Notes on Writing A Biography

SHARE A STORY, INSPIRE OTHERS

  • Select a person whose story has had a meaningful impact on you, e.g., a historical figure, leader, friend, or family member.

WRITING A BIOGRAPHY

  • A biography is a detailed account of someone's life by another person, highlighting key events and achievements that shaped the individual.

WHAT MAKES UP A BIOGRAPHY

INTRODUCTION

  • Subject: The person being described.
  • Context: Significance or notability of the person.
  • Thesis: Main idea focusing on life's extraordinary aspects or world impact.

EARLY LIFE

  • Birth: Date and place of birth.
  • Family Background: Information about parents, siblings, and socioeconomic status.
  • Education: Early schooling and formative experiences in childhood/teen years.

MAJOR LIFE EVENTS

  • Key Achievements: Milestones that made the person notable, such as discoveries or societal roles.
  • Struggles: Challenges faced and how resilience played a role in overcoming them.

CAREER

  • Professional Life: Overview of work and field of influence.
  • Contributions: How the individual influenced their area or society overall.

PERSONAL LIFE

  • Relationships: Key personal connections with family, friends, or significant others.
  • Hobbies/Interests: Activities enjoyed outside of career.

LEGACY

  • Impact: Lasting influence on society or their field.
  • Recognition: Awards, honors, or acknowledgments received.

CONCLUSION

  • Death: Circumstances and date of death (if applicable).
  • Reflection: Insights on how their life is remembered and storytelling importance.

KEY ELEMENTS

RESEARCH

  • Accurate research is crucial, including interviews, archival materials, and primary sources.

NARRATIVE

  • A compelling, engaging story enhances the factual content of the biography.

PERSPECTIVE

  • A biography can focus on specific events or themes to highlight the person's significance.

TYPES OF BIOGRAPHIES

1. TRADITIONAL BIOGRAPHY

  • Detailed life account from birth to death, including achievements.
  • Example: "Steve Jobs" by Walter Isaacson.

2. AUTOBIOGRAPHY

  • Life story written by the subject themselves, offering a subjective perspective.
  • Example: "The Story of My Life" by Helen Keller.

3. MEMOIR

  • Focuses on specific periods/themes rather than the entire life.
  • Example: "Becoming" by Michelle Obama.

4. BIOGRAPHY OF A SPECIFIC PERIOD OR EVENT

  • Concentrates on particular life events or eras.
  • Example: "The Last Lion" by William Manchester on Winston Churchill.

5. COLLECTIVE BIOGRAPHY

  • Focuses on a group rather than an individual, exploring shared experiences.
  • Example: "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot.

6. HISTORICAL BIOGRAPHY

  • Highlights historical figures and their contributions, blending biography with context.
  • Example: "Alexander Hamilton" by Ron Chernow.

STRUCTURE OF A BIOGRAPHY

CHRONOLOGICAL STRUCTURE

  • Follows a linear timeline of events.
  • Advantage: Easy for readers to follow.

THEMATIC STRUCTURE

  • Organized by key themes, allowing deep exploration.
  • Advantage: Highlights impact effectively.

NARRATIVE STRUCTURE

  • Written like a story to engage emotionally.
  • Advantage: Makes the subject's life relatable and interesting.

ACTIVITY

  • Write a short biography on someone you admire, whether a historical figure, leader, or family member.

CRITERIA FOR ASSESSMENT

  • Clarity and Organization (20%)
  • Accuracy and Factual Information (30%)
  • Engagement and Interest (20%)
  • Relevance of Information (15%)
  • Tone and Style (10%)
  • Total: 100%