Biography Writing Guide

Task: to write or produce a biography about a member of your family who has significantly influenced your life so far

You may write a biography or produce a two minute movie about your chosen family member

Before writing/composing:

  1. Read or view at least five biographical stories, list them in your English Book and add any notes that you think might help you write your own biography.
  2. Read the tips on the ELF on Year 5/6‘myclasses’ page
  3. Plan your research questions
  4. Gather at least three sources of information about your subject. (interviews, letters, stories)
  5. Write up a timeline of important events in the subject’s life

Now you are ready to begin composing. Remember, begin the story at the point where their life becomes interesting or extraordinary.

Note the following guidelines:

For writing For movies

1. More than 2 and less than 10 A4 pages. / 1. A full storyboard with three lines of input to be composed (visual image/text, spoken word, sound effects/music)
2. At least one photo or image of the subject is required. / 2. Spoken text to be at a slow and steady pace(make sure you time yourself to fit with the visual effects)
3. Make sure your work is organized into paragraphs. / 3. All spoken text must be easily heard – volume must be checked and clarity must be a priority
4. Make sure you edit your work for spelling and grammar mistakes as well as for clarity of meaning. / 4. Make sure you edit your storyboard for spelling, grammar and visual aspects.
5. Attempt to use the literate features we have studied if they are appropriate such as:Personification, Elaboration, Simile and metaphor, Fast paced action, Include the subject’s feelings, thoughts and reflections, Interesting verb groups, Building suspense by delaying information, Limited direct speech (only when absolutely necessary) / 5. make sure your movie tells a unique story. Sometimes less is more – don’t try to do too much.
6. Remember to inform the reader of all the details – paint the picture so there are no gaps in information. The reader probably doesn’t know anything about your subject and doesn’t want to be confused by having some important detail left out! / 6. Remember to inform the reader of all the details – paint the picture so there are no gaps in information. The reader probably doesn’t know anything about your subject and doesn’t want to be confused by having some important detail left out!
7. You may handwrite or type your biography. Make sure there is no cutting and pasting from original materials though! / 7. Your movie must be saved on to a DVD to be presented to the class

If you follow these guidelines your work will include all the criteria necessary for an A1 piece of work!