How to Write a Biopoem

Constructing a Biopoem

In the first line, use the person’s first name. For example: “Abraham”.

Next, add four words describing the person. For example: “Fierce unyielding brave tall”.

In the third line, include an important relationship. For example: “Son of Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks Lincoln, husband of Mary Lincoln”.

In the fourth line, add a couple of things the person appreciated or loved. It can be people, as well. For example: “Lover of freedom, tall hats, and good speeches”.

For the fifth line, write about feelings that person had in his or her lifetime. For example: “Who felt patriotism for his country and who felt grief at a divided nation”.

In the sixth line, use three fears the person had. For example: “Who feared what would become of a divided country, feared the south would win, feared the costs of war”.

For the seventh line, list the person’s accomplishments. For example: “Who issued the Emancipation Proclamation and who won the Civil War”.

In the eighth line, talk about what the person wants to see happen. For example: “Who wanted to see the nation whole again”.

Devote the ninth line to the places the person lived. For example. “Born in Kentucky, died at Ford’s Theater in Washington, DC”.

For the last line, simply add the person’s last name. For example: “Lincoln”.

Put it all together. The finished poem should look something like the one below: “Abraham Fierce unyielding brave tall Son of Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks Lincoln, husband of Mary Lincoln Lover of freedom, tall hats, and good speeches Who felt patriotism for his country and who felt grief at a divided nation Who feared what would become of a divided country, feared the south would win, feared the costs of war Who issued the Emancipation Proclamation and who won the Civil War Who wanted to see the nation whole again Born in Kentucky, died at Ford’s Theater in Washington, DC Lincoln"

Writing and Formatting a Biopoem

Think about what characteristics make a person unique. Then try to incorporate these characteristics into the poem. For instance, instead of just saying “Lover of animals,” you could put, “Who loves her 3 orange tabbies to pieces.” In other words, be specific.

Choose words appropriate to the person. Use words that best represent the person you are describing. Choose strong, vibrant words to describe them and what they love. Don’t use slang unless the person used that type of slang themselves.

Format the poem correctly. Use double spacing, as it will help each line stand out. Use present tense if the person is still alive, but past tense if the person has died.