How to Write a Biographical Sketch (Bio-Sketch)

Unlike a full-length biography (which is an entire book), a bio-sketch is brief—usually around 100 to 150 words.

In exams, you are usually provided with a set of point-wise clues (like Birth date, Education, Career, Awards, Death) about a famous personality or a fictional character. Your task is to use these clues to draft a grammatically correct, cohesive paragraph.

There is no rigid layout like a formal letter, but you must follow these rules:

1. Title: Always give a clear heading (e.g., Biographical Sketch of APJ Abdul Kalam).
2. Third Person: Always write in the third person using pronouns like He, She, His, Her. Never use 'I' or 'You'.
3. Chronological Order: Follow the timeline of the person's life:
   • Introduction: Name, birth date, birthplace, and family background.
   • Body: Education, profession, major struggles, and achievements.
   • Conclusion: Awards won, date of death (if applicable), and their legacy or contribution to society.
4. No Extra Fluff: Stick exactly to the clues provided. Do not invent new facts, but you can use connecting words and phrases to make the sentences flow smoothly.

Clues:

• Name: Nelson Mandela
• Born: July 18, 1918, South Africa
• Career: Anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician
• Achievement: First Black President of South Africa (1994-1999)
• Award: Nobel Peace Prize (1993)
• Death: Dec 5, 2013

Bio-Sketch Answer:

Nelson Mandela: A Global Icon of Peace Nelson Mandela was a legendary anti-apartheid revolutionary and political leader. He was born on July 18, 1918, in South Africa. He dedicated his entire life to fighting against the cruel system of racial segregation known as apartheid. Despite facing immense hardships, his determination remained unshaken. In recognition of his peaceful struggle for equality, he was awarded the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. History was made when he became the first Black President of South Africa, serving from 1994 to 1999. He passed away on December 5, 2013, leaving behind a profound legacy of forgiveness, peace, and human rights.