Biography Review Format
(Adapted from page 153 of Writers Express: a Houghton Mifflin Company)

Try to make your biographical sketch as interesting as possible. Here is the format you must follow:

· First Make a List! Look over the details you have gathered and choose the ones that make your subject sound very special or interesting.

· Paragraph One: Start by introducing you subject in a special way. Tell his or her name and a memorable detail or quotation.

· Middle Paragraphs: Give more details about your subject in chronological order. Use colorful adjectives and action verbs. You can also include a story or an anecdote about your subject. Break the person’s life into focused paragraphs. For example, early life, mid-life, end of life.

· Final Paragraph: End your biographical sketch with a thought that sums up your feelings about this person, including what you learned from reading about the person’s life.

Checklist:

1. Do your details help the reader get a picture of your subject?
2. Are your paragraphs in the best possible order?
3. Do you sound truly interested in your subject?

Tip: Read the sample biography on page 155 of your Writers Express Handbook. Use it as a model, though yours will be infinitely better!