what is a profile essay

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Profile Essay Guide

A profile essay is a type of essay that centers on one person, place, or event. One of the most common profile essay assignments is one in which the author “profiles” a certain person, offering information about who that person is and why they are important, so it is similar to an informative essay in its goals.

Main characteristics and purpose

The main purpose of a profile essay is to present an objective profile of a person, group, or basically anything in a way that readers find interesting and informative. The profile essay can be either factual, presenting information based on direct observation and research, or it can be fictional, presenting information based on the author’s imagination.

When you write a profile essay, present the subject in a manner that is both objective and subjective. Objective information presents the facts without any type of interpretation, while subjective information presents the facts with some type of interpretation.

The characteristics that make a good profile essay:

• Focusing on a single individual, group, or place
• Including a detailed description and explanations
• Offering insight into the subject’s importance, meaning, or significance
• Utilizing a variety of research methods (interviews, surveys, observation, etc.)
• Showing behind-the-scenes information that others may not be aware of

If you want to find out more about essays in general, check our or other guide: Academic Essay Definition

How to write a profile essay

There are a few things to keep in mind when writing a profile essay. First, choose a subject that is interesting to you and that you have some knowledge about. It is also important to make sure that the subject is someone or something that can be adequately described in a short essay .

Next, you will need to do some research on your subject. This can be done through interviews, observation, or surveys. Once you have gathered your information, you will need to organize it in a way that makes sense and is easy for readers to follow.

Note: If you want to know how to write an essay in general, we suggest checking out our corresponding guide: How to Write an Essay .

Choosing a topic and developing a thesis statement

When writing a profile essay, you can choose not only a person as your profiling subject but also a place or an event. Profiling a place can be especially interesting, as it will allow you to explore the history and culture of the area. If you are profiling a person, you will want to focus on their personality, accomplishments, and any other unique characteristics that make them interesting.

However, before deciding on the final subject, consider if you have the time and resources to do the necessary research. You will need to have access to the subject in order to interview them and observe their behavior. In addition, you will need to be able to find enough information on the subject to write a comprehensive essay.

Ideas for profiling people:

• A person with an unusual job (e.g., a professional clown, a pet psychic, etc.)
• A person who has overcome adversity (e.g., a homeless person, a person with a disability, etc.)
• A person with an interesting hobby or talent (e.g., a competitive eater, a quilter, etc.)
• A prominent person in your community (e.g., the mayor, a police chief, etc.)

Ideas for profiling places:

• A local business (e.g., a family-owned restaurant, a mom-and-pop shop, etc.)
• A historical landmark in your town or city
• A local festival or fair
• A commonly unpleasant place (e.g., the DMV, the dentist’s office, etc.)
• A rarely visited place in your town or city (e.g., an abandoned building, a remote park, etc.)
• A place you like to go to (e.g., your favorite store, your grandmother’s house, etc.)

Ideas for profiling events and activities:

• A sporting event (e.g., a marathon, a football game, etc.)
• A musical performance (e.g., a concert, a school play, etc.)
• A community service project (e.g., a food drive, a park clean-up, etc.)
• A volunteer event (e.g., working at a soup kitchen, Habitat for Humanity, etc.)
• An annual event in your town or city (e.g., a parade, a festival, etc.)

Various Essay Topics – here, you will find a list of different essay topics divided by essay type and educational level.

Once you have decided on a subject, you will need to develop a thesis statement . Your thesis statement should briefly summarize the main points you will be making in your essay. This should be a brief sentence that sums up the main point of your essay. For example, your thesis might be “John Doe is an interesting person because of his work in the community and his dedication to his family.”

Keep in mind that your goal is to provide an accurate and insightful portrayal of your subject. Avoid writing a paper that is purely flattering or one that only focuses on the negative aspects of your subject. Instead, strive to provide a balanced and fair portrayal to come up with a successful profile essay.

Creating an outline of the essay

Once you have decided on a topic and developed a thesis statement, you will need to create an outline for your essay . This will help you determine the main points that you want to include in your paper. An outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Here’s an example of a simple but detailed outline of a profile essay about a person:

Subject: A profile of my high-school History teacher, Mr. Smith.

• A. Hook: Describing how Mr. Smith has impacted my life in a positive way.
• B. Background information: When I first met Mr. Smith, I was a sophomore in high school. He was my History teacher, and I quickly developed a respect for him as an educator and a person.
• C. Thesis statement: Through his teaching, mentorship, and personal example, Mr. Smith has instilled in me a love of learning and a desire to make a difference in the world.
• A. Topic sentence : Mr. Smith’s dedication to his students is evident in the way he teaches.
• B. Supporting details: He makes sure that we understand the material, but he also challenges us to think critically about the world around us.
• C. Topic sentence: Mr. Smith is more than just a teacher; he is also a mentor.
• D. Supporting details: He has taken an interest in my personal life and career goals, and he has helped me to stay on track when I’ve faced challenges.
• E. Topic sentence: Mr. Smith is a role model to me in the way he lives his life.
• F. Supporting details: He is a man of integrity who treats others with respect, and I strive to emulate his example in my own life.
• A. Restating the thesis: I am grateful to have had Mr. Smith as a teacher and mentor, and I know that his influence will continue to be a positive force in my life.
• B. Closing thoughts: Mr. Smith has made a lasting impact on me, and I will always remember the lessons he taught me both in and out of the classroom.

Writing the profile essay

The outline example above shows a simple essay structure consisting of five parts (an intro, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion). However, a profile essay can be written in a more free model of organization, which makes it somewhat similar to narrative or descriptive essays in this regard.

The main difference is that while narrative and descriptive essays are typically written in the first person, a profile essay is usually written in the third person. This is because you want to maintain an objective, unbiased perspective when describing your subject. However, if you are a part of the story, it is okay to write in the first person to show that you were involved in the scene.

Point-by-point approach:

Some profile essays will take the form of a point-by-point list of facts about the person, also known as a topical approach. This might be appropriate if you are writing about someone who has many different facets to their life (for example, a celebrity or public figure). The outline we presented earlier is an example of such an approach.

Narrative approach:

Another common way to structure a profile essay is to write it in the form of a story. This might be appropriate if you are writing about someone who has done something newsworthy or has an interesting backstory. In this approach, you will typically start with a brief introduction of the subject, followed by a series of events or anecdotes that illustrate its different aspects.

For example, if you are profiling an event, you might choose to write in chronological order, starting with the preparations and leading up to the event itself.

Or, if you are profiling a person, you might start with their childhood and then move on to their adult life.

In a profile essay about places, you can either write about different parts of the place in separate paragraphs (for example, the history, geography, and culture), or you can choose to write about the place as a whole.

Note: The number of body paragraphs is usually higher than three in such essays due to the narrative writing nature.

Introduction

The introduction of a successful profile essay should give the reader an idea of who you are writing about. You will need to provide basic background information about your subject, as well as any significant facts that will help to introduce it. You can also start with a hook , a good way to keep the readers interested in your essay.

Introduction example of a profile essay about a local Hippotherapy center:

Did you know that horses can help people with physical, emotional, and mental health problems? That’s what Hippotherapy is – using horses to help people heal. And there’s a place right here in our town where you can experience it. The Harmony Horse Center is a non-profit organization that provides Hippotherapy services to people of all ages. Founded in 2006, the center has helped countless people in our community improve their physical, emotional, and mental health.

Body paragraphs

Your body paragraphs will be the meat of your profile essay, so you will need to choose the most interesting and relevant facts about your subject. These should be arranged in a logical order – for example, if you are writing about someone’s life, you might start with their childhood and move on to their adulthood. Or, if you are writing about a place, you might start with its history and then move on to its present-day features.

Here’s what the first body paragraph of that Hippotherapy profile essay may look like:

If you’ve never heard of Hippotherapy, you’re not alone. I hadn’t either until I started researching for this profile and went to the center myself. Once it was in view, I saw the barn and the arena and knew exactly what it was. As I approached, I could hear the horses neighing and the sound of hooves against the ground. I walked in and was immediately greeted by the staff. They were all so friendly and welcoming, and they answered all of my questions about Hippotherapy.

To end a profile essay, write a conclusion that ties all of the different elements of your essay together and leaves the reader with a strong impression of your subject. You might want to reiterate and rephrase some of the key points that you made in your body paragraphs, or you might want to briefly describe what your subject’s life is like now. You might also want to include a call to action – for example, if you are writing about a cause that you care about, you might encourage the reader to get involved.

The conclusion of that Hippotherapy profile essay might look like this:

Hippotherapy is an incredible experience, and the Harmony Horse Center is a wonderful place to try it. I highly encourage anyone who is interested in Hippotherapy or who is looking for an alternative form of therapy to check out the center. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and welcoming, and the horses are absolutely gorgeous.

Key Takeaways

When writing a profile essay, remember to:

• Choose an interesting subject: Your subject should be someone you’re curious about and want to learn more about.
• Stick to a clear organizational pattern: The introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion should all serve a specific purpose and support your topic.
• Show your role as a writer from the start: You should either write in the first person and show your direct participation or write in the third person to maintain a more objective perspective throughout the essay.
• Interweave quotations and evidence with your narrative: Strengthening your argument with direct quotes from your subject or secondary sources will make your essay more convincing.
• Conduct research: You will need to do some research on your subject in order to write a well-rounded essay. This can include interviews, observation, and secondary sources.
• Create an outline: As with any type of essay, you will need to create an outline of your thoughts before you start writing. This will help you to organize your ideas and ensure that your essay flows smoothly.
• Use details and sensory language: A profile essay should be written with plenty of detail and usage of descriptive and sensory language. This will help to paint a picture of your subject for the reader.
• Reveal the significance of your subject: In addition to providing information about your subject, you should also explain why they are important or interesting.
• Have a clear angle: Your profile essay should have a clear angle or focus so that it is not just a general overview of your subject. Analyzing what most people think about your subject will help you pick a good angle.
• Cite your sources: Be sure to cite any interviews, observations, or secondary sources that you use in your essay, following the conventions of the situation style in the assignment.
• Edit and proofread: As with any type of writing, be sure to edit and proofread your essay before you submit it. This will help to ensure that there are no errors and that your essay is well-written.
• Anoka Ramsey Community College – Portfolio #1: Profile Essay
• Washtenaw Community College – Profile Essay (Assignment Sheet)
• Ohio State University – ENGL 1113 Essay 2: Profile (Assignment Sheet)

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How to Write a Profile Essay

• Posted 21 November 2020
• By StudySaurus
• Under Essay Writing
• Discover a remarkable subject to write a profile essay about. The person can be well-known or somewhat ordinary. The subject is not limited to an individual but can be a location, leisure interest, or occupation. Expand your search beyond the computer and your neighborhood. Do primary source research on the subject to acquire background information. Go to the library and view back issues of local or regional newspapers and other rags or scan online sources.
• Develop a loose outline based on the subject of your essay. Jot down the header, “Introduction.” Start listing possible details that will be disclosed later from interviews. Title another header as “Body” and note high points that will become the possible climax of the essay. Tie it all up in the “Conclusion” header and brainstorm solid ending possibilities.
• Compose a list of specific interview questions. They should be open-ended but specific and relevant to your essay. Questions should draw out information not commonly known about the person. Make a list of possible interviewees to broaden the narrative for a multifaceted profile. This includes others in his or her circle or individuals linked to a location or activity.
• Conduct the interview in a distraction-free zone. Establish a rapport early on to make the interviewee feel comfortable, which will churn out a more productive interview. Lay down a basic groundwork of what topics will be covered, the length of time needed, and the importance of the interview. Next, advance to the main interview. Be sure to take meticulous notes or get permission to tape the interview to transcribe later.
• Jot down any observations immediately following the interview. Consider the individual’s habits, attitude, and other qualities that were observed. Transcribe and rearrange the interview questions to recount an interesting personal perspective or interpretation. This will become your rough draft.
• Revise the draft, incorporating important details and factual incidents that were initially missed. Start with an attention-grabbing lead sentence. Ensure that the beginning grabs the reader and pulls him in. Intrigue your audience with an informative main section. Stay focused on your intended approach until the essay’s conclusion, which should give readers a closing impression of the subject and summarize your overall objective.
• Read the essay aloud. Did you give a visual portrayal? Check that you interweaved dialogue, added physical descriptions in moderation, but used narrative freely.

Tips to Write a Profile Essay

A profile essay vividly presents a subject to the readers. The writing is a combination of objective and expressive: While presenting his observations and analysis to inform the reader, the writer also brings his own personal perspective and interpretations to the essay. A profile essay differs from biographical and autobiographical writing in that it takes newly acquired observation, through research or firsthand accounts; an autobiography or biography is about remembered experiences. The challenge of a profile essay is to gather the information and give it shape in an essay that conveys a main idea; there are several guidelines to aid a writer in doing this.

Choose the Subject Wisely

While profiles of exciting, controversial people are always interesting, even the mundane can be intriguing if the writer examines it closely and offers a distinctive perspective. A writer shouldn’t overlook the quietly remarkable person who seems ordinary on the outside.

Form an Engaging and Informative Plan

A profile essay will most likely be based on at least one interview with the subject, and may also include interviews with those that know the subject. Writers should resist the temptation to organize the essay in the order they ask the questions, as this can make for boring reading. Instead, the answers of the questions should be examined closely for an emerging image of the subject. The responses can then be incorporated into a more complex picture of the subject.

Provide a Vivid Description

A quality profile essay should incorporate a vivid word picture of the subject. Include specific details, such as how the subject looks, talks, dresses, smells and is motivated. Keep straight description, or just cataloging the obvious, to a minimum; instead, use description to give the sense that the subject’s outward appearance reveals inward character traits. Information from others in the essay should serve to describe the subject and not take on its own life.

Convey a Dominant Impression

A profile essay should convey a dominant impression of the subject: the writer’s personal interpretation and insight on the subject and what the writer has gained from observing and researching. Carefully select and arrange details so that they communicate your attitude. This interpretive element is what categorizes the profile essay as a genre and separates it from other forms of narrative and descriptive writing, such as the biography.

Profile Paper Example

“Good evening, Valparaiso. I’m storm shield meteorologist Jacob Van Horn here with a look at your forecast.” Ever since Jake was in grade school, he knew that he wanted to be a meteorologist. However, it wasn’t until high school that he realized his dream could truly become reality. Jake’s interest in weather began when he first watched the movie “Twister,” a collection of National Geographic documentaries provided by his school. With an abundance of hard work and dedication, Jake is working towards earning his bachelor’s degree in meteorology and achieving his dream of becoming a meteorologist.

Since Jake has always been an admirer of the weather, severe storms always brought him a thrill. His interest in weather peaked after an F-4 tornado struck a city near his home in November of 2002. His family drove through Van Wert, Ohio, to see the damage. “Those images will always be in my head,” he recalls.

Although Jake always knew that he wanted to become a meteorologist, it was not until high school when he recognized his full potential. He realized how good he was at science and math and how much he enjoyed each of these subjects. Math and science are a crucial part of meteorology; therefore, Jake decided to “give it a go.”

When it came to deciding upon a college to pursue his meteorology degree, Jake was torn between Purdue University and Valparaiso University. Both schools possessed a great meteorology program, but Jake was drawn to Valparaiso’s small school atmosphere and location. Although Valparaiso was a private university with higher tuition than Purdue, Jake received a presidential scholarship, which aided in paying for his tuition. Getting accepted into a college with an outstanding meteorology program brought Jake one step closer to achieving his dream.

Once college started, there were a broad range of meteorology classes that he had to take. They started as simple, introductory classes and progressed into much more specific classes, such as an aviation weather class to predict things such as turbulence and a tropical class, which not only focuses on hurricanes and tropical storms, but the impact of the ocean on the weather in general. These classes will be beneficial to his future career choice. A meteorologist’s job can be described as making a type of educated prediction. Jake will use what he has learned in his classes, apply that broad knowledge to whatever is happening in the forecast, look at where the weather is coming from, and predict what he believes will happen.

The summer between his freshman and sophomore years of college, Jake was an intern at a local news station, WANE 15. While at his internship, he often assisted the head meteorologist in creating graphics that were used on television. He liked using the graphics system to see what he could create and he also liked communicating to the people about what was going to be happening. Jake said that he was able to learn an abundance of new things that will be useful in his future endeavors. One night, during a large tornado outbreak, he stayed at the station until around 2AM, keeping the viewing areas informed about the potentially dangerous weather conditions. He said that it “was definitely a crazy night.”

When he returned back to campus his sophomore year, Jake was a lab aide for an introductory class, which helps to refresh students on the basics of meteorology. He was also an assistant weather director at the campus television station, which is helping him learn about the broadcasting side of meteorology. He has learned everything from production to graphic-making and even presentation skills on the green screen. Although he did not think he would like being on television, before he began classes, Jake has learned many skills that have opened his mind to the world of broadcasting.

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How to Write a Profile Essay: Comprehensive Guide

Table of contents

• 1 What is a Profile Essay?
• 2 The Purpose of a Profile Essay
• 3 Difference Between Profile Papers and Other Essays
• 4.1 Introduction
• 4.2 Body Paragraphs
• 4.3 Conclusion
• 5 Tips to Write an Outstanding Profile Essay
• 6.1.1 Early Childhood
• 6.1.2 Olympic Fame
• 6.1.3 Fighting for a Social Cause

Over their high school and college years, students have to write various essays on different subject matters. While some are narrative and literary, others are more technical and detail-oriented. However, be they persuasive, expository, or argumentative, papers follow specific rules of academic writing.

Among other types, profile essays are some of the most common that professors assign. These assignments come in almost all disciplines, so it’s vital to understand the basics of the writing process.

What is a profile essay, and what features does it cover? Why is it critical to observe and discuss various individuals, events, or places? How do these literary works differ from other essay types ?

This guide will help you grasp the fundamentals of profile essay writing and deconstruct its content with a clear overview of what each part contains. It will also highlight essential hacks you should consider when writing, plus a qualitative example.

What is a Profile Essay?

In short, writing profile essays focuses on a narrow-scoped description of a famous individual, location, event, or activity. Your work should profile the topic you selected and provide qualitative information about the importance of the subject. Therefore, the writer must present vivid descriptions and thorough explanations through various methods.

You may choose to interview your subject to collect the necessary data. Alternatively, you can survey or research the topic to gather relevant insight if the person you’re discussing died. Observing a fair or visiting a town and then writing about it is also viable. Another unusual aspect of a profile assignment is that you can include objective facts and subjective or interpreted ideas.

In most cases, the essay will be factual. It will introduce valid and relevant questions and answers. For example, you may write about a distinguished USA president, civil rights activist, or athlete. Similarly, you can depict an ancient city, historical landmark, or high-rated festival. Last, consider dedicating your work to a local business, musical performance, or community service project.

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The Purpose of a Profile Essay

This essay type aims to offer the audience a comprehensive perspective of a particular topic and help them understand the concept. Hence, all data must be well-structured and presentable not to confuse the reader and raise doubts.

Moreover, anyone reading your work must be able to make informed judgments on the theme. In many cases, writing a short essay is a wise idea to portray the case or individual you’re discussing. Besides your writing skills, you will also showcase your organization and presentation abilities.

Difference Between Profile Papers and Other Essays

Most importantly, writing a profile essay will rely on valid and accurate facts. In short, focus on using first-hand information by conducting an interview, survey, or personal observation and involvement. Presenting amusing and authentic ideas will urge your target audience to enjoy your piece.

Unlike other essay types, these avoid using a secondary source. For instance, while writing a good opinion essay will involve your standpoints on a topic, the profile paper will concentrate on genuine insight supported by evidence. However, biographies and studies written by others are helpful when verifying the facts you collected yourself.

Overall, finding secondary sources is less demanding and time-consuming than establishing your pool of bibliographical information. Still, primary materials are ideal for writing a profile essay. Also, you must draft it in the third person to maintain an unbiased perspective of your subject.

Comprehensive Profile Essay Structure

You probably wonder how to start a profile essay and keep your thoughts and ideas streamlined and concise. And while you can find online essay help , we prepared a detailed overview of the layout you should follow. Here are the roles of each part.

Introduction

Undoubtedly, the first section of your work will be the opening which typically consists of a single segment. Its primary role is to lay the foundations of the subject and hook the readers to explore until the end. Hence, share intriguing background details such as a quote or anecdote.

Moreover, the excellent thesis statement must reflect the subject you will write about later in your manuscript. It should be well-thought and concise. The introductory part shouldn’t exceed 15% of the entire essay length. Also, ensure you avoid in-text citations except to begin the introduction with a direct quotation.

Body Paragraphs

This part presents the main idea and answers the most important interview questions. It is also the most substantial segment in terms of word count. According to the PapersOwl writing service , the body section should consist of at least two paragraphs. The number of paragraphs will depend on the distinct points the essay writers plan to cover.

Also, there is no specific length for body paragraphs , but you should avoid walls of text. Another guideline for a successful piece is to write at least four sentences in each body segment.

The closing paragraph offers a concise overview of the body paragraphs. It will focus on restating your thesis statement in a final attempt to emphasize the role and value of the selected subject.

The ending should also revisit the topic sentences and demonstrate the impact on our society. Therefore, don’t write about something not mentioned before. This section takes about 10% of the total word count and can contain an in-text citation as a call to action.

Tips to Write an Outstanding Profile Essay

Below, we share a thorough list of advice to teach you how to write a profile essay worth your professor’s attention.

• Read a few essays. You can look for quality articles in popular magazines that regularly publish interviews. A narrative essay might also prove helpful if you need to adjust your tone and language.
• Ensure the subject of interest is easy to reach. If you get stuck with an unreachable goal, PapersOwl can write your essay for money in the shortest timeframe possible.
• Study the topic by analyzing the background of your subject and focus on what makes their lives so unique. If it’s a place or activity, learn about its past and future.
• The most impactful way is to write in simple language. Steer away from jargon or idiomatic phrases to avoid misunderstandings, particularly in the thesis.
• Use vivid adjectives and transitions to convey your central point.
• Each body paragraph shouldn’t exceed 150 words.
• Keep your facts in check and avoid sharing your personal opinion unless based on authentic data.
• Engage all senses by visualizing events, telling jokes, or describing sounds.
• Follow a pre-defined structure where each body paragraph tackles a different point.
• Proofread your work for grammar errors and typos.
• Run your essay through an online plagiarism checker to avoid copied content.
• Ensure your ideas are concise and clear and split run-on sentences.

Crafting a profile essay requires an in-depth understanding of the chosen topic, whether it’s a person, place, or thing. The writer must be able to convey clear and engaging information that fully describes and explains the subject. It’s essential to have a writing style that can capture the reader’s interest and keep them engaged throughout the essay. To make the process easier, working with a quick essay writer can be helpful, as they can provide the necessary expertise and experience to create a high-quality profile essay that stands out.

Your Qualitative Profile Essay Example

The best approach is to go with the standard 5-paragraph structure. Here’s an excellent profile sample.

The Incredible Story of Wilma Rudolf

“My doctors told me I would never walk again. My mother told me I would. I believed my mother.” This famous quote by Wilma Rudolph, an African American athlete, tells tales about her life journey. She made history in the Olympic Games in Rome, becoming the first American woman to win three gold medals and break three world records. Her life, full of obstacles and hardship, took her to the throne of athletics and the heart of burning social issues.

Early Childhood

Born on June 23, 1940, in Tennessee, Wilma had 21 siblings. While she had the support and care from her extended family, it was challenging for the family to make ends meet. Things worsened when Rudolph contracted polio, double pneumonia, and scarlet fever. Though she survived the severe bouts, her illness left her paralyzed, and Wilma had to wear a leg brace. The doctor’s prognosis was grim, but with her family’s help, Rudolph started to hop on one leg in two years. Soon, she began to move, and by 12, Vilma regained her walking ability and took up basketball. She soon proved a natural athlete, challenging every boy in the neighborhood at running.

Olympic Fame

The Olympic Games were a pipe dream to young Rudolph. Yet, she caught steam and never lost a race in all high school track meets. At 16, Vilma brought a bronze medal from the Summer Olympics in Melbourne. In 1960 she participated in the Olympic Games in Rome, Italy, and won three gold medals. A striking fact about this triple victory is that in the 100 and 200-meter dashes, Wilma finished three yards before the closest contestant. In addition, her relay team won the 400-meter race thanks to her exceptional performance. Vilma attracted the world’s attention; the crowds cheered her and called her “La Gazelle.” However, she decided not to participate in the next Olympic Games, fearing that she won’t duplicate her success.

Fighting for a Social Cause

Rudolph dedicated the rest of her life to teaching the lessons she learned the hard way. She was particularly keen on coaching underprivileged children. Wilma even wrote her autobiography and worked in several community sports centers. She also gave numerous motivational speeches and founded the Wilma Rudolph Foundation to promote amateur athletics. Wilma died in 1994 of a brain tumor. Survived by two daughters and two sons, Rudolph has left a remarkable inspirational legacy.

Wilma played a critical role in the way we see sports today. Her poor health as a child instilled the “never give up” attitude in her mindset. Learning to overcome fear and weakness gave Rudolph the courage to aim high. Vilma’s personality proves that a strong will and perseverance can take you to stardom.

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How To Write A Profile Essay Like A Professional Writer

Welcome to our blog, where we embark on a journey to master the art of writing profiles essays. Whether you’re a high school or college student, understanding the critical components of a profile essay is essential for academic success. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the definition of a profile essay and provide practical tips, example of a profile essay, and expert advice to help you excel in this form of writing.

A profile essay is a captivating narrative that enables students to explore the lives and experiences of individuals. Through vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling, these essays offer readers a glimpse into the unique qualities and perspectives of the profiled subjects. By mastering the fundamentals of this writing style, you can effectively communicate your observations and insights, creating compelling and informative profiles.

In our blog, we will discuss the essential elements of a profile essay and emphasize the importance of high-quality writing and the benefits of expert guidance. Whether you’re a student aiming to improve your writing skills or a teacher seeking to enhance your students’ abilities, this guide is designed to provide you with the necessary tools and techniques to create exceptional profiles.

Join us on this enriching journey, where we share valuable knowledge, practical profile essay examples, and insider tips, empowering you to produce outstanding profile essays. Let’s unlock the secrets of this unique form of writing and achieve fast, awesome results together.

Table of Contents

What is a profile essay, how to start a profile essay, profile essay structure guides, key considerations for writing engaging profile essays, crafting an outstanding profile essay: essential tips, profile essays in academic settings.

A profile essay is not just a collection of facts and figures; it is a powerful literary piece that delves deep into the essence of a person, place, or event. This form of writing goes beyond surface-level descriptions to create a vivid and engaging portrayal that captivates readers emotionally.

When crafting a profile essay outline, the writer aims to explore a specific individual’s life, personality, experiences, achievements, or unique qualities of a place or event. It seeks to paint a comprehensive picture, offering readers a window into the subject’s world and allowing them to connect with it on a deeper level.

A well-written profile essay immerses the reader in the subject’s experiences, thoughts, and emotions by employing descriptive language, storytelling techniques, and insightful observations. It evokes empathy and understanding, enabling readers to forge a connection and gain a deeper appreciation for the person, place, or event being portrayed.

In summary, a profile essay is a literary work that aims to go beyond superficial details and statistics. It is a means of conveying the essence of a subject through engaging storytelling, providing readers with a rich and immersive experience that leaves a lasting impact.

The beginning of a profile essay is vital in capturing the reader’s attention and setting the tone for the rest of the piece. It requires careful consideration and strategic planning to ensure a strong start. Here are a few practical ways how to write a good profile essay:

• Look for unique qualities: Seek out subjects with unique backgrounds, experiences, or achievements. These aspects can add depth and intrigue to your profile essay.
• Consider relevance: Choose a subject relevant to your intended audience or the purpose of the assignment. This will help create a stronger connection and interest among your readers.
• Interview your subject: Reach out to the individual you are profiling and request an interview. Prepare a thoughtful question list about their life, experiences, and perspectives. These interviews will provide invaluable insights and personal anecdotes that can enhance the depth of your essay.
• Read articles and books: Explore articles, books, and other publications related to your subject. This will provide a broader context and enable you to include relevant background information in your profile essay.
• Explore online sources: Utilize reputable online sources such as websites, blogs, and academic databases to gather additional information and perspectives on your subject. Be critical of your authorities and ensure they are credible and reliable.
• Be concise and specific: State your main argument or the central theme of your profile essay clearly and concisely.
• Make it captivating: Use language that captures the reader’s attention and creates intrigue. A compelling thesis statement will generate interest and encourage readers to continue reading.
• Provide a roadmap: Your thesis statement should act as a roadmap for your essay, indicating the main points or areas of focus you will cover. This helps readers understand the structure and flow of your essay.

Starting a profile essay requires careful consideration of the subject, thorough research, and a well-crafted thesis statement. Choosing an intriguing topic, conducting a comprehensive analysis, and formulating a solid thesis statement can captivate your readers and set the stage for a compelling and informative profile essay. Remember, the start of your essay sets the tone for the entire piece, so invest time and effort into crafting a high quality and strong opening that engages and intrigues your readers.

Writing a profile essay requires a structured approach combining storytelling and factual information. Follow these steps to create a well-crafted profile essay:

• Introduction: Begin your essay with a compelling opening sentence that hooks the reader. Provide some background information about the subject and introduce the main thesis statement.
• Body Paragraphs: Divide your essay into multiple paragraphs, each focusing on a specific aspect or theme related to the topic. Use a mix of narrative storytelling and factual information to engage the reader. Include anecdotes, quotes, and descriptions to bring your subject to life.
• Organization and Flow: Ensure a logical progression from one paragraph to another. Use transitional phrases to maintain the coherence of your essay. Consider arranging your sections thematically or chronologically, depending on what suits your subject best.
• Descriptive Language: Incorporate vivid and descriptive language to create a sensory experience for the reader. Use specific details and imagery to make your subject come alive.
• Conclusion: Summarize the main points discussed in your essay and leave the reader with a lasting impression. Reflect on the significance of your topic and its impact on the reader.

A profile essay offers a comprehensive portrayal of a person or place, providing readers with a detailed understanding of the subject. Whether it’s about a place or a person, crafting an engaging profile essay requires careful planning and effective storytelling. Here are some key steps to consider:

How to Write a Profile Essay on a Place:

Choose an intriguing place: Select a location that is unique and holds significance for the readers. Observe and research: Immerse yourself in the place, exploring its history, culture, and physical aspects. Structure your essay: Begin with an engaging introduction, describe the place vividly, and provide personal insights. Incorporate sensory details: Utilize descriptive language to appeal to the readers’ senses. Conclude with a reflection: Share your overall impression and highlight the significance of the place.

How to Write a Profile Essay on a Person:

Select a captivating individual: Find someone with an interesting background, achievements, or experiences. Conduct interviews: Engage in in-depth conversations to gather firsthand information about the person. Organize your essay: Begin with an attention-grabbing introduction, present the person’s background and accomplishments, and delve into their personality traits and influences. Use anecdotes and examples: Illustrate the person’s characteristics through real-life stories and specific instances. Wrap up with a reflection: Offer your personal insights, reflect on the person’s impact, and conclude with a memorable ending.

Remember, in both types of profile essays, it is crucial to maintain a balanced blend of factual information and compelling storytelling to engage readers and leave a lasting impression.

When writing a profile essay, it’s essential to remember key elements that will enhance the quality of your work. Here are some essential tips to help you craft an outstanding profile essay:

• Choose an Engaging Format: While there is no strict format for a profile essay, you can structure it to suit your subject and the narrative you want to create. You can opt for a chronological structure, a thematic approach, or a combination of both.
• Conduct Thorough Interviews: Interviews are crucial in gathering firsthand information about your subject. Prepare a list of relevant questions and conduct interviews with the subject and individuals associated with them. These interviews will enrich your profile essay with unique insights and personal anecdotes.
• Focus on Descriptive Details: Pay attention to descriptive details to bring your subject to life. Use sensory language to create a vivid picture in the reader’s mind. Describe the subject’s appearance, gestures, and mannerisms. Include details about the environment, sounds, and smells to transport the reader to the scene.
• Utilize Direct Quotes: Direct quotes from your subject and others you interview add authenticity and credibility to your profile essay. Use quotes to highlight important points or capture the subject’s voice and perspective.
• Show, Don’t Tell: Rather than simply stating facts, show the reader the subject’s personality, values, and experiences through storytelling. Engage the reader’s emotions by narrating impactful moments or sharing significant events that shaped the subject’s life.
• Revise and Edit: Once you have completed your profile essay’s first draft, revise and edit it. Check for clarity, coherence, and grammar errors. Trim unnecessary information and ensure a smooth flow of ideas. Consider seeking feedback from peers or instructors to gain valuable insights.

Profile essays are commonly assigned in various academic settings, including high school, college, and university. These assignments allow students to develop their research, writing, and storytelling skills while exploring diverse subjects and honing their analytical thinking.

Following Guidelines:

When working on a profile essay for school or college, it’s crucial to follow the guidelines provided by your instructor. This ensures that you stay on track and meet the assignment requirements. Consider the following points:

• Pay attention to specific requirements: Your instructor may provide instructions regarding length, formatting, citation style, and other essential details. Make sure to adhere to these guidelines to avoid any penalties.
• Understand the objectives: Familiarize yourself with the purposes of the assignment. This will help you shape your essay and focus on the key aspects your instructor wants you to explore.
• Align with learning outcomes: Consider how the profile essay fits into the broader learning outcomes of the course. This will enable you to approach the assignment with a clear understanding of its purpose and relevance.

Seeking Assistance:

If you struggle with the assignment or need extra support, online essay assignment help and custom writing services are available. These services offer expert guidance and assistance, ensuring you receive high-quality, well-crafted profile essays that meet your academic requirements. Here are some key points to consider:

• Online homework helpers: These platforms connect you with knowledgeable tutors who can guide and answer your questions about profile essay writing. They can offer valuable insights and help you overcome challenges you may encounter.
• Custom writing services: If you feel overwhelmed or lack time to complete the assignment, custom writing services can be a viable option. These services employ professional writers who can create custom profile essays tailored to your needs and requirements. However, it’s essential to choose a reputable and trustworthy service to ensure the quality and originality of the work.

Profile essays in academic settings offer students a valuable opportunity to develop their research, writing, and storytelling skills. By following the guidelines provided by your instructor and seeking assistance when needed, you can ensure that your profile essays meet the objectives of the assignment and align with the course’s learning outcomes. Remember, practice and persistence are crucial to mastering the art of writing compelling and informative profile essays.

Get Profile Essay Writing Help Today!

Mastering the art of writing a profile essay requires a combination of skill, guidance, and support. By following the guidelines and tips provided by experts, you can create captivating profiles that engage and resonate with your readers. Along the way, it’s essential to seek assistance when needed, and fortunately, there are affordable options available that provide class-leading customer support.

When embarking on the journey of writing a profile essay, remember to choose an intriguing subject and conduct thorough research to ensure the accuracy and depth of your piece. Craft a strong thesis statement that serves as a roadmap for your essay, guiding your readers through the main aspects you’ll be exploring.

In the process, it’s reassuring to know that expert guidance and support are accessible. Whether you require assistance structuring your essay, some college assignment help , or understanding the nuances of profile essay writing, affordable online platforms provide the expertise you need. These platforms offer friendly customer support to address your queries and provide valuable insights, ensuring you receive the guidance necessary to excel in your writing endeavors.

By availing yourself of these resources, you can enhance your profile essay writing skills, boost your confidence, and achieve outstanding results. So, embrace the art of writing profiles backed by expert guidance, affordable options, class-leading support, and friendly assistance. Let your words paint vivid portraits and create lasting connections with your readers through the power of the profile essay.

What is a profile essay, and what is its purpose?

A profile essay is a type of academic or journalistic writing that aims to provide a detailed description and analysis of a particular person, place, event, or organization. Its purpose is to present a comprehensive and engaging portrayal of the subject, highlighting its unique qualities, experiences, and significance.

How do I choose a suitable subject for my profile essay?

When selecting a subject for your profile essay, consider individuals, places, or events that possess distinct characteristics, have a compelling story, or hold relevance in a specific context. It could be a notable figure in your community, a memorable travel destination, or an event with cultural significance. The key is to choose a subject that allows for rich exploration and offers an opportunity to captivate your readers.

What are the essential elements to include in a profile essay?

A profile essay typically includes several key elements to portray the subject comprehensively. These elements may include a vivid and engaging introduction, background information, descriptive details, anecdotes, quotes, and personal observations. It is important to capture the subject’s personality, experiences, and significance through a well-structured narrative that keeps the reader engaged.

How can I ensure the accuracy and credibility of the information in my profile essay?

To maintain accuracy and credibility in your profile essay, conducting thorough research and gathering information from reliable sources is crucial. This can involve interviewing the subject, conducting background research, and seeking multiple perspectives. Always verify the information you gather and cross-reference it with trustworthy sources to ensure the accuracy of your content. Remember to attribute any quotes or specific details to their respective sources.

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How to Write a Stellar Profile Essay?

09 February, 2021

13 minutes read

Author:  Tomas White

A profile essay, or article, is a piece of journalistic-cum-literary writing. The aim is to present factual information on a given topic (person, place, animal, or event) while writing with an individual tone and style. In this article, we will expand on the concept of a profile essay. We will also tackle what a profile is and what purpose profiles serve. Finally, we will present strategies for preparing your research and strengthening your writing technique, as well as offer tips on structure and potential topics.

What Is a Profile Essay?

A profile essay can be considered a literary piece of writing, in which the writer mainly delivers a descriptive account of a person, place, or event. The goal of the profile essay is to be informative. It usually conforms to standards found in journalism – that is to say, using facts and offering impartial reportage – while conveying this information in a literary style.

Literary style means offering more to the reader than a revised press release or stenographed interview. Offer insight and immersion to the reader, show them the layers of character and environment, and run these underlying factual happenings through your individual interpretation of it all. 

The Purpose of Profile Essays

The purpose of a profile essay is to be read and well-received by an audience. It is not an obscure technical writing piece, although it may cover obscure figures or events. In general, profile essays appear in magazines and newspapers – in either their print or digital formats. They also appear in scholarly or trade journals, usually covering rising or established people within these niches.

For the writer, a profile essay is a piece of writing aimed at joining the journalistic and literary style. As mentioned in the previous section, journalistic writing must be factual and rigorously checked for errors. Literary writing has some joy involved in its reading; in what way that joy comes out in ‘writing style’ is up to you.

Ultimately, with those two concepts in mind, the purpose of a profile essay is to get you, the writer, some more work. Profiles are highly prevalent and serve as a fantastic way of adding more pieces to your portfolio, whether you’re a new essay writer or a seasoned pro.

Prepare for your essay

Preparing for a profile depends on how close you are to starting writing. Writers coming to this article with a stretch of time ahead of them have the luxury of doing some background reading that is not directly related to the matter at hand. Finding a good profile essay example has the hidden benefit of looking like a lazy weekend afternoon; get a stack of magazines and read.

Some of the most common places to find quality profiles are The New Yorker, The New York Review of Books, the London Review of Books, Esquire, or National Geographic. Another perspective is to look for writers, head to your bookshelf or local book store, and do some digging. Again, read and make some notes on the qualities you enjoy and dislike in a range of profiles.

Lastly, in terms of reading, examine the differences between an essay or article profiling a person and one that profiles an event.

That form of preparation is more akin to education. It is needed to bolster your understanding of the broad picture and what is essentially the marketplace for your piece of work. 

Preparing for your actual essay, not the skill of writing an ambiguous profile essay, is another matter. The research and reading that are highly relevant to your subject matter will make or break your profile essay. 

To begin with, you must find all profiles of your subject that are in existence and don’t require a transatlantic flight to a dusty library archive – in this instance, simply email the library and ask if they’ve considered digitizing their collection, starting with your desired piece. 

One of the most surefire organization tactics for research is timelining. Start at the beginning; be sure to go into ‘negative digits’ and look at the parent’s history or the town’s history, or anything else that emerges in your research.

After ‘time’ as a category of thinking comes ‘significance.’ What were the defining features of this person’s life, and to what sort of ‘movement’ might they belong? Add this into your timeline research and press on.

Have you selected a person or place that is feasible to contact and ask for a quote or interview? You may also want to reach out to other players in the story you’re telling and see what they have to say on things.

Preparing all this research can get messy and cluttered. The best way to solve this problem is to  follow a system from the start, as mentioned above; time is a great organizer. Also, keep a running bibliography in a separate file on your computer. Keep tabs on everything you’ve read, and be as forensic as possible with maintaining records. Who knows what might happen in the future regarding the focus of your essay? They might run for president, or they might fade into obscurity. 

Profile Essay Outline

As a profile essay combines qualities of journalism and literary writing, the ideal outline doesn’t exist. Literary writing can take the reader on a journey; in fact, the only requirement of the structure is to guide this journey as magnificently as possible.

Were we to suggest a general profile essay outline, it would contain these sections and ingredients. The order is flexible to an extent. It depends on the content of your profile. Have you got an interview to draw upon, or are you using your storytelling powers to deduct and infer from other sources?

In your introduction, if you’ve conducted an interview, use a quote for your lede. A good quote is an excellent way to set the tone and give an impression of your subject to the reader. Those without an interview might consider a bold statement; be sure that you use something here to act as a powerful lede and bring the reader on board. 

Alluring mysteries are one thing; though the crunch point for this gambit is to make the pay-off worthwhile. Else, the cliff-edge and the tension you create will be for nothing in the end. 

There will be time to provide things like background and biography in the main body of a profile essay. These tend to follow the lede as they’re a nice cool-down; they give the reader a chance to build knowledge on an obscure topic. Whereas for the writer, both the background and biography offer an opportunity to peg in some facts, figures, and breadcrumbs to draw upon later.

The body of a profile essay is tricky. You, first of all, need to engagingly tell your readers the story in it. Remember to build tension and really ‘let go’ when it comes to releasing that tension. Tell it to a friend, read it aloud. Move around the paragraphs. Remember that the profile is following an arc and in your conclusions, hook back in the initial qualities of the opening part. This technique is like cadence in music, and it will please your audience as long as it isn’t too trite. 

Profile Essay Topics

A suitable subject or topic depends on your qualities as a writer and the desired outcome of writing such a profile essay. Now, it does not have to include an interview, but many profile essays do include them. Some profile essay topics may be inanimate objects or complex emergences of human life (events). If this is the case, you can still interview 

For interviews, considering you’re likely a lowly reporter on a college paper, getting an interview with a high-flying sportsperson, politician, or musician is unlikely. In any event, the lower-flying specimens of these species could make a good target. 

The most important thing to consider when choosing the topic or subject is to work with your gut and instinct. If you’re interested in the story, you’re going to have much more to put into it, and your excitement and verve will show through in writing. It may also make it easier to stomach the long hours of tedious research that can emerge when trying to prove or disprove an obscurity of some kind. 

If you haven’t decided on the topic, there’s still room for maneuver. You can look at the subject matter and present your perspective on the case; that’s the subjective element of a profile, your view.

This perspective of yours can focus on just one specific aspect of a person or event. By removing the duller or more well-trodden elements of a character, you open up the chance to explore a new side of a topic. It’s also a fantastic skill for writers to be able to recap well-known things or facts quickly. Writing in this style for a very general audience should be a skill in any writer’s arsenal. 

Profile Essay Examples 

Properly digesting the advice and points made in this article can be aided by reading some profile essay examples. Look for examples given out in your class, or search around using the main keyword – profile essay examples. 

Here are a few examples for you to get a catch on how to write profile essays excellently:

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/profiles

https://longreads.com/2019/12/17/longreads-best-of-2019-profiles/

https://longreads.com/2017/12/18/longreads-best-of-2017-profile-writing/

Writing Tips for a Profile Essay

How to write a profile essay in three steps; pick a subject, do your research, and start writing. Remember that a profile essay is a literary and a journalistic piece of writing. It’s non-fiction, so your facts and figures must be accurate, and any discrepancies or controversies surrounding your data can form a part of your analysis.

Always write with your reader at the forefront of your mind. Visualize your reader, even if it’s a college essay, and think of how you could pitch your piece to a publication. The natural home of a profile is in the media, not in the college textbook. So write the essay with publication in mind. 

 Here are some essential tips for a profile essay composition:

• Conduct thorough research on your topic, look for potential interviews or aspects not covered in previous profiles if they exist. Also, make sure you’ve read all of the profiles on or related to your subject matter; a profile is an evolving topic, and new facts can emerge.
• Profile examples are available online, as well as those posted by educational institutes, and of course, those featured in the media. Reading these serves as excellent preparation and inspiration.
• The structure and overall outline of a profile essay is something with a degree of flexibility. While the introduction and rounding off of the essay will look familiar, tracking a person’s profile or event can involve highly unique pieces of information. Unlike many other papers, profiles don’t have to strictly conform to the thesis, antithesis, and synthesis structure. However, this familiar form of writing still works in part when writing a profile. 

Write a Profile Essay with HandmadeWriting

HandmadeWriting can help with the development, construction, and polishing of a profile essay. As an organization, we draw on academics and writers’ expertise from across the spectrum of the written word. 

Getting started can be difficult, but consulting with HandmadeWriting offers a way to get the ball rolling. The writers at HandmadeWriting are used to working on a countless number of topics and essay styles. The staff is also familiar with working under a tight deadline, not to mention those tasks where the endpoint is less defined. 

HandmadeWriting makes composing an essay or profile piece simple. Talk with a skilled writer and editor today on your topic, and you can make a start immediately.

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How to Write a Profile Essay from start to end like a pro

Many people do not realize that a biography is a profile essay, but it is. It is a profile essay because it is essentially the profile or the detailed description of a person.

You can be assigned to write an informative essay where you describe a person, place, event, or whatever subject. If that is the case, you should write a profile essay. A profile essay is basically a descriptive essay.

It is a common assignment in college for journalism and media studies courses. However, students pursuing other courses can also be assigned to write a profile essay. Although writing one can be challenging, we will show you in a bit how it can be enjoyable and what steps you need to take.

In this post, you will learn everything you need to know to write the perfect profile essay. Oh! You can buy a profile essay from us and have it customized to your instructions or rubric. Otherwise, let’s begin.

What is a Profile Essay?

The hallmark of writing a staller profile essay is knowing what it means.

In the academic context, a profile essay is basically a descriptive essay or informative essay about a person, place, location, activity, item, institution, organization, or event. Within the journalism context, profile essays refer to compositions about a person.

It is an essay that provides a detailed description of someone or something. The essay is usually between 600 and 850 words long and can be longer than 1000 words. The best way to write it is in such a way that it gives the reader a complete picture of the subject.

For example, if you are asked to write a profile essay on your best friend, you should write it so that when someone reads it, they will quickly gain a comprehensive understanding of your best friend.

There are two basic types of profile essays – descriptive profile essays and analytical profile essays .

Descriptive profile essays offer a comprehensive description of someone or something, while analytical ones provide in-depth analysis/evaluation of someone or something while describing it. The most common type of profile essay is the descriptive one. You can be asked to write a descriptive profile essay on a movie character, a story character, a politician, a celebrity, or someone you know personally. You can also be asked to write one on a location, an event, or even an idea.

What Is the Purpose of a Profile Essay?

The purpose of a profile essay is to provide a comprehensive view of a subject. The subject could be virtually anything.

When you are asked to write a profile essay, you should try to write it so that it leaves no important information.

For example, if you choose to write an essay on Barrack Obama, it should describe everything about the man from his origin to his Harvard experience, his senatorial experience, and finally, his presidency. This will help the reader to know everything crucial they need to know about Obama, including his life before the presidency.

When writing a profile essay, you should try as hard as possible to make it as interesting and informative as possible. Because profile essays that are not interesting tend to have too boring and too dull to read. So if you want the reader to read your essay from the first word in the introduction to the last word in the conclusion paragraph, ensure it is an exciting read.

The 6 main steps for writing a Perfect Profile Essay

Writing a successful, stellar, and grade-worthy profile essay needs some quality work. Here are some insights from our top profile essay writers who have completed many profile essays for clients. These essay writers are widely experienced in writing such essays and use these steps to produce the best profile essays. 

When assigned to write a profile essay for your class assignment, follow these six steps: (1) get inspired by professionally done examples, (2) choose a topic and a subject of focus, (3) research, (4) plan your essay, (5) write the essay, and (6) edit and proofread the essay before submitting.

Now let’s expound on each point to make it further easier for you to write a profile essay that attracts the best grades/score.

1. Get inspired by Examples

You need to research, plan, and write it better to ensure that it has no flaws. To write better, you can get inspiration through reading professional profile essay examples . These professionally written profile compositions are common in magazines such as The New York Times, Esquire, Washington Post, and The Guardian, among others.

While reading these examples, note how the details are presented, the ordering technique used, the use of transitions, hooks, and other aspects of formal writing, formatting, paragraphing approach, and the general choice of words.

You could read as many examples of profile essays as you can. However, be keen on selecting the best to benchmark as you write your profile essay based on the prompt from your professor.

2. Choose a topic and the subject

When asked to write a profile essay, you will most probably be asked to choose a topic by your professor. If this is the case, you should choose a topic that is interesting to you. Sometimes you are given a topic and told to write about it.

Because by choosing an interesting story, you get a chance to tell this story in your essay.

Of course, telling an interesting story is something you should be greatly interested in doing because interesting profile essays are almost always excellent profile essays.

After selecting the topic, ensure that you also choose a subject (the person, place, activity, or event of interest). The subject you choose to write about in your essay can either make or break your profile writing.

3. Gather information about the subject

Once you have chosen a topic for your profile essay, the next thing you need to do is to gather information about the subject.

For example, if the subject is a person, you should research information about them online at this stage. Gather as many important details about the person as you can. These details will be useful in the next step. In some cases, if you have access to the person you want to write an essay on, you can organize an interview with the person to find out more about them directly from them.

If you are writing a profile essay based on an interview, be sure to capture some of the responses the subject gave. It would be best to have open-ended questions on the interview plan to find as much valid information as possible. You need to corroborate the information using information available from credible sources.

4. Create an outline

Although sometimes an outline is not mandatory for an essay, you need to have a quick outline to arrange the ideas and thoughts and define the structure of your paper. Stick to a specific outline format for your essay.

If you feel you have gathered as many details about the subject as possible, you should create a profile essay outline. The outline should highlight what you want to write in each essay section. It should be as comprehensive as possible to make the next step easier. There is a profile essay outline example later in this post. You should use its structure to create your own outline.

5. Write the first draft of your essay

With the nice profile essay outline, the next thing you need to do is to start writing your profile essay. You can do this easily by following your outline like a map.

You see, if you did your outline correctly, it should contain sentences or instructions on how to start each paragraph in your essay and what to include in the paragraph.

When writing the first draft, follow your outline to start writing your essay and write all the paragraphs. As you are writing, remember this is a profile essay. You should try to keep the tone conversational and be as descriptive, informative, or vivid as you can. Write first and edit later.

As long as the ideas are flowing, keep on writing.

6. Edit and Proofread your Essay

After you are done writing your essay, the next thing you need to do is to proofread and edit it. We always advise taking a break to cool off from writing, develop an objective mind, and be ready to self-critique as you edit.

When proofreading, read it twice or thrice to identify and edit errors, mistakes, and weak statements or arguments. Once you have edited your essay to the level where you feel it is perfect, send it to a friend to read it one more time and catch the mistakes you might have missed.

Ask them to highlight any mistakes or errors they see. When you get your essay back, edit it one more time to eliminate the mistakes and errors identified. You can also hire a professional proofreader  if you need it done first and professionally.

After you are done editing as detailed above, your profile essay should be ready for submission.

The Structure and Format of a Profile Essay

You now know exactly what to do to write a profile essay. You know all the steps you need to take to write a good profile essay. In case you did not know the structure, it is presented below with its three key parts – the introduction, the body, and the conclusion.

1. Introduction Paragraph

Like every other essay, the profile essay has an introduction. In the introduction part of the essay, you must present what you will talk about in the body part. And you must do it in a summarized manner. Two statements are very important when writing the introduction paragraph – the hook statement and the thesis statement .

The hook statement is the opening statement. It should be interesting to grab the reader's attention and make them want to read your essay. And the thesis statement should be the last statement in your introduction paragraph. It should contain your main argument or the position you support in your essay.

2. Body Paragraphs

The body part of the profile essay is usually made of three or more body paragraphs.

When writing body paragraphs in your profile essay, you should ensure each body paragraph describes or analyzes a different part or aspect of the subject of your essay.

Furthermore, you should ensure a good flow between your body paragraphs and the sentences that make them up.  

The most important thing to remember when writing this part of your profile essay is to present your ideas chronologically. This will make this part of your essay easy to understand. Use sensory details to relate to your readers' senses and create a vivid picture.

3. Conclusion Paragraph

At the end of the profile essay, there is a conclusion paragraph . The purpose of this part of the essay is to wrap it up.

So, after providing a detailed description of your subject in the body paragraph, you should summarize everything and then provide a powerful closing statement. This is the most effective way to conclude a profile essay or any other type of essay for that matter.

Remember, the conclusion part is only supposed to contain your conclusion or and not any new argument, evidence, or claim.

Profile Essay Outline Example

Follow the example profile essay outline below to discover how exactly to create a profile essay outline.

Title: My best friend

I. Introduction

• Hook sentence: My best friend has always stood up for me from the very first day.
• Background info: What makes your friend special and unique? And my friend’s biographical information.
• Thesis statement: My best friend is someone I can count on even if the whole world is against me.

II. First body paragraph (Appearance and personality)

• Major point: My best friend is a tall, well-built, and laidback person.
• Description and evidence: Provide a comprehensive description of the major point above and use evidence such as quotes and examples.
• Concluding sentence

III. Second body paragraph (Major event in your friend’s life)

• Major point: My best friend lost his younger brother at age 10, hugely impacting his life.

IV. Third body paragraph (What distinguishes your best friend from others)

• Major point: My best friend is loyal to the core and very dependable.

V. Conclusion paragraph

• Thesis restatement
• Restatement of major points
• Closing sentence

Topic ideas for a Profile Essay

When tasked with choosing a profile essay topic to write about, consider choosing an interesting topic, has a favorite subject, and something that has information in case you need to corroborate facts.

Below is a list of profile essay topic ideas. Use the list as inspiration to develop your profile essay topic.

• President Obama’s Profile: His early life, his senatorial career, and his presidency
• Turkey and its place in Middle Eastern politics
• Africa: A continent with resources but also with global poverty
• Europe: A cycle of war and devastation
• King Solomon and his mighty empire
• Mandela: The man who changed the world
• Adolf Hitler: His ideology and his beliefs
• My dog is my best friend
• UNHCR: A history of taking care of refugees
• United Nations: Successes and challenges over the years
• Why Zanzibar is a must-visit country
• My favorite movie
• The diet of the residents of Loma Linda
• The best celebrity role model
• The best summer camp for kids in the USA
• The most stunning animal park in the USA
• Stalin: How the Russian leader helped defeat the Nazis
• Moscow: The capital of the Russian Federation
• The United States: the greatest economy in the world
• MV. Aurora: The conqueror of the seven seas
• Adidas: A history of challenges and successes
• Jane Austen: A high-achieving woman
• Nike Success’s Story
• The best Air Jordan Stores
• The real personality of Princess Diana
• The US Senate and its responsibilities
• Queen Elizabeth: The longest serving female head of government
• The sport I love the most
• Stephen King: The most elegant writer of our time
• The best classic car ever

Example of a Process Essay

My favorite elementary school teacher A few years ago, I ran into Mrs. Penny while escaping some school bullies who gave me a hard time. When I ran into her, I just burst into tears, and she did not know what to do. She just hugged me. She later escorted me to a small bench and asked me to tell her everything. I did exactly that, and she made sure the boys were suspended. I did not know it then, but she was about to play a key role in molding me into who I am today. Mrs. Penny was a tall, big and strong woman. She always walked with authority about her. Some students said she was into powerlifting, but I don’t think she was. While she had a big physique and she was very kind and motherly. Everyone loved her for this. She always treated every single student with respect and tried to listen and reason with you rather than impose her beliefs. For example, she once talked to our class and convinced everyone to stay in class for about five minutes long to finish explaining something. This is something that had never happened before, yet she achieved it. One day while in class, Mrs. Penny caught another student in the middle of a nasty fight. Since the last time she had saved me from bullies, she had always thought I was a well-disciplined boy. So she was very disappointed when she caught me fighting as it was strictly against school rules. We were sent to detention and then came back to class later. As everybody was leaving class in the late afternoon, she asked me to stay behind and told me to sit down. She talked to me, motivated me, and told me that I could only succeed in life by being disciplined. I promised her always to be disciplined, which has helped me in life. It has helped me to become a much better person. If other teachers found me fighting or doing something else, they probably couldn’t have cared. This is because they could have simply assumed I was a bad kid. However, Mrs. Penny was not like other teachers. She was kind, empathetic, and motherly. She saw me as someone I was not and took her time to help show me the right direction in life. I believe I am now in college because of what she told me, especially about discipline being the key to success. As you can see, Mrs. Penny played a very important role in molding me into who I am today. She helped me to become a better person and to take discipline as one of my guiding principles. It is my hope that Mrs. Penny is still alive and is still helping guide elementary students to become better versions of themselves.

Tips to Use when Writing a Profile Essay

By now, you can already see that writing profile essays can be fun; it is fun! When you select a subject of interest, you can only write the best things about them as long as you meet the scope of the rubric. Like any other comprehensive academic essay , a profile essay has three sections: the introduction, body, and conclusion. And for you to write one that appeals to your readers and markers, here are some tips and tricks that actually work:

• Edit your work. After you are done writing your essay, you should thoroughly edit it to ensure it has no grammatical errors, punctuation errors, and so on. This will ensure it gets a good grade.
• Show respect. When writing a profile essay about someone, you must show respect even if you hate them. You must strive to be objective and to use objective language. This will make your essay to sound more professional than an anger-ridden essay.
• Try to balance your paragraphs. This may seem trivial, but it is not. You must try to balance your paragraphs to make your essay appear structured and organized. This will increase your probability of getting a good grade.
• Create an outline before you start. Creating an outline before writing an essay will help you stay focused and organized.
• Keep your tone professional. You should strive to keep your tone professional throughout the essay. This is especially true when you are writing about someone close to you. Keeping your tone professional will help you get a good grade on your essay.
• Watch your tone and style . As you compose the paragraphs of your profile essay, you should use both formal and informal approaches. It should not be written in the second person. Rather, use first-person and think of creative ways to make your written piece fun to read. Although you are writing an academic piece that should be done professionally, you have the flexibility of flouting the academic writing rules. Describe the subject and maintain a tone that creates a vivid image of the subject.

Final Words

We are sure that by now, our professional writers at EssayManiacs, through their insights, have made composing a profile essay as simple as it should be. The knowledge we have shared in this post is enough to enable you to write the perfect profile essay or composition.

Remember to bring in your creativity, presentation, and organization skills when writing. Write preferably in the first person and have the flexibility of expanding your creativity. That said and done, you should now be able to get an excellent grade whenever you are asked to write a profile essay.

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How to Write a Profile Essay (+ Examples to Check)

In the article, you’ll find the profile essay definition and structure. Several examples are also here to help you see how to create a brilliant one.

What is a Profile Essay?

Such papers have two primary goals:

•  Stay informative
•  Provide as many exciting details about the subject as possible

Another essential detail is that you shouldn’t stray from the topic. Mention only the relevant things, and don’t be afraid to keep the focus as narrow as possible.

That’s the point of any profile essay.

Profile Essay Example

Profile essays look personal, but their style is matter-of-fact and academic. It seems challenging, but you can do that with appropriate examples at hand.

There are two common types of such papers: on a person and a place . Since each has its specifics, let’s jump right into the samples!

Profile essay example on a person 

Lucky you are when a professor assigns an essay about yourself. After all, it’s a person you know best, right? When writing about someone else, the key is to treat them how you’d treat yourself if you wrote your story.

Here’s an example of a profile essay on a person :

Profile essay example on a place  

Another profile paper is the one describing a specific location. It can include its history, spots, and the famous people who visited it. 

Choose the places you find exciting, but consider how much information you can dig up. Remember that a stellar profile essay must be informative. Put your emotions about what you’re describing aside.  Example:

How to Write a Profile Essay: Outline and Tips

One of the profile essay challenges is making it long enough  to meet the word count.

You can do it through research and adding extra info during the writing process. Imagine you’re a detective compiling a case file!

More details:

Craft a profile essay outline before writing. It’s a plan for an intro, a body, and a conclusion [1]. Important: Outline the thesis and topic sentences for each paragraph. That way, you’ll get a template for your essay to fill in with relevant information.

How to start a profile essay

The best way to start your essay is a so-called attention grabber. Tell the most intriguing fact about your topic and elaborate on it in the following sentence.

As a finishing touch, focus on a thesis statement. That last sentence reveals all the details you’ll discuss in the upcoming paragraphs.

Body paragraphs

You need several main points, whether writing about a personality or describing a location. Derive topic sentences (your paragraphs’ first sentences) from research and make them informative.

The last sentence of each section should be a transition to the next one. It will make your essay easy to read.

Writing a profile essay conclusion

Unlike an interview or expository essay , your conclusion restates the thesis and summarizes the core info from your paper.

While it sounds simple, this part of your paper is the most significant. Ensure you end it with a relevant sum-up.

Practical tips on writing profile papers  

Profile papers are all about research and editing your essay to perfection. Below are three fruitful tips [2] on how to do that.

• Use a reference finder . This tool works like a filter, removing all irrelevant sources from your search. It will help you invest less time in finding the materials you need.
• Spend several hours resting before editing your paper . If you look for mistakes in your essay right after you’ve finished the draft, you’re likely to miss them. Give your brain time to refocus, and you’ll find more typos and inconsistencies.
• Ask parents or friends how informative it is . If unsure about how your paper turned out, ask someone who doesn’t know much about the topic. If they find your draft engaging, it’s a success.

Bonus: Profile Essay Topics Ideas  

If a tutor doesn’t provide a specific topic for your profile essay and you struggle to find one, try any of these:

•   My Hometown’s History: The Hero of People
•   The Writer Who Shaped My View of Life
•   The Best Five-Star Hotel In Our Country
•   An Unusual Millionaire With a Kind Heart
•   A Touching Story of a Famous Animal
•   My Favorite Painter: A Biography
•   My Favorite Touristic Location
•   The Spookiest Location I’ve Ever Visited
•   The Teacher Who Was My Role Model
•   The Landmark I’ll Never Forget
•   My Pet Animal: Facts and Stories
•   My Hero: The Person I Want to Become
•   The Most Impressive Water Body I’ve Seen
•   The Place I Dream to Visit
•   The Fictional Character I Learned Most From

Profile essays can be challenging. Yet, they’re great for training your writing and research skills. You pay attention to details so that a text flows and presents information logically.

It’s okay if you don’t create a masterpiece on your first try. Just remember to have fun in the process.

References:

• https://www.adelaide.edu.au/english-for-uni/essay-writing
• https://www.wccnet.edu/webfiles/writing-center/web/essay-structures/ProfileEssay.pdf
• Essay samples
• Essay writing
• Writing tips

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Profile Essays: Overview

Introduction to the profile essay.

The purpose of a profile is to give the reader new insight into a particular person, place, or event. The distinction between a profile and, for example, a memoir or a biography is that a profile relies on newly acquired knowledge. It is a first-hand account of someone or something as told by the writer. You have probably read profiles of famous or interesting people in popular magazines or newspapers. Travel and science publications may profile interesting or unusual places. All of these are, in effect, observation essays. A curious writer gathers as much information as s/he can about a subject, and then presents it in an engaging way. A good profile shows the reader something new or unexpected about the subject.

Dialogue, description, specific narrative action, and vivid details are all effective means of profiling your subject. Engage your reader’s senses. Give them a sense of what it’s like to be in a particular place. Try to show your reader what’s behind the scenes of a familiar place or activity, or introduce them to someone unique.

A profile is not strictly objective. Rather than merely reporting facts, a profile works to create a dominant impression. The focus of a profile is on the subject, not on the writer’s experience. However, the writer is still “present” in a profile, as it is s/he who selects which details to reveal and decides what picture they want to paint. It is the writer’s job to use the information and writing strategies that best contribute to this dominant impression, which was a concept discussed in the narrative introduction as well.

Above all, a profile should have a clear angle. In other words, there should be an idea or purpose guiding it. Why do you think your subject is something other people will be interested in reading about? What is the impression you hope to convey? The answer to these questions will help you discover your angle.

Writing Strategies for Profiles

Conducting research.

Observation

The best way to conduct research about your subject is to observe it firsthand. Once you have decided on a topic, you should spend some time gathering information about it. If you decide to profile a place, pay a visit to it and take notes. Write down everything you can; you can decide later whether or not it’s relevant. If you have a smartphone, take pictures or make recordings to refer to later. Most people think of observing as something you do with your eyes, but try to use of all of your senses. Smells, sounds, and sensations will add texture to your descriptions. You may also spend time observing your subject at his/her work or in different contexts. Again, write everything down so you don’t forget the key details. Remember, it’s the specific details that will distinguish the great profiles from the merely proficient ones.

Interviewing If you choose to profile a person, you will want to conduct an interview with him/her. Before doing so, plan what you are going to ask. You probably have a good idea of why this person will be a good subject for a profile, so be sure your questions reflect that. Saying “tell me about yourself” is unlikely to get your subject talking. Saying, “tell me what it was like to be the first person in your family to go to college,” will get a much more specific answer.

Organizing your profile Once you have gathered all of your information, it’s time to start thinking about how to organize it. There are all different ways to write a profile, but the most common organizational strategies are chronological, spatial, and topical. Most profiles are some combination of the three.

Chronological order  is presenting details as they happened in time, from start to finish. A chronological profile of a person might talk about their past, work up to their present, and maybe even go on to plans for the future. A chronological profile of an event might begin and end when the event itself does, narrating the events between in the order they happened. If you’re profiling a place, a chronological profile might begin with your first impressions arriving there and end with your departure. The advantage to writing in chronological order is that your writing will unfold naturally and transition easily from start to finish. The disadvantage, though, is that strict chronological order can get tedious. Merely recounting a conversation or experience can be dry, and can also pull focus from the subject onto the writer’s experience.

Spatial organization  is presenting information as it occurs in space or by location. This is a great choice if you’re writing about a place. Think of it as taking your reader on a tour: from room to room of a house, for example. For an event, you might move your reader from place to place. If you are writing about a concert, for instance, you might describe the venue from the outside, then the seating area, then the stage. Spatial organization can even work for a person, depending on your focus. Try profiling a person at home, work, and school, for example.

Topical organization  is just what it sounds like: one topic at a time. Think first of what you want to say about a person or place and organize details and information by subject. A profile of a person might talk about their home life, their work, and their hobbies. A topical profile of a place might focus on the physical space, the people who inhabit it, its historical significance, etc. Look at the information you gather from observation and/or interviewing and see if any topics stand out, and organize your paper around them. Most profiles are some combination of chronological, spatial, and topical organization. A profile might begin with a chronological narrative of a hockey game, and then flashback to provide some background information about the star player. Then it might go on to talk about that player’s philosophy of the sport, returning to the narrative about the game later on. As you read the sample essays, notice how the writers choose details and arrange them in order to create a specific impression.

Using description Vivid descriptions are key in a profile. They immerse your reader in the subject and add texture and depth to your writing. However, describing something is more than deploying as many adjectives as possible. In fact, the best descriptions may not have any adjectives at all. They rely instead on sensory detail and figurative language. Sensory detail is exactly what it sounds like: appealing to as many of the reader’s senses as possible. Adjectives can be vague, and even subjective. Think about this example:

“My grandmother always smelled good.”

What does good mean? What does good smell like? Do we even agree on what kinds of things smell good? Instead, try this:

“My grandmother always smelled good: like Shalimar, Jergen’s lotion, and menthol cigarettes.”

Now your reader knows much more. Perhaps they are even familiar enough with those scents that they can imagine what that combination would smell like. Moreover, you have delivered some emotional information here. Not every reader would agree that the smell of cigarettes is “good,” but perhaps that smell is comforting to you because you associate it so strongly with someone you care about. Of course, smell is not the only sense you can appeal to. Sights, sounds, temperatures and tastes will also enliven your writing.

Figurative language can add depth and specificity to your descriptions. Use metaphors, similes, comparisons and images creatively and purposefully. Consider the following:

“She was so beautiful.”

“Beautiful” just doesn’t tell us much. It is, like “good,” both vague and subjective. We don’t all have the same standards of beauty, nor is beauty one particular quality. Try a comparison instead:

“She was so beautiful that conversation stopped every time she entered a room.”

True, we don’t know much about what she looks like, but we do know that nearly everyone finds her striking.

Similes (comparisons using like or as) are not only efficient, but are also more vivid than adjectives. Compare these two sentences:

“He was short and muscular.”   vs.   “He was built like a bulldog.”

Write With Clarity

Considering point of view Because a profile is a first-hand account, you will need to consider point of view carefully. Many profiles are written entirely in third person. Others use first person. Different instructors may have different expectations, so be sure to consult your assignment guidelines to see what your options are. In a third-person profile, the writer is not “present” in the writing. S/he does not refer to his/her own actions or use first-person pronouns, but is more of an objective observer or “fly on the wall.” Most journalistic profiles are written from this point of view. The advantage of using third person is that it places your subject firmly at the center of your paper. In a first-person profile, the writer is an active participant, sharing his/her observations with the reader. First person narration closes the distance between writer and reader and makes the subject feel more personal. On the downside, it can pull focus from your subject. If you use first person, be sure you’re not intruding on your subject too much or making the piece about you.

Using appropriate verb tense Often, profiles will be written in present tense. This gives the reader the sense that s/he is “there,” experiencing the subject along with the writer. Present tense lends a sense of immediacy and intimacy that past tense may not. It may also help the writer stay focused on the “here and now,” rather than reflecting on the past, as s/he might in a memoir. Other times, writers may need to shift tenses to talk about previous events or background information. Be sure to use verb tenses carefully, shifting only purposefully, correctly, and when the subject demands it. You can read more on tense shifts here.

Finding a topic and an angle Virtually anything can be the subject of a profile. What matters is that you have something to say about it. People are an endless source of material; everyone has a story. Make a list of people you know who

– have lived through important historical events: war, the civil rights era, the Depression, etc. – have been through challenging experiences: survived a major health crisis, difficult childhood, etc. – have an unusual job or hobby, or special talent or skill. – have unique personalities: they are eccentric, funny, selfless, energetic, artistic, etc.

Places can be equally interesting. Consider a local establishment, a natural wonder, a festival or celebration, a landmark, a museum, a gathering place, etc. What makes that place interesting and worth visiting? What makes it special or noteworthy?

Don’t just think about what you want to write about; instead, think about what you want to say about it. Why is it interesting to you, and why might your audience find it worth reading about?

Student Paper Rationale

For an assignment to write a profile essay, Joshua Dawson described his purpose and audience: “This essay is about my grandmother and how she overcame the hardships of life. [. . .] The purpose of this essay is to show how a woman can be tough and can take anything life throws at her. I hope the essay reaches students who have a single parent and those who don’t know what a single parent goes through.” Joshua showed a clear idea of what he wanted his essay to do.

Sources Used to Create This Chapter

The majority of the content for this section has been adapted from the following OER Material:

• Write What Matters by Liza Long and Amy Minervini, and Joel Gladd, which was published under a CC-BY-NC-SA 4.0 license.

Starting the Journey: An Intro to College Writing Copyright © by Leonard Owens III; Tim Bishop; and Scott Ortolano is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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How to Write a Profile Essay With Tips and Examples

• Icon Calendar 18 May 2024
• Icon Page 2927 words
• Icon Clock 14 min read

Students may encounter profile essays in nearly all disciplines, which makes it essential for them to understand profile essay writing. Basically, this guide commences with a definition of a profile essay and highlights its traits. Then, the manual discusses the significance of interview or observation sessions in profile essay writing and elaborates on the differences between a profile essay and other forms of academic papers. Lastly, the guide deconstructs the structure of a profile essay and provides clear directives on the writing of each part. In turn, the manual contains a sample outline and profile essay, which exemplify the content of this guide. Hence, students need to learn how to write a profile essay to develop their academic skills and understanding of a concept.

General Guidelines for Writing a Profile Essay

1. definition of a profile essay.

A profile essay is a type of academic paper that presents a detailed description of a person, event, or place by using a well-organized structure. Basically, authors spend a significant amount of time researching a particular topic to collect the less obvious information that a reader cannot acquire through a simple web search. In this case, a profile essay contains vivid descriptions and clear explanations that students derive from various reliable sources. Therefore, a profile essay is an expository essay, which implies that authors write papers with the sole purpose of informing the audience regarding a given topic by using facts, examples, and other relevant evidence.

2. Distinct Traits of a Profile Essay

During the composition of a profile essay, students do not need to write a position or present an argument concerning a topic of interest. Basically, among other types of essays , the authorship style that learners use in writing a profile essay should not lead the audience toward any predefined conclusion regarding a topic. Instead, authors present readers with facts or evidence and provide them with adequate ‘space’ to reach individual conclusions. Accordingly, a thesis statement of a profile essay does not announce a central claim. In turn, profile essays have a high demand for objectivity because any attempt to persuade the audience to support a perspective undermines the purpose of a paper.

3. Intrinsic Value of Interviews and Observations

Interviews and direct observations are critical to the formation of a profile essay. Mostly, interviews or observations are the main sources of information for a profile essay. In particular, students should plan to interview or observe the object, place, or event because it is the only way to write unique content for a profile essay. Also, learners must be prepared adequately for an interview or observation session to ensure that they can acquire the necessary information to complete their papers. During interviews or observation sessions, documentation is essential because it provides authors with an accurate record of the information. Specifically, the record is useful when writers need to verify some facts that they choose to include in a profile essay. In turn, video recordings, tape recordings, and notetaking are the preferred means of capturing information from interviews and observation sessions.

4. How Does a Profile Essay Differ From Other Papers

Profile essays are different from other types of essays because they have a low reliance on secondary sources. Basically, the use of secondary sources is widespread in academic writing because it is easy to locate and access such sources and establish their reliability from bibliographical information. However, authors of secondary sources may skew the meaning of information to achieve a specific purpose or exclude critical details that have no relevance to the source’s central claim. In consequence, secondary sources are rarely comprehensive sources, and writers of profile essays use them to verify facts rather than collect evidence. Moreover, primary sources are suitable for writing a profile essay, but the acquisition of credible sources is quite challenging, which causes students to conduct interviews or observe a place or event.

Structure of a Profile Essay

1. the role of an introduction.

The introduction is the first distinct section of a typical essay structure. Mostly, the introduction has only one paragraph. In this case, the primary role of the introduction is to set the context of a profile essay and provide the audience with a reason to continue reading the remaining sections of a paper. Moreover, the introduction becomes longer with the increase in the profile essay’s word count. Nonetheless, the introduction’s word count should not exceed 10% of the essay’s word count. In turn, the introductory paragraph should not contain any in-text citations except for a situation where students use a direct quotation to begin a paragraph.

2. Roles of Body Paragraphs

This section of a profile essay is the most substantial because it takes up approximately 80% of the word count. Basically, the body section consists of at least two body paragraphs with no maximum number of paragraphs. For example, the appropriate number of paragraphs is dependent on the number of distinct points that writers intend to present to the audience. Also, there is no specific length for a body paragraph, but students should strive to have no paragraphs that are longer than half a page. Also, it is an excellent practice to ensure that each paragraph has a minimum of four sentences.

3. The Role of a Conclusion

The conclusion is a one-paragraph section, which appears at the end of a profile essay. Basically, the conclusion of a profile essay is a concise overview of the content of body paragraphs. Notably, the closing paragraph focuses on revisiting a thesis statement and topic sentences as a final effort to emphasize the value of a profile essay. In turn, this paragraph should not be longer than 10% of the word count. Mostly, the conclusion paragraph does not contain any in-text citations.

Writing an Outline for a Profile Essay

A profile essay’s outline is a hierarchical layout of the main points of body paragraphs and annotations of the information that students intend to write in the introduction and conclusion sections. Primarily, an essay outline acts as a guide for the drafting stage of the writing process, which ensures that learners do not unintentionally exclude a point that is crucial to a profile. Furthermore, such an outline allows authors to document the specific evidence that they plan to use to support the main point of each paragraph. In turn, students should allocate adequate time to the writing and reviewing of an outline to ascertain the compatibility of the evidence and central point of each paragraph, which prevents false starts and reduces the likelihood of extensive revision.

Sample Outline Template for a Profile Essay

I. Introductio n

A. Hook. B. Background information. C. Thesis statement.

A. First body paragraph

• Write the main point of the first paragraph.
• Provide evidence supporting this paragraph’s main point.
• Write explanations of the evidence.
• End with a concluding statement.

B. Second body paragraph

• Write the main point of the second paragraph.

C. Third body paragraph

• Write the main point of the third paragraph.

III. Conclusion

A. Restatement of a thesis statement. B. Summary of the three main points in body paragraphs. C. Closing remarks emphasizing the significance of a profile essay.

Converting an Outline to a Profile Essay

1. research.

Research after interviews or observation sessions is vital to writing a profile essay. Typically, a student conducts some research before interviews or observation sessions to identify areas of interest that are worth investigating. After collecting information, authors must engage in research to develop a deeper understanding of responses or actions of a subject. In turn, this research stage ensures that the author’s unfamiliarity with specialized vocabulary and conventions of discipline-specific discourse does not result in incorrect interpretations or summaries.

2. Writing an Introduction for a Profile Essay

A hook sentence is the first statement of the introduction. Basically, it serves the purpose of triggering the audience’s interest in the subject of a review. In this case, students may use a variety of strategies to develop a hook, for instance, making a comparison, using a vivid quotation, mentioning a surprising fact, and asking a question. In turn, if learners know how to write a hook, they ensure that this sentence relates to the reader’s knowledge or experience, which allows it to be an impactful statement on its own.

B. Background Information

This segment of the introduction contains information that responds to four main questions:

• Who or what is the subject?
• What are the important traits of the subject?
• Why is the subject interesting?

Responses to these three questions provide background information on the subject. Moreover, statements narrow the scope of the purpose of writing a profile essay, which sets the stage for announcing a thesis statement.

C. Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is the last element of the first paragraph. In particular, it informs readers of the purpose of interviews or observation sessions, which are the source of most information in a profile essay. Essentially, a thesis statement is a one-sentence summary of the main points that students write in each paragraph. In turn, a thesis statement should be succinct and clear.

3. Writing Body Paragraphs for a Profile Essay

A. topic sentence.

This statement informs readers of the main point that authors discuss in a particular paragraph. Basically, topic statements do not present the author’s claim in a profile essay. Instead, if students know how to write a topic sentence, they provide a brief and direct answer to an interview question or a question that motivates authors to observe the subject. In turn, topic statements contribute to the development of a thesis statement.

B. Evidence

In this segment of a body paragraph, students present specific details that support a topic statement. Basically, learners may incorporate evidence into a profile essay by using three main techniques: direct quoting, paraphrasing, and summarising. Mostly, authors acquire evidence from records of interviews or observation sessions. In turn, writers should ensure that the meaning of the evidence is not lost, especially during paraphrasing and summarising.

C. Explanation

Students elucidate the significance of the evidence to a topic statement in this section of a profile essay. In particular, learners provide necessary information for the audience to interpret the evidence correctly because a piece of evidence is merely a snapshot rather than an entire account. Also, objectivity is critical while writing an explanation segment of a paragraph with bridge sentences. In turn, the length of explanations varies with the perceived complexity of the evidence.

D. Concluding Sentence

This statement is the last element of a paragraph. Usually, it is one sentence that appears at the end of the paragraph. Moreover, a concluding statement offers a summary of the content of a paragraph. In this case, the primary role of this summary is to connect the paragraph’s content to a thesis statement. Furthermore, such a sentence contributes to a transition effect because it informs the audience that a paragraph is complete.

4. Writing a Conclusion for a Profile Essay

The concluding paragraph has three essential elements: a restatement of a thesis, a summary of the main points, and closing remarks. Basically, students begin the final paragraph with a statement that has the same meaning as a thesis statement, although it employs an entirely new set of words and different syntax. Next, authors provide an overview of the content of body paragraphs. Lastly, learners write one or two sentences that link the introduction, thesis statement, and body paragraphs to create a sense of unity between individual parts of a profile essay. In turn, students must refrain from introducing new information while writing the conclusion part.

5. Revision of a Profile Essay

Once students complete the first draft, they should revise a profile essay to eliminate any errors, which may result in the audience deriving the wrong meaning from particular statements. During revision, learners assess the suitability of the audience and voice, the correctness of a thesis statement, rationality of the arrangement of body paragraphs, and the quality of evidence. Then, authors should take a break of a few hours or a whole day before revising a profile essay because it increases their objectivity. Moreover, writers may use a checklist to guide a revision process to guarantee that they do not neglect any of the items on the assessment criteria. Besides individual revision, students may subject their profile essays to peer review, which provides them with useful feedback on the meaning-related flaws of a paper.

6. Editing of a Profile Essay

The editing stage yields the final draft of a profile essay after it eliminates surface errors and ascertains the clarity and effectiveness of sentences. Basically, surface errors are mistakes that affect the readability of a profile essay, such as spelling errors, comma splices, sentence fragments, verb errors, and pronoun errors. Then, parallelism, incomplete sentences, dangling modifiers, and unclear pronoun references are issues that students consider when evaluating the clarity of sentences. Moreover, authors examine the sentence structure and length, use of appropriate language, smoothness of transitions, and succinctness of sentences to determine its effectiveness. In turn, writers should conduct editing for surface errors, clarity, and effectiveness in three different readings of a profile essay because of the expansive nature of dimensions of editing.

Example of Writing a Profile Essay

Topic: What It Takes to Be a Successful Entrepreneur

I. Introduction Sample of a Profile Essay

At 35 years, Abraham Jake is the youngest billionaire in the tech industry. In particular, Jake is the founder, owner, and chief executive officer of Futuristic Tech, which is a company that manufactures microprocessors for Apple, Intel, Dell, and other leading electronics firms. Moreover, an interview with Jake reveals some experiences that are responsible for his exceptional character as an entrepreneur. In turn, Jake’s failures and numerous bouts with fear and optimism in decision making shape his solitary lifestyle.

II. Examples of Body Paragraphs in a Profile Essay

A. 1st body paragraph: character traits.

Failure is a dominant theme in Jake’s life, which makes perseverance one of his readily observable character traits. During the period between 2005 and 2015, Jake began five different businesses that collapsed within eight months of opening. Particularly, the fifth business crippled Jake financially, which left him with bank loans and no savings. In this case, the constant failure in setting up a business took a toll on Jake because he found himself in a vicious cycle of saving heavily only to losing everything. Furthermore, the strain of performing at work while trying to build a business left him mentally and physically exhausted. On multiple occasions, Jack was at the brink of quitting on his dream to open his own business each time he had to shut down the business after months of struggling to keep it afloat without any success.

B. 2nd Body Paragraph: Fear and Optimism

The balance between the pull of fear and optimism defines Jake’s decision making strategy. For example, Jake sarcastically laughed as he said, “fearfulness and optimism are equally dangerous but learning how and when to call upon these traits is a lifelong endeavor.” Basically, it took Jake four months after to finally shut down the first business after seeing red flags that he knew were not reversible. Conversely, it took him two weeks to decide to close down his fifth business. Moreover, Jake experienced situations where he had to make decisions that hinged on his fear of losing capital and optimistic beliefs of the business’s recovery. In turn, Jake does not claim that the decision to close a business became any more straightforward. Instead, he suggests that one becomes more comfortable when faced with these decisions, which improves an individual’s decision-making abilities.

C. 3rd Body Paragraph: Solitary Lifestyle

Jake notes that he became accustomed to a solitary lifestyle, which he believes is a consequence of the lack of time to build meaningful relationships. Jake recounts a particular six-month period where he did not attend any social gathering or event. In a voice burdened with disappointment, Jake remarked, “if there is one thing that I regret about my entrepreneurial journey is the loss of friendships and lovers.” In this case, Jake’s attempt to juggle full-time employment and the running of a company left him with very little time to spare for nurturing personal relationships. Also, he lost touch with friends and could not keep up with the time demands of an intimate relationship. Eventually, Jake’s dual-focus lifestyle left him with professional relationships, which had minimal value when he needed emotional support.

III. Conclusion Sample of a Profile Essay

Jake’s past played a critical role in the emergence of the successful businessman we see today. Basically, consistent failure at opening a business is responsible for his “never give up” attitude. In this case, understanding the complicated relationship between fear and optimism gives Jake a sense of control when making tough choices. In turn, Jake recognizes that he leads a solitary lifestyle, although he is not proud of it. Thus, Jake’s personality shows that rational and emotional aspects play equally important roles in the success of an entrepreneur.

• Students should plan the writing process to ensure that they do not skip or rush through any step.
• Interviews or observation sessions should rely on specific guiding questions that authors design to generate content for writing a profile essay.
• Writers should refrain from including their opinions or steering the audience toward a particular conclusion.
• A profile essay should contain detailed descriptions.

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Profile Essay

Profile essay generator.

Let’s take a look at a profile essay. In order to understand what it means, you may allow yourself to engage in an interview where you are able to read a person’s autobiography . As you go long into this article, you will be able to know more about what a profile essay is and how to write a good profile essay.

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What is a Profile Essay?

A profile essay is a form of literary writing that tells about a person, place or event. This is intended to provide a detailed profile of something that offers every reader to make a certain perspective or judgment over a subject. This is different from a descriptive essay. It does not only entails description of a subject, rather it is designed to answer questions to identify something.

How to Start Writing a Profile Essay?

Step 1: get the right information.

Doing research is the most important thing to do before you begin writing your research profile. This will help you get a detailed information about your subject. Always make sure that you are using trusted sources like library materials, online articles, etc.

Step 2: Validate Your Information

Check the release date of an article as well as have comprehensive the contents are. Avoid getting information from outdated sources.

Step 3: Outline Your Essay

Always prepare with you a profile essay outline. Essay outlines help in making it easier for you to pinpoint the first idea and what should follow next. This will help you organize your gathered data appropriately.

Step 4: Revise or Proofread Your Profile Essay

Once you have followed the three steps meticulously, you are also well aware that you will need to revise anything that needs to be revised. This includes proofreading any mistakes you may have made throughout. In order to present a good profile essay, you must also make sure it is presentable. No erasures and no mistakes as much as possible.

Do we still have to apply writing style in making a profile essay?

It is advisable to practice yourself to pay attention with the tone and style of your essay. This will make your piece engaging and interesting to read.

What is the purpose of making a profile essay?

The purpose of an essay is to give the readers a full description of your chosen topic. Aside from that, it is also for you to be able to express something about the subject, may it be an argument in response to a certain issue or question and on what you have learned about it. You may also use an essay to persuade your readers that your stand is reasonable.

What to do when picking for the right title of your essay?

Think about what you want to make in your essay. You should reflect on the main idea of your essay. Make it as the basis of creating a unique title for your piece.

What are some things to consider when choosing a subject for profile essay?

You should always choose a reasonable subject and don’t forget to research something about it.

What are the elements of a profile essay?

The elements of a profile essay starts with the introduction paragraph , followed by the body of the paragraph, and ends with the conclusion paragraph .

Before we are able to learn how to do  essay writing , we always seek for mastery  skills  in it. We all know that an essay is composed of the three basic parts namely the introduction, body paragraph, and the conclusion. You may see examples from different essays like  argumentative essay ,  informative essay ,  career essay  and more.

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Write a Profile Essay on a community leader who has made a difference in your area.

Discuss the achievements and challenges of a local entrepreneur in your Profile Essay.

How to Write a Profile Essay

A profile essay is a literary work that focuses on description of a person (people, event, or place) and its goal is, first and foremost, being informative. This type of essay should function as a work of journalism – be factual and descriptive, while retaining traits of a literary work: presenting your perspective on the subject and providing an interesting, immersive experience for the reader.

Writing a profile essay is difficult work – in just a few pages you have to establish a character, their environment, what makes them tick and your opinion on it all. But this work can be fulfilling, and, for many, a welcome chance to flex their writing muscles. So, how do you write a profile essay?

Buy Profile essay

• Step 1 – Learn From the Best The first step of writing a successful profile essay is reading other profile essays. Pick up a magazine that frequently publishes them (The New Yorker, Esquire, et al.) and read through a few. Even though the ones you’re reading are likely to be about celebrities, try and see what makes reading these essays interesting other than that. Note how the subject of the essay is established early – in a ten-paragraph essay, by the second paragraph, you already kind of feel like you know the person it’s about.
• Step 2 – Choose Your Subject Carefully Next, pick the subject of your essay. It will be easier to write if the subject (in the case that it is a person) immediately seems to have had remarkable experiences (celebrity, veteran, casino robber), but essays where the subject is not immediately intriguing can be very interesting to read, and the opposite is true as well – it’s all in the hands of the writer. If you’re writing for a college assignment, do try and pick something achievable – no presidents or celebrities (unless you know them personally).
• Step 3 – Prepare For the Interview Unless this is a special case, you’ll need to interview the subject of your essay in person. Before you do, you should prepare questions. Aim for the questions that are broad and open-ended, starting with who, what, where, when and why. Yes or no questions should be kept to a minimum, since there’s always a risk that your subject will be quiet and you’ll end up burning through your questions and them just nodding or shaking their head instead of providing proper answers. Gather as much information about this person as possible – do the homework now, and you’ll end up with a bevy of material to use in your essay.

Something you should avoid is writing out a transcript of your interview and presenting it as an essay. This is often the first inclination of students, but try and construct a narrative of the events – your essay should have a clear structure of a beginning, middle and end wherein the subject starts in one place, goes for a (figurative) journey, and ends up in another. Others might want to construct their essay topically – going from one subject to the next – which is the method most often used in profile essays written for magazines. Most will end up using a combined approach.

Your goal for this essay is to engage the reader and make them feel like they’re there. To achieve this, use lots of small details – something we’d have noticed if we were there. A good tip is to engage one of the five senses at a time – sound, sight, touch, smell and taste. And there you have it. Hopefully, these small tips will end up being useful in your essay writing. If all else fails, remember this: reader’s perspective is key.

Daniel Chacón: Writing a Profile Essay

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A Profile Essay Describes a Person, Place or Thing (Activity) / Un Ensayo de Perfil Describe a una Persona, Lugar o Cosa (Actividad)

• Writing a Profile Essay A .pdf of the contents of this page can be downloaded for your use.

Writing a Profile Essay / Escribir un Ensayo de Perfil

A profile essay is a type of essay that centers around a certain person, place or activity.  One of the most common profile essay assignments is one in which the author "profiles" a certain person, offering information about who that person is and why they are important.

Un ensayo de perfil es un tipo de ensayo que se centra en cierta persona, lugar o actividad. Una de las asignaciones de ensayos de perfil más comunes es una en la que el autor "perfiles" de una determinada persona, que ofrece información sobre lo que esa persona es y por qué son importantes.

A profile essay does not have the same structure as a narrative essay or an argumentative essay.  The type of writing for a profile essay is less rigidly structured, and an author can take several different approaches.  Here are a few ideas and general guidelines about writing a profile essay.

Un ensayo de perfil no tiene la misma estructura que un ensayo narrativo o un ensayo argumentativo. El tipo de escritura para un ensayo de perfil tiene una estructura menos rígida, y un autor puede tomar diferentes enfoques. Aquí hay algunas ideas y pautas generales sobre cómo escribir un ensayo de perfil.

Tone / Tono

The tone of a profile essay is different than other essays.  It must still maintain an academic or professional voice, but it is a little more flexible.  The second person ("you") is still definitely to be avoided.  However, in certain situations, the first person ("I") might be acceptable; for instance, in an interview dialog between the profiler (author) and the person being profiled.  Please  keep in mind, however, that excessive first person use detracts from the person or thing being profiled, and instead puts the focus on the author.  The paper is not about you .

El tono de un ensayo de perfil es diferente a otros ensayos. Todavía debe mantener una voz académica o profesional, pero es un poco más flexible. La segunda persona ("usted") definitivamente debe evitarse. Sin embargo, en ciertas situaciones, la primera persona ("I") podría ser aceptable; por ejemplo, en un diálogo de entrevista entre el perfilador (autor) y la persona que se está perfilando. Tenga en cuenta, sin embargo, que el uso excesivo de la primera persona resta valor a la persona o cosa que se está perfilando, y en su lugar pone el foco en el autor. El documento no es sobre ti .

Organization  /  Organización

There are many ways to structure a profile essay.  Here are two main approaches:  the chronological format, and the thematic format.

Chronological Format / Formato Cronológico

In an interview format, generally a chronological organization works well.  This means putting early parts of the interviewee's life experience first and later parts of their life after.  For instance, if an interviewee talks about their childhood and their marriage in the same interview, it would make sense to write about their childhood first.  Every paragraph can cover a different section of the interviewee's life.  This is a very linear and simple way to write a profile essay, and it generally works well.

En un formato de entrevista, generalmente una organización cronológica funciona bien. Esto significa poner primero partes iniciales de la experiencia de vida del entrevistado y luego partes de su vida. Por ejemplo, si un entrevistado habla sobre su infancia y su matrimonio en la misma entrevista, tendría sentido escribir sobre su infancia primero. Cada párrafo puede cubrir una sección diferente de la vida del entrevistado. Esta es una forma muy lineal y simple de escribir un ensayo de perfil, y generalmente funciona bien.

Thematic Format / Formato Temático

Another way to structure a profile is to organize it by theme.  For example, an interview might talk first about a person's youth in a theatre troupe, then about their marriage and kids, and then their rediscovery of theater after their kids grew up.  It would make sense to detail all the experiences with theatre in the same paragraph even though they happened in very different parts of the person's life.  In a thematic format, the profile can be organized by types of experiences; perhaps one paragraph can deal exclusively with family matters (child and marriage) while the next can deal exclusively with theater experiences.  This format is a good alternative to the chronological format.

Otra forma de estructurar un perfil es organizarlo por tema. Por ejemplo, una entrevista podría hablar primero sobre la juventud de una persona en una compañía de teatro, luego sobre su matrimonio y sus hijos, y luego sobre el redescubrimiento del teatro después de que sus hijos crecieron. Tendría sentido detallar todas las experiencias con el teatro en el mismo párrafo a pesar de que ocurrieron en partes muy diferentes de la vida de la persona. En un formato temático, el perfil puede organizarse por tipos de experiencias; quizás un párrafo puede tratar exclusivamente asuntos familiares (hijos y matrimonio) mientras que el siguiente puede tratar exclusivamente con experiencias teatrales. Este formato es una buena alternativa al formato cronológico.

Thesis / Tesis

The core part of any essay is its thesis, and the profile essay is no exception.  However, a thesis in a profile essay looks different than the thesis of an argumentative or critical analysis paper.  Much of the time, a thesis is presented as an "argument," detailing a position that the reader can agree with or disagree with.  The framing of a thesis solely as an argument is problematic; it would be more appropriate for all essay types to describe a thesis as "the main point" of an essay.  This can consist of either an argument, a "moral of the story," or simply a concise evaluation of the topic.

A profile essay is centered on a topic (usually a person), and thus its thesis should also center on that topic.  It should answer the following questions:  What's the point?  Why is this profile important?  What should the reader take away from the essay?

Un ensayo de perfil se centra en un tema (generalmente una persona), y por lo tanto su tesis también debe centrarse en ese tema. Debe responder las siguientes preguntas: ¿Cuál es el punto? ¿Por qué es este perfil importante? ¿Qué debería sacar el lector del ensayo?

Here is an example of a profile essay thesis.  Note the concise formality and summarization of the statement:

Aquí hay un ejemplo de una tesis de ensayo de perfil. Tenga en cuenta la concisa formalidad y el resumen de la declaración:

Pink is one of the most important singers alive today because of her unique upbringing and life history, which have left an indelible mark on her strong signature vocals and her legendary acrobatic performances .

Pink es uno de los cantantes más importantes que viven hoy en día debido a su crianza única e historia de vida, que han dejado una marca indeleble en su fuerte voz distintiva y sus interpretaciones acrobáticas legendarias.

Style / Estilo

Sometimes profile essays are assigned for a person that the author knows personally, perhaps a friend or neighbor.  In these cases, the information on a profile essay will usually be gathered from a personal interview.  In an interview format, an essay should somewhat resemble a profile in a magazine.  When reading a profile on a celebrity in a magazine like Time or Rolling Stone , the writer switches off between parts of the interviewee's life and things they say to the profiler.  Here is an example.

A veces, los ensayos de perfil se asignan a una persona que el autor conoce personalmente, tal vez un amigo o vecino. En estos casos, la información de un ensayo de perfil generalmente se recopilará de una entrevista personal. En un formato de entrevista, un ensayo debería parecerse a un perfil en una revista. Al leer un perfil de una celebridad en una revista como Time o Rolling Stone, el escritor se desconecta entre las partes de la vida del entrevistado y las cosas que le dicen al perfilador. Aquí hay un ejemplo.

Although a healthy baby, Pink developed severe asthma as a child.  When only three, her parents divorced.  She wrote lyrics as an outlet for her feelings,  "I always retreated into my writing as a way to deal with the sadness in my life."   

A pesar de ser un bebé saludable, Pink desarrolló asma severa cuando era niño. Cuando solo tres, sus padres divorciado. Ella escribió letras como una salida para sus sentimientos, "Siempre me retiré en mis escritos como una forma lidiar con la tristeza en mi vida ".      

Note how the example switched off between paraphrasing and direct quotes.  All of the information is from the same interview, but beginning with some paraphrasing and then transitioning into a relevant direct quote helps keep the information free fresh.  This formula can be repeated for the duration of the profile essay.     

Observe cómo el ejemplo se desconectó entre parafraseo y comillas directas. Toda la información proviene de la misma entrevista, pero comenzar con una paráfrasis y luego hacer la transición a una cita directa relevante ayuda a mantener la información fresca y gratuita. Esta fórmula se puede repetir durante la duración del ensayo de perfil.  

For additional help on how to conduct an interview, take a look at the following guide developed by Cornell University:

Para obtener ayuda adicional sobre cómo realizar una entrevista, eche un vistazo a la siguiente guía desarrollada por la Universidad de Cornell:

https://courses2.cit.cornell.edu/fit117/CP_I_InterviewGuide1.htm

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What Is a Profile Essay?

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Observation and interview are two important aspects of a profile essay. This type of essay can be about a place, a person, or an event, but it is more than just a description. The profile essay also usually includes the writer's interpretation of the person, place, or event. It is because of this interpretation that almost any subject can be suitable for a profile essay.

If the profile essay is about a person, it doesn't necessarily have to be someone well known. For example, profile essays may be used as assignments in college composition courses in which two classmates partner up and write profiles about each other. They must prepare interview questions, conduct the interview, and then arrange the information in a way that provides what is known as a dominant impression. This is usually the interpretation of the profile subject that the writer wants to convey. Doing this type of essay in this context not only provides students with an opportunity to improve their interviewing and writing skills but can introduce them to their classmates as well.

Interviewing may also be used if the profile essay is about a place or an event. In this case, interviews may be conducted with people who are familiar with the place or event in order to get background information and opinions. Another way to gather impressions in this situation is to go to the place or attend the event and record observations. This may include observing the actual setting itself, as well as observing the people who inhabit the place or attend the event.

A profile essay should include specific ideas and details rather than generalizations. In other words, including descriptive detail provides a stronger dominant impression for the reader. Details about a person being profiled may include a character sketch, while details about a place may include a vivid description about what the place looks like or how it affects the senses. The point of view the writer is trying to convey helps determine which details the writer chooses to include in the essay.

There are many different writing devices that can be used in a profile essay. In addition to description, some of these may include anecdotes — or stories about the person, place, or event — narrative, and dialogue. It is important to take careful notes when interviewing if dialogue or direct quotes are going to be used in the profile essay, as they should be exactly what was said by the person being interviewed.

A unique aspect of profile essays is that they are both objective and subjective. This means that, while the writer is stating facts to inform the reader about the person, place, or event, he or she is also conveying a perspective to the reader. One way to learn more about profile essays is to read profiles and interviews. These will demonstrate how the writer uses a combination of facts and observation to convey an impression.

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How to Write a Profile Essay

Published by Boni on May 11, 2023 May 11, 2023

To learn how to write a profile essay, you must first master where to begin. Given that this is a profile essay, it will be much simpler for students who have previously read autobiographical articles or descriptions of landscapes. Getting someone to agree to describe something in words is simple, but getting them to put their thoughts down on paper is far more challenging because the article needs to be appropriately framed.

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Profile essays are a common form of assessment for students’ writing abilities. Accordingly, you should know how to write a profile essay’s body paragraphs, write a profile essay’s conclusion, and create a profile essay’s outline. Follow the steps outlined in this article for assistance.

Definition of a Profile Essay

A profile essay is a descriptive literature that describes in details a setting, an occasion, or a person. That means, the essay should always be well-written, thorough, and contain accurate information about a particular subject. The essay should seek to provide readers with a vivid image that helps them comprehend the topic in detail.

A personal interview written by the interviewee illustrates a profile essay. Primary journalism students often write a profile essay for a term paper, coursework, or assignment. The focus on storytelling in a profile essay is one of its distinguishing features. A profile essay uses narrative strategies to captivate readers and tell a fascinating story rather than delivering a dull recitation of facts.

Writing a profile essay might be difficult, but it can also be rewarding. It demands a sharp eye for detail, the capacity to ask the correct questions, and the ability to make a subject come to life on paper. A student can produce an intense and captivating profile essay that gives readers a greater insight into the issue by fully immersing themselves in the world of the subject and expressing their distinct perspectives. For example, when writing a profile essay about a city, pay attention to the name, location, awards, international rankings, and other noteworthy characteristics.

The Purpose of Profile Essays

Writing a profile essay is a distinct writing with a particular function in journalism and storytelling almost like an information report . The main goal of a profile essay is to give the audience an in-depth understanding of the subject being profiled. It should therefore, capture the core of the subject and present it to the audience in an engaging way. Profile essays help readers relate to the subject on a personal level. They achieve this by diving deeply into the lives, experiences, and personalities of specific people or the nuances of an event or location.

Informing and educating readers is a further crucial goal of profile essays. These essays offer insightful information and broaden readers’ perspectives by casting light on lesser-known facets of a person’s life or exposing the hidden forces at play during a particular event. Additionally, writing profile essays is a way of displaying your excellent writing skills.

The purpose of profile essays in college is to evaluate your organizational, presentation, and research abilities. One of the trickiest essay formats is this one. It will be ideal if you have advice and writing talents to create a superb profile essay. Even with the countless samples of profile essays and essays on people, you can still be trying to figure out how to write profile essays.

Profile essays about high-profile individuals like Mark Zuckerberg, Donald Trump, Barack Obama, or George W. Bush are examples of these essays. Even when you write an essay about yourself, the same rules must apply. Before starting your essay, ensure you have sufficient information about the subject.

Structure of a Good Profile Essay

To successfully capture the essence of your subject and deliver it compellingly and cohesively, the structure of a good profile essay is essential. A well-structured profile essay keeps readers interested and helps them learn more about the subject you are writing about. Here is the outline of how to write a profile essay:

• An Introduction paragraph

Your essay’s beginning serves as a teaser for the content presented in the body. Your introduction sentences will become the first sentences of your body paragraphs. The sentences should provide relevant information and paint a vivid picture of the interviewed individual. Thus, the first paragraph needs to make a bold claim that piques the reader’s curiosity. In this way, the points you make in the opening will serve as the essay’s body. Sticking to the sequence in which the introduction presents the most crucial information would be best.

The initial section must successfully satisfy the readers’ desire to learn something unexpected about the interviewee. A smart strategy is to begin your essay with a quote, fact, or surprise knowledge about the person or subject. You should make a bold claim at the end of the introductory paragraph. It should convey the interview’s key message so the reader understands what to expect and why they should keep reading.

• The main body

A reader’s interest has been piqued. In this section, you will be expected to elaborate on everything you mentioned in the introduction. Focusing on exterior looks and inner character is essential when attempting to convey an impression. Take his vast eyes as an example; they are dreamy and sweet; his stern expression is an example of his severity; his kind smile is an example of his empathy; and so on.

 If you want to sound literate and well-versed in your subject matter, use paragraphs to highlight distinct points in your description. Do not simply enumerate the points without providing adequate context. Each section should follow the same format and style based on the interview questions’ responses. It is vital that the main body is engaging and flows well from the introduction. Keeping the reader interested and engaged throughout the text is challenging.

• A closing paragraph

An interview essay should have a conclusion like any other kind of essay. In this section, you will summarize your points in the essay’s body. Generally, it should provide a comprehensive overview of your essay’s topic in a few sentences. Use a quote or concluding idea to summarize your essay’s main point.

Your essay’s conclusion ought to tie back to its thesis. Reiterating the profile essay’s stated purpose is a good idea, but indicating whether that goal was met is also essential. A conclusion is the last part of any essay. It restates the thesis and summarizes the crucial arguments and ideas. In a nutshell, the audience will know what was covered in the profile essay, what the essay was all about, why it was written, and what was accomplished in the end.

How to Write a Perfect Profile Essay

While creating an engaging and insightful portrayal of your subject in a profile essay can be difficult, it is feasible with the appropriate technique and attention to detail. Your ability to write a profile essay as a student will be tested at some point in school. Consequently, you need to know how to write the body paragraphs, and conclusion of a profile essay, and create an outline perfectly. Below is a guide on how to start a profile essay and curate a perfect one.

• Learn from the best

Reading compelling profile essays is the first step in learning how to write one yourself. Grab a copy of a publication like The New Yorker or Esquire that regularly features such pieces and read a few. Try to overlook the fact that the essays you are reading will almost certainly be about famous people. Take note of how the subject of the essay is introduced early on; for example, in a ten-paragraph essay. By the time you get to the second paragraph, you will have a general sense of who the essay is talking about.

• Select your subject carefully

A thorough evaluation is required to select an appropriate topic. How much leeway you have in making your selection depends on whether or not your professor provides suggested topics along with the assignment. An essay topic will come quickly if you are writing about a well-known figure, such as an actor, politician, or war hero, who made significant contributions to their industry. This is so because the interviewee will naturally intrigue readers and want to know more about them.

If you can decide on the topic, pick something, you are passionate about writing about. Please do not pick a celebrity or a famous person you cannot interview and get to know them well. Choose topics that interest you personally. As a result, you can complete your profile essay without burning yourself out and finding all the information you need.

• Understand the style and tone .

Unlike the other essay varieties, a profile essay’s writing style is more open to variation despite its academic nature and professional tone. When carrying out an interview, remember to always write in the first person. This is because the reader will take it as the author’s tone when describing the subject.

Due to the topic of this work, the first person is preferred over the second person pronoun. However, using the first person too frequently will prevent it from losing its impact. More emphasis on the author rather than the subject will distract the reader. Keep an eye out for using the first person in the profile writings.

• Look For Reliable Information

The use of false information may lead to a student’s credibility being destroyed. Thus, do some serious digging into the topic at hand before you sit down to write. Researching someone includes:

• Reading everything, they have published.
• Talking to individuals who know them well.
• Looking into anything related to the topic.

Your ability to grasp your subject’s essence will increase as your knowledge grows.

• Create a plan

Before writing a profile essay, planning should be the last thing to do. While you have the freedom to write whatever comes to mind, doing so will make it more challenging for your audience to comprehend the content and lessen the precision of your ideas. A well-organized message is more persuasive and well thought out than an unbroken monologue. Know the key elements to include even in other essays such as narrative report .

Credible writing is easier to produce when it follows a plan. Both the writer and the reader benefit from the outline. The precise organization makes it simple to traverse the content, which makes taking in the data a pleasant experience. It is easier to accomplish anything when you know precisely what you are handling and how it fits into the big picture. The outline helps the writer in producing high-quality content, meaning the reader will quickly find the information they seek. The following steps will help you how to start a profile essay:

• The introductory paragraph: This is where you introduce the topic, the essay’s purpose, and your thesis statement. The first sentence of the introduction should provide background information on the subject. Body paragraphs’ data can be summarized in the sentences that follow.
• Core content: The meat of your essay will be the body paragraphs. There should be at least three paragraphs in the body of a brief profile essay. Provide instances in the body paragraphs. Be sure to include references for any outside material used. Only in this way can you ensure that your college or university essay is 100% original.
• To summarize: This is the final paragraph: As the last section of your profile essay, the conclusion should repeat your argument, recap what was discussed in each body paragraph, and wrap things up.
• Writing the essay

Here is where the meat of your job is. It would help if you kept in mind that your interpretation of the events would provide the lens through which the entire essay is written. It would be best to try to be objective but realize that you cannot take the reader back in time to experience what happened and are necessarily subjective in providing an abbreviated account of whatever occurred. Determining a “dominant impression” is important in profile essays. That can only be achieved by having a distinct perspective on the subject and the events that happened. You must make a claim, just like in an essay or a recommendation report , and give evidence to support that claim.

Avoid writing up a transcript of your interview and submitting it as an essay at all costs. Many students’ initial tendency is to recount the events as they happened. A good essay has a defined beginning, middle, and end, with the subject starting from one location and ending in another. If you are writing a profile essay for a magazine, follow the format of those articles and move from one topic to the next. Many people will employ a hybrid strategy.

In this essay, you are tasked with making the reader feel like they are actually present. Use many small details we would have noticed if we were there to accomplish this. You can tell a lot about a person by what they eat, drink, think, and say. In addition, that sums it up. If all else fails, remember that the reader’s viewpoint is crucial.

Take a break once you have finished writing and look at your work with new eyes. Do you have a firm grasp of the piece? If not, think about making changes.

Facts to be Remembered when Writing a Profile Essay

• Always respect the subject – For instance; your professor may select the person you despise as the subject of a profile essay. However, it would help if you treated people with respect. This should come through in the language you use. Avoid letting your feelings control you but do your investigation and gather knowledge; do not focus on fake news.
• Check edit and grammar errors – Besides being logically organized and engaging, a well-written essay will be free of typos and grammatical errors. Therefore, before handing in your piece to your instructor or sending it to publication, you should read it and make any necessary edits numerous times.
• Use simple language – Using straightforward language has never been more effective than in academic essays. If you want to write a good essay, you need to avoid jargon at all costs.
• Use appropriate terms – This relates to picking the correct words to describe things and the proper ways to connect ideas as you write your essay.
• Use well-balanced paragraphs – Ensure each section in your profile essay does not exceed 150 words. In addition, the paragraphs should all be the same length.
• Stick to the outline of your profile essay – Always ensure that you follow the structure of a profile essay. Anything that does not fit into the framework of a profile essay is pointless.

Sample Outline Template for a Profile Essay

Introduction.

• Provide Background information
• Include thesis statement

1 st Body Paragraph

• Write the main point of this paragraph
• Support the point with evidence
• Provide explanations that connect to the thesis statement
• Concluding statement for this point

2 nd Body Paragraph

3 rd body paragraph.

• Re-state your thesis statement
• Summarize all the points in the body paragraphs
• Include a closing sentence or a hook

Examples of Profile Essays

Example 1: profile essay example about barack obama with outline.

Thesis: President Obama is visionary, charismatic, and thoroughly organized.       

Paragraph 1:  

Barack Obama has an extraordinary and unquenchable capacity for vision.

• He is keenly aware of the best ways to carry out his mission.
• He has the vision to rise from obscurity to prominence without acting selfishly.
• He always has a very clear idea of how he wants to reach his objectives.

Paragraph 2:

Barack Obama is unquestionably charismatic.

• His speeches move audiences.
• He is intelligent, humorous, self-assured, articulate, and affable.
• He professionally and familiarly puts across his experiences. 

Paragraph 3:

President Obama is a meticulously organized leader.

• He understands the importance of efficient organization and planning.
• He diligently plans his time, engagements, and schedules.
• He positively influences those close to him.
• President Obama is a perfect embodiment of vision, charisma, and self-organization.
• The three personality traits have significantly contributed to his successes in life thus far.
• He is indeed a positively contagious character.   

Profile Essay about Barack Obama

A mention of the name Barack Obama anywhere in the world evokes memories of an individual who defied all odds to rise to the helm of American leadership as the first Black person to achieve that fete. President Obama’s inspiring fairytale story is known all over and will continue to inspire generations to come. He must have been a “special” human being to first dream of and then proceed to achieve something that other people would only wish for. His presidency too left an indelible mark in the history of America, implying that he has unique personality qualities that propel him to success in all that he does. President Obama is visionary, charismatic, and thoroughly organized.        

Barack Obama, like an eagle, has an extraordinary and unquenchable capacity for vision. He is keenly aware of his feeling of duty to humanity and the best ways to carry out his mission. Evident from his years of community service in Chicago as an advocate for the community and his remarkable time as president, he has the vision to rise from obscurity to prominence without acting selfishly. He always has a very clear idea of how he wants to reach his particular objectives and how people around him will fit into his vision. If one wants to have an impact on the world like Obama, one must not only have a big vision but also the discipline to strategically carry that goal through.

Barack Obama is also unquestionably charismatic. It was immediately clear that he was starkly different from the other politicians when he began contesting the Democratic primary elections. Everybody sat on the edge of their chairs whenever he spoke. He was intelligent, humorous, self-assured, articulate, and affable. He related personal tales of his experiences in a way that was both familiar and professional. Even now, after serving his two-term presidency, everyone who is fortunate enough to hear him speak as the main speaker at an event feels pleased to do so. Unlike other stodgy politicians who seemed uninteresting and more like the same old presidents Americans were used to, he was a highly likable person and pleasant to listen to because of his personality and charisma.

President Obama is additionally a meticulously organized leader who pays attention to even the smallest details. He understood the importance of efficient organization and planning for the realization of a vision. He methodically organizes all of the aspects or appearances of diversions out of his life as he diligently plans his time, engagements, and schedules. He trimmed pointless alliances and kept at bay idle chatterers. He, however, encourages those who are fortunate enough to be close to him to be highly focused and pursue activities that will actually make a difference. People who look to be as fruitful and impactful as Obama should organize themselves better than they have ever done in the past.

Overall, President Obama is a perfect embodiment of vision, charisma, and self-organization. These three personality traits have significantly contributed to his successes in life thus far. He was able to remain visionary on his mission of becoming the first African-American U.S. President and he surely did. He was never distracted along the way. His charisma enabled him to present himself as a different contestant from the previous American Presidents. He articulately, intelligently, and humorously engaged his audiences, something that endeared him to the masses. Additionally, he was organized in all that he did during his campaigns as well as the presidency. He organized himself properly and ensured that he was only surrounded by people who could meaningfully help him in his journey. He is indeed a positively contagious character to come by.    

Example 2: Profile Essay Example about the Christmas Event with Outline

Thesis: Christmas Day is characterized by Santa Claus, Christmas presents, and the Christmas tree.

Paragraph 1:

Santa Claus is the main attraction at Christmas.

• According to Christians, he grants wishes.
• He aids the dwarfs and rides reindeer.
• He sings love and distributes gifts.

The occasion of Christmas involves giving gifts.

• Christmas gifts symbolize the homage paid to the infant Jesus by the Three Wise Men.
• It enables Christians to practice the Christian value of caring for each other.
• The practice positively impacts the less fortunate.

Christians decorate the Christmas tree every Christmas event.

• The tree is a symbol of eternal life.
• The tree represents positivity.
• The tree is a customary decoration.
• Christmas is a highly regarded Christian event marked by Santa Claus, the giving of presents, and the decoration of the Christmas tree.
• Santa Claus represents love, giving presents signifies care, and the Christmas tree symbolizes eternity.
• A Christmas celebration lacking these three things is incomplete.

A Profile Essay about the Christmas Event

Christmas is among the holiday events that every Christian identifies with and cannot wait for every year. It is a time when Christian families come together to commemorate the birth of the Messiah. Christmas Day was first observed on December 25 every year in the fourth century. The Church worked to eradicate the last vestiges of paganism, although history has it that the Roman sun god’s birthday was observed around the same time. As a result, the church fathers agreed to replace the Roman celebration with a new, Christian one in honor of Jesus Christ’s birthday. It has its defining characteristics and activities that those who celebrate partake in. Specifically, Christmas Day is characterized by Santa Claus, Christmas presents, and the Christmas tree.

Santa Claus is the main attraction at Christmas. Simply put, it is impossible to miss him. Christmas is a magical time of the year. Children from all over the world are content to wait for Christmas and the New Year because they know that on certain occasions, a loving wizard will undoubtedly grant their wishes, even if adults do not believe in miracles. Santa Claus, a grandfatherly figure with a white beard and a friendly grin who wears a white-trimmed red suit, is seen as one such magician in many Catholic nations. The young ones are aware that he aids the dwarfs and rides reindeer. They also believe that he sings love as he travels from house to house distributing gifts to the needy.

The occasion of Christmas also involves giving gifts. Christmas gift-giving is a Christian custom that is observed widely all across the world. Christians view Christmas gifts as symbolic of the homage paid to the infant Jesus by the Three Wise Men following his birth according to the Nativity account. According to the New Testament of the Bible, Balthazar, Caspar, and Melchior, who were the Three Magi, traveled to where Jesus had been born by following a star. When they got there, they gave him presents of myrrh, frankincense, and gold. The tradition of gift-giving at Christmas also presents a glorious opportunity for Christians to practice the Christian value of caring for each other. Thus, it is a practice that goes beyond just celebrating Christmas as it also positively impacts the less fortunate.

Further, Christians decorate the Christmas tree every Christmas event. The tree is a symbol of eternal life, represents positivity, and is a customary decoration. According to a certain legend, certain trees shed their snow following the birth of Jesus during the winter and became green to commemorate the momentous occasion. The Christmas tree thus signifies immortality and permanence. Since ancient times, people have believed that the Christmas tree infuses the otherwise soulless, uninspiring, and depressing winter weather with happiness, positivity, and an optimistic mood. The positive energy that the tree offers is symbolized by the spirit of perseverance and remaining green in spite of adverse weather. Finally, the tree is a continuation of the customary practice whereby culinary items like apples and gingerbread were used to adorn the Christmas tree.

In sum, Christmas is a highly regarded Christian event marked by Santa Claus, the giving of presents, and the decoration of the Christmas tree. Each of these features has its significance in Christianity. Santa Claus represents love, giving presents signifies a caring attitude towards fellow humans, and the Christmas tree symbolizes eternity, positivity, and traditional Christian customs. Christians mark Christmas Day doing these and other Christian-like practices. Importantly, a Christmas celebration lacking these three things and/or practices would not meet the threshold of what Christians consider a proper Christmas occasion.

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• A Research Guide
• Writing Guide
• Essay Writing

How to Write a Profile Essay

• Purpose of profile essay
• How to start
• Structure and outline

Step-by-step writing guide

• Profile essay format

Helpful profile essay examples

What is the purpose of a profile essay, how to start a profile essay correctly, checking successful profile essays matters, choosing your profile essay subject, determine the style and tone of your writing, profile essay structure and outline, profile essay mandatory sections.

• An Introduction. Under ideal conditions, it should contain several sentences and provide background information about the subject.
• Body Sections. This part should discuss all the points mentioned in the introduction paragraph yet in greater detail.
• Conclusion. It is where you provide a summary of all the key points.

1. Determining your profile

2. Choosing your profile essay subject

3. writing an introduction, 4. working on body paragraphs, 5. conclusion part, 6. final editing and proofreading, profile essay formatting tips.

• Keep information accessible and clear to your readers.
• Your sentences should not be overly long. Write to the point.
• The structure of paragraphs must implement topic sentences as you write.
• Choose your words and phrases wisely to convey the main meaning.
• Offer details and examples along with key facts or an interview.
• Offer a summary sentence in each paragraph to make smooth transitions.
• Write in a focused and enjoyable manner by avoiding overexplaining things.
• Use creative narration methods to keep things more inspiring.
• When you are confused, approaching a cheap essay writing service with experienced writers may help you narrow things down.
• Keep your writing balanced and offer explanations and glossary points for all the elements that may require an additional explanation.
• 10+ Profile essay examples . These contain free expository and interview examples available free of charge.
• Profile essay composition examples by Washtenaw Community College.
• Purdue OWL Writing Lab formatting and writing style guides help.

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How to Write a Good Profile Essay

By: Tasha Kolesnikova

Before you learn how to create your perfect profile essay, you need to master academic writing's necessary skills. You must understand from which parts the composition is formed, what must be included, what vocabulary for each type you need to use, etc. The essay typer should be professional and express thoughts correctly.

What Does Profile Essay Mean?

What are the main goals of profile essays, explore examples, choose a topic, find your writing style, look for reliable information, create a plan, write an introduction, describe vividly, write the final part.

To assess your writing skills, a professor or teacher can give an assignment in the form of a profile essay. Our article is based on what you learned to create essay introduction phrases , central part, conclusion, outline profile essay.

It is much easier for those students who have already read autobiographical articles or descriptive landscapes since this is all a profile essay. Agreeing to describe something in words is easy, but conveying thoughts on paper is much more difficult since the paper should be framed appropriately. Here we will give you step-by-step instructions, but you can contact StudyBay managers and receive professional help if you have any difficulties. Now let's get to the study of a profile essay and find out what details it will add up.

A profile essay is a type of paper in which it is necessary to describe a place of events, a landscape, a person, with formatting in APA style or ASA, Chicago or Harvard. Your topic should contain detailed information so that the reader can enter your text or make a decision, learn something new.

The description text consists of the following parts:

• general characteristics of the subject, general impression;
• signs, details;
• the general assessment of the subject.

For example, the description can be a portrait landscape. Anything can be the description's object - a person, his emotional state, an animal, a plant, a city, a house, a park, a village, and the weather. The speech feature predominates nouns, adjectives, adverbs, a minimum of action, and static text. The descriptive text answers the questions "what? what kind?". Let's see an example:

"The color of the fungus is yellowish-gray. It can be dirty brown and darker towards the middle of the cap. The stem is thin, dense, white at the cap, gray at the base, sometimes brown."

We also want to note that two concepts are similar to each other in the English language: "descriptive essay" and "profile essay." But there is a difference between them that you should be aware of when completing a task. A descriptive essay is a concise message about facts, events, and related phenomena. For example, a description of recent events or a book/ movie review essay . Usually, it contains not only the main idea but also may contain the opinion of the author. A profile essay is aimed more at describing in detail portraits, landscapes, and all the details, while the author brings new information but cannot express his opinion.

If you carefully study this type of essay's type, then it speaks for itself; that is, its basis includes describing the place, thing, event, occurrence, person. The profile essay is full of adjectives. Without them, we would not be able to describe the subject. They are keywords. When composing the text, you can use a dictionary of synonyms that will help you choose adjectives. Based on this information, several main goals of a profile essay can be distinguished:

• A clear description of nature, phenomenon, person, with all the details.
• The student should describe a person or place in his own words, using epithets, comparisons, antonyms.
• The student must prove that he has the required academic writing skills.

There is a more demanding attitude towards college students since, with this type of assignment, the professor can evaluate the organization, presentation, and research skills. Many students think this is the most confusing essay, as it can be easily confused with other types. Therefore, you need to study the essay checklist and steps below to avoid getting lost in your thoughts.

How Do I Prepare to Write Profile Essays?

Of course, experience in writing essays is gained through constant practice. The more essays you have written, the higher the chance of getting a good grade. However, due to the large volume of the curriculum, many students have the so-called "short-term memory effect" - they write a paper using argumentation, but after a couple of months forget everything.

Therefore, we recommend starting your preparation by examining the directions for writing an essay proposed by the compilers this year. Then you need to carefully study each of them and understand what the essence of each is. So even at the initial stage, you will have meaning about a profile essay.

To prepare most effectively for this type of essay, we recommend compiling a list of topics that may be used in advance. Topic wording allows the student to choose the material on which he will base his reasoning. If such blanks are made in advance, then you will be able to compose the paper faster. We also made a step-by-step preparation instruction. Please read it carefully.

Before work, each student should carefully read the examples of profile essays to see the text's structure. To do this, you need to write an "example of a profile essay" in an Internet search engine, and you will immediately be given many sources of information. Still, you only need to choose those for which there are reviews or if you did not find mistakes there. Also, special magazines with examples of different types of essays are issued for students, so most likely, you can also find a profile essay there.

While reading the example, pay attention to the structure of the text, the design, the theme, built by the paragraphs, and what artistic techniques were used. Also, please keep track of what style the author used, what language he used, etc. And the last thing you should pay attention to is this introduction and conclusion. You must understand how the author grabs the reader's attention and what phrases he used for the final paragraph. You can write them out and do the same.

Read as much as possible because every author has his writing style, and you can see some details that the previous writer did not use. It is in the examples that you can find basic knowledge that the teacher will not tell you.

To successfully choose a topic for a profile essay, use the following tips:

• You need to think about what exciting information you can choose for the topic and whether there is a source to write an interesting article.
• Choose the closest to you that resonates with you because your task is to demonstrate personal interest. That is, to express your attitude to the chosen topic, your position on the problem, to give an individual assessment of the events, characters, and actions that will serve you as arguments. And this can be done most convincingly only if the experts feel your interest in the chosen topic.
• It would help if you chose the topic to express your perspective and convincingly argue it based on literary material. This means that you know where to get an example to prove that you are good at describing the topic.

Your style is like your voice. You need to understand what only you can write about how you differ from everyone else. Here are some tips for finding your writing style:

• Write a lot. It is corny but effective. Moreover, it is desirable to write in different genres, themes, and volumes. Keeping a journal is also a good idea.
• Find an example for yourself, and understand why you like this particular writing style, but not wholly copy it, just choose the most significant moments for yourself.
• Read classics and quality media.
• Use the advice of the writers. Some of them may seem very strange, but they will still help. For example, one author calls for six months not to use the words: love, hate, be, have, know, think, believe, understand, remember, want, dream, and other mental verbs. It remains to describe feelings, not name.
• Read books about language, writing skills, and journalism. They often contain useful exercises.
• Identify and eradicate parasitic words.
• Keep track of repetitions, pronouns, and the verb "to be" in all forms. They can almost always be removed.
• Choose a priority genre and study its features. It is sometimes dull and dreary, but it isn't easy to move on without this.

While writing an article, many pitfalls arise in the path of the author. Sometimes information is difficult to consolidate with reliable sources of authoritative writers. The use of inaccurate data leads to the collapse of the student's reputation. This, in turn, leads to sad results: unprotected essay, loss of the teacher's or professor's trust.

We advise looking for official sources or use several independent ones. The reliability of facts and events can be found, first of all, in encyclopedias, monographs, narrow-profile reference books. Also, look for information on the official websites of figures and their pages on social networks. It is better to be wary of publications in scientific journals. Before using the information from there, make inquiries about this journal's authority and, in particular, the author of the article.

If the topic is controversial, it would be wise to ask for information from the educational institution teachers who hold different views. Thus, the author will objectively approach the description of such issues and avoid gross oversights.

The last thing to do when preparing to write an article or essay is to make a plan. You can improvise and write whatever comes to mind, but this will make it harder for readers to understand the text and reduce your ideas' accuracy. A structured message is much stronger and more reasoned than a continuous stream of consciousness.

Text written according to plan is more credible. The plan helps not only the author but also the reader. Thanks to the exact structure, it is easy to navigate the content, which means that the perception of information is much more comfortable.

A text plan is needed to write an article faster and better. When everything is structured and transparent, which parts of working on, work becomes more productive. The plan helps the author write the article qualitatively: this means that the reader will easily navigate the content and will find the answer to the question that has arisen - what he opened the material for.

Both the plan and the text itself are usually built based on the question asked. It is often included in the title. Therefore, the question must be answered in the text.

Steps to Writing a Profile Essay

Any essay has a particular structure (introduction, central part, conclusion) of the content's presentation, and this plan must be adhered to when writing. You cannot jump from one question to another and back. If the topic sounds like "Description of nature," you cannot write about how you spend the summer. It would help if you talked about a specific place. Each thought expressed in the essay should be comprehended by you, the expressions should not be twofold, and the images you paint should not be dull.

When describing, do not try to use abstruse words. Sometimes it takes a long time to find the right word. Try to start with a rough draft using the same words as discussing it with a friend. How would you describe something to him? Then you can edit the resulting text by removing the spoken parts and replacing them with more appropriate phrases.

After writing an essay on a draft, read it at least a couple of times, mentally speaking. Make sure the text is complete. Parts of the paper logically passed one into another, and there were no abrupt changes in the course of thought. Avoid repetitions. Check the volume ratio of the main parts of the essay so that you don't get the too long intro and out or insufficient volume of the central part. We've given you a few tips, now let's explore the specific steps.

The essay begins with an introduction, where the most important thing is the essay topic's relevance. The introduction contains a description of the importance of the chosen topic. This description should not be too long; 3-4 sentences are enough. Your introduction is a short article designed to grab the reader's attention. The introduction should tell the essence of the composition, what it is about.

There are several ways to write the beginning, first, with a description of the topic's relevance. Tell the reader why you are writing an essay on this particular topic, why it is exciting, and why it is worth writing about it at all. Even if you didn't choose the topic yourself, you could still think of something in this direction. Another way is to start the story with a topic that many writers and scientists discuss, that is, to indicate that this issue is relevant to this day.

Introductory phrase templates:

• Everyone knows that...
• Thousands of books have been written about this, and hundreds of films have been shot, and inexperienced adolescents and experienced people speak about this...
• Probably, this topic interests each of us, so the text is dedicated to the topic

You have intrigued the reader. Now your task in this part is to reveal everything that you have written in the introduction. If you need to portray some personality, you should pay attention to the appearance and the character hiding behind it. For example, suppose what kind of person he is: big eyes - dreamy and sweet, stern look - stern and severe, kind smile, sympathetic. When writing a description, it is advisable to highlight different ideas in paragraphs: this way, you will show your literacy and knowledge. The central part should not be boring and complement the introduction. You have to put in a lot of effort to keep the reader's attention and make him read your text to the end.

A profile essay should be filled with encouraging words that describe your topic in detail. To do this, you need to use epithets to tell the reader how a person smells, looks, talks, or what kind of colors the place of events is filled with. Let's consider an example of a female student describing her friend:

"Frankly, I have many good, loyal friends. They are my classmates, boys, and girls from my city. But my best friend for more than five years has been Elizabeth. She looks nice, and she is 17 years old. Lisa is not very tall, but she has a beautiful body. Every day she goes in for sports and attends yoga classes twice a week, so her figure is gorgeous, athletic, fit. Of course, the ideal figure is only part of beauty. After all, only a combination of a beautiful body, spirit, and mind can make the person attractive, even if the facial features are generally typical.

Elizabeth has straight, long, blonde hair, which she often gathers in a bun. She has blue eyes and long dark eyelashes and large lips, which she always tints with a transparent gloss: oval face and a small nose. Lisa is still very elegant. She wears clothes in fashion. I can tell her charm is irresistible."

The last part of the profile essay is the conclusion. Here you need to set out similar information on the central role but in a short amount. The conclusion is intended to bring the reader to the end of the story and contain several sentences. In conclusion, you should write a few critical words about a place, a person, a phenomenon. This is necessary to make it clear to the reader how the described subject influenced you. Also, in the end, you can use quotes if you don't know how to choose the right words.

The conclusion should reflect your thoughts as well as other parts of the essay. In this paragraph, you will be able to tell whether you achieved the goal set in the introduction, whether you could describe the subject in a way that would inspire the reader. In conclusion, you can summarize all the information, but try not to repeat yourself, and perhaps give some advice for the future to the reader. This concludes the writing of the profile essay, and we wish you the best of luck. Take advantage of all the tips to achieve the goal of your profile essay.

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I studied sociology and marketing at Europa-Universität Viadrina (Germany) and Universidade da Beira Interior (Portugal). When I was a sophomore, back in 2018, I decided to put what I've learned into practice, so I got my first job in digital marketing. I currently work in the content marketing department at Studybay, building strong, effective, and respectful communication between the platform and our clients.

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What Is a Profile Essay?

At some point while journeying through the internet for answers, we’ve all come across several profile essays even if we may not have noticed. Some common essay writing styles are how to essays, definitive guides, or essays telling you everything about so and so. Irrespective of the form they take, these types of essays are categorically referred to as profile essays.

Now that all that has been established, let’s examine the question, what is a profile essay?

Profile Essay Definition

A profile essay is an essay written to provide a description of a person, place, concept, thing. It is a descriptive form of writing that aims at providing as much detail as possible on a particular topic.

Even if it is usually mistaken for other types of writing, including biographies and autobiographies, a profile essay differs from these other options by word length. While biographies and autobiographies provide a detailed description of a person’s life, profile essays only center on short topical descriptions. In other words, while a person can make a book out of a biography, a profile essay is ideal for bios, profile descriptions, and the likes.

Although a profile essay is not as overly detailed as a biography, it is written to pass across short bursts of comprehensive information. This makes it an ideal choice for journalism students and interviewers because it allows a good enough exploration of a particular topic.

When writing a profile essay, it is important to keep in mind the possible questions that may come up and address them. You must have taken note that some blogs usually append a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section to their content, usually at the end of a profile essay. This gives the reader the required information that they need to understand the topic in question.

Some Points to Note When Writing a Profile Essay

The most valuable tip to remember when writing a profile essay is to have an outline. Whether you’re writing a short description for an “About” page or an interview, you need an outline. Among other things, your outline will guide you as you write, and keep your work orderly.

When brainstorming on an outline for your profile essay, remember the following:

• Spatial Order is Often Your Best Bet

This means kicking off with a description of facts, figures, appearance, etc. of the topic or person. For example, if you’re writing on how to care for pottery, you can start by talking about some types of pottery. After that, you can talk about some general rules one should follow when taking care of pottery.

• Stick to a Particular Theme for Each Paragraph

This will help you add as many details as possible, and you’ll be able to answer many of your readers’ questions.

• Remember Your Transitive Words

Seeing how important it is to stick to a theme per paragraph, using the right transitive words will provide seamless transitions.

• Organize Your Points and Facts Chronologically

If you’re describing a professional or celebrity, you can start with when they started, and some of their notable achievements. This will help ease you and your readers into a level of familiarity with your subject of discussion.

Profile essays work both to help your readers understand your topic and get a clear picture. In that case, you must show them that you feel something about the topic. If you’re tasked with writing about a topic or person you dislike, here’s what you need to remember; find an aspect that you wouldn’t mind talking about, and delve in. Make it descriptive and informative.

A Profile in Composition

• An Introduction to Punctuation
• Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
• M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
• B.A., English, State University of New York

A profile is a  biographical essay , usually developed through a combination of anecdote , interview , incident, and description .

James McGuinness, a staff member at  The New Yorker  magazine in the 1920s, suggested the term profile (from the Latin, "to draw a line") to the magazine's editor, Harold Ross. "By the time the magazine got around to copyrighting the term," says David Remnick, "it had entered the language of American journalism" ( Life Stories , 2000).

Observations on Profiles

"A Profile is a short exercise in biography --a tight form in which interview, anecdote, observation, description, and analysis are brought to bear on the public and private self. The literary pedigree of the profile can be traced from Plutarch to Dr. Johnson to Strachey; its popular modern reinvention is owed to The New Yorker , which set up shop in 1925 and which encouraged its reporters to get beyond ballyhoo to something more probing and ironic . Since then, with the wacky proliferation of media, the genre has been debased; even the word itself has been hijacked for all kinds of shallow and intrusive journalistic endeavors." (John Lahr, Show and Tell: New Yorker Profiles . University of California Press, 2002) "In 1925, when [Harold] Ross launched the magazine he liked to call his 'comic weekly' [ The New Yorker ], he wanted something different--something sidelong and ironical, a form that prized intimacy and wit over biographical completeness or, God forbid, unabashed hero worship. Ross told his writers and editors that, above all, he wanted to get away from what he was reading in other magazines--all the 'Horatio Alger' stuff. . . . "The New Yorker Profile has expanded in many ways since Ross's time. What had been conceived of as a form to describe Manhattan personalities now travels widely in the world and all along the emotional and occupational registers. . . . One quality that runs through nearly all the best Profiles . . . is a sense of obsession. So many of these pieces are about people who reveal an obsession with one corner of human experience or another. Richard Preston's Chudnovsky brothers are obsessed with the number pi and finding the pattern in randomness; Calvin Trillin's Edna Buchanan is an obsessive crime reporter in Miami who visits the scenes of disaster four, five times a day; . . . Mark Singer's Ricky Jay is obsessed with magic and the history of magic. In every great Profile, too, the writer is equally obsessed. It's often the case that a writer will take months, even years, to get to know a subject and bring him or her to life in prose ." (David Remnick, Life Stories: Profiles From The New Yorker . Random House, 2000)

The Parts of a Profile

"One major reason writers create profiles is to let others know more about the people who are important to them or who shape the world in which we live. . . . [T]he introduction  to a profile needs to show readers that the subject is someone they need to know more about--right now. . . . Writers also use the introduction of a profile to highlight some key feature of the subject's personality, character, or values . . .. "The body of a profile . . . includes descriptive details that help readers visualize the subject's actions and hear the subject's words. . . . "Writers also use the body of a profile to provide logical appeals in the form of numerous examples that show that the subject is indeed making a difference in the community. . . . "Finally, the conclusion of a profile often contains one final quote or anecdote that nicely captures the essence of the individual." (Cheryl Glenn,  The Harbrace Guide to Writing , concise 2nd ed. Wadsworth, Cengage, 201)

Expanding the Metaphor

"In the classic Profile under [St. Clair] McKelway, the edges were smoothed out, and all effects--the comic, the startling, the interesting, and occasionally, the poignant--were achieved by the choreography, in characteristically longer and longer (but never rambling) paragraphs filled with declarative sentences , of the extraordinary number of facts the writer had collected. The Profile metaphor , with its implicit acknowledgment of limited perspective, was no longer appropriate. Instead, it was as if the writer were continually circling around the subject, taking snapshots all the way, until finally emerging with a three-dimensional hologram." (Ben Yagoda, The New Yorker and the World It Made . Scribner, 2000)

• Writing a Lead or Lede to an Article
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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Romeo and Juliet — Character Profile of Friar Lawrence: A Complex Figure Amidst Conflict

Character Profile of Friar Lawrence: a Complex Figure Amidst Conflict

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Published: Jun 13, 2024

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The mediator: attempting to resolve conflict, conflicting motivations: the struggle within, the consequences: conflicts unresolved.

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A researcher fired by OpenAI published a 165-page essay on what to expect from AI in the next decade. We asked GPT-4 to summarize it.

• Leopold Aschenbrenner, a fired OpenAI researcher, published a 165-page essay on the future of AI.
• Aschenbrenner's treatise discusses rapid AI progress, security implications, and societal impact.
• Here's what GPT-4 says about Aschenbrenner's predictions.

Over the past few months, several employees have left OpenAI , citing concerns about the company's commitment to safety.

Besides making pithy exit announcements on X, they haven't said much about why they're worried about OpenAI's approach to development — or the future of artificial intelligence.

That is until earlier this week, when Leopold Aschenbrenner, a researcher who was fired from OpenAI in April, published his thoughts on the AI revolution in an epic 165-page treatise.

Aschenbrenner worked on OpenAI's superalignment team, which was tasked with mitigating AI risks. Aschenbrenner said OpenAI fired him for leaking information about the company's readiness for artificial general intelligence .

For his part, Aschenbrenner said the information he shared was "totally normal" and that OpenAI might have just been looking for a reason to fire him. He was one of several employees who refused to sign a letter calling for CEO Sam Altman's return after the board briefly ousted Altman last year.

Aschenbrenner's essay doesn't appear to include sensitive details about OpenAI. Instead, as Aschenbrenner writes on the dedication page, it's based on "publicly available information, my own ideas, general field knowledge, or SF gossip."

Business Insider uploaded the tract to OpenAI's GPT-4 model . We asked it to summarize the work and relay the most significant takeaways. We also gently requested that the bot keep its summary clear and concise.

Here's ChatGPT's 57-word summary of Aschenbrenner's essay

ChatGPT distilled the essay into 57 words that outlined Aschenbrenner's views on the evolution of AI.

"Leopold Aschenbrenner's essay discusses the transformative potential of artificial general intelligence (AGI) and superintelligence, and forecasts significant advancements in AI technology in the near future. Aschenbrenner, formerly associated with OpenAI, outlines how the progression from current AI models like GPT-4 to AGI could occur much faster than anticipated, based on trends in computational power and algorithmic efficiency."

ChatGPT then offered four key takeaways from Aschenbrenner's essay

Rapid Progress in AI

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"Aschenbrenner argues that AI development is accelerating at an unprecedented rate. He predicts that by 2027, AI models could reach the capabilities of human AI researchers and engineers, potentially leading to an intelligence explosion where AI surpasses human intelligence."

Economic and Security Implications

"The essay highlights the immense economic and security implications of these advancements. Aschenbrenner points out that trillions of dollars are being invested into developing the infrastructure needed to support these AI systems, such as GPUs, data centers, and power generation. He also emphasizes the critical need for securing these technologies to prevent misuse, particularly by state actors like the CCP."

Technical and Ethical Challenges

"The essay discusses the significant challenges in controlling AI systems smarter than humans, referring to this as the 'superalignment' problem. Managing this will be crucial to prevent catastrophic outcomes."

Predictions and Societal Impact

"Aschenbrenner suggests that few people truly understand the scale of change that AI is about to bring. He discusses the potential for AI to reshape industries, enhance national security, and pose new ethical and governance challenges."

There's more

As Aschenbrenner wrote, there are probably only a few hundred people, most of them in AI labs in San Francisco, who have "situational awareness" about the industry. These people will most likely have the best insight into how AI will reshape the years ahead.

Aschenbrenner, as one of them, seems to believe AI will assume a critical role in national security.

We followed up our original prompt by asking ChatGPT to summarize the predictions Aschenbrenner made in his essay.

Here's how ChatGPT broke it down.

• AGI by 2027: "Aschenbrenner predicts that artificial general intelligence (AGI) is strikingly plausible by 2027, highlighting the rapid progress from GPT-2 to GPT-4, which saw AI models advancing from preschool-level to smart high-schooler abilities in just four years. He expects a similar leap in the next few years based on consistent improvements in compute and algorithmic efficiency."
• Superintelligence Following AGI: "Post-AGI, the author anticipates an 'intelligence explosion,' where AI rapidly advances from human-level to superhuman capabilities. This transition is expected to be fueled by AI's ability to automate and accelerate its own research and development."
• Trillion-Dollar AI Clusters: "Economically, Aschenbrenner suggests that the AI sector will see an increase in investment into trillion-dollar compute clusters as corporations and governments prepare for the implications of AGI and superintelligence."
• National and Global Security Dynamics: "There are predictions about intense national security measures being enacted to manage and control AI developments. The competition, particularly with the Chinese government, could intensify, possibly leading to an 'all-out war' if not managed properly."
• Superalignment Challenges: "One of the most critical predictions is the struggle with 'superalignment' — the challenge of keeping superintelligent AI aligned with human values and interests. This problem is anticipated to be one of the central hurdles as AI reaches and surpasses human intelligence levels."
• Societal and Economic Transformations: "Aschenbrenner expects AI to have a profound impact on society and the economy, potentially leading to a restructuring of industries and the job market due to AI's capability to perform tasks currently managed by humans."
• The Project Involvement by the US Government: "Predictions include the US government becoming significantly involved in AI development by around 2027-2028 through a dedicated AGI project, likely due to the strategic importance of AI technology."
• Technological Mobilization: "He anticipates a mobilization of technological and industrial resources similar to historical wartime efforts, focusing on AI and its supporting infrastructure as a priority for national policy."

Here's the full prompt we used:

Role: Act as an editor. Task: Read the attached essay about former OpenAI researcher Leopold Aschenbrenner. Instructions: Summarize the essay, highlighting the most significant takeaways. Focus on key contributions, research areas, and any notable impacts on the field. Ensure the summary is concise yet comprehensive, providing a clear understanding of Aschenbrenner's work and influence.

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