St. Louise de Marillac College of SorsogonHigher Education Department

S.Y: 2011-2012

Jushabeth G. GarceraBSEd-III

AUTOBIOGRAPHY From the Greek word autos”self”, bio “life” and graphy/ graphein means “to write”. It is like a biography. A record of life, but it is written by the subject.

An account of a person life written by that person. A self-written biography; the story of one’s own life.

Different Kinds of Autobiography: Letters Memoirs Diaries Journals

Kinds of Autobiographical Writings:a. FIRST CATEGORY

- Focuses primarily on events remembered or participated in by the writer (memoirs and reminiscences).

b. SECOND CATEGORY- Emphasizes personal examination or analysis, as in CONFESSIONAL LITERATURE. The

latter may be either loose in form (letters, fragmentary diaries and autobiographical incidents in novels) or carefully shaped retrospective narratives.

Tips in Writing an Autobigraphy:1. GET A FEEL FOR THE WORK

- Read some of the great life stories. For you to have a background information on how to write an autobiography.

2. BE HONEST- Your life is plenty interesting stories and there is absolutely no need for fictional

adaptation or exaggeration.- For you to don’t have any trouble in writing your storyline.

3. BE YOUR FUNNY SELF- Don’t try to be anything else. If you are funny, so be it. If not, be serious.- Be yourself.

4. WRITE WHAT PLEASES YOU- You should put together a story that you think is interesting.

5. INTENDED AUDIENCE- Determine who your audience will be. If you are writing to your family and friends, it

should be less detailed when describing the settings. If it is for the strangers, it need more complex word picture to understand the setting and characteristics of the people in your autobiography.

6. DEVELOP A CORE CONCEPT- Determine one main reoccurring theme that defines the story of your life. It will

help catch the attention and interest of the reader.

7. START WITH AN OUTLINE- Some writers choose to list their story chronologically from their birth to present.

Others arrange their story according to the theme or major events. Which even the format you choose, having a written outline will help you keep organized.

- You can include your 5 senses. What, who, when, where and how are the questions to be considered.

8. JUST THE FACTS- After you write, go back and read. Check for any awkward phrasing or sentences.

9. WRITING TOOLS- If you find that you are struggling to write, you can consult the dictionary,

thesaurus, and word processing program.

10. KEEP YOUR CONFIDENCE UP- Your personal ability to write is more than adequate for your autobiographical

effort. Never doubt it.

11. KEEP YOUR FOCUS- Find a time that is fit to your schedule.- Find a place wherein you feel relax and you can concentrate.

12. ENLIST OTHERS TO HELP- Enlist the help of your friends, family that can make the task of editing your finished

autobiography easier. Keep in mind that while suggestions are offered, you do not have to make every change suggested by each person. As the author, you have the final say on what changes to be made.