A profile essay is a type of essay that focuses on a specific person, place, or event. It aims to provide a detailed and informative description of the subject, as well as some insight into its significance or meaning. A profile essay can be either factual or fictional, depending on the purpose and audience of the essay.
To start a profile essay, you need to follow these steps:
- Choose a topic that interests you and that you have some knowledge about. You can profile a famous or ordinary person, a historical or contemporary place, or a memorable or ordinary event. Make sure that the topic is narrow enough to cover in a short essay, and that it has enough information available for your research.
- Do some research on your topic. You can use various methods to collect data, such as interviews, observations, surveys, or online sources. Try to find reliable and relevant information that supports your main point and provides details about your subject. You can also use your own experience or opinion, as long as you make it clear that it is subjective and not factual.
- Develop a thesis statement that summarizes your main point and perspective on your subject. Your thesis statement should answer the question: What do you want to say about your subject? It should also indicate the tone and purpose of your essay, such as informative, persuasive, or entertaining.
- Create an outline that organizes your ideas and evidence into a logical structure. Your outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each body paragraph should focus on one aspect or feature of your subject, and provide supporting details and examples. You can use transitions and signposts to guide the reader through your essay and show the connections between your points.
- Write your essay following your outline and using your research. Use clear and concise language, and avoid jargon, slang, or clichés. Use descriptive and sensory details to make your subject come alive for the reader. Use quotations, paraphrases, or summaries to incorporate the information from your sources, and cite them properly according to the citation style you are using. Make sure to check your essay for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting errors.
Here is an example of a profile essay on a person, based on the web search results from my internal tool:
Profile Essay Example: The Incredible Story of Wilma Rudolf
Wilma Rudolf was an American sprinter who became the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympic Games. She overcame many obstacles in her life, such as poverty, racism, and polio, to achieve her remarkable feat. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time, and an inspiration for millions of people around the world.
Wilma Rudolf was born on June 23, 1940, in Saint Bethlehem, Tennessee. She was the 20th of 22 children from a poor and segregated family. She suffered from various illnesses as a child, such as measles, mumps, scarlet fever, and chicken pox. When she was four years old, she contracted polio, a disease that causes paralysis and muscle weakness. She was told by the doctors that she would never walk again. However, with the help of her mother and siblings, she underwent physical therapy and exercises at home. She also wore a metal brace on her left leg until she was nine years old. She learned to walk again and eventually to run.
Wilma Rudolf discovered her talent for running when she was in high school. She joined the track team and quickly became a star. She won several state and regional championships and earned a scholarship to Tennessee State University, where she continued to excel in track and field. She also became involved in the civil rights movement and participated in sit-ins and protests against racial discrimination.
In 1956, Wilma Rudolf qualified for the Olympic Games in Melbourne, Australia. She was only 16 years old, and the youngest member of the US team. She won a bronze medal in the 4×100-meter relay, becoming the first American woman to win an Olympic medal in track and field. Four years later, she competed in the Olympic Games in Rome, Italy. She won three gold medals in the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 4×100-meter relay events, setting world records in each one. She became the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympic Games, and the first woman to win the 100-meter and 200-meter events in the same Olympics. She was hailed as “the fastest woman in the world”, and received worldwide acclaim and admiration.
After her Olympic triumph, Wilma Rudolf retired from competitive running at the age of 22. She devoted her life to education, coaching, and humanitarian work. She founded the Wilma Rudolf Foundation, a non-profit organization that promotes sports and education for underprivileged children. She also worked as a teacher, a sports commentator, and a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations. She received many honors and awards for her achievements and contributions, such as the Sullivan Award, the Black Sports Hall of Fame, the National Women’s Hall of Fame, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Wilma Rudolf died on November 12, 1994, at the age of 54, from brain cancer. She left behind a legacy of courage, determination, and excellence. She is remembered as one of the greatest athletes of all time, and an inspiration for millions of people around the world. She once said, “My doctors told me I would never walk again. My mother told me I would. I believed my mother.”