A sports biography: born, began, won
A biography tells about a person. It has four parts. First, say who the person is. Second, say when she began and what she won. Third, add more about her success. Fourth, say what she wants to do next. We use the past simple: was born, began, won, helped. We can join ideas with also, moreover and as well as this. Laila Hamdy is an invented swimmer. Read about her.
| Phrase | Example |
|---|---|
| was born | Laila was born in Alexandria. |
| began | She began swimming at the age of six. |
| won | She won three medals. |
| is also | She is also a swimming coach. |
Laila Hamdy is an Egyptian swimmer. She was born in Alexandria. She began swimming at the age of six in a small pool near her home. At sixteen she won three medals in a national championship. She is also a coach for young children. Moreover, she helps clean the beach every summer. Laila wants to win more medals and to teach many children.
When did she begin swimming?
She began at the age of six.
What did she win?
She won three medals at sixteen.
Biography game. Choose an invented sports star. Write notes with five boxes: name, sport, began, won, wants. Then write four sentences. Read them to the grown-up, who asks: When did she begin? What did she win?