How do you write a biography that doesn't sound like an encyclopedia entry?

Question

I'm currently in APUSH (advanced placement united states history) in my junior year of high school.

We get what are called "people projects" where you write biographies on a specific list of people.. and the directions say not to make it sound like an encyclopedia entry..

can anyone explain how i would write a biography about someone like...William Penn or Anne Hutchinson, without making it sound like an encyclopedia entry?! I'm so confused!

Thanks in advance..

Answer 1

You could make it an interview with the person. You ask questions, the person answers them. It could be a great way to include information that most reports wouldn't cover.

Answer 2

Write it like a book or story.  That way it sounds interesting and not boring.  I think that an encyclopedia biography would just be one that is really boring.  For example, Henry was born on May 7, 1976.  He went to school in New York....  I just made that up but hopefully it made sense.   Good luck in your class!

I forgot to put an example of a book biography.  Jacob waited patiently at the hospital on May 7, 1976 while his wife, Mae delivered their baby.  They named their new son Henry.

Something like that.  It is more interesting than the first one.