Journalism Class — Profile assignment

Rough draft due: Tuesday, Oct. 19 — 25 points

Final draft due: Friday, Oct. 22 — 100 points

Select a person to write about, interview that person (and other people who know him/her), and write a profile about the person. You will:

1) Decide on the focus of your story — This is NOT a biography of the person — do not attempt to tell his/her life story; instead, focus your piece on something more narrow like a special talent the person has, unique achievements and accomplishments, a dramatic experience, interesting future goals, a connection to something timely and newsworthy, etc. You will likely include some background about the person in your piece, but it won’t be a chronological listing of the person’s life.

2) Conduct at least a 30-minute interview — Plan your interview ahead of time and have at least 10 questions written out, but LISTEN during the interview — it may go in another direction than your questions.

3) Interview at least two other people about the person you are profiling (a coach, teacher, friends, parents, etc.) and/or about the interest area/topic of your profile. Include direct quotations from these people.

4) Where your story requires it, do some internet background research on the topic to put it in a proper context in your article. For example, if you are writing about a student who excels in karate, how popular is karate? How long does it take to achieve black belt? Is it growing in its popularity or declining? Etc. Ask yourself if there’s anything in your article that should have some background context.

Requirements:

1) Typed, double space, using an ordinary font such as Times in 10- or 12-point type. Should be a minimum of 2 pages long.

2) Must include an interesting lead. Do not use a “5 W’s” lead. This is a feature story, not a news story. (See handout on feature leads.)

3) Should be about 50% quotes, drawing heavily from quotes from the profile subject, as well as quotes from others to shed light on the person. Quotes should be set up smoothly and properly attributed (see handout on using quotes).

4) Must use conventions of standard English with quotes properly punctuated.

5) All information, including background must be factually accurate; background information must be cited. (According to the American Medical Association…)

Fitzgerald – Journalism

Name______Date______Hour______

PLEASE ATTACH THIS AS THE COVER SHEET OF YOUR FINAL DRAFT

FINAL DRAFT DUE Friday, Oct. 22!!

Journalism Profile

Grading Rubric

Lead - Is original & creative, invites readers in, fits with the rest of the story.

Sources - The profile subject has been quoted extensively; at least two other sources are quoted; all sources are identified; source material is properly attributed; story uses individuals/anecdotes to illustrate larger issues of the story.

Organization/Flow - Story is strongly organized with clear transitions and logical connections, which create a sense of being tightly woven together. Moves specific case to broader, more general topic. Focus is clear throughout. Quotes are properly set up with introductory paraphrase, followed by quote.

Background/Focus – Shows adequate use of background research on topic; it is clear why this profile subject was selected.

Mechanics – No errors in grammar, punctuation, AP style. Is written in 3rd person (No “I” or “You”). Short, multiple paragraphs. Quotes stand alone. IS FREE OF YOUR OWN OPINION. Is a minimum of 500 words (2 pages), typed.

TOTAL POINTS EARNED______/100