What is a Biography? True Real Person A true story about a real person

Where do we find biographies?

Collective Biography

Individual Biography

What should we include? Introduction Facts about early life Facts about his/her accomplishments Interesting stuff Conclusion

Gather facts first! Wait to write your introduction You can’t write about something you don’t know. Make your writing interesting Collect lots of facts Tell what you think

Early Life Birth date Parents Siblings Place Physical appearance Position in the family

Important Accomplishments Why are they famous? Who helped them? What did they do? Where did they go to school? Who did they marry? Did they have children? How many boys or girl?

Other Interesting Stuff Pets Strange behavior? Important events in the world Things that helped to make them famous Funny stuff Habits

Introduction and Conclusion When you know your person, it is easier to write about them. Teaser Hook Tie it up

George Washington Father of our country Surveyor Farmer Soldier First President George Washington is often called "the father of his country" for his crucial role in fighting for, creating and leading the United States of America in its earliest days. Washington was a surveyor, farmer and soldier who rose to command the colonial forces in the Revolutionary War. His success in the war made him a tremendously popular figure in America even after he retired to his farm at Mount Vernon in 1783. He was the natural choice to serve as the country's first president in 1789 after the new United States Constitution was ratified. He served two terms, refused a third, and returned to his Virginia farm. In 1798 he was again commissioned as commander in chief of the army, a title he held until his death 18 months later. He was succeeded as president by John Adams.

Sources Fleischman, John. Phineas Gage. Boston: hm, 2002. http://www.who2.com/georgewashington.html