Biographical Approach Paper Format

What goes into a biographical approach paper? Like other approach papers, this is a tool for initial analysis of a subject. As you think through each element of the paper, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the person profiled.

Header

Person:
When they lived:
Where they lived:

Life Summary

Write an interesting 1-2 paragraph summary of the person’s life.

Key Players

Choose 3-4 key people involved in the person’s life and list 4-5 vividly descriptive words for each person. Each word may be used only once, and may not be used to describe more than one person.

Discussion Questions

Think carefully about the person and his or her life and write three analytical discussion questions that would help to reveal more about his or her character and achievements.

Significant Event or Achievement

Choose an event or achievement that seems to be the most significant point or climax in the person’s life and write a one paragraph description.

Significant Point Explanation

Why do you believe this was a significant point in the person’s life? How is this person and his or her achievement remembered today? Write a fully-developed paragraph in response to these two questions. Support your position with quotes from the text or other sources, if appropriate.