How to Write About an Important Person in History

How to Write About an Important Person in History – Biography, Impact, and Legacy

How to Write About an Important Person in History

Hello English learners! Have you ever been asked to write about an important person in history in class, in an exam, or even in a competition? Writing a biography is not just about saying “Nelson Mandela was born in South Africa” or “Marie Curie was a scientist.” To score well, you need to bring history to life with descriptive language, persuasive phrases, and powerful vocabulary that shows the person’s impact and legacy.

In this lesson, we will look at useful phrases, collocations, and idioms to help you write about an important historical figure like a pro.

Useful phrases

When writing about a historical figure, you need to show not just who they were, but why they mattered. These persuasive expressions give weight to your ideas and help convince your reader that the person’s biography, impact, and legacy are truly significant.

Here are some excellent options, with examples:

It is undeniable that…

Used to emphasise something obvious and universally accepted.

• It is undeniable that Florence Nightingale transformed modern nursing and healthcare practices.

One cannot overlook the fact that…

A formal way to highlight something essential that must be considered.

• One cannot overlook the fact that Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions were centuries ahead of his time.

Without question, his/her/their influence shaped…

Strongly asserts the person’s impact.

• Without question, Nelson Mandela’s influence shaped South Africa’s journey towards democracy.

What makes this figure remarkable is…

Helps you identify a unique quality or achievement.

• What makes Marie Curie remarkable is her determination to continue her research despite the dangers and obstacles she faced as a woman in science.

It is my firm belief that history would be different without…

Allows you to show opinion and persuasion together.

• It is my firm belief that history would be very different without Winston Churchill’s leadership during The Second World War.

Few individuals have left such a profound legacy as…

Adds variety and avoids repetition of “important.”

• Few individuals have left such a profound legacy as Mahatma Gandhi, whose philosophy of non-violence inspired movements worldwide.

How to Write About an Important Person in History

His/Her contribution cannot be overstated.

Shows that their achievements are too significant to exaggerate.

• Her contribution to women’s rights cannot be overstated; she changed society forever.

He/She will always be remembered as…

Good for conclusions or legacy-focused sentences.

• He will always be remembered as a pioneer who challenged the boundaries of knowledge.

Tip: Use one or two of these phrases per paragraph to strengthen your argument, but try not to overuse them. Balance persuasive phrases with facts and descriptive details so that your writing remains clear and natural.

Collocations

Collocations are word partnerships that native speakers naturally use. They make your writing sound fluent, vivid, and exam-ready. When describing a person’s life, impact, or legacy, try using these powerful collocations.

Achievements & discoveries

How to Write About an Important Person in History

Courage and leadership

 Legacy and impact

How to Write About an Important Person in History

Tip: Choose collocations that match the person you are writing about. For example, “groundbreaking discovery” suits a scientist, while “courageous stand” fits a social activist.

Idioms

Idioms add colour, depth, and fluency to your writing. Here are some powerful ones to try:

Ahead of his/her time

Meaning: having ideas too advanced for the period.

• Leonardo da Vinci was ahead of his time in science and art.

A visionary thinker

Meaning: a person with imaginative, revolutionary ideas

• Steve Jobs was a visionary thinker who transformed modern technology.

Made history

Meaning: gained something that will always be remembered.

• Neil Armstrong made history as the first person to walk on the Moon.

A household name

Meaning: someone very famous and widely recognised.

• Shakespeare became a household name through his plays and poems.

The stuff of legend

Meaning: something remarkable, almost mythical.

• The bravery of the 300 Spartans at Thermopylae is the stuff of legend.

How to Write About an Important Person in History

Leave an indelible mark

Meaning: someone who has a lasting impact.

• Mother Teresa left an indelible mark on humanitarian work.

Change the course of history

Meaning: a person who influenced events in a critical way.

• Churchill’s leadership changed the course of history in WWII.

Stand the test of time

Meaning: a historical person who has remained respected for a long time.

• Homer’s epic poems have stood the test of time as literature.

A man/woman of the people

Meaning: a leader who cares for ordinary people.

• Abraham Lincoln was a true man of the people, dedicated to justice and equality.

How to Write About an Important Person in History

Writing tips

Here are some useful tips for writing about an important historical figure:

• Start with a hook: Ever since his early life, he showed signs of…
• Add biography details: Born in 1867, she went on to…
• Explain their impact: His work changed the lives of…
• Describe their legacy: Even today, her influence can be seen in…
• Wrap up persuasively: All things considered, his/her role in history is unforgettable.

B2 First (FCE) writing – essay example

Write an essay about a historical person you admire. Explain who they are, why they are important, and what their legacy is.

Essay

Nelson Mandela – A Life that Changed History

It is undeniable that some individuals have shaped the world in ways that can never be forgotten, and Nelson Mandela is definitely one of them. Born in South Africa in 1918, Mandela dedicated his life to fighting against racial segregation, known as apartheid. His courageous stand against injustice made him not only a political leader but also a global symbol of peace and equality.

It can not be overlooked that Mandela spent twenty-seven years in prison, but he never lost sight of a more just society. Instead of becoming bitter, he emerged as a charismatic leader who preached reconciliation rather than revenge. Beyond any doubt, his legacy helped to usher South Africa into democracy and inspired struggles for justice around the world.

Mandela’s remarkable achievements earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. More importantly, his lasting legacy is not only in the laws that changed but also in the hope he gave to millions. He will always be remembered as an influential leader who left an indelible mark on history. Indeed, his leadership changed the course of history, demonstrating that forgiveness can be more powerful than hatred.

All things being said, it is my strong belief that there have been very few individuals who have left a more lasting legacy than Nelson Mandela. He made history by turning adversity into opportunity and separation into togetherness. His legacy still reminds us today that with determination and courage, there is no limit to what mankind can achieve.

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