Do you know that writing a good biography in Class 10 can help you score full marks in English exams?
Yet many students either miss the format or write it like a story—and lose marks for small mistakes. That’s why this guide is here to help.
We’ve been helping thousands of CBSE students improve their writing through simple, exam-friendly formats and real practice exercises. In this post, you’ll learn everything you need: the correct biography writing format for Class 10, easy examples, and helpful writing exercises—all explained in a way that’s easy to understand and use in exams.
Table of Contents
What Is Biography Writing – Class 10?
Biography writing means writing about someone’s life. In Class 10, it is usually a short paragraph that tells us about a real person’s background, achievements, and how someone made a difference.
You write a biography in the third person (using “he” or “she”) and focus only on real facts—not opinions or feelings. It’s not like a story. You simply give key details like where the person was born, what they did, and why they are important.
Main Purpose of a Biography
The main purpose of a biography is to share the life story of a real person in a simple and organised way. It helps readers learn about someone’s background, struggles, achievements, and contributions.
In Class 10, the focus is not just on telling facts but also on showing why the person is important or what we can learn from their life. A good biography gives a quick picture of someone’s journey—from childhood to success—and sometimes the problems they faced along the way.
It is written to inspire, inform, or record history. Whether it’s a scientist, a leader, a sportsperson, or a social worker, a biography helps us understand how that person made a difference in the world.
Also Read:
- Mother Teresa Essay, Paragraph & Bio Sketch in English 100 to 500+ Words
- Anne Frank Biography, Bio Sketch, Paragraphs & Story for Class 10
- Essay on Dr B.R. Ambedkar in English | 100, 150, 200, 300 Words Biography & Legacy
- Descriptive Paragraph on Albert Einstein
Difference Among Biography, Autobiography, and Bio Sketch
Many students get confused between a biography, an autobiography, and a bio sketch. Here’s how they are different:
1. Biography
A biography is written by someone else about a real person’s life. It covers his/ her background, achievements, and contribution. It is always written in the third person (he/she).
Example: A student writing about Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
2. Autobiography
An autobiography is when a person writes about their own life. It uses the first person (I, me, my) and includes personal thoughts and feelings.
Example: Dr Kalam writing his own life story in “Wings of Fire”.
3. Bio Sketch
A bio sketch is a short, point-wise description of a person. It includes only the main facts—like name, birth date, achievements, and special qualities. It is shorter than a full biography.
Example: A short paragraph on P.V. Sindhu mentioning her birth, sport, medals, and qualities.
Biography Writing Format Class 10 with Tips and Examples
In Class 10, biography writing is usually done in a short format of about 100 to 120 words, divided into three clear paragraphs. Each paragraph has its own purpose, and the writing should stay factual, organised, and simple.
Title of the Biography
Tip Always begin your biography with the full name of the person. This becomes the title. Write it clearly — nothing extra.
Example: Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Paragraph 1 – Introduction and Early Life (30–40 words)
Start with birth date, place, and family or early education.
Example:
Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was born on 15 October 1931 in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. He came from a modest family and completed his schooling in his hometown before studying aerospace engineering.
Paragraph 2 – Achievements and Struggles (40–50 words)
Talk about major achievements and challenges faced.
Example:
He played a key role in India’s missile development and space programmes. Known as the ‘Missile Man of India’, he worked with ISRO and DRDO. Though he faced financial difficulties early in life, he stayed committed to learning.
Paragraph 3 – Contribution and Legacy (30–40 words)
End with their lasting impact and why they are remembered.
Example:
He became the 11th President of India and inspired the youth through his speeches and books. He is remembered as a brilliant scientist and a kind leader who made India proud.
Step-by-Step Guide to Write a Biography (For Solving Exam Questions)
If your Class 10 English paper gives a question like:
“Write a short biography of Kalpana Chawla in about 100–120 words using the given hints.”
Class 10 Exam Guide: Smart Way to Write a Biography Using Given Hints
Step 1: Read the Question Carefully
Don’t rush. Look at the given hints closely — birth date, place, education, achievements, career, or death.
Tip: Stick only to the hints. No extra details or stories.
Step 2: Spot the Key Points
Underline or note these:
Full name
Birthplace and date
Education or training
Work and achievements
Death (if mentioned)
Tip: These become your main sentences.
Step 3: Arrange in Time Order
Put the points in the right sequence:
Early life → Education → Career → Achievements → Legacy
Tip: This helps your biography flow smoothly and stay organised.
Step 4: Use 3-Paragraph Format
1. Intro + early life
2. Career + key work
3. Legacy + conclusion
Tip: Always write in third person (he/she). Use short, clear sentences.
Step 5: Stick to the Word Limit
Your answer should be between 100 and 120 words.
Tip: Too short or too long can cost you marks.
Step 6: Revise Before Submitting
Check for grammar, spelling, and whether all points are included. Make sure your writing is clear and flows well.
Types of Biography Questions Asked in Exams
1. Based on Hints
Most common type. A list of facts is given (like birth, studies, work), and you have to build a short biography from that.
Use only the points given—don’t add anything new.
Question 1:
Write a short biography of Kalpana Chawla using the hints below. Word limit: 100–120 words
Born – 1961, Karnal (India) | Studied aeronautical engineering | Went to U.S. | Joined NASA | First Indian woman in space | Died – 2003, space shuttle crash
Answer:
Kalpana Chawla Biography
Kalpana Chawla was born in 1961 in Karnal, Haryana. From childhood, she was fascinated by flying and had a strong desire to study space science. She pursued aeronautical engineering in India and showed great dedication.
Later, she moved to the United States for higher education. She joined NASA and became an astronaut. She was the first Indian woman to travel to space and brought pride to the nation.
In 2003, she was part of the Columbia space shuttle mission. Sadly, the shuttle exploded while returning to Earth, and she lost her life. She is remembered for her courage and inspiring journey.
Question 2:
Write a short biography of Dr B.R. Ambedkar using the given hints. Word limit: 100–120 words
Born – 1891, Mhow (Madhya Pradesh) | Faced caste discrimination | Studied in India, UK, and USA | Father of Indian Constitution | Fought for equality | Died – 1956
Answer:
Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar was born in 1891 in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh. From a young age, he had to face caste-based discrimination. Still, he remained focused on education and worked hard to succeed.
He studied in India and later went to the UK and USA for higher education. He became a lawyer, economist, and social reformer. He played a major role in drafting the Indian Constitution and is known as its Father.
He spent his life fighting for social equality and the rights of the underprivileged. He believed in justice and worked for change through law. He passed away in 1956. His contribution to India remains unforgettable.
Question 3:
Write a short biography of Mother Teresa using the given hints. Word limit: 100–120 words
Born – 1910, Skopje (Macedonia) | Came to India in 1929 | Started Missionaries of Charity | Helped the poor and sick | Won Nobel Peace Prize – 1979 | Died – 1997
Answer:
Bio Sketch of Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa was born in 1910 in Skopje, Macedonia. From a young age, she felt a deep desire to help others. In 1929, she came to India and made it her home for life. She decided to serve the poor and the sick.
In Kolkata, she started the Missionaries of Charity. Her team looked after the homeless, the dying, and those who had no one else. Her kindness and dedication were known across the world.
In 1979, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her selfless service. She passed away in 1997. Even today, her work continues to inspire people around the globe.
Biography Writing Practice Questions for Class 10 (Based on Hints)-
Use the hints given below each question to write a short biography in about 100–120 words.
1. Write a short biography of Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam using the given hints:
Born – 1931, Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu) | Studied aerospace engineering | Worked with ISRO and DRDO | Known as ‘Missile Man’ | President of India – 2002 to 2007 | Died – 2015
2. Write a short biography of Lata Mangeshkar using the given hints:
Born – 1929, Indore | Started singing at young age | Famous playback singer | Sang in many Indian languages | Bharat Ratna – 2001 | Died – 2022
3. Write a short biography of Sachin Tendulkar using the given hints:
Born – 1973, Mumbai | Started playing cricket early | International debut – 1989 | Scored 100 international centuries | Bharat Ratna – 2014 | Retired – 2013
4. Write a short biography of Rani Lakshmibai using the given hints:
Born – 1828, Varanasi | Married to king of Jhansi | Fought against British in 1857 | Known for bravery | Died – 1858, in battle
5. Write a short biography of Swami Vivekananda using the given hints:
Born – 1863, Kolkata | Deep thinker and spiritual leader | Speech at World Religion Conference – 1893, Chicago | Inspired Indian youth | Died – 1902
Biography Writing Questions Based on a Passage – Class 10 Solved Examples
In this type, a short passage is given about a person’s life. Students must read it carefully and write a short biography using the information from the passage only. Below are some solved examples to help you understand this pattern better.
Example 1
Read the following passage and write a short biography in about 100–120 words:
“Rabindranath Tagore was born in 1861 in Kolkata. He started writing poems at a young age. He was a poet, writer, and philosopher. He wrote the national anthem of India. In 1913, he became the first Asian to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. He established Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan. He died in 1941.”
Answer:
Rabindranath Tagore was born in 1861 in Kolkata. From an early age, he showed a love for writing and began composing poems as a young boy. He later became one of India’s most respected poets and thinkers.
He was not only a poet but also a writer, philosopher, and educationist. He wrote India’s national anthem and became the first Asian to win the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913. He believed in simple living and deep thinking.
He founded Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan to promote learning and creativity. He passed away in 1941, but his words and ideas continue to guide generations.
Example 2 Read the following passage and write a short biography in about 100–120 words:
“Stephen Hawking was born in 1942 in Oxford, England. He studied physics at Oxford and later at Cambridge. At 21, he was diagnosed with a rare disease and gradually lost control over his body. Still, he continued his research. He wrote ‘A Brief History of Time’. He became one of the most famous scientists in the world. He passed away in 2018.”
Answer:
Stephen Hawking was born in 1942 in Oxford, England. He was interested in science from a young age and studied physics at Oxford University. Later, he went to Cambridge for higher studies.
At the age of 21, he was diagnosed with a rare disease that slowly paralysed his body. Still, he continued his work with great willpower and became known for his research in black holes and the universe. He wrote the famous book A Brief History of Time, which was read all over the world.
He became a symbol of courage and knowledge. He passed away in 2018, but his work and strength still inspire many people.
Example 3
Read the following passage and write a short biography in about 100–120 words:
“Florence Nightingale was born in 1820 in Italy. She belonged to a rich British family. She decided to become a nurse at a time when it was not a respected profession. During the Crimean War, she worked hard in army hospitals. She was called ‘The Lady with the Lamp’. She improved nursing care and opened a training school for nurses. She died in 1910.”
Answer:
Florence Nightingale was born in 1820 in Italy into a wealthy British family. Even though her family opposed it, she chose to become a nurse. At that time, nursing was not considered a proper career.
During the Crimean War, she worked in military hospitals and took care of wounded soldiers. She would walk around with a lamp at night, so people called her ‘The Lady with the Lamp’. She helped improve cleanliness and care in hospitals.
She later opened a training school for nurses to teach others. She passed away in 1910. Her efforts made nursing a respected field and helped save many lives.
Biography Writing Practice Questions Based on a Passage – Class 10
Question 1
Read the passage below and write a short biography of Homi J. Bhabha:
Homi Jehangir Bhabha was born in 1909 in Mumbai. He studied physics in Cambridge. He returned to India and worked for the development of nuclear science. He was the founder of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. He played a key role in starting India’s nuclear programme. He died in a plane crash in 1966.
Question 2
Read the passage and write a short biography of Malala Yousafzai:
Malala Yousafzai was born in 1997 in Pakistan. She loved going to school but was stopped by extremists. She spoke out for girls’ education. In 2012, she was shot but survived. She continued her fight and received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. She became the youngest Nobel laureate in the world.
Question 3
Read the passage and write a short biography of Nelson Mandela:
Nelson Mandela was born in 1918 in South Africa. He fought against racial discrimination. He spent 27 years in prison. After his release, he became the first black President of South Africa in 1994. He was a symbol of peace and freedom. He passed away in 2013.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Biography Writing – Class 10
Even a good biography can lose marks if it has small but common mistakes. Here are the things you should always avoid while writing a biography in your Class 10 exam:
1. Do Not Add Extra Details Not Given in the Question
Stick to the given hints or passage. Don’t add made-up stories, quotes, or opinions. Keep it factual and based on input only.
2. Do Not Write in First Person
A biography should always be in third person (he/she), not “I” or “me”. You are writing about someone else, not yourself.
3. Do Not Ignore the Paragraph Format
Many students write one long paragraph. This looks untidy and breaks flow. Use three short paragraphs: Early Life, Career, Contribution.
4. Do Not Exceed or Fall Short of Word Limit
Too short means missing points. Too long means poor time management. Stay within 100–120 words.
5. Do Not Mix Dates or Events
Wrong sequence or missing major facts reduces marks. Always follow a timeline: Birth → Education → Work → Legacy.
Avoiding these mistakes will help you write clean, clear, and scoring biographies in your exam.
Free Download: Class 10 Biography Writing Practice PDF
This easy-to-use PDF includes the correct format, useful writing tips, one solved example, and five unsolved practice questions—exactly how they appear in Class 10 English exams. Ideal for revision and daily writing practice.
FAQs
1. What is the biography writing format for Class 10?
The biography writing format for Class 10 follows a simple three-paragraph structure:
Paragraph 1: Introduction and early life (birth, family, education)
Paragraph 2: Career, achievements, and struggles (if any)
Paragraph 3: Contribution, legacy, and conclusion
It must be written in third person and kept within 100–120 words. The title should be the full name of the person, written at the top. The content should be factual, organised in chronological order, and based only on given hints or input.
2. How is biography writing different from bio sketch writing?
Biography writing is a short paragraph that gives a full view of a person’s life, written in sentence form. It includes birth, education, achievements, and contribution—usually in about 100–120 words.
Bio sketch writing is often point-wise or tabular, covering only key facts like name, birth, qualities, and major works. It is usually shorter and more structured like a data sheet.
So, a biography reads like a mini life story, while a bio sketch is like a brief profile.
3. What is the best way to write a biography in exams?
To write a good biography in exams:
Read the question and hints carefully
Underline key points (birth, education, work, achievements)
Use the 3-paragraph format
Follow time order from birth to legacy
Write in third person only
Stick to the word limit (100–120 words)
Revise once before submitting
Practising this structure regularly helps you write faster and better in the exam.
4. Can I write about a family member in a biography?
Usually, exam questions give a specific person or hints to follow. You should not choose your own subject unless the question says so.
In classroom writing or open-ended assignments, you can write about a family member, but even then, keep it factual, formal, and within word limit. Avoid personal stories or emotional tone.
For board-style questions, always write based on the given input or a famous personality.
5. How to improve in biography writing with practice?
Here’s how to improve:
Practise using real exam-style questions
Time yourself while writing (10–12 mins max)
Use only the given hints without adding extra details
Review your structure: intro, career, legacy
Ask someone to check for flow, grammar, and word count
Revise mistakes and rewrite the same question for better clarity
With 4–5 serious attempts, most students see quick improvement in both speed and marks.
