Biography and Autobiography - Lesson 1 - What is the difference PowerPoint

In the first lesson about Biography and Autobiography, students are introduced to the fundamental differences between these two genres of writing. A biography is a written account of someone's life by another person, whereas an autobiography is a self-written account of the author's own life. The lesson uses the example of Charles Dickens to illustrate these differences. Students are encouraged to read extracts from various biographies of Dickens to understand how a biography provides a detailed account of another person's life experiences, achievements, and challenges. The lesson aims to not only teach students the difference between biography and autobiography but also to explore how these accounts are presented through different mediums.

Furthermore, the lesson emphasises the importance of using reliable sources when researching biographical information, particularly when using the internet. It cautions that online sources may not always be as trustworthy as traditional media, such as books and DVDs. To enhance the learning experience, the lesson includes an interactive element where students can watch an animated version of Charles Dickens' life from a reputable website. The lesson concludes with a plenary session where students share and discuss what they have learned about Charles Dickens, reflecting on how different sources and text types can provide varied insights into a person's life.