What You Need to Know

Key Concept Diagram

Biographies are written in third person (he, she, they)

They are organised chronologically (time order) or by themes

Biographies include facts, quotes, and evidence about the person's life

They often explain why the person is significant or interesting

Key Vocabulary

Biography

A true account of a person's life written by another person

Chronological

Arranged in order from earliest to most recent event

Significant

Important and worthy of attention

Primary source

Original material such as diaries, letters, or interviews

Knowledge Check

Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.

Question 1

What is the main difference between a biography and an autobiography?

A biography is written by someone else; an autobiography is written by the person themselves A biography is about a real person; an autobiography is imaginary A biography is fictional; an autobiography is true A biography is shorter than an autobiography

Question 2

Why are biographies usually written in chronological order?

To make them shorter To help readers follow the sequence of events in a person's life Because it is the only correct way to write To avoid repetition

Question 3

Which type of evidence would be most valuable in a biography?

The author's personal opinions Made-up dialogue Primary sources like letters, diaries, or interviews Statistics from unrelated sources

Reading Biographies