Write a research paper on a biography of a famous person. Focus on one particular part of that person’s life that you consider to be a turning point.

Walt Disney

NOTES FROM THE PROFESSOR:
As you already know, the research paper is going to be a biography of a famous person. However, this paper will not be a typical biographical essay that tends to give a chronological—and boring—description of the subject from his or her birth to his or her death. Instead, focus on one particular part of that person’s life that you consider to be a turning point. For example, if the subject of your paper were Barack Obama, you would probably focus on his election as president. If the subject of your paper were Harriet Tubman, you might want to discuss her first successful navigation of the Underground Railroad. A person’s turning point, however, may not be the most obvious choice. In your research you may find that the most important instance of a person’s life occurred in his or her childhood, and not at the point where he or she achieved the apex of fame and accomplishment. And for certain celebrities, their deaths might be considered the most important turning point. Consider Abraham Lincoln, for example. Certainly, his tragic and unexpected murder could certainly be considered a turning point in our national history.