In planning an obituary, you should consider:

  • the key features of the genre
  • the relationship with the reader
  • lexical and grammatical choices.

Use the planning template below.

To identify what you should include in the opening of your obituary, answer the following questions about the death:
Who?
When?
Where?
How?

After providing objective details about the death, you should provide a brief written portrait or sketch describing the deceased. List details and quotes from loved ones that you can include to answer the question ‘Who was s/he?’

Next you should include a brief biography of the deceased. Make a list of life events and notable achievements that you will include in the biographical section:

You should conclude your obituary by mentioning the deceased’s legacy. Identify whom or what they are leaving behind.

Now write your obituary!
As you do, strive to:

  • vary your sentence structure
  • maintain an appropriate register and tone
  • Use correct punctuation for dates, quotes, etc.