Answers in short

Short answers

1. Choose a singer you like and can find enough information about. Don’t pick one just because they’re famous.
2. Give the biography a clear heading. It should show who the biography is about.
3. Organise the facts logically. Use subheadings to make the text easy to follow.
4. Start with a short introduction. Make it clear who the person is and why they are important.

Use imperatives (Choose, Use, Start), modals (should, can), and advice phrases (It’s a good idea to…).

1. Pick someone suitable.
2. Add a clear title.
3. Organise facts with subheadings.
4. Start with a brief intro.
   Use imperatives, modals and advice phrases.

Here’s a fuller version of the same plan:

1. Choose a singer Pick someone you can find reliable information about: early life, career, achievements and influence. You need about 3–5 key events, not every fact.

2. Write a clear title Not just the singer’s name. Example:
“Adele: A Voice That Changed Modern Pop”

3. Organise the biography Use subheadings and chronological order:

• Introduction — who the singer is and why they are important
• Early life — birth, family, first interest in music
• Career — first success, important albums or performances
• Achievements — awards, records, influence
• Conclusion — why the singer matters today

4. Write a strong introduction Include the name, profession and main reason for fame. Example:
Adele is a British singer-songwriter known for her powerful voice and emotionally honest songs.

Useful language

• was born in…, grew up in…, became interested in…
• rose to fame, released her first album, won several awards
• is known for…, went on to…, has become one of…
• Advice: You should…, It is a good idea to…, Make sure you…
• Modals: can, could, should, may

1. Choose a singer you can research well.
2. Give the biography a clear title.
3. Organise facts chronologically with subheadings.
4. Start with a short introduction explaining who they are and why they matter.

Use imperatives, modals (should, can) and advice phrases (It’s a good idea to…).

5 Don’t use only books. Use books, magazines and the internet, and make notes of the information you find.

What I would write:
Use books, magazines and the internet. You should make notes of the important information you find.

6 Students must check their work—not only if they want to.

What I would write:
You must check your work for mistakes. Read it carefully and correct any errors.

B Writing — model advice sheet

A Guide for Students: How to Do Research and Check Your Work

This guide is for students who are preparing a research project. It will help you find useful information and check your work before you hand it in.

Doing Your Research
Plan your research first. Use books, magazines and the internet—not only books. You should choose reliable sources. Make notes of the important facts you find. It’s a good idea to compare information from different sources.

Checking Your Work
You must check your work carefully for mistakes. Read your writing again and correct any spelling or grammar errors. You should also check that your information is clear and accurate. Ask a partner to read your work and give you advice. Then make any necessary changes before you hand in your project.

5 Use books, magazines and the internet. Make notes of important information.

6 You must check your work and correct mistakes.

B — Short advice sheet Doing Research: Plan first. Use reliable sources. Make notes and compare information. Checking Work: Read for spelling and grammar mistakes. Check the facts. Ask a partner to read it. Correct errors before handing it in.

Use imperatives (Use, Make, Check), modals (should, must) and phrases like It’s a good idea to….

B — Writing: a fuller model advice sheet

A Guide for Students: How to Do Research and Check Your Work

This guide is for students who are preparing a research project. It gives practical advice on finding useful information and checking your work before you hand it in.

Doing Your Research

Plan your research before you start. Decide what you need to find out and make a list of questions. Use different sources — books, magazines and the internet — not only books. You should choose reliable sources, such as educational websites and library books. Make notes of the most important facts in your own words. It’s a good idea to compare information from two or three sources, so you can be sure it is accurate. Remember to write down where each fact comes from, because you may need to include a list of sources.

Checking Your Work

You must check your work carefully before you hand it in. First, read your writing again and look for spelling and grammar mistakes. Then check that your facts are correct and that your ideas are in a logical order. You should also make sure each paragraph has a clear main idea. It’s a good idea to ask a partner to read your work and give you advice. Finally, correct any errors and make the necessary changes.

Useful language: You should…, You must…, Make sure you…, It’s a good idea to…, Remember to…

B — Short advice sheet

How to Do Research and Check Your Work

Plan your research and decide what you need to find out. Use books, magazines and the internet, and choose reliable sources. Make notes of important facts and compare information.

You must check your work for spelling and grammar mistakes. Check your facts and make sure your ideas are clear. Ask a partner to read your work, then correct any errors before handing it in.

Use: You should…, You must…, Make sure…, It’s a good idea to…