MR. RESTAD
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Writing a profile

Person Profile

​Think of a person from this school who you think is worthy of having a feature story written about them. This could be a teacher, a student, an administrator, or even a support staff, and the subject could be about anything: a passion, a sport, a position or job, or anything that makes that person unique. Interview that person with these two goals in mind
  1. Make the reader feel like they know the person you’re profiling.
  2. Make the reader feel like they’re there with the person you’re profiling.​

The first goal is going to be achieved through your sharing of details about the person’s life–background information that your reader would like to know about your subject. You’ll have to do research on your subject, most of which will come from a fairly long conversation with that person about their life. You’ll need to take notes so you can get the details correct when you go to write your story.

Letting your reader sit down with your subject
The second goal is something you’ll achieve through quotes. You’ll want to record and write down exact words your subject says during your interview. Then you’ll pick precise words to share in your article so your reader feels like they’re talking with your subject. Quotes should dominate the text of a good profile article.

The Interview
  • Before tackling this assignment, read the chapter called “The Interview” by  William Zinsser’s On Writing Well. His tips and suggestions are essential.
  • Go into your interview with at least 8 open ended questions prepared + as many closed or information questions as you think you need. Anything less indicates you’re not ready to conduct the interview.

EXAMPLE STORIES
  • "Meet Supergirl" - NY Times, Corey Kilgannon
  • "All about Abe" - Gavin Tucker
  • "Hallgrimson Twins" - Billings Gazette

ARTICLE REQUIREMENTS
These profiles need to meet these requirements:
  • Length: 300-600 words
  • Includes a photo to accompany the story

READ A BOOK!


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  • Classroom Blog
  • Eng III - Spring Units
    • 1 Academic Skills
    • 2 Research Projects >
      • Choosing a topic
      • Research Resources
    • 3 ACT Prep
    • 4 I Am Where I Come From
    • 5 Catcher in the Rye
  • Journalism
    • Newspaper >
      • Blogging about news
      • Senior Podcast Project
      • Person Profile Article
      • Classroom Spotlight
      • In-Depth Journalism
      • Event Journalism
      • Gardiner Special
    • Yearbook >
      • YOURbook
      • Weekly Photo Hunt
      • Photojournalism
      • Magazine Cover
      • Yearbook Open Disclosure
      • Reflective Writing
    • Journalistic Writing Unit
    • Design Module
    • Writing Module
    • Photography Module
    • Magazine Feature Assignment
  • About
  • Contact