The Profile Assignment
The Profile assignment is a two- to three-page essay (double-spaced) written to your local community about a local person, place, or event. Your profile should take a specific angle that represents a significant issue, important contribution, or surprising quality of the chosen subject. Outside research is not required for this essay and it is discouraged. Rely on skills of close observation, detail, and description to leave readers with a dominant impression of your subject.
Components of profile writing:
Introduction
- Capture the reader’s attention quickly by using detail and description, sharing a scene, or providing an introduction to the larger theme.
- Establish a purpose by identifying the subject and conveying its importance.
Description of the subject
- Provide details and descriptions to help your
Background of the subject
- Explain some of the history behind the subject.
- Detail the past to show change or demonstrate transition.
Anecdote
- Share an example, story, or scene that helps bring the profile to life.
- Use quotes or dialogue when possible to help reflect a dominant impression.
Conclusion
- Tie the essay together by leaving readers with a clear purpose or dominant impression
Organizing Ideas
All genres adhere to specific organizational patterns that help establish purpose, but always remember that, just like all elements of the rhetorical situation, the components of any piece of writing are flexible. Still, it’s important to understand that your purpose, the genre, and the organizational pattern you choose for your writing should all work together to help convey meaning.
