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Capsule Biography

A capsule biography is a brief synopsis of a person’s life that highlights key facts, accomplishments, and other important details. It is usually no more than a few paragraphs and focuses on the most significant events in an individual’s life. It is often used to introduce a speaker at an event or provide a brief overview of a person’s life for an article or book.

Introduction

A capsule biography is a concise summary of a person’s life and accomplishments. It is a powerful way to showcase who you are and what you have achieved in a few words. It is an important component of professional networking and job applications, as it gives employers a brief overview of a candidate’s qualifications and experience. A well-crafted capsule biography is a great way to stand out and make a lasting impression. It should be concise, accurate, and structured in a way that is easily digestible for employers.

When crafting a capsule biography, it’s important to highlight the most important aspects of your life and career. Start off by introducing yourself and adding a few sentences about your personal background, such as where you come from, what you studied, or any awards you may have won. Then, move on to outlining your professional experience, such as past positions held, the companies you have worked for, and any skills you have acquired along the way. Finally, include a few sentences about your ambitions and any accomplishments you are proud of.

By taking the time to craft a compelling capsule biography, you can ensure that employers have a clear view of who you are and what you have to offer. It is a powerful tool for making a great first impression and can be the difference between getting the job or being passed over.

Definition of a Capsule Biography

A capsule biography is a short, concise, and to the point description of a person’s life, accomplishments, and career. It gives readers a broad overview of a person’s life in a few sentences or paragraphs. It also serves as a way to introduce an individual to the public, such as a job applicant or a political candidate. It is usually written by the individual themselves or a professional biographer.

A capsule biography should include basic information about the individual, such as their name, educational background, and work experience. It should also include any awards, honors, or distinctions they have achieved, as well as any special skills or interests they may have. It should be written in an engaging and interesting way, and should be kept to one page or less. In addition, the capsule biography should be tailored to the audience, as different groups may be interested in different facts about the individual.

Finally, it is important to remember that a capsule biography should be kept up to date. As a person’s life, accomplishments, and career evolve, so should their capsule biography.

Types of Capsule Biographies

A capsule biography is a brief, informative summary of a person’s life and accomplishments. It is usually used to highlight the individual’s career, achievements, and qualifications. It may also be used to introduce the individual to potential employers, business partners, or investors. There are several types of capsule biographies, each with its own unique purpose.

The most common type of capsule biography is the professional biography. This type of biography is used to highlight a person’s professional background and accomplishments. It includes information such as work experience, education, and awards. This type of biography is typically used to apply for a job or to promote oneself in the business world.

Another type of capsule biography is the personal biography. This type of biography is used to highlight a person’s personal life and accomplishments. It includes information such as family, hobbies, and personal interests. This type of biography is often used for personal networking, promoting oneself in the social world, or when applying for scholarships.

Finally, the executive biography is used to highlight the accomplishments of a person in a business setting. This type of biography includes information such as professional experience, business decisions, and leadership qualities. It is typically used to introduce an individual to potential investors, partners, or employers.

No matter the type of capsule biography, it should be brief, well-written, and informative. It should provide readers with a clear understanding of the individual’s life and accomplishments. Furthermore, it should be presented in a professional manner and should be optimized for search engines.

Benefits of Writing a Capsule Biography

Writing a capsule biography can provide a number of benefits for individuals and businesses alike. A capsule biography can be used to summarize a person’s life and accomplishments, helping to promote a career, business, or individual’s accomplishments. A capsule biography can also be used as a marketing tool to showcase a person’s talents and experiences. Additionally, a capsule biography can be used to introduce a person to a potential employer or business contact, giving a brief, yet comprehensive, overview of the individual in question.

For businesses, a capsule biography can be used to promote the accomplishments and successes of an individual or team. This can be used to boost company morale, as well as help to attract new customers and clients. Additionally, a capsule biography can help to showcase a person’s skills and make them stand out from the crowd, helping to increase their chances of success.

Overall, writing a capsule biography can be an invaluable tool for individuals and businesses alike. It can provide an effective way to promote and market a person or business, showcase their skills and accomplishments, and give an overview of their experiences. Consequently, a capsule biography can be a powerful marketing tool that can help to maximize success.

Tips for Writing a Capsule Biography

Creating a capsule biography can be a daunting task. It’s important to remember that a capsule biography is a brief summary of one’s professional or personal life that highlights the key points in a concise and engaging way. It should be optimized for search engines and be SEO friendly.

When writing a capsule biography, it’s essential to include relevant data and real-world examples to provide an in-depth analysis of the subject. Additionally, it’s important to reference expert opinions and ensure that the content is informative and engaging.

When writing a capsule biography, it’s important to begin with a strong opening statement. The introduction should be brief and direct, while capturing the attention of the reader. It’s also important to highlight the subject’s key professional accomplishments and goals in an articulate and concise manner. Additionally, it’s important to include relevant data and real-world examples to provide an in-depth analysis of the subject.

Lastly, it’s important to proofread the capsule biography to ensure that the content is free from errors and presents the subject in an accurate and professional manner. By following these tips, one can create an effective and engaging capsule biography that accurately conveys the subject’s professional or personal life.

A capsule biography is a brief overview of a person’s life, career, accomplishments, and personal life. It is often used to introduce a person in an article, book, or other professional context. While it is typically brief, it should provide enough information to give the reader a clear idea of who the person is and what they have achieved. It should also be engaging and informative, as this helps to draw the reader in and encourages them to read further. By creating a capsule biography that is optimized for search engines, you can ensure that your work is found by the right people. With a bit of creativity and research, you can craft an effective and compelling capsule biography that gives readers the information they need.

FAQs About the Capsule Biography

Q1: What is a capsule biography? A1: A capsule biography is a brief description of a person’s life and accomplishments, usually no more than a few paragraphs in length.

Q2: What information should be included in a capsule biography? A2: A capsule biography should include the person’s name, education, work experience, any honors or awards they have received, and any other significant accomplishments.

Q3: How long should a capsule biography be? A3: Generally, a capsule biography should be no more than a few paragraphs in length. It should be concise and to the point.

A capsule biography is a useful tool for summarizing a person’s life in a concise, easy-to-read format. It is an effective way to give readers a brief overview of a person’s accomplishments, education, and other relevant information. It can be used to summarize a person’s life for a variety of purposes, such as a biography for a website, a career profile, or a resume. A capsule biography is a great way to quickly and effectively share information about a person’s life.

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Biographical Sketch Examples – A Guide to Biographical Sketches

A biographical sketch can be regarded as an account of the life and activities of a person or family. This sketch should be written by someone else and not the person that it is written for. When properly written, biographical sketches can tell many interesting facts about a person they are written for. It mentions the age the person lives, their occupation, hobbies, and many other things worth mentioning. 

So, how do your Write a Biographical Sketch?

When you write a biographical sketch, you must remember the purpose of the sketch, be precise, and highlight the achievements and influences of the person. Arrange your information logically, and verify your information before putting them out there. 

What Is A Good Example Of A Biographical Sketch?

An excellent example of a biographical sketch should include information on the individual or family’s names, residence, education, occupation, life activities, and other vital information. A biographical sketch must also have hobbies, friends, interests, and the influence of people in the individual’s life and achievements. 

A biographical sketch should be around 500 words and should include answers to the following questions;

• Where is the place of residence of the individual?
• What did they do for a living?
• Was the person married?
• Did they had children?
• What are the names of their parents or guardians?
• How long did they live in their last place of residence?
• Why did they join military or paramilitary forces like the Army or the Boys scout?
• What happened to them when they joined the military?
• What did they achieve in and outside of their main occupation?
• When did they die?
• How friends, family, and other people did remember them?

Please type your biographical sketch with the 12-point font and double-spaced. It is also essential to check for punctuation, spelling, and verbal usage errors. It would be best if you allowed friends, family, and another person who has come across the individual to contribute any vital information to the sketch, as they have the necessary information that can be useful in many ways. 

You may not be able to answer all the biographical sketch questions fully; that is okay as long as you make the final report very interesting. 

Tips And Ideas For Writing Biographical Sketch

A biographical sketch is supposed to paint the abbreviated picture of an individual’s life. It can be written about your own life or someone else’s. When written about someone else’s life, the sketch must explain who the person is and highlight their achievements. If a biological sketch is about you, then the same rule applies. 

You must get permission before you write a biography sketch. You must approach the individual or their family members and ask for their permission to write about the individual’s life. 

In some cases, asking for permission may not be necessary, for instance, if the individual is a public figure or deceased individual, but seeking approval will make your work a lot easier. 

If an individual wants a biographical sketch, they will surely provide some vital information or resources you will need to do the work. You may throw in your skill into the write-up, but the primary information about the person is more important. For this reason, getting permission and a true story from the right source is always an excellent step to take. 

In addition to presenting an individual or yourself in a positive light, you must keep readers engaged and wanting to know more. 

The first thing you must keep in mind when writing a biographical sketch is to remember your purpose. This notion means the sketch must provide the core information about the individual. You must include the full names, place of birth, occupation, family background, and significant accomplishments. 

If you are writing a biographical sketch about yourself, it is known as an autobiographical sketch. You may write this sketch to promote yourself, for instance, when you want to sell a book. When a biographical sketch is about you, then your primary focus should be your accomplishments.

Another tip that is vital for a successful biographical sketch is conciseness. It would be best if you were concise with all information provided. You should aim for 500 words or less with your biographical sketches. This should fit into a single-spaced, standard page. Keep in mind that a sketch is a condensed or compressed version of a fuller biography; hence you should pay attention to the core information. 

The core information in a biographical sketch includes; background and history plus accomplishments. To be concise with the information provided, you must choose the essential sentiments due to the space confinement for the report. 

It would be best if you highlighted the achievements and influences of the recipient of the biographical sketch. Highlighting the recipient’s accomplishments will impress the audience more and make them more interested in the person. 

It would be best to mention how life’s accomplishments affected the individual’s life, and you may incorporate their influences into the sketch.  An example of highlighting achievement in a biographical sketch is as follows;

“Marcus Rashford is a wall street Journal author who speaks worldwide about how small and medium businesses can escape the effects of marketing mediocrity to produce tangible results. Forbes named him one of the most influential people shaping modern business marketing”. 

This brief highlight showcases the occupation of the individual and his achievement within the sector. Every other achievement mentioned in a biographical sketch should follow a similar format to save space. 

Now that you have mentioned the life achievements of the individuals and their background, the next step is to arrange your information logically or in sequence. You must have gathered all the necessary information. Hence it would be best if you gathered your fact. 

Keep in mind that 500-word content will probably give you 4-5 paragraphs to include all necessary information. You may want to write the biographical sketch in chronological order or retell their life in full, but the space constraint remains an issue. 

In an autobiographical sketch, you may have to consider a bullet list to highlight achievements. It all depends on how much information you have and how well you want to summarize such. You must be ready to shorten your information to include all achievement highlights. 

Verifying your information is as essential as any other tip here. Before you publish or present a biographical sketch of an individual, you must double-check all your sources. You must confirm your information to be accurate to prevent misrepresentation that can mislead people. 

Sometimes, interviewing the person involved may be necessary; otherwise, you must have a credible source for your information. 

What Is The Difference Between Biographical Sketch And Capsule Biographical? 

People often confuse capsule biography with a biographical sketch, but there is a wide range of differences between the two. 

The main difference is that a biographical sketch is like a summary of a capsule biography, which means you can extend a biographical sketch into a full bio. The Capsule biography covers some essential elements: name, birthplace, parents’ names, significant achievements, and death. 

You may think that the elements in a capsule biography are the same as those in a biographical sketch, capsule biography can include more details on its descriptions. For instance, you can provide the achievements of the individual in more information; likewise, they may emphasize personal information more. 

What You Must Avoid In Biography Sketch

Aside from making brief descriptions of the accomplishments of an individual, there are some things you should avoid including in such a biography.

For instance, you must not include attempts at any accomplishments. These are regarded as incomplete, and they should not be mentioned in the sketch except when references are made. 

You must not include personal issues such as divorces, criminal convictions, and information on other related matters in biography sketches. Such sketches aim to emphasize the accomplishments of an individual and not their shortcomings. 

You must not include fabricated accomplishments, titles, positions, and awards in a biography sketch. You can quickly discover false information in this modern digital age; hence You could remove your biography sketch, and you could be sanctioned. It is better to avoid exaggerated achievements than to get caught up in lies. 

Everyone should have a biography sketch, and you don’t have to wait until you are old or passed away to have a biographical sketch. A biographical sketch can help generations after you know more about your life, and you may become a source of inspiration to them.  

If you are writing about someone else, you should do comprehensive research and confirm every detail of the information you get before you publish them in the biographical sketch. Not gaining permission for a biographical sketch can lead to litigations, and you may find yourself paying huge fines or even go to jail for such. Please make sure the relatives of the individual get the sketch before you publish it.

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How to Write a Biography

Last Updated: April 1, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Stephanie Wong Ken, MFA . Stephanie Wong Ken is a writer based in Canada. Stephanie's writing has appeared in Joyland, Catapult, Pithead Chapel, Cosmonaut's Avenue, and other publications. She holds an MFA in Fiction and Creative Writing from Portland State University. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,849,729 times.

Writing a biography can be a fun challenge, where you are sharing the story of someone’s life with readers. You may need to write a biography for a class or decide to write one as a personal project. Once you have identified the subject of the biography, do your research so you know as much about them as possible. Then, dive into the writing of the biography and revising it until it is at its finest.

Researching Your Subject

• If the subject does not give you permission to write the biography, you may want to choose a different subject. If you decide to publish the biography without the subject’s permission, you may be susceptible to legal action by the subject.
• If the subject is no longer alive, you obviously do not need to ask permission to write about them.

• You may create research questions to help focus your research of the subject, such as, What do I find interesting about the subject? Why is this subject important to readers? What can I say that is new about the subject? What would I like to learn more about?

• For in person interviews, record them with a tape recorder or a voice recorder on your computer or phone.
• You may need to interview the subject and others several times to get the material you need.

• You may also want to visit areas where the subject made a major decision or breakthrough in their life. Being physically in the area can give you a sense of how the subject might have felt and help you write their experiences more effectively.

• When researching the time period ask yourself: What were the social norms of that time? What was going on economically and politically? How did the social and political climate affect the subject?

• You may also include historical events or moments that affected the subject on the timeline. For example, maybe there was a conflict or civil war that happened during the person’s life that affected their life.

Writing the Biography

• You may end up focusing on particular areas of the person’s life. If you do this, work through a particular period in the person’s life chronologically.

• For example, you may have a thesis statement about focusing on how the person impacted the civil rights movement in America in the 1970s. You can then make sure all your content relates back to this thesis.

• Flashbacks should feel as detailed and real as present day scenes. Use your research notes and interviews with the subject to get a good sense of their past for the flashbacks.
• For example, you may jump from the person’s death in the present to a flashback to their favorite childhood memory.

• For example, you may focus on the person’s accomplishments in the civil rights movement. You may write a whole section about their contributions and participation in major civil rights marches in their hometown.

• For example, you may notice that the person’s life is patterned with moments of adversity, where the person worked hard and fought against larger forces. You can then use the theme of overcoming adversity in the biography.

• For example, you may note how you see parallels in the person’s life during the civil rights movement with your own interests in social justice. You may also commend the person for their hard work and positive impact on society.

Polishing the Biography

• Revise the biography based on feedback from others. Do not be afraid to cut or edit down the biography to suit the needs of your readers.

• Having a biography riddled with spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors can turn off your readers and result in a poor grade if you are handing in the text for a class.

• If the biography is for a class, use MLA , APA , or Chicago Style citations based on the preferences of your instructor.

Biography Help

Community Q&A

• Be careful when publishing private or embarrassing information, especially if the person is not a celebrity. You may violate their "Right of Privacy" or equivalent. Thanks Helpful 31 Not Helpful 5
• Have the sources to back up your statements about the subject's life. Untruthful written statements can lead to litigation. If it is your opinion, be clear that it is such and not fact (although you can support your opinion with facts). Thanks Helpful 16 Not Helpful 15

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://grammar.yourdictionary.com/writing/how-to-write-a-biography.html
• ↑ https://au.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-write-a-bio
• ↑ https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/writing/how-to-write-a-biography.html
• ↑ https://www.writersdigest.com/writing-articles/3-tips-for-writing-successful-flashbacks
• ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/how-to-write-bio/
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/editing-and-proofreading/
• ↑ https://www.plagiarism.org/article/how-do-i-cite-sources

About This Article

Before you write a biography, gather as much information about the subject that you can from sources like newspaper articles, interviews, photos, existing biographies, and anything else you can find. Write the story of that person’s life, including as much supporting detail as you can, including information about the place and time where the person lived. Focus on major events and milestones in their life, including historical events, marriage, children, and events which would shape their path later in life. For tips from our reviewer on proofreading the biography and citing your sources, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Write a Biography

Biographies are big business. Whether in book form or Hollywood biopics, the lives of the famous and sometimes not-so-famous fascinate us.

While it’s true that most biographies are about people who are in the public eye, sometimes the subject is less well-known. Mostly though, famous or not, the person who is written about has led a life that is in some way incredible.

While your students will most likely have a basic understanding of a biography, it’s worth taking a little time before they put pen to paper to tease out a crystal clear definition of a biography.

What Is a Biography?

Simply put, a biography is an account of someone’s life written by someone else . While there is a genre known as a fictional biography, for the most part, biographies are, by definition, nonfiction.

Generally speaking, biographies provide an account of the subject’s life from the earliest days of their childhood right up to the present day or their death if the subject is deceased.

The job of a biography is more than just to outline the bare facts of a person’s life.

Rather than just listing the basic details of their upbringing, hobbies, education, work, relationships, and death, a well-written biography should also paint a picture of the subject’s personality, and as well as their experience of life.

A COMPLETE UNIT ON TEACHING BIOGRAPHIES

Teach your students to write AMAZING BIOGRAPHIES & AUTOBIOGRAPHIES using proven RESEARCH SKILLS and WRITING STRATEGIES .

• Understand the purpose of both forms of biography.
• Explore the language and perspective of both.
• Prompts and Challenges to engage students in writing a biography.
• Dedicated lessons for both forms of biography.
• Biographical Projects can expand students’ understanding of reading and writing a biography.
• A COMPLETE 82-PAGE UNIT – NO PREPARATION REQUIRED.

What Are the Main Features of a Biography?

Before students begin writing a biography, they’ll need to have a firm grasp of the main features of the genre. A good way to determine how well they understand these essential elements of the genre is by asking them to compile a checklist.

At a minimum, their checklists should contain the items below. Be sure to help them fill in any gaps before moving on to the writing process.

The purpose of a biography is to provide an account of someone’s life.

Biography structure.

ORIENTATION (BEGINNING) Open your biography with a strong hook to grab the reader’s attention

SEQUENCING: In most cases, biographies are written in chronological order unless you are a very competent writer consciously trying to break from this trend.

COVER: childhood, upbringing, education, influences, accomplishments, relationships, etc. – everything that helps the reader to understand the person.

CONCLUSION: Wrap your biography up with some details about what the subject is doing now if they are still alive. If they have passed away, make mention of what impact they have made and what their legacy is or will be.

BIOGRAPHY FEATURES

LANGUAGE Use descriptive and figurative language that will paint images inside your audience’s minds as they read. Use time connectives to link events.

PERSPECTIVE Biographies are written from the third person’s perspective.

DETAILS: Give specific details about people, places, events, times, dates, etc. Reflect on how events shaped the subject. You might want to include some relevant photographs with captions. A timeline may also be of use depending upon your subject and what you are trying to convey to your audience.

TENSE Written in the past tense (though ending may shift to the present/future tense)

THE PROCESS OF WRITING A BIOGRAPHY

Like any form of writing, you will find it simple if you have a plan and follow it through. These steps will ensure you cover the essential bases of writing a biography essay.

Firstly, select a subject that inspires you. Someone whose life story resonates with you and whose contribution to society intrigues you. The next step is to conduct thorough research. Engage in extensive reading, explore various sources, watch documentaries, and glean all available information to provide a comprehensive account of the person’s life.

Creating an outline is essential to organize your thoughts and information. The outline should include the person’s early life, education, career, achievements, and any other significant events or contributions. It serves as a map for the writing process, ensuring that all vital information is included.

Your biography should have an engaging introduction that captivates the reader’s attention and provides background information on the person you’re writing about. It should include a thesis statement that summarizes the main points of the biography.

Writing a biography in chronological order is crucial . You should begin with the person’s early life and move through their career and achievements. This approach provides clarity on how the person’s life unfolded and how they accomplished their goals.

A biography should be written in a narrative style , capturing the essence of the person’s life through vivid descriptions, anecdotes, and quotes. Avoid dry, factual writing and focus on creating a compelling narrative that engages the reader.

Adding personal insights and opinions can enhance the biography’s overall impact, providing a unique perspective on the person’s achievements, legacy, and impact on society.

Editing and proofreading are vital elements of the writing process. Thoroughly reviewing your biography ensures that the writing is clear, concise, and error-free. You can even request feedback from someone else to ensure that it is engaging and well-written.

Finally, including a bibliography at the end of your biography is essential. It gives credit to the sources that were used during research, such as books, articles, interviews, and websites.

Tips for Writing a Brilliant Biography

Biography writing tip #1: choose your subject wisely.

There are several points for students to reflect on when deciding on a subject for their biography. Let’s take a look at the most essential points to consider when deciding on the subject for a biography:

Interest: To produce a biography will require sustained writing from the student. That’s why students must choose their subject well. After all, a biography is an account of someone’s entire life to date. Students must ensure they choose a subject that will sustain their interest throughout the research, writing, and editing processes.

Merit: Closely related to the previous point, students must consider whether the subject merits the reader’s interest. Aside from pure labors of love, writing should be undertaken with the reader in mind. While producing a biography demands sustained writing from the author, it also demands sustained reading from the reader.

Therefore, students should ask themselves if their chosen subject has had a life worthy of the reader’s interest and the time they’d need to invest in reading their biography.

Information: Is there enough information available on the subject to fuel the writing of an entire biography? While it might be a tempting idea to write about a great-great-grandfather’s experience in the war. There would be enough interest there to sustain the author’s and the reader’s interest, but do you have enough access to information about their early childhood to do the subject justice in the form of a biography?

Biography Writing Tip #2: R esearch ! Research! Research!

While the chances are good that the student already knows quite a bit about the subject they’ve chosen. Chances are 100% that they’ll still need to undertake considerable research to write their biography.

As with many types of writing , research is an essential part of the planning process that shouldn’t be overlooked. If a student wishes to give as complete an account of their subject’s life as possible, they’ll need to put in the time at the research stage.

An effective way to approach the research process is to:

1. Compile a chronological timeline of the central facts, dates, and events of the subject’s life

2. Compile detailed descriptions of the following personal traits:

•      Physical looks
•      Character traits
•      Values and beliefs

3. Compile some research questions based on different topics to provide a focus for the research:

• Childhood : Where and when were they born? Who were their parents? Who were the other family members? What education did they receive?
• Obstacles: What challenges did they have to overcome? How did these challenges shape them as individuals?
• Legacy: What impact did this person have on the world and/or the people around them?
• Dialogue & Quotes: Dialogue and quotations by and about the subject are a great way to bring color and life to a biography. Students should keep an eagle eye out for the gems that hide amid their sources.

As the student gets deeper into their research, new questions will arise that can further fuel the research process and help to shape the direction the biography will ultimately go in.

Likewise, during the research, themes will often begin to suggest themselves. Exploring these themes is essential to bring depth to biography, but we’ll discuss this later in this article.

Research Skills:

Researching for biography writing is an excellent way for students to hone their research skills in general. Developing good research skills is essential for future academic success. Students will have opportunities to learn how to:

• Gather relevant information
• Evaluate different information sources
• Select suitable information
• Organize information into a text.

Students will have access to print and online information sources, and, in some cases, they may also have access to people who knew or know the subject (e.g. biography of a family member).

These days, much of the research will likely take place online. It’s crucial, therefore, to provide your students with guidance on how to use the internet safely and evaluate online sources for reliability. This is the era of ‘ fake news ’ and misinformation after all!

COMPLETE TEACHING UNIT ON INTERNET RESEARCH SKILLS USING GOOGLE SEARCH

Teach your students ESSENTIAL SKILLS OF THE INFORMATION ERA to become expert DIGITAL RESEARCHERS.

⭐How to correctly ask questions to search engines on all devices.

⭐ How to filter and refine your results to find exactly what you want every time.

⭐ Essential Research and critical thinking skills for students.

⭐ Plagiarism, Citing and acknowledging other people’s work.

⭐ How to query, synthesize and record your findings logically.

BIOGRAPHY WRITING Tip #3: Find Your Themes In Biography Writing

Though predominantly a nonfiction genre, the story still plays a significant role in good biography writing. The skills of characterization and plot structuring are transferable here. And, just like in fiction, exploring themes in a biographical work helps connect the personal to the universal. Of course, these shouldn’t be forced; this will make the work seem contrived, and the reader may lose faith in the truthfulness of the account. A biographer needs to gain and maintain the trust of the reader.

Fortunately, themes shouldn’t need to be forced. A life well-lived is full of meaning, and the themes the student writer is looking for will emerge effortlessly from the actions and events of the subject’s life. It’s just a case of learning how to spot them.

One way to identify the themes in a life is to look for recurring events or situations in a person’s life. These should be apparent from the research completed previously. The students should seek to identify these patterns that emerge in the subject’s life. For example, perhaps they’ve had to overcome various obstacles throughout different periods of their life. In that case, the theme of overcoming adversity is present and has been identified.

Usually, a biography has several themes running throughout, so be sure your students work to identify more than one theme in their subject’s life.

BIOGRAPHY WRITING Tip: #4 Put Something of Yourself into the Writing

While the defining feature of a biography is that it gives an account of a person’s life, students must understand that this is not all a biography does. Relating the facts and details of a subject’s life is not enough. The student biographer should not be afraid to share their thoughts and feelings with the reader throughout their account of their subject’s life.

The student can weave some of their personality into the fabric of the text by providing commentary and opinion as they relate the events of the person’s life and the wider social context at the time. Unlike the detached and objective approach we’d expect to find in a history textbook, in a biography, student-writers should communicate their enthusiasm for their subject in their writing.

This makes for a more intimate experience for the reader, as they get a sense of getting to know the author and the subject they are writing about.

Student Examples of Biography Writing

• Year 5 Example
• Year 7 Example
• Year 9 Example

“The Rock ‘n’ Roll King: Elvis Presley”

Elvis Aaron Presley, born on January 8, 1935, was an amazing singer and actor known as the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Even though he’s been dead for nearly 50 years, I can’t help but be fascinated by his incredible life!

Elvis grew up in Tupelo, Mississippi, in a tiny house with his parents and twin brother. His family didn’t have much money, but they shared a love for music. Little did they know Elvis would become a music legend!

When he was only 11 years old, Elvis got his first guitar. He taught himself to play and loved singing gospel songs. As he got older, he started combining different music styles like country, blues, and gospel to create a whole new sound – that’s Rock ‘n’ Roll!

In 1954, at the age of 19, Elvis recorded his first song, “That’s All Right.” People couldn’t believe how unique and exciting his music was. His famous hip-swinging dance moves also made him a sensation!

Elvis didn’t just rock the music scene; he also starred in movies like “Love Me Tender” and “Jailhouse Rock.” But fame came with challenges. Despite facing ups and downs, Elvis kept spreading happiness through his music.

Tragically, Elvis passed away in 1977, but his music and charisma live on. Even today, people worldwide still enjoy his songs like “Hound Dog” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” Elvis Presley’s legacy as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll will live forever.

Long Live the King: I wish I’d seen him.

Elvis Presley, the Rock ‘n’ Roll legend born on January 8, 1935, is a captivating figure that even a modern-day teen like me can’t help but admire. As I delve into his life, I wish I could have experienced the magic of his live performances.

Growing up in Tupelo, Mississippi, Elvis faced challenges but found solace in music. At 11, he got his first guitar, a symbol of his journey into the world of sound. His fusion of gospel, country, and blues into Rock ‘n’ Roll became a cultural phenomenon.

The thought of being in the audience during his early performances, especially when he recorded “That’s All Right” at 19, sends shivers down my spine. Imagining the crowd’s uproar and feeling the revolutionary energy of that moment is a dream I wish I could have lived.

Elvis wasn’t just a musical prodigy; he was a dynamic performer. His dance moves, the embodiment of rebellion, and his roles in films like “Love Me Tender” and “Jailhouse Rock” made him a true icon.

After watching him on YouTube, I can’t help but feel a little sad that I’ll never witness the King’s live performances. The idea of swaying to “Hound Dog” or being enchanted by “Can’t Help Falling in Love” in person is a missed opportunity. Elvis may have left us in 1977, but he was the king of rock n’ roll. Long live the King!

Elvis Presley: A Teen’s Take on the Rock ‘n’ Roll Icon”

Elvis Presley, born January 8, 1935, was a revolutionary force in the music world, earning his title as the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Exploring his life, even as a 16-year-old today, I’m captivated by the impact he made.

Hailing from Tupelo, Mississippi, Elvis grew up in humble beginnings, surrounded by the love of his parents and twin brother. It’s inspiring to think that, despite financial challenges, this young man would redefine the music scene.

At 11, Elvis got his first guitar, sparking a self-taught journey into music. His early gospel influences evolved into a unique fusion of country, blues, and gospel, creating the electrifying genre of Rock ‘n’ Roll. In 1954, at only 19, he recorded “That’s All Right,” marking the birth of a musical legend.

Elvis wasn’t just a musical innovator; he was a cultural phenomenon. His rebellious dance moves and magnetic stage presence challenged the norms. He transitioned seamlessly into acting, starring in iconic films like “Love Me Tender” and “Jailhouse Rock.”

However, fame came at a cost, and Elvis faced personal struggles. Despite the challenges, his music continued to resonate. Even now, classics like “Hound Dog” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love” transcend generations.

Elvis Presley’s impact on music and culture is undeniable. He was known for his unique voice, charismatic persona, and electrifying performances. He sold over one billion records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling solo artists in history. He received numerous awards throughout his career, including three Grammy Awards and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Elvis’s influence can still be seen in today’s music. Many contemporary artists, such as Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, and Justin Timberlake, have cited Elvis as an inspiration. His music continues to be featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials.

Elvis left us in 1977, but his legacy lives on. I appreciate his breaking barriers and fearlessly embracing his artistic vision. Elvis Presley’s impact on music and culture is timeless, a testament to the enduring power of his artistry. His music has inspired generations and will continue to do so for many years to come.

Teaching Resources

Use our resources and tools to improve your student’s writing skills through proven teaching strategies.

BIOGRAPHY WRITING TEACHING IDEAS AND LESSONS

We have compiled a sequence of biography-related lessons or teaching ideas that you can follow as you please. They are straightforward enough for most students to follow without further instruction.

BIOGRAPHY LESSON IDEA # 1:

This session aims to give students a broader understanding of what makes a good biography.

Once your students have compiled a comprehensive checklist of the main features of a biography, allow them to use it to assess some biographies from your school library or on the internet using the feature checklist.

When students have assessed a selection of biographies, take some time as a class to discuss them. You can base the discussion around the following prompts:

• Which biographies covered all the criteria from their checklist?
• Which biographies didn’t?
• Which biography was the most readable in terms of structure?
• Which biography do you think was the least well-structured? How would you improve this?

Looking at how other writers have interpreted the form will help students internalize the necessary criteria before attempting to produce a biography. Once students have a clear understanding of the main features of the biography, they’re ready to begin work on writing a biography.

When the time does come to put pen to paper, be sure they’re armed with the following top tips to help ensure they’re as well prepared as possible.

BIOGRAPHY LESSON IDEA # 2:

This session aims to guide students through the process of selecting the perfect biography subject.

Instruct students to draw up a shortlist of three potential subjects for the biography they’ll write.

Using the three criteria mentioned in the writing guide (Interest, Merit, and Information), students award each potential subject a mark out of 5 for each of the criteria. In this manner, students can select the most suitable subject for their biography.

BIOGRAPHY LESSON IDEA # 3:

This session aims to get students into the researching phase and then prioritise events and organise them chronologically.

Students begin by making a timeline of their subject’s life, starting with their birth and ending with their death or the present day. If the student has yet to make a final decision on the subject of their biography, a family member will often serve well for this exercise as a practice exercise.

Students should research and gather the key events of the person’s life, covering each period of their life from when they were a baby, through childhood and adolescence, right up to adulthood and old age. They should then organize these onto a timeline. Students can include photographs with captions if they have them.

They can present these to the class when they have finished their timelines.

BIOGRAPHY LESSON IDEA # 4:

Instruct students to look over their timeline, notes, and other research. Challenge them to identify three patterns that repeat throughout the subject’s life and sort all the related events and incidents into specific categories.

Students should then label each category with a single word. This is the thematic concept or the broad general underlying idea. After that, students should write a sentence or two expressing what the subject’s life ‘says’ about that concept.

This is known as the thematic statement . With the thematic concepts and thematic statements identified, the student now has some substantial ideas to explore that will help bring more profound meaning and wider resonance to their biography.

BIOGRAPHY LESSON IDEA # 5:

Instruct students to write a short objective account of an event in their own life. They can write about anyone from their past. It needn’t be more than a couple of paragraphs, but the writing should be strictly factual, focusing only on the objective details of what happened.

Once they have completed this, it’s time to rewrite the paragraph, but they should include some opinion and personal commentary this time.

The student here aims to inject some color and personality into their writing, to transform a detached, factual account into a warm, engaging story.

Get our FREE Biography Writing Graphic Organizer

Use this valuable tool in the research and writing phases to keep your students on track and engaged.

WRITING CHECKLIST & RUBRIC BUNDLE

To Conclude

By this stage, your students should have an excellent technical overview of a biography’s essential elements.

They should be able to choose their subject in light of how interesting and worthy they are, as well as give consideration to the availability of information out there. They should be able to research effectively and identify emerging themes in their research notes. And finally, they should be able to bring some of their personality and uniqueness into their retelling of the life of another.

Remember that writing a biography is not only a great way to develop a student’s writing skills; it can be used in almost all curriculum areas. For example, to find out more about a historical figure in History, to investigate scientific contributions to Science, or to celebrate a hero from everyday life.

Biography is an excellent genre for students to develop their writing skills and to find inspiration in the lives of others in the world around them.

HOW TO WRITE A BIOGRAPHY TUTORIAL VIDEO

OTHER GREAT ARTICLES RELATED TO BIOGRAPHY WRITING

How to write an Autobiography

How to Write a Historical Recount Text

15 Awesome Recount & Personal Narrative Topics

Personal Narrative Writing Guide

What Is a Biography?

Learning from the experiences of others is what makes us human.

At the core of every biography is the story of someone’s humanity. While biographies come in many sub-genres, the one thing they all have in common is loyalty to the facts, as they’re available at the time. Here’s how we define biography, a look at its origins, and some popular types.

“Biography” Definition

A biography is simply the story of a real person’s life. It could be about a person who is still alive, someone who lived centuries ago, someone who is globally famous, an unsung hero forgotten by history, or even a unique group of people. The facts of their life, from birth to death (or the present day of the author), are included with life-changing moments often taking center stage. The author usually points to the subject’s childhood, coming-of-age events, relationships, failures, and successes in order to create a well-rounded description of her subject.

Biographies require a great deal of research. Sources of information could be as direct as an interview with the subject providing their own interpretation of their life’s events. When writing about people who are no longer with us, biographers look for primary sources left behind by the subject and, if possible, interviews with friends or family. Historical biographers may also include accounts from other experts who have studied their subject.

The biographer’s ultimate goal is to recreate the world their subject lived in and describe how they functioned within it. Did they change their world? Did their world change them? Did they transcend the time in which they lived? Why or why not? And how? These universal life lessons are what make biographies such a meaningful read.

Origins of the Biography

Greco-Roman literature honored the gods as well as notable mortals. Whether winning or losing, their behaviors were to be copied or seen as cautionary tales. One of the earliest examples written exclusively about humans is Plutarch’s Parallel Lives (probably early 2 nd century AD). It’s a collection of biographies in which a pair of men, one Greek and one Roman, are compared and held up as either a good or bad example to follow.

In the Middle Ages, Einhard’s The Life of Charlemagne (around 817 AD) stands out as one of the most famous biographies of its day. Einhard clearly fawns over Charlemagne’s accomplishments throughout, yet it doesn’t diminish the value this biography has brought to centuries of historians since its writing.

Considered the earliest modern biography, The Life of Samuel Johnson (1791) by James Boswell looks like the biographies we know today. Boswell conducted interviews, performed years of research, and created a compelling narrative of his subject.

The genre evolves as the 20th century arrives, and with it the first World War. The 1920s saw a boom in autobiographies in response. Robert Graves’ Good-Bye to All That (1929) is a coming-of age story set amid the absurdity of war and its aftermath. That same year, Mahatma Gandhi wrote The Story of My Experiments with Truth , recalling how the events of his life led him to develop his theories of nonviolent rebellion. In this time, celebrity tell-alls also emerged as a popular form of entertainment. With the horrors of World War II and the explosion of the civil rights movement, American biographers of the late 20 th century had much to archive. Instantly hailed as some of the best writing about the war, John Hersey’s Hiroshima (1946) tells the stories of six people who lived through those world-altering days. Alex Haley wrote the as-told-to The Autobiography of Malcom X (1965). Yet with biographies, the more things change, the more they stay the same. One theme that persists is a biographer’s desire to cast its subject in an updated light, as in Eleanor and Hick: The Love Affair that Shaped a First Lady by Susan Quinn (2016).

Types of Biographies

Contemporary Biography: Authorized or Unauthorized

The typical modern biography tells the life of someone still alive, or who has recently passed. Sometimes these are authorized — written with permission or input from the subject or their family — like Dave Itzkoff’s intimate look at the life and career of Robin Williams, Robin . Unauthorized biographies of living people run the risk of being controversial. Kitty Kelley’s infamous His Way: The Unauthorized Biography of Frank Sinatra so angered Sinatra, he tried to prevent its publication.

Historical Biography

The wild success of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton is proof that our interest in historical biography is as strong as ever. Miranda was inspired to write the musical after reading Ron Chernow’s Alexander Hamilton , an epic 800+ page biography intended to cement Hamilton’s status as a great American. Paula Gunn Allen also sets the record straight on another misunderstood historical figure with Pocahontas: Medicine Woman, Spy, Entrepreneur, Diplomat , revealing details about her tribe, her family, and her relationship with John Smith that are usually missing from other accounts. Historical biographies also give the spotlight to people who died without ever getting the recognition they deserved, such as The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks .

Biography of a Group

When a group of people share unique characteristics, they can be the topic of a collective biography. The earliest example of this is Captain Charles Johnson’s A General History of the Pirates (1724), which catalogs the lives of notorious pirates and establishes the popular culture images we still associate with them. Smaller groups are also deserving of a biography, as seen in David Hajdu’s Positively 4th Street , a mesmerizing behind-the-scenes look at the early years of Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Mimi Baez Fariña, and Richard Fariña as they establish the folk scene in New York City. Likewise, British royal family fashion is a vehicle for telling the life stories of four iconic royals – Queen Elizabeth II, Diana, Kate, and Meghan – in HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style by style journalist Elizabeth Holmes.

Autobiography

This type of biography is written about one’s self, spanning an entire life up to the point of its writing. One of the earliest autobiographies is Saint Augustine’s The Confessions (400), in which his own experiences from childhood through his religious conversion are told in order to create a sweeping guide to life. Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is the first of six autobiographies that share all the pain of her childhood and the long road that led to her work in the civil rights movement, and a beloved, prize-winning writer.

Memoirs are a type of autobiography, written about a specific but vital aspect of one’s life. In Toil & Trouble , Augusten Burroughs explains how he has lived his life as a witch. Mikel Jollett’s Hollywood Park recounts his early years spent in a cult, his family’s escape, and his rise to success with his band, The Airborne Toxic Event. Barack Obama’s first presidential memoir, A Promised Land , charts his path into politics and takes a deep dive into his first four years in office.

Fictional Biography

Fictional biographies are no substitute for a painstakingly researched scholarly biography, but they’re definitely meant to be more entertaining. Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler constructs Zelda and F. Scott’s wild, Jazz-Age life, told from Zelda’s point of view. The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict brings readers into the secret life of Hollywood actress and wartime scientist, Hedy Lamarr. These imagined biographies, while often whimsical, still respect the form in that they depend heavily on facts when creating setting, plot, and characters.

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Henri Beyle (Stendhal): a capsule biography

When the rotund Henri Beyle dropped dead in a Paris street in 1842 – ‘of apoplexy’ – only three mourners accompanied the coffin to its resting place in the Cimetière de Montmartre: one of them was the younger writer Prosper Mérimée. Incensed by the fact that no words had been spoken at the grave at this ‘pagan funeral’, Mérimée wrote a short memoir of their friendship. In fact, he didn't know much about his friend other than that he had served in the Napoleonic campaign and been a mostly indifferent diplomat in Italy, and that he was known in Paris as an occasional wit ( homme d'esprit ) and writer with a mania for disguises; what he had read of his books didn't inspire him terribly. Perhaps because he didn't know so much about the social figure, the sketchy portrait he left, with the bare title HB, is a captivating one.

For a son of the post-revolution like Mérimée, Beyle (born 1783) had the traits of a man of the previous century, and a contradictory man at that, ‘All his life he was dominated by his imagination, and never did anything except abruptly and with enthusiasm. However, he got it into his head that he acted in conformity with reason. “One must be guided in everything by LO-GIQUE”, he would say, pausing between the first syllable and the remainder of the word. But he had no patience for those whose logic differed from his own.’ 1

In fact, Stendhal was every bit a fully-fledged 19th-century writer of self-exploration, and he anticipated his own discovery in the 20th (in his autobiography The Life of Henry Brulard 2 he states that he is addressing the readers of 1935, not his contemporaries). Long before Flaubert and Proust, he was aware of the fitfulness and ambiguity of memory, its elusiveness when we try to snare it. Hence his famous digressive style, the comic zigzag he took from Sterne.

Stendhal had his mnemonic devices too. As a young boy in Grenoble he had been made to take drawing lessons by his father: this got him out of the house, which he found stifling. The 175 sketches which can be found scattered through the text of his autobiography, showing mostly street scenes or room arrangements, reminded him of that brief moment of freedom, and served as a visual framework for his writing. Feeling that there was truth in spontaneity, he wrote quickly (his autobiography was written over 4 months in the winter of 1835); and although he often presents exact dates in his writings (his early ability in mathematics had allowed him at 16 to quit the damp provincialism of Grenoble and enter the new Ecole Polytechnique in Paris), he was often slapdash in respect of chronology. What counted for Stendhal was the exact, discriminating account of motive or emotion. His famously dry book on love talked about it in terms of a ‘crystallisation’.

And there is the famous light, Mozartian touch: he was unsparing of himself as he was of others, the young provincial who hoped to cut a figure in the world and become a celebrated Don Juan even though he didn't have the physique (or indeed the inheritance) for it; writing his autobiography under an assumed name at 53 he is prepared to acknowledge that all he will be able to convey is the chasse au bonheur – the pursuit of happiness and not the experience itself. No cynicism is involved; only a serene wistfulness.

Stendhal's dedication to the brisk, discursive, associative feel of experience makes it an exhilarating experience to read his journals and travel books. Every situation in his life seems to lend itself to epigrammatic expression; and anecdotes themselves are occasions for expansive writing: on leave from his consular job at Civitavecchia and visiting his own country in 1837 and 1838, he dashed off a book called Memoirs of a Tourist . 3 Here is a snapshot from Lyons, on May 19:

‘Three days ago Mr Smith, an English puritan who had been living here for 10 years, decided it was time to leave this life. He swallowed the contents of an ounce bottle of Prussic acid. Two hours later after being very sick he was anywhere but on the point of dying, and to pass the time was rolled about on the floor. His landlord, an honest cobbler, was working in his shop in the room beneath: startled by the odd commotion and fearing that his furniture was getting damaged, he went upstairs. He knocked on the door. No reply; so he entered the room through a boarded-up door. He was aghast to see his tenant prostrate on the floor, and sent for Mr Travers, well-known surgeon and friend of the sick man. The surgeon came, treated Mr Smith, and very quickly brought him out of danger. Then he asked him: “What the devil did you drink?” “Some Prussic acid.” “Impossible, six drops would have killed you in a jiffy.” “Well, they told me it was Prussic acid.” “Who sold it to you then?” “The little chemist on the Quai de Saône.” “But usually you get your prescriptions made up at Girard, your neighbour right across the street here, the best pharmacist in Lyons!” “That's true, but the last time I bought some medicine from him, I had the impression he was overcharging me”.’

FURTHER READING

Many of the novels by Stendhal are available in passable translations: The Charterhouse of Parma, The Red and the Black, Armance, The Life of Mozart, On Love, etc.

Website dedicated to Stendhal: http://www.stendhalforever.com

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Definition of capsule

 (Entry 1 of 3)

Definition of capsule  (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

Definition of capsule  (Entry 3 of 3)

• narrow (down)
• apothegmatic
• compendious
• elliptic
• epigrammatic
• monosyllabic
• sententious
• telegraphic

Examples of capsule in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'capsule.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

French, from Latin capsula , diminutive of capsa box — more at case

circa 1693, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

1938, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing capsule

• time capsule
• Bowman's capsule

Dictionary Entries Near capsule

Cite this entry.

“Capsule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capsule. Accessed 1 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of capsule.

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Kids Definition of capsule  (Entry 2 of 2)

Medical Definition

Medical definition of capsule.

called also internal capsule

called also external capsule

More from Merriam-Webster on capsule

Nglish: Translation of capsule for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of capsule for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about capsule

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Definition of 'capsule'

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How do you write a capsule biography?

Table of Contents

• 1 How do you write a capsule biography?
• 2 What is the difference between biographical sketch and capsule biography?
• 3 What do you mean by biography?
• 4 Should a biographical sketch be written in third person?

If you’re interested in writing a biography, the following steps can get you started:

• Get permission. Once you’ve chosen the subject of the biography, seek permission to write about their life.
• Do your research.
• Form your thesis.
• Make a timeline.
• Use flashbacks.
• Include your thoughts.

What’s capsule biography?

Capsule Biography. If you’re writing your own biographical sketch, it can be extended into a capsule biography or full-blown autobiography. A capsule biography covers six pertinent elements: name, birthdate, birthplace, parents’ names, major achievements, and death.

What is the difference between biographical sketch and capsule biography?

The main difference is that a biographical sketch is like a summary of a capsule biography, which means you can extend a biographical sketch into a full bio. The Capsule biography covers some essential elements: name, birthplace, parents’ names, significant achievements, and death.

What is a pill capsule?

What is a capsule? Capsules include medication that’s enclosed in an outer shell. This outer shell is broken down in the digestive tract and the medication is absorbed into the bloodstream and then distributed and metabolized in much the same way as medication from a tablet.

What do you mean by biography?

1 : a usually written history of a person’s life a new biography of Abraham Lincoln. 2 : biographical writings as a whole the genre of biography. 3 : an account of the life of something (such as an animal, a coin, or a building) the biography of the commonwealth.

What is biographical sketch example?

Biographical Sketch Format for students Full name, date of birth/age, place of birth. Major personality traits. Educational details highlighting any major achievements or awards. His/Her contribution to society.

Should a biographical sketch be written in third person?

The information should be written in the third person instead of the first person so that it is useful to the intended audience. A bio can range from a few words to a page, depending on the intended purpose. It acts as a reference when you are being introduced to the audience.

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