What You Need to Know

Key Concept Diagram

A profile interview reveals a person's character, experiences, and insights through direct quotes and narrative

Planning: research the subject, prepare open-ended questions (who, what, where, when, why, how)

Open questions invite detailed answers; closed questions only get yes/no responses

Structuring a profile: engaging opening, key life moments or achievements, direct quotes, vivid description

Paraphrasing: representing someone's ideas in your own words (always accurate and fair)

Key Vocabulary

Profile

A written piece that presents a real person's character, life, and views

Open Question

A question that invites a detailed response rather than a simple yes or no

Direct Quote

The exact words a person said, placed within quotation marks

Paraphrase

Restating someone's ideas in different words while preserving the original meaning

Knowledge Check

Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.

Question 1

Which question is MOST effective for a profile interview?

"Do you like your job?" "Is this your first book?" "Are you famous?" "What moment in your career challenged you most, and what did you learn from it?"

Question 2

Why is using direct quotes important in a profile piece?

To bring the subject's voice and personality to life authentically To make the article longer To avoid having to paraphrase Because all writing must include quotes

Question 3

Which is the best opening for a profile interview piece?

"John Smith was born in 1980 in Sydney." "As John Smith sifts through ancient fossils in his crowded lab, his eyes light up: 'This one's 300 million years old - older than the dinosaurs.'" "John Smith is a scientist." "John Smith answered my questions very helpfully."

Profile Interview Writing