Creating an Outline for a Biographical Essay

1. Creating an Outline for a Biographical Essay

2. So where do I start? • Whether you’re writing an argumentative essay, an expository essay, a biographical essay, or anything in-between, you can always benefit by creating an outline • In traditional essay writing there will always be an introductory paragraph (or paragraphs) with a strong thesis followed by 3 or more body paragraphs and finally a concluding paragraph (or paragraphs)

3. Thesis • In argumentative essays, the thesis tends to be a statement of fact in which you voice your opinion on a particular subject being argued “there should be more lenience on gun control” Vs “there should be stricter laws on gun control” • As for biographical essays, such as the one you will be writing on Mary Shelley, the thesis statements are a little different…

4. Thesis for Biographical Essay Dr. Seuss is a good children’s book author President John F Kennedy lived an interesting life and had many accomplishments Helene Cixous, a French feminist theorist, made a remarkable impression in the world of feminine fiction. Although she was considered radical during her early years, her written works continue to be a corner stone for modern gender theorists.

5. Organization • There are a number of different ways to organize a Biographical essay, but the easiest way if chronological, starting with the persons childhood and working up to their acomplishments

6. Beginning an Outline • Begin by compiling your research and determining what you know and what you still need to know • Start by creating broad topics and then working on creating smaller topics within those broader topics • Always start by writing your thesis and then you can branch out from there

7. Introduction I. Introduction A. Attention Getter (This could be an interesting fact.) B. Brief introduction to the person (could be what the person is famous for) C. Thesis: ________________ had an interesting life and many accomplishments.

8. Body Paragraphs Outline Example I. Early Life (Body) a. Birthplace and date of birth b. Family background and childhood c. Schools, colleges and early young adult experiences II. Adult Life (Body) a. Marriage b. children c. personal life III. Famous years (Body) a. What is this person’s talent? b. What makes this person stand out? c. Important Accomplishments IV. Famous years (Body) a. Why is this person one of the 100 most influential people of the year, according to Time magazine? b. Did they make the world a better place, or maybe a worse place? c. Did they affect people positively or negatively?

9. Conclusion Examples Conclusion A. Review Main Points:(You could summarize each body paragraph in one sentence.) B. Restate Thesis C. Closing: (-2 sentences that ends the paper without saying things like “That is all. I hope you liked it.”) OR>>> Conclusion(Summary) a. Give your opinion of them based on what you have learned doing your research. (You can do this without saying “I think” or “I have learned” Avoid using “I” in a Biographical paper- the paper is not about you) b. Summarize your information