A biography is typically written by someone other than the subject, making it a secondary source. Which term describes this work?

A biography is typically written by someone other than the subject, making it a secondary source. Which term describes this work?

• A. Biography
• B. Autobiography
• C. Memoir
• D. Journal

Answer: (A)

Biographies are life stories written by someone other than the person themselves, drawing on letters, interviews, records, and other sources to present a fuller picture. Because it compiles and interprets information from various sources rather than presenting the subject’s own words, it’s considered a secondary source. In contrast, an autobiography is written by the person themselves, so it’s a primary source reflecting that individual's own perspective. A memoir, while also written by the subject, focuses on particular experiences or periods rather than a complete life story, and remains a primary narrative. A journal is a personal daily record by the author, another primary source. So, the term that describes a life story written by someone other than the subject is biography.

Biographies are life stories written by someone other than the person themselves, drawing on letters, interviews, records, and other sources to present a fuller picture. Because it compiles and interprets information from various sources rather than presenting the subject’s own words, it’s considered a secondary source. In contrast, an autobiography is written by the person themselves, so it’s a primary source reflecting that individual's own perspective. A memoir, while also written by the subject, focuses on particular experiences or periods rather than a complete life story, and remains a primary narrative. A journal is a personal daily record by the author, another primary source. So, the term that describes a life story written by someone other than the subject is biography.