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How to Write a Biosketch

How to write a biosketch, what is a biographical sketch.

BioSketches are a great tool to document an individual's qualifications, professional experience, and academic journey. Think of your BioSketch as a response to the question: “Tell me about yourself?” 

Below are general tips on how to write your BioSketch, as well as step-by-step guides and examples of BioSketches for students ranging from first year students, transfer students, and students preparing to graduate. For additional help with your BioSketch or general questions, email us at [email protected] .

General Tips

• Write in the third person. This means that instead of using “I” statements, use “he/she/they” statements. 
• The information you include in your BioSketch is unique to you and your circumstances. While your BioSketch may look different from the examples below, be sure to include the important general information outlined in the paragraph bullet points that fit you best.
• Be sure to check your BioSketch for spelling, grammar, and sentence flow.

Step-By-Step

Paragraph 1:

• Where are you from? Where/when did you graduate high school?
• Did you earn any titles/awards or participate in extracurricular activities?
• What did you do after high school? Did you go straight to college or enter the work field?

Paragraph 2: 

• What are you studying at OSU? Did you transfer from another university? Do you hold any degrees? What special achievements or awards have you earned in college?

Step-By-Step Continued 

Paragraph 3: 

• What work/volunteer experience have you been a part of?
• What skills did you develop from these experiences?
• Have you participated in internships or research/lab work?

Paragraph 4: 

• When are you expected to graduate? What are your education and career interests? 

BioSketch Examples

Benny Beaver is from Corvallis, Oregon. They graduated from Corvallis High School in 2021 with high honors and served as an officer on the school’s Associated Student Body (ASB) where they assisted in various leadership activities like fundraising, public speaking and community outreach. 

Benny started attending Oregon State University in the fall of 2021, and earned the Finley Academic Excellence Scholarship upon enrollment. They are currently in the University Exploratory Studies Program (UESP) where they are taking a variety of courses and exploring all options before declaring a major.

Benny served as a lifeguard for two years, where they received valuable trainings in CPR/AED, basic water rescue, and first aid. Benny developed a passion for the water, as well as an interest in teaching by instructing weekly swim lessons. Working a part-time job while attending high school also taught them skills in communication, time management, and balancing responsibilities.

Benny is expected to graduate in June 2025. They are exploring learning opportunities and careers in education, oceanography, and sports therapy. 

Bernice Beaver is from New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada. She graduated from New Westminster Secondary School in 2018 with a Dogwood Diploma and has a Diplôme de fin d'études secondaires en Colombie-Britannique, meaning she is fluent in French. Bernice was named the Career Female Athlete of the Year upon graduation from high school.

Bernice earned an Athletic Scholarship to Oregon State University where she competes for the Women’s Cross Country and Track & Field teams. She is majoring in Sociology and currently works for the university’s Global Community Kitchen as an Event Support Staff where she serves to assist in planning food service for future Experiential Learning & Activities campus events during weekly team meetings.

Bernice completed the URSA Engage program during her second year at Oregon State University where she conducted research to define the barriers faculty face while facilitating undergraduate research experiences. She presented her research at two university-wide undergraduate research symposiums in 2020 and has since been published in Experiential Learning & Teaching in Higher Education. 

Bernice is expected to graduate in June 2022 with a B.A in Sociology. After graduation, she plans on attending graduate school and complete the Master’s of College Student Service Administration Program at Oregon State University. She has a particular interest in the fields of university student affairs and athletics.

Bo Beaver is from Los Angeles, California. They graduated from Venice High School in 2014 as salutatorian and participated in the school’s marching band, where they acted as drum major for two years. After high school, Bo entered the United States Marine Corps (USMC) where they served for four years. 

Prior to attending Oregon State University, Bo attended Central Oregon Community College from September 2020 until June 2022. During this time, they earned an Associate of Science degree in Computer Science with high honors. Bo transferred to OSU-Cascades in September 2022 and is majoring in Computer Science with an option in Software Engineering.

Bo’s service in the USMC taught them important skills and attributes including confidence, self-discipline, teamwork and leadership. Since enrolling at OSU-Cascades, Bo has joined the university’s Tech Club where they hope to network and gain professional skills in the field of computer science among like-minded individuals. Bo has also been accepted into the 2022-2023 URSA Engage program, where they will be engaging in web applications research with Professor X. 

Bo is expected to graduate in June 2024 with a B.S in Computer Science with an option in software engineering. They plan on attending graduate school and pursuing a career in software development.

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How to Write a Biographical Sketch

Last Updated: March 9, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Gerald Posner . Gerald Posner is an Author & Journalist based in Miami, Florida. With over 35 years of experience, he specializes in investigative journalism, nonfiction books, and editorials. He holds a law degree from UC College of the Law, San Francisco, and a BA in Political Science from the University of California-Berkeley. He’s the author of thirteen books, including several New York Times bestsellers, the winner of the Florida Book Award for General Nonfiction, and has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History. He was also shortlisted for the Best Business Book of 2020 by the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 551,278 times.

Writing a biographical sketch can help you learn about a figure’s importance and see the world through their eyes. Since you can’t cover a person’s entire life in a sketch, try to focus on their biggest accomplishments, then build the sketch around that. You can even use this technique to write about yourself!

Example Sketches

Researching Your Subject

• For example, suppose you need to write a biographical sketch of poet who lived in the 19th century. Look up poets you’ve covered in class, browse your textbook or anthology of poems, and search online for poets that fit your assignment.
• After reading his blurb in your anthology, you might be interested in learning more about Charles Baudelaire, so you choose him for your sketch.

• For a major historical figure, you’ll probably have more results than you can handle. Search online for your historical figure and “authoritative biography” to find the most important sources.
• If you have trouble finding information about your subject, you might need to choose another option.

• If you’ve chosen a contemporary figure or famous person, searching online might be your best bet. The most credible sources would include reputable news publications, such as the BBC, The New York Times , and NPR.

• You should be able to track down sources at your library or through its interlibrary loan program. If an autobiography or published collection of letters are available, you could also purchase them online or at a bookstore.
• To find good secondary sources, use search terms such as "authoritative" or "definitive biography" of your figure.
• When you find scholarly articles about your figure, check their footnotes or references. You'll definitely want to acquire a book or article about your figure that's referenced in lots of other sources.

• Figure out which of the figure's achievements, qualities, work, and life experience you want to emphasize.

Crafting an Autobiographical Sketch

• For example, writing, "My proudest moment is when I was elected class president," simply states that you're in student government.
• Instead, write why you wanted to be class president: "On a school trip to the state capitol, my congressperson described public service to my class. As they spoke, I remember looking up in awe at the capitol building's towering dome. However, it wasn't awe that inspired my interest in politics; it was the notion that governing is service."

• Suppose a job description lists the skill "Cost management." Writing, "I cut operating costs by 17% at my prior position," just restates a line on your resume.
• Instead, write in your bio, "The complex purchasing system at my last position was like a many-headed Hydra. For every challenge I solved, 2 more came my way. Ultimately, I managed to conquer the beast, consolidated our vendors, negotiated new contracts, and cut our spending by 17%."

• Come up with a thesis as if you were writing about a historical figure. Instead of trying to cover everything you've ever done, focus on 2 or 3 key qualifications.
• Try summing yourself up in a thesis statement, such as "Jane Doe encountered hardships, but every pitfall provided an opportunity to grow." You don't have to include your thesis verbatim in your bio, but it can help you keep your writing focused.

Drafting Your Essay

• A thesis statement for a biographical sketch could be, “The principal themes of Charles Baudelaire’s poetry are rooted in his experience of urban life in Paris and his 1841 voyage to India.”
• If you're writing about yourself, focus on the achievements you're proudest of or those that are most relevant to an application. Additionally, it's usually best to focus on more recent accomplishments.

• For instance, your outline might look like this: I. Thesis: The principal themes of Charles Baudelaire’s poetry are rooted in his experience of urban life in Paris and his 1841 voyage to India. II. Emerging urbanism in Paris A. Describe city life in the 19th century B. Discuss Baudelaire and tavern culture C. Cite and analyze poetic elements: corruption of the city, melancholy, “Spleen” III. Romantic voyage A. Lay the context of the voyage in Romantic poetry B. Discuss Baudelaire’s trip to India C. Cite and analyze poetic elements: ships, the ocean, exoticism

• Your intro should let your reader know what to expect in the coming paragraphs. For instance: "Baudelaire's personal letters and journal entries detail his life in Paris and travel abroad. Analyzing examples from his body of work will demonstrate how these encounters with urbanism and exoticism laid the foundation of his poetry's principal themes."
• For an autobiography, summarize what makes you a winning applicant or state the main points you intend to make about yourself.
• If you're writing an autobiography in the third person, introduce yourself in the first paragraph: "Jane Doe is a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Georgia."

• For the body an autobiography, describe the events that impacted on you, challenges you overcame, or occasions when you honed your skills.
• Keep in mind your entire personal bio might only be a paragraph. You might introduce yourself in the first sentence, and the "body" might be 2 or 3 sentences long.

• A better sentence would convey exactly why Baudelaire was important. “Charles Baudelaire dismantled Romantic poetry’s unquestioned adoration of nature” is stronger and more specific.

Revising Your Draft

• Check for any places that seem confusing or leave you guessing. If you're not sure what you meant by a statement, your reader will definitely be lost.

Community Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://penandthepad.com/write-impressive-biographical-sketch-4531922.html
• ↑ https://open.lib.umn.edu/writingforsuccess/chapter/11-4-strategies-for-gathering-reliable-information/
• ↑ https://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/writers-workshop-biographical-sketch-1039.html?tab=4#session1
• ↑ https://www.educations.com/articles-and-advice/motivation-letter-for-studies-abroad-13564
• ↑ https://www.cs.cmu.edu/~sfinger/advice/advice.html#biosketches
• ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/deborahljacobs/2014/06/03/what-to-do-when-you-need-a-bio-rather-than-a-resume/#65cc18a34e43
• ↑ https://slc.berkeley.edu/you-start-writing-paper-guide-prewriting-techniques-0
• ↑ https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/grammar-rules-and-tips/tips-on-writing-a-biographical-sketch.html
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/conciseness/index.html

About This Article

Once you’ve chosen someone to write about in your biographical sketch, choose a key detail about the person’s life, then use that to write a thesis statement. Once you have your thesis, craft an outline made up of 4-5 facts that support your thesis statement. Then, start your essay by introducing the reader to your subject, then follow by describing your thesis and a brief summary of the rest of your essay. The body of your essay should describe facts from your subject’s life that support your thesis. For tips on choosing a figure for your sketch, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Write a Biographical Sketch: Format & Examples

Are you struggling to write a compelling biographical sketch? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of creating a captivating biographical sketch. Whether you’re a college student, a professional, or simply someone interested in learning more about this genre of writing, this guide will provide you with all the essential information you need. From understanding the format to crafting engaging content, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in!

What is a Biographical Sketch?

A biographical sketch, also known as a bio-sketch, is a concise yet informative description of a person’s life, highlighting their achievements, background, and significant contributions. It provides readers with a snapshot of a person’s life, capturing the essence of who they are and what they have accomplished. Biographical sketches are often used in various contexts, such as academic assignments, professional profiles, or introductions for public figures. The key to a successful biographical sketch lies in its ability to engage readers while providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the person being described.

Format of a Biographical Sketch

To create an effective biographical sketch, it is essential to follow a proper format. Here are the guidelines to help you structure your sketch:

• Introduction : Start with a brief introduction that captures the reader’s attention and provides essential background information about the person.
• Early Life : Describe the person’s early life, including details about their birthplace, family background, and upbringing. This section sets the foundation for understanding their journey.
• Education : Provide information about the person’s educational background, including any notable institutions they attended and degrees they obtained. Highlight any academic achievements or areas of specialization.
• Career and Achievements : Discuss the person’s professional journey, highlighting significant milestones, achievements, and contributions they have made in their field. Include awards, honors, and notable projects they were involved in.
• Personal Life : Share some insights into the person’s personal life, such as their interests, hobbies, and values. This helps create a more well-rounded picture of their character.
• Impact on Society : Discuss the person’s impact on society, whether through their work, advocacy, or philanthropy. Highlight any initiatives they have undertaken or positive changes they have brought about.
• Legacy : Explore the person’s lasting legacy and their influence on future generations. Discuss how their work or ideas continue to resonate and shape the world today.
• Conclusion : Wrap up the biographical sketch with a concluding paragraph that summarizes the person’s key accomplishments and highlights their significance.

Tips for Writing a Biographical Sketch

To make your biographical sketch stand out, here are some useful tips to keep in mind:

• Be Concise : Biographical sketches are meant to be brief and to the point. Focus on the most important aspects of the person’s life and avoid unnecessary details.
• Highlight Positive Aspects : Emphasize the person’s positive qualities, achievements, and contributions. Omit any unpleasant or irrelevant information that may detract from their story.
• Research Thoroughly : Conduct in-depth research to gather accurate and reliable information about the person you are writing about. Verify facts and cross-reference multiple sources to ensure accuracy.
• Craft Engaging Content : Use vivid language and storytelling techniques to make the sketch engaging and captivating. Incorporate anecdotes, quotes, or interesting facts to bring the person’s story to life.
• Tailor the Sketch to the Audience : Consider the context in which the biographical sketch will be presented. Adapt the tone, language, and level of detail to suit the intended audience, whether it’s a scholarly paper or a professional bio.
• Proofread and Edit : Before finalizing your biographical sketch, carefully proofread and edit it for clarity, grammar, and spelling errors. A polished and error-free sketch enhances your credibility as a writer.

Examples of Biographical Sketches

To illustrate the format and structure of a biographical sketch, let’s explore some examples:

• A.R. Rahman : A renowned Indian composer, A.R. Rahman was born as Dileep Kumar in Chennai in 1966. Despite losing his father at a young age, he was greatly influenced by his mother. Rahman received training under Master Dhanraj and Illaiyaraja and graduated in Western classical music from Trinity College of Music. He established a recording studio in 1992, marking the beginning of his successful film career. Rahman’s music has garnered numerous awards, including two Academy Awards. He is considered a national icon in India.
• Mahatma Gandhi : Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, Mahatma Gandhi was a prominent leader of the Indian Freedom Movement. After studying law in England, he went to South Africa, where he protested against British apartheid policies. Gandhi returned to India and led the fight for freedom using non-violence and truth as his guiding principles. He advocated for equality and was against untouchability and partition. Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948, but his legacy as a champion of democracy and advocate for change lives on.
• Florence Nightingale : Florence Nightingale, born on May 12, 1820, in Florence, Italy, is widely regarded as the founder of trained nursing as a profession. She received education mainly from her father and became an expert on public health and hospitals. During the Crimean War from 1854 to 1856, Nightingale worked tirelessly as the head of nursing, overcoming shortages and difficult conditions. She dedicated her life to caring for the sick and made significant contributions to healthcare. Nightingale’s efforts were recognized when she was conferred the Order of Merit in 1907.
• Aruna Asif Ali : A revolutionary freedom fighter of India, Aruna Asif Ali was born in 1909 in a Bengali family. Educated in Nainital, she married the renowned lawyer Asif Ali. Aruna gained prominence when she fearlessly hoisted the Tricolour in Mumbai in 1942, defying police threats. She remained active in politics, serving as the President of the Delhi Congress Committee and the Mayor of the Delhi Municipal Corporation. Aruna Asif Ali received several prestigious awards, including the Lenin Peace Prize and the Indira Gandhi Award. She passed away in 1996, leaving behind a legacy of courage and dedication.
• Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam : Known as the “Missile Man” of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was the 11th President of India. Born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, he pursued a career in aeronautical engineering. Dr. Kalam played a significant role in India’s space and defense programs, leading the development of successful missiles. His contributions to science and technology earned him numerous accolades, including the Padma Vibhushan and Bharat Ratna. Dr. Kalam’s vision for a technologically advanced India and his dedication to education continue to inspire generations.

Crafting a compelling biographical sketch requires careful research, organization, and attention to detail. By following the proper format and incorporating engaging content, you can create a captivating sketch that effectively portrays a person’s life and achievements. Remember to tailor your sketch to the intended audience and proofread it thoroughly before presenting it.

With the guidelines and examples provided in this comprehensive guide, you are well-equipped to write an impressive biographical sketch. So, go ahead and tell the extraordinary stories of extraordinary individuals through the art of biographical sketch writing!

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Biosketch Format Pages, Instructions and Samples

A biographical sketch (also referred to as biosketch) documents an individual's qualifications and experience for a specific role in a project.  NIH requires submission of a biosketch for each proposed senior/key personnel and other significant contributor on a grant application. Some funding opportunities or programs may also request biosketches for additional personnel (e.g., Participating Faculty Biosketch attachment for institutional training awards).  Applicants and recipients are required to submit biosketches

• in competing applications for all types of grant programs,
• in progress reports when new senior/key personnel or other significant contributors are identified, and
• to support prior approval requests for changes in senior/key personnel status and changes of recipient organization.

Direct specific biosketch and other support related questions to [email protected]

This page last updated on: May 6, 2021

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Johnny Holland

Biographical Sketch Examples – A Guide to Biographical Sketches

A biographical sketch can be regarded as an account of the life and activities of a person or family. This sketch should be written by someone else and not the person that it is written for. When properly written, biographical sketches can tell many interesting facts about a person they are written for. It mentions the age the person lives, their occupation, hobbies, and many other things worth mentioning. 

So, how do your Write a Biographical Sketch?

When you write a biographical sketch, you must remember the purpose of the sketch, be precise, and highlight the achievements and influences of the person. Arrange your information logically, and verify your information before putting them out there. 

What Is A Good Example Of A Biographical Sketch?

An excellent example of a biographical sketch should include information on the individual or family’s names, residence, education, occupation, life activities, and other vital information. A biographical sketch must also have hobbies, friends, interests, and the influence of people in the individual’s life and achievements. 

A biographical sketch should be around 500 words and should include answers to the following questions;

• Where is the place of residence of the individual?
• What did they do for a living?
• Was the person married?
• Did they had children?
• What are the names of their parents or guardians?
• How long did they live in their last place of residence?
• Why did they join military or paramilitary forces like the Army or the Boys scout?
• What happened to them when they joined the military?
• What did they achieve in and outside of their main occupation?
• When did they die?
• How friends, family, and other people did remember them?

Please type your biographical sketch with the 12-point font and double-spaced. It is also essential to check for punctuation, spelling, and verbal usage errors. It would be best if you allowed friends, family, and another person who has come across the individual to contribute any vital information to the sketch, as they have the necessary information that can be useful in many ways. 

You may not be able to answer all the biographical sketch questions fully; that is okay as long as you make the final report very interesting. 

Tips And Ideas For Writing Biographical Sketch

A biographical sketch is supposed to paint the abbreviated picture of an individual’s life. It can be written about your own life or someone else’s. When written about someone else’s life, the sketch must explain who the person is and highlight their achievements. If a biological sketch is about you, then the same rule applies. 

You must get permission before you write a biography sketch. You must approach the individual or their family members and ask for their permission to write about the individual’s life. 

In some cases, asking for permission may not be necessary, for instance, if the individual is a public figure or deceased individual, but seeking approval will make your work a lot easier. 

If an individual wants a biographical sketch, they will surely provide some vital information or resources you will need to do the work. You may throw in your skill into the write-up, but the primary information about the person is more important. For this reason, getting permission and a true story from the right source is always an excellent step to take. 

In addition to presenting an individual or yourself in a positive light, you must keep readers engaged and wanting to know more. 

The first thing you must keep in mind when writing a biographical sketch is to remember your purpose. This notion means the sketch must provide the core information about the individual. You must include the full names, place of birth, occupation, family background, and significant accomplishments. 

If you are writing a biographical sketch about yourself, it is known as an autobiographical sketch. You may write this sketch to promote yourself, for instance, when you want to sell a book. When a biographical sketch is about you, then your primary focus should be your accomplishments.

Another tip that is vital for a successful biographical sketch is conciseness. It would be best if you were concise with all information provided. You should aim for 500 words or less with your biographical sketches. This should fit into a single-spaced, standard page. Keep in mind that a sketch is a condensed or compressed version of a fuller biography; hence you should pay attention to the core information. 

The core information in a biographical sketch includes; background and history plus accomplishments. To be concise with the information provided, you must choose the essential sentiments due to the space confinement for the report. 

It would be best if you highlighted the achievements and influences of the recipient of the biographical sketch. Highlighting the recipient’s accomplishments will impress the audience more and make them more interested in the person. 

It would be best to mention how life’s accomplishments affected the individual’s life, and you may incorporate their influences into the sketch.  An example of highlighting achievement in a biographical sketch is as follows;

“Marcus Rashford is a wall street Journal author who speaks worldwide about how small and medium businesses can escape the effects of marketing mediocrity to produce tangible results. Forbes named him one of the most influential people shaping modern business marketing”. 

This brief highlight showcases the occupation of the individual and his achievement within the sector. Every other achievement mentioned in a biographical sketch should follow a similar format to save space. 

Now that you have mentioned the life achievements of the individuals and their background, the next step is to arrange your information logically or in sequence. You must have gathered all the necessary information. Hence it would be best if you gathered your fact. 

Keep in mind that 500-word content will probably give you 4-5 paragraphs to include all necessary information. You may want to write the biographical sketch in chronological order or retell their life in full, but the space constraint remains an issue. 

In an autobiographical sketch, you may have to consider a bullet list to highlight achievements. It all depends on how much information you have and how well you want to summarize such. You must be ready to shorten your information to include all achievement highlights. 

Verifying your information is as essential as any other tip here. Before you publish or present a biographical sketch of an individual, you must double-check all your sources. You must confirm your information to be accurate to prevent misrepresentation that can mislead people. 

Sometimes, interviewing the person involved may be necessary; otherwise, you must have a credible source for your information. 

What Is The Difference Between Biographical Sketch And Capsule Biographical? 

People often confuse capsule biography with a biographical sketch, but there is a wide range of differences between the two. 

The main difference is that a biographical sketch is like a summary of a capsule biography, which means you can extend a biographical sketch into a full bio. The Capsule biography covers some essential elements: name, birthplace, parents’ names, significant achievements, and death. 

You may think that the elements in a capsule biography are the same as those in a biographical sketch, capsule biography can include more details on its descriptions. For instance, you can provide the achievements of the individual in more information; likewise, they may emphasize personal information more. 

What You Must Avoid In Biography Sketch

Aside from making brief descriptions of the accomplishments of an individual, there are some things you should avoid including in such a biography.

For instance, you must not include attempts at any accomplishments. These are regarded as incomplete, and they should not be mentioned in the sketch except when references are made. 

You must not include personal issues such as divorces, criminal convictions, and information on other related matters in biography sketches. Such sketches aim to emphasize the accomplishments of an individual and not their shortcomings. 

You must not include fabricated accomplishments, titles, positions, and awards in a biography sketch. You can quickly discover false information in this modern digital age; hence You could remove your biography sketch, and you could be sanctioned. It is better to avoid exaggerated achievements than to get caught up in lies. 

Everyone should have a biography sketch, and you don’t have to wait until you are old or passed away to have a biographical sketch. A biographical sketch can help generations after you know more about your life, and you may become a source of inspiration to them.  

If you are writing about someone else, you should do comprehensive research and confirm every detail of the information you get before you publish them in the biographical sketch. Not gaining permission for a biographical sketch can lead to litigations, and you may find yourself paying huge fines or even go to jail for such. Please make sure the relatives of the individual get the sketch before you publish it.

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B. Sidney Smith

On the loom of language we weave our perceptions into the tapestry of comprehension., a brief autobiographical sketch.

I was born on a Friday the 13th during the waning months of the Eisenhower administration in then Holy Cross Hospital (now Salt Lake Regional) in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Jeanne Diane and Marcus Sidney Smith . My first name, Becker, is after my mother's maiden name. I am the only son of an only son.

I grew up in Denver, Colorado, graduating from George Washington High School in 1978. Eschewing college and all conventional expectations, I decamped to California (following a girl I was in love with) and launched an episodic life of diverse pursuits, passions, occupations, and relationships.

I began by studying yoga under the tutelage of a master I'll call J. This was a serious and formative undertaking, and I gained insights into myself and the world that have been important to me since. I still practice forty years later many of the disciplines I acquired then. At that time I also converted to Catholicism, and this too has lasted.

I emerged also with an uncharacteristic focus: I finished my undergraduate degree in 3½ years magna cum laude from Central Washington University , paid for by Uncle Sam. In the process I discovered a wholly unexpected passion for mathematics. I stayed on for a master's degree, then crossed the Atlantic to spend a glorious academic year at St. Edmund's College , Cambridge University , where I completed the Math Tripos, Part III .

I then became a graduate student in mathematics at the University of Colorado, Boulder , and too many years later wrenched a PhD from their reluctant fingers. It was a tough experience, and took the wind out of me. Nevertheless it licensed me to become what I had long intended, a college professor.

I loved and labored at Radford University in Virginia for seven years, and suddenly awoke to the fact that I had passed decisively from youth into middle age. And, it was time to apply for tenure. Taking stock, and gathering in my hands the threads of my intellectual, professional, and creative lives, I determined to change course yet again.

I am now blessed by circumstances that allow me to focus on creative, academic, and entreprenuerial pursuits too long and too often set aside for more pressing obligations. In a rural Virginia home with a small studio and a shop, projects long delayed and others just starting to gestate compete for each day's energy. Like my father and grandfather, I will devote the second half of my adult life to doing the best creative work of which I am capable. My first half-century has been a perfectly satisfactory lifetime in itself; it is now the foundation of all that comes next.

Some trivia:

• I got the third marriage right.
• I have an only son.
• I was with my father when he died in 2009, in the same hospital in which I was born.
• My father's parents, Sidney Paul Smith and Ruth Wolf Smith , were noted Utah artists.
• My mother's father designed the fuel system for the P52 fighter in World War Two.
• My father's mother's father was a Palestinian Maronite , from Haifa, and the only (other) Catholic in my family that I know of. It was in his honor that I was named after my mother's maiden name, an Arabic tradition.
• My great-great-great grandfather John Paternoster Squires was Brigham Young's barber, and had four wives. I am thus a sixth generation native of Salt Lake City, and it is the place to which I remain most attached.
• I was the last student of Jan Mycielski , and the only one to finish a PhD with him in the last 25 years of his professional life.
• While at Cambridge I became our college bar steward , performed in two Footlights revues, and debated at the Union .
• My first mystery novel, The Officer's Wife , is based on my Army experiences. In particular, I underwent “combat lifesaver” training and still have the kit that features prominently in the plot.
• My website for popular mathematics, Platonic Realms , has been continuously online since 1997, will soon be re-launching with an online store and new content, and is used by thousands of students and educators every day.
• My grandfather Paul was an amateur ornithologist, and took me on many nature outings when I was small, as well as to the zoo and the natural history museum. Consequently I have always been something of an amateur naturalist. I especially love zoological gardens, aquaria, and natural history museums, and visit them wherever I travel. Zoos I have visited—some frequently—include the Denver Zoo , the Hogle Zoo , the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo , the San Francisco Zoo , the San Diego Zoo , the Woodland Park Zoo , the Point Defiance Zoo , the National Zoo , The London Zoo , and the Tiergarten Nürnberg . I have visited sundry aquaria on both coasts and in between. Among the natural history museums I have visited are the Denver Museum of Natural History (practically grew up there—it's now the Denver Museum of Nature and Science), the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History , the American Museum of Natural History , the British Museum of Natural History , and the Cambridge Museum of Zoology which houses Darwin's collection.
• I collect decorative eggs. No reason.

How to Write a Professional Biosketch

A guide for people in university, health care, government, and nonprofit work..

Posted May 22, 2019 | Reviewed by Jessica Schrader

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As someone who reviews a lot of grant applications, conference submissions, and internship applications, I read a lot of “ biosketches ” (brief descriptions of professional identity ) from people at all career stages.

Unfortunately, many people do not put their best foot forward and sometimes don’t even seem to recognize their key professional strengths. Even distinguished senior professionals sometimes use very dated biosketches that do not communicate their status in the field.

Biosketches are yet another of the many “soft” professional skills that do not get taught in school, but are important for professional success. When you search the internet for guidance on writing a biosketch, the hits mostly take you to very business-oriented examples. Those are fine for corporate settings, but the culture in psychology and related human and social services is different. People who work in anything related to education , health, government, or social justice-oriented nonprofits need a biosketch that fits those professional cultures. If you work—or hope to work—in one of those settings, read on.

What Is a Professional Biosketch?

A biosketch (or sometimes shortened to just “bio”) is a one-paragraph description of your professional identity. It is generally no more than half a page long (single-spaced), and usually ranges from 50 to 300 words.

The main purpose of a professional biosketch is to identify the professional community to which you belong, and to briefly describe the steps you have taken to join that community. As you develop professionally, it also becomes important to describe the ways that your work has been recognized by your professional colleagues.

How Do Biosketches Compare to Other Professional Documents?

Professional biosketches are just one of several different types of personal descriptions that you might come across in human and social services: In addition to biosketches, there are also resumés , “ curriculum vitae ” (usually shortened to “cv”), and reflexivity statements (also called in positionality statements).

Biosketches are different from resumés or “ curriculum vitae ,” which are both more detailed descriptions of your work history and professional accomplishments, with dates and locations and other specifics. People in psychology and related fields say “cv” more than resumé, and cvs are usually much longer. My current cv, for example, is 22 pages long, and even at that length omits a lot of details from earlier in my career.

[Note: the National Institutes of Health has a short cv form that they also, unfortunately, call a biosketch, so you’ll sometimes hear people refer to an NIH biosketch. Those are four- to five-page versions of people’s full cvs. Although they look more like resumés or cvs, what they have in common with other biosketches is that they focus on highlights of your work, in this case those most relevant to the grant proposal. If you apply for federal grants, you can learn more about completing those here, including seeing a sample here .]

Reflexivity statements are also more detailed than biosketches, but focus on how your other personal, social, and historical characteristics can “situate” your work—exploring how your experiences growing up, or as a parent, or someone with a particular health history, for example, change the way you approach scientific questions. They are still work documents, unlike autobiographies, because the goal is to make you a better scholar or therapist.

When Do You Use Biosketches?

Some common places you will see biosketches:

1. Websites for universities, medical schools, government agencies, nonprofits, and other organizations. Most university departments have individual pages for each faculty member, and these often include biosketches. For other organizations, you’ll often see an “About Us” page that provides a brief description of key personnel.

2. Conference submissions and other presentations . If you are a student, researcher, or professional trainer, it is increasingly common that you will need to provide a brief biosketch as part of a conference or workshop submission. Many agencies that certify continuing education credits are now required to collect this information, to show that the people delivering the content have the appropriate education and training to do so.

More advanced professionals will also need a biosketch for such things as giving an invited speech or joining an advisory board. I have more than one version of my biosketch, adapted for whether the audience is more research-focused or provider-focused, and also versions for different topics I speak on. For example, sometimes I give talks that are more focused on resilience and other talks are more focused on violence or a specific type of violence, and I’ll adapt my biosketch to emphasize my experience that is most closely related to the topic I’m speaking on. You can see examples of a couple of different versions of my biosketch here and here . The first emphasizes my scientific credentials, the second my writing experience.

3. Grant applications . One of the most important parts of any grant proposal is the “why us” pitch , and there is always a section to describe the key personnel or team who will conduct the project. Each person will need a one-paragraph description of why they are well-suited for their role. This includes federal grants that also require the five-page biosketch form—you will still need to put a brief description of your credentials and why you are a good person to conduct this study in the text of the grant application (do it whether they explicitly ask for that or not).

What Goes in a Biosketch?

For most people, the biggest challenge in writing a biosketch is getting comfortable with what I call “the fine art of blowing your own horn.” I totally get that—my family’s roots are in rural Appalachia, where puttin’ on airs is just about the worst social crime you can commit. I still have to work at graciously accepting compliments—I don’t know if I will ever get over that ingrained discomfort. Nonetheless, the only way for people to find you and recognize that you’d be good for their job or conference or whatever is for you to tell them something about you. I have found that putting it in writing is easier than dealing with the same challenge in a face-to-face setting, so it can be good practice and can give you some lines you can use in interviews or similar situations.

Opening. The opening should introduce you and situate you professionally, by giving your name, degree(s), and current institutional affiliation. Stick to your main affiliations, but it is OK to list more than one (I do). Usually the wording is in the third person. For example (hypothetical made up example), “Maria Vasquez, M.A., is a graduate student in clinical psychology at Awesome University.”

Where You Fit in the Professional Universe. The next couple of sentences should identify your main areas of focus. If you are a senior person, you should communicate that experience. So for example, for me, I emphasize that the major focus of my work is on violence and that I have addressed this problem in multiple roles over the years (researcher, therapist, activist).

If you are a more junior person starting out, then it would be good to get a little more specific about the nature of your interests. For example, “My research interests focus on the impact of childhood neglect on academic achievement.”

If you are a more senior person, then you should stop saying what your research interests are and start describing your research accomplishments. You might think that this seems obvious, but it is probably the single most common mistake I see in professional biosketches—that some distinguished person still sounds like they haven’t finished their first research project. A lot of people will use the convention of saying what they are “best known for,” such as “Dr. Brown is best known for his work in preventing adolescent substance abuse ” or “Dr. Han is best known for creating a school-based curriculum in social-emotional learning.” [Again these examples are made up.]

The first half of your biosketch is also a good place to note any accomplishments regarding these topics, especially if you were the first person to develop a program or pass a law or study an issue. If you are an experienced person, then it is good to say that you “have more than 10 years’ experience providing expert testimony” or “Dr. Brown has authored or co-authored more than 100 publications on substance abuse.”

Your Relationships With Professional Organizations. The second half of your biosketch is a good place to describe some of the ways that you have interacted with or been recognized by professional organizations.

The organizations you emphasize depends somewhat on the purpose of your biosketch (and probably one of the main places that it might make sense to have different versions for different purposes).

If you are applying for a grant or submitting to a research-oriented conference or, for whatever reason, trying to impress university professors or other people in academia.

In these cases, it is good to mention sources of grant (aka “external”) funding that you have received, especially for research. If you are a student or junior professional, these can include funded fellowships or assistantships as well as small grants from your own university. If you are mid-career or senior person, then it is best to emphasize larger research grants from Federal agencies such as the National Institutes of Health or from large nonprofit foundations such as the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

This is also a good place to mention any awards.

People often ask me about how far to go back on awards, and a good rule of thumb is to go back no more than one role or career/developmental stage. So, for graduate school applications, yes, put down undergraduate accomplishments, but most high school accomplishments should roll off both your biosketch and your cv or resumé. Once you have a college degree, no one wants to know that you were president of the chess club in high school. The only exception would be if you have some extraordinary high school accomplishment, such as being an Olympic gymnast.

If you have a graduate degree and are looking for a professional position such as professor or therapist, then most of your undergraduate accomplishments should roll off both your biosketch and cv. Again, unless they are exceptional. For the rest of us, it’s better to emphasize your more recent accomplishments.

If you don’t have any awards (yet), this section can still be a good place to note professional affiliations, professional licenses, or involvement with national organizations, such as chairing a committee or something like that.

The last type of organization to consider is media organizations. When I am giving talks to audiences that more mostly practitioners, students, or members of the general public, I often mention some of the news outlets where my work has appeared. This can be a way to show that your work is the kind that “breaks through” and gets outside of the ivory tower.

However, this same approach may turn some reviewers off if you are submitting a grant or a conference proposal. Unfortunately, some academics are quite proud of the fact that no one outside academe reads their work and they look down their nose at efforts to communicate science to the general public. They are wrong, of course, but sometimes you have to play the game before you can change the game, so I’d add these references cautiously, especially if you are not sure of the audience.

Playing with the content or pushing the boundaries of how personal to get. More and more, I see people experimenting with the content of biosketches in much the same way that people have re-vamped obituaries so that they are more personal. I think this is a great movement and I support it when I can (you’ll see some of the biosketches from ResilienceCon are anything but stiff). I encourage people to try to push those boundaries so that there is a bit more of our full true selves in our professional personas. However, I personally also recommend a pragmatic approach. If you are working on your first Federal grant, that is probably not the time to play with the traditional format, because you risk looking uninformed instead of revolutionary.

With a little practice, we can all learn how to put our best foot forward.

You can see some examples of professional biosketches here and here . Some of my colleagues' biosketches are here . Click here for examples of biosketches for students and more junior professionals from ResilienceCon scholarship winners.

Sherry Hamby, Ph.D. , is a research professor of psychology at Sewanee, the University of the South.

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Autobiography Writing Guide

Autobiography Examples

Last updated on: Nov 20, 2023

Autobiography Examples – Detailed Outline and Samples

By: Barbara P.

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Mar 22, 2023

We all have stories to tell. And, for some of us, the only way we feel like we can get our story out there is by writing it down. Some people may believe that an autobiography is something only famous people write about themselves but that is not true. 

In fact, anyone who has a story worth telling can write an autobiography. 

If you are assigned to write an autobiography in your high school or college and you are confused about where to start, don’t panic. 

You are at the right place.

Explore this detailed guide to understand the concept of writing an autobiography. It will also provide you with some great autobiography examples for a better understanding.

On this Page

What is an Autobiography?

An autobiography is a kind of the self-written story of a person's life. This type of narration has various aims and objectives that depend on the kind of writing that you decide to go with.

Moreover, it has different types. A writer can choose any of them on the basis of what he wants to include in his story.

AUTOBIOGRAPHY OUTLINE (PDF)

AUTOBIOGRAPHY TEMPLATE (PDF)

Struggling to understand the basics of autobiography? Check out this how to write an autobiography to understand the key prerequisite of autobiographies. 

Autobiography Types

Below-mentioned is the four main types of autobiography. These include:

1. Traditional Autobiography –  It is a complete story that covers all life experiences including birth, childhood, and adulthood. You can write it for personal use. However, if you feel that your life can be inspiring for others, you can also write it for the wider public.

2. Memoir –  It focuses on describing a specific event, relationship, time period, or place that has an effect on your personality and life. For example, it may include your hometown or an important relationship.

3. Personal Essay –  It is the idea of sharing your life story with the audience in a way that they feel as if they were a part of it. Similarly, it also describes two aspects including the event and how it affected the beliefs.

4. Confessional –  Some people find comfort in writing about their mistakes and sins. Thus, they write this type of autobiography so that people will learn from their mistakes and avoid them.

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Examples are an essential way to learn something in less time. Therefore, we have stated some examples for you to write your autobiographies. These will also help to learn about a proper autobiography template and structure.

Have a look at these autobiography examples to get a better understanding.

Cultural Autobiography Examples

CULTURAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY (PDF)

Educational Autobiography Examples for Students 

EDUCATIONAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY (PDF)

Autobiography Examples For Class 6

Autobiography Examples For Grade 7

Autobiography Examples For College Students

Autobiography Examples About Yourself

Autobiography Examples Ks2

Famous Personality Autobiography

The autobiography of benjamin franklin is one example of a famous personality autobiography. Similarly, these famous autobiography examples will provide you with everything to get started with your famous personality autobiography.

FAMOUS PERSONALITY AUTOBIOGRAPHY (PDF)

Funny Autobiography

FUNNY AUTOBIOGRAPHY (PDF)

High School Autobiography

HIGH SCHOOL AUTOBIOGRAPHY (PDF)

Literary Autobiography Example

Literary Autobiography

Personal Autobiography

PERSONAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY (PDF)

Professional Autobiography

PROFESSIONAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY (PDF)

Struggling to understand the difference between memoir and autobiography? Check this guide with memoir vs autobiography examples to differentiate between the two terms.

Scientific Autobiography

SCIENTIFIC AUTOBIOGRAPHY (PDF)

Short Autobiography Examples for Students

SHORT AUTOBIOGRAPHY (PDF)

Autobiography Examples Books

Autobiography example books provide a detailed insight into the life of an individual. Through these real-life stories, readers get to know more about a person's experiences and how they overcame challenges. 

Book Autobiography Sample

Spiritual Autobiography Examples

Spiritual autobiographies are a great way to reflect on one's spiritual journey and the lessons learned along the way. Here is an example to help you out.

Spiritual Autobiography Sample

The Dos and Don'ts of an Autobiography

A successful autobiography indicates the author’s ability to present a worthwhile story. There are a wide variety of things that you can talk about while writing your personal narratives.

However, the following are some dos and don'ts of writing an autobiography that will help in refining your writing skills.

Some dos of writing an autobiography are:

• Understanding the Intended Audience

There is a huge difference when you are writing an autobiography for your friends or a group of strangers. Because it requires extensive details about life events and experiences. Thus, make sure to include facts that you consider significant.

• Developing A Core Concept

It is essential to identify the central theme of your autobiography. Moreover, a well-structured outline is also a proper way of associating one event with another. It will also set the interest of the readers by keeping the story consistent from the beginning to the end.

• Do Tell the Truth

Do not portray yourself as the hero or villain of the story. Instead, tell the truth and acknowledge your mistakes by exposing your strengths and weaknesses.

• Revising and Editing

Read aloud what you have written and do some editing. Check if your ideas flow logically and look out for interrupting thoughts.

• Do Seek Feedback

Ask your friends and family to read your work and provide you with feedback. Understand the difference between fair criticism and forced judgment.

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Don’ts of Writing an Autobiography

Below mentioned are some don'ts of writing an autobiography.

• Do Not Mention Unnecessary Details

Include relevant details and struggles when narrating your life story. Avoid adding unnecessary details. Instead, share the information that is directly related to your story.

• Stop Worrying About Others

Your story may contain some details that can have a negative effect on others. Do not worry about them and rearrange all the details.

Moreover, remember that you are not here to please everyone. Thus, avoid writing for a broader audience and make your story too generic and specific for the readers.

• Discuss Why Your Story Is Inspiring

If your main goal is to inspire people with your story, show them how you felt instead of telling them directly. Allow the audience to come to the conclusion through your writing style.

• Avoid Copying Someone's Story

It is a big mistake to copy someone's work to make your story compelling. Find the hook and unique points that are marketable. Also, think of all these details before you begin writing.

Autobiographies aim to educate and inform others in some ways. This blog has provided all the essential details to write an autobiography. You can generate even more samples of autobiography through our FREE AI-based paper writer . 

If you are still looking up “ who can write my essay? ”, relying on a professional expert is a good option. Make sure you select a reliable and top-ranked writing service, 5StarEssays.com . We guarantee you high-quality write essay services with zero percent plagiarism.

Give us a chance and place your order now by contacting our professional writers through the live chat option.

Literature, Marketing

Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

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• How to Write an Autobiography - A Complete Guide

• Know the Different Types of Autobiography Here

• Autobiography Format for Students - A Detailed Guide

• Autobiography vs. Memoir: Definitions & Writing Tips

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• Medical School Application

How To Make Your OMSAS Autobiographical Sketch Stand Out

Featured Expert: Dr. Neel Mistry, MD

The OMSAS autobiographical sketch is a challenging and time-consuming part of your application for  medical schools in Ontario . The OMSAS autobiographical sketch must be very concise and downright surgical in its wording. But don’t worry—with some basic guidelines and principles in mind, you can ensure that your  OMSAS  sketch stands out and improves your chances for getting into your dream MD program. 

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

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Article Contents 8 min read

Omsas autobiographical sketch: the basics .

Medical schools in Ontario use the OMSAS application system, which includes the Autobiographical Sketch (ABS). The sketch is essentially a rundown of your extracurriculars for medical school , your accomplishments, employment, education and more. It’s a snapshot of who you are, so the medical school admissions committee can evaluate you outside of your grades and MCAT score .

Because the OMSAS sketch needs to be a very concise overview of your background, plenty of students struggle with which activities to include, how to write effective descriptions and how to get started. Here’s what some of our students said about preparing for the OMSAS sketch:

“I had a very helpful session with [BeMo] about how to set up my OMSAS sketch! [My advisor] helped organize which of my activities to include/exclude and narrow down which ones were redundant and/or not adding much to my sketch. We also went over examples of how to best highlight the title and description of each activity. She gave me confidence to fill out the sketch in a way that reflects me well.” – BeMo student.

[my bemo consultant] was very helpful in going through what i should include in my omsas sketch, how to pick referees, listing activities that will aid my application, and going over specific school essays … i [am] confident about the next steps to take regarding my medical school application.” – bemo student..

Just because you have 32 entries, does NOT mean that you have to fill up all 32 entries. Remember, the point of the sketch is to demonstrate the essential qualities that medical schools value, not provide a comprehensive index of every waking moment of the last 5-7 years. In your preparation for drafting your sketch, however, you should begin with quantity, and refine into quality. 

“Quality often supersedes. I was fortunate to have a plethora of experiences, some in each category, to include. However, this is obviously not mandatory. I know of candidates who only had 20 entries listed (out of max 32) who were successful in gaining admission. Hence, although it is recommended to have entries in all of the categories (to demonstrate well-roundedness), it is completely fine to not have any activities in a category and compensate that by demonstrating exemplary skills in the other categories.” – Dr. Neel Mistry, MD, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine.

As the OUAC recommends, a good first step is to create a spreadsheet or other such organized document that you can populate with any and all activities you can think of having occurred since age 16. If possible, start keeping a log or journal of your work and extracurricular activities to keep track of your hours, contacts and details about your experiences. 

“For the sketch categories, I wrote down all of the activities I was involved in from the age of 16. I then tried to organize those activities into the appropriate categories. Then, I tried to identify the activities that were most significant (based on length of involvement, impact, relevance to medicine, etc.) and eliminated the smaller ones to fit the maximum limit.” – Dr. Neel Mistry, MD.

Be comprehensive here—this is the raw lumber you’ll use to build your final sketch. As you list these activities, organize them into their appropriate category using the list above, and provide ample details about them to access later when you begin editing your sketch entries. Once you have a list of at least 15-20 such entries, begin focusing on those activities that have been most impactful.

“What I think of as most meaningful are the things in my life that were the most formative of who I am today. What were the events/experiences that I still look back on today and that change how I react to things around me. In general, it is usually good to have meaningful experiences to draw on from each area of your life.” – Dr. Jaime Cazes, MD, former admissions officer at the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine.

For instance, you’ll surely list your entire employment history, but if your first job at 16 was a paper route and only lasted a week, you may consider skipping this in favor of something more impactful and sizable in duration. You need to be able to provide some level of detail as to why an entry is meaningful, and things like a brief job you didn’t get anything out of would be better left aside.  

Importantly, you must be clear and concise to demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Using an entry to describe your meditation practice or other hard-to-summarize activity within the limit may be challenging, but if you take your time and refine your entry, it can go a long way toward demonstrating your communication skills.  

“For the sketch, it is important to be as detailed as possible in the activity description while respecting the character limit … Simply start writing, and then refine your answer once you have the first draft … Have as many people [as possible] look over your work, and having the right people look it over is crucial …” – Dr. Neel Mistry, MD.

Again, the point is quality not quantity, even within a given entry—more words don’t necessarily help, and in fact will often bog down an entry or description without affording enough space for additional detail. This also speaks to the need to give yourself time to refine and edit your entries as well. Think of them a bit like poems—every word, every letter even, counts a great deal, and carries a lot of weight. Avoid putting yourself in a position where you need to rush through your sketch so that you can really polish each phrase to be as economical and impactful as possible. 

Consistency of formatting and language is important throughout the sketch, so be mindful of how unnatural certain conventions are—such as the year-month date format, and of using a forward slash instead of a comma for the location. Make sure to maintain uniformity: erratic punctuation may not automatically get your application chucked in the bin, but providing evidence that you have an eye for detail and organization will help you tremendously.

Check out our video on the OMSAS Application for more tips and autobiographical sketch entries

OMSAS ABS Tip #3: Start Early with Verifiers 

For any activity, other than formal education and scholarships, you must provide a verifier. For structured activities this can be a supervisor, a coach, etc. and for non-structured activities these can be friends, family members, neighbors, and even yourself.  

Since the range of verifiers is so vast, reach out to potential verifiers as you draft your initial, unrefined entries to make sure these people are comfortable with you listing them for a specific activity or experience. As you begin deciding which entries to refine into your final sketch, be mindful not only of what a given verifier might say, but whether they can be relied upon to respond to a contact request from a medical school. If possible, select verifiers you know will provide additional detail on an entry as well.

For instance, if you put down a store manager for an occupational entry but rarely interacted with that person directly, consider moving down the hierarchy a bit to a department or team manager with whom you spent more time. The temptation to try to include high-ranking verifiers may be strong, but what matters most is their reliability and ability to attest to your involvement in the activity. Hierarchy and status simply do not matter for verifiers.  

Admissions committees at Ontario medical schools read so many OMSAS sketches in a given application season that any whiff of insincerity or posturing will be detected as such. Part of this is speaking truthfully and not embellishing a given entry. If a given volunteering experience was a trial or even a letdown, don’t embellish it into some kind of life-altering transformation. Not only will your verifier likely not back that up, but the stink of dishonesty or embellishment will come through to the people reading your sketch. 

“It can be easy for people to look through your application and spot the ‘CV stuffers’. And these things are activities that you don’t have a long commitment with, aren’t passionate about, or that seem like things you just do to pad your CV with.” – Dr. Jaime Cazes, MD.

One of the skills experienced admissions committee members develop is the ability to piece together an actual, working picture of the student whose sketch they’re reading. Entries that stick out from the tone and character of their surrounding entries will almost always read as ill-fitting or even hypocritical. A smart tactic when considering how to present the details of an experience is to assume a kind of omniscience in your eventual reader—assume any atom of falsehood will be sensed, and carefully refine your language to avoid embellishment. 

Similarly, don’t exaggerate your hobbies or other entries that will rely on self-verification. You may be tempted to list a marathon or two if you enjoy running, but admissions committees don’t care about your ultimate level of athleticism so much as the fact that you’re a disciplined person who’s mindful of their own health.

Check out an overview the OMSAS application system:

OMSAS Autobiographical Sketch Examples 

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Every OMSAS ABS entry has a hard limit of 150 characters. Put into perspective, that's the exact number of characters in this response. Pretty small!

To some extent, yes. Don’t just list  CanMEDS roles  in a job description, for example, but instead identify a skill you gained while performing the job’s duties that implicitly corresponds to some aspect of the framework.

If you absolutely can’t think of someone who can verify an activity, you can still put it down in “Other,” and simply list yourself as a verifier. Keep these to a minimum, but if it’s an especially meaningful activity or experience, and you can capture that meaning succinctly and engagingly, then include it.

OMSAS allows you to include up to 32 entries total, but you do not need to include the max. Focus on quality and quantity, and try to include an activity for each category.

Describe the impact the extracurricular had on you or your academic performance. For instance, noting that your time coaching little league baseball helped you improve your communication skills with both children and parents. 

People who are notoriously hard to get a hold of should be substituted for someone more accessible, even if they held a position of higher stature in the given activity or experience. It’s much more important to have someone reliable act as your verifier. 

Yes! Again, committees aren’t going to hold it against you if you only worked 20 hours per week instead of 40—the point is what skills and insights a job afforded you, and whether you performed its duties well.

Absolutely, yes. The general format for research activities includes fields for duration—i.e., “from” and “to”—a description, location of research, title of project, type of publication, and your role. If it wasn’t ultimately published, simply don’t include that line, and use those extra characters to describe your role or the project itself .

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How to Write an Autobiography

Writing your autobiography is like exploring a treasure trove of memories that make up your life. But starting can feel overwhelming. Where do you begin? How do you turn your experiences into a compelling story? Don't worry – this guide is here to help. Whether you're a seasoned writer or a total beginner, we'll break down the process of how to write your autobiography into easy-to-follow steps. Together, we'll uncover the magic of storytelling and turn your life into a captivating reflective essay that's uniquely yours. Get ready to start this adventure of self-discovery and creativity!

What Is an Autobiography

The autobiography definition explains it is a written account of a person's life penned by the individual who has lived those experiences. It is a personal narrative that chronicles significant events, reflections, and emotions throughout various stages of the author's life. Unlike a biography, which is typically written by someone else, an autobiography provides a firsthand perspective, allowing the author to share their thoughts, memories, and insights. It is a cogent medium for self-expression, enabling students to convey the essence of their unique journey, impart lessons learned, and leave a lasting record of their lives for themselves and others to explore.

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Autobiography vs. Biography: What’s the Difference

The key distinction between an autobiography and a biography lies in the authorship and perspective. An autobiography is a personal account of one's own life written by the subject themselves. It offers an intimate insight into the author's experiences, emotions, and reflections. For instance, in "The Diary of a Young Girl," Anne Frank provides a poignant autobiographical account of her life hiding from the Nazis during World War II. On the other hand, a biography is a narrative of someone's life written by another person. It often involves extensive research and interviews to present a comprehensive and objective view. A notable example is "Steve Jobs" by Walter Isaacson, a biography offering an in-depth portrayal of the Apple co-founder, drawing on interviews with Jobs himself and those who knew him. While both genres illuminate lives, the crucial difference lies in the source of the narrative – whether it emanates directly from the subject or is crafted by an external observer.

A biography vs autobiography offers distinct perspectives on individuals' lives, shaping narratives through either personal reflections or external observations. Maya Angelou's "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" is a powerful autobiography chronicling her tumultuous childhood and journey toward self-discovery. In contrast, a notable biography like "Leonardo da Vinci" by Walter Isaacson delves into the life of the Renaissance polymath, painting a vivid picture through meticulous research and analysis. Autobiographies often provide a deeply personal lens, as seen in "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls, where Walls recounts her unconventional upbringing. In contrast, biographies such as "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand meticulously document the extraordinary life of Louis Zamperini, offering a comprehensive view shaped by the author's investigative work. These examples underscore the unique storytelling approaches each genre employs, either from the firsthand perspective of the subject or the external perspective of an author.

Autobiography Example

Ready to explore autobiography examples? We've got a cool section coming up where we'll check out two awesome examples. Autobiographies are like personal tours into someone's life, and we'll be looking at the stories of Alex Sterling and Trevor Noah. They've poured their experiences onto the pages, and we're going to see what we can learn from their journeys. Get ready to be inspired and maybe even think about telling your own story down the line. Let's dive in!

Example 1: “Wanderer's Odyssey: The Uncharted Life of Alex Sterling”

This autobiography recounts the life of a character born in a bustling city who, driven by a thirst for adventure, leaves behind urban life to explore the open road. The narrative explores the protagonist's experiences of hitchhiking, forming connections, and finding self-discovery in the midst of the unpredictable journey. The story emphasizes the lessons learned from the road, the challenges faced, and the ultimate embrace of authenticity. The epilogue reflects on the character's life as a well-lived odyssey, highlighting themes of resilience, connection, and the pursuit of one's true identity.

Example 2: “Echoes of Eternity: The Memoirs of Amelia Reed”

This autobiography follows a character from a countryside village who harbors expansive dreams of adventure. The narrative unfolds as the protagonist sets out to pursue these dreams, facing trials and triumphs that shape their character and lead to self-discovery. The story emphasizes the transformative power of embracing the unknown, with the epilogue reflecting on a life well-lived, highlighting the legacy of fulfilled dreams and the enduring impact on future generations. In addition to examples, we have samples of narrative essay topics that might be useful for you as well.

Tell your story with EssayPro . Our skilled writers can help you craft an autobiography that truly reflects your journey. Share your unique experiences and life lessons in a way that resonates with readers.

Autobiography Elements Explained

Writing an autobiography provides a personal account of one's experiences, achievements, challenges, and personal growth. While each autobiography is unique, certain common elements are often found in this genre:

Introduction

• Autobiographies typically begin with an introduction where the author sets the stage for their life story.
• It may include background information such as birthplace, family, and early experiences.

Birth and Early Years

• Authors often include details about their birth, childhood, and family background.
• Early influences, relationships, and experiences that shaped the individual may be highlighted.

Significant Life Events

• Autobiographies focus on key events and milestones that have had a significant impact on the author's life.
• This could include achievements, failures, relationships, and other impactful experiences.

Challenges and Obstacles

• Autobiographies explore the challenges and obstacles the author faced throughout their life.
• This can include personal struggles, professional setbacks, or other difficulties.

Personal Growth and Development

• Authors reflect on their personal growth and development over the years.
• This may involve self-discovery, learning from experiences, and evolving perspectives.

Achievements and Milestones

• Autobiographies highlight the author's achievements, whether personal, professional, or both.
• Major milestones and successes are often detailed to showcase the individual's journey.

Influential Relationships

• Autobiographies frequently discuss relationships with family, friends, mentors, and significant others.
• The impact of these relationships on the author's life is explored.

Reflection and Insight

• Authors often reflect on their lives, offering insights into their beliefs, values, and lessons learned.
• This section may also include the author's perspective on the world and society.

Themes and Motifs

• Autobiographies may explore recurring themes or motifs that run throughout the individual's life.
• Common themes include resilience, determination, love, loss, and personal identity.
• Autobiographies typically conclude with a summary or reflection on the author's life.
• The author may share their current perspective and future aspirations.

Writing Style

• The writing style can vary, ranging from a formal tone to a more conversational and reflective approach.
• Authors may use literary devices and storytelling techniques to engage readers.

Remember that autobiographies are highly personal, and the structure and emphasis on different elements can vary widely depending on the author's preferences and purpose for writing.

Autobiographical Essay Structure

Autobiographies typically follow a chronological order, beginning with the author's early life and progressing towards the present or a significant moment. The introduction sets the stage, introducing the author and offering insight into the main themes. As you can see in an autobiography example, the narrative then unfolds, exploring the author's significant life events, challenges faced, and personal growth. Achievements and milestones are highlighted, and the impact of influential relationships is examined. Throughout, recurring themes and motifs add depth to the narrative. In the reflection and insight section, the author shares personal lessons learned and beliefs. The conclusion summarizes the autobiography, reflecting on the author's life and future aspirations.

Learning how to start an autobiography involves captivating the reader's attention while providing context. Authors often employ engaging anecdotes, vivid descriptions, or thought-provoking statements related to the overarching theme of their lives. The goal is to draw readers in from the beginning and establish a connection between the author and the audience. In the introduction, authors can introduce themselves to the reader. This can be done by sharing a captivating snapshot of their life or posing a question that intrigues the audience. The autobiography introduction sets the tone for the entire narrative, providing a glimpse into the themes and events that will be explored in the autobiography.

The autobiography conclusion offers the culmination of the author's life story. Here, authors often summarize the key points and experiences shared throughout the narrative. It is a moment of reflection, where the author can offer insights into the significance of their journey and the lessons learned along the way. The conclusion may also touch on the author's current perspective, providing a sense of closure to the narrative while leaving room for future aspirations and growth.

Literary Forms of Autobiography

Autobiographies, while generally a non-fiction genre, can take on various literary forms and styles. Here are some literary forms commonly found in autobiographical works:

Traditional Autobiography

• The straightforward narrative of an individual's life, which is usually written by the person themselves. It follows a chronological order, covering significant events and experiences.
• Similar to an autobiography but often focusing on specific themes, periods, or aspects of the author's life rather than a comprehensive account. Memoirs often delve into personal reflections and emotions.

Diary or Journal Form

• Some autobiographies adopt the form of a diary or journal, presenting the author's life through dated entries. This format provides a more immediate and personal perspective.

Epistolary Autobiography

• Written in the form of letters, an epistolary autobiography may consist of the author addressing themselves or others. This style adds an intimate and conversational tone to the narrative.

Graphic Novel or Comic Memoir

• Autobiographical stories are presented in a graphic novel or comic format. Visual elements complement the written narrative, providing a unique and engaging way to convey personal experiences.

Experimental or Nonlinear Autobiography

• Some authors choose to play with the chronological order, presenting their life story non-linearly. This experimental approach can create a more artistic and challenging reading experience.

Biographical Fiction

• While not entirely autobiographical, some authors write fictionalized versions of their own lives. It allows for creative exploration and artistic liberties while drawing inspiration from real experiences.

Travelogue Autobiography

• Autobiographies that take on the form of a travelogue often focus on the author's journeys, both physical and metaphorical. The narrative is shaped by the places visited and the impact of these experiences on personal growth.

Essayistic Autobiography

• Autobiographies that incorporate elements of essays, exploring themes, ideas, and reflections on the author's life. This form allows for a more contemplative and philosophical approach.

Collaborative Autobiography

• Co-written autobiographies involve collaboration between the autobiographical subject and a professional writer. It is common when the subject may not be a writer but has a compelling story to share.

These literary forms highlight the versatility of autobiographical writing, showcasing how authors can creatively shape their life stories to engage readers in various ways. Are you working on other academic assignments? Use our term paper writing services to put your finger on any pending task at hand quickly and for a reasonable price.

How to Write an Autobiography in 5 Steps

Writing an autobiography can be a rewarding and reflective process. Here's a simplified guide in 5 steps to help you get started:

Step 1: Reflection and Brainstorming

Begin by reflecting on your life, considering important events, challenges, and moments of growth. Make a mental inventory of key experiences and people who have influenced you.

Step 2: Establish a Focus

Choose a central theme or focus for your autobiography. This could be a specific period of your life, a significant achievement, or a recurring theme that ties your experiences together. Having a clear focus will guide your writing.

Step 3: Create a Chronological Outline

Develop a rough chronological outline of your life story, starting from your early years and progressing through significant events to the present or another crucial point. Identify key moments and experiences to include in each section.

Step 4: Write with Detail and Emotion

An important aspect of writing an autobiography for college is appealing to emotion. As you delve into each body paragraph, share your story with vivid details. Use descriptive language to bring your experiences to life for the reader. Infuse your writing with emotion, allowing readers to connect with the depth of your personal journey.

Step 5: Conclude Reflectively

In the concluding section, summarize the key aspects of your life story. Reflect on the significance of your journey, the lessons you've learned, and how you've grown. Provide insights into your current perspective and aspirations for the future, bringing your autobiography to a thoughtful conclusion.

Writing Techniques to Use in an Autobiography

When you write an autobiography, the process involves employing various techniques to make the narrative engaging, evocative, and compelling. Here are some tips for writing autobiography commonly used in autobiographies:

Descriptive Language

• Use vivid and descriptive language to paint a detailed picture of events, people, and settings. Engage the reader's senses to create a more immersive experience.
• Incorporate dialogue to bring conversations to life. Direct quotes can provide authenticity and convey the personalities of the people involved.

Show, Don't Tell

• Instead of merely stating facts, show the emotions and experiences through actions, reactions, and sensory details. 

Flashbacks and Foreshadowing

• Employ flashbacks to delve into past events and foreshadowing to create anticipation about future developments. 

Metaphors and Similes

• Use metaphors and similes to enhance descriptions and convey complex emotions. Comparisons can make abstract concepts more relatable.
• Integrate symbols and motifs that hold personal significance. This adds depth to the narrative and can be a thematic thread throughout the autobiography.

Humor and Wit

• Infuse your writing with humor and wit when appropriate. 
• Introduce suspense by strategically withholding information or revealing key details at crucial moments. 

First-Person Perspective

• Utilize the first-person point of view to offer a direct and personal connection between the author and the reader. 

Dramatic Irony

• Introduce dramatic irony by revealing information to the reader that the author may not have known at the time.

Parallelism

• Create parallel structures within the narrative, drawing connections between different periods, events, or themes in your life. 

Experimenting with different styles can make your story more engaging and memorable for readers. If you haven’t used these techniques in your paper, simply say, ‘ edit my essay ,’ and our experts will imbue stylistic and creative devices in your document to increase its scholarly value.

Benefits of Writing an Autobiography

Working on an autobiography can be incredibly beneficial on a personal level. When you take the time to reflect on your life and put it into words, you gain a deeper understanding of yourself. It's like a journey of self-discovery where you uncover patterns, values, and beliefs that have shaped who you are. This process not only promotes self-awareness but can also help you grow and bounce back from tough times. Writing about challenging moments can be a therapeutic release, allowing you to confront and make sense of your experiences, leading to emotional healing.

On a broader scale, sharing your life story through an autobiography has its impact. It becomes a piece of history, offering insights into the times you've lived through, the culture around you, and societal changes. Your personal narrative connects you with others, creating empathy and understanding. Autobiographies often inspire people by showing that it's possible to overcome challenges, find purpose, and navigate the ups and downs of life. By sharing your story, you become a part of the larger human experience, contributing to a rich tapestry of diverse stories that help us better understand the shared journey of being human. Order an essay or any other type of task to streamline your educational progress is only a few clicks.

Best Piece of Advice for Making Your Autobiography Spot-on

The most valuable advice is to infuse authenticity into every word. Be genuine, raw, and honest about your experiences, emotions, and growth. Readers connect deeply with authenticity, and it's what makes your story uniquely yours. Don't shy away from expressing vulnerability, as it adds a human touch and makes your narrative relatable. Share the highs and lows, the triumphs and struggles, with sincerity, and let your true self shine through. This honesty not only enhances the impact of your autobiography but also contributes to a more profound connection between you and your readers, creating an authentic and memorable narrative. Here are additional tips for bringing your autobiography assignment up to par:

• Essential Details. Focus on key moments that significantly contribute to your story, avoiding unnecessary details.
• Thematic Cohesion. Introduce and explore recurring themes to add depth and coherence to your narrative.
• Authentic Expression. Embrace your unique voice, personality, and storytelling style to create an authentic connection with readers.
• Dialogue and Monologue. Use genuine dialogue and inner monologue to provide insights into your thoughts and emotions during pivotal moments.
• Symbolic Elements. Incorporate symbolic imagery or metaphors to convey deeper meanings and emotions.
• Strategic Foreshadowing. Use foreshadowing purposefully, providing subtle hints that contribute meaningfully to the overall narrative.
• Reflective Closure. Conclude your autobiography with a reflective summary that offers insights into the broader significance of your journey.

Our essay writers know many more tips regarding all possible types of academic tasks. If you ever find yourself in writer’s block, not knowing how to tackle any particular assignment, let us know!

Final Words

If you want to understand how to write a good autobiography, think of it as painting a vivid picture of your life for others to see. It's about being real, digging deep into your memories, and choosing the moments that really matter. Let your personality shine through in your writing – be yourself because that's what makes your story unique. Weave in themes that tie everything together, and use storytelling techniques like dialogue and symbolism to make your narrative come alive. And as you reach the end, leave your readers with some food for thought – a reflection on the bigger lessons learned from your journey. If you ever need assistance with this or any other college assignment, use our research paper services without hesitation.

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How to Write an Autobiography?

How to start an autobiography essay, what is the difference between autobiography and biography.

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How To Write An Autobiography

Autobiography Examples

11+ Autobiography Examples: A Detailed Guide

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Learn How to Write an Autobiography Step by Step

Basic Types of Autobiography Writing With Examples

Simple Autobiography Format for Students to Follow

Autobiography vs. Biography vs. Memoirs: The Differences & Similarities

Autobiography vs. Memoir - Differences & Similarities

How to Write a Memoir: Everything You Need to Know

Have you ever thought about telling your life story? 

An autobiography is like a special book about you – your experiences, ups, downs, and everything in between. 

But when it comes to autobiography writing , putting it all into words, it can feel a bit tricky, especially for students like you.

In this blog, we're here to help you understand what an autobiography is all about and make it easier for you to write one with the help of examples. 

We'll dive into practical examples and autobiography templates to help you see how it's done. 

So, let's dive in!

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• 1. Memoir Vs Autobiography Example 
• 2. Autobiography Outline Examples
• 3. How to Write an Autobiography - Examples
• 4. Autobiography Examples for Students
• 5. Personal Autobiography Examples
• 6. Famous Autobiography Examples

Memoir Vs Autobiography Example 

Memoirs and autobiographies both delve into personal experiences, but they have their own styles and purposes. 

Let’s jump into example to see what is the actual difference between memoir and autobiography:

Memoir Vs Autobiography Example PDf

Autobiography Outline Examples

Any academic or professional writing needs to follow a proper format to organize the information. And an outline is the best way to follow the proper format. It helps you organize your information and structure your data into a proper format.

Here are some autobiography outline examples to help you learn the basics of the autobiography format .

Autobiography Outline for College - Example

Autobiography Sample Outline

How to Write an Autobiography - Examples

As we have mentioned earlier, there are as many stories as there are people on earth. Each of the stories is different from the others; no two of them could be the same. 

How you present your ideas really matters. That's why using the right strategies and the correct format is essential to make your writing creative.

It is important to know the difference between autobiography and biography . These examples will help you learn how to start an autobiography that leaves a good impression on the reader’s mind.

Autobiography Sample PDF

Writing an Autobiography - Example

Autobiography Examples for Students

An autobiography is your life story. If your teacher tells you to write one, they just want to hear about your life. Even if you think your story isn't super exciting, following the structure can make it work better.

These autobiography examples for students will help you understand how you can properly format the autobiography.

Autobiography Examples for Kids 

School is a time of discovery, and what better way to explore your own journey than through the lens of an autobiography? Here are some great autobiography examples crafted specifically for kids.

Autobiography Examples Ks2

Autobiography Examples For Grade 7

Autobiography Examples For Class 6

Short Autobiography Example for Students

Here is a sample of a short autobiography for you. Give it a good read and learn how to write an excellent short autobiography.

Short Autobiography for Students - Example

High School Autobiography Example

Check out this sample and learn to write an incredible  autobiography for  high school students.

High School Autobiography - Example

Spiritual Autobiography Example for College Students

Spiritual autobiographies give a glimpse into the spiritual person's life. Have a look at the following sample spiritual autobiography and give it a good read to learn more.

Spiritual Autobiography for College Students - Example

Cultural Autobiography Examples 

Here is a sample of a cultural autobiography that contains detailed information on culture. Have a look at the sample to know more about it.

Cultural Autobiography Examples

Funny Autobiography Examples 

Autobiographies are thought to be boring and mundane, but that is not the case. You can make an interesting story, as well as funny. Learn to write a funny autobiography by this example.

Funny Autobiography Examples

Educational Autobiography Example

Here is a sample educational autobiography that will help you formulate an effective and inspiring autobiography.

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Social Class Autobiography Example

Writing a social class or sociology assignment could be a bit difficult. This sample will help you work on yours easily.

Rambling Autobiography Examples

Rambling autobiographies are like a casual conversation with a friend, where stories unfold in their own unique way. 

Let’s jump into some fascinating examples about this type of autobiography:

Personal Autobiography Examples

Personal autobiography or personal narrative essay provides a complete picture of the author’s life story. The following personal autobiography demonstrates how to write a personal narrative autobiography.

Personal Narrative Autobiography - Example

Autobiography Examples for Students About Yourself

Famous Autobiography Examples

Autobiographical essays are usually about famous people or historical figures. Just as a renowned autobiography of Benjamin Franklin tells us about his life, his unfinished records, his accomplishments, etc.

Below are some examples of famous autobiographies for your better understanding:

Famous Literacy Autobiography Example

Famous Autobiography - Sample

All in all, we have explored different examples, like understanding what makes memoirs different from autobiographies and exploring rambling ones. These examples are like guides to help you tell your own story and maybe inspire others on your writing journey. 

So, go ahead, give it a try, and have fun telling your unique tale.

And if you need assistance you can always reach out to us!

Our writers can write outstanding autobiography for you! All you have to do is place your " write an essay for me " request and we'll create your custom autobiography in no time!

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Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

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Writers' Workshop: The Biographical Sketch

• Resources & Preparation
• Instructional Plan
• Related Resources

While engaging in the processes of researching, writing, and evaluating short biographical sketches, students can master essential writing skills and enhance their content area learning. In this lesson, fourth grade students discuss standard elements in a biography and examine the characteristics of the genre in a workshop setting. After selecting and researching a contemporary or historical figure using online databases, students practice writing short biographies. They then offer feedback on others' compositions and publish final drafts for reading aloud and displaying in class.

Featured Resources

Bio-Cube : Students can use this tool to create a 3-D representation of the biographical information they find.

From Theory to Practice

• Content mastery is demonstrated through reading and writing, and integrating the two enhances comprehension.
• Checklists can have a significant effect on students' performance while "writing to learn." Checklists help take the mystery out of writing by providing students with concrete writing goals and identifying the desired characteristics of the finished work.

Common Core Standards

This resource has been aligned to the Common Core State Standards for states in which they have been adopted. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, CCSS alignments are forthcoming.

State Standards

This lesson has been aligned to standards in the following states. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, standard alignments are not currently available for that state.

NCTE/IRA National Standards for the English Language Arts

• 1. Students read a wide range of print and nonprint texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves, and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among these texts are fiction and nonfiction, classic and contemporary works.
• 5. Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.
• 6. Students apply knowledge of language structure, language conventions (e.g., spelling and punctuation), media techniques, figurative language, and genre to create, critique, and discuss print and nonprint texts.
• 8. Students use a variety of technological and information resources (e.g., libraries, databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge.
• 11. Students participate as knowledgeable, reflective, creative, and critical members of a variety of literacy communities.
• 12. Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion, and the exchange of information).

Materials and Technology

• Computers with Internet access
• Blank transparency and markers
• Overhead projector
• Scissors and writing supplies (e.g., pencils, notebook paper, heavier paper for Bio-Cubes)
• Writers' Workshop: Biographical Sketch Sign-Up Sheet
• Writers' Workshop: List of Possible Subjects
• Writers' Workshop: Biographical Sketch Rubric
• Writers' Workshop: Proofreading and Publishing Checklist
• Writers' Workshop: Performance Assessment

Preparation

Student objectives.

Students will

• Access prior knowledge by discussing the writing process and the elements of biography
• Apply prewriting strategies by generating ideas and organizing their writing
• Improve comprehension by researching a contemporary or historical figure and reporting the most significant information about him or her
• Demonstrate the ability to write a focused, engaging opening paragraph
• Apply standard writing processes by creating short, publishable works
• Analyze content area writing by evaluating and critiquing each other's work

Session 1: Introduction to Biography Writers’ Workshop (60 minutes)

If you have chosen to do the biography activity suggested in the Preparation section (see Step 1), do so before beginning this session.

Session 2: Project Research (30–45 minutes)

Session 3: writing practice and sharing (60 minutes), session 4: revision and reflection (60 minutes), session 5: proofreading and publishing (60 minutes).

Homework: Before the next session, students who did not complete the publishing process should finish. Also, all students should conduct a practice reading of their finished sketches.

Session 6: Author Readings and Celebration (60 minutes)

Student assessment / reflections.

• Teacher observation and coaching during in-class writing and revision exercises
• Monitored student feedback during workshop sessions
• Writers’ Workshop: Biographical Sketch Rubric : Collect the rubrics to ensure that students have completed the self-assessment task.
• Writers' Workshop: Proofreading and Publishing Checklist : Collect students’ checklists to ensure that they have completed the proofreading and publishing tasks.
• Writers’ Workshop: Performance Assessment : Collect students’ assessments to ensure they are complete. Add any comments you have on the back for student review.
• At the end of the writers’ workshop cycle (e.g., immediately following or one day after Session 6), invite students to share reflections on the experience in a class discussion. Pose some or all of the following questions:

What did you learn from this workshop? What was the most enjoyable thing about our workshop? What was the most surprising thing? If you could change one thing about the workshop experience, what would it be? How did using the Bio-Cube help with your writing? Why is it important to start a piece of writing with an interesting opening paragraph? Why is getting peer feedback on your writing helpful?

Bio Cube is a useful summarizing tool that helps students identify and list key elements about a person for a biography or autobiography.

The interactive Cube Creator helps students identify and summarize key elements. It can be used as a prewriting or postreading activity.

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• Kindergarten K

How to Write Biographical Sketch (Format) 2024: Examples

Are you confused about how to write a biographical sketch or bio sketch? If yes, and searching the format of the biographical sketch then don’t worry because you’ve landed at the right place.

In this blog post, I will share the complete bio sketch format along with biographical sketch examples for college students which are valid for all classes/grade students. However, the word limit for biographical sketches may increase with the increase in class.

Format of Biographical Sketch: Guidelines

Useful tips for biographical sketch, marking scheme in exam, biographical sketch example for students, biographical sketch sample questions for practice, frequently asked questions (faqs), what is a biographical sketch.

A biographical sketch or bio-sketch is a brief description of a person’s life and his academic and other achievements in life. It is formal and factual. It focuses on those points which make the person special or respectable. One may write about one’s teacher, a parent or a grandparent.

• Be brief and factual.
• Omit unpleasant details about a personality.
• Focus on what you find positive in a person.
• details about birth (place, time, date)
• family background
• physical appearance
• professional achievements
• awards and honours
• contribution to society
• death (if the person is no more)
• Use the past tense in case the person is dead.
• If a person is alive, use the present tense to write his bio-sketch.
• In case the person concerned is no more, use the past tense throughout. However, use the present tense to refer to something about his personality which has relevance in the present. For example, writing about William Shakespeare, we can say:

William Shakespeare is one of the greatest dramatists in the world. He was born in 1564 in England. His father was a farmer’s son. He wrote many plays which are read with great interest even nowadays.

• Use the given clues carefully.
• Use the present tense for information that is valid even now, and the past tense for something connected only with the past.
• Well researched.

Example 1:- Using the information given below, write the bio-sketch of A.R. Rahman, a famous Indian composer, in about 100 words.

Born: Dileep Kumar-January, 1966, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu rises success as A.R. Rahman, music director and singer.

Family: loses father at an early age; mother’s influence great

Trained Under: Master Dhanraj, Illaiyaraja

Education: Graduate in Western classical music from Trinity College of Music

Significant year: 1992-sets up a recording studio; film career begins

Achievements: Awards: fourteen Film Fare, four National Films, two Grammys, two Academy, etc. Padma Bhushan in 2010.

Contribution to music: immense; a national icon

A. R. Rahman was born in January 1966 in Chennai as Dileep Kumar and is now a famous music director and singer. He lost his father when he was quite young. His mother influenced his personality greatly. He had his initial training under the legendary Master Dhanraj and Illaiyaraja. He did his graduation in classical music from Trinity College of Music in England. Back in India, he set up a recording studio in 1992, beginning his film career. His music brought him a lot of fame and covetous awards. He is the first Indian composer to have won two academy awards. He has to his credit fourteen Film Fare awards, four national awards, besides two Grammys. He was awarded Padma Bhushan in 2010. He is one of the national icons.

Example 2:- Using the information given below, write the biographical sketch of Mahatma Gandhi in about 100 words.

• born on 2nd October 1869, Porbandar Gujarat
• went to England to study law
• went to South Africa, protested against the British policy of apartheid
• returned to India, plunged into the fight for freedom
• used non-violence and truth as his weapons
• was against untouchability, partition
• assassinated on January 30, 1948

Mahatma Gandhi, who was born on 2nd October 1869 at Porbandar in Gujarat, was the tallest leader of the Freedom Movement. He went to England to study law. Thereafter, he went to South Africa where he protested against the British policy of apartheid. He returned to India and led the struggle for freedom. He used truth and non-violence as his weapons. He was against any kind of untouchability. He wanted the people to treat the untouchables as their equals. He was not in favour of the partition of India. He was assassinated on 30th January 1948.

Example 3:- Using the information given below, write the bio-sketch of Florence Nightingale, the founder of trained nursing as a profession.

• born on May 12, 1820, in Florence, Italy
• taught mainly by her father, learnt several languages
• become an expert on public health and hospitals
• From 1854-to 56, during the Crimean War, worked in charge of nursing, struggling with shortages, in difficult conditions
• worked day and night, seriously ill, become blind
• the Order of Merit was conferred on her in 1907; died in 1910

Florence Nightingale, the founder of trained nursing as a profession, was born on May 12, 1820, in Florence, Italy. She was mainly taught by her father. She learns many languages. She becomes an expert on public health and hospitals. She realized that her mission was to look after the sick. In 1854-56, during the Crimean War, she worked in charge of nursing. She had to work in difficult conditions but she did not give in. She worked day and night, nursing the sick. As a result of her hard work, she became seriously ill and blind. The Order of Merit was conferred on her by the King in 1907, She passed away in 1910.

Example 4:- Using the information given below, write the bio-sketch of Aruna Asif Ali, a revolutionary freedom fighter of India in about 100 words.

• born in 190 in a Bengali family
• educated at Nainital, married a famous lawyer Asif Ali
• hoisted the Tricolour in Mumbai in 1942 braving police threat
• remained active in politics
• President, Delhi Congress Committee; Mayor, Delhi, M.C. (1958)
• Lenin Peace Prize, Indira Gandhi Award
• died in 1996

Aruna Asif Ali was one of the well-known revolutionary freedom fighters of India. She was born in 1909 in a Bengali family. She was educated at Nainital. She married a famous lawyer Asif Ali. She hoisted the Tricolour in 1942 in Mumbai facing a police threat. She was very bold, daring and adventurous. She remained active in politics after India got freedom. She became President of the Delhi Congress Committee and the Mayor of the Delhi Municipal Corporation after Independence. She was honoured with the ‘Lenin Peace Prize’ and ‘Indira Gandhi Award’. She passed away in 1996.

Example 5:- Using the information given below, write the bio sketch of Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, the 11th President of India.

Name: Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam (A.P.J. Abdul Kalam)

Nickname: Missile Man

Nationality: Indian

Occupation: Engineer, Scientist, Author, Professor, Politician

Born: 15 October 1931

Place of Birth: Dhanushkodi, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India

Died: 27 July 2015

Place of Death: Shillong, Meghalaya, India

Famous as: Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, President from 2002 to 2007

Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was born on 15 October 1931 in Rameswaram, In Tamil Nadu. He was the youngest of five siblings. Dr Kalam earned a degree in aeronautical engineering from the Madras Institute of Technology and in 1958 joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). He soon moved to the Indian Space Research Organisation, where he was project director of the SLV-III, India’s first indigenously designed and produced satellite launch vehicle. Rejoining DRDO in 1982, Dr Kalam planned the programme that produced a number of successful missiles, which earned him the nickname, ‘Missile Man’.

From 1992 to 1997, Dr Kalam was scientific adviser to the defence minister, and he later served as principal scientific adviser (1999-2001) to the government of India with the rank of cabinet minister. His role in the country’s 1998 nuclear weapons tests established him as a national hero. In 1998, Dr Kalam put forward a countrywide plan called Technology Vision 2020, as a road map for transforming India from a less-developed to a developed society in 20 years. The plan called for increasing agricultural productivity, emphasising technology as a vehicle for economic growth, and widening access to healthcare and education.

In 2002, he was sworn in as the 11th President of India. He was in office till 2007. Dr Kalam wrote several books, including an autobiography, Wings of Fire (1999). Among his numerous awards were two of the country’s highest honours, the Padma Vibhushan (1990) and the Bharat Ratna (1997).

After leaving office, Dr Abdul Kalam chose the academic field and became a visiting professor at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong, the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, The Indian Institute of Management Indore and an honorary fellow of the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.

On 27 July 2015, Dr Abdul Kalam was delivering a lecture at IIM Shillong when he suffered a heart attack and his condition became critical, so, he was shifted to Bethany Hospital where he died of cardiac arrest.

Question 1:- Using the information given below, write a bio-sketch of Abraham Lincoln, the famous President of America in about 100 words.

• born in 1809 in a log cabin
• had to struggle hard to get an education
• become President in 1861
• champion of democracy
• stressed equality
• abolished the system of slavery
• the civil war
• defeated the states which had seceded from the Union
• assassinated in 1865

Question 2:- Using the information given below, write a bio-sketch of Helen Keller, a miracle of our times in about 100 words.

• Helen Keller was born in Tuscumbia, Alabama, in 1880
• became deaf, dumb and blind due to a disease
• Miss Sullivan taught her to read and write
• began to read books through the Braille
• passed many exams
• got degrees
• become a writer, helped the blind and the deaf

Question 3:- Write a biographical sketch of M.S. Dhoni based on the outlines given.

Full Name: Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Nicknames: Mahi, MSD, Captain Cool, Thala

Birth: 7 July 1981 (Ranchi, Bihar)

Profession: Indian International Cricketer

Captained India: Limited-overs format from 2007-16; Test cricket from 2008-14; Style: Right-handed middle-order batsman and wicket-keeper

Personal Achievements: One of the highest run scorers in ODIs with more than 10,000 runs scored; considered an effective ‘finisher’ in limited-overs formats; widely regarded as one of the greatest wicketkeeper-batsmen and captains in the history of the game

Achievements under his captaincy: India won the inaugural 2007 ICC World Twenty20, the 2010 and 2016 Asia Cups, the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy

How many words should a biographical sketch be?

Biographical sketches are usually not of many words. This is a one-paragraph description of your professional identity that includes all the important highlights of your life. It is written in about 50 to 200 words.

Are Biosketch and biography the same?

No, Biosketches are short descriptions of one’s achievements and events in life. A biography is a detailed account of one’s life written by someone else.

What are other words for a biographical sketch?

You can say a biographical sketch is a life story.

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Biosketch Writing Tips

• Resume Writing Tips
• Federal Resume Writing Tips
• Curriculum Vita (CV) Writing Tips
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A biosketch is used to highlight an individual’s qualifications for a specific role in a proposed project. The National Institutes of Health  (NIH) requires a biosketch for senior/key persons applying for or renewing NIH grants.

Your biosketch may not exceed five pages per person. Figures, graphics, or embed files (e.g. video, graphics, sound, data) are not allowed.

• eRA Commons User Name: An eRA Commons  is an online interface where signing officials, principal investigators, trainees and post-docs at institutions or organizations can access and share administrative information relating to research grants.This field is required for the program director/principal investigator, primary sponsors of fellowship applicants, all mentors of candidates for mentored career development awards, and candidates for diversity and reentry research supplements.
• Education/Training: Begin with baccalaureate or other initial professional education, such as nursing. Include postdoctoral, residency, and clinical fellowship training, as applicable, listing each separately. For each entry provide the name and location of the institution, the degree received, and the month and year of end date (or expected end date).
• Personal Statement: In your statement describe why you are well-suited to participate in this project. This may include aspects of your training, previous work on this specific topic or related topics, technical expertise, or past performance in this field. You may cite up to four publications or research products that highlight your experience and qualifications for this project. Research products can include, but are not limited to, audio or video products; conference proceedings such as meeting abstracts, posters, or other presentations; patents; data and research materials; databases; educational aids or curricula; instruments or equipment; models; protocols; and software or netware.
• Positions and Honors: In chronological order list the positions you’ve held that are relevant to this application, concluding with your current position. High school students and undergraduates may include any previous positions. Additionally, list any relevant academic and/or professional achievements and honors. This includes scholarships, traineeships, fellowships, and development awards as they relate to the position. As a clinician you should include information on any clinical licenses or specialty board certifications.
• Contributions to Science: All senior/key persons should complete the following section except candidates for research supplements to promote diversity in health-related research who are high school students, undergraduates, and post-baccalaureates.Briefly describe up to five of your most significant contributions to science. The description of each contribution should be no longer than one half page, including citations. For each contribution, indicate historical background that frames the scientific problem, the central finding(s), influence of the finding(s) on the progress of science or the application of those finding(s) to health or technology, and your specific role in the described work. With each contribution, you may cite up to four publications or research products that are relevant to the contribution. If you are not the author of the product, indicate what your role or contribution was.
• Research Support: This section highlights your accomplishments, and those of your colleagues, as scientists. List ongoing and completed research projects from the past three years that you want to draw attention to. Briefly indicate the overall goals of the projects and your responsibilities. Do not include the number of person months or direct costs.
• Predoctoral applicants List by institution and year all undergraduate and graduate courses, with grades. In addition, explain any grading system used if it differs from a 1-100 scale; an A, B, C, D, F system; or a 0-4.0 scale. Also indicate the levels required for a passing grade.
• Postdoctoral applicants: List by institution and year all graduate scientific and/or professional courses with grades. In addition, explain any grading system used if it differs from a 1-100 scale; an A, B, C, D, F system; or a 0-4.0 scale. Also indicate the levels required for a passing grade.

Adapted from the National Institutes of Health Instructions for a Biographical Sketch .

Additional Resources:

• Non-fellowship Biosketch Example
• Predoctoral Fellowship Biosketch Example
• Postdoctoral Fellowship Biosketch Example

Adapted from the National Institutes of Health Biosketch Format Pages .

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How To Write An Autobiography

Autobiography Examples

Top Autobiography Examples & Samples For Your Help

Published on: Sep 10, 2021

Last updated on: Feb 12, 2024

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An  autobiography  is a story of a person's life written down or told. They are interesting to read, but they can be even more interesting to write.

An autobiography is different from a biography. A biography is someone else's story about a person's life. But, an autobiography is the person's own story about their life.

This may make autobiographies more interesting to read than biographies. Also, they give the thoughts and feelings of the person rather than someone else's interpretation.

There are many different stories in the world. Uniquely telling your story is not easy. You need to describe what is happening to make the reader feel like they are right there with you.

In this blog, you will learn about some amazing examples of autobiographies. So, start reading now.

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Autobiography Examples For Students

An autobiography is the story of someone's life written by them. They might write about their hardships or success. Here are some examples of autobiographies that might inspire you to write your own.

Short Autobiography Examples

This is a good example of a creative and interesting autobiography to read. It will teach you how to write your own great autobiography.

Autobiography Examples For Class 6

Autobiography essays are not easy to write. They are different from other essays because they tell the story of a person's life experiences. Every person has a lot of interesting experiences, so it can be hard to choose which ones to write about.

For your help, we compiled an example that you can use for your help and make your writing process easy.

Autobiography Examples For Grade 7

Only you know yourself best. Writing an autobiography is a great way to share your life with others. Everyone has a story to tell, and writing an autobiography is one way to leave your mark on history.

Here is an example that gives you a better idea of sharing your life story with others.

Autobiography Examples For College Students

An autobiography is a text that tells your life story. It can be in the form of a  memoir , which is more informal or more formal. Autobiographies can be written for different reasons:

• To introduce yourself to the world.
• To get into a program at school, for a job, volunteering, etc.

You can find more ideas for an autobiography from this example.

Note: As a college student, you might encounter confusion distinguishing between an autobiography and a statement of purpose . While both involve personal narratives, autobiographies provide a comprehensive life story, while statements of purpose focus on specific goals and qualifications for academic or professional opportunities. Understanding their distinct purposes and structures can help streamline your application processes effectively.

Autobiography Examples For High School Students

An autobiography is a self-written biography that someone writes about themselves. They might write about all of their life or just some parts. They do this to share their experiences, put them in a larger cultural or historical context, and entertain the reader.

Take a look at the below example and create a well-written one without any mistakes.

Spiritual Autobiography Examples

A spiritual autobiography is your life story. In it, you write about how God has been present in your life. This includes your journey in and out of organized religion and everything spiritual.

Writing your spiritual autobiography is a chance for you to identify specific experiences with God. You will then reflect on how those experiences have impacted you.

Below is an example for your ease.

Autobiography Examples in Literature

An autobiography is a book written by somebody about their own life. It tells the story of the author’s life, accomplishments, things they have done, etc.

The following is an example that can help you better understand how to write an autobiography.

Cultural Autobiography Examples

A cultural autobiography is more than just telling your life story. Your cultural identity reveals your beliefs and ideas about culture. It also shows how culture affects different cultural groups that make up who you are.

You may want to write a cultural autobiography better to understand yourself and your culture's role in your life. It is important to be aware of your own cultural identity in a multicultural world and be open to other cultures.

An example of a perfect cultural autobiography is below for your help.

Educational Autobiography Examples

The educational autobiography is a way to tell your life story. This type of autobiography includes what you did in school and how it affected other parts of your life.

Take a look at this example to see how to write a good educational autobiography.

Social Class Autobiography Examples

In most sociology classes, students are assigned to write a socio-autobiography. This assignment helps them understand that the subject is relevant to their daily lives. Your interactions with society have a big impact on who you become as a person.

Writing your social class autobiography is a great way to show people how you fit into society. The following example will show what kind of social autobiography looks like.

Autobiography Examples For Kids

Children are often encouraged to write an autobiography, but few people recognize the importance of this task. Everyone has something special from their childhood that they should remember and reflect on. Writing about your life is a good way to do this.

There are many different ways to write an autobiography. If you are writing about yourself, it is best to start by writing about your early life and work experience.

You can also mention your school experiences. After that, you can write about other topics that may be of interest to readers, like your hobbies or interests.

Here is an example that will help in starting an autobiography.

We all have the opportunity to write our own story, but it doesn't always come easy. If writing about yourself seems difficult, then follow the examples mentioned above.

However, if you want a professional writer to write it for you, just say ' write an essay for me ' and consult a professional at CollegeEssay.org .

We have expert writers who will help you write an autobiography, personal narrative, college essay, and any academic assignment.

AI essay writing tools are also readily available to provide you with additional assistance and support.

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As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.

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