Writing A Profile

CH. 5

Writing A Profile

Profile: Form of writing that is similar to the personal essay, but different because the experiences and particulars are not about the writer –but someone else.

Profile Writing (case study) is a way of documenting details of his/her experiences that would help dramatize/explore an issue and bring it to life.

Profile Writing relies on interviews for information.

Profile Essay:

Provides a detailed look at one person. Uses narrative as a method of organization; Written in first

person or the subject is portrayed in the third person (writer stays out of the way).

Reveals information about a person/character through short stories (beyond descriptions). The profile essay shows and tells through the use of dialogue and quotes. Descriptions of scenes and settings also reveal useful information.

A strong beginning is essential to give the reader a reason to be interested.

The more time spent with the subject (interviewing) the more revealing the profile will be (pg. 177 CW)