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How to Write a Compelling & Accurate Report about a Famous Person

Last Updated: April 14, 2023 References

Researching Your Topic

Writing your report, revising your report.

This article was co-authored by Emily Listmann, MA . Emily Listmann is a Private Tutor and Life Coach in Santa Cruz, California. In 2018, she founded Mindful & Well, a natural healing and wellness coaching service. She has worked as a Social Studies Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and an SAT Prep Teacher. She received her MA in Education from the Stanford Graduate School of Education in 2014. Emily also received her Wellness Coach Certificate from Cornell University and completed the Mindfulness Training by Mindful Schools. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 253,808 times.

Are you stumped about how to write a report on a famous person? Many times, just starting a project like this is half the battle and once you begin all the pieces will fall into place. You will just need to do a bit of research, organize the information you learned into general categories, and then write about each of those categories. You can write a report about anyone or anything with just a bit of time, organization, and focus.

Things You Should Know

  • Learn more about your subject by researching on the internet, checking out books at the library, and watching documentaries on the person.
  • Find a focus to center your report around. Instead of writing about every detail of their life, choose something important that stands out to you, like their philanthropy efforts.
  • Create an outline to get a rough idea of what your report should look like. Here, you can craft an intro, topic sentences for body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
  • If you must choose someone from a specific time period, search for historical figures from that era and read about them until you find one that interests you.
  • You could also choose someone based on a topic. For instance, if you’re interested in electricity, you could pick Nikola Tesla, Michael Faraday, or James Prescott Joule.

Step 2 Do a basic Internet search about the person.

  • For most reports, this preliminary search won't give you sources that you want to cite in your paper. Instead, it'll give you the basic information you'll need to do a more in-depth search for credible sources. [1] X Research source
  • Try not to cite sources in your paper that are created by non-experts or are sources that can be edited by anyone. However, these can be great jumping off points for further research.

Step 3 Go to the library and gather more information.

  • When researching the subject, be careful to evaluate the credibility of your sources . If possible, use a variety of reliable sources to get the best information about the subject. [2] X Research source
  • As a general rule, you want information that has been created by experts on the person you are researching. [3] X Research source

Step 4 Take notes.

  • Write the name of the source, then list the pertinent information as you come across it. Be sure to note the page number(s) too.
  • There are different ways to take notes, so you'll have to find one that suits you.
  • Some people like to take notes on paper and some people like to type them in a computer. Do whichever you prefer.

Step 5 Find your focus.

  • For example, if you're researching Eleanor Roosevelt, you'll want to know when she was born, who her parents and her husband were, and why she's famous. However, you'll also want to focus on one aspect of her life, such as her work for women's rights.
  • Alternatively, pick the aspect that you relate to most. For example, if you're drawn to Elvis Presley because of his in the military, write your report about his time in the military.

Step 6 Keep track of all of your sources.

  • Ask your teacher if they want citations and how they'd like you to include them. There are different citation styles, so it's important to understand what your teacher expects.
  • Your teacher may also want a bibliography. This is a specifically formatted list of all of the books or websites you used. It is sometimes called "Works Cited" or "Sources Cited."
  • Make a list of all of your sources as you do your research. It will make the bibliography easier to write at the end.
  • 1 Follow the assignment guidelines. In some cases, your teacher might want you to answer a specific question about the historical figure, create a claim or thesis that guides your research, or even explain how you view the person. Read through the assignment guidelines several times and make sure that your research and report follows the expected format.

Step 2 Create an outline.

  • For example, if your main point about The Beatles is that they were the most popular band in the 1960s, say that in the introduction. The point of every following paragraph will support that assertion.
  • The outline can be created in any form you like. Some people like to start listing the points they want to make, while others prefer to create a structured outline that lays out the organization of the paper in detail.
  • You can also list an outline for the conclusion but the conclusion usually just reiterates the main point brought up in the introduction.

Step 3 Write an introduction.

  • You also need to introduce your main point. This should be a topic sentence that goes toward the end of the introduction.
  • Include when and where this person was born in the introduction. Consider waiting until the end of your report to discuss when they died.
  • Don't address the person by their first name. It sounds very unprofessional. You can call them by their full name in your introduction, but after that, use their last name.

Step 4 Write topic sentences for each paragraph.

  • For example, if the point of one paragraph is that The Beatles sold more albums than other artists in the 1960s, state that as the topic sentence.
  • Don't mince words about your point. State it clearly and strongly.
  • Each paragraph needs to have a topic sentence. If you think your paragraph doesn't have one, then you need to do some editing. [5] X Research source

Step 5 Write body paragraphs.

  • Each example you give to prove the topic sentence should be in a separate sentence. This means that your paragraphs should be around 4 to 5 sentences long.
  • Giving specific examples will help you prove the paragraph's point. Instead of giving your opinion, back up your points with facts.
  • How many paragraphs you need for your report will vary. In most cases, 5 paragraphs will be ideal: 1 for the introduction, 3 for the body, and 1 for the conclusion. [7] X Research source
  • If your teacher gives you a set word count or page count that you need to meet, you may have to increase or decrease the number of body paragraphs.

Step 6 Write the conclusion.

  • Begin the concluding paragraph by rephrasing the main point and examples. For instance, in an essay on The Beatles' popularity, you could state, "Clearly, The Beatles staggering record sales, huge fan base, and enduring legacy illustrate the bands lasting importance."
  • In some cases, the conclusion may remind the reader of your attention grabbing sentence used in the intro.
  • Don't introduce new information in your conclusion. If you are tempted to, find a place to include it in the body of the essay instead.

Step 1 Read over your report for clarity.

  • If you think you need to explain your subject more, take the time to do it. You've spent a lot of time on your report already, so it's worth a little more time to make it the best it can be.
  • After you're done writing your paper, read it out loud to catch mistakes. This will help you to catch areas of your writing that are awkward or confusing. [9] X Research source

Step 2 Make grammatical and spelling corrections.

  • For example, did you use the right version of the word "there" in your paper? A spell check program may not catch it if you used the wrong version of a word with multiple spellings.

Step 3 Have someone else edit your report.

  • Don't take it personally if you get a lot of feedback. They're only trying to help make your report the best it can be.
  • Consider having a parent or a classmate read over your report. If you have a classmate do it, offer to read over their paper in exchange for them reading over yours.

Community Q&A

Community Answer

  • Be careful to not start every sentence with the person's name. To avoid this, use he/she or move around the subject in the sentence. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

research a famous person template

  • Never plagiarize your work. It's not worth the short cut and it is dishonest. In fact, your teacher can put anything from your paper into a search engine and find the website you stole it from. Always rephrase sentences when using them in your paper and cite the source you got the information from. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 5

You Might Also Like

Expand Your Vocabulary

  • ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/588/02/
  • ↑ http://www.pcc.edu/library/scripts/know-your-sources/index.html
  • ↑ http://libguides.umflint.edu/research/citing
  • ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/engagement/2/1/29/
  • ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/724/02/
  • ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/685/05/
  • ↑ http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/editing-and-proofreading/
  • ↑ https://gustavus.edu/writingcenter/handoutdocs/editing_proofreading.php

About This Article

Emily Listmann, MA

To write a report on a famous person, search online and check out books from your library to learn about their life. Be sure to keep track of what sources you used and take notes. Once you have your information, write an introduction that gives some background about the famous person and explains why they were famous. Then write body paragraphs that provide details and facts about their life. You should include a topic sentence in each paragraph and wrap up your report with a conclusion that restates your main idea. To learn from our Education reviewer how to write topic sentences, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Graphic Organizer: Research an Influential Person

The Graphic Organizer: Research an Influential Person worksheet is a tool for students to analyze articles that they read while researching a specific person. Whether it’s a poet, inventor, or famous scientist, this worksheet will help learners gather and organize important information. The Research an Influential Person Graphic Organizer is ideal for fourth and fifth grade students.

View aligned standards

Related guided lesson.

Descriptive image of resource

Informational Text 3

EdrawMax App

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Free Editable Biography Graphic Organizer Examples

A biography graphic organizer is an excellent tool for historians, educators, students, and professionals. Making a graphic organizer create someone's biography is hard and takes time, and using templates and examples is the most efficient way to create these graphic organizers. Here, we will talk about biography templates, how to write a biography with EdrawMax Online, and a few example topics.

1. What is Biography Graphic Organizer

A biography graphic organizer visually represents a person's biography from a third-person perspective. We use it to brainstorm and organize essential information about people, historical figures, characters in novels and movies. Most of the biographies we create or read are typically based on famous people. Still, you can create a biography of anyone with key information about their lives and major events. It helps you visualize details about someone’s early life, adult life, family life, and related exciting facts.

2. The Biography Graphic Organizer Examples

You can use biography graphic organizers to gather key information about any person, and you can arrange that information logically based on the major events and that person's life. It is easy to read and understand someone's biography; however, making a biography is entirely different. It takes a lot of time to write a memoir, and without a proper template, you will also have to put in extra effort to do the framework. There are many formats of biography templates, each with its uses and benefits. Check out our biography graphic organizer examples will help to pick a suitable template for your task.

Example 1: Biography Graphic Organizer

A biography graphic organizer depicts a person's biography by gathering their major life events and organizing them logically to represent their various life aspects. You can use various graphic organizers to create a biography, such as a pamphlet. There are three sides to this template, one with different information about a person's biography. Teachers use such templates to give assignments and tests to their students. The person's picture and intro go on the first page with the writer's name. We got the bibliography and blank space for the teacher's comments on the second page. The person's key facts and family details are on the last page of the pamphlet.

Biography Graphic Organizer

Example 2: Free Printable Biography Graphic Organizer

You can easily create someone's biography with a free printable biography graphic organizer. There is no standard format to make a biography, and that is why you can use various graphic organizers such as broachers or charts. This template follows a simple layout with the important person's name at the top. After that, there are empty boxes where you can enter the person's date of birth and death in question. There are three blank areas labeled as facts. Here you can write three major events or key points about the person. In the end, you can write about the lesson you learned from this biography

Free Printable Biography Graphic Organizer

Example 3: Biography Graphic Organizer PDF

A biography graphic organizer PDF is best when you don't know how much information you will add to the biography. People use it to make worksheets to organize and gather all the information about the important person. These templates come with their benefits, such as no space limit. You can expand your worksheets with incoming data, unlike those graphic organizers where you get limited space to write details and information. The person's name goes at the center of the chart. At the top, we got some relevant information, such as their background and major accomplishments.

Biography Graphic Organizer PDF

Example 4: Biography Graphic Organizer Middle School

A biography graphic organizer in middle school is an excellent tool for students to gather information of the important personalities they read about in their books or novels and create a biography. A Martin Luther King biography is typical for middle school students. This template comes with a picture of the important person, and key information goes to the boxes around the image. You start with writing the birth and death date of the person. Write their famous quotes and give a little intro to why that person is famous. You can add some character traits to make it perfect.

Biography Graphic Organizer Middle Shcool

Example 5: Graphic Organizer for Biography

This is a standard graphic organizer for biography. It comes in a simple format with the writer's name at the top. After that, there is the person's name or the title of your biography. You start introducing that person by listing some information about that person early. There is also an option to add a picture on the right side. After the early life comes the major events of their family life. There is also bank space to write the accomplishments that made this person famous. You can end the biography by listing a few interesting facts about that person.

Graphic Organizer for Biography

Example 6: Stalin Biography Report Graphic Organizer

This is a complete Stalin biography report graphic organizer template. If you are writing a Stalin biography, then use this template and modify the text, and you get a perfect memoir. The template follows the standard format of listing the writer's name above the topic title and person's name. There is blank space for you to write about that person's early and family life. In the accomplishments section, you write about the reason for that person being famous and their deeds. Close your biography with a list of interesting facts.

Stalin Biography Report Graphic Organizer

Example 7: Free Biography Graphic Organizer

A free biography graphic organizer is a standard tool students use to create biographies for their assignments. Most students use free templates such as this one to complete projects, and it helps them gather information about the famous person and organize it without wasting their time creating a framework from scratch. Any student can make a biography by writing the correct details and information in the right boxes. The name and title go at the top, and there is a blank space to write the date and destination of birth and death. Then, you got a huge area to write the accomplishments of the famous person.

Free Biography Graphic Organizer

Example 8: Biography Graphic Organizer 3rd Grade

A biography graphic organizer 3rd grade helps primary school students write biographies of famous people and characters from movies and novels in the correct format. Teachers use these templates to improve their students' reading and writing skills. The biography starts with the writer's and the famous person's name at the top. The students write a summary about that person's life like an intro, and there is also bank space to add that person's photograph. After that, students list some key facts, write some of their quotes and end the biography with some exciting events in that person's life.

Biography Graphic Organizer 3rd Grade

Example 9: Biography Writing Graphic Organizer

You can structure information for brainstorming sessions and idea generation with a cluster word web. It also helps create outlines for various writings and pre-write your presentations or reports. The number of clusters in your diagram depends on your ideas and critical elements. You don't have to follow a specific format and limit the number of items you add to your diagram. In this example, the main idea is at the centre, with related details and themes in a logical structure.

Biography Writing Graphic Organizer

3. How to Write a Biography

Follow these steps to learn how to write a biography.

Step 1 : Create a graphic organizer yourself or customize a template to gather and organize information about the important person.

Step 2 : You can gather key information by researching multiple resources and collecting data to conduct comprehensive and efficient research.

Step 3 : Collaborate with your peers to do your thesis and create a proper framework before writing the biography.

Step 4 : Create a timeline and add your ideas to the biography.

Step 5 : Add key information about that person's life, achievements, the reason for success and exciting facts.

4. Topics for Biography

The topic for biography depends on the name of the person you plan to write about. You can write about famous people and characters from movies and novels. If you can't find a suitable person, you can write about historical figures or people who made huge contributions to humanity. You can also base your title on people who discovered new lands and invented new technology. Here are some famous biography topics.

  • Albert Einstein
  • Alexander Fleming
  • Alexander Graham Bell
  • Alexander the Great
  • Amelia Earhart
  • Benjamin Franklin
  • Charles Lindbergh
  • Clarence Birdseye
  • Eli Whitney
  • Elie Wiesel
  • George Washington Carver

5. Online Biography Maker

A biography graphic organizer is a fantastic tool that helps gather, organize and visually represent key information about famous and influential personalities. Teachers use these graphic organizers to give their students home assignments and test papers that help improve their writing and storytelling skills. EdrawMax is the best biography maker with creative customizing tools and features that makes your job much easier. It comes with a comprehensive template and symbol library that you can employ with a few clicks. It also gives you the option to export your diagram in any format you want.

6. Key Takeaways

A biography graphic organizer is commonly used to conduct research about famous and famous people and visualize the key information about their life. Historians and professionals use it to create autobiographies and generate timelines. You can learn everything you need to know from our biography examples. It makes it easy to understand someone's life achievement; however, it is hard to make a graphic biography organizer. EdrawMax Online is the best online biography maker. You can use its templates to make any online to save your time and effort. It supports various document formats and creative customization tools. Find more graphic organizer templates in the templates community.

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Write a Compelling Report on a Famous Person

Writing a report on a famous person can be a fascinating journey into their life, achievements, and impact. Whether for education or personal interest, this task allows you to delve deep into the life of someone who has made a mark in history. In this guide, you'll learn how to select a suitable how to write a research paper on a famous person: taking an inside look at a well-known person’s life  subject, structure your report, and present your findings in a compelling way. By the end of this guide, you'll be equipped with the tools and knowledge to write an insightful and engaging report on any famous person.

Choosing the Right Famous Person for Your Report

The first step in writing a report is selecting the right famous person. Consider your interests, the relevance of the person to your course or audience, and the availability of resources. It's important to choose someone who intrigues you, as this will make the research and writing process more enjoyable. Additionally, ensure there is enough information available to construct a comprehensive report. This could include books, documentaries, interviews, and academic papers.

Researching Your Subject Thoroughly

Once you've chosen a famous person, it's time to dive into research. Start by gathering basic information and then delve deeper into specific aspects of their life and work. Use a variety of sources to get a well-rounded view, including biographies, articles, and documentaries. Take detailed notes and keep track of your sources for later reference. Remember, thorough research is the foundation of a great report.

Structuring Your Report Effectively

A well-structured report includes an introduction, body, and conclusion. In the introduction, provide background information on your chosen person and outline the focus of your report. The body should be divided into sections, each covering different aspects of their life or work. Finally, conclude by summarizing your findings and offering your own insights or reflections on the person's impact and legacy.

Writing a Captivating Introduction

Your introduction should hook the reader and set the tone for the rest of the report. Start with an interesting fact or a compelling question about the famous person. Provide some background information and state the purpose of your report. Make sure your introduction is clear, concise, and gives the reader a reason to continue reading.

Detailing Their Life and Achievements

In the body of your report, detail the life and achievements of the famous person. Organize the information chronologically or thematically, depending on what makes the most sense for your subject. Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate their character and impact. This section should be informative, engaging, and well-supported by your research.

Incorporating Quotes and Anecdotes

To add depth to your report, include quotes and anecdotes from or about the famous person. This can provide personal insights into their character and make your report more engaging. Be sure to attribute all quotes correctly and use them to support your analysis rather than as filler.

Concluding Your Report with Impact

Your conclusion should summarize the key points of your report and restate its purpose. This is also the place to offer your own thoughts on the person's legacy and influence. A strong conclusion leaves the reader with a clear understanding of the person's significance and your perspective on their life.

Dos and Don'ts of Writing a Report on a Famous Person

Do: Choose a person that genuinely interests you. Don't: Rely solely on one source of information. Do: Organize your report logically. Don't: Forget to cite your sources. Do: Include personal insights and analysis. Don't: Overwhelm the reader with unnecessary details.

Q: How do I choose a famous person to write about? A: Select someone who interests you and has enough information available to research. Consider the relevance to your audience or course. Q: Can I include my opinion in the report? A: Yes, personal insights and analysis are important, but they should be supported by research and presented objectively. Q: How important is citing sources in a report? A: Very important. Citing sources adds credibility to your report and avoids plagiarism.

Final Thoughts

Writing a report on a famous person is not just an academic exercise; it's an opportunity to explore and reflect on the lives of those who have shaped our world. By following these guidelines, you can create a report that is not only informative but also engaging and insightful. Remember to choose a subject that interests you, conduct thorough research, and present your findings in a structured and compelling manner. With these tips in mind, you're ready to write a report that truly does justice to your chosen famous person.

Useful Resources:  https://www.onrec.com/news/news-archive/how-to-write-a-career-goals-essay-an-ultimate-guide-for-students

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The Curriculum Corner 123

Biography Graphic Organizers

research a famous person template

Download our set of free biography graphic organizers to help organize your student’s research of famous people.

These biography graphic organizers will provide your children with a range of options.

Help your writers and readers as they work to develop research skills.

This is another free resource for teachers and homeschool families from The Curriculum Corner.

research a famous person template

An addition to your classroom research practice!

These famous people graphic organizers are designed to help your students develop their research skills.

Helping students learn how to research and record answers is a skill that can be difficult. It is also a very important skill for students to have in today’s world.

Whether they are researching through reading books or practicing their internet research skills, we hope these printable pages are helpful.

Download our set of free biography graphic organizers to help organize your student's research of famous people.

Why did we create these biography graphic organizers?

It can be overwhelming for students to narrow down search results when they complete an internet search.

Part of our job is to help them find accurate and meaningful information when they practice searching.

We feel that providing students with practice with the skill of researching is meaningful practice.

We have created a collection of graphic organizers to help your students record as they are learning about famous people.

For students who might be overwhelmed by searching for the answers, it might be a good idea to help them as they begin.

You can guide students who need a little more help to a specific site where they can find the needed information.

Other students might be able to research on their own without the guidance.

Some children might benefit from a small group where you complete the research together.

Remember to differentiate for your students so that each has a task that fits their needs.

Each of the 8 organizers has a different focus, but is presented in the same format.  These will give students a foundation for their knowledge of the person they are learning about.

Plus, we are providing a blank form that can be used for a focus of your student’s choice.

Graphic Organizers Provided

For each topic, we have created a two page graphic organizer for students to record the important facts they find.

For the picture spot, you might have students draw a picture or print one they find when researching.

It might simply be a starting point, or could be an outline from which the students write a biography.

These pages include the following topics:

  • actor, actress
  • person in history
  • trailblazer
  • young activist
  • any famous person

You can download this free set of graphic organizers here:

Research Download

As with all of our resources, The Curriculum Corner creates these for free classroom use. Our products may not be sold. You may print and copy for your personal classroom use. These are also great for home school families!

You may not modify and resell in any form. Please let us know if you have any questions.

The Classroom | Empowering Students in Their College Journey

How to Write a Report about a Famous Person

How to Write a Good Personality Essay

How to Write a Good Personality Essay

For many people, the word "famous" conjures images of celebrity actors, athletes or musicians. Other people may think about socialites, politicians or criminals. Regardless of the type, famous people capture the public's attention for a reason--because of their extravagant lifestyles, an emotional connection created by their films or songs, or by the admiration of their athletic prowess. Regardless, if you have been assigned to write an essay or research paper about a famous person, there are a number of steps you can take to ensure you write a comprehensive, organized and focused report.

Choose a person who matters to you. Do not simply pick a random subject. Focus on a person whose life has influenced you in some way. For instance, if you want to make movies for a living, maybe you want to research an actor you admire or a famous director. If you are thinking of a career in politics, perhaps you want to explore the life of an influential president or senator. If you are considering a sports career, you might want to focus on an athlete who inspires you to accomplish your goals. If you research a person you are interested in learning more about, you likely will be more committed to your topic, and this will show in your finished product.

Conduct Internet research. Today, most students use the Internet as their primary reference source. While this is perfectly acceptable, you need to be careful when it comes to the sources you use, especially when researching a celebrity. Be sure that the content you use is from a credible source, such as a reputable online newspaper, magazine or website. Do not simply access Google, type in the famous person's name and use the first five sources that pop up; instead, spend time researching the different listings to ensure you are using, reliable trustworthy sources. According to Purdue University's Online Writing Lab, students should never trust websites that rely on user-created content, as the content likely has not been validated by a reputable organization.

Conduct print research. Visit your local or school library. Ask the librarian to help you search the library database for autobiographies or biographies about the person you are researching. Many famous people have written comprehensive memoirs about their lives. Referencing these books can add a great deal of credibility to your writing.

Organize your research into an outline. Decide how to best structure your paper. For instance, you might be able to organize your research into sections about the person's early life, rise to fame and later years or you may want to analyze one specific component about his life. For instance, if you are interested in writing about Martin Luther King Jr., perhaps you would want to focus primarily about his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. The organization of your paper will depend upon your teacher's requirements, as well as the amount and type of research you have collected.

Write your first draft. Be sure to include a compelling introduction and an easily identifiable thesis statement that succinctly states what you are going to prove about your chosen person. Work on incorporating your sources by adding quotes and paraphrased references, being careful not to plagiarize.

Proofread and revise. Revision is one of the most important components of the writing process. Be sure to leave yourself enough time to edit and revise your paper after you write your first draft. Look for mistakes in spelling, grammar and punctuation. Pay attention to diction or word choice. Look for passive verbs that can be replaced with active verbs. Look for simple adjectives that can be replaced with more sophisticated language: for instance, instead of "very big," perhaps you can use "huge," "immense," or "enormous."

  • Although many students do not like completing outlines, they can help you organize a large amount of data into a usable format. Even a simple outline, such as organizing your research into sections, can help. Do not skip this step!

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How to Write a 200 Word Biography

  • Purdue Online Writing Lab: Using Research and Evidence

Jennifer Brozak earned her state teaching certificate in Secondary English and Communications from St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa., and her bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Pittsburgh. A former high school English teacher, Jennifer enjoys writing articles about parenting and education and has contributed to Reader's Digest, Mamapedia, Shmoop and more.

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Famous People Research Task.pdf

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Filename: Famous People Research Task.pdf   Download --> Save to Library        
    A template for students to research a famous person, then present the information to the class. Full list of famous people to select from.
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