Creating an Outline for a
Biographical Essay
So where do I start?
• Whether you’re writing an argumentative
essay, an expository essay, a biographical
essay, or anything in-between, you can always
benefit by creating an outline
• In traditional essay writing there will always
be an introductory paragraph (or paragraphs)
with a strong thesis followed by 3 or more
body paragraphs and finally a concluding
paragraph (or paragraphs)
Thesis
• In argumentative essays, the thesis tends to be a
statement of fact in which you voice your opinion on a
particular subject being argued
“there should be more lenience on gun control”
Vs
“there should be stricter laws on gun control”
• As for biographical essays, such as the one you will be
writing on Mary Shelley, the thesis statements are a
little different…
Thesis for Biographical Essay
Dr. Seuss is a good children’s book author
President John F Kennedy lived an interesting life
and had many accomplishments
Helene Cixous, a French feminist theorist, made a
remarkable impression in the world of feminine
fiction. Although she was considered radical
during her early years, her written works
continue to be a corner stone for modern gender
theorists.
Organization
• There are a number of different ways to
organize a Biographical essay, but the easiest
way if chronological, starting with the persons
childhood and working up to their
acomplishments
Beginning an Outline
• Begin by compiling your research and
determining what you know and what you still
need to know
• Start by creating broad topics and then
working on creating smaller topics within
those broader topics
• Always start by writing your thesis and then
you can branch out from there
Introduction
I. Introduction
A. Attention Getter (This could be an
interesting fact.)
B. Brief introduction to the person (could be
what the person is famous for)
C. Thesis: ________________ had an
interesting life and many accomplishments.
Body Paragraphs Outline Example
I. Early Life
(Body)
a. Birthplace and date of birth
b. Family background and childhood
c. Schools, colleges and early young adult experiences
II. Adult Life
(Body)
a. Marriage
b. children
c. personal life
III. Famous years (Body)
a. What is this person’s talent?
b. What makes this person stand out?
c. Important Accomplishments
IV. Famous years (Body)
a. Why is this person one of the 100 most influential people of the year, according
to Time magazine?
b. Did they make the world a better place, or maybe a worse place?
c. Did they affect people positively or negatively?
Conclusion Examples
Conclusion
A. Review Main Points: (You could summarize each body paragraph in one
sentence.)
B. Restate Thesis
C. Closing: (-2 sentences that ends the paper without saying things like “That is all.
I hope you liked it.”)
OR>>>
Conclusion (Summary)
a. Give your opinion of them based on what you have learned doing
your research. (You can do this without saying “I think” or “I have learned”
Avoid using “I” in a Biographical paper- the paper is not about you)
b. Summarize your information