When students are asked to complete an essay of this type, they are usually puzzled. They immediately think of Donald Trump’s Surviving at the Top or Richard Branson’s Losing My Virginity. Those are great biographical books. But this is not about a book as you’re just college student, after all.
Professors don’t teach how to write an autobiography. All they do is go through their lectures and leave everything else to you. So you’re left browsing through Internet, trying to find specific guide that teaches covering all steps.
This article is perfect formatting, structure and style guide on how to write autobiography essay of yourself. Plus, we’ll include an autobiography essay example for better demonstration. Mind that we have a biography writing service just for you!
Autobiography Essay in a Nutshell
Let’s clarify: what is an autobiography paper, exactly? It’s standard essay about personal experience. It’s different from personal essay. It can be about your feelings regarding any topic, but autobiography format is focused on events.
But why do they demand it for college? You’re not writer or famous personality and took this writing class because you thought it would help deal with all those written assignments. Well, American colleges are getting more competitive by the day. They try to make education more challenging for their students.
One may also need to write this type of essay for scholarship application. In that case, it’ll be called personal statement, and you’ll need to link experience to studies. Explain why you deserve scholarship as student and person. If you are looking for reliable help with assignments the article review writing service from EduBirdie will fulfill your writing needs.
Types of Biographies
There are three different types:
Autobiography – narrative of someone’s life or particular experience, written by that person in first person. Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank is an autobiography.
Biography – narrative of life/particular event, which can be written by another author. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson is biography. Don't hesitate to hire our biography writing service.
Memoir – similar to autobiography, but focused on writer’s earlier experiences. It may be about exceptional places, events, or people from writer’s life. Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway is memoir.
Step-by-Step Writing Guide
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It is time for actual tips. You can do this! Just complete a plan and follow it precisely. This is how the process goes:
1. Think about Your Audience
This is the first level in any writing: write for people who will read this essay. If it is for class, think: what do professors expect? They give some hints throughout lectures, be all ears? They have definitely told me what a good autobiographical essay should look like. And if you’re writing this for the scholarship committee, think about the way they select their candidates. What kind of story and style would convince them that you deserve this chance?
2. Choose Your Story
When you’re wondering how to start an autobiography, this is first step: choose experience. Good-old brainstorming technique is still useful. Take a piece of paper and list some most important things you’ve experienced so far. It may be vacation, first job, first swimming marathon, meeting with best friend… If you’re free to choose the theme for an essay, take advantage of that flexibility. When you have few ideas, choose most attractive topic and focus on it.
3. Complete an Outline
This is a standard paper. It should have an introduction, body, and conclusion. What will you write in those sections? Add some bullet points in template. They’ll serve as guidelines, so you won’t cause digressions while writing.
4. Try Freewriting Technique
Follow outline points and compose whatever you want. Do not go back at sentences to edit at this stage. Set yourself loose and complete entire paper. You’ll edit later.
5. Editing Step
If you want to edit autobiography essay yourself, take some time away from it. Then, go through the text, pay attention to logical order, gaps in information, excessive wording, and grammar/spelling. Do it perfect! For foreign students or for those who are not really good at grammar, hiring an online proofreading service at Edubirdie would be a smart idea.
Excellent Tips for Autobiography
Now that you know how to cover the process, use some extra tips that will make it easier.
- Be honest! It’s easy to exaggerate things about experiences, but don’t do that. Readers will appreciate paper more if it’s realistic.
- While figuring out how to write an autobiographical essay, it is easy to become rigid and boring. Usually, people omit details to impress readers. That’s not correct approach. This is an essay about you. So set yourself free while writing!
- Maintain logical flow! Do events have clear connection when you talk about them? Can reader understand where actions come from?
- Make it easy to read. Do not use “big” words, thinking they would make you look more special.
Best Autobiography Paper Example for an A Grade
It has been almost decade, but I remember that day as vividly as if it was yesterday. It was a day that felt like whole year. Sad, melancholic, rainy day in a country so poor that it is hard to describe. Parents unemployed. Son and daughter studying. That’s how most families looked like, and that was picture of my family, too.
I wake up early in the morning, ready to catch the train and arrive on time for that exam. But my wallet is empty. I don’t have money for ticket. My mother, broken down but trying not to show it, borrows money from her friend. So that her daughter can go take that exam. “She studied so much.”
Something brakes in me as I take money. Humiliated and infuriated. I get into that bus and can’t control tears and huge change happening inside me. This was that moment. From that day on, nothing was the same. I had to become more involved in my own life and start making changes. Not just for me, but for everyone around me as well. The thing that broke me became the thing that enlightened me.
Questions Checklist for Successful Writing
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Who is your audience?
- Tailor your tone and content to match the interests and expectations of your readers.
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What is your main purpose?
- Determine if you want to entertain, inform, or inspire your audience.
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What major events will you include?
- Choose significant life events that have shaped your character and life path.
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How do these events reflect your personality?
- Show how these experiences have influenced your personal growth and traits.
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What challenges did you face?
- Describe obstacles you've encountered and how you overcame them to provide depth to your story.
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Who influenced you the most?
- Identify key individuals who had a significant impact on your life and explain their influence.
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What are your future goals?
- Share your aspirations and what you've learned from your experiences to conclude your autobiography on a forward-looking note.
Additional Tips
- Be Honest: Authenticity makes your story more relatable and engaging.
- Maintain Logical Flow: Ensure your narrative is coherent and easy to follow.
- Keep it Engaging: Use vivid descriptions and emotional depth to captivate your readers.
Final thoughts
Writing an autobiography is a transformative experience that allows you to delve into the depths of your personal history and share your unique journey with others. By addressing essential questions such as who your audience is, what major events shaped your life, and how these experiences reflect your personality, you create a narrative that is both authentic and engaging. Your honesty and logical flow will resonate with readers, making your story memorable and impactful.
Remember, every life story has the power to inspire. Whether you faced significant challenges or had influential mentors, sharing these moments can provide valuable lessons to others. As you conclude your autobiography, consider your future goals and the wisdom you have gained, offering readers a glimpse into your aspirations and the ongoing journey of your life. Start your writing journey now, and let your story inspire and connect with others. Ready to share your unique journey with the world? Start writing your autobiography today and let your story inspire others. Need help? Contact us for professional writing assistance!
