Autobiography Examples – Detailed Outline and Samples

Assigned to write an autobiography in your high school or college?

Confused about where to start?

Don’t panic. You are at the right place.

Explore this detailed guide to understand the concept of writing an autobiography. It will also provide you with some great autobiography examples for a better understanding.

1. What is an Autobiography?

An autobiography is a kind of a self-written story of a person's life. This type of narration has various aims and objectives that depend on the kind of writing that you decide to go with.

Moreover, it has different types. A writer can choose any of them on the basis of what he wants to include in his story.

However, do not confuse the concept of autobiography with a biography. It is because a biography is an account of someone's life experiences. But make sure the writer is someone else who wants to share their life story. You must have gone through the biographies of some famous people such as Abraham Lincoln.

Here, we have mentioned a detailed template and outline structure to start an autobiography. Follow these autobiography format examples to write a perfect piece of writing as your college and high school assignment.

Continue reading to learn more about how to write an autobiography.

1.1 Autobiography Types

Below-mentioned are the four main types of autobiography. These include:

• Traditional Autobiography – It is a complete story that covers all the life events including birth, childhood and adulthood. You can write it for personal use. However, if you feel that your life can be inspiring for others, you can also write it for the wider public.
• Memoir – It focuses on describing a specific event, relationship, time period or place that has an effect on your personality and life. For example, it may include your hometown or an important relationship.
• Personal Essay – It is the idea of sharing your life story with the audience in a way that they feel as if they were a part of it. Similarly, it also describes two aspects including the event and how it affected the beliefs.
• Confessional – Some people find comfort in writing about their mistakes and sins. Thus, they write this type of autobiography so that people will learn from their mistakes and avoid them.

2. Autobiography Examples

Examples are an essential way to learn something in less time. Therefore, we have stated some examples for you to write your autobiographies. These will also help to learn about a proper autobiography template and structure. Have a look at them to get a better understanding.

2.1 Cultural Autobiography

A cultural autobiography example is given below. It discusses the significant elements of owning a culture. Get a comprehensive understanding by reading this document.

2.2 Educational Autobiography

Below-mentioned is an educational autobiography sample that explains the academic background of a Nicholas Baker. Have a look at the file to know more about the format and structure.

2.3 Famous Personality Autobiography

This document will provide you with everything to get started with your famous personality autobiography. It elaborates the family, education and career details of the Wolfgang Ketterle. Continue reading to know more about it.

2.4 Funny Autobiography

Learn to write a funny autobiography with the help of the following document that indicates the funny life incidents of Anna Albareda Coca.

2.5 High School Autobiography

The complete format guide of a high school autobiography is given below. It describes the high school incidences of Maria Bacarella along with her future plans. Read and find out more with the file.

2.6 Literary Autobiography

Literary autobiography is a type of autobiography that contains the life story of Benjamin Franklin. It includes his family life, career and achievements. Read more to understand better.

2.7 Personal Autobiography

This personal autobiography example contains information about the life story of Amanda L. Winter. Read more to get a better understanding.

2.8 Professional Autobiography

The professional autobiography file contains the details regarding the professional life of an Indian economist named Pranab K. Bardhan. Read the paper to write your professional autobiography successfully.

2.9 Scientific Autobiography

This sample provides a complete and detailed analysis of writing a scientific autobiography. Have a look at the file to know more about it.

2.10 Short Autobiography

The short autobiography example offers in-depth knowledge of the complete structure and format of writing short bios. Continue reading to know more about it.

3. The Dos and Don'ts of an Autobiography

A successful autobiography indicates the author's ability to present a worth telling story. There are a wide variety of things that you can talk about while writing your personal narratives.

However, the following are some dos and don'ts of writing an autobiography that will help in refining your writing skills.

3.1 Dos

Some dos of writing an autobiography are:

3.1.1 Understanding the Intended Audience

There is a huge difference when you are writing an autobiography for your friends or a group of strangers. Because it requires extensive details about life events and experiences. Thus, make sure to include facts that you consider significant.

3.1.2 Developing A Core Concept

It is essential to identify the central theme of your autobiography. Moreover, a well-structured outline is also a proper way of associating one event with another. It will also set the interest of the readers by keeping the story consistent from the beginning to the end.

3.1.3 Do Tell the Truth

Do not portray yourself as the hero or villain of the story. Instead, tell the truth and acknowledge your mistakes by exposing your strengths and weaknesses.

3.1.4 Revising and Editing

Read aloud what you have written and do some editing. Check if your ideas flow logically and look out for interrupted thoughts.

3.1.5 Do Seek Feedback

Ask your friends and family to read your work and provide you with feedback. Understand the difference between fair criticism and forced judgement.

3.2 Don'ts

Below mentioned are some don'ts of writing an autobiography.

3.2.1 Do Not Mention Unnecessary Details

Include relevant details and struggles when narrating your life story. Avoid adding unnecessary details. Instead, share the information that is directly related to your story.

3.2.2 Stop Worrying About Others

Your story may contain some details that can have a negative effect on others. Do not worry about them and rearrange all the details.

Moreover, remember that you are not here to please everyone. Thus, avoid writing for a broader audience and make your story too generic and specific for the readers.

3.2.3 Discuss Why Your Story Is Inspiring

If your main goal is to inspire people with your story, show them how you felt instead of telling them directly. Allow the audience to come to the conclusion through your writing style.

3.2.4 Avoid Copying Someone's Story

It is a big mistake to copy someone's work to make your story compelling. Find the hook and unique points that are marketable. Also, think of all these details before you begin writing.

Autobiographies aim to educate and inform others in some ways. This blog has provided all the essential details to write an autobiography.

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