Grade 8 English
Chasing A Dream/No Limits
Biographical Essay
Due Date: ___________________
Approximate length: 300-400 words
A biographical essay is a paper that describes a person’s life and is usually in
chronological order.
Directions_________________________________________________
Students are asked to choose one name from the list and create a biographical essay
on that person. (See handouts on how to write a biographical essay). The people on
the list are generally well known and have ‘achieved their dreams’.
Students are advised to follow the Biographical Essay Format listed below. Essays
should be word-processed / typed (12 pt. font) or neatly written in dark blue or black
ink. The scoring rubric for the essay is also below.
Biographical Essay Format_____________________________________
 Title page
 Introductory paragraph
 Topic sentence & body paragraph #1 (Early Life/Challenges)
 Topic sentence and body paragraph #2 (Turning Points/Big Breaks)
 Topic sentence and body paragraph #3 (Achieving of Dreams and Success)
 Concluding paragraph (Impact on the World/Legacy)
 Reference Page (books, websites etc.)
Grade 8 English Research Scoring Rubric
Title Page (title, student name)
_____/2
Introduction (gets readers attention, coherent, sets up essay)
_____/5
Body (information is clear, well organized and engaging)
_____/15
Conclusion (pulls together the essay, displays clarity, thoughtful)
_____/5
Conventions (spelling, grammar, sentence structure)
_____/5
Reference Page (minimum of three, consistent)
_____/3
Total Score: _____/35 = _____%
Teacher Comments:
Biography Essay/Photo Essay Subjects
Chasing a Dream & No Limits Unit
1. Albert Einstein
2. Walt Disney
3. J.K. Rowling
4. Bill Gates
5. Steven Spielberg
6. Stephen King
7. Oprah Winfrey
8. Harry Houdini
9. Stephen Hawking
10. Malala Yousafzai
11. Bethany Hamilton
12. Mary Shelley
13. Marilyn Monroe
14. Emily Dickinson
15. Theodor Seuss Geisel
16. The Beatles
17. Stephenie Meyer
18. Beyonce
19. Alicia Keys
20. Lionel Messi
21. Another ‘person who has achieved their dreams’ approved by
your ELA teacher.