1. St. Louise de Marillac College of Sorsogon
Higher Education Department
S.Y: 2011-2012
Jushabeth G. Garcera
BSEd-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.

2. 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.