biography assignment high school

Biography Project: Research and Class Presentation

• Resources & Preparation
• Instructional Plan
• Related Resources

Set the stage for high-interest reading with a purpose through a biography project. Students work together to generate questions they would like to answer about several well-known people, then each student chooses one of these and finds information by reading a biography from the library and doing Internet research. Students create a graphic organizer (a web) to organize the facts they have found and share what they have learned about their subjects through oral presentations. Students evaluate themselves and their classmates by using a rubric during the research and graphic organizer-creation process and by giving written feedback on one another's presentations.

Featured Resources

Bio-Cube : This planning tool can help students organize their research; use it as an extension to the lesson and have them outline the lives they' researched before writing their own biographies.

From Theory to Practice

• By using graphic organizers, students write or draw meanings and relationships of underlying ideas. This has been shown to improve students' ability to recall content.
• By summarizing information, students improve in including ideas related to the main idea, generalizing, and removing redundancy.
• By working in cooperative groups, students may increase their learning of reading strategies through peer discussion. They may also lead to better comprehension.

Common Core Standards

This resource has been aligned to the Common Core State Standards for states in which they have been adopted. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, CCSS alignments are forthcoming.

State Standards

This lesson has been aligned to standards in the following states. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, standard alignments are not currently available for that state.

NCTE/IRA National Standards for the English Language Arts

• 7. Students conduct research on issues and interests by generating ideas and questions, and by posing problems. They gather, evaluate, and synthesize data from a variety of sources (e.g., print and nonprint texts, artifacts, people) to communicate their discoveries in ways that suit their purpose and audience.
• 8. Students use a variety of technological and information resources (e.g., libraries, databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge.
• 12. Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion, and the exchange of information).

Materials and Technology

• School or classroom library with a broad selection of biographies
• Computers with Internet access and printing capability
• Index cards
• Oral Presentation Peer Feedback Form
• Oral Presentation Rubric

Student Objectives

Students will

• Learn to ask relevant questions before beginning a research project
• Learn to take notes and categorize information as they create graphic organizers
• Improve comprehension as they read and skim text for main ideas and details
• Develop research skills (book and Internet) with the purpose of teaching the class what they have learned
• Think critically as they use rubrics and written feedback to evaluate their classmates and themselves

Session 1: Before Reading

Sessions 2 to 5

Session 6: After Reading

Sessions 7 to 9: Class Presentations

Have students use their webs and the online Bio-Cube tool to plan and write biographies of the person they have researched. When they are finished, ask students to share the books with a younger class.

Student Assessment / Reflections

Possible student assessments include:

• Use the Web Rubric to grade the students' webs.
• Use the Oral Presentation Rubric to grade students' presentations based on the quality and completeness of information given.
• Observe and evaluate students' participation in group work and ability to critique other students' presentations based on their comments on the Oral Presentation Peer Feedback Form .
• Calendar Activities
• Lesson Plans
• Strategy Guides

Add new comment

• Print this resource

Explore Resources by Grade

• Kindergarten K

How to Write a Biography

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.

What Is a Biography?

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 childhood to the present day or, if the subject is deceased, their death.

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.

Full Biographies

Teaching unit.

Teach your students everything they need to know about writing an AUTOBIOGRAPHY and a BIOGRAPHY.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( 26 reviews )

Features of a Biography

Before students begin writing a biography, they’ll need to have a firm grasp of the main features of a 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

Their checklists should contain the items below at a minimum. 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 summarising the biography’s main points.

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 clarifies 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 students wish 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

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.

Biography Examples For Students

• 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.

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.”

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.

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, then prioritise and organise events 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.

A COMPLETE UNIT ON TEACHING BIOGRAPHIES

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.

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

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (92 Reviews)

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

OTHER GREAT ARTICLES RELATED TO BIOGRAPHY WRITING

How to write an Autobiography

How to Write a Historical Recount Text

15 Awesome Recount & Personal Narrative Topics

Personal Narrative Writing Guide

In order to continue enjoying our site, we ask that you confirm your identity as a human. Thank you very much for your cooperation.

Learning Goals

• As you work on your biography presentation, use this rubric to help you do your best work.

Biography Presentation Rubric—High School

No Alignments yet.

Cite this work

201+ Creative Biography Project Ideas For School Students

Biography is a subject that opens a gateway to the intricate narratives of human lives, inviting us to explore the fascinating stories that shape our world. In this blog, we dive into the realm of Biography Project Ideas, uncovering diverse and compelling ways to study the lives of individuals who have left an enduring impact. From unsung heroes to influential figures, we’ll navigate the art of storytelling and creative presentation, providing a plethora of ideas for both students and enthusiasts. 

Join us on this exploration of the captivating world of biographies, where each life unfolds as a unique and inspiring tale waiting to be shared.

What is a Biography Project?

Table of Contents

A Biography Project involves in-depth research and presentation of an individual’s life, capturing significant aspects and achievements. It goes beyond a standard biography by encouraging creative and critical exploration. Students undertaking such projects choose subjects ranging from personal heroes to historical figures or even fictional characters. The project can take various formats, including written narratives, visual presentations, or multimedia creations, fostering skills such as research, writing, and communication. By delving into the lives of inspiring figures, Biography Projects offer students a dynamic and engaging way to enhance their educational experience.

Benefits of Biography Projects for School Students

Here are some benefits of biography project ideas for students:

1. Enhancing Research and Writing Skills

Creative biography projects require in-depth research, promoting valuable skills such as information gathering, analysis, and effective writing. Students learn to navigate diverse sources, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of their chosen subject.

2. Encouraging Creativity and Critical Thinking

Unlike standard research papers, creative biography projects allow students to infuse their unique perspectives. This encourages creativity and critical thinking as students explore different aspects of their subject’s life, making connections and drawing insightful conclusions.

3. Fostering Presentation and Communication Skills

In addition to written components, these projects often involve presentations. Students develop strong communication skills, learning how to convey complex information in a compelling and accessible manner.

4. Promoting Self-Expression and Individuality

Creative biography projects empower students to express themselves uniquely. Through the exploration of their chosen subject, students find opportunities to showcase their individuality, fostering a sense of self-expression and creativity.

5. Building Time Management and Organization Skills

Completing a creative biography project requires students to manage their time effectively and organize their research and presentation materials. This not only enhances their project-specific skills but also instills valuable time management habits that can benefit them in various aspects of their academic and personal lives.

How do I Choose the Biography Project?

Discover some steps to choose the right biography project for students:

• Identify Personal Interests: Begin by exploring your own interests, hobbies, or areas of passion.
• Research Potential Subjects: Conduct preliminary research on individuals who align with your interests, considering historical figures, personal heroes, or even fictional characters.
• Evaluate Significance: Assess the impact and relevance of each potential subject, ensuring they have a compelling story worth exploring.
• Consider Resources: Consider the availability of resources for research and presentation, ensuring you can access ample information and materials.
• Seek Educator Guidance: Consult with teachers or mentors for advice and feedback on your chosen subject and project approach.

List of Biography Project Ideas For School Students

Discover the complete list of biography project ideas for students in 2024:

Historical Trailblazers

• The Life of Cleopatra
• Winston Churchill: Architect of History
• Joan of Arc: A Heroine’s Journey
• Marco Polo: Journey Across Continents
• Alexander the Great: Conqueror of Empires
• Harriet Tubman: Underground Railroad Guide
• Queen Elizabeth I: The Virgin Queen
• Julius Caesar: Statesman and General
• Gandhi: The Mahatma’s Path to Peace
• Amelia Earhart: Skyward Soarer
• Leonardo da Vinci: Renaissance Polymath

Innovators and Inventors

• Thomas Edison: Inventor Extraordinaire
• Marie Curie: Pioneer of Radioactivity
• Steve Jobs: Apple Visionary
• Nikola Tesla: Electrical Genius
• Jane Goodall: Primatologist Explorer
• Elon Musk: Trailblazing Entrepreneur
• Ada Lovelace: Enchantress of Numbers
• Leonardo Fibonacci: Mathematician Maestro
• Grace Hopper: Computer Programming Pioneer
• Alexander Graham Bell: Communication Revolutionary
• George Washington Carver: Agricultural Innovator

Literary Legends

• William Shakespeare: Bard of Avon
• Jane Austen: Master of Romantic Realism
• Mark Twain: American Literary Icon
• Gabriel García Márquez: Magical Realism Maestro
• Maya Angelou: Poet and Civil Rights Activist
• J.K. Rowling: Wizardry Wordsmith
• Leo Tolstoy: War and Peace Author
• Agatha Christie: Queen of Crime
• Langston Hughes: Harlem Renaissance Poet
• George Orwell: Dystopian Visionary
• Emily Dickinson: Poetic Recluse

Artistic Visionaries

• Vincent van Gogh: Starry Night Painter
• Frida Kahlo: Surreal Self-Portraits
• Michelangelo: Sculptor of David
• Georgia O’Keeffe: Flower Power Artist
• Pablo Picasso: Cubism Creator
• Salvador Dalí: Surrealist Dreamer
• Leonardo da Vinci: Mona Lisa’s Creator
• Claude Monet: Impressionist Water Lilies
• Banksy: Street Art Activist
• Edvard Munch: The Scream
• Auguste Rodin: The Thinker Sculptor

Political Pioneers

• Nelson Mandela: Anti-Apartheid Activist
• Margaret Thatcher: Iron Lady of Politics
• Martin Luther King Jr.: Civil Rights Leader
• Golda Meir: Israel’s First Female Prime Minister
• Winston Churchill: Bulldog Statesman
• Franklin D. Roosevelt: New Deal President
• Angela Merkel: Chancellor of Unity
• Jawaharlal Nehru: Architect of Modern India
• Indira Gandhi: Iron Lady of India
• Theodore Roosevelt: Rough Rider President
• Malcolm X: Human Rights Advocate

Scientific Explorers

• Carl Sagan: Cosmos Guide
• Charles Darwin: Evolutionary Theorist
• Richard Feynman: Quantum Physicist
• Jacques Cousteau: Ocean Explorer
• Rosalind Franklin: DNA Pioneer
• Stephen Hawking: Black Hole Theorist
• Neil Armstrong: First Moonwalker
• Mae Jemison: Space Trailblazer
• Rachel Carson: Silent Spring Author
• Albert Einstein: Relativity Revolutionary

Athletic Icons

• Muhammad Ali: The Greatest
• Serena Williams: Tennis Trailblazer
• Michael Jordan: Basketball Legend
• Usain Bolt: Fastest Man Alive
• Babe Ruth: Baseball Legend
• Simone Biles: Gymnastics Marvel
• Jackie Robinson: Breaking Baseball’s Color Barrier
• Jesse Owens: Olympic Track Star
• Pelé: Soccer Superstar
• Billie Jean King: Tennis Equality Advocate
• Michael Phelps: Olympic Swimming Phenom

Humanitarian Heroes

• Mother Teresa: Angel of Mercy
• Nelson Mandela: Advocate for Equality
• Malala Yousafzai: Education Activist
• Mahatma Gandhi: Nonviolent Revolutionary
• Clara Barton: Founder of the Red Cross
• Cesar Chavez: Farm Workers’ Champion
• Elie Wiesel: Holocaust Survivor and Activist
• Princess Diana: People’s Princess
• Martin Luther King Jr.: Civil Rights Visionary
• Kofi Annan: UN Secretary-General

Tech Trailblazers

• Bill Gates: Microsoft Mogul
• Steve Wozniak: Apple Co-Founder
• Sheryl Sandberg: Lean In Advocate
• Tim Berners-Lee: Inventor of the World Wide Web
• Elon Musk: Entrepreneurial Visionary
• Jack Dorsey: Twitter Founder
• Ada Lovelace: First Computer Programmer
• Larry Page: Google Co-Founder
• Mark Zuckerberg: Facebook Pioneer
• Marissa Mayer: Yahoo CEO
• Jeff Bezos: Amazon Architect

Musical Maestros

• Ludwig van Beethoven: Composer Extraordinaire
• Aretha Franklin: Queen of Soul
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Child Prodigy
• Bob Dylan: Voice of a Generation
• Freddie Mercury: Rock Legend
• Ella Fitzgerald: Jazz Queen
• Michael Jackson: King of Pop
• John Lennon: Imagine Visionary
• Beyoncé: Queen Bey
• Jimi Hendrix: Guitar Virtuoso
• Duke Ellington: Jazz Pioneer

Film and Theater Icons

• Charlie Chaplin: Silent Film Star
• Meryl Streep: Acting Chameleon
• Alfred Hitchcock: Master of Suspense
• Audrey Hepburn: Hollywood’s Graceful Star
• Sir Laurence Olivier: Shakespearean Legend
• Quentin Tarantino: Modern Filmmaking Maverick
• Katharine Hepburn: Leading Lady
• Steven Spielberg: Blockbuster Visionary
• Marilyn Monroe: Blonde Bombshell
• Cate Blanchett: Versatile Actress
• Orson Welles: Citizen Kane Auteur

Space Explorers

• Yuri Gagarin: First Human in Space
• Valentina Tereshkova: Pioneer Cosmonaut
• Neil Armstrong: Lunar Pioneer
• Sally Ride: America’s First Woman in Space
• Buzz Aldrin: Apollo 11 Astronaut
• Kalpana Chawla: Trailblazing Astronaut
• Chris Hadfield: Social Media Space Commander
• Mae Jemison: Spacefarer and Physician
• John Glenn: Mercury 7 Astronaut
• Alan Shepard: First American in Space
• Elon Musk: Mars Mission Visionary

Environmental Advocates

• Greta Thunberg: Youth Climate Activist
• Wangari Maathai: Green Belt Movement Founder
• Al Gore: Environmentalist and Politician
• Sylvia Earle: Oceanographer and Explorer
• David Attenborough: Nature Documentarian
• Erin Brockovich: Environmental Crusader
• Leonardo DiCaprio: Actor and Environmentalist
• Jane Goodall: Primatologist and Conservationist
• Jacques Cousteau: Underwater Explorer

Medical Visionaries

• Florence Nightingale: Nursing Pioneer
• Jonas Salk: Polio Vaccine Developer
• Paul Farmer: Partners In Health Founder
• Elizabeth Blackwell: First Female Physician in the U.S.
• Christian Barnard: Pioneer of Heart Transplants
• Edward Jenner: Smallpox Vaccine Creator
• Marie Curie: Pioneer of Radioactivity in Medicine
• Benjamin Carson: Pediatric Neurosurgeon
• Anthony Fauci: Immunologist and Public Health Advocate
• Virginia Apgar: Creator of the Apgar Score
• Albert Sabin: Developer of Oral Polio Vaccine

Fashion Influencers

• Coco Chanel: Fashion Icon
• Karl Lagerfeld: Fashion Maestro
• Christian Dior: Revolutionizing Couture
• Anna Wintour: Vogue Editor-in-Chief
• Yves Saint Laurent: Pioneer of Modern Fashion
• Gianni Versace: Luxury Fashion Designer
• Alexander McQueen: Avant-Garde Couturier
• Audrey Hepburn: Style Icon
• Ralph Lauren: American Fashion Mogul
• Iris Apfel: Fashion and Interior Designer
• Vivienne Westwood: Punk Fashion Trailblazer

Inspirational Educators

• Maria Montessori: Pioneering Educator
• Booker T. Washington: Advocate for Education
• John Dewey: Father of Progressive Education
• Anne Sullivan: Helen Keller’s Teacher
• Paulo Freire: Critical Pedagogy Proponent
• Horace Mann: Education Reformist
• Jaime Escalante: Math Educator
• Ken Robinson: Advocate for Creativity in Education
• W.E.B. Du Bois: Scholar and Activist
• Temple Grandin: Advocate for Autism Awareness

Digital Content Creators

• PewDiePie: YouTube Sensation
• Michelle Phan: Beauty Vlogging Pioneer
• Casey Neistat: Filmmaker and YouTuber
• Huda Kattan: Beauty and Lifestyle Influencer
• Marques Brownlee: Tech Reviewer
• Jenna Marbles: Comedy and Lifestyle YouTuber
• Lilly Singh: Online Entertainer
• David Dobrik: Vlogger and Philanthropist
• Tati Westbrook: Beauty Guru
• Shane Dawson: Internet Personality
• Nabela Noor: Body Positivity Advocate

Historical Mystery Figures

• The Unknown Soldier: Symbol of Sacrifice
• The Man in the Iron Mask: Enigmatic Prisoner
• Anastasia Romanov: Russian Princess Mystery
• D.B. Cooper: Unsolved Hijacking Case
• Jack the Ripper: Victorian Serial Killer
• Amelia Earhart: Disappearance Over the Pacific
• Cleopatra’s Tomb: Lost to History
• The Voynich Manuscript Author: Cryptic Writer
• The Lost Colony of Roanoke: Unexplained Disappearance
• The Zodiac Killer: Unsolved Murders
• The Bermuda Triangle: Nautical Enigma

Political Visionaries

• Aung San Suu Kyi: Burmese Activist
• Nelson Mandela: Father of South Africa
• Benazir Bhutto: Pakistan’s First Female Prime Minister
• Fidel Castro: Cuban Revolutionary
• Frankli n D. Roosevelt : New Deal President
• Golda Meir: Iron Lady of Israel
• Ronald Reagan: 40th President of the United States

Tips for Engaging Biography Projects for Students

Here are some tips for engaging biography project ideas for high school students:

• Encourage Student Choice: Foster enthusiasm by allowing students to choose subjects they are passionate about.
• Facilitate Collaborative Projects: Stimulate diverse perspectives and skills through group efforts, creating a collaborative learning environment.
• Showcase Finished Projects: Boost confidence and celebrate achievements by organizing showcases for students to present their projects to peers, teachers, and parents.

In conclusion, interesting biography project ideas emerge as powerful tools in the educational landscape, offering students a holistic and engaging approach to learning. Beyond the enhancement of research, writing, and presentation skills, these projects foster creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression. By delving into the lives of diverse subjects, students not only gain a deeper understanding of history, literature, or personal heroes but also cultivate a passion for learning. The incorporation of presentations nurtures effective communication skills, a vital asset in today’s dynamic world. 

As students showcase their unique perspectives, these projects become catalysts for personal growth. Ultimately, Creative Biography Projects stand as a testament to the transformative potential of hands-on, imaginative learning experiences.

Related Posts

Science Fair Project Ideas For 6th Graders

When it comes to Science Fair Project Ideas For 6th Graders, the possibilities are endless! These projects not only help students develop essential skills, such…

Java Project Ideas for Beginners

Java is one of the most popular programming languages. It is used for many applications, from laptops to data centers, gaming consoles, scientific supercomputers, and…

• Coffee Shop Teachers
• Free Samples

• 5 Ways to Teach Biographies in Middle and High School

• Have students develop a social media platform for their assigned person (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, etc)
• Biography in documentary film style
• Record a movie trailer of their life
• Host a gallery walk by turning your classroom into a museum of art either created by or about each person
• Assign a variety of projects (group and individual) using my Inspirational Women, Men and Non-Binary Biography Journal

The Secondary English Coffee Shop

• 21st Century Learning
• active learning
• Anti-Racism
• artificial intelligence
• Back to school
• Banned Books Week
• Bell-Ringers
• Black History Month
• Book Recommendations
• characterization
• Classroom Community
• Classroom Library
• Classroom Management
• Collaboration
• College and Career Readiness
• common core
• Creative Writing
• Critical Thinking
• distance learning
• Diverse Books
• ELA Teachers
• End of the Year
• English Language Arts
• Espresso shots
• graphic novels
• High School English
• Independent Reading
• Informative Writing
• Interactive Notebooks
• Journal Prompts
• Lesson Planning
• literary elements
• Media Literacy
• Novel Study
• Organization
• peer editing
• personal narrative
• Picture Books
• Pop Culture
• Professional Development Resources
• Public Speaking & Drama
• Puzzles & Games
• Reading Strategies
• remote teaching
• Secondary Sara
• Shakespeare
• Short Stories
• Social Media
• St. Patrick's Day
• State Testing
• Substitute lessons
• Teacher Wellness
• Teaching Analysis
• teaching online
• teaching rhetorical analysis
• teaching writing
• Thanksgiving
• Using Photographs
• visual literacy
• Writing Prompts

Popular Posts

Blog Archive

• ►  May (1)
• ►  April (3)
• ►  March (3)
• ►  February (2)
• ►  January (4)
• ►  November (4)
• ►  October (2)
• ►  September (3)
• ►  August (4)
• ►  July (1)
• ►  May (3)
• ►  April (1)
• ►  March (2)
• ►  February (1)
• ►  January (5)
• ►  December (1)
• ►  November (3)
• ►  October (3)
• ►  August (3)
• ►  June (1)
• ►  May (2)
• ►  February (3)
• ►  January (2)
• ►  September (2)
• ►  August (2)
• ►  July (2)
• ►  June (3)
• ►  May (5)
• ►  March (4)
• ►  December (3)
• ►  August (5)
• ►  April (2)
• Espresso Shot: Tips for Distance Learning
• Lesson Openers to Excite & Engage
• Building Classroom Community through Asset-Based T...
• ►  February (4)
• ►  December (2)
• ►  September (5)
• ►  January (3)
• ►  October (4)
• ►  July (3)
• ►  June (4)
• ►  April (5)
• ►  February (5)
• ►  December (4)
• ►  October (5)
• ►  September (4)
• ►  June (2)
• ►  May (4)

Grab Our Button

© 2015 The Secondary English Coffee Shop . Ashleigh Template designed by Georgia Lou Studios All rights reserved. Customised by A Little Peace of Africa

How to Write an Interesting Biography

• Homework Tips
• Learning Styles & Skills
• Study Methods
• Time Management
• Private School
• College Admissions
• College Life
• Graduate School
• Business School
• Distance Learning
• M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
• B.A., History, Armstrong State University

A biography is a written account of the series of events that make up a person's life. Some of those events are going to be pretty boring, so you'll need to try to make your account as interesting as possible!

Every student will write a biography at some point, but the level of detail and sophistication will differ. A fourth grade biography will be much different from a middle school-level biography or a high school or college-level biography.

However, each biography will include the basic details. The first information you should gather in your research will include biographical details and facts. You must use a trustworthy resource to ensure that your information is accurate.

Using research note cards , collect the following data, carefully recording the source for each piece of information:

Including Basic Details

• Date and place of birth and death
• Family information
• Lifetime accomplishments
• Major events of life
• Effects/impact on society, historical significance

While this information is necessary to your project, these dry facts, on their own, don't really make a very good biography. Once you've found these basics, you'll want to dig a little deeper.

You choose a certain person because you think he or she is interesting, so you certainly don't want to burden your paper with an inventory of boring facts. Your goal is to impress your reader!

Start off with great first sentence . It's a good idea to begin with a really interesting statement, a little-known fact, or really intriguing event.

You should avoid starting out with a standard but boring line like:

"Meriwether Lewis was born in Virginia in 1774."

Instead, try starting with something like this:

"Late one afternoon in October, 1809, Meriwether Lewis arrived at a small log cabin nestled deep in the Tennessee Mountains. By sunrise on the following day, he was dead, having suffered gunshot wounds to the head and chest.

You'll have to make sure your beginning is motivating, but it should also be relevant. The next sentence or two should lead into your thesis statement , or main message of your biography.

"It was a tragic end to a life that had so deeply affected the course of history in the United States. Meriwether Lewis, a driven and often tormented soul, led an expedition of discovery that expanded a young nation's economic potential, increased its scientific understanding, and enhanced its worldwide reputation."

Now that you've created an impressive beginning , you'll want to continue the flow. Find more intriguing details about the man and his work, and weave them into the composition.

Examples of Interesting Details:

• Some people believed that Lewis and Clark would encounter elephants in the western wilderness, having misunderstood the wooly mammoth bones discovered in the United States.
• The expedition resulted in the discovery and description of 122 new animal species and subspecies.
• Lewis was a hypochondriac.
• His death is still an unsolved mystery, although it was ruled a suicide.

You can find interesting facts by consulting diverse sources.

Fill the body of your biography with material that gives insight into your subject's personality. For instance, in a biography about Meriwether Lewis, you would ask what traits or events motivated him to embark on such a monumental exercise.

Questions to Consider in Your Biography:

• Was there something in your subject's childhood that shaped his/her personality?
• Was there a personality trait that drove him/her to succeed or impeded his progress?
• What adjectives would you use to describe him/her?
• What were some turning points in this life?
• What was his/her impact on history?

Be sure to use transitional phrases and words to link your paragraphs and make your composition paragraphs flow . It is normal for good writers to re-arrange their sentences to create a better paper.

The final paragraph will summarize your main points and re-assert your main claim about your subject. It should point out your main points, re-name the person you're writing about, but it should not repeat specific examples.

As always, proofread your paper and check for errors. Create a bibliography and title page according to your teacher's instructions. Consult a style guide for proper documentation.

• Famous People for Biography Topics
• How to Design a Book Cover
• How to Help Your 4th Grader Write a Biography
• Character Traits: Ideas for Your Short Story
• 5 Tips on How to Write a Speech Essay
• 10 Tips for the SAT Essay
• Writing a Paper about an Environmental Issue
• Writing the Parts of a Stage Play Script
• How to Use Libraries and Archives for Research
• Questions to Ask a College Representative
• How to Write a Graduation Speech as Valedictorian
• Tips to Write a Great Letter to the Editor
• How to Write and Structure a Persuasive Speech
• How to Write a Film Review
• 18 Ways to Practice Spelling Words
• How to Give an Impromptu Speech

READING ACTIVITIES

WRITING ACTIVITIES

SOCIAL- EMOTIONAL LEARNING

FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE

What Is a Biography Project Idea for My Class?

What is a biography.

An autobiography is the author’s retelling of his or her own life. However, what is a biography? A biography is the story of someone’s life told by someone else. Biographies are so important to read because learning about the accomplishments of others can inspire our students. Furthermore, students will be able to see how others have overcome obstacles or struggles in order to accomplish a goal. Biographies allow students to see the amazing accomplishments of others, which will hopefully open their minds to making a positive change in the world. Additionally, students will see how greatness begins one step at a time. The easiest way to help students fall in love with biographies is to have them complete a biography project. 

Why use biography projects?

Reading allows us to be transported to another world. Between the pages of a book, we can become immersed in someone else’s life. Additionally, we can learn about a culture very different from our own. Furthermore, we can learn new words, phrases, and experience different emotions. Reading stories to children can not only teach them empathy but can also improve a child’s development.  As students learn about the challenges that others have overcome, they can make connections to their own lives. Learning about historical figures through biographies in the classroom has a powerful way of influencing and inspiring children! By exploring creative ways to teach biographies in the classroom, students will be ready to become future leaders! 

What is a biography project?

When using biographies in the classroom, there are so many fun, hands-on projects for students to complete! By using creative activities, students are not just reading a book and putting it away. They are engaged with the material and truly understanding the accomplishments of other people. Therefore, as students are working, they are gaining confidence in themselves to achieve anything they set their mind to. Furthermore, so many standards can be tied into biographies projects ! For example, students may develop questions they want to learn about a person and complete research for answers. Additionally, students can improve comprehension, complete writing assignments, or develop presentations. There are so many ways for students to show what they have learned!

Great Biographies Project Ideas for your Classroom

There are so many fun biography projects in order to meet the needs of every student! What is the biography project you are most likely to choose?

Idea 1: Make Biographies Boxes

In your class, you can make biographies boxes. You are probably thinking what is a biography box project? Well, a fter reading about a historical figure, students can use a cereal box to create a museum display.  Specifically, they can include facts, illustrations, and a motto that makes clear why they have chosen the figure. They can then display their boxes like a museum. Next, students can walk around the room to see all the different historical figures. The biography box project brings together research and creativity in one amazing activity! 

Idea 2: Write Poems 

Students can write people poems.  It all starts with what is a biography poem and how can this biography poem be incorporated into classroom learning? Poetry writing may seem dull to some students but not when it is combined with a biography! Students can select one individual and write a poem about that person. Specifically,  the poem should feature qualities that make the person unique. Additionally, it can include facts relating to the person’s life and other details. You may choose to have each student include the name of the individual. However, the student can also share his or her writing and have others guess the identity.

Idea 3: Birth Date Biography 

They can create a birth date biography. How many days have you been alive? What was in the news and what songs were people listening to at the time? Students can use online resources to answer specific questions. Additionally, other teachers can collaborate with their classes by sharing their research.

Idea 4: Celebrity Guest 

Students can invite an imaginary celebrity guest. They can research a historical figure and write an introduction for this figure. Also, they can tell about his or her accomplishments throughout life. Furthermore, the person can tell what he or she will be discussing during the visit.

Idea 5: Magazine Cover 

They can create a magazine cover for people of the Century . Just like Time Magazine , they can create a list of the 100 influential people. The list can be organized into groups and ranked in order of importance. Who do your students view as the top ten leaders and revolutionaries?  Artists and entertainers? Builders and titans, heroes and icons? After they have compiled a list of their picks, students can vote. Next, students can read Time’s lists and compare the results. Do they agree with the findings of the readers of Time?

Idea 6: Choose the Greatest American 

You can have students choose the greatest American. What one person best represents the qualities of citizenship? Specifically, who has qualities that might qualify that person to be selected as “the greatest American”? Your students may decide! Furthermore, have them read about historical figures. Then, instruct each student to choose a person he or she feels deserves this title. Afterward, have students create an award for him or her. The student should define the characteristics that set this person apart from other Americans. Additionally, hold a class discussion to determine whether any students have chosen the same individual and why.

Idea 7: Biographies Study Guides

Another fun project is to create a biographies study guides , which can be done digitally or in person. Students can benefit from study guides when they are used in the classroom. Now it is even easier to make them a part of your curriculum. They can write questions for students to investigate. Be sure to tell them to include an answer sheet!

Idea 8: Newspaper Template 

Lastly, this newspaper template is so versatile and can be used for multiple classes. For example, if using it for a biography project template, students can use the same form for different people. There are even 13 templates for students to select from! Each student can create a newspaper about a person they research. Therefore, students will feel like authors and illustrators writing a biography! The templates will ensure students write all about their person, including their achievements and fun facts!

What is a biographical text I can use in my classroom? 

There are so many incredible biographical texts that can be used in the classroom. However, the ones by Brad Meltzer are a personal favorite of mine! These books are all written in student-friendly language and focus on a variety of people. Also, they focus on the positive impact each person made on society. Additionally, each book includes a timeline with captivating photographs. Also, feel free to go check out my reviews of   Brad Meltzer’s biography series on Ordinary People Change the World .

Since Brad Meltzer has an incredible line of biographies, there are several projects that can be developed by students. Kirsten’s Kaboodle Biography Units have 31 ready to go biography projects. Additionally, the list of people is also diverse, which is so important to include! Therefore, students will be learning about a variety of people from a variety of backgrounds! Furthermore, this is a great way in order to show students there is no obstacle too big to overcome. 

Kirsten’s Kaboodle Biographies Units

The units all involve several standards through hands-on, engaging activities. First, students will be given a biography of a person. Then, there are a variety of ways in order to ensure students understand their personality and accomplishments. For example, students will fill out a chart of basic information, such as date and location of birth. After, students will have important quotes to analyze and writing prompts. Additionally, there are different types of crafts in order for students to show off their artistic side. The units are sure to inspire students, improve their growth mindset, and make them excited for their futures! 

I hope you enjoyed some of these fun ways to make history come alive in your classroom. With some slight modification to assignments, kids will start to love history and historical biographies. Additionally, a biography book project and biography research project may be one’s students never forget! Students’ hearts may even be so touched that they always keep in mind the importance of inspiring others. 

If you do not want to miss any of the upcoming lessons, join my email list to be notified of all the interactive lessons coming up! By joining Kirsten’s Kaboodle , you will also receive freebies for blog exclusive subscribers! This link will even provide a biography and research templates on Katherine Johnson. Therefore, it is perfect for Black History Month in February and Women’s History Month in March!

Share this:

Latest Posts

Activities for Finding the Theme of a Story

The Benefits of Using Anchor Charts in the Classroom

How to Handle Moving Schools

Why the Kirsten’s Kaboodle Membership is a No-Brainer

Copyright © 2024 KIRSTEN'S KABOODLE

We use cookies to enhance our website for you. Proceed if you agree to this policy or learn more about it.

• Essay Database >
• Essays Samples >
• Essay Types >
• Biography Example

High School Biographies Samples For Students

12 samples of this type

Do you feel the need to check out some previously written Biographies on High School before you get down to writing an own piece? In this open-access database of High School Biography examples, you are granted an exciting opportunity to discover meaningful topics, content structuring techniques, text flow, formatting styles, and other academically acclaimed writing practices. Implementing them while crafting your own High School Biography will definitely allow you to finish the piece faster.

Presenting the finest samples isn't the only way our free essays service can help students in their writing ventures – our authors can also compose from scratch a fully customized Biography on High School that would make a solid foundation for your own academic work.

The Benefits Of Earning A College Degree Biography Example

Introduction, mike trout biography, free academic auto biography sample.

Don't waste your time searching for a sample.

Get your biography done by professional writers!

Just from $10/page

Sample Biography On Autobiography

Example of lloyd augustus hall biography, lloyd augustus hall, tillie olsen biography sample, free biography on ronald duke's path, example of artist biography.

Menacekeys was born in Fort Worth, Texas. The oldest of two sons, he was raised by his father while his mom served a 12-year prison term for child-abuse for almost killing both his younger brother and him. Consequently, music was always an escape from the reality of his troubled childhood. He discovered a passion for the piano at age five, and learned various other instruments throughout his youth, including drums and saxophone.

Draw Topic & Writing Ideas From This Biography On An Autobiography Of My Life

Sample biography on nursing, wallace carothers, my education auto biography example, example of biography on abortion questions/interviews.

Password recovery email has been sent to [email protected]

Use your new password to log in

You are not register!

By clicking Register, you agree to our Terms of Service and that you have read our Privacy Policy .

Now you can download documents directly to your device!

Check your email! An email with your password has already been sent to you! Now you can download documents directly to your device.

or Use the QR code to Save this Paper to Your Phone

The sample is NOT original!

Short on a deadline?

Don't waste time. Get help with 11% off using code - GETWOWED

No, thanks! I'm fine with missing my deadline

Teaching How to Write a Biography: Lesson PLan

• Trent Lorcher
• Categories : English lesson plans for middle school
• Tags : Teaching middle school grades 6 8

Assignment Ideas

Use biography writing assignments in conjunction with current events, a literature unit, a research paper, or a history project. Use the following ideas to get you started:

• Short Story Unit: Write a magazine article describing a meeting with a character from any story you’ve read this semester. Be sure your article portrays the character consistently with the character in the story. Create a name for the magazine and a title for the article. The audience should be the type of person who would read the magazine you created.
• Novel Unit: Do the above assignment. Choose a character from the novel to write the article on.
• History Class: Write a magazine article chronicling an encounter with any famous historical figure. Identify whether or not the person became famous before or after the meeting. Create a name for the magazine and a title for the article. The audience should be the type of person who would read the magazine you created.
• Research Paper: Write a biography on a famous writer. Research biographical information and his or her works.
• Current Events: Follow the same steps as the short story unit biography. Instead of a literary character, make a person in the news the subject of your article.

How to Procedures

The following procedures involve writing about a fictional character. Simply change a few words to adapt it to any of the above assignments.

• Prewriting - Review short stories. Brainstorm characters who attracted your attention. Choose the one you feel would make the most interesting biography.
• Prewriting - Visualize the character. Much of what you write will come from the author’s description. You can, however, fill in missing information.
• Prewriting - List character traits. Remember traits aren’t always directly shown by the author. You may have to make inferences .
• Prewriting - Set up a believable situation in which you meet the character.
• Drafting - Explain the circumstances of your meeting, how you met the person, and what you talked about.
• Drafting - Keep the character consistent.
• Revising - Add details to make the encounter and the character more realistic. Make sure you focus on your audience as you revise.
• Revising - Use peer evaluation . Exchange papers with a partner and comment on the article’s strengths and weaknesses.

This post is part of the series: Writing Assignments

Find different writing assignments to give your students.

• Writing Lesson Plans: How to Write a Biography
• Teach Your Students How to Write Science Fiction
• Teaching Instructional Articles: How to Write Instructions
• Lesson Plan: How to Write an Essay Introduction
• Sophmores Assess Their High School Role While You Assess Their Writing

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

WRITING A BIOGRAPHY: 11 WORKSHEETS WITH ANSWERS

Subject: English

Age range: 7-11

Resource type: Worksheet/Activity

Last updated

16 August 2021

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

A unit set of worksheets and answers with 6 sessions on teaching and learning resources of writing a biography based on New Bloom’s Taxonomy.

This download includes:

EXERCISE 1: Compare and contrast a biography and an autobiography. EXERCISE 2: Identify the sentences that answer the given questions to show the structure and features of a sample biography. EXERCISE 3: Determine the author’s use of narrative language and techniques for the given sample biography – Part 1. EXERCISE 4: Determine the author’s use of narrative language and techniques for the given sample biography – Part 2. EXERCISE 5: Demonstrate your knowledge of writing a biography by attempting any one of the following tasks. Focus on content, ideas, organization, voice, word choice, vocabulary, sentence structure and conventions as suggested by rubrics. EXERCISE 6: Follow either the graphic organizer or Bio Cube to plan a biography on a chosen person. EXERCISE 7: Follow the biography structure to organise the first draft of a planned biography on the chosen person. EXERCISE 8: Use the checklist to evaluate each other’s work with constructive feedback. EXERCISE 9: Use the rubrics to evaluate each other’s work with constructive feedback. EXERCISE 10: Follow the teacher instructions and student feedback to write the final draft of the drafted biography. Write your own biography and publish it on Writing with Writers. EXERCISE 11: Read an extract from the biography of Albert Einstein and answer the comprehension questions.

Here are some possible uses for these in your classroom:

To challenge early finishers For effective tutoring As ESL stations and sub tubs As holiday work and homework For small group collaborations For an end of unit assessments For reinforcement and enrichment

Tes paid licence How can I reuse this?

Get this resource as part of a bundle and save up to 53%

A bundle is a package of resources grouped together to teach a particular topic, or a series of lessons, in one place.

READING AND WRITING: BLOOM'S TAXONOMY-BASED WORKSHEETS WITH ANSWERS - BUNDLE

This bundle of 8 products (Worksheets with Answers) is perfect for teaching Reading and Writing. These no prep activities would be great for ELA lessons or ELA centers. Your students will love these self-grading exercises that are gamified for student engagement. After completing these activities, the students will be able to: * Identify the components of the structure of the writing. * Identify the language strategies employed in in the writing. * Identify the features of the writing. * Follow the structure and strategies to plan a sample writing. * Follow a checklist to peer-check a structured writing. * Follow the structure and strategies to write a well-structured writing. This bundle includes Google Slides on: * Narration: 14 Exercises * Description: 17 Exercises * Persuasion: 17 Exercises * Argumentation: 23 Exercises * Newspaper Report: 16 Exercises * Biography: 26 Exercises * Information Text: 50 Exercises * Diary: 40 Exercises Here are some other possible uses for these in your classroom: * To challenge early finishers * For effective tutoring * As ESL stations and sub tubs * As holiday work and homework * For small group collaborations * For an end of unit assessments * For reinforcement and enrichment ◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈ Save 50% on this BUNDLE! Note: These are also sold separately! ◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈◈

WRITING WORKSHEETS AND TASK CARDS BUNDLE

A package that contains 20 sets of worksheets and task cards for writers. This download includes exercises on: * Imaginative Writing * Narrative Writing * Biography Writing * Article Writing * Report Writing * Argumentative Writing * Descriptive Writing * Diary Writing * Persuasive Writing * Summary Writing * Review Writing * Paragraph Writing * Dialogue Writing * Creating Writing * Autobiography Writing * Factual Description * Play-Script Writing * Poem Writing * Using Textual Prompts to Write * Non-chronological Report Here are some possible uses for these in your classroom: * To challenge early finishers * For effective tutoring * As ESL stations and sub tubs * As holiday work and homework * For small group collaborations * For an end of unit assessments * For reinforcement and enrichment

WRITING A BIOGRAPHY: BUNDLE

A unit bundle of 4 products with 6 sessions on teaching and learning resources of WRITING A BIOGRAPHY based on New Bloom's Taxonomy. After completing this unit students will be able to: SESSION 1 - REMEMBERING: STRUCTURE & FEATURES - Identify the sentences that show the structure and features of a sample biography. SESSION 2 - UNDERSTANDING: LANGUAGE & TECHNIQUES - Determine the author's use of narrative language and techniques in a sample biography. SESSION 3 - APPLYING: PLAN - Use either the graphic organizer or Bio Cube to plan a biography on a chosen person. SESSION 4 - ANALYSING: DRAFT - Follow the biography structure to organise the first draft of a planned biography on the chosen person. SESSION 5 - EVALUATING: FEEDBACK - Refer to the checklist and the rubric to evaluate each other’s work with constructive feedback. SESSION 6 - CREATING: BIOGRAPHY - Follow the teacher instructions and student feedback to write the final draft of the drafted biography and publish it on Writing for Writers. This download includes: Scaffolding Notes: 13 Handouts Worksheets with Answers: 11 Exercises Unit Lesson Plan with Resources: 6 Sessions PowerPoint Presentation: 6 Sessions Here are some possible uses for these in your classroom: To challenge early finishers For effective tutoring As ESL stations and sub tubs As holiday work and homework For small group collaborations For an end of unit assessments For reinforcement and enrichment

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 purchased 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:

• Rating Count
• Price (Ascending)
• Price (Descending)
• Most Recent

Writing assignment for biography

Resource type.

Partner Biography Writing Assignment

Writing Assignment - Biography Research Project | ELA/Lit. | Distance Learning

A Christmas Carol CHARLES DICKENS Biography Texts Activities PRINT and EASEL

BIOGRAPHY WRITING : Grades 4-6 [Virtual Assignment , Lesson & Rubric]

Biography Book Report, Writing Assignments , Research, Essay

Biography Writing Assignment

Stamped: Biography /Research Writing Assignment

Civil Rights Biography Station Activity and Research/ Writing Assignment

Biography Book Report. Obituary Writing Assignment . Biographies as Obitiuaries.

Fun Biography Writing Assignment - Write about a Classmate

Writing Assignment - Classmate Biography Writing Project

Biography Project- Writing Assignment

Biography Writing Assignment Printable Booklet

Classmate Biography Writing Assignment

Reading Biography Introductory Writing Assignment

Student Choice Biography Research Project — Secondary ELA — CCSS Rubric

Biography Symbolism Assignment

"Who Are You?" - Classmate Wikipedia Biographies

Pablo Picasso Biografía: Biography of a Spanish Artist (Guernica)

US Presidents | Biography Bottle Person Project | Social Studies | 3rd Grade

HELEN KELLER Biography Informational Texts Activities Gr. 4-6 PRINT and EASEL

• We're hiring
• Help & FAQ
• Privacy policy
• Student privacy
• Terms of service
• Tell us what you think

Writing instruction is difficult without the added stress of distance learning.  A step-by-step structured approach is really the only way to make it manageable. The only problem with developing a structured lesson plan that guides students through the writing process is that it takes time, something we don’t have a lot of these days.  The free biography report template provided below can be used as a jumping off point. The websites listed to accompany the research template are student friendly and filled with tons of options for researching an influential figure. If your students do well with the template, it can be used as an outline for an expository writing assignment. 

Free Printable and Digital Biography Report Template

Mrnussbaum.com.

Find hundreds of interactive biographies at mrnussbaum.com. Each biography includes an image, voice reader, and related articles and activities. All of the biographies can be filtered by grade level, making it easy for students to find text that aligns with their reading abilities.

ducksters.com

Ducksters.com is a great place for students to find concise biographies on hundreds of influential figures. Each biography is broken down into short paragraphs and includes a voice reading of the text. Some of the featured biographies also include a list of interesting facts and/or a ten-question quiz.

Pitara.com biographies include statesmen, leaders, political thinkers, inventors, scientists, artists, writers, actors, athletes, and achievers. Plus, each biography includes a word count and Flesch-Kincaid readability score.

Want to extend the biography report template into a full research and writing project? Click here to get everything you need for a comprehensive step-by-step research and writing unit.  A printable and digital version is included!!

• My Storyboards

Creating a Biography Poster

In this activity, activity overview, template and class instructions, more storyboard that activities.

• This Activity is Part of Many Teacher Guides

A poster is an excellent culminating activity for biographies. After students have completed all of their research, it is a fun way to bring it all together. For this activity, students will create a biography poster for the person they have researched. . The poster should include the following information: date and place of birth (and death, if applicable), childhood, education, family life, adult life, major accomplishments, and fun facts. Students should also include the theme if it is applicable.

These posters can be printed out, laminated, and hung around the room. Students can also present their posters to their classmates, sharing their knowledge about their person. Thus combining research, writing and public speaking skills into one powerful assignment.

Find more biography poster templates to add to this assignment if desired!

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)

Objective:

• Choose a person.
• Using school resources, conduct research and learn more about your chosen person.
• On the poster, include date and place of birth (and death, if applicable), childhood, education, family life, adult life, major accomplishments, and fun facts.

Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 4-6

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual

Type of Activity: Biographies

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric .)

How to Teach Creating a Biography Poster for Students with Special Needs

Work with students to understand the biography.

Students working on the biography poster may have a variety of special needs, so you should meet them where they are and help them to understand the main ideas of the person's life. You may need to read aloud, scaffold the information, ask a lot of leading questions, or even write down some of the main ideas.

Assist Students With Finding the Main Ideas

Some students may be able to talk through the main ideas, and some may need the information spelled out even more. Give students a word bank or the other tools they personally need to understand what should be included in the poster, such as family life, accomplishments, and jobs.

Give Students a Choice of Pictures or Symbols to Use

For students with special needs, adding symbols or illustrations to a poster could be especially challenging. You can give students a set of pictures to choose from, or physically work with them to find some. This will build their confidence as they can beautify their poster.

Frequently Asked Questions about Creating a Biography Poster

What elements should be included in a biography poster.

Students should include all of the important facts about the person, including birth and death dates (if applicable), early life and education, fun facts, family life, accomplishments, and the theme found in the biography. This will paint the picture of the person's entire life.

How can a poster be used as a learning tool?

Posters can be hung around the room for all the students in the class to learn from, and students could also use it as a visual aid while they practice their public speaking skills and give a speech about the person's life.

How can students create a biography poster?

Students can easily create a poster on the template by including carefully written information about the person's life, symbols that relate to the person, a clear title, and illustrations.

Biographies

• • GDJ • License Free for Commercial Use / No Attribution Required (https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0)
• • ElisaRiva • License Free for Commercial Use / No Attribution Required (https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0)

Try 1 Month For

30 Day Money Back Guarantee New Customers Only Full Price After Introductory Offer

Learn more about our Department, School, and District packages

• Thousands of images
• Custom layouts, scenes, characters
• And so much more!!

Create a Storyboard

Limited Time. New Customers Only

Back to school special!

Purchase orders must be received by 9/6/24.

• 10 Teachers for One Year
• 2 Hours of Virtual PD

30 Day Money Back Guarantee. New Customers Only. Full Price After Introductory Offer. Access is for 1 Calendar Year

Generating a Quote

This is usually pretty quick :)

Quote Sent!

Email Sent to