For the next couple of weeks, we will be studying how to write a biography and autobiography. Listed below is the class assignment.
A biography is a type of nonfiction writing that tells the true story of another person’s life.
PART A
To write a biography, follow the steps below:
•Choose someone to write about. You could write about an author, a movie star, musician or an athlete.
•Find out as much as you can about the person you’ve chosen. Read newspaper reports, encyclopedia articles, website articles and books. Use two or more sources to gather facts.
•Take notes as you research. Use an idea organizer to help you take notes. (Provided)
•Write a title. The title could include the name of the person you’re writing about.
•Write an introduction that grabs the reader’s attention and tells him or her who you’re writing about.
•Write a paragraph that includes information about the person’s childhood. When was he or she born? Where did he or she grow up? Who did he or she look up to?
•Write a paragraph that includes information about the person’s talents and accomplishments/awards. What goals has this person achieved? Has this person ever faced a problem and overcome it?
•Write a conclusion that includes your opinion about why it is important to learn about this person. What can we learn from this person’s accomplishments? How can the example of this person’s accomplishments help us to achieve our own dreams?
•Once you have finished your paper, be sure to review your writing. (See Checklist)
PART B
You will be creating a new cereal and decorating a cereal box based on the information of the life of your famous figure.
Front of the Box
•Cereal’s name
•Picture(s) & name of famous person
•Two quotes that the famous person said
Back of the Box (In paragraph format)
•Title
•Introduction
•Paragraph on Personal Information
•Paragraph on Talents/Accomplishments
•Conclusion
Side 1
•List five important events (year and event) from the famous figure’s life
•List what you feel are the most important achievements
•List any awards
Side 2
•List of qualities and characteristics of the person
•List the sources used
•Towards the bottom of side 2, write your name and teacher’s name
Be creative and thoughtful. Be sure to decorate your box with pictures. Add captions describing the pictures if you like. Be neat and organized. Your information needs to be typed with font size 11or 12. Remember to have fun and choose someone you like, and someone you will feel comfortable presenting to the class.
Please hand in a copy of your written work (everything that will be pasted), the biography organizer and the biography checklist with your cereal box.
Assigned: Wednesday, March 30th
DUE DATE: FRIDAY APRIL 15