profile writing
Developed by Amanda Monteleone
For internal use within the Department of English at Texas Wesleyan University
CC BY-NC-SA to Amanda Monteleone
ENG 1301 Profile Guidelines
Purpose
The purpose of this profile assignment is to give your reader new insight into a public figure of
importance to your personal growth and/or professional future. You will clarify why this
individual is of importance to you while also considering what truths a broad spectrum of readers
can take from this individual’s life. You will also demonstrate your ability to ethically
incorporate and analyze sources about this person in your essay.
Course Learning Objectives
Objective Activity
Respond to different rhetorical situations. Write an informative essay that provides
new insights into a public figure of
importance to you.
Summarize and respond to sources. Cite and analyze at least three credible
sources about your subject.
Practice writing processes of invention,
drafting, revision, editing, and proof-
reading.
You will revise your Profile rough draft
for your Profile final draft submission.
Cite sources according to an established
documentation style.
Cite sources in MLA style.
The learning objectives in this unit align with course learning objectives 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Brainstorming and Drafting
It’s important to write about a public figure that affects you personally or impacts you directly.
However, it’s also important to confirm that you will be able to locate credible sources (articles
published in credible newspapers and magazines or books) on this individual, since these sources
will help you construct a picture of the individual for the audience.
Take notes on who comes to mind as you ask yourself the following questions:
• Who has lived through an important historical event (war, Civil Rights era, Depression,
etc.)?
• Who has been through challenging experiences (survived major health crisis, difficult
childhood)?
• Who has an unusual job or job, talent, or special skill?
• Who has a unique personality (eccentric, funny, selfless, energetic, artistic, etc.)?
Developed by Amanda Monteleone
For internal use within the Department of English at Texas Wesleyan University
CC BY-NC-SA to Amanda Monteleone
You must locate at least three credible sources to help you construct a picture of this individual
for the reader.
Arrangement
Begin the essay with an original title that engages your audience and is relevant to your subject.
As you prepare a draft that you’ll share with your audience, begin with an introduction that
accomplishes the following goals:
• Capture your reader’s attention with vivid or engaging statements that allow your reader
to relate to the subject of your profile.
• Bri
