Biographies : Biographies Tells the story of a person’s life.
Have you read a Biography? : Have you read a Biography? On your notes tell me about a biography that you have read. What was it like, was it just a list of facts about a person, or was it an interesting story?
Who are they written about? : Who are they written about? Biographies are usually written about famous or historical people. They not only tell the facts about a person’s life, they make sense of the person’s life.
Information is obtained from primary sources (letters, diaries, newspaper accounts etc) and secondary sources like reference books, other biographies etc.
Your biography : Your biography You will choose a person to write about – this can be a parent, or a grandparent. If you choose to write about someone famous or a historical figure you must do research on that person using books, and encyclopedia, or the internet. If you write about a person that you know you will need to interview that person.
The facts: : The facts: What do you need to include:
Research : Research So what do you want to know about your person? What will make an interesting biography? Here are some questions for you to think about when you interview or research your person:
Biography Questions of Import
In what ways was the life remarkable?
In what ways was the life despicable?
In what ways was the life admirable?
What human qualities were most influential in shaping the way this person lived and influenced his or her times?
More Questions : More Questions Which quality or trait proved most troubling and difficult?
Which quality or trait was most beneficial?
Did this person make any major mistakes or bad decisions? If so, what were they and how would you have chosen and acted differently if you were in their shoes?
What are the two or three most important lessons you or any other young person might learn from the way this person lived?
More Questions : More Questions An older person or mentor is often very important in shaping the lives of gifted people by providing guidance and encouragement. To what extent was this true of your person? Explain.
Many people act out of a "code" or a set of beliefs which dictate choices. It may be religion or politics or a personal philosophy. To what extent did your person act by a code or act independently of any set of beliefs? Were there times when the code was challenged and impossible to follow?
What do you think it means to be a hero? Was your person a "hero?" Why? Why not? How is a hero different from a celebrity?
Taken from http://www.bham.wednet.edu/bio/QUEST.HTM
Your Assignment : Your Assignment 1 – Choose a person to write a biography about. After watching this email me who you will write about.
2- Research that person
If it is an historical figure read books, look online for information
If it is someone you know interview that person – look at pictures, read letters get to know more than just the facts
3- Fill out your writing web with information you have learned