Biography Essay
3-5 page essay (written in MLA style)
Use 2 credible sources
about Khalid Hussein
An effective way to approach this essay is to:
1. Compile a chronological timeline of the main facts, dates, and events of the subject’s life
2. Compile detailed descriptions of the following personal traits:
● Physical looks
● Character traits
● Values and beliefs
3. Compile some research questions based on different topics to provide a focus for the research:
● Childhood: Where and when were they born? Who were their parents? Who were the other family members? What education did they receive?
● Obstacles: What challenges did they have to overcome? How did these challenges shape them as individuals?
● Legacy: What impact did this person have on the world and/or the people around them? Why do you think that the author’s book was banned or challenged in the first place?
● Dialogue & Quotes: Dialogue and quotations by and about the subject are a great way to bring color and life to a biography. Students should keep an eagle eye out for the gems that hide amid their sources.
As you get deeper into your research, new questions will arise that can further fuel the research process and help to shape the direction the biography will ultimately go in.
Likewise, it’s during the research that themes will often begin to suggest themselves. Exploring these themes is essential to bring depth to a biography.
Research Skills:
Researching for a biography is a great way for you to hone your research skills in general. Developing good research skills is essential for future academic success. You will have opportunities to learn how to:
● Gather relevant information
● Evaluate different information sources
● Select suitable information
● Organize information into a text.