Biography Writing – Definition, Format, Types, Exercises

 

Learn How to Write a Biography?

Every life tells a story, however, only some of them are written down to inspire the future generations. Biography writing is an art that serves as a window into the minds of great and revolutionary world leaders, scientists, artists and social reformers. This article explores the art of biography writing, its format, some famous biographies, types, tips, examples and some practice questions to aid in your exam preparations for West Bengal State Board class 10 and make you well versed in the art of biography writing. 

 

 

What is Biography Writing? 

A biography is a detailed account of a person’s life written by someone else. It usually provides insights into their early life, achievements, struggles, and contributions to society. It would also include information about the person’s name, place of residence, education, occupation, life and activities and other important details. It can sometimes also describe the person’s personality and provide an explanation for why he or she acted in certain ways.

Unlike an autobiography, which is written by the person themselves, a biography is based on research, interviews, and historical records present. 

Key Features of a Biography 

Some important features of a biography are as follows:

  1. Chronological Structure – A biography follows a specific timeline, covering important life events from birth to major achievements and one’s legacy.
  2. Well-Researched & Fact-Based – A biography needs to be based on verified facts, using sources like books, interviews, and historical records.
  3. Personal & Professional Life –  A biography  includes details about both the person’s personal and professional background, education, career, struggles, and contributions.
  4. Engaging & Narrative Style –  A biography should be interesting and engaging to read, using storytelling elements and anecdotes to bring the subject to life.
  5. Objective & Balanced- A biography needs to be objective in nature. It presents both achievements and challenges faced by the person, giving a fair and complete picture of the individual’s life.

 

Related: 10 Examples of Biography Writing

Format of Biography

A biography typically follows a format to ensure clarity and coherence:

  1. Title: The name of the person or a title (such as Sir, Dr., etc)  that reflects their achievements.
  2. Name and age: Mention the full name, date of birth, and (if applicable) date of death.
  3. Main personality traits: Describe the key qualities that define their character and behavior.
  4. Special interests: Highlight their hobbies, passions, or causes they deeply cared about.
  5. Education and training: List their educational background, institutions attended, and any special training.
  6. Special contribution or research: Explain their major achievements, discoveries, or contributions to society.
  7. Reason why this person is liked: Describe how they inspired people and the lasting impact they left behind. 
  8. Conclusion: Summarize their legacy and importance in their field or society. Explain the lessons people can learn from their life and work.

How to write a Biography? 

The process of writing a biography needs to be structured in order to present an individual’s life story effectively. Below are some key guidelines on how can one write a biography:

  • Strat with a clear and bold title mentioning the name of the person whose biography you are writing.
  • Use past tense while writing, as biographies contain past events.
  • Include a strong introduction to set the context and a conclusion to summarize key aspects of the person’s life.
  • Follow a chronological order, starting from birth and covering significant life events up to their passing or present life.
  • Include all given hints while writing. You can also add one or two relevant sentences for better clarity and flow.

Question details 

The following are some common types of Biography/ Bio- sketch writing questions asked in State Boards:

1. Profile-Based Bio-Sketch
Students are given a brief profile or a set of key details about a person and must construct a short bio-sketch using that information. For Example,
“Given below is a profile of Mr. Saran, the school gardener. Write a short bio-sketch of Mr. Saran with the help of the clues given below.”

2. Guided Headings:
Specific headings are provided here under which students must structure their response. For Example,
“Write a short biography of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam under the following headings: – His parentage and education. – His contribution to India’s most important works. – As a President of India.”

However, mostly the questions are based on Profile-Based Bio-Sketch with the students being provided the profile to create the biography. 

10 Famous Biographies 

1. Dilip Kumar: The Definitive Biography – Bunny Reuben
This book explores the life of Dilip Kumar, an introverted youth who transformed into one of India’s greatest actors through sheer determination. It highlights his personal and professional journey in the film industry.

2. Satyajit Ray: The Inner Eye – Andrew Robinson
A biography of one of India’s most celebrated filmmakers, Satyajit Ray, covering his life, creative genius, and award-winning films like The Apu Trilogy and Charulata. It is based on interviews with Ray and those close to him.

3. The Man Who Knew Infinity (Srinivasa Ramanujan) –  Robert Kanigel
This book tells the inspiring story of Ramanujan, a self-taught mathematical genius, and his collaboration with G.H. Hardy at Cambridge, which changed the course of modern mathematics.

4. Sir C.V. Raman – Uma Parameswaran
A comprehensive account of Nobel laureate C.V. Raman, focusing not just on his scientific contributions but also on his personal life, influences, and journey to winning the Nobel Prize in Physics.

5. Beyond the Last Blue Mountain (J.R.D. Tata) – R.M. Lala
This biography narrates the life of J.R.D. Tata, from his early years to his leadership in India’s aviation and industrial sectors, offered insights into his vision and contributions to the country.

6. Gandhi Before India – Ramachandra Guha
A deep dive into Mahatma Gandhi’s early years, including his time in South Africa and the experiences that shaped him into the leader of India’s independence movement.

7. Steve Jobs – Walter Isaacson
A comprehensive biography of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, detailing his innovation, leadership, and the creative genius that revolutionized technology.

8. Einstein: His Life and Universe – Walter Isaacson
A deep exploration of Albert Einstein’s scientific achievements, personal struggles, and his impact on modern physics and world history.

9. Narendra Modi: A Political Biography – Andy Marino
This biography delves into the life and rise of Narendra Modi, from his early years in Gujarat to becoming the Prime Minister of India. It explores his leadership style, political journey, and impact on Indian politics.

10. Indira: India’s Most Powerful Prime Minister – Sagarika Ghose
A detailed account of Indira Gandhi’s life, leadership, and challenges, this book explores her role in shaping modern India, including the Emergency, her political struggles, and her legacy.

Also See: WBBSE Class 10 English Summary and Lesson Notes

Types of Biographies

The following are the main types of a Biography: 

1. A Chronological Biography
It follows a person’s life in the order events happened, from birth to death. It provides a complete overview of their life.
For Example, Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow – This book details the life of Alexander Hamilton from his early struggles to his contributions in shaping the United States.

2. Subject-Focused Biography
This type of biography focuses on a particular aspect of a person’s life, such as their career, achievements, or a specific event.
For Example, Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson – This biography highlights Jobs’ work in revolutionizing technology rather than his entire life story.

3. Autobiography
An autobiography is written by the person themselves, giving a personal account of their experiences, challenges, and achievements.
For Example, The Story of My Experiments with Truth by Mahatma Gandhi – Gandhi narrates his journey of self-discovery and his role in India’s independence movement.

4. Memoir
A memoir is a type of autobiography that focuses on a specific time or theme in the person’s life rather than their entire journey.
For Example, Becoming by Michelle Obama – The former First Lady of the USA reflects on her childhood, career, and time in the White House.

5. Authorized Biography
An authorized biography is written with the subject’s or their family’s permission, often including exclusive access to private information.
For Example, Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela –  An authorized account of Mandela’s life, written with his approval.

6. Unauthorized Biography
An unauthorized biography is written without the subject’s consent, often based on public records and interviews with acquaintances.
For Example,  The Lives of John Lennon by Albert Goldman – This book was written without Lennon’s or his family’s approval and presents a controversial take on his life.

7. Group Biography
A group biography tells the stories of multiple people who are connected, often within the same time period or event.
For Example,  The Wright Brothers by David McCullough – This book explores the lives of Orville and Wilbur Wright and their role in aviation.

8. Biographical Fiction
Biographical fiction mixes real-life events and characters with fictional storytelling to create a more engaging narrative.
For Example,  The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory – A historical novel that blends fact and fiction to narrate the story of Anne Boleyn’s sister, Mary.

9. Historical Biography
Historical biographies focus on figures from the past who significantly impacted history, providing context to their contributions.
For Example, Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin – This book explores Lincoln’s leadership and political strategies during the Civil War.

10. Digital Biography
A digital biography is one of the very recent types. It uses multimedia elements like videos, audio, and interactive content to make learning more engaging.
For Example, “The Diary of Anne Frank” (Interactive eBook) – A digital version of Anne Frank’s diary with interactive maps, photos, and audio recordings.

 

Tips for Biography Writing 

Writing about someone’s life, achievement, their legacy and such can be tough. To aid in the process we have provided you with some tips to make the process of biography writing smooth for you:-

1. Conduct Thorough Research – A well-written biography is based on accurate facts and in-depth knowledge of the subject’s life. Use reliable sources such as books, interviews, autobiographies, and official records to gather information.

2. Create a Clear Structure – A biography should have a logical flow, often following a chronological order or focusing on specific themes. Organize the content into clear sections such as early life, career, major achievements, and personal life.

3. Make It Engaging – Instead of just listing facts, use storytelling techniques to bring the subject’s experiences to life. Describe challenges, emotions, and turning points to make the narrative more compelling.

4. Highlight Key Contributions – Focus on the subject’s most significant accomplishments and how they impacted their field or society. Avoid unnecessary details that do not add value to the overall story.

5. Maintain Objectivity and Respect – While biographies can reflect admiration, they should remain balanced and factual. Avoid exaggeration or personal bias, especially in unauthorized biographies.

Solved Examples of Biography writing

To ensure further clarity on how to write a biography and answer when asked in examinations, we have provided the students with the following solved examples:

 

Q1. With the help of the given clues, complete the biography of Abraham Lincoln in not more than 80-100 words.
Born: February 12, 1809, Kentucky, USA
Fame: 16th President of the United States
Major Contribution: Led the U.S. during the Civil War, abolished slavery
Famous Speech: Gettysburg Address (1863)
Legacy: Issued the Emancipation Proclamation, preserved the Union
Died: Assassinated on April 14, 1865

Answer:
Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, in Kentucky, USA. He became the 16th President of the United States and led the country through the Civil War. His Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 paved the way for the abolition of slavery. His Gettysburg Address remains one of the most famous speeches in history. Lincoln is remembered for preserving the Union and championing human rights. Tragically, he was assassinated on April 14, 1865, but his legacy as a leader and reformer endures.

 

Q2. Below is some data on Abhinav Bindra, an ace shooter who brought credit to India by bagging the first-ever individual gold medal in the Beijing Olympics in 2008. Use the information to write his biographical sketch in about 80 words.
Birth: 28 September 1983, Dehradun
Education:
Doon School, Dehradun (till 8th grade)
St. Stephen’s School, Chandigarh (Class XII)
BBA from Colorado University
Achievements:
2000 – Youngest Indian contributor at the Olympic Games
2001 – Bronze medal in Munich World Cup
2002 – Gold medal in Manchester Commonwealth Games
2008 – Gold medal in Air Rifle shooting at Beijing Olympics
Awards:
2000 – Arjuna Award
2009 – Padma Bhushan

Answer:
Abhinav Bindra, born on 28 September 1983 in Dehradun, is a renowned Indian shooter. He studied at Doon School and later completed his BBA from Colorado University. He was the youngest Indian participant at the 2000 Olympic Games. In 2001, he won a bronze medal at the Munich World Cup and a gold medal at the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games. His greatest achievement came in 2008 when he won India’s first-ever individual gold medal in air rifle shooting at the Beijing Olympics. For his contributions, he received the Arjuna Award in 2000 and the Padma Bhushan in 2009.

Q3. With the help of the given clues, complete the biography of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in not more than 80-100 words.
Born: October 15, 1931, Rameswaram, India
Fame: Scientist, Missile Man of India, 11th President of India
Education: Studied Aerospace Engineering at Madras Institute of Technology
Career: Worked at ISRO and DRDO; led India’s missile and nuclear programs
Major Contributions: Played a key role in Pokhran-II nuclear tests (1998)
Books: Wings of Fire, Ignited Minds
Awards: Bharat Ratna (1997)
Died: July 27, 2015, while delivering a lecture

Answer:
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, India. A renowned scientist, he played a key role in India’s missile and nuclear programs, earning the title “Missile Man of India.” He contributed significantly to ISRO and DRDO and led the successful Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998. In 2002, he became the 11th President of India. He authored several books, including Wings of Fire. For his contributions, he received the Bharat Ratna in 1997. He passed away on July 27, 2015, while delivering a lecture, leaving behind an inspiring legacy.

Q4.With the help of the given clues, complete the biography of Leonardo da Vinci in not more than 80-100 words.
Born: April 15, 1452, Vinci, Italy
Fame: Painter, scientist, inventor, Renaissance genius
Famous Works: Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, Vitruvian Man
Fields of Study: Anatomy, engineering, astronomy, botany
Inventions: Flying machines, armored vehicles, hydraulics
Died: May 2, 1519, Amboise, France

Answer:
Leonardo da Vinci was born on April 15, 1452, in Vinci, Italy. A true Renaissance genius, he was a painter, scientist, and inventor. His most famous paintings include Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. He made significant studies in anatomy, engineering, and astronomy and designed machines ahead of his time, including flying devices and war machines. His detailed notebooks reveal his deep curiosity and intellect. Da Vinci passed away on May 2, 1519, in Amboise, France, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy.

Exercises on Biography Writing – Practice Questions 

 

Q1. Given below are the details of the famous singer, S.P. Balasubrahmanyam. Based on the given information, write a biographical sketch of S.P. Balasubrahmanyam.
Full name : Sripathi panditaradhyula Balasubrahmanyam
Date of Birth: 4th June 1946
Place of Birth: Konetammapeta, Nellore District
State: Andhra Pradesh
Educational qualifications: Engineering course (A.M.I.E)
Entry into film field: 1966
First Film: Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna
Entry into Bollywood: 1980
Total number of songs sung: About 40,000
Other credits: Noted dubbing artist
Actor: Acted in a number of Telugu film
TV programmes: Leading many TV programmes
Awards: National Film Award for best male playback singer, National Award from government of Andhra Pradesh – 25 times, State Award from Tamil Nadu,  State Award from Karnataka, Padma Shri Award, Padma Bhushan

Q2. Write a short biographical sketch/profile of C.V. Raman using the information given below.
Name: Dr. C.V. Raman
Born: 7 November 1888, Tiruchirappalli
Parents: Father – school teacher, Mother – a learned woman
Education: MA Physics, age 18 – first class
Career: Joined Department of Finance, Govt of India; Professor of Physics at the University College of Science
Achievements: The Raman Effect (February 28, 1928 – an important discovery in the field of light); contributions in electrical conductivity of metals
Honours: Elected Fellow of the Royal Society of London (1924); Nobel Prize in Physics (1930); Bharat Ratna (1954)
Death: 21 November 1970

Q3. With the help of the given clues, complete the biography of Martin Luther King Jr. in not more than 80-100 words.
Born: January 15, 1929, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Fame: Leader of the American Civil Rights Movement
Education: PhD in Theology from Boston University
Famous Speech: “I Have a Dream” (1963)
Achievements: Led the Montgomery Bus Boycott; played a key role in the Civil Rights Act (1964)
Awards: Nobel Peace Prize (1964)
Died: Assassinated on April 4, 1968

Q4. The following are the details of a social activist. Write her biographical sketch in not less than 120 words.
Name: Malala Yousafzai
Born: 12 July 1997, Mingora, North-West Frontier Province, Pakistan
Residence: Birmingham, England
Nationality: Pakistani
Ethnicity: Pashtun
Occupation: Blogger and activist for rights to education for women
Known for: Female education activism
Religion: Islam
Parents: Toorpekai Yousafzai (mother), Ziauddin Yousafzai (father)
Awards: Nobel Peace Prize, Sakharov Prize, Simon de Bolivar Prize, Honorary Canadian Citizenship, National Youth Peace Prize

Q5. With the help of the given clues, complete the biography of Nelson Mandela in not more than 80-100 words.
Born: July 18, 1918, Mvezo, South Africa
Fame: Anti-apartheid revolutionary, first Black President of South Africa
Education: Studied law at the University of Fort Hare and the University of Witwatersrand
Imprisonment: Spent 27 years in prison (1962-1990)
Achievements: Led the fight against apartheid, became President (1994-1999)
Awards: Nobel Peace Prize (1993)
Died: December 5, 2013

Q6. Go through the following personal details of the scientist. Then attempt a biographical sketch of Albert Einstein.
Born: March 14, 1879, Ulm, Germany
Fame: Theoretical physicist; developed the theory of relativity
Education: Studied at the Swiss Federal Polytechnic School in Zurich
Famous Equation: E=mc²
Awards: Nobel Prize in Physics (1921) for the photoelectric effect
Died: April 18, 1955, Princeton, New Jersey, USA

Q7. With the help of the given clues, complete the biography of A.R. Rehman in not more than 80-100 words.
Born: As Dileep Kumar – January 6, 1966, Chennai, Tamil Nadu; changed name to A.R. Rehman
Fame: Music director and singer
Family: Lost father at an early age; mother’s great influence
Trained under: Master Dhanraj, Ilayaraja
Education: Graduate in Western Classical Music from Trinity College of Music
Began music career: 1992 – set up recording studio; film career began
Awards: Fourteen Filmfare Awards, four National Film Awards, two Grammy Awards, two Academy Awards, Padma Bhushan in 2010. Contribution to music immense; national icon

Q8. Go through the following personal details of the politician. Then attempt a biographical sketch of him.
Born: 12th December 1890, Pedda Mangalaram, Hyderabad
Died: 24 July 1970
Political party: Congress
Spouse: Tungabadramma
Residence: Pedda Mangalaram, Hyderabad, India
Religion: Hindu

Q9. With the help of the given clues, complete the biography of Marie Curie in not more than 80-100 words.
Born: November 7, 1867, Warsaw, Poland
Fame: Physicist and chemist; pioneer in radioactivity
Education: Studied at the University of Paris (Sorbonne)
Discoveries: Discovered polonium and radium
Achievements: First woman to win a Nobel Prize; only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different sciences (Physics and Chemistry)
Died: July 4, 1934, due to prolonged exposure to radiation

Q10. Go through the following personal details of the politician. Then attempt a biographical sketch of Winston Churchill.
Born: November 30, 1874, Oxfordshire, England
Political Party: Conservative Party
Notable Role: Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (1940-1945, 1951-1955)
Achievements: Led Britain during World War II; known for his inspiring speeches
Awards: Nobel Prize in Literature (1953)
Died: January 24, 1965

Answers:

1. S.P. Balasubrahmanyam was an Indian playback singer, actor, music director, voice actor, and film producer. He was widely known as S.P.B. or Balu. His full name was Sripathi Panditaradhyula Balasubrahmanyam. He was born on 4th June 1946 in Konetammapeta, Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh. He pursued an engineering course (A.M.I.E).
He entered the film industry in 1966 and made his debut as a playback singer with Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna. He made his Bollywood debut in 1980. He sang approximately 40,000 songs in multiple languages. Besides singing, he was a noted dubbing artist and acted in several Telugu films. He also led many TV programmes.
Balasubrahmanyam won numerous awards, including six National Film Awards for Best Male Playback Singer, 25 Nandi Awards from Andhra Pradesh, and state awards from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. He was also honored with the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan.

2. Dr. C.V. Raman was one of India’s greatest scientists. He was born on 7 November 1888 in Tiruchirappalli. His father was a schoolteacher, and his mother was a learned woman. He completed his MA in Physics at the young age of 18 and later joined the Department of Finance in the Government of India. He then became a professor of Physics at the University College of Science. He is best known for his discovery of the Raman Effect on 28th February 1928, which was a groundbreaking discovery in light scattering. His contributions also extended to the study of electrical conductivity of metals.
Dr. Raman was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of London in 1924. He won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 and was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1954. He passed away on 21 November 1970.

3. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. A prominent leader of the American Civil Rights Movement, he advocated for racial equality through nonviolent resistance. He earned a PhD in Theology from Boston University and became known for his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963. King led the Montgomery Bus Boycott and played a crucial role in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. For his efforts, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. He was assassinated on April 4, 1968, leaving behind a legacy of justice and equality.

4. Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist for female education, was born on 12 July 1997 in Mingora, Pakistan. Her parents are Ziauddin and Toorpekai Yousafzai. She belongs to the Pashtun ethnicity and follows Islam. She currently resides in Birmingham, England.
Malala became globally known for her advocacy of girls’ education. Despite receiving threats from the Taliban and surviving an assassination attempt in 2012, she continued her activism.
She has received numerous awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize at the age of 17, making her the youngest laureate. She has also been honored with the Sakharov Prize, Simon de Bolivar Prize, and Honorary Canadian Citizenship.

5. Nelson Mandela was born on July 18, 1918, in Mvezo, South Africa. He studied law and became a key figure in the fight against apartheid. Arrested in 1962, he spent 27 years in prison before being released in 1990. He played a vital role in ending apartheid and became South Africa’s first Black President in 1994. For his efforts, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. Mandela remained a global symbol of peace and justice until his death on December 5, 2013.

6. Albert Einstein was born on March 14, 1879, in Ulm, Germany. He was a theoretical physicist best known for developing the theory of relativity, with the famous equation E=mc². Einstein completed his education at the Swiss Federal Polytechnic in Zurich and later worked as a patent examiner before revolutionizing modern physics. In 1921, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on the photoelectric effect. Due to rising tensions in Nazi Germany, he emigrated to the United States in 1933 and played a role in the development of the atomic bomb. He passed away on April 18, 1955.

7. A.R. Rehman was born as A.S. Dileep Kumar on January 6, 1966, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. After losing his father at an early age, he was greatly influenced by his mother. He trained under Master Dhanraj and Ilayaraja and later graduated in Western Classical Music from Trinity College of Music. In 1992, he set up a recording studio and began his film music career. He has won fourteen Filmfare Awards, four National Film Awards, two Grammy Awards, two Academy Awards, and the Padma Bhushan in 2010. His immense contribution to music has made him a national icon.

8. K.V. Ranga Reddy was born on December 12, 1890, in Pedda Mangalaram, Hyderabad. He was a prominent freedom fighter and a leader of the Congress party. He played a key role in the Telangana Rebellion against the Jagirdars and the Razakars. He served as the Revenue Minister in 1959 and later became the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh in 1969. In his honor, the Ranga Reddy district in Telangana was named after him. He was married to Tungabadramma and resided in Pedda Mangalaram. He passed away on July 24, 1970, leaving behind a lasting legacy.

9. Marie Curie was born on November 7, 1867, in Warsaw, Poland. She was a pioneering physicist and chemist known for her groundbreaking research on radioactivity. Curie studied at the University of Paris (Sorbonne) and later discovered the elements polonium and radium alongside her husband, Pierre Curie. She became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to win in two different scientific fields: Physics (1903) and Chemistry (1911). Her contributions to science laid the foundation for advancements in medicine and nuclear energy. She passed away on July 4, 1934, due to prolonged exposure to radiation.

10. Winston Churchill was born on November 30, 1874, in Oxfordshire, England. A statesman, writer, and orator, he served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom twice (1940-1945 and 1951-1955). Churchill is best remembered for his leadership during World War II, where he inspired the British people with his powerful speeches and unwavering determination. A member of the Conservative Party, he played a crucial role in shaping modern Britain. In recognition of his literary works, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1953. Churchill passed away on January 24, 1965, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and leadership.

 

Conclusion

Writing a biography requires proper selection of relevant information, ensuring clarity and coherence. The article thus gives a comprehensive understanding of biography writing, with its definition, types, tips, examples and even some practice questions to aid in your exam preparations. It is a complete guide on tackling biography writing and ensures that the student can grasp the details easily.

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