Year 8

Name: ___________________________________ Date: _______________

T2W4PDF3

Biographies are recount texts that include information and facts about famous people or other people’s lives. A
biography is a true account written about a person’s life.

A good biography:

• presents the facts about the person’s life including what the subject did and how they influenced their
world.
• should describe the person’s personality and provide an explanation for why he or she acted in certain
ways.

# Purpose:

To give an account on someone's life

# Structure:

Title (the name of the person you are writing about)

First Paragraph: Opening statement that introduces the person you're talking about and explains why he
/ she is famous.

Body paragraphs: consist of 3 or more paragraphs, talking about significant events in his / her life,
ordered chronologically. Information about his/her:

place of birth – date of birth – family - childhood – education – career – things that made him/her special
– achievements – future dreams/death

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 Ending Paragraph: A closing statement that explains the importance of his/her contribution, how this
person will always be remembered + writer’s opinion about him / her.

# Features:

a) Written in the 3rd Person (He/She/It/They)

b) Written in the past tense.
c) Written in Chronological order using Time Connectives
d) Written in formal (impersonal) language.
e) Dates and events
f) Quote said by the person
g) Opinion of the writer
h) Sub-headings (Optional) for organization

(Birth and childhood – Education – Work Field / Achievements – Dreams/Death)

# How to plan for my biography:

When writing someone’s biography, it is important to research the person’s life thoroughly. Choose a famous
person you don’t know much about. Look for information about his or her life in encyclopedias, reference books,
magazines and on the Internet. Use this chart to record your notes.

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# Useful vocabulary for writing a biography:

1- Renowned = esteemed = eminent = Famous and widely known

illustrious = prominent
2- Distinguished = noted = notable Standing above others in character or attainment
or reputation; of great significance or value

3- Estimable = honourable = reputable Respectable; admirable

4- Creditable Praiseworthy

5- Pioneer One who opens up new areas of thought, research

or development
6- Champion One that wins first place or first prize in a
competition
7- Persistent Refusing to give up or let go

8- Inspire Be the reason people look forward to you

9- Pay off To result in success or advantage

10- Venture To take a risk; dare

11- Championship A competition or series of competitions held to

determine a winner

12- Award Something awarded, such as a prize or medal

13- Trophy A prize such as a cup received as a symbol of

victory
14- Merit Demonstrated ability or achievement;
excellence/to deserve
15- Defeat To do better than another in a competition; beat

16- Perilous = Hazardous = Treacherous Dangerous; risky

17- Impediment = Hindrance = Hurdle = obstacle; something immaterial that stands in the
Roadblock way and must be overcome

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 Biography Checklist

Features & Structure Yes No

A title with the name of the person

An opening statement (that shows why he/she is famous)

At least 3 body paragraphs with details about the person’s life in

chronological order
Short ending paragraph (that shows why this person will be remembered)

Third person

Past Tense

Formal Language (no contractions, no abbreviations, conjunctive adverbs,

passive voice)
Time Connectives

Facts about the person’s life and achievements