Writing: A Biography Basic 6 English Studies Lesson Note

What is a Biography?

A biography is the life story of a real person written by someone else. It tells about important events, achievements, and influences in that person’s life.

Structure of a Biography:

1. Introduction

• Full name of the person
• Birth date and place
• Why they are famous

2. Early Life

• Family background
• Childhood experiences
• Education

3. Career/Achievements

• Main work or profession
• Important accomplishments
• Challenges faced

4. Later Life and Legacy

• How they spent their later years
• Death (if applicable)
• How they are remembered

Sample Biography Outline:

Biography of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti

Introduction: Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (1900-1978) was a Nigerian educator, women’s rights activist, and mother of famous musician Fela Kuti.

Early Life: Born in Abeokuta, Ogun State, to Christian parents. Attended Abeokuta Grammar School and became one of the first women to attend college.

Career: Became a teacher and later founded women’s organizations. Fought for women’s voting rights and against unfair taxation.

Legacy: Remembered as the mother of women’s rights in Nigeria. Inspired many women to fight for equality.

Exercise N – Choose Your Biography Subject

Select one person to write about:

1. A family member (grandparent, parent, uncle, aunt)
2. A Nigerian hero (Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Wole Soyinka)
3. Your school founder or a teacher
4. A community leader you know

Your choice: _________________________________

Exercise O – Research and Plan

Gather information about your chosen person:

Basic Information:

• Full name: _________________________________
• Birth date and place: _________________________________
• Why famous: _________________________________

Early Life:

• Family: _________________________________
• Education: _________________________________
• Childhood: _________________________________

Career/Achievements:

• Main work: _________________________________
• Important accomplishments: _________________________________
• Challenges: _________________________________

Legacy:

• How remembered: _________________________________
• Influence on others: _________________________________

Exercise P – Write Your Biography

Using your research, write a complete biography (150-200 words):

Biography Writing Tips:

1. Start with basic facts (name, birth, death)
2. Use chronological order (time sequence)
3. Include specific dates and places
4. Mention family background and education
5. Focus on achievements and contributions
6. Explain why the person is important
7. Use past tense throughout

Include interesting details that bring the person to life