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Biography vs Autobiography: Similarities and Differences

Biography vs Autobiography: Similarities and Differences

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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biography vs autobiography, explained below

A biography is an account of someone’s life story that is written by an author who is not the subject of the nook. An autobiography, on the other hand, involves an individual narrating their own life experiences.

The differences between biographies and autobiographies relate most prominently to the authorhship:

  • Autobiography: When you read an autobiography, you’re getting the author’s own interpretation of their life.
  • Biography: When you read a biography, you experience the subject’s life through someone else’s lens (Schiffrin & Brockmeier, 2012).

Biography vs Autobiography

1. biography.

A biography is a detailed account of a person’s life, scripted by an author who is not the person who is featured in the text itself.

This type of life story focuses both on factual events in the person’s life, such as birth, education, work, and death, but often also delves into personal aspects like experiences, relationships, and significant achievements.

It may also weave-in cultural and contextual factors that help illuminate the person’s motivations and core values .

Origins of Biographies

The concept of biography as a literary genre dates back to antiquity. Such works were primarily used to capture the lives of dignified individuals, mainly rulers and war heroes.

Suetonius’s Lives of the Caesars and Plutarch’s Parallel Lives are landmark examples from this ancient period (Sweet, 2010).

The popularity of biographical works only grew in the ensuing centuries, and they became a prominent part of many cultures’ literary traditions. 

Into the 18th century and during the Enlightenment, biographies began to present a more balanced portrayal of the subject. They would present both their strengths and flaws, providing a holistic perspective on the subject.

Dr. Samuel Johnson’s compilation of English poets biographies, Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets (1779-1781) ushered in a new era of biography writing by focusing on examining human nature (Ditchfield, 2018).

In the modern era, the genre has evolved and broadened, encompassing a diverse range of figures from all walks of life – there’s a biography in every niche imaginable, with each offering readers an in-depth exploration of their lives, their struggles, and their triumphs.

This demonstrates the enduring appeal of biographies and their value in providing snapshots of history through individual lenses.

Key Characteristics of Biographies

The author of the biography is not the person who the story is about. The writer is an observer who collects, verifies, and narrates the life story of the person in focus (Smith et al., 2012).
A biography doesn’t have the of an autobiography. So, a biography is often more trustworthy, but we still need to examine the incentives of the actual author (Jones, 2015).
A biography covers all the significant aspects of the person’s life. From birth to death, or their most noteworthy accomplishments, it encompasses a wide array of life events (Johnson & Johnson, 2017).
A biography prioritizes facts and major milestones in an individual’s life, such as , careers, relationships, and more. It does not delve into trivial details unless they are relevant to the person’s life story (Williams, 2019).

Examples of Biographies

Title: The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets Author: Dr. Samuel Johnson   Description: Dr. Johnson’s work profiles the lives of 52 poets from the 17th and 18th centuries, including John Milton and Alexander Pope. He critiques not just the works, but also explores their personal lives and the sociopolitical contexts of their times (Johnson, 1781). Johnson’s study is invaluable for its integrated historic and biographic approach.

Title: The Life of Samuel Johnson Author: James Boswell   Description: This work by Boswell explores, in great depth, the life of his friend and mentor, Dr. Samuel Johnson. The biography offers a compelling portrayal of Dr. Johnson’s life, character, eccentricities, and intellectual prowess (Boswell, 1791). Boswell’s vivid account creates a near-physical presence of Johnson to the readers, making it one of the greatest biographies in English literature.

Title: The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt Author: Edmund Morris   Description: In this Pulitzer Prize-winning biography, Morris chronicles the early life of Theodore Roosevelt until his ascension to the U.S presidency. The work brilliantly captures Roosevelt’s extraordinary career and his transformation from a frail asthmatic boy into a robust and vigorous leader (Morris, 1979). Morris accurately represents Roosevelt’s indomitable spirit, making it an engaging and educational read.

Title: Steve Jobs Author: Walter Isaacson Description: This comprehensive biography provides a deep-dive into the life and career of Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple. Isaacson had unparalleled access to Jobs and those closest to him, thus presenting an intimate and detailed account. He explores Jobs’ professional endeavors as well as his personal life, revealing his ambition, intensity, and visionary mind that revolutionized several high-tech industries (Isaacson, 2011).

Title: Alexander Hamilton Author: Ron Chernow Description: Ron Chernow provides a sweeping narrative of one of America’s most compelling founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton. Chernow combines extensive research with a flair for storytelling, charting Hamilton’s evolution from an orphan into a political genius. The book sheds light on Hamilton’s crucial role in the formation of the United States’ financial system and his political ideologies (Chernow, 2004).

2. Autobiography

An autobiography is a self-written record of someone’s own life. It is a personal narrative in which the author writes about their life from their own perspective.

Autobiographies are usually centered around the author’s personal experiences, including key milestones, challenges, and achievements (Eakin, 2015).

They’re also often a defense of the person’s perspective (especially in political autobiographies) or insight into their thought processes, which can make them very intimate.

Origins of Autobiographies

The term ‘autobiography’ was first used deprecatingly by William Taylor in 1797 in the English periodical The Monthly Review, when he suggested the word as a hybrid but condemned it as ‘pedantic’.

Pioneering examples of the genre form include Thomas De Quincey’s Confessions of an English Opium-Eater (1821) and the memoirs by veterans of the Napoleonic Wars (Lejeune, 2016).

However, apart from these early instances, autobiographies have been composed by a wide array of individuals from history. 

In the early 20th century, the genre witnessed major transformations, and autobiographies started to cover a broader spectrum of experiences, including trauma, struggles, and successes.

‘Black Boy’ by Richard Wright, for instance, shares the author’s experiences with racism and his journey towards developing a literary career (Wright, 1945).

This was followed by a host of autobiographies by public figures sharing their diverse stories, such as Ernest Hemingway’s ‘A Moveable Feast’, depicting his days as a struggling young writer in Paris (Hemingway, 1964). 

Autobiography as a genre has continued to evolve over the years, and a variety of forms have emerged to communicate individual experiences globally.

As history has progressed, we see more and more people with diverse perspectives sharing their stories, broadening our understanding of the human experience (Smith & Watson, 2010).

Key Characteristics of Autobiographies 

The author of the autobiography is the person the story is about. They are the principal actor and the of the information (Miller, 2014). As a result, we can get a deeper ‘insider’ insight into their mentality and expereinces.
An autobiography emphasizes the personal viewpoint adopted by the author. The story is told from their own emotions, biases, and interpretations, providing a very personal perspective. However, we also need to be aware that it’s going to only present one self-serving perspective on the matter.
Autobiographies go beyond factual accounts and include the author’s internal thoughts, emotions, and introspections about their experiences (Baker et al., 2013).
Unlike a biography, an autobiography may not cover the entirety of the author’s life. Instead, they’re more likely to concentrate on specific themes (like resilience) or significant periods (like childhood or a specific career phase) (Brown & Brown, 2018).

Examples of Autobiographies

Title: Long Walk to Freedom Author: Nelson Mandela   Description: “Long Walk to Freedom” provides an in-depth exploration of ex-President Nelson Mandela, his political journey, and his stand against apartheid in South Africa. The biography offers a unique perspective into Mandela’s noble character, his indomitable spirit, and his commitment to justice when faced with grave adversities (Mandela, 1995). Mandela serves as one of our times’ great moral and political leaders through this biography.

Title: The Diary of a Young Girl Author: Anne Frank  Description: This biography provides a startling firsthand account of a young Jewish girl named Anne Frank, who with her family, hid from the Nazis in Amsterdam during World War II. Her diary entries offer profound insights into the fear, hope, and resilience she demonstrated during her two years in hiding (Frank, 1947). Frank’s posthumous biographical record serves as a reminder of the injustices of the past and as a symbol of endurance in the face of oppression.

Title: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Author: Maya Angelou  Description: This moving autobiography charts Maya Angelou’s early life, from experiencing racial discrimination in the South to becoming the first black streetcar conductor in San Francisco. Angelou portrays her journey of self-discovery and overcoming traumatic experiences, including racial prejudice and personal trauma, with remarkable strength and grace. Her story is one of resilience, and it speaks powerfully about finding one’s voice (Angelou, 1969). 

Title: Night Author: Elie Wiesel  Description: “Night” is Wiesel’s personal account of his experiences in Nazi concentration camps during World War II with his father. This heartbreaking narrative describes not only physical hardship and cruel atrocities but also examines the loss of innocence and the struggle to maintain faith in humanity. It stands as a testament to human resilience in the face of unimaginable horror (Wiesel, 1960).

Title: Dreams from My Father Author: Barack Obama Description: In this engaging memoir, the 44th President of the United States narrates the story of his diverse background and early life. The narrative extends from his birth in Hawaii to his first visit to Kenya, from dealing with racial identity to self-discovery. “Dreams from My Father” not only provides personal insights about Obama’s life and values but also discusses issues of race, identity, and purpose (Obama, 1995).

Similarities and Differences Between Biographies and Autobiographies

1. AuthorshipWritten by a third party. The author and subject are different individuals (Smith et al., 2012).Written by the subject themselves. The author is the person the story is about (Miller, 2014).
2. PerspectivePresents an objective perspective, offering a balanced view of the subject’s life (Jones, 2015).Emphasizes a subjective perspective, providing a very personal view of the author’s life.
3. ContentFocuses on facts and major life events, offering a comprehensive account of an individual’s life (Johnson & Johnson, 2017).Often includes personal reflections and feelings, may focus on specific themes or periods in the author’s life (Baker et al., 2013; Brown & Brown, 2018).
4. Personal ReflectionsContains limited personal reflections or emotions of the subject.Contains an abundance of personal reflections and emotions from the author (Baker et al., 2013).
5. Subjectivity / ObjectivityMore objective due to the distance between the author and the subject (Jones, 2015).More subjective due to the close relationship between the author and the subject – they’re the same person.
6. StrengthsProvides an impartial and factual account of a person’s life, which can be helpful for historical or academic study (Williams, 2019).Gives a deeper insight into a person’s thoughts and emotions, providing a unique perspective on their life experiences (Baker et al., 2013).
7. WeaknessesMay lack personal insight or emotional depth due to its objective approach (Williams, 2019).May be biased or overly emotional due to its subjective approach, and may not cover the entirety of the author’s life (Brown & Brown, 2018).

While both biographies and autobiographies are excellent sources of information and entertainment about significant figures in history (or the present!), they serve different purposes. By knowing the different purposes of each, we can develop stronger media literacy , understanding what the intention of the author is, and how we should approach the text.

Angelou, M. (1969). I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings . Random House.

Baker, J., Davis, E., & Thompson, K. (2013). Reflection and Emotions in Autobiography . Chicago University Press.

Boswell, J. (1791). The Life of Samuel Johnson . J.R. Taylor.

Brown, J., & Brown, S. (2018). Thematic Focus in Autobiography Writing . Princeton University Press.

Chernow, R. (2004). Alexander Hamilton . Penguin Books.

Ditchfield, S. (2018). Extracting the Domestic from the Didactic: Transmission and Translation of the Sacred in The Lives of the Ancient Fathers (1672–1675). Church History and Religious Culture, 98 (1), 28-50.

Eakin, P. J. (2015). How Our Lives Become Stories: Making Selves . Cornell University Press.

Frank, A. (1947). The Diary of a Young Girl . Contact Publishing.

Hemingway, E. (1964). A Moveable Feast . Charles Scribner’s Sons.

Isaacson, W. (2011). Steve Jobs . Simon & Schuster.

Johnson, M., & Johnson, S. (2017). A Comprehensive Guide to Biography Writing . New York: Penguin.

Johnson, S. (1781). The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets . Printed by C. Bathurst, J. Buckland [and 28 others in London].

Jones, B. (2015). The Art of Writing Biographies: An Objective Approach . Oxford University Press.

Lejeune, P. (2016). On Autobiography . University of Minnesota Press.

Mandela, N. (1995). Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela . Macdonald Purnell.

Miller, R. (2014). The Self as the Subject: Autobiography Writing . Stanford University Press.

Morris, E. (1979). The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt . Coward, McCann & Geoghegan.

Obama, B. (1995). Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance . Crown Publishing Group.

Schiffrin D., & Brockmeier J. (2012). Narrative Identity and Autobiographical Recall. Royal Institute of Philosophy Supplements, 70 , 113-144.

Smith, J., Davis, M., & Thompson, S. (2012). Third Party Narratives: An Exploration of Biography Writing . Cambridge University Press.

Smith, S., & Watson, J. (2010). Reading Autobiography: A Guide for Interpreting Life Narratives . University of Minnesota Press.

Sweet, R. (2010). Biographical Dictionaries and Historiography. Bibliothèque d’Humanisme et Renaissance, 72 (2), 355–368.

Wiesel, E. (1960). Night . Hill & Wang.

Williams, T. (2019). The Importance of Facts in Biographies . HarperCollins.

Wright, R. (1945). Black Boy: A Record of Childhood and Youth . Harper & Brothers.

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Autobiography - Year 5 and 6 - KS2 teaching resource

Autobiography - Year 5 and 6 Teaching Resources

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Autobiography - Year 5 and 6 Teaching Resources (slide 1/98)

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Autobiography - Year 5 and 6

This English reading and writing teaching resources contains a series of progressive lessons designed to teach the key features of autobiographical writing at UKS2. 'Autobiography - Year 5 and 6' is an engaging 98 slide PowerPoint presentation with 16 accompanying worksheets. Content includes:

  • What is autobiographical writing?
  • What are the main features of an autobiographical text?
  • Understanding and using the 1st person perspective
  • Spelling keywords in autobiographical writing
  • Constructing sentences effectively 
  • Studying how writers create suspense when telling stories
  • Assessment task - learners are asked to create a piece of autobiographical writing

To preview 'Autobiography - Year 5 and 6' in more detail please click on the PowerPoint images.

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Best biographies and autobiographies for children

Best biographies and autobiographies for children

Our world and our history are full of inspiring people and their stories. Through biographies and autobiographies for children those stories are brought to life with captivating imagery, memorable anecdotes and age-appropriate honesty. Young readers today have access to a huge number of wonderful biographical titles and collections, so whether your child would like to read about singers, sufragists or scientists you'll have plenty of options to choose from.

Biographical stories inspire the next generation

According to a new survey of 1,000 UK children aged 6‐16, when asked “Who, if anyone, would you most like to be when you grow up?” one quarter (25%) of young people answered that they’d like to be a scientist, closely followed by athlete (17%) and artist or designer (16%).

Three‐quarters of respondents agree they want a career in which they can be creative, with a further 73% stating they want a career where they can help people. Just under a fifth (16%) stated they would like to be an environmentalist or climate change activist.

‘ Young people today are often accused of only wanting fame and fortune ,' says Katie Cotton, Group Publisher for the Little People, BIG DREAMS books at the Quarto Group. 'I’m delighted that this research has shown something that we know already: they’re more inspired by people working hard to make a difference in our world .’  

Our favourite biographies and autobiographies for kids

Boy: Tales of Childhood by Roald Dahl 

Boy: Tales of Childhood  by Roald Dahl

(£6.99, Puffin)

Roald Dahl's best-selling autobiography, which covers his childhood years, is packed with sad, idyllic, funny, unpleasant and incredibly vivid stories. The perfect autobiography read for primary school children (who will also enjoy the sequel, Going Solo ).

Counting the Stars: The Story of Katherine Johnson, NASA Mathematician by Lesa Cline-Ransome

Counting the Stars: The Story of Katherine Johnson, NASA Mathematician  by Lesa Cline-Ransome

(£13, Simon & Schuster)

An informative and inspiring picture book biography of the remarkable mathematician Katherine Johnson, one of the NASA "human computers" whose work was critical to the first US space launch in the 1960s. 

Becoming: Adapted for Younger Readers by Michelle Obama

Becoming: Adapted for Younger Readers by Michelle Obama

(£14.99, Puffin)

Adapted for children aged 10+, with a special introduction. Michelle Obama's life story, "in all its messy glory", encourages readers to think about their own life and how they will become themselves as they grow up and keep growing and changing.

Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille by Jen Bryant

Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille  by Jen Bryant

(£13.99, Random House)

When Louis Braille lost his sight as a child there were no books for him to read. And so he invented his own alphabet that could be read by touch, a system so ingenious that it is still used by the blind community today. A beautiful picture book portrait of one of the world's greatest inventors.

Portrait of an Artist: Frida Kahlo by Lucy Brownridge

Portrait of an Artist: Frida Kahlo  by Lucy Brownridge

(£10.99, Wide Eyed Editions)

A colourful, thoughtful art book for children, telling the story of Mexican artist's Frida Kahlo's life through her masterpieces. The text is accompanied by stunning, detail-packed original imagery from award-winning illustrator Sandra Dieckmann. 

Greta's Story: The Schoolgirl Who Went On Strike To Save The Planet by Valentina Camerini 

Greta's Story: The Schoolgirl Who Went On Strike To Save The Planet  by Valentina Camerini

(£6.99, Simon & Schuster)

On 20 August 2018 fifteen-year-old Greta Thunberg didn't attend school but went on strike in front of Sweden’s parliament building. This KS2 biography introduces children to the climate activist and Nobel Peace Prize nominee who has inspired millions with her campaign.

When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr

When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr

(£6.99, Harper Collins Children’s Books)

Judith Kerr's semi-autobiographical classic fictionalises her Jewish family's experiences of escaping Nazi Germany in the days before WWII. Told from the point of view of ten year old Anna, this account of life as a child refugee is extremely moving and highly recommended.

The Extraordinary Life of Alan Turing by Michael Lee Richardson

The Extraordinary Life of Alan Turing by Michael Lee Richardson

Alan Turing started life as a quiet boy who loved maths and become a mathematician and codebreaker who helped save millions of lives in the Second World War by building a machine to decode secret enemy messages. The Extraordinary Lives series profiles modern and historical figures and is packed with figures and illustrations.

Emmeline Pankhurst (First Names) by Haydn Kaye

Emmeline (First Names)  by Haydn Kaye

(£6.99, David Fickling Books)

The First Names series of biographies is designed for young readers and packed with illustrations. Emmeline brings Emmeline Pankhurst's fight to get the vote for British women to life with witty, engaging details (including why she hated school, the fact she took lessons in stone throwing and what she thought when her daughter spat at a policeman!).

David Attenborough (Little People, BIG DREAMS) by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara 

David Attenborough (Little People, BIG DREAMS)  by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara  

(£9.99, Frances Lincoln Children's Books)

A boy who spent hours in the library and created his own mini animal museum became the world's most famous broadcaster and conservationist, and this is his story. All the Little People, BIG DREAMS books are beautifully illustrated and packed with fascinating details about inspiring individuals from all walks of life.

Malala's Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai

Malala's Magic Pencil  by Malala Yousafzai

(£7.99, Puffin)

In this warm picture book read for KS1 the youngest-ever winner of the Nobel Peace Prize tells her inspiring, brave story and encourages children to believe in themselves and recognise that their voices can make a difference. The illustrations are gorgeous and make the difficult subject matter very accessible for younger kids.

The Missing: The True Story of My Family in World War II by Michael Rosen 

The Missing: The True Story of My Family in World War II  by Michael Rosen

(£6.99, Walker Books)

A personal, sensitive account of the Holocaust by one of the UK's best-loved children’s authors, Michael Rosen. Through prose, poetry, maps and pictures he shares the true story of his search for the relatives who “went missing” during the Second World War and the shocking and heart-breaking information he uncovered.

I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy

I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark  by Debbie Levy

(£12.99, Simon & Schuster)

US Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg spent her life disagreeing with inequality, arguing against unfair treatment and standing up for what’s right for people everywhere. This biographical picture book explains what she achieved through the lens of her many famous dissents, or disagreements.

The Diary of Anne Frank (Abridged for young readers) by Anne Frank

The Diary of Anne Frank (Abridged for young readers)  by Anne Frank

(£7.99, Puffin)

This abridged edition offers younger readers their first introduction to the extraordinary diary of an ordinary girl. With beautiful line drawings, family photographs and an afterword to explain why the Diary ends so abruptly, this version of one of the world's most widely known books is suitable for younger children who want to read Anne's words for themselves.

The Story of Marie Curie: A Biography Book for New Readers by Susan B Katz 

The Story of Marie Curie: A Biography Book for New Readers by Susan B Katz 

(£5.08, Rockridge Press)

Marie Curie was told she couldn't be a researcher because she was a woman but she is now recognised as one of the most celebrated scientists in history, who changed the world with her discoveries in physics and chemistry. Colour illustrations, a glossary and a quiz present the details of her life in bite-sized chunks for newly-confident readers.

Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges 

Through My Eyes  by Ruby Bridges 

(£13, Scholastic Press)

In November 1960, the world watched as six-year-old Ruby Bridges joined an an all-white school and faced angry mobs of parents who refused to send their children to school with her. An icon of the civil rights movement, in Through My Eyes Ruby writes for children and chronicles each dramatic step of this pivotal event in history in her own words.

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Top 10 Biography And Autobiography Books for 6-8 Year Olds

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Year 5-6 Autobiography

Year 5-6 Autobiography

Subject: English

Age range: 7-11

Resource type: Lesson (complete)

pinpoint77

Last updated

12 June 2020

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docx, 11.85 KB

Model, planning model and blank plan for writing an autobiography in Year 5 and 6. The model and the plan are colour coordinated so that children can relate the plan to the text.

The video was created for Year 6 students during lockdown so it may work well as a holiday writing project.

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    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.

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    Autobiography - Year 5 and 6. This English reading and writing teaching resources contains a series of progressive lessons designed to teach the key features of autobiographical writing at UKS2. 'Autobiography - Year 5 and 6' is an engaging 98 slide PowerPoint presentation with 16 accompanying worksheets. Content includes:

  7. My Self in English Activity

    Use this My Self in English activity to teach your Year 5-6 classes the features of an autobiography, and help them write their own! Teacher-made.

  8. What is a Biography vs Autobiography?

    Authors: The most significant difference between biography and autobiography writing is the author. Autobiographies are written by the individual that is featured in the text. On the other hand, biographies can be written about anyone and by anyone. This could suggest that biographies present less accurate representations of a person's personal ...

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    Authors: The most significant difference between biography and autobiography writing is the author. Autobiographies are written by the individual that is featured in the text. On the other hand, biographies can be written about anyone and by anyone. This could suggest that biographies present less accurate representations of a person's personal ...

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  13. PDF Year 5/6: Biographies

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    A full 2 week set of lesson plans for biographies in which the children explore and write their own biography based on the life of Scrooge. Great Christmas unit! Includes starters, grammar, main input and activities, resources and plenaries. Also includes differentiation and a planning sheet.

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  21. Year 5-6 Autobiography

    Year 5-6 Autobiography. Model, planning model and blank plan for writing an autobiography in Year 5 and 6. The model and the plan are colour coordinated so that children can relate the plan to the text. The video was created for Year 6 students during lockdown so it may work well as a holiday writing project.

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