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) Definition and Characteristics of an Autobiography

Definition: An autobiography is a self-written account of a person’s life, experiences, achievements, and personal reflections. It is written in the first person (using "I") and focuses on the author’s journey, struggles, and growth over time.

Four Characteristics of an Autobiography:

1. First-Person Narration: The author writes about their own life, using personal pronouns like "I," "me," and "my."
2. Chronological Order: Events are usually presented in the sequence they occurred, though some autobiographies may use flashbacks or thematic organization.
3. Personal Experiences: It includes real-life events, challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned by the author.
4. Subjective Perspective: The author’s emotions, opinions, and interpretations of events are central, making it a deeply personal account.

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b) Autobiography of Nelson Mandela

HeadingMy Journey: A Glimpse into My Life

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Nelson Mandela was born on July 18, 1918, in Mvezo, a small village in South Africa. From a young age, I was taught the values of courage, forgiveness, and justice by my family, especially my father, Chief Henry Mgadla Mandela. Growing up in a time when racial segregation, known as apartheid, was deeply entrenched in South Africa, I witnessed the oppression of my people—the Black South Africans. T