Assignment:
You’ve read many profiles—they appear in magazines, on websites, and as non-fiction bestsellers. Interviews, biographies, and documentaries are also specific kinds of profiles. Think of them as windows into a subject; the essay offers knowledge that the writer has gained and is sharing with the reader. You will want to focus on certain aspects of your topic, since you can’t cover everything in this essay.
Profiles rely on primary and/or secondary research as the source of information. Since primary research (interview, observation) is most likely not feasible for you, you will rely on secondary research. If you are able to do primary, you are certainly welcome to include it. For this essay, you will conduct secondary research. You will also use the synthesis skills practiced in Essay 2, but expand on them by crafting your own topic, inquiry questions, finding and evaluating your own sources to use in the essay, and integrating more than two sources.
Genre Conventions:
Profiles usually rely on conventions such as
a unique, surprising, or engaging perspective by the writer
description of and information about the subject
vivid description of people/places/events
information gleaned from primary and/or secondary research
an organized but interesting structure
correctly synthesized, integrated, and cited source material
Topic Choices:
PLACE: Write a profile that offers insight into a place with a unique identity—or that perhaps contributes to the unique identity of its community/city.
PERSON: Write a profile that offers insight into a person with a unique/fascinating career, hobby, or life experience.
GROUP/SUBCULTURE: Write a profile that offers insight into a group or subculture and its identity characteristics.
EVENT:Write a profile that offers insight into an event that affects the national or local community.
TREND:Write a profile that offers insight into a recent cultural trend (i.e. something that has gained in popularity or visibility).
