Biography

A biography is a written account of a person’s life. It includes important information about the person’s birth, education, career, achievements and contributions. In the SEE examination, students are often asked to write a short biography based on given clues.

Writing a biography helps us learn about the lives of important people and present factual information in an organised way. It develops research, organisation and writing skills. It is a common guided writing task in Grade 10 SEE English.

Clues: Pasang Lhamu Sherpa – born 10th December 1961, Soirukhumbu – first Nepali woman to climb Mt. Everest – climbed on 22nd April 1993 – faced many difficulties – died during descent – national heroine – awarded many honours Model Biography: Pasang Lhamu Sherpa Pasang Lhamu Sherpa was born on 10th December 1961 in Soirukhumbu, Nepal. She was a brave mountaineer and the first Nepali woman to successfully climb Mount Everest. She reached the summit on 22nd April 1993. She faced many difficulties during the climb, including bad weather and physical hardship. Unfortunately, she died during the descent. Pasang Lhamu Sherpa is regarded as a national heroine of Nepal. She was awarded many honours for her courage and achievement. She remains an inspiration for Nepali women and mountaineers.

Study the clues carefully. Write your own biography first. Then compare it with the model answer.

Clues: Gautam Buddha – born 563 BC, Lumbini – prince of Kapilvastu – left palace in search of truth – attained enlightenment under Bodhi tree – founded Buddhism – taught non-violence and peace – died at Kushinagar Model Biography: Gautam Buddha Gautam Buddha was born in 563 BC in Lumbini, Nepal. He was the prince of Kapilvastu. Although he lived a life of luxury, he left the palace in search of truth after seeing human suffering. He meditated under a Bodhi tree and attained enlightenment. He then founded Buddhism and spent the rest of his life teaching the principles of non-violence, peace and the Middle Path. He died at Kushinagar. Gautam Buddha is revered all over the world as a great spiritual teacher.

Clues: Mahatma Gandhi – born 2nd October 1869, India – studied law in England – fought against racial discrimination in South Africa – led India’s independence movement – followed non-violence and truth – called Father of the Nation – assassinated in 1948 Model Biography: Mahatma Gandhi Mahatma Gandhi was born on 2nd October 1869 in India. He studied law in England and later went to South Africa, where he fought against racial discrimination. After returning to India, he led the country’s independence movement against British rule. He strongly believed in non-violence and truth. His methods of peaceful protest inspired people all over the world. He is known as the Father of the Nation in India. He was assassinated in 1948. Gandhi remains a global symbol of peace and non-violence.

Clues: Tenzing Norgay – born 29th May 1914, Solukhumbu – famous Sherpa mountaineer – climbed Mt. Everest with Edmund Hillary on 29th May 1953 – first to reach the summit – received many awards – died in 1986 Model Biography: Tenzing Norgay Tenzing Norgay was born on 29th May 1914 in Solukhumbu, Nepal. He was a famous Sherpa mountaineer. On 29th May 1953, he and Sir Edmund Hillary became the first people to successfully reach the summit of Mount Everest. This historic achievement made him famous all over the world. He received many awards and honours for his bravery and skill. Tenzing Norgay died in 1986. He is remembered as one of the greatest mountaineers in history.

Clues: Araniko – born 1245, Kathmandu Valley – talented Nepali artist and architect – invited to China by Emperor Kublai Khan – designed famous white stupa and other buildings – introduced Nepali art style to China – died in 1306 – remembered as a great artist Model Biography: Araniko Araniko was born in 1245 in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. He was a highly talented artist and architect. He was invited to China by Emperor Kublai Khan of the Yuan Dynasty. In China, he designed the famous white stupa and several other important buildings. He introduced the Nepali style of art and architecture to China. Araniko died in 1306. He is still remembered as one of the greatest artists and architects of Nepal.

Clues: Your favourite teacher – name, subject – qualified and experienced – teaches clearly – kind and helpful – encourages students – popular among students – role model Model Biography: My Favourite Teacher My favourite teacher is Mr. Ram Prasad Sharma, who teaches English at our school. He is a qualified and experienced teacher. He explains lessons clearly and makes the class interesting. He is kind, patient and always ready to help students with their problems. He encourages us to work hard and develop good habits. Because of his friendly nature and excellent teaching, he is popular among all the students. I regard him as my role model and respect him very much.