how to write biography sketch on mother

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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Mother Biographies Samples For Students

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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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• Funerals & Memorial Services

How to Write a Biography for a Funeral Program + Examples

Updated 05/11/2022

Published 03/10/2021

Belinda McLeod, BA in Secondary Education

Contributing writer

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure .

After a person dies, someone in the family usually writes a biography or obituary about the person. This task sometimes falls to a friend or the funeral director may also help with the writing process. 

You may then submit the biography or obituary to the newspaper through the funeral home. Most newspapers charge families a per-word rate to print the article. You may also write the obituary for the funeral program on the funeral home’s website.

Check out our tips for writing a biography for a funeral. We will also give you short biography examples to help you with your task of telling your loved one’s life story. 

Jump ahead to these sections:

Steps for writing a biography for a funeral, funeral biography samples.

Think of a biography (or obituary) as a news article informing the general public about a death that occurred. Even though you may feel emotional when writing an obituary, this is not typically the outlet for writing about your feelings. 

Even though the biography is an informative article, it is up to you to include the details. You can include pretty much whatever you want, but it’s a good idea to get the family’s general consensus regarding what you will write about in the biography.

The number and types of details may vary, depending on the person and where the biography or obituary will be used. A biography (or obituary) read at a funeral may include more details than one printed in the newspaper or funeral program . 

Step 1: Start with the general facts

You want to identify the deceased first. Use the full name (with the maiden name in parentheses) and the age of the person. If the deceased had an often-used nickname, consider putting it in quotes. 

The more identification factors you use makes it less likely that your loved one gets mistaken for someone else. This is especially important if your loved one had a common name. 

Step 2: Consider including the essential dates in the obituary

Some families choose to include the birth date and death date of the deceased in the obituary. You can present this information in a variety of ways. 

Others avoid giving this detailed information in hopes of limiting the likelihood of fraudulent activity. You may provide partial information, such as “She was born to Bob and Mary Smith in October 1982.”

Step 3: Consider including the cause of death

The family must decide whether or not to include the cause of death. Most people who read the biography will wonder, “What happened?” This question may seem nosy to you, but it is only human nature to be curious about such matters. 

Some families choose to leave this information out of the biography, which is their prerogative. Others may view it as a piece of information that may be helpful to future generations. Some may give partial information, such as “Mary Frankie Jones, 65, passed away after a long illness.”

Step 4: Include information about the early life of the deceased

Most people choose to include the names of the parents of the deceased as well as the city of birth. Again, only include specific information if you feel comfortable; some unscrupulous individuals use this biographical information for nefarious purposes.

You may consider including where the deceased graduated high school and/or college. Include any brief military service during this section of the biography as well.

Step 5: Include other family information

Often, you list a deceased person’s marriages in the article chronologically and list children at the end of the article as “survivors to the deceased.”

For some, it’s easy to write about the deceased’s spouse but makes a difficult task for others. Again, there are no “rules” on who to include, so you and your family must make those determinations.

People agonize over whether to include estranged family members. You may also wonder whether to label stepchildren differently than biological children. Ex-spouses and long-term partners that never marry may pause you as you write the obituary. 

Each situation is different, so most etiquette guides recommend that people do their best to keep their relationships with their living family members intact by not limiting the list of survivors in the obituary. 

Step 6: Write about your loved one’s professional life

A funeral biography is not the same as a resume, but most people give at least some general information about how the deceased earned a living. 

If the deceased worked his entire adult life at one place of business, you would include this detail in the obituary. If he job-hopped but stayed in the same industry, you may include a sentence about his profession.

You may make this section of the biography longer for those with active careers. 

Step 7: Consider including information about community involvement

Many families choose to include their loved one’s involvement in community groups. For example, you may choose to include the deceased’s involvement in a specific church, civic organization, or volunteer group. You may also want to include any offices that the deceased held in any of these organizations as well as any awards earned. 

Step 8: Add any details that made your loved one special

There’s much more to life than work and club memberships. Think about other details you could include in the biography that would help people understand what made your loved one unique. 

Perhaps you want to write about how she was a Star Wars superfan and waited in line each time a new film was released. Maybe your loved one was an avid camper and fisherman and spent each weekend in a tent. 

You may want to write a lengthy exposition about what made your loved one special, which you should do. Use this information to write your loved one’s eulogy or share your writing with close family members. Depending on where you publish it, you may find your writing limited by the amount of space available. 

To get you started in your writing process, read these short, fictional obituary snippets. 

For a parent or grandparent

Douglas Richard Schrute, 82, passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, June 23, 2020. His wife of 53 years was by his side at the time of death.

Douglas was born on December 22, 1938, to Richard and Mary (Sullivan) Schrute in Elmwood, Illinois. He was the fourth son born to the couple. 

After graduating from Elmwood High School, he joined the U.S. Army, serving his country in Korea.

For a child or grandchild

Mary Kate is survived by her parents, Michael and Patricia Carmichael, and one brother, Cole. Other survivors include her maternal grandparents, John and Tawnya Crabtree, and her paternal grandparents, Frank and Louise Carmichael. 

For a partner or spouse

Peter worked in the telecommunications industry all his life. He began his career at Southwestern Bell in 1973 and retired from AT&T in 2018. He worked as a technical salesperson for most of his professional life. 

For an adult without immediate family

Michael will always be remembered by his friends as the “man of 1,000 stories.” He began each conversation by saying, “Stop me if you’ve heard this before,” which no one ever did. He was the life of the party, and laughter followed him wherever he went. 

For someone who died after a long illness

Jack passed away Friday, December 8, after a long battle with lung cancer. 

The family wishes to express appreciation to the Elmwood Hospice organization for helping make his transition to heaven as peaceful as possible.

Take Great Care When Writing the Biography of a Loved One

If you are in charge of making all of the arrangements, you may find yourself overwhelmed by your list of “to-do” items. 

Even though you may find yourself pressed for time, carefully consider the wording of your loved one’s biography or obituary. Take care to be as accurate as possible by double-checking dates, the spelling of names, and other facts. 

Anytime you write something of this level of importance, it is good to have other family members and friends check the piece for accuracy, clarity, and grammar. Have others proofread the funeral program as well and help you pick which modern funeral program to include. 

You only have one chance to write the obituary of your loved one, so take your time as you complete this task. 

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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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Biography Online

Biography Mother Teresa

“It is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the doing. It is not how much we give, but how much love we put in the giving.”

– Mother Teresa. From: No Greater Love

Short Biography of Mother Teresa

On her arrival in India, she began by working as a teacher; however, the widespread poverty of Calcutta made a deep impression on her, and this led to her starting a new order called “The Missionaries of Charity”. The primary objective of this mission was to look after people, who nobody else was prepared to look after. Mother Teresa felt that serving others was a fundamental principle of the teachings of Jesus Christ. She often mentioned the saying of Jesus,

“Whatever you do to the least of my brethren, you do it to me.”

As Mother Teresa said herself:

“Love cannot remain by itself – it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action, and that action is service .” – Mother Teresa

In 1952, she opened her first home for the dying, which allowed people to die with dignity. Mother Teresa often spent time with those who were dying. Some have criticised the lack of proper medical attention, and their refusal to give painkillers. Others say that it afforded many neglected people the opportunity to die knowing that someone cared.

Her work spread around the world. By 2013, there were 700 missions operating in over 130 countries. The scope of their work also expanded to include orphanages and hospices for those with terminal illnesses.

“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”

—- Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa never sought to convert those of another faith. Those in her hospices were given the religious rites appropriate to their faith. However, she had a very firm Catholic faith and took a strict line on abortion, the death penalty and divorce – even if her position was unpopular. Her whole life was influenced by her faith and religion, even though at times she confessed she didn’t feel the presence of God.

The Missionaries of Charity now has branches throughout the world including branches in the developed world where they work with the homeless and people affected by AIDS. In 1965, the organisation became an International Religious Family by a decree of Pope Paul VI.

In the 1960s, the life of Mother Teresa was brought to a wider public attention by Malcolm Muggeridge who wrote a book and produced a documentary called “ Something Beautiful for God ”.

In later years, she was more active in western developed countries. She commented that though the West was materially prosperous, there was often a spiritual poverty.

“The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread.”

-— Mother Teresa

When she was asked how to promote world peace, she replied,”Go home and love your family”.

Over the last two decades of her life, Mother Teresa suffered various health problems, but nothing could dissuade her from fulfilling her mission of serving the poor and needy. Until her very last illness she was active in travelling around the world to the different branches of The Missionaries of Charity. During her last few years, she met Princess Diana in the Bronx, New York. The two died within a week of each other.

Following Mother Teresa’s death, the Vatican began the process of beatification, which is the second step on the way to canonization and sainthood. Mother Teresa was formally beatified in October 2003 by Pope John Paul II . In September 2015, Pope Francis declared:

“Mother Teresa, in all aspects of her life, was a generous dispenser of divine mercy, making herself available for everyone through her welcome and defense of human life, those unborn and those abandoned and discarded,” “She bowed down before those who were spent, left to die on the side of the road, seeing in them their God-given dignity. She made her voice heard before the powers of this world, so that they might recognize their guilt for the crime of poverty they created.”

Mother Teresa was a living saint who offered a great example and inspiration to the world.

Awards given to Mother Teresa

• The first Pope John XXIII Peace Prize. (1971)
• Kennedy Prize (1971)
• The Nehru Prize –“for the promotion of international peace and understanding”(1972)
• Albert Schweitzer International Prize (1975),
• The Nobel Peace Prize (1979)
• States Presidential Medal of Freedom (1985)
• Congressional Gold Medal (1994)
• U Thant Peace Award 1994
• Honorary citizenship of the United States (November 16, 1996),

Citation: Pettinger, Tejvan . “ Biography of Mother Teresa ”, Oxford, UK.  www.biographyonline.net , 18th May 2006. (Updated September 2016)

Mother Teresa Biography

Mother Teresa Biography at Amazon

No Greater Love – Mother Teresa

No Greater Love by Mother Teresa at Amazon

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External Links

• Mother Teresa Biography – Vatican
• Nobel Prize Biography

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, writing a biographical sketch about myself.

Hey all, I've been asked to write a biographical sketch about myself for a program I'm applying to. Can you guys share any tips, resources, or examples? I've never written one before and I'm not sure where to begin. Thank you!

Hello! Writing a biographical sketch about yourself can be an interesting task, but it's great that you're seeking help to make sure you do it well. Here are a few tips, resources, and examples to help you with your biographical sketch:

1. Start by brainstorming:

Make a list of important events, accomplishments, and characteristics that best define you. This can include your background, education, major milestones, professional achievements, personal hobbies, or anything else relevant to the program you're applying for.

2. Structure your sketch:

Create a rough outline for your biographical sketch, organizing your information into clear sections. A standard structure can include:

- Introduction: Introduce yourself, stating your full name and a brief overview of your background.

- Educational background: Describe your education, including the schools you attended and relevant degrees or certificates earned.

- Professional experience: Detail your work history and any prominent professional achievements.

- Personal interests and accomplishments: Talk about your hobbies, passion projects, or any significant personal achievements.

- Conclusion: Summarize the key points and relate them to the program you're applying to.

3. Keep it concise:

A biographical sketch is typically short and focused, so aim to keep it around 250-500 words. Be mindful of word count limitations given by the program and make sure to prioritize the most relevant information.

4. Use a professional tone:

Write your biographical sketch in third person to maintain a professional tone. Avoid using slang or informal language.

5. Review and revise:

Proofread your sketch carefully to check for grammar, syntax, and punctuation errors. Make revisions as necessary to ensure the final draft is polished and well-organized.

For example, your biographical sketch may look something like this:

Jane Doe is a dedicated marketing professional with a passion for digital media. Born and raised in New York City, she pursued a degree in Marketing at [University], where she graduated with honors in 20XX.

Upon graduating, Jane joined the marketing team at [Company], where she worked on numerous campaigns and contributed to the growth of the business. She has since been promoted to Marketing Manager and oversees campaigns for a variety of clients.

In her free time, Jane enjoys photography and volunteering at her local animal shelter. Her photography has been featured in several art shows, and she has been recognized with multiple awards. Through her volunteer work, Jane has helped to facilitate numerous adoptions and create a positive community presence for the shelter.

Overall, Jane's background in marketing, combined with her commitment to community impact, make her a fitting candidate for the [Program]. With support from this program, she hopes to further develop her skills and make a lasting impact in her field.

Best of luck with your biographical sketch, and I hope these tips help you create a compelling and memorable sketch that showcases your unique qualities!

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Bio Sketch Format | How to Write a Biographical Sketch?

A Biographical Sketch is a short summary of someone’s life. It can be used to introduce someone to someone else or to describe their accomplishments. This blog post will discuss the basic of bio sketch format and provide some useful tips on how to write an impressive biographical sketch.

What is a Biographical Sketch?

A Biographical sketch (referred as Bio Sketch) is an overview of the life and work of a person, typically including information about their childhood, education , achievements, biographical details, and other important aspects of their life, usually written by someone else. 

How to Write a Biographical Sketch?

To write a biographical sketch, you will need to include the basic facts about a person’s life, such as their date and place of birth, education, work history, and family. It should also provide some insight into the person’s personality and interests. While a biographical sketch can be as short as a paragraph, it is often half or one page long.

A biographical sketch should include the following information:

• Who the person is
• What they are known for
• When and where they were born
• What their early life was like
• Their education and career
• Their major accomplishments
• What they are doing now

Remember, Writing a biographical sketch is not just about listing the facts. It also tells a story that gives the reader a sense of who the person is. An excellent biographical sketch should be exciting and informative, giving the reader a reason to want to learn more about the subject.

Bio Sketch Format:

A general biographical sketch format consists of a set of details that include:

• Details of personal life (Name, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, etc.)
• Family life details (Father’s name, Family background, etc.)
• Details of education & professionallLife
• Details of community activities, volunteer work, and honors
• Details of Publications, awards, and notable achievements.

Guidelines for Writing a Biographical Sketch [Tips]

A biographical sketch is a short story about the life of an individual. It is used in reference to an author, musician, artist, historian, scientist, or any other person who has lived and worked.

The biographical sketch must contain enough information to describe the subject of the biography. The biographical sketch is not a research paper that should include lengthy lists of sources, facts, statistics, or personal opinions.

The following are general guidelines for writing biographical sketches. If you follow these rules, your biographical sketch will be successful.

• Keep it brief and provide only the essential facts.
• Be sure to include the person’s name at the beginning of the biography.
• Include only those details that are significant to the subject’s life.
• Provide a clear and concise summary of the person’s accomplishments.
• Provide specific examples of the person’s achievements.
• Use the first person when possible, but not too often.
• If you are writing about someone deceased, use the third person.
• Be sure to include the date of birth and death if a person is not alive.
• Be sure to write the sketch in the past tense if a person is not alive.
• Don’t refer to the subject by name unless he or she is still alive.

Video Credit: Nihir Shah

Biographical Sketch Example for Students

1. biographical sketch of apj abdul kalam.

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam (15 October 1931 – 27 July 2015) was an Indian aerospace scientist who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. He was born in a Tamil Muslim family in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, and studied physics and aerospace engineering.

He spent the next four decades as a scientist and science administrator, mainly at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). He was intimately involved in India’s civilian space program and military missile development efforts.

He earned the nickname “Missile Man of India” for his work on developing ballistic missiles and launch vehicle technology. He also played a pivotal organizational, technical and political role in India’s Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, the first since the original nuclear test by India in 1974.

Kalam was elected as the 11th President of India in 2002 with the support of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the then-opposition Indian National Congress. Widely referred to as the “People’s President”, he returned to his civilian life of education, writing and public service after a single term. He received several prestigious awards, including the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour.

Kalam was fondly known as the People’s President and referred to as the “Missile Man of India” due to his work in developing ballistic missiles and launch vehicle technology. He was also an accomplished author, having written several books, such as India 2020, Ignited Minds, Wings of Fire and Target 3 Billion.

He was also an inspirational speaker and was mainly known for his motivational messages to the youth of India. He was also a strong advocate of the modern education system and its integration with the culture of India. He passed away due to sudden cardiac arrest in 2015.

2. Biographical Sketch of Stephen Hawking

Stephen Hawking was one of the most renowned scientists of our time. He was born in Oxford, England, on  January 8,  1942. When he was just eight years old, his family moved to St. Albans, Hertfordshire. Stephen Hawking began his schooling at the Byron House School in Highgate, London. He later attended St. Albans School, where he developed a passion for mathematics and physics.

In 1959, Stephen Hawking was accepted into Oxford University to study natural science. However, he soon realized that his true passion was physics. He transferred to the physics department and earned his Ph.D. in cosmology.

During his time at Oxford, Stephen Hawking made several important discoveries in the field of theoretical physics. In 1974, he published a paper on the nature of black holes. This work earned him a place as one of the leading experts on black holes.

In 1979, Stephen Hawking was appointed as the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge. This is a position that was once held by Isaac Newton.

Throughout his career , Stephen Hawking made many important contributions to the field of physics. In 1988, he published his best-selling book, A Brief History of Time. This book explained complex theories in a way that was accessible to the general public.

On March 14, 2018, Stephen Hawking passed away at the age of 76. His legacy will continue to inspire scientists and laypeople for generations to come.

3. Biographical Sketch of Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar is a former Indian cricketer and a former captain of the Indian national team. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. He is the highest run-scorer and the most capped player in Test cricket history.

He is also the first batsman to score a double century in a One Day International. In 2002, he was the only Indian cricketer to be ranked among the top 10 players in the world by Wisden. Tendulkar has received many awards, including the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in India.

Born on April 24, 1973, in Mumbai, Tendulkar began playing cricket at the age of eleven. He made his Test debut against Pakistan in November 1989 and One Day International debut in December 1989. He quickly established himself as one of the most talented batsmen in the world. He became the first Indian batsman to score a century in a Test match overseas and the youngest player to score a century in a Test match. He also holds the record for the most Test centuries and the most One Day International centuries.

Tendulkar has been a part of four World Cup winning teams and is the only player to have been a part of all three of India’s cricket World Cup winning teams. He was also the captain of the Indian team that won the 2011 World Cup. He retired from Test cricket in November 2013 and from One Day International cricket in December 2012.

4. Biographical Sketch of Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli is an Indian cricket player who currently captains the Indian national team. He is a right-handed batsman and occasional right-arm medium-pace bowler. Kohli is regarded as one of the best batsmen in the world. He plays for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League and has been the team’s captain since 2013.

Kohli was born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India. His father, Prem Kohli, was a lawyer and his mother, Saroj Kohli, is a housewife. He has two siblings, a brother, Vikas, and a sister, Bhawna. Kohli was raised in Uttam Nagar and started playing cricket at a young age. He attended Vishal Bharati Public School and West Delhi Cricket Academy.

Kohli made his debut for the Indian national team in 2008 and has since played over 200 matches for the team. He has been a regular team member in all three formats of the game and is considered a key player in the Indian batting lineup. Kohli has scored over 10,000 runs in international cricket and is the second-fastest player to reach the milestone, behind only Sachin Tendulkar. He has also been named as the ICC ODI Player of the Year on three occasions (2012, 2017, 2018).

Kohli is married to Anushka Sharma, a Bollywood actress, and the couple has a daughter named Vamika Kohli.

5. Biographical Sketch of PV Sindhu

Pusarla Venkata (PV) Sindhu is a professional badminton player from India. She is currently ranked as the second-best female player in the world by the Badminton World Federation. Sindhu has won many prestigious titles, including the BWF World Championships, the India Open, and the Syed Modi International Badminton Championships.

Born on July 5, 1995, in Hyderabad, Sindhu started playing badminton at a very young age. She was inspired by her father, who was a former volleyball player. Sindhu quickly rose through the ranks, winning several state and national level tournaments. She made her international debut in 2009 and won her first major title, the Malaysian Open, in 2013.

Since then, Sindhu has established herself as one of the top badminton players in the world. She has won numerous medals at the BWF World Championships and the Asian Games. In 2016, she became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic silver medal in badminton. Sindhu is also the first Indian to win the BWF World Championships.

Sindhu is known for her aggressive play style and ability to play long rallies. She has a powerful backhand and is capable of executing difficult shots. Sindhu is also known for her mental toughness, which has helped her in many close matches.

Sindhu has inspired many young girls to take up badminton. She is a role model for athletes all over the world.

6. Biographical Sketch of Rabindranath Tagore

Rabindranath Tagore was a Bengali writer, poet, and philosopher. He was born in Calcutta, India, on May 7, 1861, into a wealthy and well-educated family. His father, Debendranath Tagore, was a leader of the Brahmo Samaj, a religious reform movement.

He began writing poetry at an early age, and his first collection was published when he was only 17. By the time he was in his twenties, Tagore had established himself as one of Bengal’s leading writers, and his work began to be translated into other languages.

In 1901, Tagore published his most famous work, Gitanjali, a collection of poems that won him the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913. He is the only Asian writer to have been awarded the Nobel Prize.

Tagore was a prolific writer, and his poetry, novels, short stories, and essays are widely read in both Bengali and English. His work explores the themes of love, humanity, and spiritualism, and deep respect marks his writings for Indian culture and tradition. Tagore was also an accomplished painter and musician, and his compositions are popular throughout India.

Tagore’s ideas and work profoundly influenced the development of Indian thought, and he is often hailed as one of the country’s most influential thinkers. He died in 1941 at the age of 80.

FAQs (People Also Ask)

1. what is a bio sketch.

A bio sketch (biographical sketch) is a short, usually one-page, summary of a person’s life and work. It is similar to a biography but usually shorter and less detailed. A bio sketch may be written about a person who is still alive, or it may be written about someone who has died.

2. What does a Biographical Sketch mean?

A biographical sketch is a short summary of a person’s life, typically written by someone else.

3. How to write a Biographical Sketch about yourself?

To write a biographical sketch about yourself, it is important to be honest, and to include as much relevant information as possible. Try to give a clear and concise overview of your life, and avoid including irrelevant or personal details.

Shobhit is the founder of Ishiksha, content writer and educator who has been creating educational content since 2021. His writing covers topics like science, technology, and the humanities. When he isn't writing, Shobhit enjoys reading nonfiction, watching documentaries, and going on nature walks.

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How to Write a Biography

Last Updated: April 1, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Stephanie Wong Ken, MFA . Stephanie Wong Ken is a writer based in Canada. Stephanie's writing has appeared in Joyland, Catapult, Pithead Chapel, Cosmonaut's Avenue, and other publications. She holds an MFA in Fiction and Creative Writing from Portland State University. There are 7 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 1,850,570 times.

Writing a biography can be a fun challenge, where you are sharing the story of someone’s life with readers. You may need to write a biography for a class or decide to write one as a personal project. Once you have identified the subject of the biography, do your research so you know as much about them as possible. Then, dive into the writing of the biography and revising it until it is at its finest.

Researching Your Subject

• If the subject does not give you permission to write the biography, you may want to choose a different subject. If you decide to publish the biography without the subject’s permission, you may be susceptible to legal action by the subject.
• If the subject is no longer alive, you obviously do not need to ask permission to write about them.

• You may create research questions to help focus your research of the subject, such as, What do I find interesting about the subject? Why is this subject important to readers? What can I say that is new about the subject? What would I like to learn more about?

• For in person interviews, record them with a tape recorder or a voice recorder on your computer or phone.
• You may need to interview the subject and others several times to get the material you need.

• You may also want to visit areas where the subject made a major decision or breakthrough in their life. Being physically in the area can give you a sense of how the subject might have felt and help you write their experiences more effectively.

• When researching the time period ask yourself: What were the social norms of that time? What was going on economically and politically? How did the social and political climate affect the subject?

• You may also include historical events or moments that affected the subject on the timeline. For example, maybe there was a conflict or civil war that happened during the person’s life that affected their life.

Writing the Biography

• You may end up focusing on particular areas of the person’s life. If you do this, work through a particular period in the person’s life chronologically.

• For example, you may have a thesis statement about focusing on how the person impacted the civil rights movement in America in the 1970s. You can then make sure all your content relates back to this thesis.

• Flashbacks should feel as detailed and real as present day scenes. Use your research notes and interviews with the subject to get a good sense of their past for the flashbacks.
• For example, you may jump from the person’s death in the present to a flashback to their favorite childhood memory.

• For example, you may focus on the person’s accomplishments in the civil rights movement. You may write a whole section about their contributions and participation in major civil rights marches in their hometown.

• For example, you may notice that the person’s life is patterned with moments of adversity, where the person worked hard and fought against larger forces. You can then use the theme of overcoming adversity in the biography.

• For example, you may note how you see parallels in the person’s life during the civil rights movement with your own interests in social justice. You may also commend the person for their hard work and positive impact on society.

Polishing the Biography

• Revise the biography based on feedback from others. Do not be afraid to cut or edit down the biography to suit the needs of your readers.

• Having a biography riddled with spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors can turn off your readers and result in a poor grade if you are handing in the text for a class.

• If the biography is for a class, use MLA , APA , or Chicago Style citations based on the preferences of your instructor.

Biography Help

Community Q&A

• Be careful when publishing private or embarrassing information, especially if the person is not a celebrity. You may violate their "Right of Privacy" or equivalent. Thanks Helpful 31 Not Helpful 5
• Have the sources to back up your statements about the subject's life. Untruthful written statements can lead to litigation. If it is your opinion, be clear that it is such and not fact (although you can support your opinion with facts). Thanks Helpful 16 Not Helpful 15

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://grammar.yourdictionary.com/writing/how-to-write-a-biography.html
• ↑ https://au.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-write-a-bio
• ↑ https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/writing/how-to-write-a-biography.html
• ↑ https://www.writersdigest.com/writing-articles/3-tips-for-writing-successful-flashbacks
• ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/how-to-write-bio/
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/editing-and-proofreading/
• ↑ https://www.plagiarism.org/article/how-do-i-cite-sources

About This Article

Before you write a biography, gather as much information about the subject that you can from sources like newspaper articles, interviews, photos, existing biographies, and anything else you can find. Write the story of that person’s life, including as much supporting detail as you can, including information about the place and time where the person lived. Focus on major events and milestones in their life, including historical events, marriage, children, and events which would shape their path later in life. For tips from our reviewer on proofreading the biography and citing your sources, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Lesson of The Day

Writing a Short Biography With Obituaries

In this lesson, we invite students to learn about obituary writing in The New York Times, and then write about someone who led an interesting life, using the format of an obituary.

By Erica Ackerberg

Lesson Overview

Featured Section: Obituaries

When the reporter Margalit Fox retired, she reflected on her career as an obituary writer at The New York Times: “Writing daily obits only reinforced what I had long suspected: It is the best beat in journalism. The reason is simple: In following their subjects from cradle to grave, obits are the most narrative genre in any daily paper. For a writer, there is little better than being paid to tell stories.”

Since 1851, hundreds of thousands of obituaries have appeared in The Times. In the most basic sense, an obituary is an announcement of someone’s death. But each one is also a life story: It highlights the impact a person had on the world and what made him or her special. Those you’ll see in the pages of The Times are usually of famous people, such as Hank Aaron or Betty White , but you’ll also find obituaries of lesser known, but otherwise newsworthy, people, like Betty King, who worked backstage at Carnegie Hall, and André Cassagnes , the inventor of the Etch A Sketch.

In this lesson, you will read some of the obituaries published in The New York Times to find out what they’re like, what kinds of information they typically include and how they are written. Then, you’ll research and write an obituary for someone who led an interesting life.

Curriculum Connections

Teachers, writing an obituary can help your students practice essential research, writing and storytelling skills. You can have them write obituaries for people they knew, notable figures or anyone else whose life story is worth knowing. Here are a few ideas for different subject areas:

An English teacher might have students write an obituary for a character from a shared class text to better understand who that person was, what was important to him or her and what effect he or she had on others in the book. Students could also write obituaries for authors or other important people from your curriculum.

A social studies teacher could do the same with a historical figure. A math or science teacher might pick an influential person from a field of study students are learning about.

Health or advisory teachers could use this lesson to talk about ways to remember and memorialize those who have died. They might engage students in discussion on how different cultures honor the dead.

Watch this trailer for a documentary about the Obituaries desk of The New York Times, and think about the following questions:

What does it mean that obituaries are a way “to make the dead live again”?

Does writing or reading about someone who has died feel depressing to you, or even creepy? Or, as with these obituary writers, do you find it intriguing?

Is there anyone whose life story you would like to tell? What made that person’s life special or meaningful?

Pick one of these obituaries to read. Or search through the Obituaries section to find one that interests you.

Questions for Writing and Discussion

Read the obituary you chose, and then answer the following questions:

1. What, if anything, did you know about this person before you read his or her obituary?

2. List some basic facts about the person: Where and when was he or she born? Who was in his or her family? What did this person accomplish in life? When and how did he or she die?

3. Why do you think The New York Times wrote an obituary about this person? What made this person newsworthy? How was his or her life special?

4. Was there anything about the person’s life that surprised you? What detail did you find most interesting? Why?

5. What, if anything, do you find inspirational about the person’s story?

6. Now, read the obituary as a writer. What do you admire about the way this piece was written? What is your favorite line, and why?

Going Further

Now, it’s your turn: Write an obituary for someone — perhaps someone you knew personally, a historical figure you are learning about in school, a character from a novel you are reading or anyone else whose life story you’d like to tell.

1. First, you’ll need to do research. You might read newspaper articles or biographies, watch or listen to interviews featuring your subject, or talk with the person’s family members or friends.

(If you’re speaking with someone whose loved one has recently died, remember to approach the conversation with compassion. When Neil Vigdor, a Times reporter, calls someone who has lost a family member or a friend, he starts by saying, “I’m deeply sorry to be reaching out under these circumstances.” Then he asks to hear more about the person who died.)

2. Next, you’ll need to identify the most basic facts of the person’s life and death. Here is part of a tip sheet from The Times’s Obituaries desk on the essential information every obituary should include:

Date of death Place of death Age at death Cause of death Full birth name, and place and date of birth Education Military service Marriages, to whom and when; and divorces, if there are any. Names of parents, siblings, spouse or companion and children. Numbers of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The more biographical background the obituary can give, the better. For example, how did they start their careers? Details like education and military service should be given when relevant or interesting. If possible, give the names and occupations of the subject’s parents, as well as his or her place and date of birth.

But you don’t want your obituary to just be a list of dry facts. Add what journalists call “color.” What made this person’s life interesting? In “ How to Write an Obituary, ” Malia Wollan interviews Victoria Chang, a poet who wrote obituary poems after her mother died, and gives examples of these kinds of details:

“Everyone is special and quirky, and I think the best obituaries capture the essence of those qualities about each of us,” Chang says. What things did she collect? What did she love to eat? What brought her joy?

3. Finally, it’s time to write. The format of an obituary is often uniform. Ms. Wollan describes it this way:

An obituary tends to have three distinct parts: the beginning (name, age, date of death, cause of death [if possible to include], work, education); the middle (anecdotes that celebrate the person’s life); and the end (so-and-so is survived by, which Chang calls “a very efficient way of saying who’s grieving.”)

Also, consider the tone you want your obituary to have. Ms. Wollan continues:

An obituary is for the living, but you should consider the sensibilities of the deceased. How would the person want to be remembered? “Imagine what they would write about themselves,” Chang says. It’s OK to be funny. “There’s a lot of humor and oddity, strange tensions and funny stuff about people and the things they do together,” Chang says.

And if you want to get creative, instead of writing a traditional obituary, make a slide show of the person’s life with photos and text , put together a mixed media collage or write an obituary poem, as Ms. Chang did for her mother. Share what you make with your class.

If you want to learn more about obituaries in The New York Times, the documentary “ Obit ” is available on Amazon Prime. You can also listen to this interview on NPR with two obituary writers from The New York Times.

Want more Lessons of the Day? You can find them all here .

How to Write a Biographical Sketch: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Write a Biographical Sketch

Have you ever been asked to write a biographical sketch but didn’t know where to start? Or perhaps you’re curious about what a biographical sketch even is and why it’s important. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to write a biographical sketch. It is asked for 5 marks in CBSE Board in different classes. Crafting an engaging and informative bio can be challenging. But fear not – with our step-by-step guide and helpful examples, you’ll be writing bio sketches like good student.

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What is a Biographical Sketch?

A biographical sketch, also known as a bio sketch or bio sketch, is a brief overview of someone’s life. It focuses on the most important and relevant aspects of the person’s personal and professional background. Unlike a full-length biography that covers every detail of a person’s life from their birth to death, a biographical sketch only includes essential information. This type of writing typically ranges from one paragraph to a few ones in length depending on its purpose. When it comes to writing an effective biosketch, it should provide readers with an insight into the person’s life and what makes the personality unique. It should highlight achievements, skills and experiences that make him/ her stand out from others. A well-written biographical sketch should capture the reader’s attention while providing them with enough information about your background to leave them curious for more.

How to write a biographical sketch

To write a biographical sketch, you need to start with the basics. A biographical sketch is a short summary of someone’s life or career. It should be concise and informative while highlighting key accomplishments and milestones. So how do you go about writing one? Firstly, identify your subject and research the background or take the hints already given in the Bio Sketch questions thoroughly. Start by gathering basic information such as their name, birthplace, education and profession. Once you have established these details, begin outlining the main points that you want to include in your bio-sketch. This could range from significant achievements to personal anecdotes that provide insight into who they are as a person. When writing the actual draft, keep sentences short and engaging while maintaining accuracy in conveying important details about your subject’s life story. Remember to use descriptive language that captures their unique personality traits and character qualities. Ensure that your final version is formatted properly with clear headings for each section – introduction/background info; career/achievements; personal life/family history etcetera- so readers can easily navigate through it all without feeling overwhelmed by too much text at once!

What to include in a Biographical Sketch

When writing a biographical sketch, it’s important to include key elements that will give the reader a clear understanding of the subject’s life and achievements. You are also advised to include their birthplace and date, family background, educational history, career accomplishments, notable publications or awards they’ve received. Be sure to focus on significant events or milestones in their life rather than trivial details that would distract from their impact or legacy. Additionally, incorporating quotes from the subject themselves or people who knew them well can add depth and perspective. End with an overview of what makes this individual noteworthy – what did they contribute to society or their field? What sets them apart from others in similar positions? Remember: A biographical sketch should be concise yet informative; it should capture both facts and feelings about its subject without becoming overly sentimental or lengthy.

Format of Writing a Biographical Sketch

Formatting is an essential part of any writing piece, and a biographical sketch is no exception. The way you structure your sketch will determine how easy it is for readers to follow the story of the person you’re writing about. Here are some tips on formatting your biographical sketch. Firstly, start with a clear introduction that briefly explains who the person is and what they have achieved in their life. This sets the tone for your entire sketch and should be captivating enough to keep readers interested. Next, divide your biography into sections that cover different aspects of the person’s life such as childhood, education, career highlights or achievements. Each section should begin with a subheading that summarizes what you’ll be discussing next. When writing each section, use short paragraphs and sentences to make it easier for readers to digest information quickly. Also try breaking up text with bullet points or images where appropriate. Use third-person point-of-view throughout when describing events from someone else’s life; avoid using “I” or “we.” End with a conclusion summarizing everything discussed in your biographical sketch without adding new information so as not to confuse readers.

Biographical Sketch Examples

1.Given below is a profile of Ashwini. Write a short bio-sketch of him in about 100 words.

• Age-18 years
• Physical Appearance–normal, 160 cm tall
• college student
• works part-time
• parents old-father a primary teacher, mother housewife
• wants to do B.A. then a job-further study
• honest, hardworking, sincere
• wants to lead a simple life

Answer                             Ashwini—A College Student

  Ashwini is an 18-year old boy with a normal physical appearance having 180 cm height. He is, at present, a college student studying in B.A. Since his parents are poor, he works part-time. His father is a primary school teacher and his mother a housewife. His parents are old. Ashwini is ambitious she wants to complete his B.A. first. After that, he would search for a job because without that he can’t do much in life. Even after getting a suitable job, he would like to study further. As regards human values, Ashwini is honest, hardworking, and sincere. He wants to lead a simple life.

2. Given below is a profile of your favourite teacher Sh. Prashant Kumar. Write a short bio-sketch of your teacher using the clues given below in 100 words.

• Age-25 years
• Physical appearance—fair-complexioned and looks like a film hero
• teaches English, teaches with examples, silence
• how the class was an enjoyable experience
• love for children
• kind, patient, ever-smiling

  Answer:  Prashant Kumar Like others I, too, have my favourite teacher in Sh. Prashant Kumar. He is 25 years old and has a good physical appearance. He is fair-complexioned and looks like a film hero. He teaches us English. His method of teaching is very interesting and thought-provoking. He teaches through examples which make us understand the topic clearly. His method is so good that all of us wait for his period. There is pin-drop silence in the class and all listen to him with full attention. So the whole class enjoys his teaching. Sh. Prashant Kumar has a great love for children. As a man, he is kind, patient and ever-smiling. He is loved by all due to his qualities. May he live long!

3. Last year your school appointed a new T.C.T. who came to teach you English in class 9. You are very impressed with her. Write a description of your T.G.T. (English) in about 100 words. You may use the clues given below.

• qualifications, college/university’
• personality
• attitude toward students
• manner of teaching
• problem-solving
• course punctuality
• weak students

Ans.                                              My Favourite Teacher

 Our English teacher Mrs Rita Raman is one of the best teachers that I have ever come across. She graduated from Hindu caw and then secured her B.Ed. degree from the University of Delhi. She is very friendly and charming. Her dresses are extremely interesting Instead of giving a monotonous lecture; she allows the students to and shares their views. The students are never afraid to approach her. The best thing about Mrs Rita Raman is her punctuality. She never fails to complete the syllabus on time. Mrs Raman gives special attention to the weaker students and motivates them to work hard. She is indeed a wonderful person.

Download the above Description in PDF

Why Write a Biographical Sketch?

A biographical sketch is a brief summary of someone’s life, achievements and significant events that have shaped their personality. So why would anyone want to write a biographical sketch? Firstly, it can be a great way to introduce yourself or someone else on various platforms such as social media profiles, personal websites or professional portfolios. A well-crafted bio sketch can leave an impression on the reader and help them understand who you are and what you do. Secondly, writing a biographical sketch can be an opportunity for introspection and reflection. It allows us to examine our own lives objectively and identify the key moments that have contributed to our personal growth. Moreover, a well-written bio-sketch can also serve as an inspiration for others. It may encourage readers to pursue their dreams by sharing stories of how those before them overcame obstacles through resilience and determination. In essence, writing a biographical sketch is not only informative but also motivational. It provides insights into one’s journey through life while inspiring others along the way.

Writing a biographical sketch doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create an engaging and informative piece that accurately captures your subject’s life and accomplishments. Remember to start with research, organize your information into categories or themes, and use descriptive language that brings the person to life on the page. And don’t forget to tailor your approach based on your intended audience! Whether you’re writing for academic purposes or simply want to create a meaningful tribute to someone special, these tips will help you successfully tackle any biographical sketch project. So what are you waiting for? Start researching and get ready to tell some amazing stories!

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