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What are biography and autobiography?

What are biography and autobiography?

A biography is a text written about someone else's life (usually someone famous). An autobiography is a text written about one's own life .

Children in Year 6 may be taught the unit: 'Biography and Autobiography' as suggested in the Primary Literacy Framework.

Features of biographical and autobiographical texts

If a teacher chooses to concentrate solely on biographies, children will start by reading a range of biographies, either about various different people or just about one person.

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They will look at the features of a biography, which include:  

  • Written in formal language
  • Use of compound and complex sentences , containing connectives
  • Written in the past tense and usually written in chronological order (in time order)
  • Text split up into paragraphs (usually each paragraph will detail the events of each part of the person's life, for example: one paragraph to explain their childhood, one to explain their early adulthood etc.)
  • Dates included so that the reader knows what happened and when
  • Phrases such as: 'It is believed', 'It was thought', 'Many people claimed', 'There was a rumour that' etc. to show that history is based on stories that have been passed on over many years and some things cannot be stated as facts
  • Pictures and captions

How do primary children study biographies?

Usually, children will be given photocopied texts to read and then they may be asked to text-mark the above features to show that they understand how a biography is set out and what is included.

Children may then be asked to choose their own famous person that they are interested in. They will be asked to find as much information about this person and make notes on them. Often teachers give children labelled spider diagrams to help children organise their information, but more able children may be asked to organise the information in their own way. An example of a spider diagram is below:

what is an biography ks2

Children will then be asked to start drafting their biography , using the notes they have collected. Once they have done this, they will go through a process of editing their writing . Usually, a teacher will mark the first draft and write comments and suggestions on it to help them with this. Another method, is for pairs of children to swap their writing and then discuss with their partner how the writing could be improved.

Finally, children will write up their biographies in neat. They may plan how their finished piece is going to look, including title, pictures and captions. Children then produce their finished piece of writing, either on the computer or in their own handwriting.

Interviewing a family member of friend to write a short biography is a great writing activity for KS2 children.

There are also hundreds of wonderful biographies written especailly for kids to read – look through our pick of the best biographies and autobiographies for children .

Biography and autobiography are non-fiction texts . For more details how how non-fiction texts are taught in KS1 and KS2 see our parents' guide,  What is non-fiction?

what is an biography ks2

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what is an biography ks2

Features of a biography KS2 – 8 of the best worksheets and resources for writing and comprehension

Features of a biography KS2 resource pack

Whether they're recounting the lives of famous people or simply describing a family member, these activities, ideas and model texts will help your Key Stage 2 pupils get to grips with biographical writing…

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1 | KS2 biographical recounts worksheets

what is an biography ks2

This Key Stage 2 text types resource pack will help children to learn how to write informative biographical recounts.

They will write a biography about an influential person – either someone that they know or someone who is in the public eye – and there are two model texts included to inspire them (one on a relative and one on a famous figure).

This resource also includes a biography writing sheet, biography research sheet, writing plan, writing frame and themed writing paper.

Check it all out here.

2 | Features of a biography

what is an biography ks2

For a good grounding in what a biography is and what it should include, the BBC bitesize page has handy, digestible pointers, plus videos, a quiz and more.

Check it out here.

3 | Puffin’s brilliant biographies resource

what is an biography ks2

Based on its Extraordinary Lives series this resource pack from Puffin helps pupils understand the different features of biography writing, and lets them create the biography of an extraordinary person of their choice using the template in the pack.

The pack includes material for four or more Literacy, Citizenship and PSHE lessons, all of which are adaptable for pupils in KS2 and KS3.

Find it here.

4 | Barack Obama biography activity pack

what is an biography ks2

This resource uses a topic-based approach to biographies based on President Obama.

Activities include a comprehension exercise, making a photo gallery, researching flags and facts about countries cited in Obama’s biography and writing a biography. Plus there are lots of extension ideas and activities included.

Find it all here.

5 | Muhammad Ali biography worksheet

what is an biography ks2

Where was Muhammad Ali born? What was he known as before he changed his name? When did he retire?

Students are tasked to with using library books, magazines and/or online sources to fill in this report form about perhaps the greatest boxer of all time.

Download and print it here.

6 | Biography Wagoll model texts

what is an biography ks2

As ever, if you’re looking for a selection of editable model texts for pretty much any literacy topic, Literacy Wagoll is a great place to go.

In the biographies section you’ll find everyone from Usain Bolt and David Beckham to Mary Berry, Jacqueline Wilson, Henry VIII, Roald Dahl and Santa Claus.

Check them all out here here.

7 | Florence Nightingale biography sequencing activity

what is an biography ks2

This simple printable resource includes a number of sentences about Florence Nightingale for you to cut out and task students with putting back in the correct order.

Get this PDF to print out here.

8 | A biography of palaeontologist Mary Anning

what is an biography ks2

Mary Anning was born on 21 May 1799 in the seaside town of Lyme Regis in Dorset, on the south coast of England. Mary received little education, was not trained as a scientist, but grew up to be a palaeontologist whose findings helped change the way scientists thought about the world.

This Year 6 Science biography helps children explain why she was so important to our understanding of fossils and acts as a handy model text for biographical writing.

Download it here.

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Biographies and autobiographies

What is a biography.

A biography is a non-fiction text about a person’s life. It is written in the third person and in chronological order.

Here you'll find English teaching resources to help key stage 1 and key stage 2 children understand the features of a biography and those of autobiographical accounts. They include templates, example biographies and worksheets alongside reading comprehensions based on biographical texts about famous people.

Download our model texts, worksheets and PowerPoints to develop children’s biography writing skills and support them in researching the lives of famous individuals. 

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Home > Resources > KS2 RESOURCE PACK: Writing Extraordinary Biographies

what is an biography ks2

Resource Pack: Writing Extraordinary Biographies

Key stage and subjects, what’s the story.

Have you discovered Puffin’s brilliant biographies for kids aged seven and up?

The Extraordinary Lives series includes: Malala, Michelle Obama, Stephen Hawking, Anne Frank , Katherine Johnson and Neil Armstrong. These beautifully illustrated books include timelines, fascinating facts and inspirational quotes from their stars. The series celebrates how ordinary people can lead extraordinary lives because of their own choices, actions, beliefs and passions and will inspire your class that they too can be extraordinary.

This resource pack includes:

You’ll get material for four or more Literacy, Citizenship and PSHE lessons, adaptable for pupils in KS2 and KS3.

Once pupils understand the different features of biography writing  they’ll be able to create the biography of an extraordinary person of their choice using the template in the pack

Get the Resource Pack: Writing Extraordinary Biographies

Related books, the extraordinary life of anne frank, the extraordinary life of katherine johnson, the extraordinary life of malala yousafzai, the extraordinary life of michelle obama, the extraordinary life of neil armstrong, the extraordinary life of stephen hawking, who makes puffin schools, tag on the top needs the closed class if you start as expanded, leave data-collapsed="false" attribute, its used in the css --> puffin schools has been created by the children’s publisher puffin to help bring together all the inspiring content we create for schools into one place. fa-angle-down--> what ages are the books on puffin schools for, tag on the top needs the closed class if you start as expanded, leave data-collapsed="false" attribute, its used in the css --> the books on this website will range from those for eyfs through to primary and up to lower secondary school. you can discover our full range of books at puffin.co.uk fa-angle-down--> what is puffin, tag on the top needs the closed class if you start as expanded, leave data-collapsed="false" attribute, its used in the css --> puffin is an imprint of penguin random house, the world’s number-one publisher representing a vibrant community of publishing houses marked by unparalleled success. through our world of stories, puffin aims to open up the world to every child. our mission is to inspire children to feel they can be and do anything, and to create readers for life. puffin started out as a non-fiction publisher, with its first title appearing in 1940. as the most iconic and well-known children’s book brand in the uk today, we are always on the lookout for innovative ways to tell the world’s favourite stories and for brilliant new debut talent and brands that connect with today’s young readers, from newborn up to twelve years old. we publish a diverse and wide range of fiction, non-fiction, picture books and children’s classics. our list includes some of the world’s favourite authors, illustrators and licensed brands, such as eric carle, helen oxenbury, nadia shireen, the snowman, doctor who, roald dahl, tom fletcher, jeff kinney, rick riordan, robin stevens, and jacqueline wilson to name but a few. fa-angle-down--> what’s the connection between ladybird, puffin and penguin, tag on the top needs the closed class if you start as expanded, leave data-collapsed="false" attribute, its used in the css --> ladybird, puffin and penguin are imprints of penguin random house uk. across their extensive list, we believe there is a story for every child, everywhere. you can find information about books for all ages at penguin.co.uk fa-angle-down--> where can i buy puffin books from, tag on the top needs the closed class if you start as expanded, leave data-collapsed="false" attribute, its used in the css --> all the books featured on this website can be purchased in the usual way: as well as being available on the high street and online, you can find lots of brilliant offers via school-specific suppliers and wholesale retailers. fa-angle-down--> how do i get in contact with a member of the puffin schools team, tag on the top needs the closed class if you start as expanded, leave data-collapsed="false" attribute, its used in the css --> whether you’ve got a brilliant idea for a lesson, a photograph of something incredible you’ve done at your school or just have a question, please email  [email protected] and a member of the team will get back to you as soon as possible . fa-angle-down--> what’s happened to puffin virtually live, tag on the top needs the closed class if you start as expanded, leave data-collapsed="false" attribute, its used in the css --> the story-makers show  was known as puffin virtually live  up until march 2019. the content and ambition of the show remains the same: to give every pupil the opportunity to engage with authors and illustrators in their own classroom using the power of the internet. we’ve re-named puffin virtually live  so that it’s easier for new teachers to discover it as part of puffin schools and to acknowledge that the show now premieres on show day, rather than being streamed live. fa-angle-down--> what’s happened to my puffin virtually live account, tag on the top needs the closed class if you start as expanded, leave data-collapsed="false" attribute, its used in the css --> your account for puffin virtually live has been deactivated as it is no longer a feature of the puffin schools website. if you were registered for the newsletter, you will now receive the puffin schools newsletter, which is filled with all the latest information about accompanying resources and upcoming shows. if you do not wish to receive it any longer then please unsubscribe. fa-angle-down--> which video platform is the story-makers show hosted on.

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Biography Planning & Slides KS2

Biography Planning & Slides KS2

Subject: English

Age range: 7-11

Resource type: Unit of work

Paul_gb60's Shop

Last updated

18 January 2020

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what is an biography ks2

Here are plans and slides for a biography unit for KS2. The lessons in this resources are themed around architects Norman Foster and Christopher Wren but can easily be adjusted for other significant people. The lessons include shared writing, skills lesson, SPaG games and starters and planning time. The final layout of the biography is themed around the amazing book ‘Fantastically Great Women WHo Changed The World’. This was taught to a Year 4 class but the skills and also be adjusted to suit any KS2 year group. Hope this helps.

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  1. Exploring biographies

    KS2 Exploring biographies Part of English Non-fiction Year 5 Watch: What is a biography? A biography is a non-fiction text about someone's life. Biographies are true pieces of text, based on...

  2. Biographies and autobiographies

    Jump to Watch: What are autobiographies and biographies? Biographies and autobiographies are both types of non-fiction stories about someone's life. They are both based in fact but there are some...

  3. Learn about the features of a biography and how they can help with

    A biography is a detailed description of someone's life written by someone else. Writing a biography is a great way to get students to practise their reading and writing skills. Download FREE teacher-made resources covering 'Biography' View FREE Resources Biographies that are written by the subject themselves are called autobiographies.

  4. Lesson overview: To identify the features of a biography

    To identify the features of a biography. View in classroom Curriculum Download (PDF) Core Content. In this lesson, we will start off looking at parentheses: brackets, dashes and commas and their function within a sentence. We will explore the features of a biography: layout, punctuation, purpose, language, sentence structure, etc.

  5. Writing a Biography KS2 Word Mat

    What does this word mat Teach about writing a biography KS2? Our fantastic Features of a Biography Word Mat is perfect for your KS2 English lessons on writing a biography KS2. Show more Related Searches features of a biography biography biography examples ks2 biography features features of a biography ks2 biography writing Ratings & Reviews

  6. What are biography and autobiography?

    A biography is a text written about someone else's life (usually someone famous). An autobiography is a text written about one's own life. Children in Year 6 may be taught the unit: 'Biography and Autobiography' as suggested in the Primary Literacy Framework. Features of biographical and autobiographical texts

  7. Features of a biography KS2

    Features Of A Biography Ks2 Primary English Features of a biography KS2 - 8 of the best worksheets and resources for writing and comprehension Whether they're recounting the lives of famous people or simply describing a family member, these activities, ideas and model texts will help your Key Stage 2 pupils get to grips with biographical writing…

  8. What is a Biography?

    In this video, Twinkl Teacher James, shares how to use use our Twinkl resources to each all about Biographies. Biography Interview Activity Worksheet: https:...

  9. Biographies and autobiographies

    A biography is a non-fiction text about a person's life. It is written in the third person and in chronological order. Here you'll find English teaching resources to help key stage 1 and key stage 2 children understand the features of a biography and those of autobiographical accounts. They include templates, example biographies and ...

  10. To identify features of a biography

    Back In this lesson, we will introduce what a biography is, we will look at the features of a biography and we will find examples of features in a biography.

  11. KS2 Biographies and Autobiographies Primary Resources

    KS2 Autobiography Writing Checklist 4.8 (9 reviews) The Extraordinary Life of Serena Williams: Biography Fact File Writing Pack 5.0 (4 reviews) Pencil-Themed Biography Writing Prompt Fan 5.0 (4 reviews) Significant Individuals Fact File Template

  12. KS2 RESOURCE PACK: Writing Extraordinary Biographies

    What's the story? Have you discovered Puffin's brilliant biographies for kids aged seven and up? The Extraordinary Lives series includes: Malala, Michelle Obama, Stephen Hawking, Anne Frank , Katherine Johnson and Neil Armstrong. These beautifully illustrated books include timelines, fascinating facts and inspirational quotes from their stars.

  13. Biography Writing (KS2)

    Subject: English Age range: 7-11 Resource type: Lesson (complete) File previews docx, 72.14 KB docx, 493.72 KB pptx, 4.92 MB This series of lessons teaches children how to plan, structure, write and edit biographies. Can be used and adapted to Years 4-6 Included is the PowerPoint, example biography and lesson plans. Hope it is useful.

  14. Learn about the features of a biography and how they can help with

    Features of a Biography. Biographies can be written in a variety of ways, focussing on the whole life of the person or just on a specific event. They should explore some of the context of that person's life, including their family situation, childhood and any events that influenced them. Explore wider context where relevant, including cultural ...

  15. KS2 Long and Short Biography Text Example Pack

    38 reviews Non-Fiction Personal Writing Biographies and Autobiographies Biography examples for children to learn about famous people. Teach your students about some of history's most inspiring people with our collection of long and short biography text examples for children whilst learning how to go about writing a biography (KS2) for themselves.

  16. PDF Year 5/6: Biographies

    Q What is a biography? Link to the Greek prefix of 'bio' meaning 'life' Q What do you think are the features of a biography? Class teacher to make a list of pupil's prior knowledge about the features of a biography Display the poster containing all the features of a biography - discuss any features that the children have not mentioned

  17. Guide to Writing a Biography Worksheet

    This Mini Biography Writing Frame Worksheet is a great resource to use as an introductory activity before children move on to writing a longer biography. With clear headings and a structure to follow, this worksheet will help children build up some confidence with biography writing. Develop your class's biography writing skills further with ...

  18. KS2 Biographies and Autobiographies Primary Resources

    Biography and Autobiography Resources to Complement Children's Literature. To coincide with KS2 children's learning on different types of literature, these biography and autobiography resources can be used in class to write an abstract about one of the characters in the book you are currently reading with your class.

  19. KS2 Features of a Biography Writing Checklist

    KS2 Features of a Biography Writing Checklist 22 reviews Upper KS2 - Years 5 and 6 Writing - Composition Evaluate and edit by: What is included in this Guide to Writing a Biography resource? When you download this resource, you'll find a simple checklist that acts as a great guide to writing a biography for children! Show more Related Searches

  20. KS2 Autobiography and Biography PowerPoint (Teacher-Made)

    KS2 Autobiography and Biography PowerPoint 22 reviews English Writing Non-Fiction What is this Autobiography and Biography PowerPoint useful for? This task setting Autobiography and Biography PowerPoint gives KS2 students information on these two writing styles and the features involved. Show more Related Searches

  21. Biography Planning & Slides KS2

    docx, 22.18 KB ppt, 16.54 MB docx, 19.07 KB ppt, 10.53 MB ppt, 8.9 MB Here are plans and slides for a biography unit for KS2. The lessons in this resources are themed around architects Norman Foster and Christopher Wren but can easily be adjusted for other significant people.

  22. Writing a Biography KS2 Word Mat

    This Features of a Biography Word Mat is a great way to teach your child about writing a biography at home. It's a fantastic introduction to the genre and explains the purpose of a biography: to give an account of someone's life. Reading biographies together is also a brilliant way to teach your child about biographies and how they're ...

  23. Biography Writing Explanation Powerpoint (teacher made)

    Support your students in preparing to write a biography with the help of this informative PowerPoint presentation all about Biography Writing. This resource defines and explains biography writing with simple-to-understand language, perfect for your students to comprehend and interpret. A fantastic teaching tool to introduce biography writing, or alternatively to review and consolidate students ...