How to Write a Profile Essay (Writing Guide)
- How to start a profile essay
- How to write body paragraphs for a profile essay
- How to conclude a profile essay
- Outline example
Have you ever interviewed somebody on a given topic or about an event? Then, you have some clue regarding profile essays. A profile essay is a descriptive writing that focuses on the description of a person, place or an event. The essay is usually comprehensive, sensory and balanced detailing on the information on a particular subject hence enables the reader to assume that he or she knows about the subject. In most cases, profile essays are written by journalist students who perform an investigation on an issue.
Purpose of profile essay
Readers normally get informed from profile literary work due to the vivid description of the information contained in profile essays. Such information normally makes readers engaged and enjoys reading profile essay. Furthermore, the readers expect the various topics being discussed to be new, unique and unusual. Thus, writers ensure that they remain sensitive to the knowledge of the reader concerning a subject.
How to start a profile essay
Profile essay should be attractive to the readers hence the first sentence should be impressive and engage the reader’s mind. Just, like the first impression you give to a stranger creates a lasting memory of the occasion, profile essays have the best impression to first readers. The introductory sentence should be an attention grabber and uniquely engage the reader. This then followed by informative sentences that work as the springboard for a thesis statement. On the same note, the subject matter of the profile essay is contained in thesis statement hence it should be started precisely and clearly. Thus, the writer should use quotes or anecdotes in the introductory sentence. Some of the ideas that you can use in enhancing your first sentence include humor, engaging the reader with facts that are surprising, or a question as the first sentence.
How to write the body paragraphs of a profile essay
The body of profile essay elaborates on the topic or subject in details. All the ideas or questions interviewed about a topic or an event will be are part of the body paragraph. For example, if the outline had a body with three main ideas or questions that were filled on the interview will form their own paragraph. The first line of each body paragraphs should start off with the main point in a sentence form. Then the sentence or point should be supported by evidence or examples which are discussed, described and explained. A summary sentence follows the explanation for each paragraph. However, such should not be mandatory. Ensure that the paragraphs are linked by transitions. Ensure that the paragraphs are not in a list of descriptions. For example, the pool was full of dirty water. Be creative and embark on narration in the form of biography and make it enjoyable. All information on the given subject should be fashionably presented and focused. All your explanations should be based on the interview your conducted.
Lastly, your body paragraphs should not be left hanging on their own. The paragraphs should be fitting and linked together using transitions which also connects them to the thesis statement. These transitions normally appear at the end of every paragraph to help in the maintenance of the momentum of the essay and provide a clue to the reader on how the points are linked together.
How to conclude a profile essay
When concluding on your profile essay, bear in mind to have a reflection of what was discussed in the body. Recap of the relevant information that is linked to the thesis. Ask yourself a “So what?” question when writing your conclusion, the implication of the profile essay and convince the reader that such information is relevant and readers should care about it. Strive to include an insight or a quotation that gives a summary of the event or the person or the experience that you have discussed in the essay. Ensure that the reader feels contented and convinced about the topic.
Outline Sample for a Profile Essay about a Person
Paragraph 1: Introduction
Ensure that the introduction has a leading sentence or an interesting description of the person interviewed, followed by summaries main points that are informative regarding the person. The points should be a preview of what is to be covered on the person and the order of the elements you will be dwelling on. Use a transition sentence to link you to the body of the profile essay.
Paragraph 2: Body
Provide the important information of the person. This point should be in an informative sentence about the person being discussed. Support your point concerning the information in the first sentence. Then follow it with examples in a narration based on the interview answers. You can either give a summary sentence of your point or use a transition for the next paragraph. The same procedure should be followed in the remaining body paragraphs.
Paragraph 3: Conclusion
Summarize your points about the person by revising the main body in relation to the thesis statement. Ensure that you remind the reader on the purpose and whether the objective is achieved. Take this point further by letting the reader know your next move and ensure that the reader in convinced that the description of the person is correct.
