Biography
A biography is a full account of the facts of a person's life, setting forth his or her background, character, experiences and activities (Ramsay, 1992, p.135). A biography is written by another person.
There are some extra elements that create the biography genre:
Introduction
- Name the person.
- State the period in which they lived or now lived.
- Outline why he or she is worth writing about.
Main Body
- In chronological order (in order that things happened).
- Narrate the person's life experiences.
- Events that happened to them
- What they achieved over time.
- Describe their particular personality or characteristics that might have contributed to their uniqueness.
Conclusion
- Sum up what you have already said.
- Do not introduce any new ideas.
Some other features of a biography
- Use accurate information.
- The author should write with a friendly but critical point of view of the person.
- The author, as narrator, should make the biography interesting as well as informative.
- Refer frequently to the person by name other than just saying "he" or "she".
- Use quotes by the person.
- Use quotes or direct speech from other people who have genuine knowledge of that person.
Resources