biography examples meaning

Definition of Biography

Common examples of biographical subjects, famous examples of biographical works, difference between biography, autobiography, and memoir, examples of biography in literature, example 1:  savage beauty: the life of edna st. vincent millay  (nancy milford).

One of the first things Vincent explained to Norma was that there was a certain freedom of language in the Village that mustn’t shock her. It wasn’t vulgar. ‘So we sat darning socks on Waverly Place and practiced the use of profanity as we stitched. Needle in, . Needle out, piss. Needle in, . Needle out, c. Until we were easy with the words.’

Example 2:  The Invisible Woman: The Story of Nelly Ternan and Charles Dickens  (Claire Tomalin)

The season of domestic goodwill and festivity must have posed a problem to all good Victorian family men with more than one family to take care of, particularly when there were two lots of children to receive the demonstrations of paternal love.

Example 3:  Virginia Woolf  (Hermione Lee)

‘A self that goes on changing is a self that goes on living’: so too with the biography of that self. And just as lives don’t stay still, so life-writing can’t be fixed and finalised. Our ideas are shifting about what can be said, our knowledge of human character is changing. The biographer has to pioneer, going ‘ahead of the rest of us, like the miner’s canary, testing the atmosphere , detecting falsity, unreality, and the presence of obsolete conventions’. So, ‘There are some stories which have to be retold by each generation’. She is talking about the story of Shelley, but she could be talking about her own life-story.

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What Is a Biography? Definition & 25+ Examples

Have you ever wondered what lies beneath the surface of history’s most influential figures?

Imagine a chance to delve into the intricate tapestry of their lives, unraveling the threads that have woven together the very essence of their character, and unearthing the pivotal moments that shaped their destinies.

Welcome to the enthralling world of biographies, where you are invited to embark on a captivating journey into the lives of the extraordinary. Prepare to be captivated by the compelling tales of human resilience, ingenuity, and ambition that lie at the heart of each biography.

Table of Contents

Defining Biography

A biography is a detailed account of a person’s life, written by someone other than the subject. The term “biography” is derived from two Greek words: “bio,” which means life, and “graphy,” which signifies writing. Thus, a biography is the written history of someone’s life, offering an in-depth look at their experiences, achievements, and challenges.

Biographies typically focus on the life of notable individuals, such as historical figures or celebrities, and provide a comprehensive view of their personal and professional journey.

Biographers, the authors of these works, aim to offer an accurate, well-researched portrayal of their subjects by studying various sources and conducting interviews if possible. This thorough research and attention to detail ensure that the resulting narrative is both informative and engaging.

Biographies are a subgenre of non-fiction literature, as they chronicle the lives of real people. However, not all life stories fall under the category of biography.

Autobiographies and memoirs, for instance, focus on the author’s own experiences and are written from a first-person perspective. While autobiographies aim to present an overarching narrative of the author’s life, memoirs tend to focus on specific incidents or periods.

When crafting a biography, it is essential for the biographer to maintain a neutral tone, avoiding any judgment or personal bias. This objectivity allows readers to form their opinions based on the presented facts, gaining a broader understanding of the subject.

Elements of a Biography

A well-crafted biography contains several key elements that provide a comprehensive picture of the subject’s life. These elements help readers gain a deeper understanding of the subject while fostering an emotional connection. Below are some essential aspects of a biography:

Personal and Family Background

The personal and family background section of a biography provides an essential foundation for understanding the subject’s journey and the factors that shaped their life. By exploring the subject’s early years, readers gain insight into the environment and experiences that influenced their character, values, and aspirations.

This section typically begins with an overview of the subject’s birthplace, family origins, and cultural heritage. It delves into the family dynamics, including descriptions of the subject’s parents, siblings, and extended family, shedding light on the relationships that played a crucial role in their development.

The personal and family background section also addresses significant life events, challenges, and milestones that occurred during the subject’s upbringing. These formative experiences may include pivotal moments, such as moving to a new city, attending a particular school, or encountering a mentor who had a lasting impact on their life.

Education and Career

The education and career section of a biography is crucial for understanding the intellectual and professional development of the subject. By tracing the subject’s academic journey and career progression, readers gain a clearer picture of the knowledge, skills, and experiences that shaped their path and contributed to their success.

This section begins by outlining the subject’s educational background, including the schools they attended, the degrees or qualifications they obtained, and any specialized training they received. It also highlights the subject’s academic achievements, such as scholarships, awards, or distinctions, and any influential mentors or teachers who played a significant role in their intellectual growth.

The education and career section also delves into the subject’s professional life, chronicling their work history, job titles, and key responsibilities. It explores the subject’s career trajectory, examining how they transitioned between roles or industries and the factors that influenced their choices.

Major Events and Turning Points

The major events and turning points section of a biography delves into the pivotal moments and experiences that significantly influenced the subject’s life, shaping their character, values, and destiny.

By exploring these transformative events, readers gain a deeper understanding of the forces and circumstances that drove the subject’s actions and choices, as well as the challenges and triumphs they faced along the way.

This section encompasses a wide range of events, which could include personal milestones, such as marriage, the birth of children, or the loss of a loved one.

These personal events often provide insights into the subject’s emotional landscape and reveal the support systems, relationships, and personal values that sustained them through difficult times or propelled them to greater heights.

Influences and Inspirations

The influences and inspirations section of a biography delves into the individuals, ideas, and events that had a profound impact on the subject’s beliefs, values, and aspirations.

By understanding the forces that shaped the subject’s worldview, readers gain a deeper appreciation for the motivations driving their actions and decisions, as well as the creative and intellectual foundations upon which their accomplishments were built.

This section often begins by identifying the key figures who played a significant role in the subject’s life, such as family members, mentors, peers, or historical figures they admired.

It explores the nature of these relationships and how they shaped the subject’s perspectives, values, and ambitions. These influential individuals can provide valuable insights into the subject’s personal growth and development, revealing the sources of inspiration and guidance that fueled their journey.

The influences and inspirations section also delves into the ideas and philosophies that resonated with the subject and shaped their worldview. This could include an exploration of the subject’s religious, political, or philosophical beliefs, as well as the books, theories, or artistic movements that inspired them.

This section examines the events, both personal and historical, that impacted the subject’s life and inspired their actions. These could include moments of personal transformation, such as a life-altering experience or an epiphany, or broader societal events, such as wars, social movements, or technological innovations.

Contributions and Impact

The contributions and impact section of a biography is pivotal in conveying the subject’s lasting significance, both in their chosen profession and beyond. By detailing their achievements, innovations, and legacies, this section helps readers grasp the extent of the subject’s influence and the ways in which their work has shaped the world around them.

This section begins by highlighting the subject’s key accomplishments within their profession, such as breakthroughs, discoveries, or innovative techniques they developed. It delves into the processes and challenges they faced along the way, providing valuable insights into their creativity, determination, and problem-solving abilities.

The contributions and impact section also explores the subject’s broader influence on society, culture, or the world at large. This could include their involvement in social or political movements, their philanthropic endeavors, or their role as a cultural icon.

In addition to discussing the subject’s immediate impact, this section also considers their lasting legacy, exploring how their work has continued to inspire and shape subsequent generations.

This could involve examining the subject’s influence on their successors, the institutions or organizations they helped establish, or the enduring relevance of their ideas and achievements in contemporary society.

Personal Traits and Characteristics

The personal traits and characteristics section of a biography brings the subject to life, offering readers an intimate glimpse into their personality, qualities, and views.

This section often begins by outlining the subject’s defining personality traits, such as their temperament, values, and passions. By exploring these attributes, readers gain insight into the subject’s character and the motivations driving their actions and decisions.

These qualities could include their perseverance, curiosity, empathy, or sense of humor, which may help explain their achievements, relationships, and outlook on life.

The personal traits and characteristics section also delves into the subject’s views and beliefs, offering a window into their thoughts and opinions on various topics. This could include their perspectives on politics, religion, culture, or social issues, providing readers with a clearer understanding of the context in which they operated and the factors that shaped their worldview.

Anecdotes and personal stories play a crucial role in illustrating the subject’s personality and characteristics, as they offer concrete examples of their behavior, actions, or interactions with others.

Quotes and first-hand accounts from the subject or those who knew them well can also be invaluable in portraying their personal traits and characteristics. These accounts offer unique insights into the subject’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences, allowing readers to see the world through their eyes and better understand their character.

Types of Biographies

Biographies come in various forms and styles, each presenting unique perspectives on the lives of individuals. Some of the most common types of biographies are discussed in the following sub-sections.

Historical Fiction Biography

Historical fiction biographies artfully weave together factual information with imaginative elements, creating a vibrant tapestry of the past. By staying true to the core of a historical figure’s life and accomplishments, these works offer a unique window into their world while granting authors the creative freedom to delve deeper into their emotions, relationships, and personal struggles.

Such biographies strike a delicate balance, ensuring that the essence of the individual remains intact while allowing for fictional embellishments to bring their story to life. This captivating blend of fact and fiction serves to humanize these iconic figures, making their experiences more relatable and engaging for readers who embark on a journey through the pages of history.

Here are several examples of notable historical fiction biographies:

• “Wolf Hall” by Hilary Mantel (2009)
• “The Paris Wife” by Paula McLain (2011)
• “Girl with a Pearl Earring” by Tracy Chevalier (1999)
• “The Other Boleyn Girl” by Philippa Gregory (2001)
• “Loving Frank” by Nancy Horan (2007)

Academic Biography

Academic biographies stand as meticulously researched and carefully crafted scholarly works, dedicated to presenting an accurate and comprehensive account of a subject’s life.

Authored by experts or researchers well-versed in their field, these biographies adhere to rigorous standards of accuracy, sourcing, and objectivity. They delve into the intricacies of a person’s life, achievements, and impact, scrutinizing every aspect with scholarly precision.

Intended for an educated audience, academic biographies serve as valuable resources for those seeking a deeper understanding of the subject’s contributions and influence. By placing the individual within the broader context of their time, these works illuminate the complex web of factors that shaped their lives and legacies.

While academic biographies may not always carry the same narrative flair as their fictional counterparts, their commitment to factual integrity and thorough analysis make them indispensable resources for scholars, students, and enthusiasts alike

Here are several examples of notable academic biographies:

• “Einstein: His Life and Universe” by Walter Isaacson (2007)
• “Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson (2011)
• “John Adams” by David McCullough (2001)
• “Alexander the Great” by Robin Lane Fox (1973)
• “Marie Curie: A Life” by Susan Quinn (1995)

Authorized Biographies

Authorized biographies offer a unique perspective on the lives of their subjects, as they are written with the explicit consent and, often, active participation of the individual in question.

This collaboration between the biographer and the subject can lead to a more accurate, detailed, and intimate portrayal of the person’s life, as the author is granted access to a wealth of personal information, documents, and anecdotes that might otherwise be inaccessible.

When working on an authorized biography, the biographer is typically given permission to access personal documents, such as letters, diaries, and photographs, which can provide invaluable insights into the subject’s thoughts, emotions, and experiences.

This primary source material allows the biographer to construct a narrative that is grounded in fact and captures the essence of the individual’s life and personality.

Here are several examples of notable authorized biographies:

• “Mandela: The Authorized Biography” by Anthony Sampson (1999)
• “Marilyn Monroe: The Biography” by Donald Spoto (1993)
• “Joni Mitchell: In Her Own Words” by Malka Marom (2014)
• “The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life” by Alice Schroeder (2008)
• “Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg” by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik (2015)

Fictionalized Academic Biography

Fictionalized academic biographies merge the best of both worlds, combining the rigorous research and scholarly integrity of academic biographies with the engaging storytelling of historical fiction.

Authors of these works expertly navigate the delicate balance between maintaining factual accuracy and venturing into the realm of imagination.

This approach allows them to explore the subject’s personal life, relationships, and the broader historical context in a compelling manner, while ensuring the narrative remains firmly rooted in well-researched facts.

Here are several examples of notable fictionalized academic biographies:

• “The Women” by T.C. Boyle (2009)
• “Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald” by Therese Anne Fowler (2013)
• “The Marriage of Opposites” by Alice Hoffman (2015)
• “Vanessa and Her Sister” by Priya Parmar (2014)
• “The Last Days of Night” by Graham Moore (2016)

Prophetic Biography

Prophetic biographies delve into the rich and profound narratives of religious figures or prophets, meticulously weaving together insights from sacred texts, religious traditions, and historical accounts.

By providing a comprehensive portrayal of the individual’s life, teachings, and impact on society, these biographies serve as an invaluable resource for understanding the pivotal role these figures played in shaping the course of religious history and the lives of the faithful.

Here are several examples of notable prophetic biographies:

• “Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources” by Martin Lings (1983)
• “The Life of Moses” by F.B. Meyer (1893)
• “The Life of the Buddha: According to the Pali Canon” by Bhikkhu Ñāṇamoli (1972)
• “The Quest of the Historical Jesus” by Albert Schweitzer (1906)
• “The Lives of the Saints” by Alban Butler (1756)

Biography Development Process

A biography is a comprehensive written account of an individual’s life, and the development process involves several essential components to ensure the biography’s accuracy and readability.

A biographer’s primary responsibility is to conduct extensive research in order to gather a comprehensive array of facts about the subject. This meticulous process involves reviewing various documents and sources that shed light on the individual’s life and experiences, as well as the historical context in which they lived.

Key documents, such as birth and death certificates, provide essential information about the subject’s origins and family background. Personal correspondence, letters, and diaries offer invaluable insights into the subject’s thoughts, emotions, relationships, and experiences. News articles, on the other hand, can reveal public perceptions of the subject, as well as their impact on society and culture.

Archives often serve as treasure troves of information for biographers, as they contain a wealth of primary sources that can help illuminate the subject’s life and times. These archives may include collections of personal papers, photographs, audio recordings, and other materials that offer first-hand accounts of the individual’s experiences or shed light on their accomplishments and impact.

Consulting relevant books and articles is another crucial aspect of a biographer’s research process, as these secondary sources provide context, analysis, and interpretation of the subject’s life and work.

By delving into the existing scholarship and engaging with the works of other researchers, biographers can solidify their understanding of the individual and the historical circumstances in which they lived.

Interviewing people who knew the subject personally is a vital component of a biographer’s research process, as it allows them to access unique insights, personal stories, and firsthand accounts of the individual’s life.

Friends, family members, co-workers, and colleagues can all offer valuable perspectives on the subject’s character, relationships, achievements, and challenges, thereby enriching the biographer’s understanding of their life and experiences.

While subjective anecdotes offer a more intimate glimpse into the subject’s personality and personal life, it is essential for biographers to balance these accounts with factual research.

By corroborating and contextualizing personal stories with objective information gleaned from primary and secondary sources, biographers can ensure that their portrayal of the individual’s life remains accurate and well-rounded.

This process of balancing subjective anecdotes with factual research also allows biographers to present a more nuanced and comprehensive view of their subject. By weaving together personal stories with historical context, biographers can create a richer and more engaging narrative that captures the complexity and multifaceted nature of the individual’s life.

In addition, by considering various perspectives and sources of information, biographers can address potential biases or discrepancies in their account, resulting in a more reliable and credible portrayal of the subject.

This careful attention to detail and commitment to accuracy not only enhances the quality of the biography but also helps establish trust between the biographer and their readers.

Chronological Narration

Organizing a biography in a chronological manner is a highly effective approach, as it allows readers to follow the subject’s life events in a logical and coherent sequence.

By presenting the information in a linear fashion, the biographer enables readers to trace the subject’s journey from their early years to their later accomplishments, making it easier to understand the context and progression of their life.

To effectively arrange a chronological narrative, the biographer should begin by highlighting significant milestones and accomplishments in the subject’s life. These key events serve as anchor points in the story, helping to structure the narrative and maintain the reader’s interest.

By focusing on these pivotal moments, the biographer can illustrate the subject’s growth, development, and achievements over time, providing a clear and engaging overview of their life’s trajectory.

Contextualization

Contextualizing the subject within their historical and cultural framework is a crucial aspect of biographical writing, as it enables readers to gain a deeper understanding of the individual’s life, choices, and significance.

Embedding the subject within their historical context involves examining the political, social, and economic landscape of the time. This includes exploring major events, trends, and issues that affected the subject’s life and decisions, such as wars, social movements, technological advancements, or cultural shifts.

Additionally, considering the subject’s cultural context is essential for understanding their beliefs, values, and creative expression. This involves examining the artistic, intellectual, and philosophical currents of the time, which may have influenced the subject’s work, ideas, or relationships.

Moreover, contextualizing the subject within their historical and cultural framework can help to humanize them, revealing the complexities, contradictions, and struggles that are often inherent in the human experience.

This approach offers readers a more nuanced and empathetic understanding of the subject, allowing them to see the person as a product of their time and circumstances, rather than as an isolated figure.

Famous Biographies and Biographers

The life of samuel johnson, ll.d. by james boswell (1791).

“The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D.” is a biography of the English writer and literary critic Samuel Johnson, written by his friend and contemporary James Boswell. Published in 1791, it is often considered one of the greatest biographies in the English language and a pioneering work in the development of modern biography as a literary genre.

Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) was a prominent figure in 18th-century English literature, known for his wide-ranging knowledge, wit, and moral authority. He is best remembered for his dictionary, “A Dictionary of the English Language,” published in 1755, which became the standard English dictionary for over a century. He was also a prolific essayist, poet, and critic.

James Boswell (1740-1795) was a Scottish lawyer, diarist, and author who became friends with Johnson in 1763. Over the course of their friendship, Boswell made detailed notes of their conversations and observations, which he later used as the basis for his biography.

“The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D.” is a comprehensive and vivid portrait of Johnson’s life, character, and work. Boswell covers Johnson’s early years, education, and struggles with poverty and illness, as well as his rise to prominence as a writer and his involvement in the vibrant literary circles of 18th-century London.

The biography also delves into Johnson’s friendships and relationships, including his long association with Hester Thrale, a prominent society hostess, and writer.

What sets Boswell’s biography apart is his skill in capturing Johnson’s personality, wit, and conversation. By presenting Johnson’s thoughts and opinions on a wide range of topics, as well as anecdotes and reminiscences from those who knew him, Boswell creates a vivid and engaging portrait of his subject.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (2010)

“The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” is a non-fiction book written by Rebecca Skloot, published in 2010. The book tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman whose cancer cells were taken without her knowledge or consent during a biopsy in 1951. These cells, known as HeLa cells, became the first immortal human cell line, reproducing indefinitely under laboratory conditions.

HeLa cells have been used extensively in medical research, contributing to significant scientific breakthroughs, such as the development of the polio vaccine, gene mapping, and cancer research.

Henrietta Lacks was a young mother of five when she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cervical cancer at the age of 31. She received treatment at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, where a sample of her cancerous tissue was taken without her knowledge. Henrietta passed away in 1951, but her cells continued to live on, revolutionizing medical research.

Rebecca Skloot spent more than a decade researching Henrietta Lacks’ life and the scientific history of HeLa cells. Skloot also interviewed Lacks’ surviving family members, who were unaware of Henrietta’s contribution to science until the 1970s.

The book explores the ethical issues surrounding the use of human tissue in research, the question of consent, and the lack of compensation for the Lacks family.

Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow (2004)

“Alexander Hamilton” is a comprehensive biography of the American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, written by historian and biographer Ron Chernow. Published in 2004, the book provides an in-depth look into Hamilton’s life, from his humble beginnings in the West Indies to his significant contributions as a statesman, economist, and influential figure in early American history.

Chernow’s biography delves into Hamilton’s early life as an orphan in the Caribbean, his immigration to the American colonies, and his education. It also explores his involvement in the American Revolutionary War, where he served as an aide to General George Washington and later as an artillery officer.

The book details Hamilton’s role in the development of the United States Constitution and his work as the first Secretary of the Treasury under President Washington, where he was instrumental in establishing the nation’s financial system.

“Alexander Hamilton” also examines Hamilton’s personal life, including his relationships, marriage, and infamous extramarital affair, as well as his longstanding political rivalries with figures such as Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Aaron Burr. The biography concludes with the story of Hamilton’s tragic death in a duel with Burr in 1804.

It received critical acclaim and won several awards, including the George Washington Book Prize. The biography also inspired Lin-Manuel Miranda to create the hit Broadway musical “Hamilton,” which premiered in 2015 and went on to achieve widespread popularity and numerous accolades, further solidifying Alexander Hamilton’s place in popular culture and history.

Notable Biographies in Different Fields

Science and technology.

Biographies in the field of science and technology offer fascinating insights into the lives and minds of extraordinary individuals who have made significant advancements in their respective fields.

These biographies often provide an in-depth look at the personal and professional lives of scientists, inventors, engineers, and other innovators, highlighting their discoveries, inventions, and contributions to human knowledge and progress.

Arts and Literature

Biographies of artists, actors, and writers often provide captivating and inspiring accounts of the lives of these creative individuals. By examining their personal and professional journeys, these biographies allow readers to gain a deeper understanding of the inspirations, motivations, and challenges that have shaped their subjects’ artistic achievements.

These biographies often delve into the early lives of their subjects, exploring formative experiences that may have influenced their creative paths. They also examine the artistic processes and the development of the subjects’ distinctive styles, providing valuable insights into their creative methodologies, influences, and inspirations.

Sports and Athletics

Biographies of athletes provide riveting accounts of the lives and careers of remarkable individuals who have achieved greatness in the world of sports. These stories often serve as powerful sources of inspiration, showcasing the dedication, perseverance, and triumphs of athletes who have overcome obstacles and pushed the boundaries of human potential.

These biographies delve into the formative experiences of their subjects, exploring how early influences, innate talent, and personal motivations led them to pursue athletic excellence. They also provide insights into the rigorous training regimens, discipline, and sacrifices that athletes make to achieve their goals, highlighting the incredible determination and work ethic that underpin their success.

Additionally, biographies of athletes often touch on the personal challenges and setbacks these individuals have faced, such as injuries, controversies, or personal struggles.

Historical Figures

Biographies of historical figures offer a unique window into the lives, personalities, and experiences of individuals who have left lasting impacts on the world. By delving into the stories of these influential people, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the political, social, and cultural contexts that shaped their actions and decisions, as well as the lasting legacies they left behind.

These biographies often provide richly detailed accounts of their subjects’ lives, including their upbringing, education, relationships, and personal struggles. By exploring the complex facets of these individuals, biographies help to humanize historical figures, providing a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of their motivations, beliefs, and actions.

In addition to personal narratives, biographies of historical figures often weave together broader historical contexts and events. This allows readers to gain valuable insights into the social, political, and cultural forces that influenced their subjects’ lives and decisions.

Writing a Compelling Biography

A captivating biography requires more than just a simple retelling of a person’s life events. It delves into their personal experiences, relationships, and accomplishments, while maintaining an objective and authentic approach.

Being Objective and Authentic

An essential aspect of a well-written biography is its objectivity. The narrative should portray the real person, depicting their experiences and beliefs accurately.

While it can be tempting to embellish facts or minimize flaws, striving for authenticity is crucial in presenting a credible account. This involves thorough research and verification of facts, even when they contradict the author’s initial assumptions.

Authenticity also extends to the respectful portrayal of a subject’s relationships and exploration of their inner world, while avoiding speculation or gossip.

Balancing Personal and Public Life

When writing a biography, one must strike a balance between the subject’s personal and public life. This includes weaving together stories from their childhood, personal relationships, and major life events that may have shaped their character. The integration of both personal and public aspects contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of their vita.

However, careful consideration must be given to privacy concerns, and it is important to determine which aspects of the individual’s life are appropriate to disclose. Ultimately, the reader should gain insight into the person’s journey without feeling intrusive.

Creating Engaging Storylines

Just as in a novel, a great biography should feature engaging storylines that keep readers interested. This can be achieved by organizing the narrative around important events, challenges, and accomplishments that are relevant and compelling. To maintain a smooth flow, strategically transitioning between these key moments helps maintain reader interest.

The use of different perspectives, anecdotes, and historical context can also enhance the storyline. Paint vivid pictures of the settings, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the subject’s world. Furthermore, showcasing the subject’s resilience, growth, and impact, can contribute to a powerful and memorable biography.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can biographies be fictional or purely factual.

Biographies usually aim to present an accurate and factual representation of someone’s life. However, some authors might take creative liberties and incorporate fictionalized elements for dramatic or storytelling purposes.

It is crucial for readers to be aware of the author’s intentions and approach when reading such biographical works.

Can biographies be biased?

Biographies, like any form of writing, can be subject to biases depending on the author’s perspective, beliefs, or intentions.

It is essential for readers to critically evaluate biographies by considering factors such as the author’s credentials, potential biases, and the sources used in the research process.

By comparing multiple biographies on the same subject or cross-referencing with other sources, readers can develop a more comprehensive and balanced understanding of the individual’s life and achievements.

Are biographies always based on famous or historical figures?

While biographies often focus on famous or historical figures, they can also be written about lesser-known individuals with compelling stories or unique experiences.

These “everyday” biographies can provide valuable insights into the lives of ordinary people and the challenges they face, offering a broader understanding of the human experience and fostering empathy and connection among readers.

Are there any ethical considerations when writing a biography?

Yes, ethical considerations play a significant role in writing biographies.

Biographers must respect the privacy and dignity of their subjects, particularly when dealing with sensitive or personal information. They should also strive for accuracy and fairness, avoiding sensationalism or misrepresentation of facts.

Additionally, biographers should acknowledge and address any potential biases or conflicts of interest that may affect their portrayal of the subject.

Biographies offer us unparalleled access to the lives and legacies of remarkable individuals, spanning diverse genres and approaches.

From historical fiction to academic rigor, prophetic accounts to fictionalized narratives, biographies captivate our imagination and enrich our understanding of the human experience. These literary gems remind us that behind every great achievement lies a story of struggle, triumph, and unwavering determination.

So, let us continue to explore these remarkable journeys, as we delve deeper into the pages of history and the hearts of those who have shaped our world.

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Definition of biography

Did you know.

So You've Been Asked to Submit a Biography

In a library, the word biography refers both to a kind of book and to a section where books of that kind are found. Each biography tells the story of a real person's life. A biography may be about someone who lived long ago, recently, or even someone who is still living, though in the last case it must necessarily be incomplete. The term autobiography refers to a biography written by the person it's about. Autobiographies are of course also necessarily incomplete.

Sometimes biographies are significantly shorter than a book—something anyone who's been asked to submit a biography for, say, a conference or a community newsletter will be glad to know. Often the word in these contexts is shortened to bio , a term that can be both a synonym of biography and a term for what is actually a biographical sketch: a brief description of a person's life. These kinds of biographies—bios—vary, but many times they are only a few sentences long. Looking at bios that have been used in the same context can be a useful guide in determining what to put in your own.

Examples of biography in a Sentence

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

Word History

Late Greek biographia , from Greek bi- + -graphia -graphy

1665, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Dictionary Entries Near biography

biographize

Cite this Entry

“Biography.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biography. Accessed 7 Aug. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of biography, more from merriam-webster on biography.

Nglish: Translation of biography for Spanish Speakers

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about biography

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Literary Devices

Literary devices, terms, and elements, definition of biography, difference between biography and autobiography, common examples of biography, significance of biography in literature.

The genre of biography developed out of other forms of historical nonfiction, choosing to focus on one specific person’s experience rather than all important players. There are examples of biography all the way back to 44 B.C. when Roman biographer Cornelius Nepos wrote Excellentium Imperatorum Vitae (“Lives of those capable of commanding”). The Greek historian Plutarch was also famous for his biographies, creating a series of biographies of famous Greeks and Romans in his book Parallel Lives . After the printing press was created, one of the first “bestsellers” was the 1550 famous biography Lives of the Artists by Giorgio Vasari. Biography then got very popular in the 18th century with James Boswell’s 1791 publication of The Life of Samuel Johnson . Biography continues to be one of the best selling genres in literature, and has led to a number of literary prizes specifically for this form.

Examples of Biography in Literature

And I can imagine Farmer saying he doesn’t care if no one else is willing to follow their example. He’s still going to make these hikes, he’d insist, because if you say that seven hours is too long to walk for two families of patients, you’re saying that their lives matter less than some others’, and the idea that some lives matter less is the root of all that’s wrong with the world.

Tracy Kidder’s wonderful example of biography, Mountains Beyond Mountains , brought the work of Dr. Paul Farmer to a wider audience. Dr. Farmer cofounded the organization Partners in Health (PIH) in 1987 to provide free treatment to patients in Haiti; the organization later created similar projects in countries such as Russia, Peru, and Rwanda. Dr. Farmer was not necessarily a famous man before Tracy Kidder’s biography was published, though he was well-regarded in his own field. The biography describes Farmer’s work as well as some of his personal life.

On July 2, McCandless finished reading Tolstoy’s “Family Happiness”, having marked several passages that moved him: “He was right in saying that the only certain happiness in life is to live for others…” Then, on July 3, he shouldered his backpack and began the twenty-mile hike to the improved road. Two days later, halfway there, he arrived in heavy rain at the beaver ponds that blocked access to the west bank of the Teklanika River. In April they’d been frozen over and hadn’t presented an obstacle. Now he must have been alarmed to find a three-acre lake covering the trail.

A commanding woman versed in politics, diplomacy, and governance; fluent in nine languages; silver-tongued and charismatic, Cleopatra nonetheless seems the joint creation of Roman propagandists and Hollywood directors.

Stacy Schiff wrote a new biography of Cleopatra in 2010 in order to divide fact from fiction, and go back to the amazing and intriguing personality of the woman herself. The biography was very well received for being both scrupulously referenced as well as highly literary and imaginative.

Confident that he was clever, resourceful, and bold enough to escape any predicament, [Louie] was almost incapable of discouragement. When history carried him into war, this resilient optimism would define him.

( Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand)

I remember sitting in his backyard in his garden, one day, and he started talking about God. He [Jobs] said, “ Sometimes I believe in God, sometimes I don’t. I think it’s 50/50, maybe. But ever since I’ve had cancer, I’ve been thinking about it more, and I find myself believing a bit more, maybe it’s because I want to believe in an afterlife, that when you die, it doesn’t just all disappear. The wisdom you’ve accumulated, somehow it lives on.”

Test Your Knowledge of Biography

2. Which of the following scenarios qualifies as a biography? A. A famous person contracts a ghostwriter to create an autobiography. B. A famous author writes the true and incredible life story of a little known person. C. A writer creates a book detailing the most important moments in her own life. [spoiler title=”Answer to Question #2″] Answer: B is the correct answer.[/spoiler]

3. Which of the following statements is true? A. Biographies are one of the best selling genres in contemporary literature. B. Biographies are always written about famous people. C. Biographies were first written in the 18th century. [spoiler title=”Answer to Question #3″] Answer: A is the correct answer.[/spoiler]

AI Generator

A biography is a detailed account of a person’s life, documenting their experiences, achievements, and impact on the world. It explores the subject’s personal and professional journeys, offering insights into their character and legacy.

What is Biography?

A bibliography is a comprehensive list of all sources consulted for a research project, including books, articles , websites, and more. It provides essential details such as the author, title, publication date, and publisher, formatted according to specific citation styles like APA, MLA , or Chicago. Bibliographies credit sources, avoid plagiarism, and enhance the credibility of your work.

Format of Biography

A well-structured biography format ensures that the narrative is both engaging and informative, offering readers a comprehensive view of the subject’s life. Here is a structured format that can be adapted to suit different types of biographies:

Title: Should capture the essence of the subject’s life. Subtitle: Optional, providing additional context or focus. Author’s Name: The name of the biographer.

Table of Contents

Lists chapters or sections with page numbers for easy navigation.

Introduction

Introduces the subject of the biography, including their significance and the scope of the biography. Provides a thesis statement or the main theme of the biography.

Birth and Family Background: Details about the subject’s birth, parents, siblings, and early family life. Education: Information on the subject’s education, including significant schools attended, degrees earned, and influential teachers or mentors. Formative Experiences: Early experiences that shaped the subject’s character, interests, and future path.

Early Career: Overview of the subject’s initial jobs or roles and early career milestones. Major Contributions and Achievements: Detailed account of the subject’s key contributions, achievements, and career highlights. Challenges and Setbacks: Challenges faced in their career and how they were overcome.

Personal Life

Relationships and Family: Information on the subject’s personal relationships, marriage(s), children, and close friendships. Interests and Hobbies: The subject’s personal interests, hobbies, and extracurricular activities.

Philanthropy and Activism

If applicable, details on the subject’s involvement in philanthropy, social causes, activism, or community service.

Legacy and Impact

Analysis of the subject’s legacy and impact on their field, community, or the world. Includes public and professional recognition, awards, and honors.

Later Life and Death

Details about the subject’s later years, retirement, and circumstances of their death (if applicable). Reflections on their life and contributions.

Summarizes the key points of the biography, reinforcing the subject’s impact and legacy. Reflects on the broader implications of the subject’s life and work.

Appendices (If Applicable)

Includes additional information, such as letters, documents, or photographs.

Bibliography/References

Lists sources, interviews, and materials used in researching the biography.

An alphabetical listing of names, places, and subjects mentioned in the biography, with page numbers.

Examples of Biography for Students

1. abraham lincoln (1809-1865).

Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States and is best known for leading the country during the Civil War and working to end slavery. Born in a log cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky, Lincoln had humble beginnings. He educated himself by reading books and became a lawyer in Illinois. His political career began in the Illinois State Legislature and later in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Lincoln became a national figure during the debates with Stephen Douglas in 1858, which highlighted his opposition to the expansion of slavery. In 1860, he was elected President. His presidency was dominated by the Civil War, a conflict between the Northern states (the Union) and the Southern states (the Confederacy), which had seceded from the Union. Lincoln’s leadership was crucial in preserving the Union.

In 1863, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that all slaves in Confederate-held territory were free. This was a significant step towards the abolition of slavery. Lincoln was re-elected in 1864 but was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth in 1865, just days after the end of the Civil War.

Lincoln is remembered for his eloquent speeches, including the Gettysburg Address, and his dedication to principles of equality and freedom.

2. Malala Yousafzai (1997-Present)

Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani education activist and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate. Born in Mingora, Pakistan, Malala developed a passion for education from an early age, inspired by her father, who was an educator and ran a girls’ school in their village.

In 2009, at just 11 years old, Malala began writing a blog for the BBC under a pseudonym, describing her life under the Taliban’s rule and their attempts to restrict education for girls. Her advocacy made her a target, and in 2012, she was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman while riding a bus home from school. Miraculously, she survived and was flown to the United Kingdom for extensive medical treatment.

Malala’s courage and determination gained international attention. In 2013, she co-authored the memoir “I Am Malala,” which became a global bestseller. In 2014, at the age of 17, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education.

Today, Malala continues to be a leading voice for education and women’s rights through the Malala Fund, an organization she co-founded to ensure girls around the world have access to 12 years of free, safe, and quality education.

3. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968)

Martin Luther King Jr. was an American civil rights leader who played a pivotal role in the American civil rights movement. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, King was a Baptist minister and an advocate for nonviolent resistance based on the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.

King first came to national prominence during the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955, which was sparked by Rosa Parks’ arrest for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger. This boycott lasted for over a year and resulted in the desegregation of the city’s public buses.

In 1963, King led the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where he delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, envisioning a future where people would be judged by their character rather than the color of their skin. His efforts were instrumental in the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

King’s commitment to social justice and equality earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Tragically, his life was cut short when he was assassinated in 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee. King’s legacy lives on through his speeches, writings, and the ongoing efforts for racial equality and justice in America.

4. Marie Curie (1867-1934)

Marie Curie was a pioneering physicist and chemist who conducted groundbreaking research on radioactivity. Born in Warsaw, Poland, as Maria Sklodowska, she moved to Paris to study at the Sorbonne, where she met her future husband, Pierre Curie. Together, they discovered the elements polonium and radium.

Marie Curie’s work earned her two Nobel Prizes—one in Physics in 1903 (shared with Pierre Curie and Henri Becquerel) and another in Chemistry in 1911. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to have won Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields.

Curie’s research contributed significantly to the understanding of radioactivity, a term she coined, and laid the foundation for future scientific advancements, including cancer treatment. Despite facing numerous challenges as a woman in science, Curie’s dedication and perseverance left a lasting legacy in the scientific community.

5. Nelson Mandela (1918-2013)

Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and political leader who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. Born in the village of Mvezo in Umtata, Mandela became involved in the anti-colonial and African nationalist politics while studying law in Johannesburg.

Mandela joined the African National Congress (ANC) in 1944 and co-founded the ANC Youth League. In the 1950s, he led peaceful protests and defiance campaigns against the apartheid regime’s racial segregation policies. However, after the government banned the ANC, Mandela shifted to advocating armed resistance.

In 1962, he was arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment for his activities against the apartheid government. Mandela spent 27 years in prison, during which he became a global symbol of resistance to apartheid. Released in 1990, Mandela led negotiations to dismantle apartheid and establish multiracial elections.

In 1994, Mandela was elected South Africa’s first black president in the country’s first democratic elections. His presidency focused on reconciliation, nation-building, and social justice. Mandela’s leadership and commitment to peace earned him international acclaim and numerous awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.

Examples of Biography for Professionals

1. elon musk.

Elon Musk is a renowned entrepreneur and innovator, best known for his work in the technology and space exploration sectors. Born in Pretoria, South Africa, in 1971, Musk moved to the United States to pursue his ambitions in the tech industry. He earned degrees in Physics and Economics from the University of Pennsylvania.

Musk co-founded Zip2, an online city guide software, which was sold to Compaq for nearly $300 million in 1999. He then founded X.com, an online payment company, which later became PayPal and was acquired by eBay for $1.5 billion in stock.

In 2002, Musk founded SpaceX with the goal of reducing space transportation costs to enable the colonization of Mars. SpaceX has since achieved numerous milestones, including the first privately-funded spacecraft to reach the International Space Station.

Musk is also the CEO of Tesla, Inc., a company dedicated to producing electric vehicles and renewable energy solutions. Under his leadership, Tesla has become a leader in the automotive industry, pushing the boundaries of electric car technology and sustainable energy.

Musk’s other ventures include Neuralink, a neurotechnology company, and The Boring Company, which focuses on tunnel construction and infrastructure. His innovative approach and relentless drive continue to shape the future of technology and space exploration.

2. Sheryl Sandberg

Sheryl Sandberg is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Facebook (now Meta Platforms, Inc.) and a prominent advocate for women’s leadership and empowerment. Born in Washington, D.C., in 1969, Sandberg earned her Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Harvard University and later an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Sandberg started her career as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company before joining the U.S. Treasury Department as Chief of Staff under President Bill Clinton. In 2001, she joined Google, where she was Vice President of Global Online Sales and Operations, significantly contributing to the company’s revenue growth.

In 2008, Sandberg became the COO of Facebook, where she helped scale the company’s operations and expand its global presence. Her leadership was instrumental in turning Facebook into one of the world’s largest and most influential social media platforms.

Sandberg is also the author of the best-selling book “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead,” which encourages women to pursue their ambitions and challenge workplace inequalities. She founded LeanIn.Org, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting women’s professional growth and leadership.

Sandberg’s influence extends beyond her professional achievements, as she continues to advocate for gender equality and empowerment in the workplace.

3. Satya Nadella

Satya Nadella is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Microsoft, one of the world’s leading technology companies. Born in Hyderabad, India, in 1967, Nadella moved to the United States to pursue his education, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Manipal Institute of Technology, a Master’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Nadella joined Microsoft in 1992 and held various leadership roles in the company’s enterprise and cloud computing divisions. He played a crucial role in transforming Microsoft’s business model to focus on cloud computing, which significantly boosted the company’s growth and profitability.

In 2014, Nadella was appointed CEO of Microsoft. Under his leadership, Microsoft has embraced a culture of innovation and collaboration, expanding its product offerings and investing heavily in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and other advanced technologies. Nadella’s vision has been pivotal in maintaining Microsoft’s status as a global technology leader.

Nadella is also known for his emphasis on empathy and inclusive leadership, which has helped foster a more diverse and supportive workplace culture at Microsoft.

4. Indra Nooyi

Indra Nooyi is a distinguished business executive and former CEO of PepsiCo, one of the world’s largest food and beverage companies. Born in Chennai, India, in 1955, Nooyi earned her Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from Madras Christian College and an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta. She later obtained a Master’s degree in Public and Private Management from Yale School of Management.

Nooyi began her career at Johnson & Johnson and later worked at Boston Consulting Group and Motorola. In 1994, she joined PepsiCo and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming CFO in 2001 and CEO in 2006.

During her tenure as CEO, Nooyi led PepsiCo through a period of significant growth and transformation, focusing on product innovation, health and wellness, and sustainability. She spearheaded the acquisition of Tropicana and the merger with Quaker Oats, expanding PepsiCo’s portfolio and market presence.

Nooyi’s leadership earned her numerous accolades, including being consistently ranked among the world’s most powerful women by Forbes and Fortune. She is also known for her advocacy for diversity and inclusion in the workplace and her commitment to corporate social responsibility.

After stepping down as CEO in 2018, Nooyi continues to serve on various boards and remains an influential voice in the business community.

5. Jeff Bezos

Jeff Bezos is the founder and former CEO of Amazon, one of the world’s largest and most influential e-commerce and technology companies. Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1964, Bezos showed an early interest in science and technology. He graduated summa cum laude from Princeton University with degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Bezos worked in the finance industry before founding Amazon in 1994 from his garage. Initially an online bookstore, Amazon quickly expanded its product offerings and grew into a global e-commerce giant. Bezos’s customer-centric approach and relentless focus on innovation have been key drivers of Amazon’s success.

Under Bezos’s leadership, Amazon introduced groundbreaking services such as Amazon Prime, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Kindle, transforming the retail and technology landscapes. Bezos also acquired The Washington Post in 2013, revitalizing the newspaper through digital innovation.

In 2021, Bezos stepped down as CEO of Amazon to focus on his other ventures, including Blue Origin, a space exploration company he founded to make space travel more accessible. Bezos’s impact on e-commerce, technology, and space exploration continues to shape the future of these industries.

Examples of Biography for Kids

1. albert einstein.

Albert Einstein was one of the most famous scientists of all time. Born on March 14, 1879, in Ulm, Germany, Einstein showed a great interest in math and science from a young age. When he was just a teenager, he taught himself advanced mathematics.

Einstein is best known for his theory of relativity, which changed the way we understand time and space. He developed the famous equation E=mc², which explains how energy and mass are related. This discovery had a huge impact on science and technology.

In 1921, Einstein won the Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on the photoelectric effect, which helped scientists understand how light works. He moved to the United States in 1933 and worked at Princeton University.

Einstein was also known for his wild hair and playful personality. He loved to play the violin and was passionate about peace and human rights. He passed away on April 18, 1955, but his discoveries continue to inspire scientists around the world.

2. Helen Keller

Helen Keller was an extraordinary woman who overcame incredible obstacles. Born on June 27, 1880, in Tuscumbia, Alabama, Keller lost her sight and hearing due to an illness when she was just 19 months old. Despite these challenges, she became a famous author, speaker, and advocate for people with disabilities.

When Keller was six years old, her parents hired a teacher named Anne Sullivan to help her learn. Sullivan taught Keller how to communicate using sign language and braille. Keller quickly learned to read and write, and she even learned to speak.

Keller attended college and graduated with honors in 1904. She wrote several books, including her autobiography, “The Story of My Life.” She traveled the world, giving speeches and raising awareness about the abilities of people with disabilities.

Helen Keller’s determination and achievements continue to inspire people today. She showed that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible. She passed away on June 1, 1968, but her legacy lives on.

3. Neil Armstrong

Neil Armstrong was an American astronaut and the first person to walk on the moon. Born on August 5, 1930, in Wapakoneta, Ohio, Armstrong was fascinated by airplanes and space from a young age. He earned his pilot’s license at just 16 years old.

Armstrong studied aerospace engineering and became a test pilot for NASA. In 1962, he was selected to be an astronaut. On July 20, 1969, Armstrong made history when he stepped onto the moon during the Apollo 11 mission. He famously said, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

Armstrong and his fellow astronauts, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins, safely returned to Earth, and they were celebrated as heroes. After his historic mission, Armstrong continued to work in aviation and space exploration.

Neil Armstrong’s bravery and accomplishments continue to inspire future generations of explorers. He passed away on August 25, 2012, but his journey to the moon remains one of the greatest achievements in human history.

4. Jane Goodall

Jane Goodall is a British primatologist and anthropologist who is famous for her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees. Born on April 3, 1934, in London, England, Goodall was fascinated by animals from a young age. She dreamed of living in Africa and studying wildlife.

In 1960, at the age of 26, Goodall traveled to Tanzania to study chimpanzees in the wild. She observed their behavior and discovered that they used tools, a trait previously thought to be unique to humans. Her work changed the way scientists understand primates and their similarities to humans.

Goodall founded the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977 to support wildlife research, education, and conservation. She has spent her life advocating for the protection of animals and the environment, traveling the world to share her message.

Jane Goodall’s passion and dedication have made her a hero to many people who care about animals and the planet. Her work continues to inspire young scientists and conservationists around the world.

5. Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks was a civil rights activist who became famous for her role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Born on February 4, 1913, in Tuskegee, Alabama, Parks grew up in a time when African Americans faced widespread discrimination and segregation.

On December 1, 1955, Parks refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Her act of defiance sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a protest against the city’s segregation laws. The boycott lasted for over a year and led to the desegregation of the public bus system.

Parks’ courage made her a symbol of the civil rights movement. She worked alongside other leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. to fight for equality and justice. Parks received many honors for her work, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal.

Rosa Parks’ bravery and determination continue to inspire people to stand up for what is right. She passed away on October 24, 2005, but her legacy as a champion of civil rights lives on.

Personal Biography Examples

1. author bio.

Name: Jane Smith Occupation: Author

Jane Smith is a bestselling author known for her compelling narratives and complex characters. Her debut novel, “Echoes of the Heart,” captivated readers worldwide and was awarded the prestigious National Book Award. With a background in journalism and a passion for storytelling, Jane weaves intricate plots that explore the depths of human emotions and relationships. When she’s not writing, Jane enjoys hiking, painting, and spending time with her family in the picturesque countryside of Vermont.

2. Personal Blog Bio

Name: Mark Davis Occupation: Travel Blogger

Mark Davis is an avid traveler and the voice behind the popular blog “Wanderlust Adventures.” With a mission to inspire others to explore the world, Mark shares his experiences and tips from over 50 countries. His journey began as a solo backpacker through Southeast Asia and has since evolved into a full-time adventure, capturing the beauty and culture of each destination. Mark’s blog features stunning photography, in-depth guides, and personal anecdotes that resonate with fellow wanderers. When he’s not on the road, Mark enjoys cooking international cuisines and planning his next trip from his home base in New York City.

3. LinkedIn Bio

Name: Emily Johnson Occupation: Marketing Professional

Emily Johnson is a dynamic marketing professional with over a decade of experience in creating and executing successful marketing strategies. Currently, she is the Marketing Director at Bright Ideas Co., where she leads a talented team in driving brand awareness and customer engagement. Emily holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of California, Los Angeles, and an MBA from Stanford University. Known for her innovative approach and analytical mindset, Emily has a proven track record of boosting sales and enhancing brand loyalty. Outside of work, she is passionate about mentoring young professionals and volunteering at local animal shelters.

4. Instagram Bio

Name: Alex Chen Occupation: Fitness Enthusiast

Alex Chen is a fitness enthusiast dedicated to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. With a background in personal training and nutrition, Alex shares workout routines, healthy recipes, and motivational content on his Instagram page, @FitLifeAlex. His journey began with a personal transformation that ignited his passion for fitness, and now he inspires thousands of followers to achieve their fitness goals. Alex believes in balance and encourages his community to find joy in their fitness journey. When he’s not at the gym, Alex enjoys hiking, experimenting with new recipes, and spending time with his dog, Rocky.

5. Artist Bio

Name: Lisa Martinez Occupation: Visual Artist

Lisa Martinez is a visual artist whose work explores the intersection of nature and human experience. With a Master’s degree in Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Lisa has exhibited her paintings and installations in galleries across the United States. Her work is characterized by vibrant colors, organic forms, and a deep connection to the environment. Lisa draws inspiration from her travels and the natural world, often incorporating sustainable materials into her pieces. When she’s not in the studio, Lisa enjoys teaching art workshops and exploring national parks with her sketchbook in hand.

Artists Biography Examples

1. visual artist.

Name: Sophia Rivera Medium: Painting and Sculpture

Sophia Rivera is a contemporary visual artist known for her evocative paintings and intricate sculptures. Based in New York City, Sophia has been creating art that explores themes of identity, memory, and transformation for over 15 years. She holds an MFA from the Pratt Institute and has exhibited her work in solo and group shows across the United States and Europe. Sophia’s use of bold colors and mixed media techniques challenges traditional boundaries and invites viewers to engage with her pieces on a personal level. In addition to her studio practice, Sophia teaches art workshops and mentors emerging artists.

2. Photographer

Name: David Lee Medium: Photography

David Lee is an award-winning photographer whose work captures the raw beauty and complexity of urban life. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, David’s photographs reveal the hidden narratives of cityscapes and their inhabitants. He graduated with a degree in Fine Arts from the School of Visual Arts in New York and has since been featured in numerous galleries and publications worldwide. David’s recent project, “Metropolis,” explores the interplay of light and shadow in metropolitan environments. When not behind the lens, David enjoys traveling, teaching photography, and collaborating with other creatives.

3. Digital Artist

Name: Mia Thompson Medium: Digital Art

Mia Thompson is a digital artist known for her innovative use of technology to create immersive and interactive art experiences. Based in Los Angeles, Mia’s work spans digital illustrations, animations, and virtual reality installations. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Digital Media from the California Institute of the Arts and has worked with leading tech companies and art institutions. Mia’s art often explores themes of futurism, identity, and the digital age, pushing the boundaries of how art can be experienced. Her recent VR exhibition, “Beyond the Screen,” received critical acclaim for its groundbreaking approach to digital storytelling.

4. Musician

Name: Alex Martinez Medium: Music

Alex Martinez is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose music blends elements of folk, rock, and indie pop. Hailing from Austin, Texas, Alex has been performing and writing music since his teens, drawing inspiration from personal experiences and the world around him. He has released three albums, with his latest, “Wandering Heart,” earning a spot on the Billboard Top 100. Alex’s soulful lyrics and melodic compositions resonate with audiences of all ages. When he’s not touring, Alex is passionate about music education and works with local schools to inspire the next generation of musicians.

5. Film Director

Name: Raj Patel Medium: Film

Raj Patel is an acclaimed film director known for his thought-provoking and visually stunning films. Born in Mumbai and now based in Los Angeles, Raj’s work often explores themes of cultural identity, social justice, and human connection. He studied film at the University of Southern California and has directed several award-winning films that have been screened at major international film festivals. Raj’s most recent film, “Echoes of Silence,” received widespread praise for its powerful storytelling and cinematography. In addition to directing, Raj is committed to mentoring young filmmakers and advocating for greater diversity in the film industry.

Short Biography Examples

Albert Einstein (1879-1955) was a German-born physicist renowned for his theory of relativity and the famous equation E=mc². His groundbreaking work laid the foundation for modern physics and earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921. Despite facing numerous challenges, including fleeing Nazi Germany, Einstein’s contributions to science and his advocacy for peace and human rights have left an indelible mark on the world.

2. Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks (1913-2005) was an American civil rights activist whose refusal to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955 sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Her act of defiance became a symbol of the struggle for racial equality and helped propel the civil rights movement forward. Parks’ bravery and commitment to justice continue to inspire generations.

3. Leonardo da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) was an Italian Renaissance polymath whose contributions spanned art, science, and engineering. Best known for masterpieces like the “Mona Lisa” and “The Last Supper,” da Vinci’s work exemplifies the blend of art and scientific inquiry. His detailed studies and inventive designs have influenced countless fields, making him one of history’s most celebrated geniuses.

4. Marie Curie

Marie Curie (1867-1934) was a pioneering physicist and chemist who conducted groundbreaking research on radioactivity. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to have won Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields (Physics and Chemistry). Curie’s work not only advanced scientific understanding but also paved the way for future generations of women in science.

5. Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and the first black president of South Africa. Imprisoned for 27 years for his activism, Mandela emerged as a global symbol of resistance to apartheid and a leader in the fight for racial equality. His presidency and lifelong dedication to peace and reconciliation have left a lasting legacy on the world stage.

6. Jane Goodall

Jane Goodall (1934-Present) is a British primatologist and anthropologist known for her groundbreaking studies of chimpanzees in Tanzania. Her observations and research have transformed our understanding of primates and their behaviors. Goodall’s commitment to conservation and animal welfare has made her an influential advocate for environmental sustainability.

7. Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs (1955-2011) was an American entrepreneur and co-founder of Apple Inc. Known for his visionary leadership and innovation, Jobs played a crucial role in the development of revolutionary products like the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. His impact on technology and consumer electronics has shaped the modern digital landscape and continues to influence the industry.

8. Malala Yousafzai

Malala Yousafzai (1997-Present) is a Pakistani education activist and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate. After surviving a Taliban assassination attempt for advocating girls’ education, Malala co-authored her memoir “I Am Malala” and founded the Malala Fund to champion education for girls worldwide. Her courage and advocacy work have made her a global symbol of resilience and empowerment.

9. Walt Disney

Walt Disney (1901-1966) was an American animator, film producer, and entrepreneur, best known for creating Disney Studios and iconic characters like Mickey Mouse. His innovative spirit and storytelling revolutionized the entertainment industry, leading to the creation of Disneyland and Disney World. Disney’s legacy lives on through his beloved films and theme parks.

10. Amelia Earhart

Amelia Earhart (1897-1937) was an American aviator and the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Her daring spirit and achievements in aviation made her an international icon and a symbol of women’s empowerment. Despite her mysterious disappearance during an attempted around-the-world flight, Earhart’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of aviators and adventurers.

More Biography Samples & Examples in PDF

1. biography sample.

2. Biography of Heroes and Heroines

3. Social Biography

4. Author Biography

5. Short Biography

6. Student Biography

7. Historical  Biography Example

8. Object Biography

9. Features of Biography

10. Biography Example PDF

Types of Biography

Biographies come in various forms, each offering a unique perspective on an individual’s life. Understanding the types of biographies can help readers choose the one that best suits their interest or research needs. Here are the main types:

1. Autobiography

• Written by the subject themselves, an autobiography is a self-narrated account of one’s life. It provides personal insights and perspectives, offering a detailed look into the author’s experiences, thoughts, and feelings.
• Focus: Personal journey, challenges, successes, and reflections.
• A memoir is a subset of autobiography but focuses more on specific aspects or periods of the writer’s life rather than a comprehensive life history. It often explores themes, emotions, and personal growth.
• Focus: Emotional journey, significant events, or relationships.

3. Biography

• A biography is an account of someone’s life written by someone else. It covers various aspects of the subject’s life, including their achievements, personal life, and impact on society.
• Focus: Objective analysis, historical context, and comprehensive life story.

4. Authorized Biography

• Authorized biographies are written with the subject’s permission, cooperation, or endorsement. This access can lead to more detailed and personal insights but may also reflect the subject’s bias or desired legacy.
• Focus: Collaborative storytelling, often with direct input from the subject.

5. Unauthorized Biography

• Written without the subject’s permission, unauthorized biographies might offer a more critical or controversial perspective. They rely on public records and third-party interviews, which can lead to disputes about accuracy.
• Focus: Independent research, potentially revealing unknown aspects.

6. Academic Biography

• These biographies are written with a focus on scholarly research, often detailing the subject’s contributions to a specific field. They are usually well-documented and cited, aiming for academic audiences.
• Focus: Scholarly analysis, contributions to the field, and historical impact.

7. Collective Biography

• Also known as group biography, it explores the lives of a group of individuals who share a common theme, profession, or period. It provides a broader perspective on the impact of a collective group.
• Focus: Group dynamics, collective contributions, and shared experiences.

8. Fictional Biography

• These are imaginative accounts that blend facts with fiction, often to fill in gaps in historical records or to create a more engaging narrative. While based on real people, these stories are partly or largely fictionalized.
• Focus: Entertainment, speculative history, and narrative creativity.

Different Aspects of Biography

Biographies encompass several dimensions that contribute to their depth and appeal. Understanding these aspects can enhance both the reading and writing of biographies, offering a more comprehensive view of the subject’s life.

1. Historical Context

This aspect involves placing the subject’s life within the broader historical period in which they lived. It includes the examination of social, political, and cultural events that influenced or were influenced by the subject.

2. Personal Background

This covers the subject’s family origins, upbringing, education, and early life experiences. It helps to understand the foundation upon which they built their achievements and character.

3. Career and Achievements

A critical focus is often on the subject’s professional life, including their career path, significant achievements, contributions to their field, and any obstacles they overcame along the way.

4. Psychological Dimension

Exploring the subject’s personality, motivations, values, and internal struggles offers insights into their actions and decisions. This aspect adds depth, showing the human behind the accomplishments.

5. Personal Relationships

The examination of key relationships in the subject’s life, including family, friends, mentors, and rivals, reveals how these interactions influenced their journey and development.

6. Impact and Legacy

Assessing the subject’s long-term impact on their field, community, or the world highlights their lasting legacy. This includes their influence on future generations, societal changes, or advancements in their area of expertise.

7. Controversies and Challenges

Addressing any controversies, criticisms, or significant challenges faced by the subject provides a balanced view of their life, showcasing resilience, perseverance, or, in some cases, their vulnerabilities.

8. Cultural and Social Contributions

This aspect looks at the subject’s contributions beyond their professional achievements, including their role in societal movements, cultural shifts, philanthropy, and public service.

Characteristics of a Biography

A biography is a detailed account of a person’s life written by someone else. Here are the key characteristics of a biography:

1. Fact-Based

Biographies are based on factual information about the person’s life, including dates, places, and events. They rely on verifiable data and aim to provide an accurate portrayal of the individual.

2. Chronological Structure

Biographies typically follow a chronological order, starting from the subject’s birth and proceeding through their life events. This structure helps readers understand the progression of the person’s life and the context of their achievements.

3. Comprehensive Coverage

A good biography covers all significant aspects of the person’s life, including their childhood, education, career, personal relationships, and major life events. It provides a holistic view of the individual.

4. Detailed and Descriptive

Biographies often include detailed descriptions of events, people, and places. They provide context and background information to help readers understand the significance of the subject’s experiences.

5. Focus on Achievements and Impact

Biographies highlight the subject’s achievements, contributions, and the impact they had on their field or society. This focus helps readers appreciate the individual’s importance and legacy.

6. Personal Anecdotes and Stories

Incorporating personal anecdotes and stories makes a biography more engaging and relatable. These elements provide insight into the subject’s personality, character, and motivations.

7. Objective and Balanced

While biographies may reflect the author’s perspective, they strive to present a balanced and objective view of the subject. They include both positive and negative aspects of the person’s life, providing a nuanced portrayal.

8. Use of Primary and Secondary Sources

Biographies rely on primary sources (such as letters, diaries, interviews) and secondary sources (such as books, articles, documentaries) to gather information. The use of credible sources ensures the accuracy and reliability of the content.

9. Exploration of Influences and Motivations

A biography often explores the influences and motivations behind the subject’s actions and decisions. This exploration helps readers understand the factors that shaped the individual’s life and career.

10. Narrative Style

Biographies are written in a narrative style, telling the story of the person’s life in a compelling and engaging manner. This style makes the biography enjoyable to read and helps maintain the reader’s interest.

What is included in a Biography?

A biography provides a comprehensive account of a person’s life, detailing significant events, achievements, and influences. Here are the key components typically included in a biography:

1. Basic Information

• Date and Place of Birth
• Date and Place of Death (if applicable)
• Nationality

2. Early Life and Background

• Family Background : Information about parents, siblings, and other family members.
• Childhood Experiences : Notable events, upbringing, and early interests.
• Education : Schools attended, academic achievements, and notable teachers or mentors.

3. Career and Major Achievements

• Career Beginnings : First jobs or roles and how the person started in their field.
• Significant Positions and Roles : Important jobs, titles, and responsibilities held.
• Major Achievements : Key accomplishments, awards, and recognitions.
• Impact and Contributions : How their work or actions influenced their field or society.

4. Personal Life

• Relationships : Information about significant relationships, marriages, and children.
• Hobbies and Interests : Personal interests, hobbies, and activities outside of their professional life.
• Challenges and Struggles : Personal or professional obstacles and how they were overcome.

5. Influences and Motivations

• Influences : People, events, or experiences that significantly influenced their life and career.
• Motivations : Insights into what drove them to achieve their goals and aspirations.

6. Anecdotes and Personal Stories

• Memorable Events : Interesting or significant stories from their life.
• Personal Quotes : Quotations that capture their personality or philosophy.
• Lasting Impact : How they are remembered and their long-term contributions to their field or society.
• Recognition and Honors : Posthumous honors, awards, or memorials.

8. Illustrative Material

• Photographs : Images of the person at various stages of their life.
• Documents : Important letters, awards, certificates, or other relevant documents.

Biography vs. Autobiography

How to Write a Biography

A well-written biography allows readers to have insight into the person’s life. Examples of well-written biographies include Steve Jobs a biography written by Walter Isaacson and Young Stalin by Simon Sebag Montefiore. If you are still confused about biographies and are still unsure about the whole writing process you may look at the biography examples, samples , and PDFs on the list above.

1.Obtain Permission from the Individual

Begin by obtaining permission from the individual you are writing about. Biographies can be made without the permission of the chosen individual, but having the permission of the individual will help provide more substantial information and gives you access to the thoughts of the chosen individual. Not only that, but their approval will also increase the chances of you being able to interview your chosen individual.

2.Research the Individual

Regardless if you have obtained the permission of the chosen individual, you will need to research the life of your subject. This means you must read articles, reports, and various articles all about the life of your subject. Not only must you read, but you must also interview people associated with and related to your subject’s life. Because of the factual nature of a biography , you must ensure that the data and information you are providing are factual, accurate, and credible.

3.Create a Timeline of Events

After you have completed your research, you will need to create a timeline of the events the subject has lived through. This will help create an outline and a reference that you can in your writing. Not only that but it will also help root out any inconsistencies in the information you have gathered or researched.

4.Write the Biography

Using the timeline, write down the biographical information of the person. Note that this step will be the longest and may take months or even years to accomplish.

5.Write Down Your Thoughts and Opinions.

After you have finished the biography properly, you can write down your thoughts and feelings about the biography to give it a bit of a personal flair and touch. This will help connect you to your target audience. When you have finished with everything, be sure to edit and revise the contents of the biography as you see fit.

How is a biography structured?

A biography typically follows a chronological structure, starting from the subject’s birth and covering significant life events, achievements, and influences in sequence.

What sources are used in a biography?

Biographies use various sources like interviews, letters, diaries, official documents, and historical records to provide accurate and comprehensive information.

Why are biographies important?

Biographies offer insights into the lives of influential individuals, highlighting their contributions and the impact they had on society and history.

Can a biography be biased?

Yes, a biography can reflect the biographer’s perspective and potential biases, although it aims to be objective and balanced.

What is the difference between an authorized and unauthorized biography?

An authorized biography is approved by the subject or their estate, while an unauthorized biography is written without their permission or input.

Who can write a biography?

Anyone with access to reliable information and the ability to research and write comprehensively can write a biography.

How long does it take to write a biography?

Writing a biography can take several months to years, depending on the depth of research and the complexity of the subject’s life.

What makes a biography compelling?

A compelling biography includes detailed descriptions, personal anecdotes, and insights that make the subject’s life story engaging and relatable.

How do biographers verify their information?

Biographers verify information through cross-referencing multiple sources, conducting interviews, and reviewing historical records and documents.

Can a biography include fictional elements?

No, biographies should be factual and based on verifiable information. Fictional elements are not appropriate for a biography.

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Imagine what it would be like to experience someone else's life. To relive the life of someone who has accomplished things or has experiences that stand out as unique and exciting. To know the secrets behind someone else's success, their motivations, feelings, struggles and failures. Well, that is exactly what a biography allows its readers to do. By reading a biography, readers get to experience someone else's life from birth to death. This article looks at the meaning of biography, its different formats and features, and a few notable examples to add to your reading list. 

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Which type of biography includes fictional elements?

Who wrote the biography on Steve Jobs?

Which of these biographies formed a key part of medical research?

What is a biography?

What is the difference between an autobiography and a biography?

Is a biography fictional or non-fictional writing?

The subject of the biography is also the author of the biography. True or False?

What is the typical structure of a biography?

What is a historical biography?

Which type of biography is centred around the subject's professional work?

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Biography meaning

The word 'biography' is a combination of the Greek words 'bios', which means 'life', and ' graphia', which refers to 'writing'. Simply stated, this means that a biography is a written account of someone else's life.

Biography: a detailed written account of a real person's life authored by a different person.

The subject of the biography, that is, the person whose life the biography is describing could be a historical figure, a celebrity, a politician, an athlete or even an ordinary person with a life full of stories worth telling.

A biography is a factual recording of a person's life from their birth to death (or the time that the biography is being written). It contains detailed descriptions of the person's childhood, education, relationships, career and any other key touchstone moments that defined that person's life. Hence, a biography is a non-fictiona l form of writing.

Non-fiction : Literature that is based on real-life events and facts, rather than imagination.

The first-ever biographies can be traced back to Ancient Greece and Rome, where people celebrated gods as well as notable men by writing about their personalities and life's accomplishments. Plutarch's Parallel Lives , published about 80 A.D, is the earliest ever recorded biographic work written solely about humans. In this work, Greeks are paired with Romans and are held up against each other and compared, with one being a good example to follow whilst the other's life serves as a cautionary tale

Difference between biography and autobiography

A biography is a written account of a person's life written by someone else. In this case, the subject, that is, the person the biography is written about is NOT the author or the narrator of the biography. Usually, the author and narrator of a biography, also known as the biographer, is someone who takes a great deal of interest in the subject's life.

A biography is usually written in a third-person narrative voice. This distance from the subject and their experiences allow the biographer to view the subject's experiences in the larger context of their life by comparing them to other experiences or analysing the impact of certain experiences on the subject's personality and life.

Now that we know what a biography is, what is an autobiography? The hint lies in the word 'auto', which is a Greek word meaning 'self'. That's right! An autobiography is a self-written biography.

Autobiography: a written account of a person's life, written by the person themselves.

In an autobiography, the subject of the biography and the author are the same person. Hence, an autobiography is usually when the author is narrating their own life story, in the way they experienced it themselves. They are written in first-person perspective.

Here is a table summarising the difference between a biography and an autobiography:

Features of a biography

Although every biography is different in the sense that its content is unique to the life of its subject, all biographies have several building blocks.

The success of a biography is largely dependent on its subject.

While choosing a subject, biographers must consider why this person's story would be of interest to the reader. Perhaps this person was extremely successful, or perhaps they discovered something new? Maybe they've had experiences that are unique or faced struggles and conquered them in a way that is inspiring and motivational. Biographies are all about making the mundane and everyday sound interesting and new.

While reading a biography, readers should get the sense that they are reliving the life of their subject. This requires a great deal of detail and accuracy from the biographer, who must gather enough information on their subject to paint a complete picture of their life.

Biographers most often use primary sources such as interviews with the subject and their family and friends to provide first-hand accounts of the subject's life. However, in cases where the subject is dead, the biographer may use their diary, memoirs, or even secondary sources such as news stories and articles about them.

• Key background information

The most essential part of research for a biographer is gathering all the key background information about their subject. This includes the following factual details about their subject:

• The date and place of their birth
• Their family history
• Their language, culture and traditions
• Key stages in their education and career
• Knowledge and history about the various settings in the biography- the subject's birthplace, home, school, office etc.
• Relationships with other people (and relevant details about these people)

Most biographies begin with a description of the subject's early life, which includes their childhood and early education, their upbringing, stories about their parents and siblings and their familial traditions and values. This is because the early developmental stages of a subject's life usually play a significant role in shaping later events in their life, their personality and worldview.

• Professional life

Just as important as it is to share the subject's early life, biographers place special emphasis on their subject's career. This is because this is the part where the subject's contribution to the world is discussed. This could serve as a major inspiration for people who are building a career in the same field, as readers could gain insight into the subject's motivations, secrets, successes and losses throughout their professional journey.

Typically, biographies follow a chronological order where they begin with the subject's birth and end with either their death or the present time. However, flashbacks are often used to show connectivity between the subject's early experiences and adulthood.

A biographer is not only responsible for presenting a factual recording of events in their subject's life but is also responsible for adding life to these moments by elaborating on the person's experiences and intimate thoughts and feelings during these moments. The best biographers are able to recreate their subject's life in the way that that person lived it.

Oftentimes, the biographer even provides their own opinions on the events they are detailing in the biography, perhaps to explain how these moments were significant to the subject and should be of significance to the reader.

Usually, a biography carries with it an important life lesson that it imparts to its reader. Biographies, where the subject has encountered several hardships, may advise the reader on how to overcome adversity and deal with failure. Biographies of successes can teach the reader how to achieve their goals and may become a source of inspiration and motivation for them.

Biography format

While all biographies work to present the life of real people, biographers can follow different formats while writing them. A few important ones have been discussed below.

• Modern biography

A modern or ' standard' biography details the life span of someone who is still alive or who passed away very recently. Usually, it is done with the permission of the subject or their family.

Journalist Kitty Kelley published His Way (1983), a highly detailed biography on the American singer and actor Frank Sinatra. However, this biography was unauthorised by Sinatra, who tried to stop its publication but failed. The biography consists of government documents, wiretaps, and interviews with Sinatra's colleagues, family and friends and was considered extremely revealing and controversial.

• Historical biography

Historical biographies are written on historical figures who have passed away and seek to highlight their life and contributions during the time in which they were alive. Sometimes they provide a look into the personal lives of famous historical figures or even shine the spotlight on people who were not recognised for their contributions.

Alexander Hamilton (2004) by Ron Chernow is a famous example of a historical biography written about Alexander Hamilton, one of the revolutionary founding fathers of the United States. The biography details Hamilton's contribution to America's birth by painting him as a patriot who made countless sacrifices to lay the foundations of a prosperous and powerful country.

In fact, no immigrant in American history has ever made a larger contribution than Alexander Hamilton.

- Ron Chernow

• Critical biography

Critical biographies usually tend not to focus as much on the personality or personal life of their subjects but are centred around their professional work, which is evaluated and discussed in the biography. In case matters where the subject's personal life has intervened in their work, these are then addressed as inspirations or motivations behind their work. These biographies usually contain less description and storytelling from the biographer. Instead, the biographer's skill is required in selecting, labelling, and arranging all the work created by their subject.

In 1948, Doughlas Southall Freeman won his second Pulitzer Prize for publishing the most comprehensive biography of George Washington (1948-57). The entire biographic series consists of seven well-researched volumes, each containing objective facts on George Washington's entire life span.

As discussed before, this is a self-written biography where the author narrates stories from their own life. The autobiographer is the subject and the author of the biography.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969) is the first edition of a seven-volume autobiographical series written by Maya Angelou . It details her early life in Arkansas and her traumatic childhood, where she was subjected to sexual assault and racism. The autobiography then takes us through each of her multiple careers as a poet, teacher, actress, director, dancer, and activist and the injustices and prejudices she faces along the way as a black woman in America.

Fig. 2 - Maya Angelou, the author of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969)

• Fictional biography

Yes, you heard that right! There are some instances where writers incorporate fictional devices in biographies to create biographies that are more entertaining rather than informative. W riters of this style may weave in imagined conversations, characters and events in their biographies. Sometimes, writers may even base an entire biography on a fictional character!

Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald (2013) is a fictionalised biography where writer Theresa Anne Fowler imagines the life of Zelda Fitzgerald and F. Scott Fitzgerald from the perspective of Zelda herself and details the glamourous yet turbulent married life of the couple that defined the Jazz Age (1920s) .

Biography examples

Biographies can seem extremely tedious and uninteresting to those who enjoy fictional writing. However, here are a few notable examples of biographies that employ creative storytelling techniques to both inspire and entertain their readers.

• Steve Jobs (2011) by Walter Isaacson

This is one of the most classic examples of a well-researched and written biography. This biography by renowned biographer Walter Isaacson is based on more than 40 interviews over two years with Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, alongside other first-hand accounts provided by Jobs' family, friends, colleagues and even competitors. The biography takes readers through Jobs' creative journey and passion for technology and provides inspiring lessons on entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership and success.

• The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (2010) by Rebecca Skloot

This biography is the story of Henrietta Lacks, a poor black woman whose cells were taken for medical research in 1951 without her consent. Lacks' cervical cancer cells were later discovered to be an immortal cell line that could be used to study the effects of poisons, drugs, hormones and viruses on cancer cells without human trials.

This biography honours Henrietta's contribution to science and serves as an example of how literary works can start a discussion on ethical issues regarding race and class in medical research.

Christopher Johnson McCandless disappeared in 1922 while hitchhiking in Alaska. Later, his dead body was found in an abandoned bus on the same hiking trail with no obvious cause of death. So a year later, biographer Jon Krakauer retraced McCandless' steps by going through anecdotes from his journal and pictures in his camera to hypothesise what led McCandless to undertake such a dangerous journey that ultimately resulted in death. Through the course of the biography, Krakauer realises the many parallels between McCandless' personality and childhood experiences and his own. The biography discusses the struggles of finding oneself whilst being accepted into society.

Biography - Key takeaways

A biography is a detailed written account of a real person's life authored by a different person.

A biography is a written account of someone's life by someone else, whereas an autobiography is a self-written account of one's own life story.

• Into the Wild (1996) by Jon Krakauer
• Alexander Hamilton (2004) by Ron Cherno
• Fig. 1 - Public domain: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Plutarch%27s_Lives.jpg
• Fig. 2 - Public Domain: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Angelou_at_Clinton_inauguration_(cropped_2).jpg
• Fig. 3 - Public domain: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Steve_Jobs_and_Macintosh_computer,_January_1984,_by_Bernard_Gotfryd-_border_cropped.jpg

Flashcards in Biography 10

Fictional biography 

Walter Isaacson

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks   (2010) by Rebecca Skloot

Non-fictional 

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Frequently Asked Questions about Biography

A biography is a detailed written account of a real person's life authored by a different person.

What is in a biography?

A biography usually contains factual recordings of a person's life from their birth to death (or the time that the biography is being written). It contains detailed descriptions of the person's childhood, education, relationships, career and any other key touchstone moments that defined that person's life. 

What are the features of a biography?

These are the features that make a biography: 

Examples of biographies?

A few notable examples of biographies are: 

• The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks  (2010) by Rebecca Skloot
• Alexander Hamilton  (2004) by Ron Chernow

A biography is a written account of someone's life by someone else, whereas an autobiography is a self-written account of one's own life story.

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Biographies: The Stories of Humanity

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• B.A., English, State University of New York

A biography is a story of a person's life, written by another author. The writer of a biography is called a biographer while the person written about is known as the subject or biographee.

Biographies usually take the form of a narrative , proceeding chronologically through the stages of a person's life. American author Cynthia Ozick notes in her essay "Justice (Again) to Edith Wharton" that a good biography is like a novel, wherein it believes in the idea of a life as "a triumphal or tragic story with a shape, a story that begins at birth, moves on to a middle part, and ends with the death of the protagonist."

A biographical essay is a comparatively short work of nonfiction  about certain aspects of a person's life. By necessity, this sort of essay  is much more selective than a full-length biography, usually focusing only on key experiences and events in the subject's life.

Between History and Fiction

Perhaps because of this novel-like form, biographies fit squarely between written history and fiction, wherein the author often uses personal flairs and must invent details "filling in the gaps" of the story of a person's life that can't be gleaned from first-hand or available documentation like home movies, photographs, and written accounts.

Some critics of the form argue it does a disservice to both history and fiction, going so far as to call them "unwanted offspring, which has brought a great embarrassment to them both," as Michael Holroyd puts it in his book "Works on Paper: The Craft of Biography and Autobiography." Nabokov even called biographers "psycho-plagiarists," meaning that they steal the psychology of a person and transcribe it to the written form.

Biographies are distinct from creative non-fiction such as memoir in that biographies are specifically about one person's full life story -- from birth to death -- while creative non-fiction is allowed to focus on a variety of subjects, or in the case of memoirs certain aspects of an individual's life.

Writing a Biography

For writers who want to pen another person's life story, there are a few ways to spot potential weaknesses, starting with making sure proper and ample research has been conducted -- pulling resources such as newspaper clippings, other academic publications, and recovered documents and found footage.  

First and foremost, it is the duty of biographers to avoid misrepresenting the subject as well as acknowledging the research sources they used. Writers should, therefore, avoid presenting a personal bias for or against the subject as being objective is key to conveying the person's life story in full detail.

Perhaps because of this, John F. Parker observes in his essay "Writing: Process to Product" that some people find writing a biographical essay "easier than writing an  autobiographical  essay. Often it takes less effort to write about others than to reveal ourselves." In other words, in order to tell the full story, even the bad decisions and scandals have to make the page in order to truly be authentic.

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• Definition and Examples of English Morphology
• Rhetorical Analysis Definition and Examples
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• Paragram (Word Play)
• Perpetrate vs. Perpetuate
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• Collaborative Writing
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• An Introduction to Theoretical Grammar
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• A Look at Personal Letter Writing

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. Primarily, though, famous or not, the person who is written about has led an incredible life.

In this article, we will explain biography writing in detail for teachers and students so they can create their own.

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 one.

What Is a Biography?

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 childhood to the present day or, if the subject is deceased, their death.

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 experience of life.

Full Biographies

Teaching unit.

Teach your students everything they need to know about writing an AUTOBIOGRAPHY and a BIOGRAPHY.

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Features of a Biography

Before students begin writing a biography, they’ll need to have a firm grasp of the main features of a Biography. An excellent way to determine how well they understand these essential elements is to ask them to compile a checklist like the one-blow

Their checklists should contain the items below at a minimum. 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 summarising the biography’s main points.

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 clarifies 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 students wish 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.

Biography Examples For Students

• 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, then prioritise and organise events 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.

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.

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

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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

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15 Awesome Recount & Personal Narrative Topics

Personal Narrative Writing Guide

Definition of Biography A biography is genuinely an account or particular description about the existence of a person. It entails primary facts, along with childhood, education, career, relationships, family, and death. Biography is a literary genre that portrays the reports of most of these occasions occurring inside the existence of someone, commonly in a chronological order. Unlike a resume or profile, a biography presents a lifestyles story of a subject, highlighting one of a kind components of his of her life. A individual who writes biographies, is known as as a “biographer.” Types of Biography There are three styles of biography: Autobiography An autobiography tells the tale of someone’s own existence. While that individual writes his own account, she or he may additionally take guidance from a ghostwriter or collaborator. Biography A biography narrates the existence tale of someone, as written with the aid of another man or woman or writer. It is in addition divided into five categories: Popular biography Historical biography Literary biography Reference biography Fictional biography Memoir This is a more focused writing than an autobiography or a biography. In a memoir, a creator narrates the info of a particular occasion or situation that happened in his or her lifetime. Examples of Biography in Literature Example #1: Shakespeare: A Life (By Park Honan) This biography is the maximum accurate, up-to-date, and entire narrative ever written approximately the existence of William Shakespeare. Park Honan has used wealthy and fresh data approximately Shakespeare that allows you to change the perceptions of readers for the playwright, and his function as a poet and actor. This e book absolutely differs from other biographies that imagine unique roles for him, commenting on his sexual relationships and colorful intrigues. Though precise psychological theories and imaginitive reforms about the well-known playwright might be amusing, in fact, they damage the credibility of the sources. Therefore, many attempts were made to recognise about Shakespeare, however this one is a completely unique instance. Example #2: Arthur Miller: Attention Must Be Paid (By James Campbell) This biography is written in the shape of a drama, presented in only two acts. In the first act, the author indicates the well-known dramatist, Arthur Miller, in his early success, having the love of the maximum beloved lady in the world, and resisting tyranny. However, inside the second act of this biography, the author indicates that the hero was badly assaulted and ridiculed through a rowdy mob called critics, who are expelled from the conventional theater. He ends his book with rhetorical information associated with a revitalization within the fortunes of the playwright. Example #3: The Life of Samuel Johnson (By James Boswell) This biography is frequently hyped as a perfect example of cutting-edge biography, and all-time exceptional instance in the English language. This masterpiece of James Boswell has included the complete existence of the ever present literary author Samuel Johnson, with whom Boswell turned into well-acquainted. The unique satisfactory of this book is that it suggests Johnson as a taking walks highbrow amongst us. Example #4: The Bronte Myth (By­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ Lucasta Miller) Emily, Anne, and Charlotte Bronte had been very well-known and eminent writers within the history of English literature. Many rumors and gossips have been associated with them once they reached the peaks in their careers and received amazing popularity of writing the maximum popular novels of the nineteenth century. In their biography, Lucasta Miller chunks the myths related to these younger enigmatic women. This is a best example of a biography. Example #5: Why this World: A Biography of Clarice Lispector (By­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ Benjamin Moser) After perusing his personal personal manuscripts and writings, this modernist author, Benjamin Moser, has explored the mystique surrounding Brazilian writer Clarice Lispector. This is one of Moser’s biographies, which comes a little towards finding her real nuances. All those readers who are going to examine her myriad of works for the first time could locate this biography interesting, and her existence as lovely and tragic, but riveting. Function of Biography The function of writing biographies is to provide information concerning the life of a person or a component in an interesting but informative manner. By the stop of a biography, readers feel like they're well-familiar with the subject. Biographies are regularly non-fictional, however many biographers also use novel-like format, due to the fact a tale line could be greater pleasing with the inclusion of sturdy exposition, rising conflict, after which climax. Besides, the most inspirational existence testimonies could motivate and put confidence into the readers.

• Alliteration
• Anachronism
• Antimetabole
• Aposiopesis
• Characterization
• Colloquialism
• Connotation
• Deus Ex Machina
• Didacticism
• Doppelganger
• Double Entendre
• Flash Forward
• Foreshadowing
• Internal Rhyme
• Juxtaposition
• Non Sequitur
• Onomatopoeia
• Parallelism
• Pathetic Fallacy
• Personification
• Poetic Justice
• Point of View
• Portmanteau
• Protagonist
• Red Herring
• Superlative
• Synesthesia
• Tragicomedy
• Tragic Flaw
• Verisimilitude

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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/baɪˈɑgrəfi/, /baɪˈɒgrəfi/.

Other forms: biographies

A biography is an account of somebody's life written by somebody else, complete with details of the most important parts.

These days, anyone, of any age, can be the subject of a biography: Justin Bieber, at the tender age of 17, had one written about his life. A biography is not to be confused with an autobiography, an account of someone's life written by the subject himself. You'll find biographies in printed form (remember books?), but also increasingly in the form of e-books, TV dramatizations, and cinematic "bio-docs."

• noun an account of the series of events making up a person's life synonyms: life , life history , life story see more see less examples: Parallel Lives a collection of biographies of famous pairs of Greeks and Romans written by Plutarch; used by Shakespeare in writing some of his plays types: show 4 types... hide 4 types... autobiography a biography of yourself hagiography a biography that idealizes or idolizes the person (especially a person who is a saint) profile biographical sketch memoir an account of the author's personal experiences type of: account , chronicle , history , story a record or narrative description of past events

Vocabulary lists containing biography

Are you ready to learn the facts of life? Then review these words from the Greek root bio , meaning "life" or "way of living."

Practice this vocabulary list and explore words that contain the Greek roots graph ("write/writing") and gram ("written thing").

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Definition of biography noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

• Boswell’s biography of Johnson
• a biography by Antonia Fraser
• The book gives potted biographies of all the major painters.
• blockbuster
• unauthorized
• biography by
• biography of

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• The Dictionary of National Biography
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Are we in a recession? The Sahm rule explained

The number of jobs added last month fell short of expectations and unemployment was on the rise, triggering a measure that has typically meant the U.S. is now in a recession.

The economy has been unusually defiant, with the nation’s gross domestic product continuing to grow, and employment trends reflecting the unusual forces that came into play during the COVID-19 pandemic, which dramatically disrupted the labor market.

That combination of factors has led most economists to determine that the "Sahm rule" probably doesn't apply right now. But for roughly five decades it has predicted every downturn.

So what exactly is the Sahm rule?

What is the Sahm rule?

The Sahm rule is named for noted economist Claudia Sahm, who has accurately forecast every U.S. recession since the 1970s.

Basically the rule says that if the jobless rate, based on a three-month average, is a half percentage point above its lowest point over the previous 12 months, the economy has tipped into a recession.

Friday’s jobs report technically meets the Sahm rule's criteria. The jobless rate in July rose from 4.1% to 4.3%, ticking the three-month average more than a half point above the 3.6% average one year ago.

The calculation is based on the fact that rising unemployment typically follows a spike in layoffs. And people who find themselves suddenly out of work often spend less, putting a dent in business profits, which can lead them to lay off more employees.

Will the Sahm rule apply this time?

It's not likely, many economists say.

Though layoffs have reached their highest levels in over a year, according to the filing of unemployment insurance claims, they remain historically low. The key reason? Employers have generally hesitated to cut their staffs in the wake of COVID-related labor shortages that hindered their operations during the pandemic, says Ryan Sweet, chief U.S. economist at Oxford Economics. The unemployment rate is also historically low despite its increase.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell responded to a question about the rule at a news conference Wednesday following the Fed's decision to keep the key interest rate unchanged. “It's not like an economic rule where it's telling you something must happen.” He continued, “what we think we're seeing is a normalizing labor market and we're watching carefully to see if it turns out to be more."

And Sahm, for whom the rule was named, wrote in a recent post , that “A recession is not imminent, even though the Sahm rule is close to triggering…The swing from labor shortages caused by the pandemic to a burst in immigration is magnifying the increase in the unemployment rate.”

So why are jobless numbers up?

The rising unemployment rate is due in part to a growing number of people looking for work including those who'd left jobs during the pandemic to look after loved ones or for health reasons, and others lured back by rising wages, Sweet says.

Additionally, roughly a third of the 3 million new positions added last year were filled by recent immigrants, according to estimates from RBC Capital Markets. But new immigrants also have more difficulty finding work initially, which contributes to a higher jobless rate, Goldman Sachs says.

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Conceptual Skills: Definition, Examples, and How to Use Them on Your Resume

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by The Muse Editors

You might have read the headline of this article and wondered, “what is a conceptual skill—and do I have them already?” Chances are, you do—it’s just a matter of practicing them and highlighting them in your professional life. Conceptual skills allow you to understand complex situations, see the bigger picture, and develop innovative solutions. They are essential for effective leadership, strategic planning, and successful project management.

You can use these abilities to enhance your  problem-solving skills  and contribute significantly to your team and company. Keep reading to find out how conceptual skills can take your resume and your career to the next level.

What are   conceptual skills ?

Conceptual skills involve the ability to think abstractly, understand complex concepts, and develop strategic plans. These skills help individuals see how various parts of an organization or project fit together and influence each other. Conceptual leadership skills are crucial for  managers and leaders  who need to navigate complex situations and make informed decisions that benefit the entire organization.

For individuals, having strong conceptual skills means being able to identify potential solutions and opportunities, enhancing problem-solving abilities and improving overall performance. For organizations, employees with well-developed conceptual skills can drive innovation, lead teams effectively, and contribute to long-term success. In management roles, these skills are crucial for strategic planning and decision-making, ensuring the organization remains competitive and adaptable.

Technical skills vs.  conceptual skills

Whereas conceptual skills involve strategic planning,  technical skills  are more about specific knowledge and expertise in a particular area. Technical skills are often acquired and improved through education and training. Both types of skills are important, but they serve different purposes.

“With the rise of automation, the need for conceptual skills is likely to shift toward a greater need for data interpretation and strategic insights,” says Stephen Greet, CEO and Co-founder of  BeamJobs . “People will be valued more and more for their ability to make sense of large amounts of data, find patterns, and draw conclusions that are useful as machines take over routine tasks.”

Read full article here

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Meaning of biography in English

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• This biography offers a few glimpses of his life before he became famous .
• Her biography revealed that she was not as rich as everyone thought .
• The biography was a bit of a rush job .
• The biography is an attempt to uncover the inner man.
• The biography is woven from the many accounts which exist of things she did.
• exercise book
• novelistically
• young adult

biography | American Dictionary

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able to float

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What Is a Value Chain? Definition, Benefits, and Examples

Capitalize on opportunities to stand out from the competition, reduce costs, and boost profits.

Naveen Gabrani

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Your product spends a lot of time traveling throughout your company. As it moves from basic materials to distribution, it is part of multiple activities that mold it into what it is eventually sold to your customers.

Are these activities enhancing your product’s value for your customers?

That’s where the value chain comes in. It helps identify and analyze ways you can add more value to the sequence of activities before your product ends up in a customer’s hands.

What you’ll learn:

What is a value chain, examples of value chains, importance of value chains in business, what is a value chain analysis, future trends in value chains, hit key kpis with real-time pipeline insights.

What could you do with relevant insights at your fingertips? Sell smarter, take action, and hit your forecasts. That’s how Sales Analytics works.

A value chain is the series of business activities a company performs to create a product or service from start to finish. The idea of a value chain was introduced by Michael Porter in his 1985 book, Competitive Advantage: Creating and Sustaining Superior Performance .

The value chain identifies each activity where value is added — such as sourcing, manufacturing, and sales — and examines how these activities interact. By defining these activities, a company can analyze and optimize them in terms of cost and quality to improve its competitive advantage.

Value chain vs. a supply chain

A supply chain is a network of individuals and companies involved in the creation, production, and distribution of a product or service. The chain may involve suppliers, manufacturers, warehouses, transportation companies, and retailers. A value chain looks at the series of activities within the supply chain to find ways to enhance the product’s value for the customer.

Components of a value chain

A value chain framework consists of five primary activities and four supporting activities a company’s product goes through. Each activity seeks to increase profit margins by adding value for customers. Primary activities add value by helping build and sell a company’s products or services:

• Inbound logistics: Acquire materials and supplies that a business needs from external sources, like warehouses or assembly plants.
• Operations: Take the materials from inbound logistics and transform them to the finished product. It may include prototyping, production, testing, and quality control.
• Outbound logistics: Move the finished product from a company to its customers, including packaging, shipping, and installation.
• Marketing and sales: Ensure potential customers are aware of the product and its benefits through advertising, promotional campaigns, managing distribution channels, and pricing.
• Service: Customer service and product support that happens after a purchase, such as handling customer issues or advising on product repairs.

Secondary activities support the primary activities:

• Procurement: Find and maintain vendors to obtain items such as raw materials, consumables, machinery, equipment, or office supplies.
• Technology development: Manage IT and technology resources, such as software, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing.
• Human resource management: Ensure the organization has the staff to perform value chain activities through recruitment, hiring, training, and compensation.
• Firm infrastructure: The framework for an organization’s operations, including general management, accounting, finance, legal, and government affairs.

( Back to top )

Here’s how a company can add value to its product or service through the primary activities in a consumer goods value chain , using Top Tech Company’s laptop as an example.

• Inbound logistics: Top Tech orders its laptop glass from a supplier in Asia. It switches to the supplier’s Canada warehouse to reduce shipping costs.
• Operations: During testing, Top Tech discovers that the laptop glass can also be used for its computer monitors, saving money across products.
• Outbound logistics: Top Tech sells the laptop on its website. It changes to eco-friendly packing materials.
• Marketing and sales: The marketing team launches an advertising campaign offering a laptop discount for the first 100 customers.
• Service: When a problem arises with the laptop’s keyboard, Top Tech sends replacement parts to all its customers.

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A value chain helps identify the activities that increase your profits after subtracting the cost of performing those activities. You can eliminate the weaker activities that don’t generate value and optimize the stronger ones that do.

Some business benefits of value chains include:

• Connecting different activities: Internal linkage refers to how the activities in the value chain interact with one another. Optimizing one activity can lead to benefits in other divisions. By improving the coordination among activities, an organization can gain competitive advantages. For example, the eco-friendly packaging used by outbound logistics could be promoted by the marketing department as good corporate citizenship.
• Enhance the organization’s visibility: Once a value chain is established, teams can access it and gain an understanding of the company’s activities and where they could make an impact on value.
• Creating a target operating model: A value chain allows you to create a roadmap for future major change initiatives, such as replacing the company logo or obtaining an environmental certification. It acts as a checklist to ensure the impacted activities across the company are addressed.
• Evaluating an acquisition fit: By comparing a company’s value chain with that of a potential acquisition, you can assess whether the two companies are a good fit.

A value chain analysis is a strategic method used to assess each primary and secondary activity in the chain. It determines how each activity in a company contributes to the value of its product or service.

There are three steps to a value chain analysis:

• Create a value chain diagram: Begin by mapping out your organization’s primary activities and the secondary activities that support them. List the sub-activity tasks involved for each.
• Analyze each sub-activity: Determine the cost and value of each activity. Look for opportunities to create more value while still keeping costs in check.
• Examine the linkages: Identify how different activities are interconnected and dependent on one another.

A good place to start your analysis is using your CRM analytics. The tool provides insights into customer data and sales team performance, which are crucial to understanding your value chain. For example, if you see that product demos lead to more closed deals, then you might consider optimizing that sales area for greater value.

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The rise of globalization has significantly influenced value chains as an increasing number of goods, services, and people extend across borders. The internal activities in the value chain are being moved externally, such as with the outsourcing of production to another country or hiring a nearshore customer service center. By expanding their operations internationally, companies find cost efficiencies with value chain activities.

Emerging technologies and automation are also driving the growth trend of value chains. More than half of growing small businesses accelerated investments in sales and customer service technology over the past year, according to the Salesforce Small and Medium Business Trends Report . Their top motivators are to increase productivity (62%) and improve business agility (60%).

An automation platform that connects sales, marketing, and service activities can help detect linkages between them in the value chain. The platform enables teams to share customer data and engage customers across different channels. Generative AI can assist by responding to customer issues via chatbots or drafting marketing emails to customers. Incorporating this technology in your tech stack can potentially increase your product or service’s value and enhance the effectiveness of value chain activities.

Start delivering value to your value chain activities

A value chain plays a pivotal role in creating value for a company’s customers. By analyzing each activity of the chain, you’ll capitalize on opportunities to stand out from the competition, reduce costs, and boost profits. You’ll drive more value to your customers, resulting in stronger relationships and higher satisfaction.

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Naveen is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the industry. He is Founder and CEO at Astrea IT Services, a prestigious Crest-level Salesforce partner established in 2010. He is passionate about using Salesforce to resolve business challenges. Naveen is a regular speaker at ... Read More international Salesforce events like Dreamforce and TrailblazerDX. He is also the Noida User Group Leader of Trailblazer Community.

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Boxers previously barred from women's events will fight in Paris Olympics

Two boxers who were disqualified from competing with women at a global event last year have been permitted to fight in the Paris Olympics, the International Olympic Committee confirmed.

Imane Khelif of Algeria and Lin Yu‑ting of Taiwan failed to meet gender eligibility tests at the Women’s World Boxing Championships in New Delhi last year, prompting their disqualifications. But they have been cleared to compete in the women’s 66-kilogram and women’s 57-kilogram matches in Paris this week, the IOC confirmed in an email Tuesday.

 At the time of their disqualifications, the president of the International Boxing Association, which governs the World Boxing Championships, alleged that the boxers’ chromosome tests came back as XY (women typically have two X chromosomes, while men typically have an X and a Y chromosome).

“Based on DNA tests, we identified a number of athletes who tried to trick their colleagues into posing as women,” the association’s president, Umar Kremlev, told Russia’s Tass news agency at the time. “According to the results of the tests, it was proved that they have XY chromosomes. Such athletes were excluded from competition.”

Khelif and Lin have both always competed as women, and there’s no indication that either identifies as transgender or intersex, the latter referring to those born with sex characteristics that don’t fit strictly into the male-female gender binary.

Following her disqualification last year, Khelif told Algeria’s Ennahar TV that some “did not want Algeria to win a gold medal.” 

“This is a conspiracy and a big conspiracy, and we will not be silent about it,” she said. 

Lin does not appear to have commented publicly on her disqualification.

Related stories:

• A record 193 LGBTQ athletes to compete in Paris Olympics
• Grindr disables location services in Olympic Village to protect LGBTQ athletes
• Olympic opening ceremony drag performance resembling Last Supper rankles conservatives

In an email Tuesday, the IOC said that “all athletes participating in the boxing tournament of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 comply with the competition’s eligibility and entry regulations, as well as all applicable medical regulations.”

The IOC updated its rules regarding athletes’ gender eligibility, including its transgender participation guidelines,  in 2021 to defer to each sport’s governing body. The IOC no longer recognizes the IBA as the governing body over Olympic boxing, and instead refers to the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit — an ad-hoc unit developed by the IOC — for its eligibility standards.

Critics in the United States, where the issue of whether trans women should be permitted to compete in women’s sports has been hotly debated in recent years, condemned the inclusion of Khelif and Lin in this week’s competition. Some questioned whether their participation was fair to other female competitors , while others directed incendiary language toward the boxers.

Khelif is scheduled to compete against Italy’s Angela Carini on Thursday, and Lin is scheduled to fight against Uzbekistan’s Sitora Turdibekova on Friday.

Matt Lavietes is a reporter for NBC Out.

Minnesota Law

Susan M. Wolf

Prof. susan wolf part of national research group proposing a plan to store bio samples on the moon.

Professor Susan M. Wolf and researchers at the University of Minnesota are partnering with scientists across the country to propose a plan that could safeguard Earth’s endangered biodiversity through storage on the Moon at extremely low temperatures. 

Published today in  BioScience , the study led by the Smithsonian Institution outlines a roadmap for creating a lunar biorepository. The paper proposes an approach for governance, the types of biological material to be stored, and a plan for experiments to address challenges like radiation and microgravity. 

The Moon's permanently shadowed craters are ideal for storing biological material that must be held in a cryopreserved state — the naturally cold temperatures are low enough that storage would not require electricity or liquid nitrogen. The proposal takes inspiration from the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway, which functions as a backup for the world’s crop biodiversity. Unlike seeds, animal cells require much lower storage temperatures for preservation.

“We needed an environment where temperatures naturally remain consistently near to or below -320 degrees Fahrenheit for long-term storage of biological samples without the need for human intervention or external power — two factors that could threaten the resilience of Earth-based repositories,” said John Bischof, a Distinguished McKnight Professor in the University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering, director of the Institute for Engineering in Medicine, and director of the National Science Foundation-funded Engineering Research Center for Advanced Technologies for the Preservation of Biological Systems (ATP-Bio). 

Susan M. Wolf, a Regents Professor, McKnight Presidential Professor in the University of Minnesota’s Law School and Medical School, Faegre Drinker Professor of Law, and director of ATP-Bio’s Ethics & Public Policy component, was pivotal alongside Bischof and researchers at the Smithsonian in developing the lunar biorepository concept. Bischof contributed his strong background in engineering and cryopreservation techniques, while Wolf provided expert advice on ethics and governance issues.

“The success of a lunar biorepository requires collaborative planning to establish a public entity with acceptable operating procedures and continuing oversight,” said Wolf. 

The researchers urge the inclusion of public and private funders, scientific partners, countries, and public representatives in a cooperative governance approach akin to the one used for Svalbard. 

The proposal builds on work demonstrating the successful cryopreservation of skin samples from a reef fish called the starry goby. Currently stored at the Smithsonian, these are intended to be the first samples for the lunar biorepository. The next steps are to begin a series of radiation exposure tests to help design packaging that could safely deliver samples to the moon. For species that don’t have skin, such as invertebrates, larvae, and other reproductive materials may be used.

“We aren’t anticipating total failure on Earth — if Earth is biologically destroyed this biorepository won’t matter,” said Mary Hagedorn, a research cryobiologist at the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and lead author of the paper. “This is meant to help offset natural disasters and, potentially, to augment space travel. Life is precious and, as far as we know, rare in the Universe. This biorepository provides another, parallel approach to conserving Earth’s precious biodiversity.”

In addition to Hagedorn, Bischof and Wolf, the study’s co-authors include Pierre Comizzoli of the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Lynne Parenti of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Robert Craddock of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Paula Mabee of the National Ecological Observatory Network, Bonnie Meinke of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, and Rebecca Sandlin, Shannon Tessier and Mehmet Toner of Harvard Medical School.  

The research was funded by the National Science Foundation, Smithsonian Institution, National Institutes of Health, and private donors.

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