a) What is an autobiography? Write any four characteristics of an autobiography. [2] b) Write an autobiography of a famous personality you admire. [3]

a) Autobiography and its Characteristics

Autobiography is a self-written account of a person’s life, written by the person themselves. It typically covers significant events, experiences, struggles, achievements, and personal reflections from the author’s perspective.

Four Characteristics of an Autobiography:

1. First-Person Narration – Written in the first person (I, me, my), giving a personal and subjective account of the author’s life.
2. Chronological Order – Events are usually presented in the sequence they occurred, though some autobiographies may use flashbacks or thematic organization.
3. Personal Experiences – Focuses on the author’s own life, including struggles, triumphs, relationships, and lessons learned.
4. Honesty and Authenticity – Aims to present a truthful and genuine portrayal of the author’s life, though some creative liberties may be taken for effect.

---

b) Autobiography of Nelson Mandela

HeadingMy Journey: A Glimpse into My Life

Body

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born on July 18, 1918, in the small village of Mvezo, South Africa. From a young age, I was taught the values of hard work, respect, and resilience by my father, a chief in the Thembu royal family. My early years were marked by the harsh realities of apartheid, a system of racial segregation that oppressed Black South Africans. As a student at Fort Hare University, I