Essay Two:  Profile

Due Dates:  1st Draft:  9/27/01

                                          Final Draft:  10/04/01

 

In this essay, you will find an intriguing person, place, or activity in your community (on or off campus) and write about your subject in a way that both informs and engages readers.  

Choosing a Subject

Here are some ideas to get you started in your search for a subject. 

People: 

·        Anyone with an unusual or intriguing hobby or job

·        A prominent local personality

·        A campus personality—popular teacher, coach, student leader

Places

·        A hospital emergency room, birthing center, hospice

·        A used-car lot, used-book store, farmers’ or flea market, historic site

·        A fire or police station

·        A radio or television station, a newspaper publisher

·        A local diner or restaurant in town, a coffeehouse

Activities

·        A volunteer program

·        A sports event

·        A hobby—folk dancing, rock climbing

 

Once you have chosen your topic, you need to spend some time observing your subject and asking questions.  Once you have this material, you can construct a 2-3-page profile of the subject you have chosen.  Some questions you might ask yourself at this point include:

·        How do my preconceptions of the subject contrast with my finding about it?

·        Can I compare or contrast what different people have said about my subject?

·        How could I consider the place’s appearance in light of the activity that occurs there?

·        What is the role of this subject in society at large?

Some questions to ask about your audience (the class, remember), include:

·        Are my readers likely to be familiar with my subject? 

·        If not, what details do I need to provide them?

·        If yes, how can I discuss my subject in a new and engaging way?

 

Remember to provide lots of vivid details, dialogue where possible, and clear descriptions of people and places. 

 

Your paper will be graded according to the following criteria:

·        Introduction that grabs attention and properly introduces your subject.

·        Clear thesis statement

·        Use of vivid detail and description

·        Information that both informs and engages the reader.

·        Mechanical and grammatical correctness

·        Well–organized paragraphs