creative autobiography titles for students

Autobiography Topics: Create Your Life Story

Writing about yourself is probably the most difficult type of writing. It is easy to describe people, events, or phenomena around, but it is quite hard to look inside your own mind and heart and to express everything that you find there. Why do people need autobiographical writing? There are numerous reasons. Some people want to save their memories, and others want to show that they are suitable for a certain college or vacancy. Some of us simply need a way to share emotions and reveal hidden feelings with the help of writing. You can find more reasons in our guide on  how to write an autobiography .

Different types of autobiographies serve different purposes. In the article below, we’ll provide you with an autobiography topics list divided into several parts: autobiography ideas, memoir topics, autobiographical essay topics for students, and personal essay ideas. You’re welcome to use all these materials in order to create your own piece of writing.

Autobiography Ideas: Instructions and Creative Titles

An exhaustive autobiography covers your entire life, and there is no need to recommend particular topics. There is only one topic – you. However, we’ve decided to give you some instructions. In such a way, you will have a basis to start from. Don’t forget that your autobiography should be titled appropriately in order to draw the attention of potential readers. That is why we also recommend you to look through the list of creative autobiography title ideas.

The autobiography belongs to the category of creative writing. Consequently, there are no particular requirements or rules you should follow. Anyway, you may follow our instructions to facilitate the writing process. You should include these chapters in your autobiography:

• Early years
• Family members
• Teenage problems
• First work experience
• Important people
• Life-changing events
• Challenges you have faced

You can pick several points or include all of them – it doesn’t matter. Inspiration and your desire to write an autobiography are much more important. If you want a wide audience to be interested in your writing, you should create an interesting title. Here are some options to think about!

10 Inspiring Autobiography Title Examples

• Long Way to Myself
• Me & My Troubles
• Short Story of a Long Life
• Steps Forward and Steps Back
• Why Not, or How I Have Changed My Life
• Being Good in This Cruel World
• Why I Don’t Believe in Faith
• Decisions and Choices: What If?
• Trying to Make a Difference
• One, Two, Three: Fight With My Life

Memoir Topics: Share Priceless Memories

If you want to tell your readers about a certain period of your life, choose a genre of memoir. While an autobiography is the book of your entire life, a memoir is just one chapter. As a rule, a memoir is much shorter than an autobiography, so you’ll spend a lot less time writing it. Many famous people create memoirs to share the stories of their success or to let their fans learn more about true facts of their life. We highly recommend you to read several memoirs in order to find inspiration to compose your own.

If you can’t get inspired enough, payforwriting is here to help you! Pick one of these autobiography ideas and topics for a memoir and create a real masterpiece:

1. My month in Spain

Actually, you can write about any period (day, week, or year) and any country. Everything depends on your experience. Tell your readers how you got in this country, how you lived there, and what you have learned. Mention the peculiarities of the local life: food, weather, habits, etc. Such a memoir might be similar to a travel blog.

2. The person(s) who changed my life

Some people leave indelible marks in our memory. Unfortunately, those memories are not necessarily good. Still, we can learn important things even when we meet people who hurt us.

3. Unusual experience

Volunteering, travels, and festivals are bright and memorable events, so don’t hesitate to share your emotions with your readers. In addition, you will be able to read your own writings later and revive good memories.

4. Victory or failure

These topics are not aimed at drawing much attention, as people prefer to think about their own victories and failures. However, such memoirs might be good lessons to remember.

5. A life-changing conversation

Yes, that’s true! Even one conversation can make a difference. Words said at the right time by the right person are worth a dozen motivational books. If you had such an experience, don’t neglect the opportunity to share it.

Autobiographical Essay Topics for Students

The main purpose of the autobiographical essay is to show your personal qualities and skills that will impress an admissions board. Remember that this essay is not the same thing as a CV or resume. Admissions officers don’t need a list of your achievements and grades: they want to hear your personal voice and evaluate your personality. Choose one of the autobiography topics for college essays listed below and narrow your theme in the way you want.

• Important achievements
• Imaginary friend
• The first responsibility
• School teacher/mentor
• Siblings’ relationships
• Family traditions
• How you have solved your family issues
• How parents influenced your decisions about your future

Personality:

• My personal credo
• My greatest passion
• My inner demons
• My personal moral code
• My worst mistake
• What is the difference between faith and religion?
• Is lying necessary?
• Can morality exist without any religion?
• Is love more important than everything else?
• Should tolerance be limited?

Creative Autobiography Ideas to Write Personal Essays

This sub-type of autobiography is the most intimate one. We can’t compose a list of specified topics for you, as every person has a unique mix of experience, emotions, and moments that can be described in personal essays. However, we can give you a few tips on where you may find inspiration to create an excellent personal essay.

1. Open your heart

That might sound banal, but strong emotions are a really good source of inspiration for writers. Don’t be afraid of your feelings until you can control them.

2. Meet new people

New people bring new stories, and every story can be told. Our lives are just a small piece of the full picture. Look at the world from the perspective of other people, and you’ll be surprised.

3. Read books and watch movies

Good stories are often based on older good stories. Looking for inspiration in works of genius is normal. You don’t have to start from scratch or reinvent the wheel, right?

4. Read autobiographical stories

As we’ve mentioned before, many famous people write books about their lives. Don’t miss the chance to learn more about your idols and find new ideas for term paper writing help !

We are sure that every writer has his or her unique ways to find inspiration. Remember that the first sentence is the most difficult. Just make it!

Your life is full of emotions, impressions, and feelings that are worth sharing. Your experience can be helpful and interesting for a wide public. The most important thing is to present it in the right way. We hope that our autobiography sample and topics will serve you well. It doesn’t matter what autobiographical genre you choose. Just don’t be afraid of writing the first sentence!

A list of informal report topics you can find on Payforwriting.

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Saturday, May 3, 2014

69 awesome and awful autobiography titles.

8 comments:

LOL: Hitch-22

Soulacoaster: The Diary of Me (R. Kelly) Brothas Be, Yo Like George, Ain't That Funkin' Kinda Hard on You?: A Memoir (George Clinton)

larger than life [eddie large]

Thanks for this list. It gave me the idea to create the best Autobiography Quotes. Keep up with the good work!

this helped me a lot with homework

Wow.great post.

lolol very punny !

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10 memoir title ideas and why they work so well

Sometimes, memoir titles come to you in a flash of inspiration, sometimes they need to be painfully extracted, one tortuous word after another. Sometimes, titles come before books. Sometimes, they only make themselves known to you after you’ve finished writing.

In this article, we’re going to review a range of memoir titles, and give you some prompts for coming up with memoir title ideas for your own books.

Good memoir titles should entice or intrigue the reader, evoke a sense or spirit of the book, and give readers a hint as to the tone of the story they’re going to read. A good memoir title can help sell a book, a bad one can sink it.

So how do you come up with a good memoir title for your book?

Good memoir titles come in many shapes and sizes

From snappy single-word memoir titles, to fragments of phrases, and snippets of conversation, there is no one-size-fits-all. There are occasional trends towards certain types of title – single-word titles ( Becoming, Arranged, Ghosted, Educated ) have been big, but the autobiography and memoir market has space for all kinds of titles. So don’t worry about trying to fit your title into a particular style.

To help you think up the best and most appropriate title for your memoir, here are some good memoir titles, grouped into types, drawn from books published in the last few years.

Single word memoir titles

There’s a trend for single word memoir titles, like Educated (Tara Westover), Toast (Nigel Slater), Redeemable (Erwin Jones), Stumped (Richard Harrison) and the most famous one-word memoir title of recent times, Becoming by Michelle Obama.

If you’re considering single word memoir titles, consider using active verbs like fighting, running, winning to give that sense of action and forward motion.

The ‘I told you I could eat a frog’ type memoir titles

Fragments of speech drawn from your manuscript can make for interesting titles.

One of my favourite examples of this approach is No One Round Here Reads Tolstoy (Mark Hodkinson). It’s a very elegant example of how a few carefully chosen words can really sum up the ethos, feel, and intentions of a whole book.

Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? by Jeanette Winterson is the question her mother asked her when she learnt that her daughter was a lesbian. Again, that one line of speech sums up so much about that book. Just like fiction, memoirs often hinge on a point of conflict, and that question provides conflict in spades.

The familiar expression (or variation on a familiar expression) memoir titles

A popular device is to take a well-worn expression or saying as inspiration. Often, these kinds of titles subvert our expectations.

Just Ignore Him by Alan Davies suggests how a seemingly innocuous phrase can have a darker subtext.

Must Try Harder by Paula McGuire takes that old remark, beloved of school teachers, and uses it as a springboard for a book about how she fought against mediocrity.

Puntastic memoir titles

Me:Moir (by Vic Reeves, born James Moir) could just be the best title for a memoir of all time.

Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher is a nice play on wishful thinking.

The confrontational title

A shocking or confrontational title will make potential readers notice your book.

I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jenette McCurdy is an arresting, confrontational, title that pulls no punches. The title leaves readers in no doubt that this is going to be an uncompromising memoir, and coupled with the cover image, a blackly comical one.

Positive and aspirational memoir titles

Many writers use their memoirs to show how they’ve overcome some trial or adversity, and in doing so, write with one eye on helping their readers. If you’re writing an unashamedly positive book, then you need an equally positive or aspirational title to go with it.

Some good examples:

Find A Way by Diana Nyad

Forward by Abby Wambach

Yes Please by Amy Poelher

And how about A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea: One Refugee’s Incredible Story of Love, Loss, and Survival  by Melissa Fleming. It’s a biography, not a memoir, but how beautiful is that title?

Intriguing memoir titles…

It’s hard to beat Hitler, Stalin, Mum and Dad by Daniel Finkelstein as a title that conjures up so many questions that you want to dip in and find out the answers straightaway.

Clickbait memoir titles

Stephen Moffatt, the writer of the BBCs Sherlock and Doctor Who talked about slutty episode titles that drew viewers in. It can be a good approach to memoirs too.

I’m going to nominate a book I worked on called Sex, Suicide and Serotonin (Debbie Hampton) in this category, for obvious reasons.

The defining moment

Some stories are all leading up to one event, or inspired by the ramification of an event. In those cases, it makes sense to use that event as the basis of your title. Some books that do that include:

Wave by Sonali Deraniyagala

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

Play on the contrasts

You can sum up the whole expanse of your memoir’s emotional or topical range by bringing out the extremes in your title. The expression ‘rags to riches’ is the obvious example of that kind of thinking.

Some memoirs that play with contrasts in their title are:

A Tale of Love and Darkness by Amos Oz

Slow Days, Fast Company by Eve Babitz

Memoir titles: the suffix and sub-title

Very often memoir writers will add the explanatory suffix – a memoir – to make it clear what a reader is going to get.

As well as the suffix, some memoirists add a sub-title to give extra context and meaning to the title. If you’ve chosen a subtly engaging memoir title, then your sub-title can give a bit more context.

Let’s say you’re going to call your memoir, Drowning Not Waving , you could add in an explanatory sub-title: Reflections of a Frazzled Father !

Or perhaps you want to write a book about surviving a difficult childhood. You don’t want to write a conventional ‘misery memoir’ but your publisher thinks that being known as a misery memoir might make your book more marketable. You can use your sub-title to hit that part of the market without compromising your intentions. For example: Unbroken: Not Just Another Misery Memoir .

Love, Interrupted by Simon Thomas features the sub-title: Navigating Grief One Day at a Time . The job of the sub-title in this case is to give potential readers a sense of what the book is about. Anyone hoping for a memoir going into detail on his days on Blue Peter or as a Sky Sports presenter will appreciate straightaway that this is a very different kind of book.

Another benefit of the memoir sub-title is that it gives you some key words to play with, which is useful for anyone trying to promote and market a book.

Memoir title ideas often come late in into the writing process

If the perfect memoir title hasn’t come to you before or during the writing process, don’t panic.

It makes sense that it should be easier to think up a title after you’ve finished writing your manuscript. At the start of the process, you have the freedom of knowing your book can be anything. But that freedom can be more of a distraction. Generally, when you work out a structure and start to shape the book, you’ll impose limitations on it, which will help you see the core of the book more clearly. And the clearer your vision gets, the easier it will be to come up with interesting and appropriate memoir title ideas.  

You may also find that if you started out with an idea of what you wanted your memoir title to be, it doesn’t actually fit the book you’ve written. So don’t be afraid of abandoning a title if it doesn’t work for you anymore.

Some prompts to help you come up with more memoir title ideas

Some writers rely on ‘free writing’ – they start with a blank page and write whatever comes into their head when they think about their life story. If that doesn’t give them ready-made titles, it can spark ideas that lead to titles.

If you’re still struggling to come up with a good memoir title, here are a few more ideas:

• As you were writing, did any themes loom larger for you than others? Any turns of phrase that kept cropping up?
• What do people always say about you? Are there any particular words or phrases they use to describe you? Could one of those work as your title?
• Could you go with a comic contrast, e.g. Punctual (for somebody who is known for being late).
• Are there are any things that people have said to you – or about you – that have really inspired you, challenged you, infuriated you, or spurred you on?

Too many memoir title ideas?

If you end up with too many good ideas for your memoir title, test your title ideas out with your friends and family. Is there a consensus on which titles work better than others? Do you find that, as you suggest the ideas, you start to feel more passionate about one of them?

If you still can’t decide, do a mock up of your cover, with the different title options. Sometimes, seeing an idea on the page can really help clarify your thoughts.

And don’t forget to Google your preferred title, to make sure it’s not already out there. Having a book with the same title as one that’s already been published isn’t very helpful when it comes to publicising and promoting your book, and selling it.

Let’s write the memoir, then worry about what to call it!

If you’re confident you’ve got a life story you want to tell, I’m confident we’ll find the perfect memoir title for it. Get in touch via my contact form if you’re looking for a ghostwriter to write your memoir – and we’ll give it the title that fits.

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39 spicy titles for my memoir or yours

Constructing the memoir of your life can be a truly grueling process. The most crucial element to consider, of course, is the enticing title. The stakes are incredibly high  — with the wrong label, your entire life could be inaccurately represented. For widespread applicability, I have laid out options for some niche lifestyles.

For the foodie:

• BuzzFeed, what kind of cheese am I?
• What to expect when you’re expecting a food baby
• DTF: Down to feast?
• I’m eating fries in my parked car
• I’m just here for the cake
• I almost just ate something healthy
• The art of consuming Domino’s pizza
• And then they gave me an oatmeal raisin cookie…
• Boba for the soul
• Coffee and carbs: A delicacy like no other
• How did I get food on my forehead, again?
• I put too much Kraft parmesan on my spaghetti
• Are you going to finish that?

For the risqué:

• I asked for a water cup and filled it with Coke
• “This is my face. I’m not mad”: The plight of RBF
• Nobody cares
• Is it better to roast or to toast?
• Sugar, spice and everything nice or sarcasm, Pepsi and everything sexy?
• Do I want bangs, or should we just talk about my feelings?
• Sorry, Mom.
• “I’m 29. I can finally play a high schooler on TV. Thank you, Jackson Stewart”: On starting my Disney career later in life
• I did a thing, and I’m not sorry
• Goal Digger
• I turned off my autocorrect, and I only journal in pen: A baddie’s guide to writing
• Trial and lots of error

For the hot mess:

• I never really know what’s going on
• I’m late, and I’m sweating
• Still in bed
• Call me again in 3-5 business days
• Sorry, I couldn’t hear you over my internal monologue
• “I think I just said the funniest thing ever”: The story of my delusional comedy career
• I haven’t changed my sheets in like a year.
• Floor-seat mentality with a nosebleed budget
• I wasn’t gonna cry in Starbucks though, yk?
• Do I look like an Android user?
• Rock my Crocs off
• “Sorry, my Uber is here”: A beginner’s guide to exiting swiftly from awkward situations
• Crap, I really need to finish my memoir

Okay, maybe these titles don’t reflect your life story in their simplicity, but hopefully they made you smile a bit.

For more stream of consciousness musings, contact Alanna Flores at alanna13 ‘at’ stanford.edu.

Alanna Flores '22 is a Managing Editor of The Grind. Contact her at alanna13 'at' stanford.edu.

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Autobiography Examples

40 autobiography examples (autobiographical essay templates).

Writing an autobiography template isn’t an easy undertaking. When written, there will be as many life stories as there are people. What will make an autobiographical essay stand out are the essential topics.

Those which will make it unique among the rest, sorting out the most significant events in one’s life and writing about them are difficult. There is an abundance of experiences to choose from.

Table of Contents

• 1 Autobiography Examples
• 2 Formats for autobiography examples
• 3 Autobiography Samples
• 4.1 Map out your whole life
• 4.2 Creating your narrative
• 5 Autobiographical Essay Templates
• 6.1 Edit your information first
• 6.2 Publishing your autobiography

Fortunately, there are plenty of innovative and well-thought-out autobiography samples that are available. They can assist you in organizing your thoughts to come up with a great autobiography. These samples can save you valuable time, especially on how to start an autobiography. Check out our extra 40 biography templates

Formats for autobiography examples

As mentioned earlier, there could be as many life stories out there as there people. Each life story is unique; no two can be the same. It will be up to the writer to make his autobiography stand out.

The presentation of ideas will be an integral factor. Using the right strategies and format to make the writer more creative are necessary. As we all know, an autobiography is an account of a person’s life and it’s written by that person. Find out a suitable autobiography example to take reference from.

The reasons for writing an autobiographical essay differ from person to person. The main point of the writer’s exercise is to convey his life events using words. Autobiography samples will make it easy for the writer to organize thoughts.

To get you started, learn first the following types of written works:

• Dramas or scripts Usually presented on stage or screen as the venue, this type is in script formats.
• Graphic novels This new genre of novels is unique in the sense that they use drawn panels to convey a true story. Simply said, it’s a novel in comic-strip format. They tell stories through pictures and words.
• Memoirs This type limits the information you will present. It’s an account written from personal knowledge or special sources. Its main focus is on specific moments in one’s life. Those which could either are historical, religious, philosophical, adversity, coming-of-age, and more.
• Personal narratives or essays This type is shorter than a memoir. Its narratives focus on a single event in time. It expands that moment’s experience through conversations and imagery. These types are usually seen in classrooms, magazines or written by internet bloggers.
• Traditional autobiographies This type usually covers the events of the writer’s life from birth to the present moment.
• Vignettes This type covers just one particular occurrence at a time. It’s a brief evocative description, account or episode. You can even call it a lone chapter in a compilation of vignettes. You can have it published as a complete piece of work. Bear in mind, though, that each chapter in the collection is not directly related to the others.

Autobiography Samples

How to start an autobiography

Interesting lives make for good autobiographies. When we say interesting, it means the person lived a life full of fascinating experiences. Those he can and should share with others.

A good trick when writing your autobiography example is to think of it just like any other story, a good one at that. There’s always the protagonist, a central plot, and a number of compelling characters. All these will keep the reader’s attention.

Before venturing for an autobiography sample, think of an important event in your life and build your story on that. There is a writing craft or a technique that can make your story come to life. Read on and make your writing sing!

Map out your whole life

It wouldn’t be so hard to map out your timeline; after all, you have lived it. Before anything else, conduct a study on your life. Make a timeline to ensure you will include the important details, both events, and dates.

This will provide you a basis to work on. Don’t inhibit yourself from writing down all you can recall. Don’t underestimate the importance of each event.

• Autobiographies needn’t always start with your birth Include a brief history of your ancestors if relevant. Introducing your family’s history can make readers relate. They can understand how you evolved into who you are at this moment.
• Identify your main characters Make them interesting and compelling, either he/she be friend or foe. Be sure they help in moving the story along. Obviously, an autobiography sample will mention your parents. Also, include your spouse, friends, and relatives. But think past your family and friends. Search for those characters that have directly influenced your life. They should play their roles in your life story.
• Include the best stories Your life is a collection of short stories and anecdotes. Each day, each struggle could be in itself a chapter. But there would be too many of them to contain in a book. Choose the best stories you can remember that have influenced you. Begin your manuscript with these chosen stories. Weave them together to create a picture of your life.
• Write using your own voice Most people like reading autobiographies to experience what it’s like to be the writer. Being yourself when writing your story is a great way to maintain the reader’s attention. Remember, you are writing about yourself and your life experiences. Stiff and formal writing is for college essays . It won’t and can’t totally engage your readers.
• Reveal things about your life You can reveal the truth about yourself without having to be too explicit. Write down the good as well as the bad experiences. This will make the reader feel the human side of you. You can write about your accomplishments but you also need to write the flaws that have made you what you are. Readers should empathize with you and may even cheer for you as the story progresses.
• Show your weaknesses too You may have pitfalls in life but will still remain a protagonist. Write about your mistakes and the times that you have failed in some struggles. Writing too much about your positive side may even turn off some of your readers.

Creating your narrative

One, or perhaps the most important element of an autobiographical essay, is the plot. Not just a plot but a great one that could hold your readers spellbound. When you’ve gathered the material to work with, it’s time to create a fascinating story that would end with a climax as well as final resolutions.

Autobiographical Essay Templates

Craft your story by organizing your memoirs and anecdotes in an autobiography example. Keep in mind that these are coherent to your plot and should flow logically together. There should be a central conflict in your narrative.

It can involve an eventful experience in your life that took you years to conquer.

• Build the suspense and tension to make it interesting Organize your plot in such as a way that every story would veer towards the conflict’s climax. Make it your goal to include anecdotes on your initial successes and failures. Readers love underdogs. Build on that.
• Think about your climax Every story will have to end as the protagonist will deal with the conflict. You have read novels and seen movies. You should know what a climax is. You should also know that it’s very important.
• Also, think about the resolution Autobiographies usually end with happy endings. If for some reason your story’s ending isn’t happy, just make sure that it’s profoundly satisfying. You might have lost the race but the wisdom you gain from the experience will be compensation enough.
• Determine where to start your story Most autobiographies start with birth and end with the present. But many successful writers have resorted to mixing up their chronology. This makes the narration more interesting. If you’re bold enough, try doing this.
• Weave in your themes Try to remember major themes in your life. Use them to link stories together by connecting the past with the now. Apart from a central conflict, there are themes that have followed us all through life. Use these themes as often as you can to form a consistent depiction of your story.
• Reflect on the content of your autobiography template You surely have learned many lessons during the course of your life. It would be nice to relay your desires, intentions, feelings of joy and loss, and more you’ve gained in your life. You can include these lessons intermittently throughout the story. Reflect on these important experiences and what they have meant to you. This is a great way you can add profundity to your life story.
• Add structure to your book by using chapters The use of chapters will permit you transition from talking about specific times in your life. We’ve all heard the expressions, “closed a chapter” and “opening a new chapter” in life. These are very applicable to autobiography samples and autobiography examples.

Creating and publishing your autobiography

After you’ve written everything, subject your work to several processes. Do this to make sure that its contents are true and accurate. Be sure to comply with all the rules of writing to avoid any problems that may arise later.

First, does a substance check. Second, do forms check? Here are some tips for you:

Edit your information first

• Your facts should be completely accurate Double check or even triple if you have the time. Check the names, event descriptions, dates, and other things. Everything in your story should be accurate. Wrong facts will certainly get noticed at one time or another by people acquainted with you.
• Ask permission from those you mention in your book You may name names or quote quotes from sources. In this case, make certain they’ve granted permission. Many don’t appreciate the thought of appearing in an autobiography. Respect that. If the character is central to the plot, describe them differently or change their names.
• Go through your draft and edit if needed After you’ve finished the initial draft, go through your life story again. Comb through it by double checking your data. Reorganize the paragraphs, passages, and characters if necessary. Check your vocabulary and replace tedious words. Make your phrases more clear and compelling. And lastly, check your grammar and spelling.
• Let other people read your work An outside or second opinion will be necessary to make sure that your work would appeal to all. You may find passages in your book that are funny or serious but would be mundane or even offensive to others. Present your work to as many close acquaintances and listen to their feedback. This will make sure that your thoughts will come across clearly with other people.
• Hire a copy editor The job of a copy editor is to clean up your work and make those boring parts shine. Almost all writers seek the services of copy editors. Being a beginner, take a hint by seeking their help as well. Hire a seasoned copy editor to make sure that your book will have that professional polish.
• Think of your title Think of a title that is intriguing and attention-grabbing. A simple and short title for your autobiography can be “My Autobiography”. If you find it too direct and common, choose something more unique.

Publishing your autobiography

Some people try self-publishing their books. That means they will have their finished work printed but only for themselves. It would also be appropriate to present your work to persons you mentioned in your book.

There are companies that can handle your book design, printing, and even shipping services. But if you want to go public on publishing your autobiography, the sensible thing to do is hire a literary agent.

He will send a query letter to research agents who work frequently with autobiographies. The query will contain information about your autobiography. It will also contain information about the author and how you want to market the book.

You can also send the query letter yourself directly to the publisher and wait. Depending on your query letter, he might get interested. Don’t send them your manuscript all at once. Send it when you get a request for your manuscript.

You can also try publishing your work online. This new alternative method is increasingly getting popular. It doesn’t involve expenses for printing and shipping. Search for online publishers and send them a query letter.

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How To Write An Autobiography

Autobiography Examples

Top Autobiography Examples & Samples For Your Help

Published on: Sep 10, 2021

Last updated on: Feb 12, 2024

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An  autobiography  is a story of a person's life written down or told. They are interesting to read, but they can be even more interesting to write.

An autobiography is different from a biography. A biography is someone else's story about a person's life. But, an autobiography is the person's own story about their life.

This may make autobiographies more interesting to read than biographies. Also, they give the thoughts and feelings of the person rather than someone else's interpretation.

There are many different stories in the world. Uniquely telling your story is not easy. You need to describe what is happening to make the reader feel like they are right there with you.

In this blog, you will learn about some amazing examples of autobiographies. So, start reading now.

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Autobiography Examples For Students

An autobiography is the story of someone's life written by them. They might write about their hardships or success. Here are some examples of autobiographies that might inspire you to write your own.

Short Autobiography Examples

This is a good example of a creative and interesting autobiography to read. It will teach you how to write your own great autobiography.

Autobiography Examples For Class 6

Autobiography essays are not easy to write. They are different from other essays because they tell the story of a person's life experiences. Every person has a lot of interesting experiences, so it can be hard to choose which ones to write about.

For your help, we compiled an example that you can use for your help and make your writing process easy.

Autobiography Examples For Grade 7

Only you know yourself best. Writing an autobiography is a great way to share your life with others. Everyone has a story to tell, and writing an autobiography is one way to leave your mark on history.

Here is an example that gives you a better idea of sharing your life story with others.

Autobiography Examples For College Students

An autobiography is a text that tells your life story. It can be in the form of a  memoir , which is more informal or more formal. Autobiographies can be written for different reasons:

• To introduce yourself to the world.
• To get into a program at school, for a job, volunteering, etc.

You can find more ideas for an autobiography from this example.

Note: As a college student, you might encounter confusion distinguishing between an autobiography and a statement of purpose . While both involve personal narratives, autobiographies provide a comprehensive life story, while statements of purpose focus on specific goals and qualifications for academic or professional opportunities. Understanding their distinct purposes and structures can help streamline your application processes effectively.

Autobiography Examples For High School Students

An autobiography is a self-written biography that someone writes about themselves. They might write about all of their life or just some parts. They do this to share their experiences, put them in a larger cultural or historical context, and entertain the reader.

Take a look at the below example and create a well-written one without any mistakes.

Spiritual Autobiography Examples

A spiritual autobiography is your life story. In it, you write about how God has been present in your life. This includes your journey in and out of organized religion and everything spiritual.

Writing your spiritual autobiography is a chance for you to identify specific experiences with God. You will then reflect on how those experiences have impacted you.

Below is an example for your ease.

Autobiography Examples in Literature

An autobiography is a book written by somebody about their own life. It tells the story of the author’s life, accomplishments, things they have done, etc.

The following is an example that can help you better understand how to write an autobiography.

Cultural Autobiography Examples

A cultural autobiography is more than just telling your life story. Your cultural identity reveals your beliefs and ideas about culture. It also shows how culture affects different cultural groups that make up who you are.

You may want to write a cultural autobiography better to understand yourself and your culture's role in your life. It is important to be aware of your own cultural identity in a multicultural world and be open to other cultures.

An example of a perfect cultural autobiography is below for your help.

Educational Autobiography Examples

The educational autobiography is a way to tell your life story. This type of autobiography includes what you did in school and how it affected other parts of your life.

Take a look at this example to see how to write a good educational autobiography.

Social Class Autobiography Examples

In most sociology classes, students are assigned to write a socio-autobiography. This assignment helps them understand that the subject is relevant to their daily lives. Your interactions with society have a big impact on who you become as a person.

Writing your social class autobiography is a great way to show people how you fit into society. The following example will show what kind of social autobiography looks like.

Autobiography Examples For Kids

Children are often encouraged to write an autobiography, but few people recognize the importance of this task. Everyone has something special from their childhood that they should remember and reflect on. Writing about your life is a good way to do this.

There are many different ways to write an autobiography. If you are writing about yourself, it is best to start by writing about your early life and work experience.

You can also mention your school experiences. After that, you can write about other topics that may be of interest to readers, like your hobbies or interests.

Here is an example that will help in starting an autobiography.

We all have the opportunity to write our own story, but it doesn't always come easy. If writing about yourself seems difficult, then follow the examples mentioned above.

However, if you want a professional writer to write it for you, just say ' write an essay for me ' and consult a professional at CollegeEssay.org .

We have expert writers who will help you write an autobiography, personal narrative, college essay, and any academic assignment.

AI essay writing tools are also readily available to provide you with additional assistance and support.

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How to write an Autobiography

A Complete Guide to Writing an Autobiography

A quick scan of the bestseller lists will quickly reveal that we are obsessed with the lives of other people.

Books by and about actors, politicians, and sports stars regularly top the charts as we seek to catch a glimpse into the lives of remarkable people.

While many of these books are written by professional writers after meticulous research ( biographies ), just as many are written by the person themselves (autobiographies) – albeit often with a ghostwriter’s help.

Today we are going to show you how to write an autobiography that tells a great life story.

WHAT IS AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY?

Autobiography is a subcategory of the biography genre and, strictly speaking, it’s a life story written by the subject themselves.

Autobiographies are sometimes confused with memoirs and it’s no surprise as the two share many features in common. For example, both are written in the first person and contain details of the subject’s life.

However, some clear distinctions can be made between the two.

For example, a memoir usually explores a specific period of a person’s life, whereas an autobiography tends to make an account of the person’s life from their earliest years right up to the time of writing.

Autobiographies aren’t just the preserve of the celebrities among us though, each of our lives is a story in and of itself. Whether or not it’s a good story will depend largely on the telling, which is what this article is all about.

A COMPLETE UNIT ON TEACHING BIOGRAPHIES

Teach your students to write AMAZING BIOGRAPHIES & AUTOBIOGRAPHIES using proven RESEARCH SKILLS and WRITING STRATEGIES .

• Understand the purpose of both forms of biography.
• Explore the language and perspective of both.
• Prompts and Challenges to engage students in writing a biography.
• Dedicated lessons for both forms of biography.
• Biographical Projects can expand students’ understanding of reading and writing a biography.
• A COMPLETE 82-PAGE UNIT – NO PREPARATION REQUIRED.

  WHAT ARE THE MAIN FEATURES OF AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY?

Once students have a good grasp of what an autobiography is, we need to ensure they are familiar with the main features of the genre before they begin writing.

Let’s take a look at some of the main technical elements of an autobiography:

Purpose of an Autobiography:

To give an account of the person’s life so far

Tense: Mostly written in the past tense, but usually ends in the present tense and sometimes shifts into the future tense at the very end.

Structure of an Autobiography:

●     Usually written in chronological order

●     Uses time connectives such as before, then, after that, finally, etc

●     Uses the names of real people and events

●     Is specific about times, dates, places, etc

●     Includes personal memories and specific details and descriptions

●     Reflects on how positive and negative experiences shaped the author

●     Gives an insight into the thoughts, feelings, and hopes of the author

●     May include some relevant photographs

●     Usually ends with a commentary on life, reflections on significant large events, and hopes and plans for the future.

When teaching these specific features, you may wish to compile a checklist with the students that they can subsequently use to assist them when writing their autobiography.

PRACTICAL ACTIVITY:

One great way to help your students to internalize the main features of the genre is to encourage them to read lots of autobiographies. Instruct the students to be conscious of the different features discussed above and to identify them in the autobiography as they read.

If you have compiled a checklist together, students can check off the features they come across as they read.

When they have finished reading, students should consider which features were well done in the book and which were missing or had room for improvement.

TIPS FOR WRITING A GREAT AUTOBIOGRAPHY

As we know, there is more to a genre of writing than just ticking off the main features from a checklist.

To write well takes time and practice, as well as familiarity with the features of the genre. Each genre of writing makes different demands on our skills as a writer and autobiography are no different.

Below, we will look at a step-by-step process for how students can best approach the task of writing their autobiography, along with some helpful hints and tips to polish things up.

Let’s get started!

 HOW TO START AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY WRITING TIPS:

Tip #1: brainstorm your autobiography.

The structure of an autobiography is somewhat obvious; it starts at the beginning of the subject’s life, works its way through the middle, and ends in the present day.

However, there’s a lot in a life. Some of it will be fascinating from a reader’s point of view and some of it not so much. Students will need to select which events, anecdotes, and incidents to include and which to leave out.

Before they begin this selection process in earnest, they need to dump out the possibilities onto the page through the process of brainstorming. Students should write down any ideas and sketches of memories that might be suitable onto the page.

While they needn’t write trivial memories that they know definitely won’t make the cut, they should not set the bar so high that they induce writer’s block.

They can remove the least interesting episodes when making the final selection later in the writing process. The main thing at this stage is the generation and accumulation of ideas.

TIP #2: CREATE AN OUTLINE OF YOUR AUTOBIOGRAPHY

After students have selected the most compelling episodes from their brainstorming session, they’ll need to organize them into the form of an outline.

One good way to do this is to lay them out chronologically on a simple timeline. Looking at the episodes in such a visual way can help the students to construct a narrative that leads from the student’s earliest childhood right through to the present day.

Students need to note that an autobiography isn’t just the relating of a series of life events in chronological order. They’ll need to identify themes that link the events in their autobiography together.

Themes are the threads that we weave between the cause and effect of events to bring shape and meaning to a life. They touch on the motivation behind the actions the author takes and fuel the development growth of the person.

Some themes that might be identified in an outline for an autobiography might include:

●     Overcoming adversity

●     Adjusting to a new life

●     Dealing with loss

●     The importance of friendship

●     The futility of revenge

●     The redemptive power of forgiveness.

These themes are the big ideas of a person’s life story. They represent how the events shape the person who is now sitting writing their story. For students to gain these insights will require the necessary time and space for some reflection.

For this reason, autobiography writing works well as a project undertaken over a longer period such as several weeks.

TIP #3: DO THE BACKGROUND RESEARCH ON YOUR AUTOBIOGRAPHY

Even though no one knows more about the topic of an autobiography than the author, research is still a necessary part of the writing process for autobiographies.

Using the outline they have created, students will need to flesh out some of the details of key events by speaking to others, especially when writing about their earliest experiences.

The most obvious resources will be parents and other family members who were privy to the joys of babyhood and their earliest childhood.

However, friends and ex-teachers make excellent sources of information too. They will enable the student to get a different perspective on something they remember, helping to create a more rounded view of past events.

For older and more advanced students, they may even wish to do some research regarding historical and cultural happenings in the wider society during the period they’re writing about. This will help to give depth and poignancy to their writing as they move up and down the ladder of abstraction from the personal to the universal and back again.

When students make the effort to draw parallels between their personal experiences and the world around them, they help to bridge the gap between author and reader creating a more intimate connection that enhances the experience for the reader.

TIP #4: FIND YOUR VOICE

Students need to be clear that autobiography is not mere personal history written dispassionately and subjectively.

For their autobiography to work, they’ll need to inject something of themselves into their writing. Readers of autobiography especially are interested in getting to know the inner workings of the writer.

There is a danger, however. Given that autobiographers are so close to their material, they must be careful not to allow their writing to denigrate into a sentimental vomit. To counter this danger, the student author needs to find a little perspective on their experiences, and following the previous tip regarding research will help greatly here.

A more daunting obstacle for the student can lie in the difficulties they face when trying to find their voice in their writing. This isn’t easy. It takes time and it takes lots of writing practice.

However, there are some simple, helpful strategies students can use to help them discover their authentic voice in their writing quickly.

1. Write to a close friend or family member

All writing is written to be read – with the possible exception of journals and diaries. The problem is that if the student is too conscious of the reader, they can find themselves playing to the audience and getting away from what it is they’re trying to express. Showboating can replace the honesty that is such a necessary part of good writing.

A useful trick to help students overcome this hurdle is to tell them to imagine they are writing their autobiography to an intimate friend or family member. Someone who makes them feel comfortable in their skin when they are around. Students should write like they’re writing to that person to who they can confide their deepest secrets. This will give their writing an honest and intimate tone that is very engaging for the reader.

2. Read the writing out loud

It’s no accident that we talk about the writer’s ‘voice’. We recognize the actual voice of people we know from its many qualities, from its timbre, tone, pacing, accent, word choice, etc. Writing is much the same in this regard.

One great way to help students detect whether their writing captures their authentic voice is to have them read it out loud, or listen to a recording of their work read out loud.

While we don’t necessarily write exactly as we speak – we have more time to craft what we say – we will still be able to recognize whether or not the writing sounds like us, or whether it’s filled with affectation.

As the student listens to their own words, encourage them to ask the following questions:

●     Does this sound like me?

●     Do the words sound natural in my voice?

●     Do I believe in the events related and how they were related?

Finding their real voice in their writing will help students imbue their writing with honesty and personality that readers love.

TIP #5: DRAFT, REDRAFT AND REFINE YOUR AUTOBIOGRAPHY

In the first draft, the brushstrokes will be large and broad, sweeping through the key events. The main notes of the tune will be there but with sometimes too much ornamentation and, at other times, not enough. This is why redrafting is an essential part of the writing process.

Students should understand that every piece of writing needs redrafting, editing , and proofreading to be at its best. There are no masterpieces full-borne into the world in a single draft.

For many, the tightening-up of a piece will involve the merciless cutting out of dead words. But, for some, the redrafting and refining process will demand the adding of more description and detail.

For most, however, it’ll be a little from column A and a little from column B.

Often, it’s difficult for students to get the necessary perspective on their work to be able to spot structural, grammar , punctuation, and spelling errors. In these instances, it can be best to enrol the eyes of a friend or family member in the role of editor or critic.

One effective way of doing this in class is to organize the students into pairs of editing buddies who edit each other’s work in a reciprocal arrangement.

These ‘edit swaps’ can be continued through to the proofreading stage and the final, polished piece.

A COMPLETE UNIT ON TEACHING FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE

FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE  is like  “SPECIAL EFFECTS FOR AUTHORS.”  It is a powerful tool to create  VIVID IMAGERY  through words. This  HUGE UNIT  guides you through completely understanding  FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE .

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A Final Thought

Employing the 5 tips above will go a long way to ensuring a well-written and engaging autobiography.

While autobiography is a nonfiction genre, it is clear that with its emphasis on narrative, it has much in common with other fictional genres. So, it’s important when teaching autobiography that students learn to recognize the important role of storytelling in this genre too.

As with all good story-telling, there are some necessary elements to include, including a plot of sorts, a cast of characters, and an exploration of some central themes. For this reason, teaching autobiography often works well after the students have completed a unit on fictional story writing.

When all is said and done, the best way a student can ensure their autobiography is worth a read is to ensure they find the story within their own life.

After all, we’re obsessed with the lives of other people.

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Autobiography Examples, Guide & Outline

Amanda Green was born in a small town in the west of Scotland, where everyone knows everyone. I joined the Toastmasters 15 years ago, and I served in nearly every office in the club since then. I love helping others gain confidence and skills they can apply in every day life.

Do you believe you’ve lived an exciting life? If you do, then it’s about time you write an autobiography.

This article will give you several autobiography ideas through six effective tips. You’ll also discover the best personal autobiography examples from which you can take inspiration.

What Is an Autobiography?

An autobiography is a type of publication that includes one’s life story. Unlike biographies, autobiographies are a narrative written by oneself instead of other professional writers.

An autobiography can include details about one’s childhood, school life, and professional life. The topic ideas are endless since self-written biographies may explore an abundance of experiences and life events.

Many people find autobiographies more interesting than biographies because they are personal narratives. Some were not necessarily intended for publication, such as a diary, memoir, or journal.

Some examples of inspiring autobiographies include the works of famous people like Benjamin Franklin, Maya Angelou, Frederick Douglass, Malala Yousafzai, and Anne Frank.

What Are the 5 Types of Autobiographies?

Full autobiography.

A full autobiography includes extensive details about a person’s every element of life. The content of this type of autobiography may start with his life from birth to the present.

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Full autobiographies follow the complete structure of books because of their length. They often include an exposition, climax, and resolution like fictional works.

Some examples of autobiographies include Benjamin Franklin’s and Elia Kaza’s.

A memoir does not focus on extensive details about one’s life experiences. Instead, it focuses on a specific event in time or any central theme. It can be about one’s college experiences, family life, or relationship with someone.

Expert writers know that memoirs use a first-person narrative voice. One example of an incredible autobiography of this format is Frank McCourt’s Angela’s Ashes.

Confessional autobiographies do not include important details about life events or daily lives. This type of autobiography is written by someone who has done something wrong.

Honesty is an integral factor that one must consider when writing a confessional autobiography. Some essential topics may include faith, sexuality, and other intimate themes.

Some amazing examples of personal autobiographies of confession include Confessions by Saint Augustine and Confessions by Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

Overcoming Adversity

Many people are interested in learning about one’s adversities in life and how they were able to move on.

This type of autobiography may include essential details about kidnapping, murder, and accidents. The character may also recall memories and factual details of divorce and abuse.

An experienced writer knows how to turn these autobiographies into inspiring ones. These stories should help readers express their emotions and heal.

Some innovative autobiography examples include The Center of the Universe by Nancy Bachrach and In Order to Live: A North Korean’s Journey to Freedom by Yeonmi Park .

Personal Narrative Essay

An autobiographical essay is a common school assignment that English teachers require students. An autobiography for students is also present in millions of college application essays.

This format of autobiography includes an introduction, body, and conclusion like any other essay. It may focus on a common theme or field for conciseness and clarity.

What Are the 6 Steps in Writing Autobiography?

Brainstorm Your Autobiography

Writing an autobiography takes a lot of research and brainstorming. It would help if you spent valuable time having a thorough background of the autobiography template and format. Reading factual and fictional autobiographies is the best way to do this.

Then, write a mind map or a collection of memories you want to include in your writing. Do you want to include your entire life, from your earliest memory until your present experience? Or do you want to focus on a particular aspect of your life?

Choose Between an Autobiography or a Memoir

Traditional autobiographies include an account of a person’s entire life, while a memoir is only a part of their life. If you want to focus on specific struggles, travel experiences, funny life incidents, childhood dreams, or your marriage life, it’s better to write a memoir.

You might also want to write an autobiography essay, which is much shorter than both an autobiography and a memoir.

Organize Your Outline

Creating an outline will help you create a chronological structure for your autobiography and eliminate unnecessary details. In general, it should include two elements:

• Key events (meaningful, formative life experiences)
• Illustrative events (individual experiences, lessons, humor, romances, etc.)

A good example of a key event would be a war, your parent’s separation, or a relocation. From these experiences, add illustrative events, such as how your parents’ separation affected your romantic relationships, religious encounters, and funny anecdotes.

Write Your First Draft

Now that you have an outline, it’s time to tell the story. Make sure it has a conflict, theme, goals, climax, and resolution. You also want to ensure you’ve produced compelling characters in your autobiographical work.

Writing the initial draft also means figuring out your transitions. Divide the key events in your life into chapters. This strategy gives you a clear and descriptive way to end a part of your life and start another.

Take a Break and Edit

Take a few days off once your first draft is complete. After this, examine the entire piece paragraph by paragraph, then line by line. You can also consider hiring an editor who will correct any mistake or confusing sentence in your work.

Write Your Second, Third, and Final Draft

Consider the revisions suggested by your editor when writing the next draft. Keep re-editing and proofreading your work until it’s perfect. Don’t be afraid to reach ten drafts. What matters is you refine your writing skills and publish the perfect book.

Sample Autobiography Outline

This outline will help you create a well-structured autobiography.

Introduction

• Introduce yourself in the first chapter or paragraph of your autobiography.
• Include basic information, such as name, age, personality traits, etc.
• Family history (important childhood events, crises, deaths, illnesses in your family)
• School history (where you studied, school experiences, successes, and failures at school)
• Work history (where you worked, what you liked most about your work, difficult parts of your job)
• Spiritual development (Do you believe in God?)
• Relational development (events in your friendship, romantic relationships)
• Personal development (hobbies, addictive tendencies, personal strengths, weaknesses)
• Finish with a thought-provoking detail or moral lesson.

Autobiography Examples

Want to read more autobiographies before writing one? Here are some examples of books I recommend.

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

Anne Frank was a Jewish teenager who kept a diary as her family hid from Nazis. As one of the best autobiographies of all time, The Diary of a Young Girl became a best-seller worldwide and a part of Holocaust instruction for decades.

Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela

Long Walk to Freedom is a famous personality autobiography that exhibits the fight for black liberation in South Africa. It’s a favorite book among many readers because Mandela founded democracy and promised no one would be discriminated against as the first Black president in his country.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

In her autobiography, Maya Angelou discussed how difficult it was to be a black poet and author. According to her, people didn’t listen to her voice because of her skin color, making her feel like a slave.

I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

The newly-published funny autobiography by Jennette McCurdy features a controversial title that centers on the iCarly and Sam & Cat star’s struggles as a former child actor.

She discussed her complicated relationship with her overbearing mother, addiction, eating disorder, and how she moved on.

Learn More About Autobiographical Writing

I hope this guide has helped you study the types of autobiography and the difference between biography and autobiography. I also provided six essential tips on how to write an autobiography.

Writing an autobiography will help you perfect your autobiographical know-how and writing skills. If you have any questions about writing, let us know!

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How to Write a Memoir: Everything You Need to Know

Have you ever thought about telling your life story? 

An autobiography is like a special book about you – your experiences, ups, downs, and everything in between. 

But when it comes to autobiography writing , putting it all into words, it can feel a bit tricky, especially for students like you.

In this blog, we're here to help you understand what an autobiography is all about and make it easier for you to write one with the help of examples. 

We'll dive into practical examples and autobiography templates to help you see how it's done. 

So, let's dive in!

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• 1. Memoir Vs Autobiography Example 
• 2. Autobiography Outline Examples
• 3. How to Write an Autobiography - Examples
• 4. Autobiography Examples for Students
• 5. Personal Autobiography Examples
• 6. Famous Autobiography Examples

Memoir Vs Autobiography Example 

Memoirs and autobiographies both delve into personal experiences, but they have their own styles and purposes. 

Let’s jump into example to see what is the actual difference between memoir and autobiography:

Memoir Vs Autobiography Example PDf

Autobiography Outline Examples

Any academic or professional writing needs to follow a proper format to organize the information. And an outline is the best way to follow the proper format. It helps you organize your information and structure your data into a proper format.

Here are some autobiography outline examples to help you learn the basics of the autobiography format .

Autobiography Outline for College - Example

Autobiography Sample Outline

How to Write an Autobiography - Examples

As we have mentioned earlier, there are as many stories as there are people on earth. Each of the stories is different from the others; no two of them could be the same. 

How you present your ideas really matters. That's why using the right strategies and the correct format is essential to make your writing creative.

It is important to know the difference between autobiography and biography . These examples will help you learn how to start an autobiography that leaves a good impression on the reader’s mind.

Autobiography Sample PDF

Writing an Autobiography - Example

Autobiography Examples for Students

An autobiography is your life story. If your teacher tells you to write one, they just want to hear about your life. Even if you think your story isn't super exciting, following the structure can make it work better.

These autobiography examples for students will help you understand how you can properly format the autobiography.

Autobiography Examples for Kids 

School is a time of discovery, and what better way to explore your own journey than through the lens of an autobiography? Here are some great autobiography examples crafted specifically for kids.

Autobiography Examples Ks2

Autobiography Examples For Grade 7

Autobiography Examples For Class 6

Short Autobiography Example for Students

Here is a sample of a short autobiography for you. Give it a good read and learn how to write an excellent short autobiography.

Short Autobiography for Students - Example

High School Autobiography Example

Check out this sample and learn to write an incredible  autobiography for  high school students.

High School Autobiography - Example

Spiritual Autobiography Example for College Students

Spiritual autobiographies give a glimpse into the spiritual person's life. Have a look at the following sample spiritual autobiography and give it a good read to learn more.

Spiritual Autobiography for College Students - Example

Cultural Autobiography Examples 

Here is a sample of a cultural autobiography that contains detailed information on culture. Have a look at the sample to know more about it.

Cultural Autobiography Examples

Funny Autobiography Examples 

Autobiographies are thought to be boring and mundane, but that is not the case. You can make an interesting story, as well as funny. Learn to write a funny autobiography by this example.

Funny Autobiography Examples

Educational Autobiography Example

Here is a sample educational autobiography that will help you formulate an effective and inspiring autobiography.

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Social Class Autobiography Example

Writing a social class or sociology assignment could be a bit difficult. This sample will help you work on yours easily.

Rambling Autobiography Examples

Rambling autobiographies are like a casual conversation with a friend, where stories unfold in their own unique way. 

Let’s jump into some fascinating examples about this type of autobiography:

Personal Autobiography Examples

Personal autobiography or personal narrative essay provides a complete picture of the author’s life story. The following personal autobiography demonstrates how to write a personal narrative autobiography.

Personal Narrative Autobiography - Example

Autobiography Examples for Students About Yourself

Famous Autobiography Examples

Autobiographical essays are usually about famous people or historical figures. Just as a renowned autobiography of Benjamin Franklin tells us about his life, his unfinished records, his accomplishments, etc.

Below are some examples of famous autobiographies for your better understanding:

Famous Literacy Autobiography Example

Famous Autobiography - Sample

All in all, we have explored different examples, like understanding what makes memoirs different from autobiographies and exploring rambling ones. These examples are like guides to help you tell your own story and maybe inspire others on your writing journey. 

So, go ahead, give it a try, and have fun telling your unique tale.

And if you need assistance you can always reach out to us!

Our writers can write outstanding autobiography for you! All you have to do is place your " write an essay for me " request and we'll create your custom autobiography in no time!

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Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

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Autobiography Questions & Prompts for Students

Writing about one’s own life can be inspiring and terrifying at the same time. No matter why you must prepare an autobiography, it allows you to get to know yourself better and become more open.

A student autobiography is one of the most commonly met types of autobiographical writing. You might need to write one when applying to a college or university. In an essay about yourself, you must catch your readers’ attention, leaving an impression of an outstanding learner and person. You’re in the right place if you are stuck preparing a student autobiography. This article will guide you through the writing process, offering autobiography questions for students together with valuable prompts.

• 70 Autobiography Questions
• 5 Exciting Prompts

70 Autobiography Questions for Students

The first thing you should remember when writing an autobiography is that all types of clichés can kill your paper. The standard scheme “was born – went to school – went to college” won’t impress anyone. However, the following autobiography quiz, which contains the most common questions, can be an effective start for brainstorming the subject.

• When and where were you born?
• Who are your family members?
• What are the most impressive of your childhood memories?
• Were there any family traditions that influenced you?
• Who were your best childhood friends?
• What was the most exciting experience of your early childhood?
• Were there any challenging experiences?
• How did your first day of school go?
• What school subject did you like most, and why?
• Can you recall a memorable teacher who influenced you?
• What was your favorite book as a child?
• Did you have a hobby as a child?
• Are there any childhood interests or hobbies that still excite you?
• Did art or music play a role in your life?
• What were your dearest childhood dreams?
• How did your dreams change when you’ve grown older?
• Do you remember a moment in your childhood when you were very proud of yourself?
• What were your most memorable trips?
• What was your most adventurous experience?
• What’s the most exotic dish you’ve tried?
• How has travel shaped your personality?
• Were there any difficult moments in life you had to overcome?
• How did you find the strength and courage to overcome them?
• What was the most spectacular failure in your life?
• What valuable lessons did you learn from your failures?
• How did your values change over the years?
• Which of your experiences influenced your personal growth most?
• Do you have any famous people you admire?
• Is there anyone among your loved ones who is a role model for you?
• Do you remember falling in love for the first time?
• Have you experienced any heartbreaks?
• How do you define love?
• Are love and relationships important in your life?
• Have you faced any relationship challenges?
• What have you learned from the relationship hardships you had?
• Have you already chosen a career path?
• Would you like to develop in one career direction all your life or change professions?
• What are your professional aspirations and goals?
• Do you have any work experience and achievements?
• How would you describe yourself?
• Do you feel that your identity has changed throughout your life?
• Is your cultural identity important to you?
• What does it mean to be true to yourself?
• Are there any milestones in your life, like awards or personal achievements?
• How did you celebrate these achievements?
• Are there any achievements that changed your aspirations and perspective?
• Do you have any experience of volunteering?
• Has your experience of giving back to your community changed your life?
• How do you imagine your life in 10, 20, 30 years?
• Is there any contribution you would like to make?
• How would you like your loved ones to remember you?
• Do you have a life motto?
• Do you have a favorite movie character?
• Who is your least favorite movie character, and why?
• How do you define success?
• What is happiness for you?
• Do you have any healthy habits or practices?
• Have you ever faced any health challenges?
• Have these challenges influenced your personality?
• Is the environment important to you?
• How do you address environmental issues that bother you?
• Do you have any experiences related to environmental activism?
• What makes you happy?
• What was the happiest moment of your life?
• Is there something you regret about?
• What did you learn from the moments you regret about?
• Were there any turning points that led your life in a new direction?
• How did you feel during these moments?
• Is it essential for you to live a meaningful life?
• How would you define the meaning of life?

5 Exciting Student Autobiography Prompts

The questions discussed above focus on the most common ingredients, which can become good building blocks for your autobiography. However, you should add some spice to your life story to prevent your readers from falling asleep.

To do this, here are 5 exclusive prompts to find topics for an autobiography that will breathe life into your memoir, making it uniquely interesting. If you’re still in a lack of ideas after reading them, check the collection of free essays on any topic imaginable.

Here are the prompts:

• Has the world changed during your life, and how do you feel about these changes? Reflect on the transformations you’ve witnessed, such as the technological advancements , the emergence of the Internet, and social networking platforms. How have these changes impacted your life, your habits, and your worldview? Share your thoughts on the topic.
• What is your contribution to the future of this planet, and how did you choose it? Consider the various ways to make a positive impact on the environment. You can focus on simple actions that everyone can perform, like reducing the use of plastic bags. Explain what motivated you to make these decisions.
• What would you tell your dear ones if you knew that you had only one day more to live on earth? What heartfelt messages would you share with your family, friends, neighbors, and all the people in the world? Use this scenario to dig deep into your values and beliefs.
• What occupation would you choose if you did not have to earn your living? Explore your passions, interests, and dreams. Imagine the ideal career path or artistic pursuit that truly resonates with your inner self.
• If you could exclaim, “ Stay moment, you are so fair! ”, would you do it? Did this special moment pass away, or do you believe it is yet to come in your future? Explain what makes these moments special and how they have shaped your life or continue to influence your journey.

Thank you for reading this article! If you wish to polish separate sections of your assignment, you are welcome to use the writing tools we’ve developed:

• Thesis statement maker
• Summary tool
• Paragraph & word changer
• Autobiography Definition, Examples, and Writing Guide
• 5 Ways to Write an Autobiography
• How to Write a Memoir
• The naked truth: how to write a memoir | Books

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How to Start an Autobiography about Yourself: Full Guide + Autobiography Examples

You’re probably thinking: I’m no Mahatma Gandhi or Steve Jobs—what could I possibly write in my memoir? I don’t even know how to start an autobiography, let alone write the whole thing.

But don’t worry: essay writing can be easy, and this autobiography example for students is here to show you that memoir writing can be easy and even exciting. Every person, whether famous or not, is unique and has a story worth sharing. All you need to do now is scroll down the page and enjoy this amazing sample autobiography, as well as some related practical hints.

👨‍🎓️ A Student Autobiography Example

📚 more autobiography examples for students.

• 💡 Autobiography Ideas

😕 How to Start an Autobiography

🔗 references.

An autobiography is the story of your own life . Even if you think you don’t have much to include in your memoir, you can still make it quite interesting.

Bill Gates claims that he always tries to find a lazy person to do a difficult job. Why? Because a lazy person will look for an easy way to do it! That’s why we found a lazy but smart student to write a short autobiography example, and now we’ll share the easiest ways to do it with you. Feel free to use it as an autobiography example outline .

Below is a student autobiography sample with subheadings. Remember: it doesn’t have to be exactly as shown in the examples. They’re rather to show you the right path to be moving towards. Also, if something in your writing needs fixing, don’t hesitate to use a phrase reworder .

My Childhood

Not sure how to make an autobiography introduction? Why not start from the very beginning? Writing about your early years is the easiest and most logical start for an autobiography.

I was born on a cold winter night, when even time seemed to stand still, in my native Bennington, Oklahoma. I do not remember much of my early childhood, but my mom said I was a very active, curious, and communicative child. I would ask dozens of questions each minute, even without waiting for the answers. I suppose this is why my parents offered me books and educational movies as early as my third birthday.

In the next part of your autobiography essay, describe yourself in a few words. It does not necessarily need to be too creative. You can take a short learning style quiz and put the information you’ll find out into your autobiography. It will be quite a unique addition. And don’t forget to make a smooth transition from the previous part!

Fortunately, my thirst for knowledge did not come to an end when I was at school. I was passionate about history and science. This passion helped me gain a profound knowledge of these areas, and I was admitted to the college of my dreams. Today, I am a student at a law school, and I feel very happy about it.

An old saying goes, “A life with a goal is a life that is whole.” Be positive and show everyone that your life is whole.

I am certain that my degree will become my ticket to a better tomorrow. I want to become a renowned lawyer in the field of employment legislation. I study hard and devote my free time to reading scholarly reviews and watching interviews with recognized specialists in the field.

My Ups and Downs

This part aims to show that you are capable of analyzing your experiences and learning valuable lessons.

Of course, I understand that life is not just a bed of roses, and challenges and hardships are an integral element of life. Since my parents could not help me cover my college expenses in full, paying off my student loan has become an important challenge for me. I combine a part-time job and full-time study to earn my living and my education. I feel triumphant at the beginning of every month when I receive my salary and plan how I will spend my money.

Autobiography Conclusion

In this part of your autobiographical essay, you want to establish the main lesson to take away from your story. In other words, what’s remarkable about your story?

I have come to believe that two main factors determine success. The first is a person’s determination and will to succeed. Are you ready to make sacrifices to achieve your goal, like working and studying at the same time? Are you prepared to recover after failure and proceed to your goal again? Without strong internal motivation, it is nearly impossible to become successful. Equally important is the support of people around you. Being determined to succeed does not mean alienating everyone and stepping on other people to achieve your goal. On the contrary, success is about recognizing your weaknesses and accepting support from people who genuinely want to help you. For instance, if it were not for my parents’ support of my educational endeavors, I might not be attending law school today.

Would you call this student an inspirational leader like Nelson Mandela or Martin Luther King, Jr. ? In all honesty, no. He may be an interesting and nice person, but he hasn’t left such a mark on history as some other people have—at least not yet.

But can you learn something from his story? Most definitely.

The autobiography example above is suitable for both college and high school students.

In case you still lack the inspiration to write your memoir, you can always come to our experts, who will help you structure and write your narrative. Alternatively, you can find some more interesting examples of an autobiography at Phoenix.edu and at Southwestern College website .

And in case you’re still wondering how to write an autobiography, just keep reading!

Short Autobiography Example

As a student, you might need to write a short biography for various reasons, such as when applying for a scholarship, internship, or job. If you’re looking for a short autobiography example, check out the sample below.

I am Aisha Patel, hailing from the city of Mumbai, India. Growing up in a culturally rich environment taught me to appreciate traditions, diversity, inclusion, and community. 

I have always been motivated by my parents, both accomplished physicians. I found myself drawn to the field of medicine at an early age. Since then, I devoted countless hours to volunteering, participating in healthcare camps, and working with NGOs to expand medical access in marginalized communities. I became determined to expand my horizons and receive a world-class medical education. Eventually, I set my sights on studying in the United States. 

I aspire to use the knowledge and skills I acquire to contribute to healthcare practices in India and globally. I plan to address pressing societal health challenges with empathy and expertise.

Autobiography of Myself as a Student

Writing an autobiography focusing on academic interests creates a platform for self-reflection. This activity can help you understand how your academic pursuits have shaped your identity and aspirations.

The following example will provide valuable insights into the content of a well-crafted autobiography:

My name is Sam Davis, and I am a dedicated student from Boston. My academic journey has been shaped by my passion for history. Since childhood, I have been deeply interested in people’s experiences throughout the centuries. This fascination is what inspired my academic pursuits. 

I have always been on top of my class in history courses. I enjoyed diving deep into the different eras and learning about various cultures and events. In addition to excellent grades, my commitment has been recognized through multiple honors and awards. In particular, I have been included on the Dean’s List and received accolades for my research papers. 

My primary academic interest is studying American history and evolution since the nation’s founding. I enjoy exploring the social and political forces that have shaped the United States. I am also keenly interested in ancient civilizations and the parallels between them and the contemporary world. 

Outside the classroom, I actively participate in historical reenactments and volunteer at local museums. Helping preserve and share our collective heritage is one of my primary goals. Such experiences allow me to bring history to life and engage with others who share my passion. 

I am eager to continue my scholarly pursuits and contribute to our understanding of the past. I believe we can learn many important and exciting lessons by making meaningful connections between history and the present.

💡 Autobiography Ideas for Students

Are you looking for inspiration to write your autobiography? Here are some thought-provoking autobiography essay topics that will help you reflect on your personal growth, academic journey, and unique experiences.

• Personal experience adopting a cat from Humane Society .
• My first travel to Dresden.
• Describe your personal leadership experience.  
• Discuss your experience of resolving a problem in your neighborhood .
• How Italian culture influenced my life .
• How refraining from coffee for two weeks changed my everyday life.  
• Tell how you implement the concept of life-wide learning in your life.  
• Why I decided to take up wrestling and how it changed my life.
• Narrate your personal experience of a healthy lifestyle .
• My first memories of riding a bicycle .
• How the quarantine time helped me to focus and myself and grow.  
• My health vision and strategy to improve health behavior.
• Discuss how a psychology course changed your vision of the world. 
• How parenting style affected my childhood.
• Personal experience of working with self-initiated expatriates.
• My first day at college .
• Why I love poetry.  
• Describe your experience in Shotokan Karate and your favorite technique.
• The role non-verbal communication plays in my everyday life.
• Lessons I learned from my first semester. 
• My reminiscence of the tragedy on September 11th.
• Give details about a childhood experience that changed your life .
• My understanding of the concept home .
• Personal experience of mysophobia and the lessons I’ve learned.
• Represent your favorite meeting place .
• A defining event from my childhood.
• Describe your experience of relocation to another country.
• Why I started practicing art and dance movement therapy.  
• The impact mindfulness practicing had on my life.
• My experience of winning the fight by losing it.
• Why people like having lunch at a restaurant : my experience.
• Describe the last conflict , its reasons, and how you resolved it.
• Tell about your dream car .
• Starting college as a major life event.
• Describe your dream home .
• My experience as a manager in an organization .
• Narrate how peculiarities of your culture influence your behavior.
• Tell about the significant event that influenced your life.
• Personal experience of challenging gender norms.
• Discuss your personal relationship with alcohol abuse .
• Represent your plans and career goals .
• Describe a high school experience that influenced your personality.
• How I managed to apply international marketing courses in daily life.  
• Write about the teachers who made a difference in your life.
• Experience of working as a head nurse.
• My history of important habit development.
• Discuss the challenges in friendship you’ve experienced and how you managed to cope with them.  
• Significance of music in my life.  
• Describe what you are responsible for in your life.
• Give details about the most memorable holiday you had in your childhood.  

What does every autobiography include? A theme. Essentially, the theme is the main “lesson” from the autobiography—the critical point that all of your life events come together to demonstrate.

How do you go about creating a theme?

You can do it by:

• Discussing a string of events or one event in particular (or even just one day in your life)
• Introducing a role model or an authority figure
• Talking about your childhood dreams and memories

To make the task easier for you, we’ve put together a list of prompts you can use to signal your theme to the reader.

Simply complete these phrases, develop the ideas, and add specific details to your student autobiography examples and ta-da! Your A-level autobiography is ready!

A Student’s Autobiography: Starting Phrases

Use one of these phrases as the first sentence of your autobiography:

• I was born in…
• I was an active (or quiet, knowledge-loving, shy, curious, etc.) child.
• My childhood dream was…
• My earliest memory is…
• I am grateful to my parents (or teachers, friends, etc.) because…
• My role model was…
• My lifetime dream is…
• The most memorable day of my life was…
• One phrase that I will never forget is…
• If only one of my dreams could come true, I would wish for…
• My main belief in life is…
• I am driven by my desire/passion/wish to…
• The main lesson that my parents taught me was…
• The childhood hobby that most shaped my personality is…
• One event that influenced who I am today is…
• My motto in life is…
• My favorite book/movie/author is…
• When I was growing up, I always dreamed of becoming a…
• One thing I wish I knew five (or ten, twenty, etc.) years ago is that…
• My favorite childhood picture is…

Feel free to use this example of an autobiography for students and follow the simple steps described above to complete an A-level memoir with ease.

✏️ Student Autobiography FAQ

Writing an essay for a scholarship, be sure to include relevant information about yourself. Prove that you are a perfect candidate. Customize your life story in a way that showcases your strengths and positive qualities. Any other application will require a similar approach.

It’s a source of background information about the author that he or she chooses to reveal. An autobiographical essay is to include key facts about the author in chronological order. These facts usually are name, birth date, education, occupation, etc.

For a good college application, make sure to put an emphasis on the positive sides of your personal history. They should be relevant for the admission commission. Focus on academic achievements, relevant certifications, courses, etc.

Some people believe that an autobiography is one of the easiest essays to write. The author definitely knows the subject thoroughly. When writing about yourself, start with an introduction : your name, birth date, education, current position.

• What Is an Autobiography? ThoughtCo
• Beginning the Academic Essay: Harvard College Writing Center
• What Are the Differences Between an Autobiographical Narrative & a Biography? Seattle PI
• 500 Prompts for Narrative and Personal Writing: The New York Times
• Autobiography: Merced College
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The Only (FREE) Autobiography Template You Need – 4 Simple Steps

Are you looking for an autobiography template? 

First things first.

What is your story? Not the shiny, air-brushed one you edit before posting on Instagram or the one you politely share during a writer’s chat on Zoom.

By your story, I mean the one with the cracks in it caused by childhood insecurities or the deep craters forged by unexpected collisions with life—the triumphs and tragedies that are forever etched into your DNA.

Yes, that story.

When you’re truly ready to write an autobiography, you’ll know it because you’ve come to a point in your life where the beauty of sharing your story has nothing to do with perfection. It’s knowing that despite the roller coaster ride that started at birth, you’ve found the courage to stay on it—sometimes holding on for dear life and other times riding with your hands up and screaming at the top of your lungs. 

Get your autobiography template here:

Need A Nonfiction Book Outline?

You’ve lived thoroughly and learned to embrace who you’ve become in the process, scars and all. 

This post will show you the format for writing an autobiography and the best way to package your story so you can provide the best reader experience possible.

This blog gives you a free autobiography template and more…

What is an autobiography.

The basic definition of an autobiography is that it’s a first-person account of your life. It differs from a memoir , which usually focuses on a single event or group of events that lead you to a discovery about yourself, your life, or some other revelation. An autobiography is a look at the total sum of your life from birth (early childhood) to the time of your book’s writing that highlights the key points that shaped who you’ve become.

Ready to start writing your autobiography? Let’s get into it…

What is the format for an autobiography? 

Just like any good story, every autobiography has a beginning, middle, and end. But before you begin filling in the sections, you want to come up with a theme for your book . Most people have too much life content to fit into one book. Selecting the parts that fit under the umbrella of a theme will make the book easier to follow. 

When coming up with a theme, think about what you want the key takeaway to be for the reader. You don’t want to give them some boring slog through your life history. If you want them to feel something, your book needs direction. That’s where your theme takes the lead. By keeping it in the back of your mind while writing, you’ll give your readers a track to stay on. Otherwise, they may lose interest and stop reading.

Once you have your theme, right down the events in your life that are related to your book’s focus. You’ll plug these into the outline as you develop it. 

Some examples of autobiography book themes are:

• Overcoming challenges
• Creating your own destiny
• The unbreakable bonds of family
• A faith journey
• Perseverance

Your theme can be whatever you want it to be, but keep your audience in mind when selecting one. Below you’ll find an autobiography template. It includes an outline with writing prompts in each section. 

Whether you are an “outliner” (someone who outlines) or a “pantser” (someone who writes by the seat of their pants), the outline has enough structure and flexibility to make both writer types happy. 

Autobiography Template: An Outline

I’ve laid out what a traditional autobiography might look like below. But to really help you get the most out of the blog post, I recommend downloading our nonfiction book outline to use alongside this guide.

1.  Introduction 

Before you share your life story, prepare your readers for what is to follow by introducing yourself and telling them what they can expect. You can cover some or all of the following:

• Why you are writing your autobiography?
• What do you hope the reader will take away from the experience?
• Any pertinent information that’s not covered in your book but that is needed for context.

2. The beginning – the early years

Since autobiographies are a condensed view of your life, you want to focus on the significant events that will move your story forward.

• Where do you want to begin your story? 
• Where does your book’s theme first show up when you look back over your life? You want the opening of your book to have an impact, so choose something that will hook your readers and bring them into your world.
• How did your formative years influence how you viewed yourself? What we experience during our childhood can affect us for a lifetime. Consider how the early events of your life developed your character.
• Who influenced you the most during your childhood?
• What defining moments do you remember?

Where (on your timeline) and how you start your story is up to you. You want it to be something strong and significant to have the most impact on your reader. Here are the first few sentences of some autobiographies for inspiration .

“Some would say the McEntires are a very set-in-their-ways, stubborn, hardheaded bunch of people. But I think that hardheadedness is what got Daddy to where he was, Grandpap to where he was, and his father, Pap, to where he was. Some might say it wasn’t all that far- but it was much further than where they started!” 

– Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots by Reba McEntire

(Nostalgia / Specific Event)

“My grandmother Nanny and I were at the picture show. I hadn’t reached two digits yet in age because I distinctly remember my feet couldn’t touch the floor of the movie house. Nanny and I were still living in San Antonio, Texas. My mama and daddy had gone ahead to California, where Nanny and I would later wind up.” – This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection by Carol Burnett

(From Birth)

“ If you know my music, you almost certainly know me as Craig Morgan. But I was actually born Craig Morgan Greer. Craig Morgan came along many years later.” – God, Family, Country: A Memoir by Craig Morgan

• 31 Best Autobiographies
• 30 Celebrity Autobiographies

3. The middle- halfway between the early years and where you are today.

If you are using a timeline to divide your story, the period that you cover during the “middle” of your autobiography depends on how old you are at the writing of your book. If you are in your golden years, your midpoint might be in your 30s or 40s. For someone like Malala Yousafzai , who wrote her autobiography at age 15, her “middle” looked very different. 

Whichever “middle” you choose consider the following:

• What are the defining moments during this time of your life? 
• Did they change how you viewed yourself?
• Did they change the trajectory of what you initially thought you’d do with your life?
• Who had the most influence on your life during this time?
• What are some of the challenges you faced? How did you overcome them?
• Did your worldview change during this time? If so, in what ways?

If your “middle” doesn’t fit neatly into a timeline, consider grouping your autobiography into themed sections.

The autobiography Cash by Johnny Cash groups his story into sections based on places that had special meaning to him: Cinnamon Hill, The Road, Port Rickey, Bon Aqua, and The Road Again.

4. The end—wrap-up

The end of your autobiography is the climax. It’s what you’ve been leading your reader to since the first sentence of your book. 

• Where are you in your life now? What have you learned? How has your journey impacted who you’ve become? 
• How do you want the reader to feel when they read the last sentence of your book? Inspired? Hopeful? Full? Enlightened? Satisfied? All of the above? 
• Is there any part of your life that feels unfinished or incomplete? 
• Looking back over your life, what is the greatest lesson you learned?
• Don’t forget your audience, especially at the beginning of your book. You want to hook your readers early and bring them along for the ride.
• Write an eye-catching autobiography title for your book.
• Leave out the minutia. If it doesn’t move your story along, drop it. 
• Tone matters. A good rule of thumb is to write your story like you were talking to a friend. Your story doesn’t have to be a monotone race to the finish line. Spice it up. Add some sparkle. Make sure your personality shines through. 
• It’s always about the story. Buyers pick up your book to be entertained. Regardless of how serious your story is, it should be presented in a way that makes the reader want to keep turning the page. 
• Every good story has a resolution. Good or bad, offer a resolution for each life conflict you introduce.
• As you share the final pieces of your story, use the end of your story to reflect on where you’ve been, what you’ve learned, and where you plan to go from there. Every relationship that ends can benefit from closure, and if the end of your story is not the end of your relationship with your reader, tell them where they can go to continue getting to know you.

Writing your autobiography is a courageous move, but who better to write your life story than you? If you have experiences that others will find interesting, share! You never know how your journey will impact someone else. 

If you’re serious about getting your story published, Selfpublishing.com has a team of publishing experts who can walk you through the book development process.

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How to Write a Biography: 11 Step Guide + Book Template

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Student Autobiography: Examples, Outline, & Autobiography Format for Students

A student autobiography is a short paper written by a person about their life, achievements, and goals. You often need to compose one when entering a college or when applying for work. Your autobiography shows your attitude towards the chosen path. This is how you let the committee or employer know that you do want to get the position.

We’ve prepared for you a step-by-step guide that will help you write the perfect student autobiography. You will learn the difference between a biography, an autobiography, and a memoir. Then we will explain how to define a goal and outline your essay. In addition, you’ll find autobiography examples for high school and college students at the end of this article. Keep reading and write a remarkable student autobiography using our tips!

• 🆚 Biography vs. Autobiography

📝 Autobiography Format for Students

• 👣 Step-by-step Writing Guide

✏️ Short Autobiography of Myself as a Student: Example

• 👀 Student Autobiography Examples

🆚 Biography vs. Autobiography: What’s the Difference?

Biography versus autobiography. What is the difference between them?

• A biography is a story about a person written by someone else;
• An autobiography is a narration about its author.

Of course, they have many other differences and similarities.

The table below compares these two types of texts.

A common way to structure an autobiography is the past-present-future approach. This way, you can reflect on your past experiences and how they have shaped your present identity and future goals.

In the following table, you’ll find the autobiography’s main parts and great ideas for constructing a compelling narrative of your life.

👣 7 Steps to a Perfect Student Autobiography

Now let’s write a creative student autobiography! We are sure that every person has something exciting to share with others. With our guide below, you’ll be able to express your own experience.

Step 1: Determine Your Goal

The first thing you are to do before writing an autobiography is to define your goal. What are you writing your autobiography for? What is your audience? Are there any requirements? Most student autobiographies feature a similar format. However, if there are any special requirements, you should take them into account.

Below are five questions to help you set up a goal.

Step 2: Outline Your Autobiography

Start working on your student autobiography by creating your life’s timeline . It will help you structure your thoughts in a logical order and see the big picture. Then look at the list of events and choose those worth describing in the text. It is also a good idea to think of the people you will mention.

Once you’ve decided which facts to include, it’s time to draft an outline of your autobiography. A typical one consists of the following parts:

• Introduction . This section provides a general idea of who you are, what your goal is, etc. Your aim here is to grab your reader’s attention. You can do this by starting with a hook or by writing an engaging thesis statement at the end of the paragraph. It could be your goal or a childhood dream you are trying to bring to life.
• Body. This is the base of your text that should contain a description of the events selected before you start creating the outline. You might want to briefly describe your family , childhood , and hobbies . Share something personal that not many people know about. It is also a good idea to talk about your cultural background and the things you like about it. Feel free to write about your achievements and skills. Any small victory will do . It will help if you mention some of your failures but state that you have coped with them. The next thing is to present your future goals and prospects. Where does the college or job you applying for to get fit into your plans?
• Conclusion . The last paragraph of a student autobiography should summarize its main ideas. The conclusion should be more or less the same size as an introduction. Formulate the main idea of your text in one sentence. Repeat here why you want to enter a college or get a job.

Student Autobiography Outline Example

Below you’ll find an outline for an autobiography that could be written by a student who is applying for admission to a vocal department of a college.

• Basic info about the author: name, age, the city they live in.
• Thesis statement: I feel empowered to make a meaningful contribution to art as a vocalist.
• When I was a child, I enjoyed watching talent shows with singers and wanted to be like them. My parents sent me to music school, and a path to my dream began.
• I gave many concerts as a soloist in the choir. I took part in several singing competitions. It was not easy to get the victory, especially with such professional competitors. But I have not given up and practiced my skills, so I have managed to win some of them.
• Now the project of my life is to go further and become a professional vocalist. I would like to go to this college because I believe that you have the best professors that help students develop excellent singing skills.
• Since my childhood, I have done everything I could to sing professionally. The next step to my dream is to enter and graduate from college.

Step 3: Start Writing Your Autobiography

Now, after you have prepared an autobiography outline, let’s proceed to the writing itself. You have already completed the most challenging part. In the introduction, you might want to write a catchy and creative thesis statement or a hook that will draw the reader’s attention.

BTW, if you need any help with formulating a thesis statement, you can use our free thesis maker .

Here are some ideas for your introduction:

• I wondered, how can I become a desired position ?
• The desired position inspires many people to be better. That is why I have chosen this path.
• I decided to enter the name of college , just like my relative/friend did.

Step 4: Write the Body

The body part is the most important one because here you write about your life in detail. You need to expand on the topics you have touched upon in the outline. Be honest and write whatever you find interesting. When you come to the difficult period of your life, do not write about yourself as a victim of circumstances. You need to prove yourself strong and committed to your goal.

Make sure your paragraphs are in a logical order and do not contradict each other in any way. Use linking words to connect the paragraphs coherently. If you do not know how to use them, look at the paragraphs’ examples later in the article!

Step 5: Conclude Your Autobiography

The conclusion is the part where you paraphrase the ideas you have stated in the introduction. Here you also need to summarize the points you have made in the body. Need help with making a summary quickly? Use our free summarizing tool !

Then you need to define the central idea of the autobiography about yourself in one or two sentences. It has to be short, simple, and memorable so that the committee would remember you.

Please do not forget to pay more attention to your goals and plans. Explain how the place you are applying for is going to help you in achieving them. Be sure to add why you think you will fit the position.

Step 6: Title Your Autobiography

We recommend that you do not choose a title for your student autobiography before writing the text itself. This must be the second last step you take because you do not know what your essay is going to be. You may consider some titles after you have composed an outline .

The purpose of the title is to attract attention and be remembered by the reader. The last thing you want to do is to create a boring heading. Write a catchy or inspiring phrase, your motto, or something that characterizes your life journey.

Here are some examples of good and bad titles:

Step 7: Proofread & Relax

The last step you will take is to give yourself a day or at least a couple of hours break. Then read through your autobiography again and check for errors. Maybe you want to add or change something? If the final result suits you, then you have done a great job and can relax. Congratulations, you have your autobiography written!

You might need to write an autobiography when applying to college, seeking scholarships, or as a form of self-reflection. We created a short example to use as a helpful reference for crafting your autobiography. Check it out!

Ralph Emerson once wrote that every artist was first an amateur. My journey as an art student has been a colorful canvas of experiences shaped by a deep-rooted passion for creativity. From a young age, I was immersed in a world of artistic expression, surrounded by the vibrant strokes of my parents’ masterpieces. Growing up in a household where creativity flowed like a river, I was inspired to explore the boundless possibilities of artistic expression. Today, I find myself fully immersed in the world of art, navigating the rich tapestry of art history and contemporary trends. Through my studies, I have had the privilege of honing my craft under the guidance of esteemed mentors, each imparting invaluable insights that have further enriched my artistic journey. Looking towards the future, I aspire to bring my vision to life through my first solo exhibition, where I can share my art with the world. I’m excited about what’s to come and determined to leave a mark in the art world with my work.

👀 Student Autobiography: Examples

In this section, you’ll find great autobiography examples for high school and college students. Use them for inspiration and as templates. They are written as a paper to enter a college in the first case and to get a job with the second. Read them through, and you will be ready to compose your bio!

Autobiography Example for High School Students

A dream i want to share with others.

Autobiography Example for College Students

It turned out not as i expected.

Congrats, now you know everything you need to write an exciting autobiography! We hope our article and student autobiography examples were useful to you. Check out the FAQ section to get rid of all the remaining questions and start writing your essay as soon as possible!

❓ Student Autobiography FAQ

How to start an autobiography.

The first sentence of your autobiography contains your name, age, and status (a high-school student, a college student, or your profession). Then you should present yourself in more detail. What your family is, where you were born and what school you went to. It is very easy and you do not have to imagine anything.

How to conclude an autobiography?

In your autobiography conclusion, you should restate a thesis if you have one and summarize the key points of your text. You don’t have to give any new information here. Make sure you have written about your goals and expectations for the college or job you want to get. Those who will read your essay have to know why you are interested in the position.

How to title an autobiography?

Remember to title your autobiography after it is written. Read your paper through and identify its main idea. What have you emphasized and paid most attention to? Point it out in the title, but do not exaggerate, be confident. It would be best if you draw attention to your person so that the committee or an employer wishes to read it.

How long should an autobiography be?

It depends on your goal. If you want to describe your life to a vast audience, you may write a book of any length you want. When you need to get a job or enter a college, the appropriate size of an autobiography is five paragraphs.

🔗 References

• Autobiography | Definition, History, Types, Examples, & Facts
• Autobiography | Definition of Autobiography by Merriam-Webster
• 9 Tips For Writing Your Autobiography | Everyday Health
• Writing My Autobiography: A Step-by-Step Lesson Plan
• The Autobiography of a Student – JSTOR
• Memoir | Definition of Memoir at Dictionary.com

It's My Life: Multimodal Autobiography Project

• Resources & Preparation
• Instructional Plan
• Related Resources

In this unit, students write autobiographies, illustrate them, and set them to music. Music is a powerful tool to evoke emotion, and students will carefully select songs to accompany the stories from their lives. Students brainstorm lists of important events in their lives, along with images and music that represent those events. They then create storyboards in preparation for the final PowerPoint project. After making revisions, they present their final projects to their peers in class. If PowerPoint is unavailable, students might create posters and play soundtracks using cassette or CD players.

Featured Resources

Stapleless Book : Students use this online tool to plan each slide of an autobiographical PowerPoint presentation.

From Theory to Practice

According to William Kist, "students should be able to both read critically and write functionally, no matter what the medium." We have "broadened the concept of literacy" (cf. Kist) to include multimodal projects so that no student will feel isolated, and every student will gain knowledge and understanding from the sharing of ideas. As the NCTE Statement on Multimodal Literacies states, "The use of different modes of expression in student work should be integrated into the overall literacy goals of the curriculum and appropriate for time and resources invested." This lesson plan encourages such integration by asking students to create multimodal presentations. Further Reading

Common Core Standards

This resource has been aligned to the Common Core State Standards for states in which they have been adopted. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, CCSS alignments are forthcoming.

State Standards

This lesson has been aligned to standards in the following states. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, standard alignments are not currently available for that state.

NCTE/IRA National Standards for the English Language Arts

• 4. Students adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language (e.g., conventions, style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes.
• 5. Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.
• 6. Students apply knowledge of language structure, language conventions (e.g., spelling and punctuation), media techniques, figurative language, and genre to create, critique, and discuss print and nonprint texts.
• 8. Students use a variety of technological and information resources (e.g., libraries, databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge.
• 12. Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion, and the exchange of information).
• It’s My Life Assignment
• Presentation Music and Image Planner
• It’s My Life Project Rubric
• Sample Multimodal Autobiography
• It’s My Life Self-Assessment

Preparation

• Arrange for the use of a computer lab, projector, and CD player.
• Familiarize yourself with PowerPoint. Visit the PowerPoint in the Classroom Website and the PowerPoint tutorials on adding sound and adding music for helpful information and guides. You may also choose to share these Web resources with your students.
• Create a model autobiography presentation for students to view (optional).
• Review fair use and copyright guidelines before having students use copyrighted music and images in their projects.
• Make copies of the Copyright and Fair Use Guidelines for School Projects , It’s My Life Assignment , Presentation Music and Image Planner , Sample Multimodal Autobiography , It’s My Life Self-Assessment , and It’s My Life Project Rubric sheets for your students.
• Test the Stapleless Book on your computers to familiarize yourself with the tool and ensure that you have the Flash plug-in installed. You can download the plug-in from the technical support page .

Student Objectives

Students will

• examine the lyrics to songs and describe how the music and words relate to their life stories.
• organize their thoughts and express their stories by using PowerPoint presentations.
• improve technical skills by familiarizing themselves with PowerPoint.
• evaluate their own work.

Session One

• Present the PowerPoint autobiography assignment to students and explain the required elements. If you have created a model presentation, you can use it to present the concept to students.
• Students will select five important events in their lives. Using written summaries of these events, they will create PowerPoint multimodal autobiographies.
• Students may use recordings from the radio or their personal music collections.
• Students will follow guidelines for fair use of copyrighted images and music. (Explain that this topic will be discussed in detail in the next session.)
• Student will present their slideshows in class. Slideshows are limited to 5–10 minutes in length.
• Students will respond to their peers’ presentations in writing.
• First day of school (e.g., preschool, kindergarten, first grade, middle school, high school)
• A special family trip or vacation
• A family event or milestone
• A personal achievement (e.g., first place in a competition)
• A personal loss
• Explain that in this stage of the writing process, students should write down all of their ideas. If they are working in groups or with the whole class, lay ground rules that encourage all students to share their ideas with the group and that discourage students from critiquing their peers’ responses during this brainstorming stage. Explain that students will have the opportunity to evaluate their lists and select the events that they want to include in their autobiographies in later sessions.
• Have students view the PowerPoint presentation Finding Your Focus: The Writing Process . Discuss the stages of the writing process—including drafting, revising, and editing—and explain that students will go through each of these stages as they work on their autobiographies. The final stage will be the actual publishing of their autobiographies in the form of PowerPoint presentations.
• Ask students to select 8–10 events from their lists and write a brief paragraph summary for each one. Students may also include events that were not included on the lists they created during their brainstorming sessions.
• Have students set aside these summaries to use in a later session. If necessary, have students complete this activity for homework.

Session Two

• Initiate a class discussion by describing a significant event from your own life (i.e., birth of a sibling, parents’ divorce, first car). You can refer to the Sample Multimodal Autobiography for an example.
• Ask a few students to share an event from their own lists, and record each event on the board.
• Have students think about the events described and to connect songs to these events. For example, a student might associate a love song with a family member’s wedding ceremony.
• How does the song make you feel?
• What images come to mind when you think of this event?
• What images come to mind when you think of this song?
• Next play a song or two that you associate with the event from your own life that you’ve described. It doesn’t matter if the songs are not “current” hits; students will understand the feelings behind the music.
• Ask students to discuss how the song fits the event and to suggest other songs they might associate with the same event.
• Have students review the summaries they wrote in Session One.
• From the list of events they described, ask students to select five to include in their autobiographical presentations.
• Pass out the Presentation Music and Image Planner and have students list each of the five events they’ll include.
• Have students use the Presentation Music and Image Planner to write the title of a song and describe an image for each event they will include in their presentations. Students can work with a classmate or in small groups if they are having trouble generating ideas. You may wish to have students begin this activity in class and then complete their planners for homework.
• Be sure to discuss lyrics with students to assure that song selections are classroom-appropriate as determined by teacher and school policy.
• Emphasize that students should avoid using music that involves profanity or derogatory remarks towards any race, gender, and/or religious affiliation. Encourage students to discuss any questionable lyrics with you in advance. Point out you will either approve students’ choice of songs and images or provide suggestions for revision on their planning sheets.
• Have you ever downloaded music or other content from the Internet? What other Internet resources have you used?
• You will need to use music for your presentations. What are some ways you can get the songs you’ll need? From what sources can you download music? Are all of these ways legal?
• Is it OK to use other people’s music in something you are creating?
• Students can use 1–5 images from the same photographer or illustrator without permission.
• Up to 10% of a song can be used in a presentation. That translates to about 30 seconds from one song.
• Students must include a bibliography of any work used in their presentations.
• Before beginning Session Three, review students’ planners to ensure that they understand the assignment and have selected appropriate images and songs. Approve each plan, providing feedback, or make suggestions for revision.
• Meet with students individually to discuss any necessary changes.

Session Three

• Tape sheets of plain paper together along the short edges.
• Divide a large piece of blank paper into equal rectangles.
• Use a blank index card for each PowerPoint slide.
• Use the ReadWriteThink Stapleless Book interactive to plan each slide of their presentation. This tool provides space for students to write the text that will appear on the slide and information about the song they will include, along with space for a simple illustration.
• Before beginning their PowerPoint presentations, students should use the storyboards to lay out their text and images, and to write the titles of the songs and specific lyrics they will use for each slide.
• Have students add the text of the paragraphs they wrote in Session One to their storyboards in this drafting session.
• Remind students of the writing process and explain that they will have the opportunity to revise their text and other elements when they reach the revising stage.
• Allow more than one session of class time to complete this work if required. You can choose to extend this activity to the next class period or have students complete their drafts for homework. Students should also have any CDs or music they want to use available for the next session.
• Provide access to a scanner for students who wish to scan photographs or other images for use in their projects.
• Before moving to the next session, review students’ drafts and provide feedback.

Sessions Four through Six

• PowerPoint in the Classroom
• PowerPoint Tutorial—Adding sound
• Demo: Add music to a presentation
• Once students are comfortable with PowerPoint and have practiced with the software, have them begin creating slides using their drafts/storyboards.
• Remind students of the guidelines for using copyrighted music in their projects.
• Share this adding sounds page from PowerPoint in the Classroom with students, which details how to add portions of a song from a CD to a PowerPoint slide.
• Review students’ progress as they work and provide assistance to students who are having difficulty using PowerPoint.
• Allow additional time as needed for students to work on their projects in or out of class.

Session Seven

• Are slides arranged in an effective way? How are the events in my autobiography arranged? Sequentially? Thematically?
• Can I do a better job of describing each event? Will the reader/viewer understand what I’m trying to communicate?
• Do the images I’ve selected adequately represent the events?
• Does the song reflect my feelings about each event?
• Guide students in working through this stage of the writing process and encourage them to make revisions that will help them more effectively communicate the information included in their autobiographies.

Sessions Eight and Nine

• When students have finished making revisions, have them take turns presenting their PowerPoint autobiographies to the class. Use a projector if you have access to one.
• After all students have completed their presentations, have them respond in writing by completing the It’s My Life Self-Assessment .
• Teach the ReadWriteThink lesson Copyright Infringement or Not? The Debate over Downloading Music to reinforce the concepts of fair use and copyright infringement explored in this lesson.
• Teach the ReadWriteThink lesson The Year I Was Born: An Autobiographical Research Project to have students further explore the autobiography writing genre.
• In place of or in addition to PowerPoint presentations, have students write a typed autobiography, a narrated audio autobiography (set to music) on CD, cassette, or MP3, or a videotaped biography. Students can use the CD/DVD Cover Creator to design and print their covers for their finished presentations.
• Have students use the Profile Publisher to enhance their autobiographies by creating one or more profiles to represent themselves at different times in their lives, with a special focus on the connection between experiences and music.

Student Assessment / Reflections

• Have students reflect on their projects by completing the It’s My Life Self-Assessment .
• Assess students’ PowerPoint projects using the It’s My Life Project Rubric .
• Professional Library
• Strategy Guides
• Student Interactives
• Lesson Plans

The Stapleless Book can be used for taking notes while reading, making picture books, collecting facts, or creating vocabulary booklets . . . the possibilities are endless!

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Tips and Examples to Create Catchy Titles and Get More Readers

An attractive title can trigger reader response, as your title is a snapshot of what to expect in your essay or book. Catchy titles for essays, newsletters, articles, blogs, science projects and autobiographies have a big effect on your readership.

Creative and tricky titles catch the attention of the readers. To fulfill the expectations of the readers, you should also have good content in your essay, article, or newsletter. Here are some examples of catchy titles in different areas of writing. Pay attention while reading the following titles and watch which titles grab your attention.

Science projects

School going children are often interested in science fair projects. A title in the ‘question form’ always arouses curiosity of the reader to know more.

Attractive Titles for Science Projects

~ How do Mosquitoes Breed ~ How to Make an Egg Float ~ Tornado in a Bottle ~ Does Music Affect Plant Growth ~ Why Does the Cow Keep Chewing Cud? ~ Physics of Baseball

Creating unusual titles for essays is almost same as creating attractive titles for science projects. Essay writing is an art but title writing also requires skills.

Good Titles for Essays

~ Three Ways in Which Chemistry is Related to Your Life ~ Importance of Media ~ Bad Effects of High Population ~ Ways to Save Money ~ Is Praying Beneficial ~ Global Warming and Deforestation ~ Pros and Cons of Zoos ~ Bilingual Education in School ~ Living Without Television ~ How Much is Too Much Homework ~ Mobile Phones – Necessity or Nuisance

Impressive Titles for Articles

~ Why is the Sky Blue ~ Why is the Ocean Salty ~ Why Am I Always Hungry ~ Am I Overweight ~ Why Do Dogs Eat Grass ~ Side Effects of Fish Oil ~ Advantages of Internet Banking ~ What Women Want from Men ~ How to be a Good Husband ~ Rioja – Spain’s Great Wine

Newsletters

One of the most common naming techniques used by people is using the name of your niche in your newsletter. This explains what the content is about. The target market also plays an important role. Some names are creative, catchy and easy to remember. The risk in such names is that the audience can’t understand what your newsletter is about.

Appealing Titles for Newsletters

~ Affiliate Marketers Weekly ~ Pet Lovers Tips & Trends ~ Christians Weekly Talks ~ Work at Home Moms ~ Blue Velvet Times ~ Zapping Tides ~ Daily Bread

These days, blogging is quite common. You can express and share your thoughts through your blog. You can even earn a lot of money through advertisements; but for that your blog should have good and authentic content. A good title can definitely bring more visitors. Blog name should be readable and memorable. One should find it easy to spell and pronounce. It should be short and obviously unique. Here are a few examples of good blog-titles.

Nice Titles for Blogs

~ Mind Salad ~ Slow Turtle ~ Fresh Kites ~ Thanks a Lot ~ Daily Insanity ~ Born Confused ~ Death Valley ~ Short Circuit ~ Here Comes da Pain ~ We Regret To Inform U ~ Caffeine in My Brain

Autobiographies

Autobiographies of world-famous personalities are read by people with curiosity. They don’t need any introduction. In fact, a simple title is enough for a reader to pick up the book. Some autobiography titles are symbolic, revealing the facts in the life of the person.

Perfect Titles for Autobiographies

~ Jackie Chan, I Am Jackie Chan: My Life in Action, 1998 ~ Benjamin Franklin, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, 1869 ~ Helen Keller, The Story of My Life, 1903 ~ Mark Twain, Mark Twain’s Autobiography, Posthumous, 1907 ~ Adolf Hitler, Mein Kampf (My Struggle), 1925 ~ Mahatma Gandhi, The Story of My Experiments with Truth, 1927 and 1929 ~ Nirad C. Chaudhuri, The Autobiography of an Unknown Indian, 1951

~ Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, 1969 ~ Ronald Reagan, An American Life, 1990 ~ Nelson Mandela, Long Walk To Freedom, 1995 ~ Barack Obama, Dreams from My Father, 1996 ~ A P J Abdul Kalam, Wings of Fire, 1999 ~ Craig Thompson, Blankets, 2003 ~ Chelsea Handler, My Horizontal Life: A Collection of One-Night Stands, 2005 ~ Ronald Reagan, The Reagan Diaries, 2007 ~ Fidel Castro, My Life – A Spoken Autobiography, 2006 ~ Eminem, The Way I am, 2008

Writing Captivating and Creative Titles

The article title or the newsletter title is the key to getting people to open up and read your article. Catchy titles for science projects can make the reader enthusiastic. A good title sums up what the essay is all about. With the help of a nice title, you can influence a book buyer to buy your book. People do judge the book by its cover. Without an attractive title, the rest of your words may be in vain.

Splendid subject matter

~ For writing impressive titles, you should first take into consideration the subject matter, how you are going to argue, etc. If you have chosen one word, then you should look for the synonyms; as you may get a catchier word than the original word you’ve chosen.

Crisp title

~ Your title should not be either too long or too short. Don’t cram too much information into the title. Re-read your title aloud and check whether it sounds like a paragraph, cut out some words to make it as concise as possible. The title should sound catchy.

~ Being specific will make your reader pay more attention to your articles, essays or newsletters. The title should reflect the things which the audience is looking for.

Target audience

~ Determine your audience and then decide on a title. For writing a better title, you should put yourself in the reader’s shoes.

~ You can then try puns or play on words which can give your title a clever element as long as they’re not overly cheesy.

Imitating famous titles

~ You may try imitating any famous TV show title or select a phrase from any famous song which can work as a catchy title.

Simple words

~ You should avoid difficult to pronounce words in your title. The language should be simple.

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How Math Autobiographies Build Student Confidence

Incorporating a writing task into lessons can help students reflect on their work and see their skills in a new light.

As educators, we understand the crucial role of fostering confidence and a strong math identity in our students. We aim for each student to feel empowered and to see themselves as capable mathematicians every day. One effective way to nurture this mindset is by encouraging students to write a math autobiography. This reflective exercise invites them to consider their entire mathematical journey, which helps build confidence and reinforce the belief that they are inherently skilled at math.

Writing a math autobiography allows students to connect with each other through their mathematical experiences, identify their learning preferences (though those may change), and set future goals. It also highlights the times when they’ve stepped out of their comfort zone and found joy in the challenges they faced. Take a fifth grader, who discovered that “the more challenging math got, the more I loved it.” This realization helped her embrace challenges, because she knew she could enjoy them. 

Similarly, another fifth grader reflected on his experience learning math during the pandemic. He found that virtual learning strengthened his perseverance, and he realized the power of his own resilience. By integrating reading, writing, and talking, this project guides students to develop a mathematical mindset. 

Would Students Describe Themselves as Mathematicians? 

Most students wouldn’t know how to respond, but we know mathematicians each have their own unique and beautiful math history. We can guide students by helping them find what they enjoy as a mathematician, how they hope to be perceived as a mathematician, and what concepts they’re passionate about. In our experience, students uncovered their math identity by using mentor texts and emotion graphs .

Mentor texts provide a mathematician’s perspective while allowing students to reflect on their own math journey. We chose to share mentor texts centered around the theme of perseverance. When we read Nothing Stopped Sophie , by Cheryl Bardoe, a fourth-grade mathematician stated, ”I forget that every person has trouble with math sometimes.” 

We used emotion graphs to help students share their stories and experiences, which allowed them to realize what has shaped their mindset. This visual brainstorming task was the foundation for their math autobiography. As students thought about their math feelings throughout the years, memories flooded into their heads. 

For our upper elementary students, we decided to use three different emojis on the y axis (happy, indifferent, and sad). The x axis listed the time period of their life. Most students had a “before school” category and then listed each grade level individually. 

Planning on Paper and Identifying Relatable Themes 

With these connections made, students were ready to plan their math autobiographies. Each student got six sticky notes to jot ideas related to their own history. When students read biographies, they look for certain elements (dates, challenges or obstacles, achievements, memorable moments, firsts and lasts, and connections or relationships).

They consider their own math history with each of these lenses, which gives them a collection of ideas to get writing. When students place each sticky note on a sheet of plain white paper, they’re able to view all of their ideas at one time and begin to plan their own autobiography. As they write, they can return to their sticky notes over and over again, weaving in each component. Students might plan ahead by adding a star to certain ideas that they want to include. They might also use check marks to keep track of what they’ve included so far. 

In addition, having the sheet with these sticky notes at student workspaces will help teachers engage in writing conferences to help students get started when they’re stuck (and also help students rehearse ideas with partners before writing).

As students began writing, we noticed that each one crafted their own theme. One student reflected on his confidence in math when he wrote, “When I was in kindergarten, that’s when math started to play a role in my life” and “I realized it was not good to be overconfident in my math skills.”

Another student highlighted her perseverance in her math autobiography, saying, “I knew after trying and working hard, I could do it!” A student chose to focus his writing around connecting mathematics to world experiences when he wrote, “Math, I found, was everywhere—in Sesame Street , on cereal boxes, and in chess, my favorite board game—and so I grew as a mathematician.”

Instructional Strategies That Empower Mathematicians

Having the texts out while students are writing is key. Students quickly pointed out that the mentor texts they were reading had illustrations and pictures, so they included pictures in their own math autobiographies. Students wrote captions to convey the theme of their photographs. 

When describing a candy photo he had pasted on his autobiography, a fifth grader wrote, “Mathematicians sort objects. On Halloween, me and my friends gave ‘values’ to every candy to make trading easier.” Mathematicians became motivated to teach others through their own math story. As a result, they became more confident in their math identity.

Showcase Student Projects in Different Ways 

Some students created storybooks, others designed scrapbook pages, and still others wrote by hand, typed, or recorded their voice. Projects included real photographs, graphs, and math symbols in their design. A gallery walk displayed the math autobiographies so that everyone could move around to see the projects. 

In a follow-up discussion, consider asking students: 

• What’s the same about your work and someone else’s work? What is different? 
• What kind of mathematicians are we? Can you finish this statement, “We’re the kind of mathematicians who…”?
• What can we do with math? How would you finish this sentence, “With math, we can…”? (Do this a few times in different ways.) 

Embedding this writing project into any math classroom can help build confidence in students and promote reflection. Elementary mathematicians will craft a successful autobiography when they have time to reflect on their feelings around math, brainstorm memorable moments, and connect with other mathematicians. 

Reflecting on their current feelings about their identity, the more they reflect, the more they’ll grow in and outside of the classroom.