profile essays on a person

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.

10+ Profile Essay Examples

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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 Avoid getting information from outdated sources.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.

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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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Profile Essays

A profile essay is a literary work that focuses on the description of a person, place, event, or activity. Its aim is to present the essence of the subject to the reader by providing detailed descriptions and observations. Unlike other types of essays, a profile essay places emphasis on the writer’s ability to convey the significance of the subject through narrative and sensory detail, making it both informative and engaging. Crafting a compelling profile essay requires keen observation, descriptive skills, and the ability to tell a story that captures the reader’s interest. This article outlines the steps for writing an effective profile essay.

What Is Profile Essay

A profile essay is a type of essay that explores the depth and nuances of its subject, which can be a person, place, event, or activity. It goes beyond mere factual description to include the writer’s personal impressions and experiences with the subject. The goal is to give the reader a vivid picture of the subject, highlighting its unique aspects, significance, and impact. Through detailed observations, quotes, and anecdotes, a profile essay offers a comprehensive and engaging portrayal that draws the reader into the world of the subject.

How to Start a Profile Essay

Beginning a profile essay involves several key steps:

• Choose an Interesting Subject: Select a subject that fascinates you and has depth. It could be an individual with an intriguing story, a meaningful place, a significant event, or an interesting activity.
• Conduct Thorough Research: Gather as much information as possible about your subject. This might include interviews, observations, historical research, and other relevant data collection methods.
• Determine Your Angle: Decide on the angle or aspect of the subject you want to focus on. This will guide your writing and help you craft a more cohesive essay.
• Craft a Thesis Statement: Develop a thesis statement that conveys the essence of your profile essay. It should reflect the unique perspective you aim to provide on your subject.

Why Does the Thesis Statement Matter?

In a profile essay, the thesis statement is crucial because it:

• Sets the Tone and Focus: It provides a clear indication of what aspect of the subject the essay will focus on and what the reader can expect to learn or understand by reading it.
• Guides the Narrative: A well-crafted thesis statement acts as a guiding light for the narrative, ensuring that all elements of the essay contribute toward the portrayal and understanding of the subject.
• Adds Depth to the Profile: By highlighting the significance of the subject or the unique angle the writer is presenting, the thesis statement enriches the profile, making it more than just a description but an insightful exploration.

How to Write a Structure for Profile Essay

A structured approach is essential for delivering a compelling profile essay:

• Introduction: Begin with a hook that captures the reader’s interest, such as an intriguing fact, a compelling quote, or a vivid scene. Introduce your subject and present your thesis statement, outlining the focus and purpose of the essay.
• Body Paragraphs: Organize the body into paragraphs that explore different facets of your subject. Use detailed descriptions, anecdotes, quotes from interviews, and personal observations to paint a vivid picture of the subject. Ensure each paragraph contributes to the overall narrative and supports the thesis statement.
• Conclusion: Summarize the key points made throughout the essay and reiterate the significance of the subject as highlighted in your thesis. End with a strong closing statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader, encapsulating the essence of your subject.

Writing a profile essay is an art that combines journalistic research with the flair of personal narrative. By carefully selecting a subject, conducting thorough research, and crafting a narrative that highlights the subject’s uniqueness, writers can create engaging and insightful profiles that captivate readers. Remember, the strength of a profile essay lies in its ability to not only describe but also to reveal deeper insights about the subject, making it a compelling read.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How to start a profile essay.

Begin with an interesting fact, anecdote, or quote that gives a glimpse into the person’s character or significance.

How To Write A Profile Essay On A Person?

Conduct thorough research, include engaging anecdotes, and provide insights into the person's personality, achievements, and challenges.

What Is The Purpose Of A Profile Essay?

To give readers a detailed and insightful look at the qualities, life, and character of a particular person.

How To Write A Profile Essay About Someone?

Start with a captivating introduction, then detail their background, major life events, and unique qualities or accomplishments.

What Questions To Ask For A Profile Essay?

Focus on background, motivations, experiences, and perspectives relevant to the subject's life or achievements.

What Is An Angle In A Profile Essay?

A unique perspective or theme that shapes the narrative about the subject, making the story interesting and engaging.

How To Insert Dialog In Profile Essay?

Use dialogue to illustrate key points or reveal personality, ensuring it flows naturally and enhances the narrative.

How To Title A Profile Essay?

Choose a title that reflects the essence or unique angle of the profile, captivating potential readers.

How To Introduce A Profile In Essay?

Start with an engaging anecdote or description that highlights the subject’s significance or personality.

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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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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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Just as its name implies, the profile essay focuses on characterizing an object, person, location, or event. The wide range of adjectives in it helps to create a vivid image for readers. We recommend using a thesaurus to locate appropriate adjectives, which could be helpful when writing your text. 

An illustration for the subject of the profile essay could be a landscape or a portrait. Almost everything can serve as the subject of a description: a person, their feelings, an animal, a plant, a town, a house, a park, a hamlet, or even the weather. A lack of action verbs and abundant nouns, adjectives, and adverbs characterizes descriptive texts.  

#1 Preparation: How to Start a Profile Essay

Did you know that preparation is vital to any academic writing? If you want to create top-notch essays, you should explore the samples written by experts, brainstorm your topic and versatile angles of covering it, and outline. Many students tend to skip the preparation step, which is a major mistake. Quality preparation is required for writing the best college essays and can significantly help streamline the following stages. 

Learn From the Best

If you want your profile essay to stand out, you should start by checking some good examples. The apparent solution is to explore profile essays published on authority websites, such as the official websites of Harward of Oxford. Searching on famous online journals like the Times or Esquire can also be a smart move: of course, you will not find profile essays there, but you can read some person-focused articles (and, except for the matter of formatting, such articles will be pretty similar to profiling). In a ten-paragraph essay, the subject is introduced early on; by the second paragraph, you will have a good idea of the essay. 

There is an alternative solution: to understand the requirements of your academic format better, you can explore databases of professional essay samples (or even generate a few on your topic). By carefully studying profile essay examples, you can avoid typical beginner’s mistakes, develop a solid structure, and find some inspirational new ideas. 

Brainstorm Your Subject 

Before you start writing, it may be a good idea to brainstorm the subject to gather your thoughts and find some inspiring profile essay topics. Get as many ideas as possible to support your essay’s primary argument. Gathering references to support your claims and creating an essay outline are both part of the preparation step. Separate the concepts that will be most helpful in proving your point, and then arrange them in a sensible, sequential fashion. 

We need to profile something (or someone) when we are talking about writing profiling essays. So, the obvious topic choices may be locations, famous persons, or just average representatives of a specific profession you find interesting for some reason. 

Obtain supporting references and empirical evidence immediately. Citations should be written per the style guide you are using. The three most popular academic style guides—MLA, APA, and Chicago—each have guidelines for adequately attributing sources of all kinds, including but not limited to printed articles, online resources, oral presentations, and video content found on YouTube. 

Conduct Advanced Academic Research 

In-depth academic research is absolutely necessary for good profiling. First, scan the Internet for similar and alternative points of view, and carefully study some arguments and statements your fellow writers presented. Second, form a reliable list of sources and aim to reinforce each of your statements with concrete evidence. And finally, search for some first-hand accounts on the topic because such information may be the most useful in profiling. When you need to describe something as detailed as possible, actual evidence can provide you with unexpected insights. 

Write an Outline 

College professors often say that outlining is probably the most globally underestimated stage of writing essays in college. A great outline can actually make a difference between poorly written profile paper and top-notch impeccable academic writing. Outline is a plan where you can strategize on your essay, distribute key arguments between chapters, develop and recheck inner logic and more. 

???? Outlining is not a waste of time! Outlining is your supporting pillar for streamlining the whole writing process–it will help you think through and create a first-grade profile essay. 

#2 Writing Your Essay 

The ideal structure for a profile essay doesn’t differ much from that of an average college paper. There is a golden formula for writing such essays (introduction + 3-5 body chapters + conclusion), and, trust our experience, there are almost never good enough reasons to deviate from it. Just stick to the classic structure and concentrate on filling the chapters with the best content–you don’t want to change something good without precisely understanding why. 

Introduction 

The first paragraph of a profile essay serves as the introduction, providing background information on the topic and setting the stage for the remainder of the paper. Perhaps it is the most crucial paragraph because it both hooks the reader and establishes your central statement. 

Preparing the audience for the following statements is the job of your introduction. The opening paragraph serves as a first impression, establishing the tone, voice, and style the reader can expect from the rest. Your audience will be more engaged and attentive if the introduction is stimulating or entertaining in some way.  

Body Chapters 

The body paragraphs comprise the bulk of your essay and should provide evidence and arguments supporting the thesis. The structure of your body is fundamental. A logical development, in which one point leads to another, and so on, can strengthen some arguments. Remember that the reader does not possess the same level of expertise as you do on the subject matter, so organize your paragraphs to enhance their ability to grasp.  

What if you wish to examine and contrast multiple perspectives in your profile essay? Do you begin by stating your case and then provide counterarguments, or do you start by stating your opponent’s case and then renounce it? These are questions you should answer in your body sections! 

Profile essay conclusions conclude or summarize the argument in a manner that is easy for the reader to understand. While it is acceptable to include some additional background information or viewpoint that helps readers better grasp your thesis in the introduction, in most cases, you should refrain from doing so in the conclusion. 

#3 Revision, Proofreading and Double-Checking

The revision is paramount: it distinguishes excellent papers from mediocre ones. There is no such thing as too much proofreading; your paper may never become ideal, but you can bring it as close to perfection as humanly possible. Professors enjoy reading polished, crystal-clear, well-structured, and well-researched papers–and even seasoned professionals can’t write such papers without multi-level revision. 

Be mindful of complex writing strategies, such as not using the passive voice, and pay close attention to clarity and word choice. Explore the possibilities of writing apps, such as Grammarly or Hemingway Editor. By providing ideas for sentence structure, word choice, and clarity adjustments as you write, the Grammarly Editor ensures your work is readable, clear, and concise—even if you don’t yet feel confident in your writing abilities. 

After the extensive edits are complete, the last step is to polish your profile essay. Check it for typos, formatting problems, and grammatical mistakes. You can also just copy and paste your work into the grammar checker to receive immediate comments on any errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, or anything else you might have overlooked. 

Is a profile essay like a biography?

A person, group, or establishment can have their best qualities highlighted in an informative profile essay. Providing details and analysis is what a profile is all about. A biography is more than just a profile. For example, providing details about an individual’s employment history is not the purpose of a biography.

What is the structure of a profile?

The best structure for profiling essays is the classic one: intro + body chapters + conclusion. There is literally no reason to choose a different structure. 

How long is a profile essay?

We recommend sticking to the classic format for college essays: introduction, from three to five body chapters, and a solid finalizing conclusion. Keep it short and straight to the point; unnecessary deviations can often be considered mistakes in profiling. 

What is profile writing with examples?

Articles or essays that focus on a subject’s prevailing impression—a particular trait or action that indicates something essential about the subject—are called profile writings. Much of the content for profiles is derived from interviews with experts in the field or with the subjects themselves. For example, you can describe a moment or aspect from a person’s life, an event, or anything else worth profiling. 

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