Literacy Ideas

How to Write a Biography

' data-src=

Biographies are big business. Whether in book form or Hollywood biopics, the lives of the famous and sometimes not-so-famous fascinate us.

While it’s true that most biographies are about people who are in the public eye, sometimes the subject is less well-known. Primarily, though, famous or not, the person who is written about has led an incredible life.

In this article, we will explain biography writing in detail for teachers and students so they can create their own.

While your students will most likely have a basic understanding of a biography, it’s worth taking a little time before they put pen to paper to tease out a crystal-clear definition of one.

Visual Writing Prompts

What Is a Biography?

how to write a biography | how to start an autobiography | How to Write a Biography | literacyideas.com

A biography is an account of someone’s life written by someone else . While there is a genre known as a fictional biography, for the most part, biographies are, by definition, nonfiction.

Generally speaking, biographies provide an account of the subject’s life from the earliest days of their childhood to the present day or their death if the subject is deceased.

The job of a biography is more than just to outline the bare facts of a person’s life.

Rather than just listing the basic details of their upbringing, hobbies, education, work, relationships, and death, a well-written biography should also paint a picture of the subject’s personality and experience of life.

A COMPLETE UNIT ON TEACHING BIOGRAPHIES

how to write a biography | biography and autobiography writing unit 1 | How to Write a Biography | literacyideas.com

Teach your students to write AMAZING BIOGRAPHIES & AUTOBIOGRAPHIES using proven RESEARCH SKILLS and WRITING STRATEGIES .

  • Understand the purpose of both forms of biography.
  • Explore the language and perspective of both.
  • Prompts and Challenges to engage students in writing a biography.
  • Dedicated lessons for both forms of biography.
  • Biographical Projects can expand students’ understanding of reading and writing a biography.
  • A COMPLETE 82-PAGE UNIT – NO PREPARATION REQUIRED.

Features of a Biography

Before students begin writing a biography, they’ll need to have a firm grasp of the main features of Biography. An excellent way to determine how well they understand these essential elements is to ask them to compile a checklist like the one blow

At a minimum, their checklists should contain the items below. Be sure to help them fill in any gaps before moving on to the writing process.

The purpose of a biography is to provide an account of someone’s life.

Biography structure.

ORIENTATION (BEGINNING) Open your biography with a strong hook to grab the reader’s attention

SEQUENCING: In most cases, biographies are written in chronological order unless you are a very competent writer consciously trying to break from this trend.

COVER: childhood, upbringing, education, influences, accomplishments, relationships, etc. – everything that helps the reader to understand the person.

CONCLUSION: Wrap your biography up with some details about what the subject is doing now if they are still alive. If they have passed away, make mention of what impact they have made and what their legacy is or will be.

BIOGRAPHY FEATURES

LANGUAGE Use descriptive and figurative language that will paint images inside your audience’s minds as they read. Use time connectives to link events.

PERSPECTIVE Biographies are written from the third person’s perspective.

DETAILS: Give specific details about people, places, events, times, dates, etc. Reflect on how events shaped the subject. You might want to include some relevant photographs with captions. A timeline may also be of use depending upon your subject and what you are trying to convey to your audience.

TENSE Written in the past tense (though ending may shift to the present/future tense)

THE PROCESS OF WRITING A BIOGRAPHY

Like any form of writing, you will find it simple if you have a plan and follow it through. These steps will ensure you cover the essential bases of writing a biography essay.

Firstly, select a subject that inspires you. Someone whose life story resonates with you and whose contribution to society intrigues you. The next step is to conduct thorough research. Engage in extensive reading, explore various sources, watch documentaries, and glean all available information to provide a comprehensive account of the person’s life.

Creating an outline is essential to organize your thoughts and information. The outline should include the person’s early life, education, career, achievements, and any other significant events or contributions. It serves as a map for the writing process, ensuring that all vital information is included.

Your biography should have an engaging introduction that captivates the reader’s attention and provides background information on the person you’re writing about. It should include a thesis statement that summarizes the main points of the biography.

Writing a biography in chronological order is crucial . You should begin with the person’s early life and move through their career and achievements. This approach provides clarity on how the person’s life unfolded and how they accomplished their goals.

A biography should be written in a narrative style , capturing the essence of the person’s life through vivid descriptions, anecdotes, and quotes. Avoid dry, factual writing and focus on creating a compelling narrative that engages the reader.

Adding personal insights and opinions can enhance the biography’s overall impact, providing a unique perspective on the person’s achievements, legacy, and impact on society.

Editing and proofreading are vital elements of the writing process. Thoroughly reviewing your biography ensures that the writing is clear, concise, and error-free. You can even request feedback from someone else to ensure that it is engaging and well-written.

Finally, including a bibliography at the end of your biography is essential. It gives credit to the sources that were used during research, such as books, articles, interviews, and websites.

Tips for Writing a Brilliant Biography

Biography writing tip #1: choose your subject wisely.

There are several points for students to reflect on when deciding on a subject for their biography. Let’s take a look at the most essential points to consider when deciding on the subject for a biography:

Interest: To produce a biography will require sustained writing from the student. That’s why students must choose their subject well. After all, a biography is an account of someone’s entire life to date. Students must ensure they choose a subject that will sustain their interest throughout the research, writing, and editing processes.

Merit: Closely related to the previous point, students must consider whether the subject merits the reader’s interest. Aside from pure labors of love, writing should be undertaken with the reader in mind. While producing a biography demands sustained writing from the author, it also demands sustained reading from the reader.

Therefore, students should ask themselves if their chosen subject has had a life worthy of the reader’s interest and the time they’d need to invest in reading their biography.

Information: Is there enough information available on the subject to fuel the writing of an entire biography? While it might be a tempting idea to write about a great-great-grandfather’s experience in the war. There would be enough interest there to sustain the author’s and the reader’s interest, but do you have enough access to information about their early childhood to do the subject justice in the form of a biography?

Biography Writing Tip #2: R esearch ! Research! Research!

While the chances are good that the student already knows quite a bit about the subject they’ve chosen. Chances are 100% that they’ll still need to undertake considerable research to write their biography.

As with many types of writing , research is an essential part of the planning process that shouldn’t be overlooked. If a student wishes to give as complete an account of their subject’s life as possible, they’ll need to put in the time at the research stage.

An effective way to approach the research process is to:

1. Compile a chronological timeline of the central facts, dates, and events of the subject’s life

2. Compile detailed descriptions of the following personal traits:

  •      Physical looks
  •      Character traits
  •      Values and beliefs

3. Compile some research questions based on different topics to provide a focus for the research:

  • Childhood : Where and when were they born? Who were their parents? Who were the other family members? What education did they receive?
  • Obstacles: What challenges did they have to overcome? How did these challenges shape them as individuals?
  • Legacy: What impact did this person have on the world and/or the people around them?
  • Dialogue & Quotes: Dialogue and quotations by and about the subject are a great way to bring color and life to a biography. Students should keep an eagle eye out for the gems that hide amid their sources.

As the student gets deeper into their research, new questions will arise that can further fuel the research process and help to shape the direction the biography will ultimately go in.

Likewise, during the research, themes will often begin to suggest themselves. Exploring these themes is essential to bring depth to biography, but we’ll discuss this later in this article.

Research Skills:

Researching for biography writing is an excellent way for students to hone their research skills in general. Developing good research skills is essential for future academic success. Students will have opportunities to learn how to:

  • Gather relevant information
  • Evaluate different information sources
  • Select suitable information
  • Organize information into a text.

Students will have access to print and online information sources, and, in some cases, they may also have access to people who knew or know the subject (e.g. biography of a family member).

These days, much of the research will likely take place online. It’s crucial, therefore, to provide your students with guidance on how to use the internet safely and evaluate online sources for reliability. This is the era of ‘ fake news ’ and misinformation after all!

COMPLETE TEACHING UNIT ON INTERNET RESEARCH SKILLS USING GOOGLE SEARCH

how to write a biography | research skills 1 | How to Write a Biography | literacyideas.com

Teach your students ESSENTIAL SKILLS OF THE INFORMATION ERA to become expert DIGITAL RESEARCHERS.

⭐How to correctly ask questions to search engines on all devices.

⭐ How to filter and refine your results to find exactly what you want every time.

⭐ Essential Research and critical thinking skills for students.

⭐ Plagiarism, Citing and acknowledging other people’s work.

⭐ How to query, synthesize and record your findings logically.

BIOGRAPHY WRITING Tip #3: Find Your Themes In Biography Writing

Though predominantly a nonfiction genre, the story still plays a significant role in good biography writing. The skills of characterization and plot structuring are transferable here. And, just like in fiction, exploring themes in a biographical work helps connect the personal to the universal. Of course, these shouldn’t be forced; this will make the work seem contrived, and the reader may lose faith in the truthfulness of the account. A biographer needs to gain and maintain the trust of the reader.

Fortunately, themes shouldn’t need to be forced. A life well-lived is full of meaning, and the themes the student writer is looking for will emerge effortlessly from the actions and events of the subject’s life. It’s just a case of learning how to spot them.

One way to identify the themes in a life is to look for recurring events or situations in a person’s life. These should be apparent from the research completed previously. The students should seek to identify these patterns that emerge in the subject’s life. For example, perhaps they’ve had to overcome various obstacles throughout different periods of their life. In that case, the theme of overcoming adversity is present and has been identified.

Usually, a biography has several themes running throughout, so be sure your students work to identify more than one theme in their subject’s life.

BIOGRAPHY WRITING Tip: #4 Put Something of Yourself into the Writing

While the defining feature of a biography is that it gives an account of a person’s life, students must understand that this is not all a biography does. Relating the facts and details of a subject’s life is not enough. The student biographer should not be afraid to share their thoughts and feelings with the reader throughout their account of their subject’s life.

The student can weave some of their personality into the fabric of the text by providing commentary and opinion as they relate the events of the person’s life and the wider social context at the time. Unlike the detached and objective approach we’d expect to find in a history textbook, in a biography, student-writers should communicate their enthusiasm for their subject in their writing.

This makes for a more intimate experience for the reader, as they get a sense of getting to know the author and the subject they are writing about.

Student Examples of Biography Writing

  • Year 5 Example
  • Year 7 Example
  • Year 9 Example

“The Rock ‘n’ Roll King: Elvis Presley”

Elvis Aaron Presley, born on January 8, 1935, was an amazing singer and actor known as the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Even though he’s been dead for nearly 50 years, I can’t help but be fascinated by his incredible life!

Elvis grew up in Tupelo, Mississippi, in a tiny house with his parents and twin brother. His family didn’t have much money, but they shared a love for music. Little did they know Elvis would become a music legend!

When he was only 11 years old, Elvis got his first guitar. He taught himself to play and loved singing gospel songs. As he got older, he started combining different music styles like country, blues, and gospel to create a whole new sound – that’s Rock ‘n’ Roll!

In 1954, at the age of 19, Elvis recorded his first song, “That’s All Right.” People couldn’t believe how unique and exciting his music was. His famous hip-swinging dance moves also made him a sensation!

Elvis didn’t just rock the music scene; he also starred in movies like “Love Me Tender” and “Jailhouse Rock.” But fame came with challenges. Despite facing ups and downs, Elvis kept spreading happiness through his music.

how to write a biography | A4H32CWFYQ72GPUNCIRTS5Y7P4 | How to Write a Biography | literacyideas.com

Tragically, Elvis passed away in 1977, but his music and charisma live on. Even today, people worldwide still enjoy his songs like “Hound Dog” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” Elvis Presley’s legacy as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll will live forever.

Long Live the King: I wish I’d seen him.

Elvis Presley, the Rock ‘n’ Roll legend born on January 8, 1935, is a captivating figure that even a modern-day teen like me can’t help but admire. As I delve into his life, I wish I could have experienced the magic of his live performances.

Growing up in Tupelo, Mississippi, Elvis faced challenges but found solace in music. At 11, he got his first guitar, a symbol of his journey into the world of sound. His fusion of gospel, country, and blues into Rock ‘n’ Roll became a cultural phenomenon.

The thought of being in the audience during his early performances, especially when he recorded “That’s All Right” at 19, sends shivers down my spine. Imagining the crowd’s uproar and feeling the revolutionary energy of that moment is a dream I wish I could have lived.

Elvis wasn’t just a musical prodigy; he was a dynamic performer. His dance moves, the embodiment of rebellion, and his roles in films like “Love Me Tender” and “Jailhouse Rock” made him a true icon.

After watching him on YouTube, I can’t help but feel a little sad that I’ll never witness the King’s live performances. The idea of swaying to “Hound Dog” or being enchanted by “Can’t Help Falling in Love” in person is a missed opportunity. Elvis may have left us in 1977, but he was the king of rock n’ roll. Long live the King!

Elvis Presley: A Teen’s Take on the Rock ‘n’ Roll Icon”

Elvis Presley, born January 8, 1935, was a revolutionary force in the music world, earning his title as the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Exploring his life, even as a 16-year-old today, I’m captivated by the impact he made.

Hailing from Tupelo, Mississippi, Elvis grew up in humble beginnings, surrounded by the love of his parents and twin brother. It’s inspiring to think that, despite financial challenges, this young man would redefine the music scene.

At 11, Elvis got his first guitar, sparking a self-taught journey into music. His early gospel influences evolved into a unique fusion of country, blues, and gospel, creating the electrifying genre of Rock ‘n’ Roll. In 1954, at only 19, he recorded “That’s All Right,” marking the birth of a musical legend.

Elvis wasn’t just a musical innovator; he was a cultural phenomenon. His rebellious dance moves and magnetic stage presence challenged the norms. He transitioned seamlessly into acting, starring in iconic films like “Love Me Tender” and “Jailhouse Rock.”

how to write a biography | Elvis Presley promoting Jailhouse Rock | How to Write a Biography | literacyideas.com

However, fame came at a cost, and Elvis faced personal struggles. Despite the challenges, his music continued to resonate. Even now, classics like “Hound Dog” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love” transcend generations.

Elvis Presley’s impact on music and culture is undeniable. He was known for his unique voice, charismatic persona, and electrifying performances. He sold over one billion records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling solo artists in history. He received numerous awards throughout his career, including three Grammy Awards and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Elvis’s influence can still be seen in today’s music. Many contemporary artists, such as Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, and Justin Timberlake, have cited Elvis as an inspiration. His music continues to be featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials.

Elvis left us in 1977, but his legacy lives on. I appreciate his breaking barriers and fearlessly embracing his artistic vision. Elvis Presley’s impact on music and culture is timeless, a testament to the enduring power of his artistry. His music has inspired generations and will continue to do so for many years to come.

how to write a biography | LITERACY IDEAS FRONT PAGE 1 | How to Write a Biography | literacyideas.com

Teaching Resources

Use our resources and tools to improve your student’s writing skills through proven teaching strategies.

BIOGRAPHY WRITING TEACHING IDEAS AND LESSONS

We have compiled a sequence of biography-related lessons or teaching ideas that you can follow as you please. They are straightforward enough for most students to follow without further instruction.

BIOGRAPHY LESSON IDEA # 1:

This session aims to give students a broader understanding of what makes a good biography.

Once your students have compiled a comprehensive checklist of the main features of a biography, allow them to use it to assess some biographies from your school library or on the internet using the feature checklist.

When students have assessed a selection of biographies, take some time as a class to discuss them. You can base the discussion around the following prompts:

  • Which biographies covered all the criteria from their checklist?
  • Which biographies didn’t?
  • Which biography was the most readable in terms of structure?
  • Which biography do you think was the least well-structured? How would you improve this?

Looking at how other writers have interpreted the form will help students internalize the necessary criteria before attempting to produce a biography. Once students have a clear understanding of the main features of the biography, they’re ready to begin work on writing a biography.

When the time does come to put pen to paper, be sure they’re armed with the following top tips to help ensure they’re as well prepared as possible.

BIOGRAPHY LESSON IDEA # 2:

This session aims to guide students through the process of selecting the perfect biography subject.

Instruct students to draw up a shortlist of three potential subjects for the biography they’ll write.

Using the three criteria mentioned in the writing guide (Interest, Merit, and Information), students award each potential subject a mark out of 5 for each of the criteria. In this manner, students can select the most suitable subject for their biography.

BIOGRAPHY LESSON IDEA # 3:

This session aims to get students into the researching phase and then prioritise events and organise them chronologically.

Students begin by making a timeline of their subject’s life, starting with their birth and ending with their death or the present day. If the student has yet to make a final decision on the subject of their biography, a family member will often serve well for this exercise as a practice exercise.

Students should research and gather the key events of the person’s life, covering each period of their life from when they were a baby, through childhood and adolescence, right up to adulthood and old age. They should then organize these onto a timeline. Students can include photographs with captions if they have them.

They can present these to the class when they have finished their timelines.

BIOGRAPHY LESSON IDEA # 4:

Instruct students to look over their timeline, notes, and other research. Challenge them to identify three patterns that repeat throughout the subject’s life and sort all the related events and incidents into specific categories.

Students should then label each category with a single word. This is the thematic concept or the broad general underlying idea. After that, students should write a sentence or two expressing what the subject’s life ‘says’ about that concept.

This is known as the thematic statement . With the thematic concepts and thematic statements identified, the student now has some substantial ideas to explore that will help bring more profound meaning and wider resonance to their biography.

BIOGRAPHY LESSON IDEA # 5:

Instruct students to write a short objective account of an event in their own life. They can write about anyone from their past. It needn’t be more than a couple of paragraphs, but the writing should be strictly factual, focusing only on the objective details of what happened.

Once they have completed this, it’s time to rewrite the paragraph, but they should include some opinion and personal commentary this time.

The student here aims to inject some color and personality into their writing, to transform a detached, factual account into a warm, engaging story.

Biography Graphic Organizer

Get our FREE Biography Writing Graphic Organizer

Use this valuable tool in the research and writing phases to keep your students on track and engaged.

WRITING CHECKLIST & RUBRIC BUNDLE

writing checklists

To Conclude

By this stage, your students should have an excellent technical overview of a biography’s essential elements.

They should be able to choose their subject in light of how interesting and worthy they are, as well as give consideration to the availability of information out there. They should be able to research effectively and identify emerging themes in their research notes. And finally, they should be able to bring some of their personality and uniqueness into their retelling of the life of another.

Remember that writing a biography is not only a great way to develop a student’s writing skills; it can be used in almost all curriculum areas. For example, to find out more about a historical figure in History, to investigate scientific contributions to Science, or to celebrate a hero from everyday life.

Biography is an excellent genre for students to develop their writing skills and to find inspiration in the lives of others in the world around them.

HOW TO WRITE A BIOGRAPHY TUTORIAL VIDEO

how to write a biography | YOUTUBE 1280 x 720 11 | How to Write a Biography | literacyideas.com

OTHER GREAT ARTICLES RELATED TO BIOGRAPHY WRITING

how to write a biography | how to start an autobiography 2 1 | How to write an Autobiography | literacyideas.com

How to write an Autobiography

how to write a biography | historical recount writing | How to Write a Historical Recount Text | literacyideas.com

How to Write a Historical Recount Text

how to write a biography | download | 15 Awesome Recount & Personal Narrative Topics | literacyideas.com

15 Awesome Recount & Personal Narrative Topics

how to write a biography | how to write a personal narrative | Personal Narrative Writing Guide | literacyideas.com

Personal Narrative Writing Guide

  • Biography Guest Post
  • Privacy Policy

Biographyans.com

  • Home Improvement
  • Entertainment

Biography Writing Checklist

biography writing checklist

This Biography Writing Checklist is a comprehensive guide to help you write a comprehensive and engaging biography. It covers all the essential aspects of biography writing, from research and structure, to tone and style. With this checklist, you can ensure that you are creating an accurate and informative biography that will capture the essence of its subject. From drafting an outline to proofreading your final draft, this checklist will provide you with the guidance you need to write a successful and impactful biography.

Research: Collecting Necessary Information

Writing a biography can be a daunting task, especially if it’s your first time. There are so many details to consider, from the topic and structure to the research and writing. To ensure your biography is accurate and informative, it’s important to take the time to do the necessary research.

The first step in writing a biography is to identify the subject. Who are you writing about? What details do you need to know? Take time to do some background research on the subject, including their history, accomplishments, and interests.

Once you have identified the subject, you can begin to collect the necessary information. Where can you find facts about the subject? What sources are available? Reach out to friends and family of the subject, as well as any other reliable sources of information. Don’t forget to verify and double check facts.

Be sure to note any quotes or anecdotes that you come across during your research. These can be used to add personality to the biography and give readers a glimpse into the life of the subject.

Finally, make sure to document all of your sources. This is important for both accuracy and credibility. Take time to write down the information and resources used for each fact, so you can easily reference them later.

By following this checklist, you can be sure to write an informative and accurate biography. With the right research and preparation, you can create a well-rounded and engaging biography that readers will love.

Outlining: Structuring Your Biography

Outlining is a critical part of biography writing. It provides a way to structure the information you have collected and organize it into a narrative. When developing an outline, it is important to consider the purpose of writing the biography. Is it a general overview biography or a more in-depth look at a specific event or person? What are the main points you want to cover? What other information would be important to include?

Once you have established the purpose and scope of your biography, you can begin to develop an outline. This outline will serve as a roadmap for organizing your information and writing the biography. The outline should include headings and subheadings that provide an overview of the main ideas and topics. Additionally, use bullet points to list key facts and information that the reader should know.

As you begin to write, refer to your outline and make sure that each idea is addressed. The outline is also a great place to note any questions or additional sources of information that you need to research. Finally, make sure that your outline is complete and that you have included all the relevant information. This will help to ensure that your biography is thorough and accurate.

Drafting: Writing Your First Draft

Writing a biography can be an intimidating process, but it doesn’t have to be. To ensure you don’t miss any important details, a helpful checklist can come in handy. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process of writing your first draft with our comprehensive biography writing checklist.

First, create an outline of the major events in the person’s life. This will help you organize your thoughts and make sure you don’t miss key details. Be sure to include major milestones in the person’s life, such as birth, marriage, and any important career accomplishments.

Next, create a timeline of the person’s life. This will help you get a sense of the major events that have shaped their life and the trajectory of their career. Create a timeline that includes the major events and any other important details that you want to include in your biography.

When you’re ready to start writing, begin with an introduction that sets the tone for the rest of your work. Provide an overview of the person’s life and provide some context for the major events you’ll be discussing.

Once you’ve set the scene with your introduction, move on to the body of your biography. Here, you’ll discuss the major events in the person’s life in more detail. Be sure to focus on the person’s accomplishments and provide anecdotes that illustrate the person’s character.

Finally, provide a conclusion that wraps up the biography. Summarize the major events in the person’s life and provide some insight into how the person’s life has been shaped by their experiences.

By following this checklist, you can ensure that your biography is comprehensive, engaging, and well-organized. With a bit of planning and preparation, you can write a biography that will be sure to leave a lasting impression.

Writing a Biography Checklist - ESL Biography (teacher made)

Editing: Refining Your Biography

When it comes to editing a biography, it’s important to keep in mind that the text should not only be grammatically correct but should also be concise and clear. This means that the final version should be as close to perfection as possible. To ensure that your biography is ready for publication, use the following checklist as a guide for editing:

1. Read through the biography several times, checking for spelling mistakes and typos.

2. Make sure the language used is consistent throughout the biography.

3. Check for logical inconsistencies and factual errors.

4. Ensure that the narrative flows and that the story is engaging.

5. Check that the facts are accurate.

6. Make sure the biography is structured in a logical way.

7. Make sure the text is concise and to the point.

8. Check for any redundancies or unnecessary words.

9. Make sure the biography is written in the third person.

10. Ensure that the biography is objective and unbiased.

By following the above checklist, you can ensure that your biography is well-written and engaging, and ready for publication!

Proofreading: Finalizing Your Biography

Proofreading is a crucial step in the biography writing process. After you have written your biography, it is essential to read it thoroughly, ensuring that all information is accurate and coherent. This means checking for any errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and syntax. Additionally, you should read the biography aloud to ensure it flows well, and make sure it is consistent in terms of tone, style, and focus. Finally, it is important to double-check that all facts, dates, and quotes are accurate.

To ensure your biography is successful, it is critical to take the time to review your work. A well-crafted biography should provide the reader with an understanding of the person’s life and accomplishments. Taking the time to proofread it will help guarantee that the biography is engaging and informative.

By following this biography writing checklist, you will be well on your way to creating a memorable and impactful piece of work. By taking the time to proofread and edit your biography, you will be able to ensure that all of the details are accurate and that the tone and voice are consistent throughout the piece. With a bit of effort and dedication, you can create a biography that captures the essence of the person you are writing about.

Publishing: Sharing Your Biography With the World

Writing a biography can be a daunting task. While there may be many facts and stories to share, the key to writing a successful biography is to make sure all the pieces fit together to tell a cohesive story. After all the hard work of researching and writing, it’s finally time to share your biography with the world. But before you press publish, use this checklist to ensure you’ve covered all your bases.

1. Proofread: A well-written biography demands thorough proofreading. Make sure to double-check for typos, grammatical errors, and inconsistencies. A professional editor can help ensure your biography is error-free.

2. Get a Second Opinion: Ask a friend, family member, or colleague to read your biography. A second opinion can help you identify any plot holes or inconsistencies you may have missed.

3. Format for Readability: Break up large blocks of text into smaller chunks. Use headings and subheadings to help guide readers through your narrative. Also make sure to include white space to make your biography more visually appealing.

4. Optimize for SEO: Use keywords throughout your biography to optimize it for search engine optimization. This will help readers find your biography online more easily.

5. Share Your Work: Finally, when your biography is ready, it’s time to share it with the world. Post your work on social media, submit it to publishers, or upload it to your blog. There are many ways to share your story and build an audience.

By following this editing checklist, you can make sure your biography is ready to be shared with the world. Taking the time to edit and refine your work will help you create a memorable biography that will stand the test of time.

FAQs About the Biography Writing Checklist

Q1: What information should be included in a biography? A1: A biography should include basic facts about the person such as their name, birthdate, place of birth, education, career, accomplishments, awards, and any other relevant details.

Q2: How long should a biography be? A2: The length of a biography will vary depending on the purpose and subject. Generally, biographies should be concise and focused, and should not exceed a few pages.

Q3: What is a biography writing checklist? A3: A biography writing checklist is a list of steps to guide you through the process of writing a biography. This checklist can help ensure that you cover all the important points and don’t miss any essential details.

The Biography Writing Checklist is an invaluable tool for writers who are crafting biographies. It provides a step-by-step guide to writing a biography, from researching and outlining the subject to writing and editing the final product. By following the checklist, writers can ensure that their biography is well-researched, accurate, and engaging. With its easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips, the Biography Writing Checklist is a must-have for any aspiring biographer.

Related Posts

biography writing checklist

Elsa Jean Biography

Biographyans

Eloswag Bbn Biography

Elliot williams biography, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

You'll need JavaScript enabled to experience the full functionality of this site. Please enable JavaScript by following the instructions at enable-javascript.com .

Sorry, the browser you're currently using is not supported by this site. Please upgrade your browser by following the instructions at browser-update.org .

  • Go to cgpbooks.co.uk
  • Your Lessons

CGP Books

Biographies Checklist (Years 3-4)

Write a review

biography writing checklist

Choose your format:

Save to Your Lessons

Save to Homework

Share resource

Your download limit has been reached!

Check out our FAQs for more info. 

This checklist lists all the key language and layout features of biographies. It's perfect for helping children develop their writing skills and knowledge of different text types. Children can use it as a handy guide when they're writing a biography, or they could use it to help them evaluate their own or others' work.

  • Key Stage: Key Stage 2
  • Subject: English
  • Topic: Themes and Conventions
  • Topic Group: Reading
  • Year(s): Years 3-4
  • Media Type: PDF
  • Resource Type: Worksheet
  • Last Updated: 22/11/2021
  • Resource Code: E2WAE69
  • Curriculum Point(s): Develop positive attitudes to reading and understanding of what they read by identifying themes and conventions in a wide range of books.

Related Topics:

Other Teachers Downloaded...

Annotated Biography — Sir David Attenborough (Years 3-4)

Annotated Biography — Sir David Attenborough (Years 3-4)

  • Themes and Conventions
  • Key Stage 2 English

Features of Biographies (Years 3-4)

Features of Biographies (Years 3-4)

Writing a Biography — Roald Dahl (Years 3-4)

Writing a Biography — Roald Dahl (Years 3-4)

  • Drafting and Writing

The Garden Gang — Poetry Comprehension (Years 3-4)

The Garden Gang — Poetry Comprehension (Years 3-4)

  • Comprehension

Features of News Articles (Years 3-4)

Features of News Articles (Years 3-4)

Features of Persuasive Writing (Years 5-6)

Features of Persuasive Writing (Years 5-6)

No reviews (yet!)

Related Resources

Explanation Texts Checklist (Years 3-4)

Explanation Texts Checklist (Years 3-4)

Autobiographies Checklist (Years 3-4)

Autobiographies Checklist (Years 3-4)

Annotated News Article (Years 3-4)

Annotated News Article (Years 3-4)

Non-chronological Report Checklist (Years 3-4)

Non-chronological Report Checklist (Years 3-4)

Diary Entries Checklist (Years 3-4)

Diary Entries Checklist (Years 3-4)

News Article Checklist (Years 3-4)

News Article Checklist (Years 3-4)

Formal Letters Checklist (Years 5-6)

Formal Letters Checklist (Years 5-6)

Adverts Checklist (Years 5-6)

Adverts Checklist (Years 5-6)

Informal Letters Checklist (Years 3-4)

Informal Letters Checklist (Years 3-4)

Persuasive Writing Checklist (Years 5-6)

Persuasive Writing Checklist (Years 5-6)

Instructions Checklist (Years 3-4)

Instructions Checklist (Years 3-4)

Non-Fiction Crossword (Years 5-6)

Non-Fiction Crossword (Years 5-6)

Cookies are disabled on your browser. This means some features of the site won't be fully available to you.

CGP uses cookies to give you a smooth shopping experience and to help us understand how well our site is working. To agree to us using all cookies, click 'Accept', or to reject optional cookies click 'Customise'.

Accept cookies Customise cookies

  • International
  • Schools directory
  • Resources Jobs Schools directory News Search

KS2 English - Biography Checklist

KS2 English - Biography Checklist

Subject: English

Age range: 7-11

Resource type: Visual aid/Display

SchoolOnline Classroom

Last updated

25 July 2022

  • Share through email
  • Share through twitter
  • Share through linkedin
  • Share through facebook
  • Share through pinterest

biography writing checklist

We have put together a useful biography checklist for your students to use to make sure that they have included everything in their biography writing.

Creative Commons "Sharealike"

Your rating is required to reflect your happiness.

It's good to leave some feedback.

Something went wrong, please try again later.

This resource hasn't been reviewed yet

To ensure quality for our reviews, only customers who have downloaded this resource can review it

Report this resource to let us know if it violates our terms and conditions. Our customer service team will review your report and will be in touch.

Not quite what you were looking for? Search by keyword to find the right resource:

IMAGES

  1. CHECKLIST : BIOGRAPHY/AUTOBIOGRAPHY Text

    biography writing checklist

  2. Formidable Biography Book Report Template Ideas 6Th Grade With High

    biography writing checklist

  3. Biography writing template

    biography writing checklist

  4. Writing a Biography Checklist

    biography writing checklist

  5. Second Level Writing a Biography Self Assessment Checklist

    biography writing checklist

  6. Biography Writing Checklist by Biography Writing Checklist

    biography writing checklist

VIDEO

  1. How to write Biography for Class

  2. How to write biography || in English || writing skills ||

  3. BIOGRAPHY WRITING

  4. Biography Writing || Satyajit Roy || Paragraph Writing || Classes VII

  5. Biography Writing || Annie Besant || Paragraph Writing || #viral writing ||

  6. How to structure a biography step by step

COMMENTS

  1. Biography Writing Checklist

    Encourage your students to use this biography writing checklist when proofreading and editing their biographies. The checklist covers the structure, language, and features of a biography. An editable version is available for you to customize the checklist. Use the drop-down menu to choose your download. We have a biography planning and research ...

  2. How to Write a Biography

    BIOGRAPHY WRITING Tip: #4 Put Something of Yourself into the Writing. While the defining feature of a biography is that it gives an account of a person's life, students must understand that this is not all a biography does. Relating the facts and details of a subject's life is not enough.

  3. Biography Writing Checklist

    The Biography Writing Checklist is an invaluable tool for writers who are crafting biographies. It provides a step-by-step guide to writing a biography, from researching and outlining the subject to writing and editing the final product. By following the checklist, writers can ensure that their biography is well-researched, accurate, and ...

  4. How to Write a Biography: 6 Tips for Writing Biographical Texts

    A biography usually structures the main points of a person's life in chronological order. Knowing the order of key events before you start writing can save you the hassle of having to reorganize your whole story later. 5. Use flashbacks. While writing the text of your biography, you may want to intercut between an experience from your subject ...

  5. Guide to Writing a Biography Worksheet

    This Mini Biography Writing Frame Worksheet is a great resource to use as an introductory activity before children move on to writing a longer biography. With clear headings and a structure to follow, this worksheet will help children build up some confidence with biography writing. Develop your class's biography writing skills further with ...

  6. Biography Writing Checklist

    Non-Editable: PDF. Curriculum: AUS V8, AUS V9. Years: 5 - 6. Download. Preview File. Get inspired! Tag #TeachStarter on Instagram for a chance to be featured! Available on the Free Plan. A checklist for students to use when proofreading and editing their biography writing.

  7. PDF BIOGRAPHY CHECKLIST

    The following list will help guide your writing activity. Your incorrect biography should contain information covering at least six of the following topics: Author's/illustrator's name (required) Author's/illustrator's birthplace or childhood home. The name of at least one book by the author/illustrator. Current home of the author ...

  8. PDF Biography writing: checklist Content and ideas Structure

    Issue to Action: English Content and ideas Ihaveclearlyexplainedhowmy subjectcametobearefugee. Ihaveincludedmajoreventsin mysubject'slife. Ihaveincludedrelevantideas

  9. Learn about the features of a biography and how they can help with

    The Features of a Biography Writing Checklist is a great follow-up resource for children to check that they've hit every mark. This Florence Nightingale Y2 Information Texts: Biography Model/Example Text is useful as a WAGOLL (what a good one looks like). It also contains helpful models for grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

  10. Biographies Checklist (Years 3-4)

    This checklist lists all the key language and layout features of biographies. It's perfect for helping children develop their writing skills and knowledge of different text types. Children can use it as a handy guide when they're writing a biography, or they could use it to help them evaluate their own or others' work. Key Stage: Key Stage 2.

  11. Guide to Writing a Biography Worksheet

    This Mini Biography Writing Frame Worksheet is a great resource to use as an introductory activity before children move on to producing a longer biography. With clear headings and a structure to follow, this worksheet will help children build up some confidence with biography writing. We also have this brilliant Biography Interview Activity ...

  12. KS2 Features of a Biography Writing Checklist

    This handy Features of a Biography Checklist is great for your kids to learn how to write compelling biographies. It lists the main textual and grammatical features which can be ticked off by your kids as they write. These features include historical recounts, as well as the use of the past tense and third-person pronouns.

  13. UKS2 Writing: Biographies Knowledge Organiser (teacher made)

    Use this UKS2 knowledge organiser to ensure your pupils have all the key features for writing biographies at their fingertips. This resource includes a word bank, modal verbs, fronted adverbials, examples of passive voice and a checklist of the key features found in biographical texts. Use the model text as an example of how to integrate all of the features into pupils' individual writing. 

  14. Writing a Biography Checklist

    Writing a Biography Checklist. 4 reviews. Age 7-11 Reading and Writing Writing Aids. How does this resource excite and engage children's learning? A handy ESL checklist for the key features of a biography. Show more. Related Searches.

  15. To identify the features of a biography

    To identify the features of a biography. To identify the features of a biography. Download all resources. Share activities with pupils. To identify the features of a biography. ... Biographical writing. English. Show unit. Pupils. Learn online. Teachers. EYFS. Specialist. Key stage 1. Key stage 2. Key stage 3. Key stage 4. Curriculum plans ...

  16. Writing a Biography Checklist

    A handy ESL checklist for the key features of a biography. The above video may be from a third-party source. We accept no responsibility for any videos from third-party sources. Please let us know if the video is no longer working. Twinkl ESL Resources Age 7-11 Reading and Writing Writing Aids.

  17. KS2 English

    KS2 English - Biography Checklist. Subject: English. Age range: 7-11. Resource type: Visual aid/Display. File previews. png, 260.59 KB. We have put together a useful biography checklist for your students to use to make sure that they have included everything in their biography writing. Creative Commons "Sharealike".

  18. Guide to Writing a Biography Worksheet

    This handy Features of a Biography Checklist is great for your kids to learn how to write compelling biographies. It lists the main textual and grammatical features which can be ticked off by your kids as they write. These features include historical recounts, as well as the use of the past tense and third-person pronouns.

  19. Writing a Biography Checklist

    A handy ESL checklist for the key features of a biography. The above video may be from a third-party source. We accept no responsibility for any videos from third-party sources. Please let us know if the video is no longer working. Twinkl ESL Resources Age 7-11 Reading and Writing Writing Aids.

  20. Biography Writing Checklist by Creative Classroom Design

    The Biography Writing Checklist been designed with students and teachers in mind. They provide an easy to follow checklist of biography writing features that students can use to support them with their writing.This checklist can be used for student self correcting or formal assessing by the teacher.