family tree essay outline

How to Write Your Family History

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• Latin American History
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• Women's History

Choose a Format

Define the scope, set realistic deadlines.

• Choose a Plot and Themes

Do Your Background Research

• Don't Be Afraid to Use Records and Documents

Include an Index and Source Citations

• Certificate in Genealogical Research, Boston University
• B.A., Carnegie Mellon University

Writing a family history may seem like a daunting task, but when the relatives start nagging, you can follow these five easy steps to make your family history project a reality.

What do you envision for your family history project? A simple photocopied booklet shared only with family members or a full-scale, hard-bound book to serve as a reference for other genealogists? Perhaps you'd rather produce a family newsletter, cookbook, or website. Now is the time to be honest with yourself about the type of family history that meetings your needs and your schedule. Otherwise, you'll have a half-finished product nagging you for years to come.

Considering your interests, potential audience, and the types of materials you have to work with, here are some forms your family history can take:

• Memoir/Narrative: A combination of story and personal experience, memoirs, and narratives do not need to be all-inclusive or objective. Memoirs usually focus on a specific episode or time period in the life of a single ancestor, while a narrative generally encompasses a group of ancestors.
• Cookbook: Share your family's favorite recipes while writing about the people who created them. A fun project to assemble, cookbooks help carry on the family tradition of cooking and eating together.
• Scrapbook or Album: If you're fortunate enough to have a large collection of family photos and memorabilia, a scrapbook or photo album can be a fun way to tell your family's story. Include your photos in chronological order and include stories, descriptions, and family trees to complement the pictures.

Most family histories are generally narrative in nature, with a combination of personal stories, photos, and family trees.

Do you intend to write mostly about just one particular relative, or everyone in your family tree ? As the author, you need to choose a focus for your family history book. Some possibilities include:

• Single Line of Descent:  Begin with the earliest known ancestor for a particular surname and follows him/her through a single line of descent (to yourself, for example). Each chapter of your book would cover one ancestor or generation.
• All Descendants Of...:  Begin with an individual or couple and cover all of their descendants, with chapters organized by generation. If you're focusing your family history on an immigrant ancestor, this is a good way to go.
• Grandparents:  Include a section on each of your four grandparents, or eight great-grandparents, or sixteen great-great-grandparents if you are feeling ambitious. Each individual section should focus on one grandparent and work backward through their ancestry or forward from his/her earliest known ancestor.

Again, these suggestions can easily be adapted to fit your interests, time constraints, and creativity.

Even though you'll likely find yourself scrambling to meet them, deadlines force you to complete each stage of your project. The goal here is to get each piece done within a specified time frame. Revising and polishing can always be done later. The best way to meet these deadlines is to schedule writing time, just as you would a visit to the doctor or the hairdresser.

Choose a Plot and Themes

Thinking of your ancestors as characters in your family story, ask yourself: what problems and obstacles did they face? A plot gives your family history interest and focus. Popular family history plots and themes include:

• Immigration/Migration
• Rags to Riches
• Pioneer or Farm Life
• War Survival

If you want your family history to read more like a suspense novel than a dull, dry textbook, it is important to make the reader feel like an eyewitness to your family's life. Even when your ancestors didn't leave accounts of their daily lives, social histories can help you learn about the experiences of people in a given time and place. Read town and city histories to learn what life was life during certain periods of interest.  Research timelines  of wars, natural disasters, and epidemics to see if any might have influenced your ancestors. Read up on the fashions, art, transportation, and common foods of the time. If you haven't already, be sure to interview all of your living relatives. Family stories told in a relative's own words will add a personal touch to your book.

Don't Be Afraid to Use Records and Documents

Photos, pedigree charts, maps, and other illustrations can also add interest to family history and help break up the writing into manageable chunks for the reader. Be sure to include detailed captions for any photos or illustrations that you incorporate.

Source citations are an essential part of any family book, to both provide credibility to your research, and to leave a trail that others can follow to verify your findings.

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• Top 10 Genealogy Mistakes to Avoid

• Essay Editor

How Should I Go About Writing My Family Essay?: Examples and Tips

Family is an integral part of every individual's life. Delving into the intricate layers of family relationships and dynamics can yield a captivating essay. Here's a comprehensive guide with examples and tips to guide you through the process.

What Topics Should I Write About for My Family Essay?

Choosing the right topic is essential. Here are some suggestions:

Writing a Family Tree Dive into your roots! A family tree can be more than names and dates; it can narrate stories of ancestors, their challenges, achievements, and legacies. For instance, "When I looked into our family tree, I discovered that my great-grandfather was a sailor who traveled the world and had countless tales of adventures, some of which have become legendary bedtime stories in our family."

Describing My Family in My Essay Discuss each family member in detail. "My sister, with her fiery red hair and matching temper, is the exact opposite of my calm and analytical brother. Yet, when they come together, they create the most amazing music, with him on the piano and her singing."

Writing About a Personal Memory Share a poignant memory. "I remember the time when our cat, Whiskers, went missing. The entire family turned detectives overnight, searching for clues, putting up posters, and even setting up a 'cat trap' with her favorite treats. The adventure ended with Whiskers found sleeping peacefully in the neighbor's shed, unaware of the chaos she had caused."

Dos and Don’ts When Writing a Family Stories Essay

• Be authentic.
• Use vivid descriptions and dialogues.
• Respect privacy; ask permission if sharing personal details.
• Avoid making generalizations.
• Refrain from being overly negative or critical.
• Don't plagiarize; every family's story is unique.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a good hook for an essay on my family? As Tolstoy once said, 'All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.' Our family, though, has found its unique shade of happiness.
• What should I include in an essay about me and my family? Descriptions of family members, memories, traditions, challenges, and lessons.
• How should I start an essay all about my family? Every time I think of the word 'home,' an image of our old cottage, Sunday dinners, and loud family debates comes to mind.
• How long should my essay about my family be? Length depends on the requirement; academic essays typically range from 500-1000 words, while personal essays can vary.
• How do I make my family essay engaging? Incorporate stories, memories, and emotions.
• Is it okay to discuss family challenges in my essay? Yes, but be sensitive and respectful.
• Can I add humor to my family essay? Yes, as long as it's in good taste.

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Family History Writing Prompts (Over 40!)

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Use your research in new and creative ways! The editors of Family Tree Magazine have compiled this list of family history writing prompts to help you get inspired. The answers you provide can be shared on a family history website, put into a book or kept with other genealogy records.

Family History Writing Prompts

Imagine you are one of your descendants, far in the future, writing about your present self. Write about an event from your own history from that perspective

Imagine you are a newspaper reporter and write an article about an event in your family history based on your research. Remember to include the who, what, when, where and why if you can!

Imagine your family represented as a literal “tree.” What kind of tree best represents your family’s story? What does it look like and why?

Did you grow up with any family traditions? What is the history behind the tradition? Do you practice any family traditions now?

Choose an event from your family’s history and write an alternative ending to it. Perhaps someone made a different choice or didn’t survive something; how would the course of your family’s history have changed?

Pick two ancestors from your family’s history who didn’t know each other, then imagine a scene where the two meet. What would they talk about, and what would their first impressions be of each other?

Imagine a holiday celebration your ancestor participated in. Narrate it as accurately as possible.

Write a thank-you-note to an ancestor. Who are you thanking? What did they contribute that you are thankful for?

What types of meals did your ancestor eat? Describe a mealtime scene from your family’s history.

Choose a favorite couple from your family’s history (or imagine one) and write a love note or poem they might have shared. Take the historical period into consideration!

Write one or more “six word stories” about your family’s history. Channel your inner-Hemingway .

Write about surname origins. Do your findings lineup or conflict with what you know or believe about your ancestors’ homeland? If not, highlight the puzzle and try to piece together a plausible answer to it.

What’s the whackiest or most interesting story you’ve heard passed down in your family or discovered in your research?

What types of clothes did your ancestors wear? Pick and ancestor and describe them in detail; what are they wearing and why?

Are there any naming traditions in your family? Write the story of how that tradition started or the stories of ancestors with that name.

Imagine your ancestor encountering something for the first time (new place, new food, new invention, etc.). Describe their first impression in detail.

Write a letter as if you are one of your ancestors. Who is the letter for and what does it say?

Imagine your ancestor making a big decision and narrate how they arrived at their conclusion.

Ask a child, grandchild or sibling what one thing they would like to know or learn about their family history. Ask them why they want to know that piece of information.

Looking at your family history, write down five life lessons you feel you’ve learned from your ancestors. Write an essay for the benefit of sharing with your children, grandchildren, and future descendants.

If you were to write a book about your family history or an ancestor’s history, what genre would it be and why?

Do you have a favorite quote or family saying from your history? Write the story of how that quote or saying came to be.

Imagine your ancestor had social media during their lifetime. Write a Facebook post or series of tweets describing something they’re witnessing in real-time.

Select a family heirloom (watch, quilt, Bible, etc.) and write a narrative from its perspective . Where has it been? How did your ancestor acquire it, and what would it have encountered throughout the years? What important family milestones might it have witnessed?

Imagine a typical day for a female ancestor. What time did she wake up, and what did she do throughout the day?

Select two ancestors who lived in different time periods, and describe a scene of the two interacting with each other over dinner. What do they talk about? What do they have in common?

Imagine and describe an event in your family’s history from an outsider/observer’s perspective. What was it like to be there? How did the event make them feel?

If your family history/ancestor’s story was a novel, what would the theme be?

Imagine a route your ancestor took frequently in his or her daily life. Describe that route in detail. What did they see? What noises could they hear? Where were they going?

Think of your ancestor as a character in a story; describe them as an author would. Go into as much detail as possible: what do they look like, how does their voice sound, what are their strongest personality traits?

Record a memory of one of your ancestors that you want to pass down to future generations —a parent, grandparent, sibling, aunt, uncle, cousin, etc. Set the scene: How old were each of you at the time? What happened? Why is this a memory you treasure?

Write a brief biography of yourself —everything an ancestor might want to know about you. After all, someday your ancestors will want to know as much about you as you do about yours!

Come up with a pitch for your ancestor’s biography. Is it a sultry tell-all, or a just-the-facts? What major theme(s) does it cover? Be sure to give the bio a title and sub-title, and write the book’s summary as it would appear on the back cover.

Select an ancestor who served in the military, and write a letter to him or her from the perspective of a loved one on the home front. Ask about his or her health, or the conditions in the war. Read real-life wartime letters for inspiration.

Write a paragraph describing three items your ancestor would never leave home without. Why are these objects so important to your ancestor? Where did they come from?

Identify a major event that happened during your ancestor’s lifetime, and (as your ancestor) write a first-person journal entry describing it. What would your ancestor have thought about it? Would he have found it exciting? Frightening? Frustrating?

Write a paragraph or two about your ancestor and their best friend. Imagine an adventure they had (real or imagined) based on what you know of their childhood and the time period and place they lived.

Imagine one or more of your ancestors as the characters in a fairy tale or fable. What role would they play, and what is the setting? What would be their fate?

Pick an ancestor from the 1800s, drop him into today, and (as your ancestor) write a letter to family members still in the 1800s. How would he describe today? What surprises him? What questions would he have?

Write a diary or journal entry that details your immigrant ancestor’s journey. What are their impressions of their fellow passengers? Research passenger lists and ship descriptions to make your description more accurate.

Describe your ancestors’ wedding. Study marriage certificates, wedding banns and photos, and contemporary clothing and rituals to fill in details.

Describe the first meeting between two of your ancestors who would later get married. What are their first impressions of each other? Include any details you know about your ancestor’s appearance, occupation, age at that time, etc.

Pick an ancestor’s hometown and do some research on how it was during your ancestor’s time. Use historical pictures/postcards and city directories to learn about the town, then write a brief tourism ad for the locale highlighting the town’s attractions.

Imagine the first time your ancestor got to vote. Write a letter from them to a relative detailing their impressions. Where was their polling place? What was the process like? What about the other people in line?

Select two ancestors who lived in different centuries, and describe a scene of the two interacting with each other. What do they talk about? How are they different from one another?

Select your favorite family photo, and write about the moments just before and/or after the photo was taken. Why was it taken? Was your ancestor happy to be in it?

Write a letter to an ancestor you’ve never met. Include questions you’ve always wanted to ask him or her, plus some that reflect what you’ve already learned about your ancestor (for example, “Do you enjoy your new job?” or “How are you coping with your father’s death?”).

Share these ideas with your students, writing group or genealogy group!

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Essay about Family: What It Is and How to Nail It

Humans naturally seek belonging within families, finding comfort in knowing someone always cares. Yet, families can also stir up insecurities and mental health struggles.

Family dynamics continue to intrigue researchers across different fields. Every year, new studies explore how these relationships shape our minds and emotions.

In this article, our dissertation service will guide you through writing a family essay. You can also dive into our list of topics for inspiration and explore some standout examples to spark your creativity.

What is Family Essay

A family essay takes a close look at the bonds and experiences within families. It's a common academic assignment, especially in subjects like sociology, psychology, and literature.

So, what's involved exactly? Simply put, it's an exploration of what family signifies to you. You might reflect on cherished family memories or contemplate the portrayal of families in various media.

What sets a family essay apart is its personal touch. It allows you to express your own thoughts and experiences. Moreover, it's versatile – you can analyze family dynamics, reminisce about family customs, or explore other facets of familial life.

If you're feeling uncertain about how to write an essay about family, don't worry; you can explore different perspectives and select topics that resonate with various aspects of family life.

Tips For Writing An Essay On Family Topics

A family essay typically follows a free-form style, unless specified otherwise, and adheres to the classic 5-paragraph structure. As you jot down your thoughts, aim to infuse your essay with inspiration and the essence of creative writing, unless your family essay topics lean towards complexity or science.

Here are some easy-to-follow tips from our essay service experts:

• Focus on a Specific Aspect: Instead of a broad overview, delve into a specific angle that piques your interest, such as exploring how birth order influences sibling dynamics or examining the evolving role of grandparents in modern families.
• Share Personal Anecdotes: Start your family essay introduction with a personal touch by sharing stories from your own experiences. Whether it's about a favorite tradition, a special trip, or a tough time, these stories make your writing more interesting.
• Use Real-life Examples: Illustrate your points with concrete examples or anecdotes. Draw from sources like movies, books, historical events, or personal interviews to bring your ideas to life.
• Explore Cultural Diversity: Consider the diverse array of family structures across different cultures. Compare traditional values, extended family systems, or the unique hurdles faced by multicultural families.
• Take a Stance: Engage with contentious topics such as homeschooling, reproductive technologies, or governmental policies impacting families. Ensure your arguments are supported by solid evidence.
• Delve into Psychology: Explore the psychological underpinnings of family dynamics, touching on concepts like attachment theory, childhood trauma, or patterns of dysfunction within families.
• Emphasize Positivity: Share uplifting stories of families overcoming adversity or discuss strategies for nurturing strong, supportive family bonds.
• Offer Practical Solutions: Wrap up your essay by proposing actionable solutions to common family challenges, such as fostering better communication, achieving work-life balance, or advocating for family-friendly policies.

Family Essay Topics

When it comes to writing, essay topics about family are often considered easier because we're intimately familiar with our own families. The more you understand about your family dynamics, traditions, and experiences, the clearer your ideas become.

If you're feeling uninspired or unsure of where to start, don't worry! Below, we have compiled a list of good family essay topics to help get your creative juices flowing. Whether you're assigned this type of essay or simply want to explore the topic, these suggestions from our history essay writer are tailored to spark your imagination and prompt meaningful reflection on different aspects of family life.

So, take a moment to peruse the list. Choose the essay topics about family that resonate most with you. Then, dive in and start exploring your family's stories, traditions, and connections through your writing.

• Supporting Family Through Tough Times
• Staying Connected with Relatives
• Empathy and Compassion in Family Life
• Strengthening Bonds Through Family Gatherings
• Quality Time with Family: How Vital Is It?
• Navigating Family Relationships Across Generations
• Learning Kindness and Generosity in a Large Family
• Communication in Healthy Family Dynamics
• Forgiveness in Family Conflict Resolution
• Building Trust Among Extended Family
• Defining Family in Today's World
• Understanding Nuclear Family: Various Views and Cultural Differences
• Understanding Family Dynamics: Relationships Within the Family Unit
• What Defines a Family Member?
• Modernizing the Nuclear Family Concept
• Exploring Shared Beliefs Among Family Members
• Evolution of the Concept of Family Love Over Time
• Examining Family Expectations
• Modern Standards and the Idea of an Ideal Family
• Life Experiences and Perceptions of Family Life
• Genetics and Extended Family Connections
• Utilizing Family Trees for Ancestral Links
• The Role of Younger Siblings in Family Dynamics
• Tracing Family History Through Oral Tradition and Genealogy
• Tracing Family Values Through Your Family Tree
• Exploring Your Elder Sister's Legacy in the Family Tree
• Connecting Daily Habits to Family History
• Documenting and Preserving Your Family's Legacy
• Navigating Online Records and DNA Testing for Family History
• Tradition as a Tool for Family Resilience
• Involving Family in Daily Life to Maintain Traditions
• Creating New Traditions for a Small Family
• The Role of Traditions in Family Happiness
• Family Recipes and Bonding at House Parties
• Quality Time: The Secret Tradition for Family Happiness
• The Joy of Cousins Visiting for Christmas
• Including Family in Birthday Celebrations
• Balancing Traditions and Unconditional Love
• Building Family Bonds Through Traditions

Looking for Speedy Assistance With Your College Essays?

Reach out to our skilled writers, and they'll provide you with a top-notch paper that's sure to earn an A+ grade in record time!

Family Essay Example

For a better grasp of the essay on family, our team of skilled writers has crafted a great example. It looks into the subject matter, allowing you to explore and understand the intricacies involved in creating compelling family essays. So, check out our meticulously crafted sample to discover how to craft essays that are not only well-written but also thought-provoking and impactful.

Final Outlook

In wrapping up, let's remember: a family essay gives students a chance to showcase their academic skills and creativity by sharing personal stories. However, it's important to stick to academic standards when writing about these topics. We hope our list of topics sparked your creativity and got you on your way to a reflective journey. And if you hit a rough patch, you can just ask us to ' do my essay for me ' for top-notch results!

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FAQs on Writing an Essay about Family

Family essays seem like something school children could be assigned at elementary schools, but family is no less important than climate change for our society today, and therefore it is one of the most central research themes.

Below you will find a list of frequently asked questions on family-related topics. Before you conduct research, scroll through them and find out how to write an essay about your family.

How to Write an Essay About Your Family History?

How to write an essay about a family member, how to write an essay about family and roots, how to write an essay about the importance of family, related articles.

How to Write an Essay About My Family History

A family comprises of people living together that form a social group within a community. The people creating this group are subject to relationships either by birth or blood, and it comprises at least two adults as parents and grandparents, together with young children. The family members have a mutual connection between them. Therefore, an essay about family history is a synopsis of an individual's social identity and the reciprocal relationship(s) he/she shares with the people living together. Learning family history is vital to understand our social status, humanity, and diversity. History keeps our memories for generations to understand who they are and their geographic origin. Having a good knowledge of family background lets you appreciate the things or sacrifices made before by grandparents to experience better things in life. An individual's roots and origin bring a sense of self-discovery. Also, writing about your family history is one way of preserving its heritage for future generations.

How to Start A Family History Essay

Outline writing, tips concerning writing a family history essay introduction, how to write body paragraphs, how to write a conclusion for a family history essay, essay revision, essay proofreading, make citations, catchy titles for an essay about family history, short example of a college essay about family history.

• How to Get the Best Family History Essay

Buy Pre-written Essay Examples on The Topic

Use edujungles to write your essay from a scratch.

When writing an essay, there is a logical structure you must follow in giving out your arguments. A proper outline will produce an exciting presentation of every section, and it will fascinate the reader. The standard structure of an essay has an introduction, body, and conclusion. Here is an excellent example of an outline for a family history essay:

• Introduction
• Short family background information
• Importance of writing about the family
• Body (paragraphs)
• Family members; grandparents, parents, and children
• The community in which family resides
• Form of livelihood
• Conclusion (a summarizing paragraph)
• Restating your contention
• Summarize your key ideas
• Provide a final comment or reflection about the essay

When writing a presentation about family history, you need to provide a hook to the readers, to make them interested to know much about the family. You can start with facts or anecdotes about grandparents; for example, how they met on the first date and opted to make a family together, you can as well describe the circumstances. You can also provide an insight into a situation by your ancestors that impacted your life experience—the other thing to include in the short background information about your family. Remember to provide a clear and debatable thesis statement that will serve as the roadmap for your discussion in the paper.

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The body paragraphs contain the arguments one needs to discuss the subject topic. Every section includes the main idea or explanatory statement as the first sentence; the primary purpose is a debatable point that you need to prove. The length of a paragraph depends on the accurate measurement of ideas. In most cases, a section has about five sentences; but it can be as short or long as you want, depending on what you discuss. A paragraph has the main statement, supporting sentence(s) with evidence, and concluding sentences. When crafting the body, ensure a clear flow of ideas, connecting from one argument to the other. Transitional words, when used accordingly, can provide a nice transition and flow of ideas from one paragraph to the other. The commonly used transitional words or phrases include moreover, also, therefore, consequently, hence, thus, finally, etc.

A conclusion is as crucial as the introduction; it is the final recap of what your essay entails. The ending paragraph contains three main parts that form a full section. First, remind the audience of your thesis statement and show its relation to the essay topic. Second, provide a summary of the key arguments that you discussed in the body paragraphs. Third, it is advisable to add a final comment or general reflection about the essay. It's important to state that you should use different wording in the conclusion when restating statements and arguments. Also, remember to use signal words at the start of concluding paragraphs like in conclusion, finish, etc.

Revision is an opportunity for a student to review the content in his/her paper and identify parts that need improvement. Some students start revising as they begin drafting their essays. During revision, you need to restructure and rearrange sentences to enhance your work quality and ensure the message reaches your audience well. Revising gives you a chance to recheck whether the essay has a short main idea and a thesis statement, a specific purpose, whether the introduction is strong enough to hook the audience and organization of the article. Also, you check if there is a clear transition from one paragraph to another and ascertain if the conclusion is competent enough to emphasize the purpose of the paper.

Nothing is more frustrating than submitting an essay to earn dismal grade due to silly common mistakes. Proofreading is an essential stage in the editing process. It is an opportunity for reviewing the paper, identifying and correcting common mistakes such as typos, punctuation, grammatical errors, etc. Since proofreading is the final part of the editing, proofread only after finishing the other editing stages like revision. It is advisable to get help from another pair of eyes; you can send the paper to your friend to help you in the same process. There are online proofreading tools such as Grammarly and Hemingway, which you can use to proofread, but you should not only rely on grammar checkers. Remember to proofread the document at least three times.

Making citations is an essential way of keeping references for the sources of content you used. As you are editing, you may make several changes to the document. Do not forget to correctly provide citations for every fact or quote you obtained from other sources. There are different citation formats such as APA, MLA, etc.; therefore, you need to ensure correct usage of quotes depending on the requirement by your professor. The sources you cite present the list of references or bibliography at the end of your essay for easy reference.

• Generation to Generation
• The Origin of My Family
• Our Circle and Family Heritage
• A Lifetime of Love
• Because of Two Lovebirds, I Am Here
• The Family Archives
• The Family Ties
• Branches of The Family Tree
• The Generational Genes
• Forever as a Family
• It All Started with a Date
• Bits of Yesteryears

Would you want to know how it all started until here? My grandpa told me that he met my grandma at a concert where one of the greatest artists was performing during one of the summer holidays in New York City. As he was dancing alone, my grandpa approached a beautiful lady (who would become his soulmate) to ask her to dance together. They later agreed to meet for a dinner date. Our family lives in New York. Undoubtedly, this is the best family, and it's an honor to be part of it.

Every person has two sides within his/her family; my paternal side originates from Canada, while the maternal side is from America. Although my great grandfather comes from Canada, my grandpa and grandma live in New York. My grandfather is Afro-American who worked as a bartender, no wonder he loved concerts! My father works as a conservationist for aquatic fauna while my mother works in the bakery. My mother and father met in a supermarket when they were both doing shopping.

Although we live in the same city, my grandparents have their apartment, a distance from ours. We live as a family of five; dad, mum, and three children. As we all live in the same city, we (me and my two sisters) occasionally visit our grandparents during the weekends to spend some time with them; grandpa and I were doing some gardening while my sisters and grandma do cook and other house chores. The bond between our great parents and ours is very excellent.

At Christmas, all my children, mum, and dad travel to our grandparents for a whole week. During the new year, we get together at our house, my parent's house, to welcome the year as an entire family. Sometimes during the weekends, we usually spend most of our time on the beach swimming, except on church days. As a family, our favorite food is deep-fried fish, rice, and vegetables. However, my grandpa likes chicken hash.

In conclusion, the social co-existence between us is excellent, which has created a robust mutual bond for the family. From visiting each other, spending time on the beach, having to get together meals to usher the new year, and celebrating Christmas as a family, the bond keeps growing. I am privileged to be part of such a great family.

How to Get the Best Family History Essay?

Every student would want to produce the best essay possible to earn a better grade. One way of getting information is through previously written materials such as essay samples. Pre-written essay samples have become popular recently among college students due to the vital information they offer. There are several sites, such as Essay Kitchen, that provide pre-written essays on family history at affordable prices. Students can use the essay samples to obtain enough content and idea about paper outline the professor expect; thus, producing a quality article.

Essay writing is a daunting experience for most college students. The academic pressure, coupled with a lot of other activities, makes the whole experience an ordeal. Some students have a lot of responsibilities and find themselves with limited time to handle their academic essays. Consequently, the students use online essay writing service 12 hours at Edu Jungles to write my essay for me at an affordable rate.

Knowing your family history is very important. It enables one to self-discover himself within the society and appreciate the lineage. When you learn about your family's past, you will understand the things you see and experience today. Writing an essay on family history requires a lot of understanding and attention to the aspects you need to describe. The critical factor being family background, then understanding how you need to structure and jot down your ideas.

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Preparing to Write Your Family History Book: How to Draft an Outline and Organize Your Research

Home » Blog » Preparing to Write Your Family History Book: How to Draft an Outline and Organize Your Research

PREPARING TO WRITE YOUR FAMILY HISTORY BOOK: HOW TO DRAFT AN OUTLINE AND ORGANIZE YOUR RESEARCH

If you are like many people tackling the project of writing your family history book , you probably have a mountain of old paper documents, photos, and information you printed from online sources. Does this sound familiar? 

You know the hard copy of the family tree on your mother’s side is around somewhere, but it might be buried beneath the notes you took while interviewing your uncle. Or, maybe it ended up in the pile of legal documents, among old property deeds and immigration materials.

Perhaps the most daunting part of documenting your family history is organizing your research. With a combination of paper and digital materials, it’s easy to misplace or misfile something, leaving a hole in your writing.

Lynn Palermo , who shares her own story of writing her family’s history on her blog, The Armchair Genealogist , gives this advice to beginners in a how-to post :

“If I had to start again, I would create an organization system from the start and be consistent.” Lynn Palermo, Armchair Genealogist

What Type of Book Are You Writing?

Whether you are creating a memoir, biography , scrapbook or some other work, the time invested in creating an organization system is invaluable. Spending time getting organized on the front end can save much more time and a great deal of frustration later.

The process can be overwhelming. No matter how you plan to document your family history, there are two crucial components to the process: a solid outline and a good organizational system for your research .

Before you begin to draft an outline, you need to define the scope of your book. Who and what are you writing about?  Is it one specific ancestor or an entire branch of the family?  Does it cover a specific event or period of time, or is it a general overview of all the research you can find?

Once you answer those questions, you are ready to begin organizing the framework of your book.

Creating an Outline

There is no perfect formula for outlining the information in your book. This is a personal decision, based on how you want to present your findings and what makes the most logical sense to your story. Some common ways to divide up the information are by:

• Date/Period of Time
• Family Branch
• Geographical Area

For example, if your book encompasses everything you can find on all of your ancestors, then organizing the book by date may be a good plan. It becomes a chronological story with different ancestors discussed within the larger framework of a timeline.

Or, you could organize the book based on different branches of your family. The major sections of your outline would include each of the family groups, with descendants’ information and stories underneath.

If your lineage includes people from multiple regions of the world, then you might consider dividing your outline by geographical area. Each chapter could represent a different area of origin, with stories of specific ancestors told within.

Go Beyond Names and Dates

Once you have the larger framework established, it’s time to integrate your research and notes in a way that truly tells the story of your family. What interesting information did you find that surprised you?  Which topics are most important to you?  You may have found similar themes, like common occupations or military involvement, among many of your relatives.

Be Flexible

Your outline should be the backbone of the book, but don’t be afraid to move things around if research leads you in a new direction. Let your findings lead the process, and revise the outline until you have the information organized in the best possible way.

How to Organize Your Notes and Research

Researching your family history can have a snowball effect. One finding leads to another, which leads to another, and before you know it there are random bits of information scattered across a number of topics and people.

“We are so excited for the hunt of our ancestors, we don’t take the time to save our discoveries adequately in the beginning. By the time we realize we need a sound organization system, we are knee deep in genealogy stuff.” Lynn Palermo, The Armchair Genealogist

The goal is to take all of your information and plug the substantive material into the outline you created. A good place to start is simply reviewing your research to see what works within the outline. Here are some things to consider including in your book:

• Family papers, correspondence, etc.
• Property deeds
• Immigration documents
• Existing family trees

Tip: Don’t forget to keep detailed source citations. Decide on a citation method and be consistent across all sources, as you go.

A common pitfall among first-timers is to throw everything into one big pile (or one computer folder) and figure you will divide it up later. Let’s be honest…you probably won’t, and it will be a challenge to locate what you need to plug into your outline.

“File your documents as you find them. That catch-all folder, whether it’s for paper or digital, it is just an excuse to put off what you should be doing immediately, keeping your research in an organized fashion.” Lynn Palermo, The Armchair Genealogist

Create Digital Files

Palermo encourages compiling your notes into word documents. Create one computer folder for each family group, with sub-folders for individual family members.

Tip: Regularly back up your computer to protect your notes.

What goes in the sub-folders?

A good place to start is to create an overview document for each person. In that document, include a simple form so you can consistently collect basic information like names and dates. This is also the document for more substantive material, like transcribed interviews or notes you jotted down from online research.  When you uncover new information, you can easily enter it into the overview document, knowing it will be parallel to the material you have on other family members.

For example, you might create an overview document with sections like these:

• Birth/Death dates
• Place of birth
• Notes/Interesting Information

In addition to the overview document, each person’s subfolder should also include any scanned documents and photos you find. Here’s an example of what this folder structure might look like on your computer:

Next, create separate subfolders for pictures and other scanned documents that apply to the entire family, rather than just one family member. These subfolders logically fit within the larger family folder.

Here’s an example of how this might look on your computer:

Consider Electronic Organization Platforms

If you want a more sophisticated way to keep up with your research and cross-reference data, look into cloud-based storage systems. Lots of options exist with capabilities like uploading audio and video files, scanned documents, and photos taken with your smartphone.

These platforms also have tagging functions so you can easily sort through materials to find and group things in a way that makes sense for your outline. And, because your information is stored in the cloud, you can access materials from any device, anywhere.

Check out these platforms:

My Heritage

Microsoft OneNote

In an article for Family Tree Magazine , writer Lisa Louise Cooke recommends using Evernote’s free Web Clipper function to manage large online resources. The Web Clipper allows you to save a specific page or section within a website. You can easily save a full web page, even if it is larger than your computer screen and not visible all at once.

Create Research Binders

While it’s a good idea to scan hard copies to keep in your digital files, you still need a place to keep the original documents. Consider using three-ring binders to house your hard-copy documents.

These should mirror the digital files, with one binder for each family group. Divide individual family members into separate sections, with tabs, and include pockets for scanned photos and other documents.

Ready, Set, Write!

Your outline is complete, and your notes are soundly organized. Are you ready to start writing? Getting to this point has taken considerable time and effort and may have seemed like the hardest part of the project. But, if you’re not comfortable with the actual writing process, you still have a large hurdle to clear.

Consider hiring a ghostwriter . You can hand over your digital and hard-copy files to an experienced writer who can turn your notes into something truly memorable. Professionals can help define and narrow your focus and also expand on your research and interviews to tell your family story for generations to come.

Related Content

2 thoughts on “ Preparing to Write Your Family History Book: How to Draft an Outline and Organize Your Research ”

I am in the process of attempting to capture my family history and need help with what questions to ask family members as I seek their inputs. Do you have questions or a template I can use or websites I can visit for guidance?

Thank you for your inquiry! If you check out this blog on family history interviews, you will find that it has a lot of great interview tips, as well as a PDF with suggested questions. https://www.thewritersforhire.com/your-guide-to-the-family-history-interview/

Good luck with your family history! Please let us know if we can be of service to you in any way.

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Family History — Examples Of Family Tree

Examples of Family Tree

• Categories: Family History

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Words: 491 |

Published: Mar 13, 2024

Words: 491 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Table of contents

Understanding family history, impact on personal identity, preserving family legacies.

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Family Tree and Its Importance Essay

A family tree is a representation of the lineages of a particular family mainly consisting of relatives stretching as far as possibly establishable by the family. A simple family tree would basically constitute of great grand parents, grand parents, parents, siblings, cousins and so on.

With the continued complexity of modern livelihoods, development professionals in all cadres of work have opted for more details that should be included in family tree so as to be of more use (Adams, 2009). This is the basis upon which such variances of family tree as family medical tree have been suggested and used in the medical field for keeping medical information for specific families.

This is important especially considering that there are some medical cases that are genetic and therefore follow through the family. Knowledge of this medical consideration is important and can be used for treatment and preparedness of persons in that family (Halsey, 2009). This paper talks about family medical tree by considering specific questions of interest and giving short synoptic briefs about each question as discussed below.

Why is it important to know your family medical history?

Knowledge of family medical history is important particularly for specific medical conditions that are genetic and therefore run through given families.

This knowledge helps in the better treatment and handling of medical conditions within the family. It helps for medical practitioners to know of conditions in the family that can be inherited or which predispose family members to certain risks (Pisacano, 2009).

Does knowing your family history make you more aware of personal risk factors?

Yes. Knowledge of my family medical history makes me more aware of personal risk factors that I am likely to be exposed to by the virtue of being in my family.

Knowledge of family medical history is further important because certain health related sicknesses are so prevalent in the family and therefore can be passed down to children thereby making me more prone to such sicknesses in the event that there are there. With this knowledge therefore, I can better prepare for some of these cases (Stange, Zyzanski, Jaen, Callahan, Kelly, Gillanders, et al., 1998).

How might being aware of your medical family history help you?

Knowledge of my medical family history has many ways in which it can be of help to me and one of the main areas is to help me in my preparation for my health.

This is important for my current preparation as well as for my future too (Stange, Zyzanski, Jaen, Callahan, Kelly, Gillanders, et al., 1998). In a time and age where insurance policies and providers are flooding the market offering all sorts of services, it is almost paramount for these providers to know some of these conditions so as to better prepare for their services they provide.

Life insurance policies mainly base most of their terms on medical conditions of persons and it is the knowledge of my family medical history that will put me at a vintage point when taking medical covers and other related insurance policies (Stange, Zyzanski, Jaen, Callahan, Kelly, Gillanders, et al., 1998).

In conclusion, family medical history is very important for the families just as much as it is important for national planning and development for countries. This in a snapshot briefly explains what family medical history is and its importance for families and its relations (Stange, Zyzanski, Jaen, Callahan, Kelly, Gillanders, et al., 1998).

Adams, B. (2009). Patient Brochure. American Board of Family Medicine, 5(10), 218- 300.

Halsey, A. (2009). Primary-Care Doctor Shortage May Undermine Reform Efforts . The Washington Post.

Pisacano, N. (2009). History of the Specialty. American Board of Family Medicine, 3 (5), 282- 291.

Stange, K., Zyzanski, S., Jaen, C., Callahan, E., Kelly, R., Gillanders, W. et al. (1998). Illuminating the ‘Black Box. Journal of Family Practice , 46(5), 377-389.

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Family Tree Examples to Quickly Visualize Your Family History

Updated on: 20 March 2023

All the family tree templates listed below can be edited online using a Creately account. You can add pictures of your family members, link to their profiles and use custom styling to highlight certain profiles. You can then export the family tree templates in multiple formats for easy sharing and printing.

Definition of a Family Tree

Before we jump into the family tree templates, let’s take a quick look at what a family tree is. A family tree is a chart or diagram that visually represents the lineage of a person by illustrating the members of the family over generations and how they are related to each other. It’s one of the most common methods of visualizing one’s ancestry. 

Use the Below Family Tree Templates to Collaborate with Your Family on: 

• Genealogy research: Relatives can collaborate to investigate and gather information about their ancestors, such as birth and death dates, weddings, and other significant events. The collected information can then be incorporated into the family tree.
• Sharing stories and memories : Family members can exchange stories and reminisce about their ancestors. These anecdotes can add a human touch to the family tree, making the information more meaningful and memorable.
• Connecting with distant relatives : By sharing the family tree among other relatives, especially those who reside far away, one can foster connections with family members who may be distant or unfamiliar. This can foster relationships and reinforce familial ties.
• Preserving heritage : Help preserve a family’s legacy and history for future generations. Document and share information about the family’s past, ensuring that important memories and stories are not lost.
• Building family unity : Working together on a family tree can be a joyful experience that unites family members. By collaborating, everyone can expand their knowledge of their shared heritage and form stronger bonds with one another.

Blank Family Tree Example

A simple example to get started fast. You can easily add more people to expand it further. Click on the image to get started.

Once you select a shape a toolbar will appear, which you can use to

• Add photos/images to the object
• Link to website, paper archives or social media profiles
• Add custom styling to highlight things like marital status, deceased etc

More Family Tree Examples

Use the list below to quickly navigate to different templates. Click on the image you like and we will open it for editing. Enter your name and the names of close family members, then let Ancestry Hints grow your family tree.

• Blank Family Tree example

The Simpsons Family Tree Template

Family tree template with pictures, olympian gods family tree template, legend of korra family tree template.

• Other popular Family Tree Templates

Kinship Chart

Kinship diagram, anthropology kinship diagram, blank family tree template.

Here’s a blank family tree template to help you get started right away. Just click on the image and it will open in the diagram editor. Include the names of your family members to the chart and you can export it and add it to PPT presentations, Word documents, or web pages.

This one is our most popular diagram yet, and it’s of your favorite sitcom, The Simpsons.  Edit this Simpsons family tree template and create family tree charts as it suits you. If you are looking for a tree chart with cartoon avatars, this one is for you. This is also the perfect family tree chart template for kids as well.  Just start editing by clicking on the diagram.

The following British Royal family tree chart includes pictures of real family members of the royal family. Use this family tree template with images and replace the photos with that of your family members, and you are good to go.

If you are looking for historical family tree templates, your search has come to an end. This family tree chart consists of the gods and goddesses of the Olympian ( Greek History ). The template is ideal for history lessons or mini-class projects.

This family tree template is based on the popular animated series that was made as a sequel to the Avatar the Last Air Bender.  Just start editing by clicking on the diagram.

Kinship charts are more detailed compared to family trees because anthropologists use interviews to draw out the relationships between individuals in the kinship charts . They are more detailed, as they use specialized elements and shapes. Use this kinship chart to determine how you connect with others through descent and marriage. Open the template and modify it to illustrate your own family relationships easily.

Although often used to show biological relationships within a single family, kinship diagrams are also used in the field of anthropology to record relevant information about the culture and social standing. This particular kinship diagram accurately shows the pattern of how a family is connected to one another. Open it and modify it as you want and share it with others or export it to publish.

Cultural anthropologists use kinship diagrams to quickly sketch out relationships between people during interviews. It provides them a means to visually present a culture’s kinship pattern without using names, which can be confusing, and allows for anonymity for the people. Use this anthropology kinship diagram template to show the social relationship between families, clans, and other familial relationships.

Want More Family Tree Examples

You just went through the most popular genealogy family tree templates in Creately. You can use our family tree maker to easily edit them. If you can’t find the exact diagram you’re looking for leave a comment or visit our diagram community for more family tree templates. We’re continuously updating these family charts and we’ll do our best to find them for you.

FAQ about the Family Tree

How to use creately family tree templates.

Select a family tree template you like and click on it to open it in the editor. Once on the editor, name your workspace containing the family tree template. If you wish to collaborate with others, add them to the workspace as editors and share the workspace link with them. You can then proceed to customize it by editing the details, adding images, and changing colors.

Why understanding your family tree is important? 

Understanding one’s family tree can benefit a person in many ways. Some of them include, 

• Family trees help you discover where you originally came from.
• One can learn more about who their ancestors were, where they came from, what they did, and how they lived. 
• Family trees establish rights of inheritance and rights to property, which could be affected by war, disasters, immigration, and other life events.
• Help identify and trace genetics and family health concerns.

How to create a family tree chart?

Listed below are the simple steps to draw a family tree. You can use Creately’s family tree maker to create your own family tree online and easily share it with others. 

• Gather information about your family members. This might include pictures, documents, newspaper articles, etc. 
• Make a basic structure or outline of your family tree with all the family members you want to include in it. 
• Add shapes (usually boxes or rectangles) to represent each family member and connect them to each other with lines to show the relationships between them. Add details and images to each shape. 
• Once complete, you can share your family tree with others. 

What do you need to include in your family tree? 

A good family tree should include details such as the names of family members, photos, and significant dates such as their birthdays and date of death. In addition, you can also add other information such as their occupations, countries of origin, and other important milestones of their lives.

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Blog Graphs and Charts How to Make a Family Tree Diagram (+ Examples)

How to Make a Family Tree Diagram (+ Examples)

Written by: Daleska Pedriquez May 26, 2023

Family trees are created to show the ancestry and family history of an individual.

Making a family tree diagram can help you discover things about your past and feel more connected to your heritage.

Learn how to make a family tree diagram in this post and get examples from Venngage as well as a step-by-step guide on how to use our  Family Tree Maker .

Want to create a family tree diagram but not sure where to start? Check out our customizable family tree diagram templates to start off on the right path.

Click to jump ahead:

What is a family tree?

4 steps to make a family tree diagram.

• 5 family tree examples

FAQs about family tree diagrams

A family tree is a diagram that traces a person’s lineage by showing their ancestors and the generations of families that were built throughout the years.

Here is an example:

Based on its name, a family tree is structured like a tree, with the individual as the ‘root’ and their parents, grandparents, and ancestors making up the ‘leaves’ one level at a time.

In a family tree chart, lines are used to connect family members and portray their relationships. Each family member is represented by a shape like a box or a circle with usually their photo inside.

What is the history of making family tree diagrams?

Genealogy or the study of families was the earliest form and application of family trees.

Historically, in Western civilizations, family trees, also known as genealogy charts, were used to depict the ancestry of kings and nobles and verify their claims to royalty and power.

Family trees were maintained for years on end. The family tree of Confucius, for example, is already 2,500 years old and is recorded as the world’s largest family tree with 2 million known descendants.

Today, a genealogy chart is no longer just for aristocrats and important people, but for everyone to record their family history and maintain their family tree.

Should you create a family tree?

If you would like to know more about your family or you want to start recording your family history, then you should definitely make your own family tree.

It is also a great way to find out how your family story relates to important historical events.

More importantly, a family tree can help you identify genetic traits and conditions that run in your family. These are often referred to as genograms .

Related: 10+ Genogram Examples (and How to Create Them)

To start creating your family tree diagram, simply follow these steps:

Step 1: Research and prepare information

The first thing you need to do before you start drawing your family tree is to gather information about your family. You can check official birth records and DNA test results or simply talk to a relative or any member of your family who has knowledge about your ancestry.

The first thing you need to do before you start drawing your family tree is to gather information about your family. In addition to checking official birth records and conversing with relatives knowledgeable about your ancestry, considering DNA testing can provide profound insights. For those of Asian descent, you can discover your Asian heritage with these DNA tests , offering a detailed exploration of your ancestral roots.

Depending on how much information you will be able to acquire, it should help you determine how big and how detailed you want your family tree to be. Decide on how many generations you want to include and what information you will display for each family member, such as maiden name, year of birth, and role in the family.

Step 2: Draft your family tree drawing

To draw your family tree, start with a box representing yourself or the ancestor you want to begin with. Family trees can be diagrammed either from the top, bottom or horizontally as long as the root will always be yourself.

Here is an example of a family tree that’s drawn horizontally:

Add more boxes until all your family members have been included. Instead of drawing by hand, save time by using an intuitive design tool like Venngage’s  Family Tree Maker  to create your family tree. It is specifically made for both designers and non-designers alike so it is extremely easy to use.

Venngage’s  Family Tree Maker  can help you better visualize your family tree through its user-friendly editor with drag-and-drop features. It allows you to change and connect shapes, add labels, and edit colors and other design elements in a matter of seconds.

Venngage also has dozens of free diagrams and templates that you can customize to make the process even faster and easier.

Step 3: Label the leaves of the tree

Most family trees usually outline up to four generations only to make them easier to understand. That said, make sure that family members and their relationships with each other are clearly illustrated by labeling each box or ‘leaf’ correctly.

Indicate names and roles and any additional information you think may be relevant. Use lines to display relationships between spouses and connect parents with direct descendants like children and grandchildren.

Step 4: Design your family tree diagram

Now, this is the part where you enhance and finalize your family tree. Use family photos to add faces to the people you are trying to introduce with your tree. Color-coordinate shapes, lines, or labels to group generations, differentiate deceased from living relatives, and create a distinction between different relationships.

To make your family tree more attractive and engaging, you can design it with icons, graphics, illustrations, or backgrounds – all of which are provided for free in Venngage’s library. You can also make use of a family tree softwar e to streamline research and access to valuable resources.

Venngage also has a business feature called  My Brand Kit  that enables you to add your company’s logo, color palette, and fonts to all your designs with a single click.

For example, you can make a family tree diagram template reflect your brand design by uploading your brand logo, fonts, and color palette using Venngage’s branding feature.

Not only are Venngage templates free to use and professionally designed, but they are also tailored for various use cases and industries to fit your exact needs and requirements.

A business account also includes the  real-time collaboration feature , so you can invite members of your team to work simultaneously on a project.

Venngage allows you to share your family tree online as well as download it as a PNG or PDF file. That way, your design will always be presentation-ready.

5 Family Tree examples

Here are some family tree examples for inspiration that you can use to create a family tree:

1. Simple family tree

This simple family tree template has a distinguishable tree-like shape and features such as branches and colors. It is editable in Microsoft Excel and Word.

2. Ancestry family tree

If you want a unique and more effectively illustrated family tree, this is the template you’re looking for. It has a horizontal layout with the starting point placed in the middle and extending to the left and right to better display ancestors from both sides of the family:

3. Blank family tree

For a more organized and unified family tree, this template is what you should use. It focuses on the structure of the tree and the arrangement of its parts through clearly defined connections and allotting only small spaces for each family member:

4. Graphic family tree

Here’s a template that you can use if you want to represent family members with icons or graphic illustrations instead of photos. It also uses roles as labels instead of names, which is more effective at portraying relationships.

5. Four generation family tree

Last but not least, here’s a perfect example of a family tree that depicts four generations of family members. If you want your family tree diagram to focus on distant relatives instead of immediate family members, then this template will come in handy:

How can you make a family tree diagram with Venngage?

Venngage’s  Family Tree Maker  lets you create a family tree diagram in 4 simple steps:

• Sign up to create an account and use the Family Tree Maker for free
• Choose a free template from Venngage’s Templates library
• Edit the template to create new shapes, reconnect the lines, add labels, and upload your own images or choose free stock photos and graphics from our library
• Download your family tree as a PDF or PNG file or share it online with your family and friends

Is there a template for a family tree?

There are many family tree templates available online. However, using Venngage’s templates means you can also use the smart editor for free and not have to download or purchase a graphic design software just to edit a template. Venngage also offers a Genogram Maker .

How do you start a family tree online?

You can use a variety of online design platforms and software to create a family tree but they may require you to purchase plans and templates. Fortunately, Venngage is a free tool and has free templates to help you create a family tree without any restrictions.

What program do you use to make a family tree?

When it comes to creating a family tree, you have plenty of options including traditional tools like Microsoft Word or PowerPoint. Check out this blog for the top family tree software picks.

However, if you’re looking for a user-friendly and visually appealing experience, consider Venngage! Venngage provides customizable family tree templates , allowing you to personalize and showcase your family connections with ease. The easy-to-use interface simplifies the process, making it easy for anyone to create a unique and engaging family tree.

Create a family tree using Venngage’s Family Tree Maker to better visualize family relationships

Making a family tree diagram can help you learn about your family history and understand the connections between family members. Use Venngage’s  Family Tree Maker  to create a well-defined family tree.

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About my family.

Look at the email and do the exercises to practise and improve your writing skills.

Instructions

Do the preparation exercise first. Then read the email and do the other exercises.

Preparation

Do this exercise before you start.

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Subject: My family

Let me tell you about my family. I live with my mum, my dad and my big sister. We live in California. My mum’s name is Carmen. She’s Mexican and she speaks English and Spanish. She’s a Spanish teacher. She’s short and slim, she’s got long, brown hair and brown eyes. My dad’s name is David. He’s American. He’s tall and a little fat! He’s got short brown hair and blue eyes. He works in a bank. My sister Shania is 14 and she loves listening to music. She listens to music all the time! She’s got long brown hair and green eyes, like me. I’ve got long hair too. We’ve got a pet dog, Brandy. He’s black and white and very friendly.

Write soon and tell me about your family.

Check your understanding: gap fill

Check your writing: gap fill, check your writing: multiple choice, worksheets and downloads.

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Family Tree ESL Writing Activity

This activity is appropriate for all ages and levels. By using the Family Tree ESL Activity in class, students can develop their descriptive writing skills. You can easily adjust the level of difficulty depending on your context.

Student Level: Beginner , Intermediate , Advanced

Age Group: Kids , Adults

Family Tree ESL Activity Preparation:

For this activity, all that you need is some lined paper for the students to write on. If you want, you could also prepare a list of vocabulary that they could use for their writing. Find terms related to family and any other vocabulary that you would like to reinforce.

Family Tree ESL Activity Guidelines:

First, start the class off with a discussion about family. You may want to begin by describing your own family and relatives. Go back a generation or two. Try to elaborate on some personal characteristics, personalities, and appearances of some people in your family. Be as descriptive as you can to set a good example to follow.

You could write down a few key terms or vocabulary on the board. Students can refer to the words in their conversations.

Next, put the students into pairs or groups and set a time limit for their discussion. After they have discussed their families for a few minutes, lead feedback.

For the next stage, draw a family tree on the board of your family. On the other hand, you could draw the family of a student volunteer. Having a visual aid such as this can help with the writing process.

Beside the family tree, you could also provide a rough outline of the writing outline. If the class is lower level, writing a few simple sentences would work well. However, if they are more advanced, you could do a full paragraph or even a short essay.

When you finish the family tree diagram and the writing outline on the board, hand out the lined paper to the class. Of course, depending on your situation, they may already have paper or notebooks prepared.

Assign the writing exercise. Tell them to create a similar family tree on the paper along with their outline. Stressing the importance of an outline for longer writing assignments is helpful.

Give them anywhere from ten to twenty minutes to complete the task. If you are cramped for time, then they could hand it in for the next class. Monitor their progress as they write in class. Make note of any problems or repetitive mistakes in their writing.

When they have finished, you may want to have them do some peer editing in pairs.

Finally, you can give the class some feedback on the writing errors that you noticed on the board. They can hand in their writing to you if you want to give more detailed advice for how they can improve their assignments.

Follow-Up ESL Activities:

Time permitting, you could end the class with a fun vocabulary game. The Hot Seat ESL Game is great for all ages. If you would like to practice idioms and expressions, check out our searchable list of common English idioms and phrases .

More ESL Writing Activities for Kids and Adults:

• Three-Word Stories
• Running Dictation
• Christmas Story
• The Cube Test
• Daily Diary
• Movie Subtitles
• Five Senses
• News Report
• Comic Strips

View the writing activities archive .

View more ESL activities .

Related ESL Resources Online:

• Family Games on FreddiesVille.com