Name__________________________________________ #______Date____________________

AUTOBIOGRAPHY
Unit 1 Writing Project

The first writing project is an autobiography. Use this guideline to help you write one.

What is an autobiography?
An autobiography is a story a person writes about his or her own life. Your task is to write YOUR
life story.

Why am I writing an autobiography in fourth grade?

This project supports our writing curriculum as you organize and compose your entries using the
expected paragraph/essay format. It also reinforces our narrative and informative writing genres.
In addition, we hope this project encourages discussions with family members as you come up with
“stories” to tell about your life. This autobiography will act as a time capsule, recording your
interests, dreams, and personality at nine or ten years old.

What are some ideas you can include in your story?

 Description of yourself
 When and where you were born
 Your family
 Important events in your life
 Your likes and dislikes
 Timeline

What should I title it?

Possible titles can be All About Me, My Life, or Growing Up. Be creative and see if you can develop
a title that best represents you!

What is required to be in the autobiography?

 Decorated and entitled book cover
 Decorated title page
 Dedication page
o To whom you are dedicating it and why
 Table of Contents
 Autobiography entries
o all pages 1-20 filled with text, pictures, and/or illustrations
o requirement of the number of pages with text
 Pictures and/or illustrations throughout the book
 Timeline
o at least 10 entries that show a memorable event/trip/adventure in your life
o should not just be birthdays
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What are some topics you can include in your story?
There is no specific amount of entries you need to include in your story. It depends on the quality
and quantity of information you have on a topic. The entire book, however, should be filled with
entries, pictures and/or illustrations. Here are some possible topics you could write about.
 Descriptions of yourself
 When and where you were born
 Your family
 Important events in your life
 Your likes and dislikes
 Timelines

How should I plan my entries?

In class we will begin the brainstorming process. You can use the attached sheets to help you
decide what topics you can write the most fluently about. Once you have decided, fill in the flee
maps to help you plan your paragraphs.

How should I write the entries?

You should write the entries in clear paragraph or multi-paragraph form. Depending on the topics
you choose, you may have enough information to write only one clear, detailed paragraph or you may
have enough information for more than one paragraph. Whichever you choose based on the details
you want to include, be sure to follow the following guidelines for your entries.

One-paragraph Entry Multi-paragraph Entry

 Begin with a clear topic sentence that
explains to the reader what your
entry/topic is about.
 Have at least 3 supporting details to
better explain your topic.
 Include transitions before each new
supporting detail.
 Give examples of your supporting details.
 Summarize your topic with a closing
sentence.
 Begin with an introductory paragraph
that ends with a thesis statement to
explain to your reader what the whole
entry/topic is about.
 Begin each body paragraph with a clear
topic sentence that explains to the
reader what your entry/topic is about.
 Have a least 3 supporting details for each
body paragraph to better explain your
topic.
 Include transitions before each new
supporting detail in each body paragraph.
 Give examples of your supporting details
in each body paragraph.
 Summarize your topic with a closing
paragraph.

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Can I include illustrations and photographs?
Using pictures and photographs really make your project more visual and enjoyable for the reader.
You can scan, or copy old pictures from home. If you prefer to draw, that’s acceptable too. Try
using both ideas. Pictures make your words come alive and add interest for the readers

How will it be graded?

Refer to the rubric in the packet to help you earn the maximum points.

How much should my parents help me?

Your parents are more than welcome to help you discuss your ideas for writing, find pictures or
images to include, and offer suggestions and guidance. The paragraphs should clearly express your
voice and writing style.

Have fun with your project!

The autobiography is due on Friday, October 25, 2019

---------Tear off and return this section to your teacher by Wednesday, September 18, 2019--------

______________________________________________ ________________________
Student’s Name Date

We have received and read the instructions for the assigned autobiography.

________________________________________
Parent’s Signature

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 Suggested Time Management Plan for the Autobiography
The following guide is intended to be a helpful guide in breaking down the parts of the assignment into
manageable pieces for your student. It is suggested that your child work 20 to 30 minutes each school night
on this in order to complete the project in a timely manner. Please feel free to adapt this time management
plan to fit your schedule.

Weeks 1 and 2 (September 16-20 and September 23-27)

 Pre-write
o Make a list of topics you wish to write about.
o Include some details and examples.
 Draft
o Start putting your ideas together in paragraph form.
o Write your draft on separate paper, not in your book.
o Be sure to include a topic sentence, transitions before each new detail, examples, and a closing.

Weeks 3 and 4 (September 30-October 4 and October 7-11)

 Continue working on Draft
o Finish writing first draft of the sections for your autobiography.
o Plan how you will lay them out in the bare book.
o Start planning where you will include pictures and illustrations.
 Timeline
o Plan out and make first draft of timeline with at least 10 events.
 Revising
o Read your autobiography to see how you can make it better.
o Did you develop your ideas adequately?
o Did you select descriptive, interesting words?
o Ask for another’s opinion.

Week 5 (October 14-18)

 Editing
o Proofread your autobiography for corrections in grammar, spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.
o Ask for another’s opinion.
 Publishing
o Start putting everything into the bare book.
o Remember, neatness counts.
o Use erasable ink or type using size 14 or 16 font.
o Put in all pictures and illustrations.
o Be colorful.
o Be creative.

Week 6 (October 21-25)

 Publishing
o Continue to work on and finish publishing your autobiography.
o Plan and work on the book cover.
o Have everything ready to bring to school on Friday, October 25.

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 BOOK LAYOUT

In class, we numbered the pages in our bare book. Use this guide to help lay out
your book.

Pages Requirements
A and B Photograph and/or illustration
Title page – Include the title, your name, due date, and a
C
picture
D Photograph or illustration
E Dedication
F Photograph or illustration
G Table of Contents for your autobiography
H Photograph or illustration
Your autobiography. (Titles for each section, text, and
1 – 18
pictures.)
19 – 20 Timeline with at least 10 entries
Book Cover
Book title, author, picture is optional.
(the actual hard cover of the book)
Book Jacket
Book title, author, and picture
(the folded paper cover for the book)

Organize your autobiography into sections or chapters. Be sure to number each

page and give each section or chapter a title. A timeline of your life is also
required, so be sure to include this in your autobiography.

The autobiography is due Friday, October 25, 2019.

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 Autobiography Rubric

This is what to be sure to include in your autobiography.

Section Description Earned Points
 Contains all required parts
o Book cover
o Title page
o Dedication page (who and why)
Content o Table of Contents
_________
(10 points possible) points
o Autobiography (pages 1-20 filled with text, pictures, and/or
illustrations)
o Pictures and/or illustrations
o Timeline (at least 10 entries)
 Section titles
 Proper paragraph form (in single paragraph sections or multiple-
paragraph sections)
o Topic sentence
Writing Skills o Transitions before each new detail __________
(30 points possible) o At least 3 details in each paragraph with examples for points
each
o A closing sentence
 Good use of punctuation, grammar, spelling, and capitalization
 Accurate spelling
 Use of descriptive, interesting words (vivid verbs, adjectives, and
Writing Style adverbs)
(30 points possible)  Uses a variety of sentence type (simple, compound, and complex) __________
 Narrative is written in an interesting way points

Neatness
 Follows required format
and  Autobiography section has page numbers and section titles
Organization  Neatly placed and arranged text, pictures/illustrations __________
(15 points possible) points

Effort
 Book shows evidence of strong effort
and  Includes unique and creative ideas, title, section title, and
Creativity presentation of information __________
(15 points possible) points

Total Possible Points

_______/100

Final Grade __________

____________________________________________________________
Comments
____________________________________________________________

Oral Presentation
Voice Projection

Expression

Listening
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