Ms.
Gokturk
Expository
Writing
The
Biography Essay Assignment:
Other
People Are Important!
In
the pre-writing task, you chose a person to write about. You wrote about their
physical description, their personality traits, and some hard facts. You wrote
about incidents that occurred with this person.
This
person should have taught you something, motivated you, encouraged you, or
inspired you. Now, it’s time to put it
all together.
Biography of
Influence: Common
Application Question: “Indicate a person who has had significant influence on
you and describe that influence” |
In
this type, you are writing about how
this person had an impact on you. Find a thematic link (or glue) that shows
the person’s influence on making you better or worse. Like the significant
moment essay, your reader’s should see a clear before and after. |
Samples:
“Unforgettable Miss Bessie,” “Intelligence,” “Of My Friend Hector…,” “How I
Got Smart,” “I Just Wanna Be Average,” “The
Grocer’s Daughter,” “Gryphon” |
If
possible, try to find a photo of the person. Examine the photo. What is the
dominant impression you feel? What is it about this person you feel the rest of
the world should note?
Formulate
a thesis/glue and an outline that will direct your essay. Once it has been
approved, start writing! Begin with the THREE DIFFERENT Intros, clearly
labeling each device you use.
Requirements
of the essay:
1. 500-1000
words, typed, double spaced
2. have a strong
thesis/strong dominant impression
3. use dialogue
4. Have a vivid
physical description of the person
5. use vivid
descriptions: tap into all senses
6. use similes
and metaphors
7. use incidents
to illustrate the person and/or influence
8. Optional: add
historical moments/noteworthy events to give time and place