.
9. The author says Biles was competing "against gravity itself." How does this personification impact the reader's view of her skills?
10. Consider the word decorated in paragraph 1. Which word has a similar connotation in this context?
Painted
Flashy
Honored
Cluttered
Lin-Manuel Miranda Biography Worksheet Spotlight Series
Profile 02: Lin-Manuel Miranda
Student Name
Date
Master of Verse: The Rhythm of Creation
LIN-MANUEL Miranda’s rise to fame didn't start in a theater, but in the pages of a thick historical biography. While on vacation in 2008, Miranda picked up Ron Chernow’s life of Alexander Hamilton. As he read about the "ten-dollar Founding Father," he didn't see an old, dusty politician; he saw a hip-hop story. This unique perspective on a classic figure eventually led to Hamilton .
Miranda’s style comes from how he blends diverse influences. Born to Puerto Rican parents in New York, he was raised on a diet of Broadway show tunes and 90s hip-hop. He drew from this background for his first hit musical, In the Heights . By centering the show on a Dominican-American neighborhood, he showed that immigrant stories could be both successful and artistically bold.
His work often challenges the rules of traditional theater. In Hamilton , he used the famous duel with Aaron Burr to explore how history is defined by those who tell it. He cast people of color as the Founding Fathers to emphasize that America’s past belongs to everyone living in the country today. This choice wasn't just aesthetic; it was a purposeful decision about inclusion.
Today, Miranda continues to pursue his passion for storytelling through film and community work. Whether he is composing songs for Disney's Encanto or raising money for disaster relief in Puerto Rico, the goal remains the same: he uses his "shot" to amplify voices that are often unheard. From a casual book choice to a household name, Miranda’s career shows how one person can remix history.
Analyzing the Profile (RI.7.3)
1. How does the author introduce the origin of the musical Hamilton ?
By describing Miranda's childhood in Puerto Rico.
By recounting an anecdote about Miranda reading a biography on vacation.
By listing the ticket prices for his first Broadway show.
By explaining the history of hip-hop music in New York.
2. List the two main influences from paragraph 2 that shaped Miranda's creative style.
3. How does the author develop the idea that In the Heights was revolutionary?
By comparing its awards to Hamilton .
By showing it centered immigrant stories in a successful way.
By mentioning the specific theater where it was performed.
By explaining why it initially failed at the box office.
4. What is the purpose of casting people of color as the Founding Fathers in Hamilton ?
Zendaya Biography Worksheet Spotlight Series
Profile 03: Zendaya
Student Name
Date
Style & Substance: Beyond the Screen
ZENDAYA was a shy student helping her mother work at the California Shakespeare Theater long before she was winning Emmys. This early introduction to acting wasn't glamorous; she spent her time seating patrons and selling raffle tickets. However, observing professional actors from the wings showed her that acting was a craft requiring discipline. This period introduced the focus that would define her career.
Zendaya’s growth is best seen in her transition from Disney Channel star to serious dramatic actress. While many child stars struggle as adults, she moved beyond her "teen idol" image by choosing roles that challenged her audience. Her performance in Euphoria as Rue Bennett was a sharp departure from her role in Shake It Up . This contrast showed her range and her desire to be a versatile artist.
Beyond acting, Zendaya uses the red carpet to express her identity. Each public appearance follows a specific theme—often paying homage to history or cinema icons. For instance, when she wore braids to the Oscars, she showed pride in her heritage and spoke out against narrow beauty standards. These moments show that she views fashion as visual storytelling and personal advocacy.
Today, Zendaya continues to build her legacy as a producer, where she has more control over the stories being told. She has shown that a modern star can be multi-faceted: a model, a dramatic lead, and an advocate for change. From the quiet wings of a theater to global stages, Zendaya’s story shows how to navigate fame with grace.
Analyzing the Profile (RI.7.3)
1. How does the author introduce Zendaya’s connection to the theater world?
By describing her first audition for a Disney show.
By detailing her job helping her mother at a theater.
By explaining the awards she won in middle school.
By listing the famous actors she met as a child.
2. What contrast from paragraph 2 is used to show Zendaya's range as an actress?
3. How does the author develop the idea that Zendaya "challenges expectations"?
By mentioning her transition to gritty, dramatic roles.
By explaining that she refuses to work with directors.
By detailing how much money she makes per episode.
By focusing on her early training in dance.
4. The event of Zendaya wearing braids to the Oscars is used to show what theme?
The high cost of designer clothing.
Pride in her heritage and advocacy against beauty standards.
The difficulty of working with stylists.
Dwayne Johnson Biography Worksheet Spotlight Series
Profile 04: Dwayne Johnson
Student Name
Date
From Gridiron to Greatness: The Power of Pivot
DWAYNE JOHNSON was a young man with seven dollars in his pocket and a shattered dream before he was "The Rock." After being cut from his football team in 1995, he found himself back at square one, wondering what would come next. This introduction at his lowest point shows that failure is often the prerequisite for a major "pivot."
Johnson built on his family’s legacy by entering professional wrestling, following his father and grandfather. However, he didn't just participate; he changed the image of a wrestling star. By developing a charismatic persona, he focused on the theatrical side of the sport, proving he was as much an actor as he was an athlete. This success showed his ability to connect with a global audience.
The next major turn in his career happened in Hollywood. Initially, people doubted that a wrestler could become a leading man. Johnson proved critics wrong by taking diverse roles—from action heroes to voice acting in Moana . Each role showed his versatility and determination, reinforcing the idea that he could master any industry he entered.
Today, Johnson continues his "Seven Bucks" story through his production company, named after his moment of failure. He uses his platform to show themes of perseverance and positivity, often sharing his workouts on social media. From a struggling athlete to the world’s highest-paid actor, his life is a vivid picture of how a setback can become a billion-dollar comeback.
Analyzing the Profile (RI.7.3)
1. How does the author introduce Dwayne Johnson’s story in the first paragraph?
By highlighting his immense Hollywood wealth.
By recounting the moment he was cut from football with only $7.
By listing his wrestling championships.
By explaining his daily workout routine.
2. What specific example from paragraph 2 shows how Johnson changed the wrestling star image?
3. How does the author develop the idea of Johnson's versatility in Hollywood?
By showing he only plays characters who are strong.
By listing roles ranging from action heroes to voice acting.
By mentioning he still wrestles every weekend.
By detailing his work with major directors.
4. According to the text, what does his production company name ("Seven Bucks") signify?
The current cost of a movie ticket.
His first salary as a wrestler.
The moment of failure when he had almost no money.
The number of major awards he has won.
5. How does the passage show the connection between his wrestling and acting careers?
Taylor Swift Biography Worksheet Spotlight Series
Profile 05: Taylor Swift
Student Name
Date
The Storyteller: Rewriting the Rules
TAYLOR SWIFT was a twelve-year-old girl learning to play the guitar from a computer repairman long before she was a global billionaire. This early start was modest, but it showed her immediate obsession with songwriting. By writing "Lucky You," Swift introduced a theme that would define her career: using her personal life as raw material for her art.
Swift grew her place in the music industry by constantly changing her sound. She started in country music, but she showed her ambition by crossing over into pop, folk, and indie genres. Each album—from Red to Folklore —shows her ability to reinvent herself while keeping her audience. This evolution proves that she is not just a musician, but a strategist who knows how to control her own story.
A major shift in her career happened when she began re-recording her first six albums. After a dispute over the ownership of her music, she made the release of "Taylor’s Versions" a global movement. This move showed her commitment to artist rights and her refusal to let others control her legacy. By reclaiming her work, she created a new model for power in the music business.
Today, Swift’s impact is seen through "The Eras Tour," which became a cultural and economic force. She has proven that storytelling can bridge gaps between generations. From a girl with a guitar to a woman who can move economies, Swift’s journey shows that the most powerful thing an individual can own is their own narrative.
Analyzing the Profile (RI.7.3)
1. How does the author introduce Taylor Swift’s musical beginnings?
By describing her first sold-out stadium tour.
By recounting an anecdote about a computer repairman teaching her.
By listing the number of Grammys she has won.
By explaining the economics of her current tour.
2. What theme from paragraph 1 is introduced through her first song, "Lucky You"?
3. How does the author develop the idea of Swift’s "ambition"?
By mentioning her success in switching between musical genres.
By focusing on her life on a Christmas tree farm.
By explaining how difficult it is to tour for months.
By detailing her training in professional acting.
4. The re-recording of her albums is used to develop which idea?
That she wanted her older songs to sound more modern.
Her commitment to artist rights and ownership of her work.
The need for singers to retire early.
That she prefers her old songs over her new ones.
Spotlight Series Answer Key Answer Key: Spotlight Series
Standards RI.7.3, 7.L.4, 7.L.5 | Profiles 01 - 05
Profile 01: Simone Biles
1. (B) Childhood field trip anecdote
2. Biles moves / milestones
3. (A) Moves named after her
4. (C) Growth / mental health
5. Natural energy / fearlessness
6. (C) Advocacy work
7. Handling "landings" is vital
8. (B) Mental courage
9. Emphasizes superhuman skill
10. (C) Honored
Profile 02: Lin-Manuel Miranda
1. (B) Biography on vacation
2. Broadway & hip-hop
3. (B) Immigrant stories focus
4. (B) History belongs to everyone
5. Film / Activism examples
6. (B) Amplify unheard voices
7. History as narrative source
8. (B) Beauty / appearance
9. Blending old with new rhythms
10. (B) Increase power or reach
Profile 03: Zendaya
1. (B) Mother's theater job
2. Disney vs Euphoria roles
3. (A) Transition to gritty drama
4. (B) Pride / Heritage / Advocacy
5. Acting as craft / discipline
6. (A) Work as a producer
7. Multi-talented (model, actor, etc)
8. (A) Perform many different roles
9. Learning from the sidelines
10. (B) Temporary, shallow fame
Profile 04: Dwayne Johnson
1. (B) Cut from football / $7
2. Charismatic persona
3. (B) Diverse film roles list
4. (C) Moment of total failure
5. Ring success proved acting
6. (C) Determination and workouts
