questions to ask after reading a biography

351 Life Story Questions to Ask People (Storytelling)

Categories: Family Storytelling , Interviews & Questions
Tags: Questions to Ask

Ask people these 351 life story questions for storytelling.

What questions do you ask people when interviewing them about their life stories? What writing prompts do you use to write their story? In this article, I have included 351-plus writing prompts and questions to interview others and write their stories. They are a little random, but you get an idea of what you can discuss. I would encourage you to add questions that come to you.

Using Open-ended Questions

You will note that many of the questions are open-ended questions. I believe open-ended questions are the best type of questions to ask others. Open-ended questions allow people to tell stories they want to share. An example of open-ended questions are:

What did you like to do when you were a little girl?
What did you do on your first date?
Where do you like to go for a vacation?
Who is your favorite author, and why?
What some of your favorite experiences with your mom and dad?

When I interviewed my dad, I lived in a different state. I asked my dad if I could set up a series of telephone interviews that I could record. I chose to break up the interview into 10 60- to 90-minute sessions over six weeks. Each talk focused on a different time period or topic of his life. At the end of each interview, I outlined what I wanted to cover in the following interview to give my dad time to ponder what stories he wanted to share. During our interviews, he shared many personal stories that I had never heard. We laughed, cried, and shared many precious and tender moments.

I have prepared a couple of other resources that will provide value in interviewing for and writing individual, personal, and family narratives: “ Complete Guide for Conducting Oral History Interviews ” and “ Complete Guide to Writing A Personal Narrative .”

351 Life Story Questions to Ask Others

These 351 writing prompts and questions are part of a 28 article, 108 category series entitled “ 7,500-plus Questions About Life to Ask People When Writing Narratives .” I have divided the writing prompts and questions to ask others into the following categories. Click on the category to be taken to the questions.

Early Years

School years-elementary school, school years-jr. high school, school years-high school, school years-college/university/trade school, grandparents, spouses parents, professional/career, military and war, personal experiences, request for artifacts.

What is your full name, and why were you named that? (Maiden name for females)
Who are your parents and your grandparents? a. Your parents? Please give full names. b. Your grandparents? Please give full names.
What is your place of birth?
What are your birth date and year?
Were you named after someone?
Where did you live during your early years?
What are the earliest memories of your home?
Did you have any nicknames as you were growing up? a. If yes, what would you like to share about the nickname?
What chores did you have as a child? a. What memories do you have about your chores? b. Which chore did you dislike and why?
What kind of books did you like to read? a. Did you have a favorite book or books series? b. Why did you like the books?
What was your nighttime routine for going to bed? a. What memories would you like to share?
Did you have favorite songs that you liked to sing?
Why type of toys did you like to play with as a child?
What types of games did you like to play? a. Indoors? b. Outdoors? c. Boardgames?
What were your favorite foods as a child? Explain. a. Was there ever a time when you did not have enough to eat? Explain.
What did you want to become when you grew up? (e.g., policeman, fireman, nurse, doctor)
Who was the oldest person you remember as a child? a. What do you remember?
Did you ever have any childhood diseases (e.g., measles, mumps, chickenpox) growing up? What do you remember?

Return to questions list.

Where did you go to elementary school?
What was the school like?
Who were your friends in elementary school?
What are your favorite memories about your friends?
Who was your favorite teacher? Why?
Were you ever bullied in elementary school? Explain.
What memories do you have about elementary school?
How did you go to school?
Did you eat lunch at school or go home?
What did you like to play?
What did you like to do after school?
What other memories would you like to share?
Where did you go to school in Jr. High or Middle School?
Who were your friends in Jr. High school?
Were you ever bullied in Jr. High? Explain.
What memories do you have about Jr. High school?
What classes did you like most and why?
What type of classes did you take for your elective classes? (e.g., band, shop, home education)
Did you participate in after-school activities like sports, marching band, cheer or other activities? What are your memories?
Were there any dress fads during your school years?
What other memories about Jr. High would you like to share?
Were you ever given any special awards for your studies or school activities?
Describe yourself in High School.
Where did you go to school in High School?
Who were your friends in High school?
Were you ever bullied in high school? Explain.
What memories do you have of High School?
What classes did you like most and why? Least, and why?
What type of classes did you take for your elective classes?
What kind of grades did you get in your classes?
Did you participate in after-school activities like sports, marching band, cheer or other activities? What memories do you have?
Did you date during High School? What were their names? What memories would you like to share?
What did you wear to school? Describe it.
What other memories about High School would you like to share?
Did you and your friends have special hang-outs where you liked to spend time?
How many years of education have you completed?
Did you attend any school or training after high school?
What can you tell me about your education?
Why did you choose it as your field of study?
Did you graduate? What memories would you like to share?
Describe yourself as a young adult.
Did you date as a youth? a. How older were you had your first date? b. What do you remember about your first date? c. Who was your first date?
When did you first meet your spouse? a. Where was it? b. What do you remember about the first meeting? c. Describe your time dating? d. What attracted you to that person? e. Describe your time together. a. Describe them. f. How long did you know them before you got married? g. Describe your wedding proposal.
Where and when did you get married? (Include date, place, church, etc.)
Describe your wedding day and ceremony.
Who was there? Best Man, Bride’s Maid, other wedding party members?
Did you have a honeymoon? a. Where did you go?
How would you describe your spouse(s)?
What do (did) you admire most about them?
How long have (were) you married?
When and where did your spouse die? a. How died? b. Where buried?
What advice would you give to your child or grandchild on their wedding day?
Have you ever been divorced? What can you share?
Do you have children?
What are their names, birth dates and birthplaces?
What is the story behind each name you gave your children?
Did you adopt any children? a. Can your share your experiences of adoption?
Describe the memory about learning you were going to be a parent for the first time?
What memories do you have about each child?
Describe the personalities of your children.
What are some of the most memorable experiences you had with your children/family?
What memorable experiences did you have with each child?
What is some funny, humorous experience you had with your family?
What were some trying times as a family? Explain? a. What did you do to overcome the time? b. How did it affect your family?
What did you find most challenging about raising children?
What do you consider to be rewarding about being a parent?
How would you describe your parenting style as a parent?
What are the lessons you learned as a parent?
What were your happiest moments as a parent?
Where were your saddest moments as a parent?
What would you like to do over if you could as a parent?
How did you treat each child?
What do you consider to be the most complex decisions you made as a parent?
What do you regret most as a parent?
Who influenced you most as a parent?
What were your happiest moments as a family?
What were your tragic moments as a family?
Did you move as a family? Why and where? a. How did the move affect your family?
How did you first hear that you were a grandparent, and how did you feel about it?
What advice would you pass on to your children/grandchildren?
What can you tell me about your parents? a. What memories would you like to share about your mother? b. What memories would you like to share about your father? c. What memories would you like to share about your parents together?
Did your parents stay together, divorce or pass away? If yes, did they remember? a. What memories would you like to share? b. Did you have any stepparents? c. What memories would you like to share?
Do you remember hearing your parents describe their lives? a. What did they say?
When and where did your parents die? a. What do you remember about it? b. How they died, were hospitalized, buried?
Did your family belong to a religion? If yes, a. Did your parents and grandparents belong to the religion? b. Did you attend a church? c. What do you remember? d. Do you have any experiences you would like to share?
What can you remember about your grandparents? a. What memories would you like to share about each of your grandmothers? b. What memories would you like to share about each of your grandfathers? c. What memories do you have about your grandparents together?
Do you remember hearing your grandparents describe their lives? b. What did they say?
Do you remember your great-grandparents? a. What do you know about them?
Did you have any brothers and sisters? What were their names? a. What memories do you have about your brothers and sisters that you would like to share?
How did your family have fun when you were a child?
Where did your spouse’s parents live? a. What memories do you have about your spouse’s parents?
When and where did your spouse’s parents die? c. What do you remember about it? d. How did they die, were hospitalized, buried?
What details can you remember about the death of your spouse’s parents?
What was your chosen career?
Where did you receive training/education for your career?
How did you decide on a career?
What do you remember about your first job?
Where have you worked? City? Company? a. What were the jobs? b. What do you remember about each job? c. Has work provided a good living? d. Describe a typical day at work? e. What did you like most/least about work?
Did you have more than a career? Explain.
What are some of your most memorable experiences/projects? • Have you retired? When would you like to retire?
Did you serve in the military? a. What branch of the service did you serve? b. Why did you decide to join the military? c. When and where did you serve? d. Where were you trained? e. What was your training?
Where were you stationed during active military duty? a. Describe each post and what you did? b. What are your memories of active duty? c. Do you remember your units? If yes, what were they?
What was your highest rank?
Did you ever serve in the war? Which one (s)? a. WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan, or other? a. What were the circumstances? b. Were you in a combat or support role? c. What campaigns were you in? What was your role in the campaign?
Would you be willing to share your experiences and memories of war? a. If yes, where would you like to begin? b. Were you injured in war? Explain.
How did your time in the military affect you? Explain.
By what name/nickname do your friends call you? Does the name have a special meaning?
What name are you known by among family?
As you look back on your life, what would you consider to be the most important ____? Why? Explain your memories. a. Inventions? News events? World events? Politics? Technology advances?
Talk about the differences in today’s life compared to the time as a child?
Did you or your family experience events like prohibition, the depression, war? Explain. What do you remember?
Have you had any health problems over the years? a. What were the health issues? b. When did the health issue arise? c. How did they affect your life? d. Where they heredity? e. What are they?
What do you do regularly for exercise?
Have you ever been hospitalized? If so, what for? a. Have you ever had surgery? b. What for? c. Do you or have you ever had habits that you would consider wrong? Explain? d. Do you still have them, or did you overcome them? Explain.
Have you been a victim of crime? a. What happened? b. How did the incident affect your life?
Have you ever been in a severe accident?
Has anyone ever saved your life? a. Describe.
How would you describe yourself politically? b. Are you Conservative or Liberal, and why?
Who would you consider to be your good/best friend (s)? a. What are their names? b. How long have you known them? c. What do you like about them? d. What do you do together? a. What would your friend say about you?
Have you ever met anyone that you would consider being a soul mate or kindred spirit? a. Who were they? b. Explain why you felt a special bond with them?
What were the most (i.e., challenging, meaningful, troubling) decision(s) you have made in your life? Explain. a. What was the outcome? b. Do you consider the outcome to good or bad? Why?
Who do you consider the most influential individuals in your life? a. Who were they? b. What did they do that influenced your life?
What do you consider to be the essential advice you have received in life? a. Did you take that advice? b. What was the outcome? Explain.
Is there anything you would change about yourself? Why? Explain.
Describe moments/memories in your life when you were most stressed?
What do you consider to be the tough times in your life? Why? Explain. a. What helped you get through the period? b. How did the experience affect you for good or bad?
Describe times when you were scared? What happened?
Have you ever played a musical instrument? a. If yes, what kind? Describe your experience.
Are you or would you consider yourself to be creative? Explain.
Have you ever made something for someone else? Explain?
What types of service have you provided others? a. How does it make you feel? b. What were the outcomes of your service?
What are moments in life when others served you? a. What was the most memorable time? b. What were the outcomes of the service?
How would you describe your sense of humor?
Have you ever played a practical joke on someone? a. Describe that experience and what you did.
What type of activities have you enjoyed as an adult? a. Recreation? Hobbies? Personal enrichment? Relaxation? b. What did you like about each activity? c. A most memorable experience with each activity?
When you were not working, what did you like to do?
What would you consider to be the most exciting/wonderful experience in your life?
Did you ever meet anyone famous? Who? a. Describe the experience.
Have you ever belonged to any organizations or groups? a. What the group about? b. What drew you to join the group? c. What are your memorable experiences in the group? d. Are you still a member? If not, explain.
Have you ever been awarded a price or award as an adult? Explain. a. What did you have to do to earn the award?
Describe a time in your life when you felt most happy or at peace? a. Where were you, and what were you doing?
Describe the beautiful place you have ever visited, and what was it like?
Have you ever taken an extended trip or vacation? a. Where did you go? b. What did you do?
What do you consider to be your favorite vacation? a. Where did you go, and why was it special?
Do you have a place that is special to you where you like to visit? a. Where is it? b. Why is the place special? c. Can you share your memories?
Have you ever had a pet? a. What was the animal? b. What was the name of the animal? c. How did the pet become part of your life? d. Do you have a favorite story about your pet?
What is on your bucket list of things still to do? Why?
Is there a time in your life that you would consider to be most memorable?
What or who is your favorite and why: a. Animal? Artist? Athlete? b. Author? Boardgame? Book? c. Candy? Card game? Color? d. Cookie? Desert? Drink? e. Ice cream flavor? Flower? Fruit? f. Holiday? Meal? Movie star? g. Movie? Musical group? Musical instrument? h. Painting? Poem? Poet? i. Restaurant? Season? Singer? j. Song? Sport? Style of music? k. Tree? TV program? Vegetable?
How would you describe each member of your family? a. Mother? b. Father, c. Siblings (brothers/sisters)? d. Children?
Who fits the following descriptions and why? a. Animal lover? Best cook? Best gardener? Best housekeeper? b. Best looking? Best memory? Best storyteller? Biggest tease? c. Calmest? Funniest? Hardest worker? Most athletic? d. Most colorful? Most creative? Most frugal? Most generous? e. Most mischievous? Most politically active? Most reclusive? f. Most relaxed? Most sociable? Quietest? Shortest? g. Tallest? Wildest lifestyle?
Do you have any artifacts like letters, journals, photos, movies, videos or audio recordings of older family members that can help tell your story?
Would you allow me to make copies (e.g., Photograph, scan, read)?

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Best questions for biography

Home » Questions » Best questions for biography

Writing a biography is an incredible way to preserve someone’s life story and share their experiences with the world. Whether you are writing a biography for a loved one, a historical figure, or a notable personality, having a list of well-thought-out questions is essential to gather all the necessary information. These questions serve as a guide to help you dig deeper into the person’s life, understand their journey, and showcase their accomplishments. In this article, we have compiled a comprehensive list of questions for biography that will assist you in creating a compelling narrative.

Before diving into the list of questions, it is crucial to understand that every biography is unique, and the questions you ask will depend on the individual you are writing about. It is essential to tailor the questions to suit their background, achievements, and the purpose of the biography. However, the following list provides a solid foundation to explore various aspects of a person’s life, including their childhood, education, career, relationships, and significant events.

Remember, a biography should not only focus on the person’s achievements but also provide insights into their personality, motivations, and struggles. These questions will help you create a well-rounded biography that captures the essence of the individual and leaves a lasting impact on your readers.

See these questions for biography

What is your full name?
Where and when were you born?
Can you share some details about your childhood?
What was your family background like?
Who were your role models growing up?
What were your favorite hobbies or activities as a child?
Did you have any siblings? If so, how did they influence your life?
What is your educational background?
Who was your favorite teacher and why?
What were your academic interests and strengths?
Did you face any challenges or obstacles during your education?
Can you recall any memorable experiences from your school days?
How did your career journey begin?
What motivated you to pursue your chosen career path?
Did you face any setbacks or rejections while establishing your career?
What were some significant milestones or achievements in your professional life?
Who were your mentors or influencers in your career?
What were some valuable lessons you learned from your professional experiences?
How did you balance your personal and professional life?
What led you to become involved in your community or charitable work?
What are some of your most memorable moments in your career?
Who are the most important people in your life?
Can you share any stories about your relationships with family and friends?
What are your core values and beliefs?
What are some defining moments or turning points in your life?
How do you handle challenges or adversity?
What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
How do you define success?
What are your goals and aspirations for the future?
What advice would you give to others aspiring to follow a similar path?
Can you recall any funny or memorable anecdotes from your life?
What are some of your favorite books, movies, or music?
How do you unwind and relax?
What are some of your favorite travel destinations?
Have you ever faced any moments of self-doubt or imposter syndrome?
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned in life?
How do you want to be remembered?
What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
Is there anything else you would like to share about your life?

These questions for biography provide a starting point for your research and interview process. Remember to be respectful, empathetic, and open-minded while gathering information about someone’s life. A biography is an opportunity to honor and celebrate an individual’s journey, so approach it with care and curiosity. Good luck in creating a captivating biography that will inspire and educate readers for years to come!

best the five major questions below are part of a body of investigation questions known as the

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Add your guide, you are here:, biography discussion questions.

For the person who chose this book: What made you want to read it? What made you suggest it to the group for discussion? Did it live up to your expectations? Why or why not?
What did you know about the subject prior to reading this book? Did you learn anything new about this person? If you knew of the subject before, did anything you read change your opinion?
What is the subject's most admirable quality? Is this someone you would want to know or have known?
What did you find to be the most interesting events in this book? What, if anything, surprised you?
If this person impacted history, discuss what may have been different without his or her presence.
What did you learn about the time period in which the book is set that you did not previously know? Discuss the time period in history that each person in the group enjoys reading about most, and why.
Has reading this book inspired you to do further research on the subject and the time period discussed?
Compare this book to others your group has read. Is it similar to any of them? Did you like it more or less than other books you've read? What do you think will be your lasting impression of the book as a whole? How about the subject specifically?
What did you like or dislike about the book that hasn't been discussed already? Were you glad you read this book? Would you recommend it to a friend? Do you want to read more works by this author or more about the book's subject?
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120 Questions to Ask When Interviewing Someone About Their Life

When embarking on the journey of interviewing someone about their life, we delve into the rich tapestry of their experiences, beliefs, and lessons learned. This collection of questions serves as a key to unlocking the treasure trove of stories that every individual carries.

These queries are designed to navigate through the chapters of one’s existence, from the innocence of early childhood to the wisdom that comes with reflecting on the future. Engage with these prompts to discover the essence of a person’s life story and craft a narrative that is both profound and enlightening.

Table of Contents

Early Life and Family Background

Can you share where and when you were born?
What memories do you have of your childhood home?
How would you describe your family dynamic as a child?
Do you have any siblings, and what were your relationships like with them?
What were your parents’ professions, and how did they influence you?
Are there any particular family traditions that influenced your upbringing?
What is your earliest memory?
Did you have any pets growing up?
What activities or hobbies did you enjoy as a child?
How did your family celebrate holidays or special occasions?
Who were your role models within your family, and why?
Was there something unique about your family’s cultural background?
What was your favorite thing to do with your family?
Did you face any hardships during your early years?
How do you think your upbringing has shaped the person you are today?

Education and Career Development

What was your favorite subject in school and why?
Did you participate in any extracurricular activities or sports?
Who was your favorite teacher, and what impact did they have on your life?
What level of education have you achieved, and how did you decide on that path?
How did you get into your current profession or line of work?
What jobs have you held, and what lessons did you learn from them?
Have you had any mentors in your professional life?
What are you most proud of accomplishing in your career?
Did you have a career plan, and how did you follow or deviate from it?
How do you balance your work life with your personal life?
What’s the most challenging aspect of your career?
Have you worked abroad, and if so, what was that experience like?
In your view, what constitutes success in a career?
Have you ever had to make a significant career change?
What advice would you give to someone starting in your field?

Personal Philosophies and Values

What personal values are most important to you?
Have your values changed over the years, and why?
What life philosophy do you live by?
How do you define happiness?
What do you believe is the purpose of life?
How important is spirituality or religion in your life?
How do you approach making difficult decisions?
What have you learned about yourself through your relationships with others?
In terms of legacy, what do you want to be remembered for?
How do you deal with regret or mistakes?
What does success mean to you outside of your career?
How do you handle stress or anxiety?
What practices do you follow to maintain mental and emotional well-being?
What role do politics or social issues play in your life?
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Major Life Events and Turning Points

Can you describe a pivotal moment in your life?
How did a significant loss affect your life perspective?
What life event has brought you the most joy?
Has there been an unexpected turn in your life that you now see as a blessing?
Were there any historical events that significantly impacted your life?
Can you talk about a major accomplishment and how you achieved it?
How did becoming a parent (if applicable) change your life?
Was there a point when you had to make a tough choice that altered your life’s direction?
How has your life been different from what you imagined as a young person?
Can you share a time when you took a big risk?
What has been your most significant career milestone?
Have you ever moved to a new place and started over? What was that like?
Can you tell me about a time when you overcame a major obstacle?
Have you ever pursued a dream or goal against all odds?
What is one event you wish you could relive, and why?

Relationships and Community Connections

Who has been the most influential person in your life outside of your family?
Can you describe a friendship that has greatly impacted you?
How do you contribute to or participate in your community?
What role have your friends played throughout your life?
Have you been involved in volunteer work or activism?
How has your perspective on relationships changed over time?
What is the key to maintaining long-lasting relationships, in your opinion?
Can you talk about a time when a community came together to support you or others?
Have you ever felt isolated or disconnected? How did you overcome that?
How do you nurture new relationships?
What do you treasure most about your community?
How do you resolve conflicts within your personal relationships?
Is there someone you’ve lost contact with whom you’d like to reconnect?
How do you decide who to trust?
Can you share a story about a personal connection that taught you a valuable lesson?

Challenges and Overcoming Adversities

What was the most challenging period in your life?
How have difficult times shaped who you are today?
Can you tell me about a time when you failed at something important to you?
What was the biggest risk you’ve taken that didn’t pay off?
How do you cope with setbacks or disappointments?
Can you share a personal challenge that you’re proud to have overcome?
Who or what gave you strength during tough times?
Has there been a challenge that you’ve faced repeatedly, and how have you approached it?
How do you manage to keep a positive outlook during times of crisis?
What strategies do you use to regain motivation after a setback?
Have health issues ever been a major challenge for you?
What was a crucial turning point in overcoming a particular adversity?
What is the hardest lesson you’ve had to learn in life?
How have difficult experiences contributed to your growth?
In what ways have your struggles brought about positive changes in your life?

Creativity and Passions

What hobbies or activities do you feel most passionate about?
How do you cultivate your creative side?
Can you share an example of a project you worked on that was driven by passion?
Was there ever a time when you had to fight for your creative ideas?
How do you find inspiration for your creative endeavors?
What does creativity mean to you, and why is it important in your life?
Are there any creative pursuits you wish you had the time or resources to explore?
How do you overcome creative blocks?
What’s a passion project you’ve always wanted to start?
How do you integrate your passions into your daily life?
Can you describe a time when you shared your passion with others?
What creative achievement are you most proud of?
Has your creativity ever been misunderstood or undervalued?
How have your passions changed or evolved over the years?
What advice would you give to someone trying to pursue their creative interests?

Reflections and Look to the Future

Looking back, what piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
What are you most looking forward to in the future?
Are there any dreams or goals you still wish to accomplish?
What are your hopes for your family and loved ones?
How do you want the next generations to remember this time period?
What changes do you hope to see in the world within your lifetime?
How do you plan to spend your retirement or later years?
Is there anything you want to change about your current lifestyle?
What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
How do you stay informed and plan for the future in a rapidly changing world?
Do you have a bucket list, and if so, what’s on it?
What role do you think technology will play in shaping the future?
How do you keep a forward-thinking mindset?
What innovation or advancement are you most excited to see develop?
How do you envision your community or society evolving?

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i make the interviewee feel comfortable when discussing their life.

Establish a rapport with the interviewee before diving into deeper questions.
Be empathetic and respectful, giving them control over how much they wish to share.
Ensure a private and quiet setting for the conversation where the interviewee feels at ease.

What should I avoid when asking questions about someone’s life?

Steer clear of intrusive or sensitive topics unless the interviewee has expressed a willingness to address them.
Avoid yes or no questions that might limit the depth of the conversation.
Do not push for details if the interviewee is reluctant to share certain aspects of their life.

How do I know if a question is appropriate or not?

Consider the comfort and cultural background of the individual.
If in doubt, ask the interviewee if they are comfortable answering a particular type of question.
Observe body language and cues to gauge if the interviewee might feel uneasy.

Final Thoughts

Interviewing someone about their life is akin to painting a portrait with words. The questions I have curated for you will help to reveal the subject’s deeper layers, highlight pivotal moments, and honor the unique journey of the individual.

Through this discerning exploration, you’ll not only have a series of responses but a narrative that resonates with the authentic human experience. The stories uncovered may surprise, inspire, or even challenge us, but they will certainly enrich our understanding of the diverse tapestry of human life.

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Bea Mariel Saulo

Technology integration blog for teachers

Reflection Questions for Biography Projects

Biographies do more than inform readers about a remarkable life. These true life stories explain the contributions of a notable person. A study of a hero or famous figure provides advice and insight for life lessons. Biographies can offer motivation and inspiration as the reader makes connections to their own experiences. Reflection after reading or writing a biography provides further learning. History becomes more meaningful and relevant. As students consider the positive contributions of a successful life as well as the struggles, mistakes, failures and character flaws, they can find things in common with their own lives.

After a biography study, students pick a question, discuss their insights with their peers, and write a short response.

Biographies and You: Reflection Questions

How does the person inspire you to act?
How does the life of this person make you believe your dreams can come true?
What hope for the future does this person give to you?
What character trait does the person possess that you wished you had? Why?
What was the person’s secret to success? How can you apply this secret to your own life?
What can you do today as a direct result of the person’s contributions?
What emotions does this person make you feel?
How does their life story help you to understand a different viewpoint?
What change has happened in the way you think as a result of reading the biography?
What experiences did the person have that are similar to your own life?
What character traits do you share with the person?
What fact did you find most interesting about the person? Why?
Who do you know that is similar to the person? How are they the same?
What do you think would be different today if the person had not lived?
What celebrity should play the person in a movie? Why?
What does this person’s life tell you about the time in which they lived?
Why would you recommend this biography to another reader?
If you could talk to the person, what question would you ask?
Would you like to be the person? Why or why not?
Would you like to be the son or daughter of the person? Why or why not?

TechnoBiography is a project-based technology project in which students are guided through online research about a notable figure, write a personal history organized with headings, list contributions with a graphic organizer, and create a table showcasing artifacts. The completed Ebook is shared in Google Apps or Office 365 Online.

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I'm writng a biography; what questions should I ask when interviewing the subject?

I will be meeting someone soon for a multi-session interview where I will be gathering information for the book i am writing about that person's life. I am not a journalist or a novelist nor have I conducted an interview before. The subject I will be asking her about spans most of her life. The topic I am very well educated in but the interviewee I am not. I have read every article I can find about interviewing for articles or novels. I have even started to practice interviewing people I know. I will be recording the interviewee at their house. I have developed long list of questions and have been practicing ways to interject follow up questions such as "You mentioned '(interviewee quote)' can you tell me more about that?".

My problem lies in the questions I formulated. I went from basic questions hoping that the person would provide great detail to more specific open-ended questions. I don't know if I'm heading in the right direction? Now I feel that if she is someone that provides great detail by answering one question she may answer 3 or 4. I want to obtain great details of her life and experiences. Is having many open ended questions good or should I cut back on my questions? Should I ask how that made her feel or to describe what she saw, smelled, and heard after she has answered the question so that I can accumulate more detail of events? How do I ask a question about a traumatic experience?

Some question I am asking is "Tell me about your childhood?", "Can you describe your house?" And "Tell me about your father at the time?" Are these good questions? Can someone provide me with good sample interview questions?

1 How'd your interview go? – Thom Commented Oct 12, 2015 at 14:13
1 So during the interview i was nervous (obviously) and also i had a small language barrier. English was not her first language and she spoke very quietly so during the interview i was struggling to understand. Sometimes i would ask her a question she already answered. I left the interview confused. Luckily i recorded the interview and while transcribing the audio (currently doing that now) was able to learn so much more. I started to create a time line, line up and adjust my next questions and i will also bring a large visual poster that she can help me fill out. – user26409 Commented Oct 12, 2015 at 14:21
Sounds like you're going to be more confident next time and you have a plan. Well done. – Thom Commented Oct 12, 2015 at 14:22
The first time is always the worst for anything. Thank you. – user26409 Commented Oct 12, 2015 at 14:29

2 Answers 2

I am not an expert at all in these types of matters, but thought I'd put in my $.02.

I would say that the open ended questions are definitely the way to start. Get them talking. Then, when you move to the more specific questions, think about if that question has already been answered before asking it again.

And if the question's something like, "Did the subject have any hobbies" you can change it to show that your listening. For example, "You said they liked basketball, did the subject have any other hobbies?"

It sounds to me that you've done your due diligence and prepared as well as you can. "For all things, there comes a first time."

Trust yourself and your preparation. You are clearly interested in the subject, let that lead. The questions you want answered are going to be the questions the reader wants answered.

Thank you. The encouragement definitely is helping my nerves. Today is the first day of maybe 4 to 5 meetings. After this interview i will adjust my next questions based on the information i am given. The interview will be recorded so that i can review the information and will and pay more attention to the person. Here goes nothing... – user26409 Commented Oct 7, 2015 at 15:37

I also need a few interview questions but questions like, “When were you born?” are good to start off with. Other questions could be:

What year did they graduate high school and college?
Did they play sports in college, and if so, what sports?
Did they play any instruments?
Were they ever married, and if so, in what year?
Do they have kids, and if so, how many and what age(s) are they?

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How to Write a Biography in 8 Steps (The Non-Boring Way!)

Compelling biographies help us better connect with others while fostering empathy and understanding. Discover the steps to write one that captivates your audience!

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Have you ever been captivated by someone’s life story? From the ancient tales of great conquerors to the modern accounts of influential figures, biographies have enchanted readers and viewers for centuries.

The stories of real people’s lives not only entertain and educate but also provide a unique window into the human experience. In fact, according to research 1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8796048/ , human stories like biographies can help us better connect with others while fostering empathy and understanding.

In this article, let’s dive into how to write a compelling biography, from the research phase to delivery.

What Are the Key Elements of a Biography?

The key elements of a well-written biography bring characters to life. They include thorough research, relevant interviews, clear structure, captivating prose, compelling themes, and a balance between objectivity and empathy.

Thorough research: Helps create an accurate portrayal of your subject
Relevant interviews: Insights help provide a deeper understanding of your subject
Clear structure: Helps you outline your ideas for a compelling narrative
Captivating prose: Provides descriptive language to paint a picture of your subject
Compelling themes: Showcases the motivations and desires behind your subject
A balance between objectivity and empathy: Keeps biases in check and allows your subject to shine for who they are

As you develop your biography, remember that these stories hold an enduring appeal because they offer people an opportunity to explore the depths of the human psyche, unravel extraordinary accomplishments, and discover the vulnerabilities and triumphs of individuals who have left their mark on the world.

Here are the topics a biography typically covers:

Early life and background : Provide context about the subject’s upbringing, family, and cultural influences.
Achievements and milestones: Highlight notable accomplishments, contributions, and significant events throughout their life.
Challenges and struggles: Explore the obstacles they faced, the lessons learned, and how they overcame adversity.
Personal characteristics: Describe their personality traits, values, beliefs, and motivations that shaped their actions and decisions.
Impact and legacy: Discuss the lasting influence and contributions of the subject, both during their lifetime and beyond.

Ready to start crafting your biography? Find greater success with this helpful goal-setting resource!

How To Set Better Goals Using Science

Do you set the same goals over and over again? If you’re not achieving your goals – it’s not your fault! Let me show you the science-based goal-setting framework to help you achieve your biggest goals.

Let’s look at the six key elements of a well-written biography more closely and the steps you can follow to develop your own.

How to Write a Biography in 8 Steps Using Key Elements

Choose your presentation format.

Presenting your biography can take on various forms, the most traditional being written form. The basis for this article assumes you’re writing a conventional biography; however, this foundation can also help you create a multimedia presentation or website as well.

Consider these various formats to present your biography:

Traditional Written Biographies: This classic approach provides a comprehensive account of a person’s life through the written word. Traditional biographies can be published in print or ebooks , allowing readers to engage deeply with the subject’s story.
Multimedia Presentations: In the digital age, multimedia presentations offer a dynamic way to present biographies. Incorporate audio, video, photographs, and interactive elements to enhance the audience’s experience.
Online Platforms: Online platforms, such as blogs or dedicated biography websites, provide accessible avenues for sharing biographies. They allow for easy updates, reader engagement, and the incorporation of multimedia elements.

Choose your subject and conduct research

To create a vivid and accurate portrayal of a person’s life, conduct extensive research. Dive into archives, read letters, examine diaries, explore photographs, and immerse yourself in the historical and cultural context surrounding your subject. This will help you unearth the small details that breathe life into your biography.

Whether you’re writing a biography about a historical figure, contemporary icon, or everyday individual, you’ll want to consider the different factors to focus on. Here are some examples of three types of individuals and the kind of research that will be most helpful.

Historical Figures: When writing about historical figures, immerse yourself in their era. Understand the social, political, and cultural forces that shaped their lives. I recommend visiting your local library and connecting with a research librarian for support. Otherwise, other tools for historical research include Google Scholar. Analyze primary sources and multiple perspectives to present a well-rounded account.
Contemporary Icons: Biographies of modern icons offer a chance to delve into their ongoing impact. Conduct interviews or gather insights from their close associates to understand their present-day influence. Stay current with the latest developments, and be prepared to update your work as the subject’s story unfolds.
Everyday Individuals: Biographies need not be reserved for the famous. Every day individuals possess stories that can be just as compelling. Uncover the extraordinary within the ordinary, highlighting the struggles, triumphs, and personal growth of individuals who might otherwise remain unsung.
Yourself! Want to write a biography on yourself? Autobiographies are a great way to explore who you are. Get ready to do some serious self-reflection with the steps below.

Pro Tip: Compile your research digitally using helpful cloud filings systems like Google Drive , OneDrive , or Dropbox . Organize your files by category, including information about their youth, family, achievements, and life lessons. You may also choose to write down research references or collect paper clippings on note cards, categorizing your physical files of research along the way.

Develop compelling themes and motifs

Identify overarching themes or motifs that emerge from the subject’s life. These could be resilience, ambition, love, or societal change. Weave these elements into the narrative, highlighting their significance and impact on the person’s journey. Here are some examples:

Overcoming Adversity: These biographies feature perseverance, resilience, and determination. Examples include Helen Keller, Nelson Mandela, and Malala Yousafzai.
Pursuit of Excellence: These biographies highlight people who have worked tirelessly to achieve their goals. Examples include Steve Jobs, Serena Williams, and Michael Jordan.
Quest for Knowledge: These biographies focus on the curiosity that led to significant contributions to our world. Examples include Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, and Charles Darwin.
Personal Transformation: These biographies explore a change in beliefs, values, or priorities. Examples include Malcolm X, Oprah Winfrey, and Maya Angelou.
Legacy and Impact: These biographies examine a body of work that made a lasting contribution to society. Examples include Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, and Mahatma Gandhi.

Conduct relevant interviews

Whenever possible, seek firsthand accounts from those who knew or interacted with the subject. Conduct interviews with family members, friends, colleagues, or experts in the field. Their insights and anecdotes can provide a deeper understanding of the person’s character and experiences.

When conducting interviews for a biography, consider the following tips to ensure a productive and insightful conversation:

Familiarize yourself with the interviewee’s background and accomplishments.
Develop a list of well-thought-out questions that cover key aspects of their lives and experiences, including questions about your subject’s youth, family, achievements, and life transitions or struggles.
Begin the interview by establishing a comfortable and friendly atmosphere to put the interviewee at ease.
Show genuine interest in their story and listen actively to their responses.
Ask open-ended questions encouraging detailed and reflective responses.
Avoid yes/no questions and ask for their insights, memories, and personal perspectives.
Some topics you might consider for your questions include early life, achievements, challenges, motivations, values, relationships, lessons learned, and advice.
Pay close attention to the interviewee’s answers, body language, and tone of voice.
Ask follow-up questions to clarify or delve deeper into specific topics.
Show empathy and understanding, creating a safe space for the interviewee to share personal or sensitive information.
Remain flexible during the interview, allowing the conversation to flow naturally.
Be prepared to deviate from your prepared questions if unexpected but relevant topics arise.
Respect the interviewee’s boundaries and be mindful of any topics they may not wish to discuss.
Take thorough and organized notes during the interview to capture important details.
Consider recording the interview (with permission) to ensure accurate quotes and references.
Ask for permission to follow up with additional questions or for clarification.
Doing a biography on yourself? Ask yourself deep questions to harvest new stories and anecdotes.

Remember, the goal of the interview is to gather valuable information and personal perspectives that will contribute to the authenticity and depth of your biography. Approach the interview process with sensitivity, respect, and genuine curiosity about the interviewee’s life and experiences.

Develop a clear structure

Outline your biography, ensuring a logical and engaging narrative flow. Consider the chronological order, significant milestones, and turning points in the subject’s life. Organize your gathered information to capture the essence of their journey while maintaining a compelling rhythm throughout.

A good outline for a biography can vary depending on the specific subject and the desired structure of the narrative. However, here’s a general outline that can serve as a starting point:

A. Introduction

a) Hook or engaging opening to capture the reader’s attention

b) Background information (birthplace, date, family, etc.)

c) A brief overview of the subject’s significance or why they are worth exploring

B. Early Life and Background

a) Childhood and upbringing

b) Influences, such as family, education, or cultural factors

c) Formative experiences or events that shaped the subject’s character or interests

C. Major Achievements and Milestones

a) A chronological exploration of the subject’s notable accomplishments, contributions, or milestones

b) Focus on key moments or achievements that highlight their impact or significance.

c) Provide context and details to paint a vivid picture of their achievements

D. Challenges and Obstacles

a) Discussion of the challenges, setbacks, or adversities the subject encountered

b) How they overcame obstacles or grew through difficult experiences

c) Insights into their resilience, determination, or problem-solving abilities

E. Personal Life and Relationships

a) Exploration of the subject’s relationships, such as family, friends, or romantic partners

b) Insights into their personal joys, struggles, or transformative experiences

c) How their personal life intersected with their professional or public achievements

F. Legacy and Impact

a) Examination of the subject’s lasting influence, contributions, or impact on society

b) Discuss how their work or actions continue to resonate or shape the world today

c) Reflection on their legacy and the lessons we can learn from their life story

G. Conclusion

a) Summarize the key aspects of the subject’s life and their significance

b) Provide a final reflection or insight on their overall journey or impact

c) Leave the reader with a lasting impression or call to action

Pro Tip: Looking for help drafting an outline to get you started? Use free tools like ChatGPT to jumpstart your outline by putting in a prompt request like, “Write an outline for a biography about X, including any relevant details on the subject that should be included.”

Craft captivating prose

Employ descriptive language to transport readers into the subject’s world. Paint vivid portraits of their physical appearance, mannerisms, and surroundings. Use sensory details to evoke emotions and create a strong connection between the reader and the subject.

Here are some examples:

“She was a force of nature, with a fierce determination and an unwavering commitment to justice.” (Ruth Bader Ginsburg)
“His piercing blue eyes seemed to look right through you, and his voice had a commanding presence that demanded attention.” (Winston Churchill)
“She moved with a grace and elegance that belied her inner strength and resilience.” (Audrey Hepburn)
“His rugged features and piercing gaze made him a natural leading man, but it was his depth and vulnerability that set him apart.” (Marlon Brando)
“She had a contagious energy and a magnetic personality that drew people to her like a moth to a flame.” (Princess Diana)
“His quiet intensity and unwavering dedication to his craft made him one of the greatest artists of his time.” (Leonardo da Vinci)

Action Step: While writing descriptive prose takes some practice, it’s an art you can master with little creative writing skills. To help you write descriptive prose, practice closing your eyes and imagining your subject.

What expression is on their face?
How are they dressed?
What does their body language express?
How do they smell?
How do they make you feel?
How do they make others feel?
What’s in their surroundings?
What are they doing with their hands?
What do you imagine they’re thinking about?

With questions like these, you’ll start to use descriptive language to bring your subject to life.

Build a balance of objectivity and empathy

Strive for an objective portrayal while infusing empathy and understanding into your writing. Remain aware of biases and preconceived notions, giving your subject the space to shine in their unique light.

To check yourself, filter your writing and interviewing with these tips:

Verify Information: Cross-reference information from various sources to ensure accuracy. Use tools like Fact Check Explorer to fact-check claims, dates, and events to avoid errors or inaccuracies that could skew the narrative.
Multiple Perspectives: Seek out different viewpoints on the subject. This includes interviewing or reaching out to people with significant interactions or relationships with the subject. Incorporating diverse perspectives can counterbalance biases and provide a broader understanding.
Empathetic Listening: During interviews or conversations, practice active listening and empathize with the interviewee’s experiences and emotions. This allows you to understand the subject’s perspective and incorporate their insights and feelings into the narrative.
Contextualize Emotions: When sharing the subject’s emotional experiences or personal struggles, provide sufficient context and background. This helps readers understand the motivations and circumstances behind their actions and allows for empathetic understanding without veering into excessive sentimentality.
Credible Interpretation: While interpreting the subject’s thoughts, motives, or intentions, be clear about what is factual and what is speculative. Clearly distinguish between evidence-based information and your interpretations to maintain objectivity.
Respect Boundaries: Be mindful of the subject’s privacy and any requests they may have regarding sensitive or personal information. Respecting their boundaries shows empathy and allows for a respectful portrayal while maintaining the necessary level of objectivity.
Acknowledge Limitations: Recognize that achieving complete objectivity in a biography is challenging. Biases can inadvertently seep into the narrative. However, by being aware of your biases and consciously presenting a fair and balanced account, you can mitigate their influence.

Respect truth, privacy, and sensitivity

Remember, writing biographies carries ethical responsibilities. It’s important to maintain accuracy through credible research and gain consent while being sensitive to controversial or difficult topics. Here are some considerations:

Accuracy: Maintain a commitment to truth and accuracy. Verify facts and corroborate information from multiple sources to ensure the reliability of your narrative. Cite your sources and be transparent about any uncertainties or gaps in knowledge.
Privacy and Consent: Respect the privacy of living individuals mentioned in your biography. Seek consent when sharing personal details or sensitive information. Balance the subject’s right to privacy with the importance of honesty and transparency.
Sensitivity: Approach sensitive or controversial topics with care and empathy. Consider the potential impact of your words on the subject’s loved ones or affected communities—present differing perspectives without sensationalism or bias.

Writing a Biography FAQs

The length of a biography can vary greatly, depending on the subject and the depth of exploration. Some biographies span a few hundred pages, while others extend to multiple volumes. Focus on capturing the subject’s life’s essence rather than strictly adhering to a predetermined length.

Some common mistakes to avoid when writing a biography include the following: Lack of thorough research or reliance on a single source. Inaccurate or misleading information. Excessive personal bias or projection onto the subject. Neglecting to verify facts or failing to cite sources. Poor organization or a disjointed narrative flow. Neglecting to balance objectivity with empathy. Overloading the biography with irrelevant details or digressions. Failing to respect privacy or ethical considerations.

While chronological order is commonly used in biographies, it is not required. Some biographers employ a thematic approach or explore specific periods or events in the subject’s life. Experiment with different structures to find the most engaging way to tell your subject’s story.

The purpose of writing a biography is to capture and share an individual’s life story. Biographies provide insights into a person’s experiences, achievements, and challenges, offering readers inspiration, knowledge, and understanding. They preserve the legacy of individuals, contribute to historical records, and celebrate the diversity of human lives.

When choosing a subject for your biography, consider someone who inspires you, interests you, or has significantly impacted society. It could be a historical figure, a contemporary icon, or even an everyday individual with a remarkable story. Choose a subject with sufficient available information, access to primary sources or interviews, and a narrative that resonates with you and potential readers.

Key elements to include in a biography are: Early life and background: Provide context about the subject’s upbringing, family, and cultural influences. Achievements and milestones: Highlight notable accomplishments, contributions, and significant events throughout their life. Challenges and struggles: Explore the obstacles they faced, the lessons learned, and how they overcame adversity. Personal characteristics: Describe their personality traits, values, beliefs, and motivations that shaped their actions and decisions. Impact and legacy: Discuss the lasting influence and contributions of the subject, both during their lifetime and beyond.

Including personal anecdotes can add depth and humanize the subject of your biography. However, be selective and ensure that the stories are relevant, contribute to understanding the person’s character or experiences, and align with the overall narrative. Balancing personal anecdotes with factual information is critical to maintaining accuracy and credibility.

Conducting research for a biography involves exploring a variety of sources. Start with primary sources such as personal papers, letters, journals, and interviews with the subject or people who knew them. Secondary sources such as books, articles, and academic papers provide additional context and perspectives. Online databases, archives, libraries, and museums are valuable resources for finding relevant information.

Consult a wide range of sources to ensure a comprehensive and accurate biography. Primary sources, such as personal documents, letters, diaries, and interviews, offer firsthand accounts and unique insights. Secondary sources provide broader context and analysis, including books, articles, scholarly works, and historical records. Remember to evaluate the credibility and reliability of your sources critically.

Organize the information in your biography logically and engagingly. Consider using a chronological structure, starting with the subject’s early life and progressing through significant events and milestones. Alternatively, adopt a thematic approach, grouping related information based on themes or significant aspects of their life. Use clear headings, subheadings, and transitions to guide readers through the narrative flow.

Writing Biographies Key Takeaways

In summary, take note of these ideas and tips before you start writing your biography:

Biographies hold enduring appeal, offering a glimpse into the human experience across time.
Thorough research, interviews, and captivating prose are essential for crafting compelling biographies.
Ethical considerations, such as accuracy, privacy, and sensitivity, are crucial when writing about real people’s lives.
Choose subjects that genuinely inspire and resonate with you.
Immerse yourself in the subject’s world to understand their motivations and challenges.
Develop strong research skills and utilize a wide range of sources.
Craft a compelling narrative that engages readers from the very first page.
Seek feedback from trusted sources to refine your writing and storytelling abilities.
Continuously explore new biographies to broaden your understanding of different styles and approaches.
Embrace the unique voice and perspective you bring to the storytelling process.

Writing a biography book? Check out this helpful article, How to Write a Book: 10 Questions to Ask Before You Start Writing !

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MELODY DEXTER

Interviewing for biography: interrogation, conversation, and the in-between

By Melody Dexter | 15 Jan 2022

Woman and a man drinking coffee, sitting near large windows.

Before carrying out a biographical interview, it’s important to consider the approach you’ll take. This can be influenced by a number of factors, such as time, resources, topic, research agenda, accessibility, priority, comfort and willingness of your interviewee, even your ability to secure a work visa. Your approach will influence what information is gathered, with different approaches and questions leading to different results.

Interviewing for biography takes inspiration from the scientific approach of academia, the tenacity of journalism and the transparency of oral history. In ‘Life Story Interview’, Atkinson said, “the life story interview can be approached scientifically, but it is best carried out as an art”.

This article discusses different approaches to biographical interviews, including chronological, thematic, emotive and narrative interviews, as well as the choices between structured, semi and unstructured interviews.

Structured, semi and unstructured interviews

Highly structured interviews include questions which must be asked verbatim, without the inclusion of new or improvised questions. This style of interview fails to take into consideration the interviewee’s response and therefore fails to explore new avenues of discussion. It’s often used in academic and scientific research and can be particularly useful in biographical research when verifying information.

Svend Brinkman states that semi-structured interviews include the interviewer as part of the creation process. These interviews are useful in their ability to work with and build upon spontaneity, whilst keeping focused on the goals of the discussion.

In a semi-structured interview, you might have a list of questions, but when appropriate you might choose to ask unplanned questions to explore new avenues.

Unstructured interviews are often used in researching a life story. The interviewer takes a back seat and their main role is to listen. In unstructured interviews, the interviewer may not know in advance what to ask or what direction the interview will take. This is particularly useful in the first narrative interview, where the interviewer may be seeking to gain a broad perspective of their biographee’s life.

Each of these interview styles can be used in the following approaches, and it’s possible for biographers to utilise a variety of approaches when conducting interviews for biography. The choices will depend on your objectives: for example, to verify a timeline, a thematic approach may be suitable, and to elicit descriptions of a place, an emotive approach may be the best option.

Silhouette of a man and newborn baby touching foreheads. The man is holding the baby.

Chronological

A chronological approach to biographical interviews involves starting the interview by asking about the interviewee’s early life, starting with their birth, moving through childhood and adolescence then into adult life until you reach the present day. The interviewer may even choose to start earlier, asking about the interviewee’s parents or grandparents, where their parents were born, where they lived, what they did for work and so on.

In ‘Questioning the Subject in Biographical Interviewing’, Jennifer Harding suggests that the chronological format is one that people come to expect, and that it works. Oral historian Donald Ritchie argues that people can easily recall their memories in chronological order, however Harding argues that interviewing with a chronological approach results in a summary — that the results are superficial and stereotypical.

In Doing Oral History , Ritchie cites Cathy Courtney, interviewer with British National Life Stories. Courtney said that in oral history, discussing the chronology first builds rapport for a deeper narrative discussion later and helps facilitate “the ramble, the anecdote, the digression” that is needed for an in-depth discussion.

Harding also argues that the chronological approach to interviewing gives the interviewee power to decide what will be discussed and that this approach is less of an invasion of privacy. Conversely, Harding also notes that this approach can be invasive, for example, if interviewees have had traumatic experiences as a child, starting with a chronological approach could “possibly cause the interviewee to close off and withdraw”.

In ‘The Life History Interview’, Erin Jessee notes that chronological interviewing can trigger distressing or culturally inappropriate memories. Jessee noted that her subjects found it “jarring and painful” to take a chronological approach, which often involved someone’s passing, so she changed her first question to something less structured, such as “tell me about your life” so that interviewees could “broach these memories on their own terms and in their own time”.

Following your preliminary research, it’s possible that you’ve observed themes in your subject’s life, and may wish to cover these in more detail.

Thematic questioning can focus on specific subjects or episodes, rather than looking at the interviewee’s entire life. Examples of themes include childhood, education, marriage, career, or perhaps something more specific, such as the day a person was in a car accident.

When interviewing young people leaving foster care, Harding noted that a thematic approach was a useful alternative to a chronological approach, due to their negative experiences of being in care.

Thematic interviews may take a less structured, narrative approach, with the interviewer asking questions and allowing the interviewee to speak at length. Ritchie suggests asking general, open-ended questions first, such as “please tell me about your childhood” before moving on to more specific questions such as asking which schools they attended.

Thematic approaches may not be suitable at times, such as when the interviewer knows little about the interviewee prior to meeting. This is unlikely to occur when interviewing the biographee, but might be the case when interviewing other individuals such as the subject’s family or friends.

Sociologist Gabriele Rosenthal notes that there is a downside to using a thematic approach during research interviews. When researching experiences in Hitler Youth, Rosenthal initially took a thematic approach by asking interviewees to tell her “their biographical experiences during childhood and in the years following the collapse of the Third Reich”. She later changed her approach to focus on the full life story first. She thought that initially asking people to tell their life tory was too demanding on them, that “they would not know what they should talk about and what they should leave out” but later she realised she had her “own blind spots”, for example, she didn’t explore their parents’ involvement in the Nazi party in enough detail.

Life writer Patti Miller suggests that a thematic approach “gets the job done, but the writing has a flatness”, because when we think thematically, the left side of the brain is used, the logical side, rather than the right, creative side. Miller suggests an alternative: the emotive approach.

Emotive

In writing a biography, we seek not only facts, but also feelings, descriptions of place and people. Kolbert (cited by Ritchie) notes that people may find it easier to remember how they felt , compared to remembering facts from the same period. In collecting oral histories from immigrants, Kolbert said, they might “not remember their daughter’s phone number. But they do remember what it was like when they got off the boat”.

Ritchie shared how Robert Gildea asked an elderly interviewee if she had memories of the mayor in 1942: she replied that she did not, but when asked about life under German occupation, the “question triggered numerous memories of the war, the bombings, and the neighbours who had died, none of which she had forgotten”.

Miller suggests appealing to a person’s senses to access memories — strategies such as listening to music from a specific era, looking at photos, preparing and eating food from that time, searching for smells from that time, such as flowers, perfumes, spices; drawing or viewing maps, touching and exploring objects such as jewellery, furniture or watching tv programs from that time. In Doing Oral History, it’s mentioned that Barbara Myerhoff studied elderly Jews and noted that “their memories could be evoked by singing, dancing, smelling, and tasting”.

Yellow and pink flowers in a garden as the sun is low.

Narrative

Narrative interviews tend to start with an unstructured approach before moving to a semi-structured format. Johnson and Rowlands note that subsequent interviews might be thematic, as the interviewer seeks to confirm or verify information or test theories.

Narrative interviews take a postmodernist approach to interviewing, acknowledging the subjective nature of truth. In The Oxford Handbook of Qualitative Research, Holstein and Gubrium note that in narrative interviews, the interviewer and interviewee are “co-constructors of meaning” and meaning is discovered through their interaction, and similarly, Talmage states that the interviewer plays the part of “active listener and collaborating participant”. The resulting interview is a construct of the interaction between the interviewer and interviewee, that is, the interviewer is part of the interview.

Nobel Laureate and oral historian Svetlana Alexievich stated that there are at least three people present in this type of interview: the one talking now, the one the interviewee was at the moment of the event, and herself.

This subjective approach acknowledges that what the interviewee says has been filtered through today’s lens. Miller argues that this subjectiveness is more important than facts, and Alexievich stated that “feelings are reality”. Alexievich embraces subjectivity and said, “it is impossible to go right up to reality. Between us and reality are our feelings. I understand that I am dealing with versions, that each person has her version and it is from them, from their plurality and their intersections that the image of the time and the people living in it is born”.

In a narrative interview, Atkinson notes that the interviewer asks strategic, open-ended questions to encourage detailed, in-depth responses from the interviewee. Fontana refers to this as an unstructured or in-depth interview, where the interviewer has a goal of “allowing interviewees as much latitude as possible in answering OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS and going off in directions of their own.”

Oral historian Sherna Gluck said “the best oral history is a quasi-monologue on the part of the interviewee”. It may involve moving back and forth through time and the interviewee may make links between events and parts of their life.

Lillrank states that the idea that the interviewer can help the interviewee find their voice “is founded on the idea that when an interviewee tells about herself, it also invites increased self-reflection and awareness”. Atkinson tells us that “life storytelling is a process of personal meaning making” – telling a life story helps a person understand their own life over time, it helps them see connections. Svetlana Alexievich said that “as people narrate, people create, they ‘write’ their life”; and Birgitte Possing sees biography as a “story about and an interpretation of life”.

Jessee notes that a narrative approach gives power to interviewees to decide when they are comfortable discussing difficult topics. Jessee found that in her research of genocide, some interviewees found some topics were “incommunicable, unbearable, or irretrievable” and that by letting interviewees lead the interview, she could learn which topics “they found possible to narrate” and where she needed to exercise caution or more sensitivity.

Harding notes that this style of interview “requires a high degree of skill, confidence and experience in interviewing” — this style of interview can be unpredictable and present logistical challenges.

The subjective nature of narrative interviews is a sticking point for some. Some are reluctant to relinquish power to the interviewee to decide which events and memories are worth discussing.

Two women having a meal and serious conversation at a wooden table, sitting near a window.

How to get started in a narrative interview

As a biographer, your primary and secondary research will influence which questions you choose to ask in a narrative interview. Jessee states that the key with a narrative interview is to minimise interruptions and questions and to only ask enough to guide the interviewee.

Observe and listen to what they say, how they say it, what they focus on and which stories they omit from the discussion.

Consider starting with a broad, open-ended question. In conducting field research, Blee starts with one question, such as “Can you tell me how you got to where you are now?”. Sociologist Gabriele Rosenthal starts by seeking a life story. By asking a broad, open-ended question, interviewers are able to encourage their interviewee to talk about a wide range of topics and experiences.

Focus on listening and not interrupting. Take notes as appropriate, which can assist in deciding what follow up questions to ask.

Once your interviewee stops discussing the topic, ask another open-ended question or ask a specific follow-up question about what they have said. It’s a chance to ask for details and to clarify any points of confusion or contradiction.

Interviews may change direction. If the interviewee goes on a tangent, consider rolling with it. Johnson & Rowlands state that “such digressions or divisions are likely to be very productive, so the interviewer should be prepared to depart from his or her prepared plan and ‘go with the flow’” but still be “assertive enough to return the interview to its anticipated course when necessary”.

Before subsequent interviews, review your notes and develop questions based on these, including open-ended questions to facilitate discussion and also closed-ended questions to verify experiences discussed in the prior interview.

Talmage notes that depending on how many interviews you choose to do, later interviews are a useful opportunity to help your interviewee gain a clearer narrative, point out conflicts or alternative points of view.

Rosenthal notes that subsequent interviews are an opportunity to conduct thematic interviews. Following a thematic interview, Rosenthal asks questions based on a specific research agenda; she leaves these questions until the end, to ensure that during the first interview, the interviewee can decide which topics are relevant.

Next in this series: How to ask questions in a biographical interview.

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Writing a Bio: My 20 Favorite Questions to Ask

questions to ask after reading a biography

Writing a concise bio for a business website may seem like a no brainer. A few paragraphs, hit all the usual points like schools, charity work, career highlights and then, BAM! Bio, check.

The problem with that approach? There’s a high likelihood you’ll churn out super boring bios, fast. When I think of old school bios, I think of a stuffy headshot accompanied by a few paragraphs of text that no one wants to read. But the days of stale bios are over. Believe it or not, people actually want to learn about you and your company, and they’d rather not fall asleep while doing it.

A well-written bio will combine the overall company culture and voice with that of the profiled team member. While website bios are generally concise—anywhere from Twitter-short to a few paragraphs—choosing the particulars to highlight can be tricky. Gathering the right information up front, in a 15-20 minute interview, is key.

Here are my favorite questions to ask when writing a bio. Note: these don’t include the usual slew, like general career experience and education.

1. Who is someone you admire, and why?

2. Tell me three pet peeves.

3. What’s a typical day like for you?

4. Do you have any skills or talents that most people don’t know about?

5. If you could be anywhere other than here, right this minute, where would you be? (Don’t overthink it!)

6. Flashback to when you were 10 years old. What do you want to be when you grow up?

7. If we went to happy hour, what would you order?

8. Finish this sentence. On Sunday mornings, you can usually find me...

9. How do you want people to remember you?

10. What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your job?

11. Name three words that you describe you.

12. How do you think your colleagues would describe you?

13. What do you want to make sure you do before you die?

14. What’s a goal you have for yourself that you want to accomplish in the next year?

15. Name a few of your daily habits (other than a shower and brushing your teeth).

16. What publications do you regularly read?

17. What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working?

18. What are some causes you care about?

19. What do you do with friends in your spare time?

20. What would be your personal motto

Joanna Furlong

7 Quick Tips for Student Biography Projects

Completing a biography is an extremely valuable learning experience because it provides students with an opportunity to reinforce research skills, enhance writing skills, encourage critical thinking, foster creativity, and cultivate empathy. It might also encourage students to apply some of the lessons learned to their own lives.

1. Review the Definitions

Take a moment to review the definition of a biography. You can also use this time to focus on the differences and similarities between a biography and an autobiography. This leads nicely into a short discussion about word parts (auto, bio, and graph).

2. Start with a Mentor Text or Example

Starting the project with a mentor text or example will give students a strong frame of reference for crafting their own biographies. Here are some picture book biographies that will work well for this purpose. Use the mentor text or example for students to analyze the main characteristics of a biography, including:

Organization
Language/Style

Biography Report Template and Project

“Love the outline for the notes and how easily it was for my students to use. It really helped them organize their research and provided them with enough questions to gather a lot of information. Also love the paragraph lay out and the fill in the blank for my kiddos that are not as strong writers. Great!” -Kirsten H.

3. Explore Themes

Identifying a common theme that runs throughout the life of the individual being researched will help students organize their writing and develop a clear focus for their biography. Using the theme to focus on the most significant events, actions, and achievements of the important figure creates a more cohesive and compelling biography. Common biographical themes include:

One person can change the world.
Success requires hard work, dedication, and consistency.
Facing challenges can make a person stronger.
Ideas come to life with creativity and imagination.

4. Encourage Students to Choose Wisely

When choosing someone to research, encourage students to pick someone they admire. This will make the research and writing process more enjoyable. If students are required to pick from a list of significant figures, make sure to include a diverse selection. That way, you know your students will be able to find someone they will enjoy writing about.

5. Provide Essential Questions

It is helpful to frame your essential questions around the necessary components of a biography. If the students can answer most of the essential questions in their biography, they will most likely have a successful finished product. Here are some common essential questions used for biographical writing:

When and where was this person born?
What kind of childhood did this person have?
Did this person receive an education? If so, what was it like?
What was this person’s family life like? If possible, include details about parents, siblings, spouses, and children.
What obstacles did this person face?
What did this person accomplish?
Why will this person be remembered?

6. Make Your Own Research Guide

Use your essential questions to design your own research guide. Providing students with some sort of research guide will help them remain focused and on task. The format and structure of the research guide is based on the needs of your students. Click here to see what I like to include.

7. Don’t Forget a Rubric

Students need to start with the end in mind. A rubric will give students a clear understanding of the project expectations. Using your research guide to create your rubric is an easy way to make sure your expectations align with your instruction.

Are you ready to incorporate a biography research report into your curriculum, but don’t have the time to create all of the necessary components? Click here to download everything you need from Literacy in Focus on TpT. Printable and digital formats are included!

“This has been a great resource to use to teach my students about how to conduct research, and the types of sources that they can use! It is a very organized and easy to implement resource. Thank you!” -Ashley

7 Quick Tips for Student Biography Projects

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7 Key Reading Skills to Support Biographies

Listen to the full episode to hear key reading skills to support biographies:

I hope you’ve been enjoying this month’s biography theme. The last two episodes I gave tips for introducing biographies to your students and tips for using mentor texts. At this point your students should be familiar with the genre, which leads me to today’s episode. I will be sharing how to use biographies to focus on key reading skills that go hand in hand with this genre.

These reading skills really lend themselves beautifully to this genre and I’m going to tell you why. Although I could think of even more, today I will specifically be sharing seven key reading skills to target with biographies. The reason I want to talk about this is because you don’t have to always grab that fiction text when you want to introduce certain skills!

Biographies are factual stories that are typically arranged from the person’s childhood through their adult years. There is really no better genre to use when teaching sequencing. Once you get to thinking about how biographies are written and the information they contain, the more sense it will make as to why you should take a break from fiction texts when working on these reading skills.

The seven reading skills I talk about in this episode are super important for literacy. That’s not all though! These skills I targeted are also ones that are prioritized during test prep. Now that test prep is among us, it’s the perfect time to take the strategies from this episode and put them into practice.

Biography is the perfect genre to work on so many different major reading skills that your students will need to learn to become strong readers. So put that fiction story down and let me know who you are teaching your students about this week!

In this episode on 7 key reading skills, I share:

7 reading skills that can be easily practiced through biographies
Tips for incorporating these reading skills into biography exploration
How biographies can be used to have student expand their answers
Why biographies are beneficial for test prep

Related Resources:

Free Biography Templates
Easy Reader Biographies
Black History Biography Activity Bundle
Episode 69, 9 Quick Mini-Lesson Ideas for Biography Exploration
Episode 68, Introducing and Teaching the Biography Genre

Connect with Megan:

Check out my TpT Store
Subscribe to my E-mail list
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Watch my YouTube channel

About The Literacy Dive Podcast:

Do you find yourself seeking new ideas when it comes to literacy instruction in elementary classrooms? The Literacy Dive Podcast was created to offer actionable steps and to share information for teachers, like you, who are always looking to improve their craft! ELA is our jam and we are excited to dive into all things reading and writing with you!

Your host, Megan Polk, is the creator and owner behind The Literacy Dive and loves to support students and their teachers with curriculum, literacy instruction, best practices, and engaging literacy activities.

Dive in with us every Monday for a new episode from Megan! She, and her guests, will chat about various literacy topics and will bring you tips and tricks that can easily be implemented in your classrooms. You can tune in wherever you get your podcasts! Listen to The Literacy Dive Podcast on platforms like Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, and more! If you find value from listening to this podcast, please rate this show, leave a review, and follow!

You can tune in wherever you get your podcasts! Listen to The Literacy Dive Podcast on platforms like Apple , Spotify , Stitcher , Google , and more! If you find value from listening to this podcast, please rate this show, leave a review, and follow!

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I am a literacy specialist and curriculum designer who loves sharing tips and ideas to help students thrive in literacy! It brings me joy to await those a-ha moments and to see light bulbs turn on!

I have a huge passion for reading and writing and love to co-mingle the two any chance I get! You can expect to learn new strategies and ways to keep your students engaged during your literacy block! I am so glad you’re here!

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The Ultimate List of Book Club Discussion Questions for Fiction and Non-Fiction

Updated: Jan 10, 2024

Zoe Epstein

Have you ever found yourself in a lackluster book club where the discussion feels forced or superficial? If so, you’re not alone. At Bookclubs, we know meaningful conversation is instrumental to a rewarding book club experience. That's why we provide an online platform for discovering new books and organizing your club's meetings and discussions.

Our ultimate list of book club questions is designed to reinvigorate your book conversations , whether you’re already in a book club or looking to start one. With questions tailored to fiction and nonfiction works across genres, we aim to help you uncover deeper insights, connect with your fellow members on a more personal level, and simply get people talking.

So dive into our hand-picked discussion questions below, and when you're ready to take your book club to the next level, organize your next meeting and manage your club membership with Bookclubs.com or the Bookclubs app . From scheduling meetings and polling members , to tracking books and facilitating discussion with ready-made book club questions , we have all the tools you need to focus on the joy of reading together.

Jump ahead to the table of contents , or scroll down to find:

Part I: Book club questions for any and all books
Part II: Fiction book club questions by genre
Part III: Nonfiction book club questions by genre

This is an extensive list of book club questions, so pick and choose the ones that suit your book and your group best. You can also modify them or add your own questions as you see fit. The important thing is to have fun and enjoy the book and the conversation.

Additional resources:

If you’re looking for book club questions for a specific book, the best place to start is Bookclubs' Book Club Discussion Guide center , which has tailored guides for hundreds of titles.
Feeling overwhelmed by all the questions in this post? We’ve highlighted our top 12 favorite questions for any book .
Want help with more than just discussion questions? Bookclubs has you covered with free tools to manage club membership, schedule meetings, choose books, and more. With Bookclubs’ app or website, you can poll members about meeting times or book choices, get automated calendar invites and meeting reminders, and track what your club has read, is currently reading, or wants to read next. Get your club set up on Bookclubs today !

Part I: Book club questions for any book

General book club questions

Questions about the author
Questions about the writing style
Questions about the book’s themes

Part II: Fiction book club questions

General fiction
Thriller and Horror
Historical Fiction
Science Fiction

Part III: Nonfiction book club questions

General Nonfiction
Self-help / Personal Development

Bonus Content:

Printable book club questions PDF
Discussion Guide Center (tailored book club questions for hundreds of books)
Discussion questions specific to banned books
Tips for running any book club discussion
How to run an online book club discussion

Ready to dive into some amazing book club discussions? Let’s get started with our ultimate book club question guide!

Book club questions for any book

Would you recommend this book to someone? Why or why not (or with what caveats)?
What kind of reader would most enjoy this book?
How much did you know about this book before picking it up? What surprised you the most about the book?
How thought-provoking did you find the book? Did the book change your opinion about anything, or did you learn something new from it? If so, what?
How did the book make you feel? Did it evoke any emotions? Make you laugh, cry, or cringe?
How, if at all, did this book relate to your own life? Did it evoke any memories or create any connections for you?
Did you highlight or bookmark any passages from the book? Did you have a favorite quote or quotes? If so, share which and why?
What were some of your favorite scenes from the book? Why did they stand out to you?
What was the most challenging or difficult part of the book for you to read or understand? How did you overcome it?
How would you adapt this book into a movie? Who would you cast in the leading roles?
If there was one thing about the book you could have improved, what would it be?
Rate this book on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest. Why did you give the book the rating you did? Did any part of this book club discussion change your rating from what it would have been directly after finishing the book?

General book club questions – Author

Who is the author and what is their background or experience in relation to the book?
Why do you think the author wrote this book and what was their purpose or goal?
How much do you think the author’s personal views or biases influenced the book and how do you feel about that?
How does this book compare to other books by the same author or in the same genre?
If you could ask the author one question about this book, what would it be?

General book club questions – Writing style

Did you find the author’s writing style easy to read or hard to read? How long did it take you to get into the book?
How did the author use language, tone, structure, imagery, dialogue, etc. to tell the story and create an effect on the reader?
Did the author use any literary devices, techniques, or styles to enhance their writing, and to what effect?
Discuss the author’s use of symbols, metaphors, or imagery to convey their ideas or emotions.
What did you like or dislike about the author’s writing style and why?
How did the author’s writing style enhance or detract from the story or the message of the book?
How would you describe the author’s writing style in a few words?
Did the author’s style and voice suit the genre and tone of the book?

General book club questions – Themes:

What were the main themes or messages of the book and how did they relate to the story?
How did the book make you think or feel about a certain topic or issue?
What did you learn from the book or what did it teach you about yourself or others?
How did the book challenge or change your perspective or opinion on something?
How relevant or relatable are the themes or messages of the book to your own life, or to society today?

Book club discussion questions for fiction

General fiction book club questions.

Who was your favorite character and why?
Which character did you find the most complex or intriguing and why?
How did the main character(s) change or grow throughout the story?
How did the secondary characters impact or influence the main character(s) or story?
Which character did you relate to or empathize with the most and why?
Which character did you dislike or disagree with the most and why?
Are there any characters you wish you could have given advice to? What would you tell them?
What do you think happens to the characters after the novel concludes?
How did the author create conflict and tension in the book? What was the main conflict or problem in the story and how was it resolved?
How did the author keep you interested or surprised throughout the story?
What was the most memorable or shocking scene or twist in the story and why?
What was the most satisfying or disappointing part of the story and why?
How did you feel about the ending? Was it satisfying or did you want more?

Mystery book club questions

Were you surprised by who ended up being the person who committed the crime? If you guessed who did it, what clues did you notice that made you suspect them? If you were surprised, who did you think it was going to be instead? What was the biggest red herring that threw you off track?
How did the author introduce the main mystery or crime in the book? Did it grab your attention and make you curious right from the beginning?
How did the author create suspense and intrigue throughout the book? What techniques did they use to keep you engaged and guessing?
Did you find that the clues and evidence presented in the book made sense and fit together? If not, what stuck out for you?
How did the author develop the main character(s), especially the detective or sleuth? Did you like them or find them interesting? Did they have any quirks or habits that made them memorable?
How did the book end? Were you satisfied with the solution or reveal of the mystery or crime? Did it make sense and tie up all the loose ends?
How did the author explore themes such as justice, truth, deception, or morality?

Thriller and horror book club discussion questions

How did the setting and atmosphere of the book affect the mood and tone of the story? Did it create a sense of danger, mystery, dread or unease?
How did the author generate suspense and tension throughout the book? How did they initially draw you in? What techniques did they use to keep you hooked and on edge?
Did the author surprise or shock you with twists and turns in the plot? Did you see them coming or were you caught off guard?
What did you think of the main character? Did they make any decisions that you didn’t agree with in response to the conflict of the novel?
Most thriller or horror stories have a villain. How did the author portray them? Did you understand their motives or methods? Did they have any redeeming qualities or human emotions?
How did the author use different perspectives or narrators to tell the story? Did it add to the complexity or confusion of the plot? Did it reveal any secrets or clues that you missed before?
How did the author balance the action and/or violence with the psychological and emotional aspects of the story?
How did the author explore themes such as justice, morality, revenge, loyalty, or survival?
If there was a supernatural element to the story, what was its purpose? Was it merely to advance to the plot or was it a metaphor for something else?
Were you satisfied with the book’s outcome or did you have any questions or doubts left unanswered?

Historical fiction book club questions

How did the author blend historical facts and fiction in this book? Did you find the book accurate and authentic?
How did the author portray the historical setting and period of this book? Did you learn anything new or interesting about the time and place of the story?
Did the author use any historical sources or references in this book? Did you find them helpful and credible?
Did this book challenge or change your perspective on any historical events or figures? Did it make you want to learn more about them?
How did this book relate to your own life experiences or interests in the present day?
If you could travel back in time to the historical setting and period of this book, what would you do or see?

Romance book club questions

Was the romance believable to you? Why or why not?
How did you feel about the main couple’s chemistry and compatibility? Did you root for them or not?
What did you think of the main conflict or obstacle that kept the couple apart? Was it realistic or contrived?
How did the setting and time period of the novel affect the romance? Did it add to the atmosphere or create challenges for the characters?
How did the author balance the romance with other elements such as humor, suspense, drama, or social commentary?
How did the secondary characters contribute to the story and the romance? Did you have a favorite or least favorite side character?
What do you think happens to the main couple after the novel ends?
How did the novel explore themes such as love, trust, communication, family, identity, or sexuality?
How did you like the level of heat in the novel?

Fantasy book club questions

How did the author create the fantasy world in the book? Did they provide any maps, glossaries, or appendices to help you understand it?
Did the main characters have any special abilities or powers that made them unique or powerful? If so, are these powers or abilities that you’d like to have? Why or why not? What would you do with these abilities?
How did the author present the magic system in the book? Did they do a good job of explaining how it works and what its rules and limitations are? Did it make sense and fit with the story?
How did the author portray any other races or creatures in the book? If so, what did you think of their culture or history?
How did the author use the setting and atmosphere of the book to enhance the fantasy and mood of the story?
How did the author explore themes such as heroism, destiny, loyalty, or morality?

Sci-fi book club questions

How did the author create the science fiction world or scenario in the book?
Did the author use any scientific or technological concepts or theories to support their imagination?
Did you find the world or scenario they created plausible? Why or why not?
Contrast the science fiction world with our actual world. Would you want to live in the world the author built?
What does the world of the book say about our actual world, if anything? Is it optimistic about a potential future or cautionary?
How do the book’s characters react to the science fiction world or scenario they experience? How does it compare to how you would react if placed in this situation or world?
Did the main characters have any special skills or abilities that made them fit or stand out in the science fiction world or scenario?

Book club discussion questions for non-fiction

General non-fiction book club questions.

How would you describe the book in one sentence? What is the main point or purpose of the book?
What are some of the questions or criticisms you have about the book? How would you challenge or debate the author’s claims or arguments?
How did the book change your opinion or perspective on the topic? Did it confirm or contradict any of your assumptions or expectations?
What was the most memorable or impactful story, anecdote, or example in the book? Why did it stand out to you?
What was the most surprising or shocking thing you learned from the book? How did it make you feel?
How did the author engage and persuade you as a reader in the book?
How did the author’s choice of how to frame and organize the book impact its effectiveness for you?
How did the author address any counter arguments or criticisms in the book? Did they acknowledge any limitations, gaps, or biases in their research or writing? Did you find their arguments convincing?
What are some of the ethical, moral, or social implications of the book? How does it challenge or support your values or beliefs?
Did the book inspire you to take action, change your behavior, or think differently about something?
What are some of the limitations or biases of the book? How does it reflect the author’s background, perspective, or agenda?

Memoir book club questions

Did the author use a chronological, thematic, or episodic structure to tell their life story in the book, and how did this choice enhance their narrative?
How did the author develop their voice and personality in the book? Did you like them or find them interesting? Did they have any humor, honesty, or insight that made them memorable or relatable?
How did the author create interest and engagement in the book? What were the main events or turning points that shaped their life story? How did they capture your attention and curiosity?
Did the author surprise you with any revelations or discoveries in the book? Did you learn anything new or unexpected about them or their life experiences?
How did the author portray the other people in their life in the book? What was their influence or impact on the author’s life choices or outcomes?
How did the author explore topics such as identity, family, relationships, career, or spirituality?
How did the book end? Were you satisfied with the conclusion or reflection of the author’s life journey?
How did the author’s story make you reflect on your own life and experiences?
Why do you think the author wanted to tell their story? What do you think is the main thing they wanted you to come away from reading the book with?
Did you find the author to be a reliable narrator of their own history? Why or why not?

Biography book club questions

How did the author research and write the biography of the subject? Did they use any sources, interviews, or documents to support their facts and claims? Did you trust that they are an authoritative source on the subject?
How did the author portray the subject’s personality and character in the book? Did you like them or find them interesting? Did they have any strengths, weaknesses, or quirks that made them unique or influential?
How did the author present the main achievements or contributions of the subject in the book? What made them noteworthy as the subject of a book? Did they make a lasting impact or legacy in their field or society?
How did the author create interest and engagement in the book? What were the main events or challenges that shaped the subject’s life story? How did they capture your attention and curiosity?
How much did you know about the subject of the book before reading? Did you learn anything new or surprising about them?
How did the author use the setting and context of the book to enhance the subject’s life story and perspective? Did the author succeed in creating a sense of time, place, or culture?
How did the book end? Were you satisfied with the summary or evaluation of the subject’s life journey? Did it inspire you or challenge you in any way?

Self-help / personal development book club questions

What was the main message or lesson of this book? Did you find it inspiring and motivating?
How did this book relate to your own life experiences or interests? Did it inspire you to take any action or make any changes in your life?
How do you plan to implement what you learned from this book in your daily life? What are some specific steps or strategies that you will use?
What was the most useful or valuable advice or tip that you learned from this book?
How credible and reliable do you think this book is as a source of guidance and support on its topic or issue? What sources or references did the author cite that add to its credibility?
What questions do you still have after reading this book? What would you like to learn more about?
What piece of advice from this book do you think will be most difficult for you to apply? Why?
Was there any guidance or advice in this book that you disagreed with?

Book club questions PDF

Looking for printable book club discussion questions to bring with you to book club? To download a free, printable, PDF version of this ultimate list of 124 book club questions, click here .

Book club questions for specific books

Bookclubs' Book Club Discussion Guide center has reading guides for hundreds of titles. Check back often as we add new discussion guides every week. If we don’t have a discussion guide for your upcoming book yet, request it to get notified when one is added, and to help us prioritize which guides to create!

Looking for more on how to run a book club discussion?

Coming prepared with good discussion questions is only the first step to a great book club conversation. Bookclubs also has all the club organizing tools you’ll need to keep your book club running smoothly.

Automated Meeting Scheduling & Reminders: The meeting syncs with your calendar and all members receive meeting reminders so whether you’re meeting virtually or in-person, you’re keeping book club on the calendar!
Interactive Polls: Avoid those lengthy email chains with our interactive polls for book selection, choosing your next meeting time, and more.
Message Boards & 1:1 Direct Messages: Share your latest book banter with direct messaging features and club message boards.
Digital Shelving: Keep track of what your club (or you) has read and wants to read next. See in an instant what your club is reading this month, view your past reads in one place, and recommend books to each other – so you always have options for what to read next!
Grow Your Club: Looking to connect with readers outside your personal circle? Open your club to the public and find new members in your hometown or across the globe.

Say hello to a better book club experience today and create your club on Bookclubs .

Create your profile, start and join a book club, track your reading, and more.

Zoe E. (Bookclubs)

Jun 27, 2024 - 3 months

Hi Tiffyni, we unfortunately aren't able to create a discussion guide for every book, so it really depends! We prioritize writing guides for the books we get the highest number of requests for

Tiffyni Pate

May 02, 2024 - 4 months

How long does it take for a discussion guide to be created once requested?

Cristina Felix

Feb 05, 2024 - 1 year

Where do we ask oddly specific yet vague questions like “What’s a good fantasy romance where the main character falls in love with a side character instead of the obvious prince”?

Sep 26, 2023 - 1 year

Hi Valerie, for specific books, visit www.bookclubs.com/discussion-guides. We have questions for hundreds of the most popular book club books.

Valerie Giglio

Aug 19, 2023 - 1 year

Do you have specific questions for a specific book?

How to Write a Biography: 8 Steps for a Captivating Story

by Yen Cabag | 10 comments

We’ll just say it: biographies don’t often make the most exciting reads, especially when they’re loaded with fact after fact, and not much insight or narrative.

However, when the writer is passionate and highly knowledgeable about the story they’re telling, a biography can be just as riveting as an action-packed novel.

If you’ve considered writing a biography about the life of someone you admire or whose story interests you, you’ll definitely want to do a thorough job. The steps and information presented below will help ensure that your writing is accurate and well organized.

What Is a Biography?

A biography is an account of a person’s life that includes facts and anecdotes from that person’s experiences. They can be great resources for studying the lives of fascinating figures, both living and dead.

Most biographies are written to tell the stories of famous or highly influential people, such as politicians, celebrities, athletes, and billionaires.

But biographies can also be written about ordinary people who have made an extraordinary impact on others, even if they are not extremely well-known prior to publication.

A biography may come with the label “authorized” if the subject or their family members gave the author permission to write the story. “Unauthorized” biographies are also frequently published, but without the permission or input of the subject, which may leave the authors subject to legal action.

Difference Between a Biography and an Autobiography

A biography is an account of the life of someone other than the author. An autobiography is an account of the author’s own life. However, the definition may be blurry in cases when a ghostwriter helps someone write his autobiography.

A ghostwriter is a writer who helps another person in creating a book. This help may come in the form of collaboration, or the ghostwriter might do all the writing themselves. When a person wants to write their autobiography but is not exactly gifted at writing, they may ask a ghostwriter to help create it.

What Should a Biography Include?

Biographies usually share more intimate information about their subjects, compared to what is generally included in a feature article. The most interesting things typically included in a biography are:

the subject’s family background and childhood
stories that illustrate their personality
their motivations, goals, and achievements
their key relationships, such as their siblings, spouse, children, best friends, colleagues, mentors, rivals
their hidden fears or desires
stories and anecdotes about their experiences, especially those that illustrate the traits you wish to highlight

How Do You Start Writing a Biography?

When you write a biography, you’re exploring the details of a person’s life, including their thought processes and emotions.

This means that you must be able to write with care and tact. You will also be analyzing the events in your subject’s life and explaining why they do certain things to draw connections between those experiences.

The length of a biography can vary greatly. It might be very short, and divulge only the basic facts of a person’s life.

However, for most published works, biographies offer a deeper analysis, including many stories and examples that demonstrate the person’s unique character.

1. Choose your subject.

Ideally, your subject should be someone whose life deeply interests you. Note, however, that this doesn’t mean you have to like the person. Many biographies are written from a critical viewpoint, in which the subject’s flaws and mistakes are analyzed.

Keep in mind that your feelings about the person will affect the way you write, and consequently influence how readers view the work.

If your subject is still living, you should make every effort to interview them (or at least their representatives). When it comes to writing a biography, a you are writing about someone alive or not, the process remains the same, except for the fact that you can still interview a living person.

An important part of choosing your subject is obtaining their permission. You need to ask the person whether or not they agree to let you write their biography.

If they agree, it’s all well and good! If they don’t agree and you proceed anyway, you might be subject to legal action should your subject decide to pursue it.

If the person you choose to write about is dead, you will not need to ask anyone’s permission.

2. Find out the basic facts about your subject’s life.

If the person you are writing about is famous, you will likely be able to find certain details online, such as their birthday, family background, and other basic information. The same holds true even if he is not famous but you know him personally.

Then, you can use news articles or similar sources to help you decide which part of their life interests you the most.

3. Conduct thorough research.

For research, biographers rely on both primary and secondary sources.

Primary sources : If you are writing about a living person, primary sources might include interviews with that person, their family members, friends, and colleagues, as well as letters, journals, diaries, speeches, newspaper accounts, school records or reports, and other documents.
Secondary sources : If you write about a famous person, chances are there are already other books written about them. Biographies that another person has written fall under secondary sources, as do reference books and histories that support your information.

Because a good biography will include stories from the subject’s experiences, be sure to collect personal stories and even anecdotes.

These will surely bring greater credibility to your writing, and make your subject more relatable to your readers.

How to Write a Biography

Now that you’ve done your research, it’s time to begin writing the biography, starting with a detailed outline to help you organize your idea and information.

4. Write an outline of your biography.

Once you’ve figured out the direction you want to take with your biography, an outline will help you organize your thoughts and information so you’ll be better prepared to start writing.

Create a bullet point for every main theme that you want to include which may correspond to one chapter. Then write another bullet, indented to the right, for each different sub-topic within the main theme. These will be the different sections inside each chapter.

You have several options for writing your outline:

Chronological order : Many biographers go for a chronological account of their subject’s life, from the day they were born, through their childhood, school days, career, and so on.
Specific time periods : Another way of outlining is to group certain time periods around a specific theme. For example, your subject’s difficult childhood may be lumped together into a theme entitled “Early Adversity.”
Thematic : Other biographers outline their chapters by themes. For example, a theme on your subject’s generous heart may include examples from across his life, while a theme on his intellectual prowess may also portray his academic achievements across many years.

5. Start writing your first draft.

Now that you have all your information collected, start to write your story based on the outline you prepared in step 4. Some writers prefer to write one chapter after another, while others don’t mind jumping around chapters. Experiment and find what works best for you.

When you start to write, don’t worry too much about editing or fact-checking. At this point, just concentrate on crafting the story in an interesting way that will hook your readers.

6. Take a break before proofreading and fact checking your first draft.

You will likely be excited to start editing once you’ve finished your first draft, but you’ll actually be doing yourself a favor by taking a break for at least a few days.

In this way, you’ll be able to return to work with a fresh set of eyes, which will leave you better able to catch errors and see your work from a new perspective.

Once you feel ready, start scanning your work for typos, cut and paste paragraphs you want to transfer, and even eliminate whole passages that don’t seem to play an important role in the story.

This is also the best time to fine-tune and fact check your writing .

7. Get another perspective.

Once you have smoothed out everything you can in your work, now is the time to get someone else’s feedback.

Whether you intend to publish your biography or not, it’s always a good idea to get feedback from someone who is skilled in writing.

Their comments will not only improve your biography, but also provide valuable tips for improving your writing in the future.

8. Send a copy to your subject.

Consider sending a copy of your manuscript to the person whose life you wrote about in your book.

The copy may serve as a thank-you gift, but also, if you intend to publish your work, you will need them to approve, as well as fact check, everything you put into the story.

Publish Your Biography

Congratulations! Now that you’ve finished writing your biography, you should start to work on getting your book published.

Check out our ultimate guide on how to publish a book , which features tips on self-publishing, as well as pitching to traditional or independent publishers.

Did you find this post helpful? Let us know in the comments below!

If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:

How to Publish a Book: The Ultimate Guide to Book Publishing in 2020
25 Memoir and Autobiography Publishers Currently Accepting Submissions
20 Best Presidential Biographies to Read This President’s Day
The 16 Best Memoirs to Read Right Now

Yen Cabag is the Blog Writer of TCK Publishing. She is also a homeschooling mom, family coach, and speaker for the Charlotte Mason method, an educational philosophy that places great emphasis on classic literature and the masterpieces in art and music. She has also written several books, both fiction and nonfiction. Her passion is to see the next generation of children become lovers of reading and learning in the midst of short attention spans.

10 Comments

Great advice- Thank you !! have a question: if you write and publish a biography about someone who is still alive, what percentage of your profit(s) should you give them? (if I have their permission, and they paid nothing to publish- I did)?

This really helped my homework.

what is the best way to record interviews from your subject? tape? other technical equipment?

Hi Virginia, it really depends on your preferences. These days there are plenty of recording apps on smart phones that allow you to take high-quality recordings, which you can take easily take anywhere with you or transfer to other devices :)

I have been thinking to write a biography of a living person who recently became popular due to his unusual talent and gift. I found this article to be a very informative and helpful guide. I hope I can get going one of these days. My big hurdle is how I can interview this person as I don’t have my own office to interview him and he is only around for a few months. By” around” I mean he travels all over the country. Thank you very much for your article. I will appreciate any helpful advice.

Hi Divinia, I’m glad you found the article helpful! You could always conduct phone interviews or video calls :) may not be exactly the same as face to face, but it can get you the information and insights you need :)

Thank you for a very inciteful article. I’m in the process of writing a biography of a former country music superstar who lost everything due to anger issues and alcoholism, only to recover and become a follower of Jesus, then start his own church and ministry. My question is, when an author writes a biography about another person, how do they decide how to share the proceeds of the book? Thank you very much for your time and advice.

Hi Hal, thanks for your comment! I’m not an expert on that, but I’m pretty sure there’s no rule that you have to share any of the proceeds if you write a biography about another person. Now, if you were helping that person to ghostwrite their own autobiography, that would be different, but still settled between the two of you.

This article is very useful and well organized. Writing the biography sounds like a fun project to undertake. The late James Baldwin spoke about writers writing something they’ve never written. I’ve published an autobiography and after reading your piece, I feel confident in writing a biography of a person who’s still alive. Thank you for your advice.

Thanks Bobby, we’re so glad you found Yen’s article helpful!

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Engaging Biographies for Elementary Students that Inspire Young Readers

Elementary students often enjoy reading biographies, which are stories about real people’s lives. Biographies for elementary students can inspire young readers by showing them that ordinary people can do extraordinary things. They can also provide a window into the past, helping children to understand history and the world around them.

images of famous Americans biographies for students.

Why are biographies important for Elementary Students?

Biographies are important because they provide us with insight into the lives of people who have made a significant impact on the world . By reading about the personal experiences and achievements of others, we can learn about different cultures, eras, and points of view.

Biographies can also inspire us to pursue our own dreams and ambitions. In addition, biographies can teach us important life lessons and help us understand people’s choices.

By understanding the motivations and actions of others, we can gain a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Ultimately, biographies offer us a window into the human experience, so they are essential reading for everyone.

Introduce the biography genre to elementary students

When introducing the biographies for elementary students, it is important to choose age-appropriate and engaging books. Younger students may prefer biographies of contemporary figures, while older students may be interested in reading about historical figures.

There are many great biographies written for children of all ages. No matter what book you choose, be sure to discuss the subject’s life and why their story is worth telling.

By introducing the biography genre to elementary students, you can help them develop a love for reading and learning about the world around them.

Show students how to read and analyze a biography

A biography is the story of a person’s life written by someone else. As with any story, a biography has a beginning, middle, and end. The beginning introduces the reader to the subject of the biography, while the middle details the events of the person’s life. The end brings the story to a close, often tying up any loose ends or unresolved issues.

To read and analyze biographies for elementary students, it is important to remember that it is somebody else’s interpretation of events. Pay attention to how the author portrays the subject, and look for any patterns or themes that emerge over the course of the story.

By taking an active role in reading and analyzing a biography, students can better understand both the subject and the author’s perspective.

This blog post outlines how I teach students to write a biography report. We set the stage for writing biographies by reading many different biographies and analyzing key events in the person’s life and the main thing that made them important. This process helps students learn to read a biography to write a biography report .

Our biography unit is one of my favorite units! This is the first time students experience an independent report, use technology, and have to synthesize information from various sources. Find out how we do biographies in our classroom.

Some recommended biographies for elementary students

For elementary students who are just beginning to read biographies , we recommend starting with short, simple books or reading passages that focus on one important person.

For example, your child might enjoy learning about George Washington in “The Story of George Washington” by Lisa Trusaini.

Books about one person can help kids understand what it means to be heroic and how ordinary people can accomplish great things.

As your child grows older and becomes a more accomplished reader, they can tackle longer, more complex biographies. Some recommended titles for older elementary students include “The Story of My Life” by Helen Keller and “Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl.” These books offer insights into history, courage, and the human experience that will stay with your child long after they’ve finished reading.

I have quite a few biographies written for middle-elementary students . The biographies are short one-page or two-page informational articles that all follow a similar format. They outline why the person is important, tell about their early and adult life, and have key elements that students need to write a biography report.

These biography reading passages and comprehension activities include resources for students to learn about famous Americans. The biographies of famous people are specifically written for kids to learn the life story of influential people, including presidents, leaders, inventors, women, civil rights activists, and more. #biographies #biographpassage #readingpassage #biographyreport

Biographies for Elementary Students

Below are more biographies for elementary students. They are appropriate for middle-elementary grade students. Most are books that focus on one person. Some are collections of stories of multiple people. Others are biography series for elementary students. Included are biographies of scientists and historical figures and inspirational stories from people of different ethnicities.

Illustrated Biography for Kids: Extraordinary Scientists who Changed the World: Set of 6 Books

Discuss the importance of using multiple sources when researching a person

When researching a person, it is important to use multiple sources to get a complete picture. Online biographies for elementary students such as websites can provide useful information, but they should not be the only sources used. Sources appropriate for elementary students include websites, videos, informational articles , and books. By using a variety of sources, it is possible to get a more well-rounded view of the person being researched.

Elementary students should read biographies to learn about people from all walks of life. Biographies are important because they teach empathy and understanding. When researching a person, it is important to use multiple sources to get a well-rounded view.

Elementary students can get inspired by reading biographies about real people. These stories help children understand history and the world around them. Plus, they show that ordinary people can do extraordinary things. Check out these great biography books for elementary students!

Biography Collection – 46+ Biographies & More

Do you find that you need more engaging and high-interest text for elementary students to read? Are you continually searching for great content that you can use during reading AND social studies?

I have a collection of 46+ biographies that you can use to teach students about famous people and how to write a biography report. Click here to check out the biography collection.

The Biography Collection

Do you need more engaging and high-interest text for elementary students to read that can be used across content areas?

Are you looking to scaffold your Biography Report Unit ?

The Biography Collection has over 47 kid-friendly biographies and comprehension resources and includes:

47 Biographies with vocabulary, comprehension, and report resources
Digital Versions
Biography Report
Biography Sort
4 Weeks of Lesson Plans