Biography

Characteristics of a Biography #1 A story about a real person A story about a real person

Characteristics of a Biography # 2 Shows that the author knows a lot about the person Shows that the author knows a lot about the person The author must do extensive research on the subject by conducting interviews, reading books, scripts, etc. The author must do extensive research on the subject by conducting interviews, reading books, scripts, etc.

Characteristics of a Biography # 3 Describes the person’s environment Describes the person’s environment Such as, where, when and how they lived Such as, where, when and how they lived

Characteristics of a Biography# 4 Provides details that show the person in action Provides details that show the person in action Such as, their accomplishments, goals, behavior, etc. Such as, their accomplishments, goals, behavior, etc.

Characteristics of a Biography # 5 Shows how the person affects other people Shows how the person affects other people Such as, changes that they made in a person’s life which could include new discoveries in science and medicine or changes in laws; helping people, and includes the artists Such as, changes that they made in a person’s life which could include new discoveries in science and medicine or changes in laws; helping people, and includes the artists

Characteristics of a Biography #6 States or implies how the writer feels about the person States or implies how the writer feels about the person Different authors will or may have a different view point of the person Different authors will or may have a different view point of the person The author’s point of view could be positive or negative The author’s point of view could be positive or negative

First Hand Biography Reveals another person though the eyes of a writer who has had an ongoing, face-to-face, personal relationship with the person Reveals another person though the eyes of a writer who has had an ongoing, face-to-face, personal relationship with the person

Autobiography The main character is the author The main character is the author For example, if you were to write a biography about yourself, then that would be an autobiography For example, if you were to write a biography about yourself, then that would be an autobiography

Autobiography Recounts key incidents/events in the author’s life Recounts key incidents/events in the author’s life

Autobiography Describes major influences (people, events, places) on the writer Describes major influences (people, events, places) on the writer A teacherHome A teacherhome A Speech

Autobiography Describes interactions between the writer and significant people in his or her life Describes interactions between the writer and significant people in his or her life A teacherA pastorA fatherA mother

Unauthorized Biography Biography about a person that was not approved by the subject that the book is about Biography about a person that was not approved by the subject that the book is about These are usually about celebrities. These are usually about celebrities. Risk of suit is great Risk of suit is great Purpose is the entertain Purpose is the entertain

Autobiographical Write-A-Thon 10 Writing Tasks, 5 Minutes Each Are you up for the challenge? Silly question! Of course you are!

Task #1 What’s in a Name?: Names are an integral part of who we are. They shape our sense of who we are. Are these the names you would have chosen for yourself? Surname, middle name, first name? Is there a story behind your naming? Someone famous, a family member, weird initials? Does your name have symbolic meaning? Is it ethnic or historic or literary? Did your parents consider other names?

Task #2 Likes / Dislikes List: Make TWO columns, one titled “Likes,” the other “Dislikes,” and list from TEN to FIFTEEN specific items in each column.

Task #3 Personal Metaphors Animal Animal Movie Movie Colour Colour Season of the Year Season of the Year

Task #4 Extended Metaphors If you are like an alley cat, discuss four characteristics of an alley cat and explain the ways in which you have the same characteristics. If you are like an alley cat, discuss four characteristics of an alley cat and explain the ways in which you have the same characteristics.

Task #5 Unfinished Sentences I am moody when... I am moody when... I feel frustrated when... I feel frustrated when... I feel sentimental when... I feel sentimental when...

Which is wiser? A pen or a pencil? Which is wiser? A pen or a pencil? Which is smarter? A clock or a calendar? Which is smarter? A clock or a calendar? Which is happier? Music or art? Which is happier? Music or art?