Interviewing techniques

Interviewing techniques

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Marking Student Responses
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This task is about writing effective interview questions.
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Answer the following questions about interviewing people.

Question 1Change answer

a) What are three advantages of interviewing a person who is knowledgeable about a topic
    (rather than getting information about the topic from the internet or a book)?
1.
2.
3.

Question 1Change answer

b) What are two disadvantages of interviewing a person who is knowledgeable about a topic
    (rather than getting information about the topic from the internet or a book)?
1.
2.
 

Question 1Change answer

c) What is the difference between an 'open' and a 'closed' question?
    Use examples to show your understanding.
Difference: Examples:

Question

d) Of the six questions below, which two are best for asking 'open' questions? 

    • Who?

    • What?

    • How?

    • When?

    • Why?

    • Which?

Question 1Change answer

e) Consider the topic 'The role of sport in school',
    and then write questions you could ask the Principal on this topic.
    Start each question with the word provided.
i)    Who?      
ii)   What?     
iii)  How?      
iv)   When?   
v)    Why?     
vi)   Which?  
Task administration: 
This task can be completed with pencil and paper or online.
Copyright: 
Image: Clker
 
 
Level:
5
Curriculum info: 
English, Creating meaning, Speaking
Key Competencies: 
Using language, symbols, and texts
Keywords: 
research, interviewing, questions, information skills, decision-making
Description of task: 
Students provide short written answers to questions on the advantages and disadvantages of interviews as source material. They then practise writing effective interview questions.
Answers/responses: 

 

Y11 (05/2003)

3 marks
(1 mark each)

a)

  

Any 3 of:

  • You can ask very specific questions about your topic.
  • The information is more likely to be current/up-to-date.
  • You can ask for extra details/clarification.
  • A person can direct you to other sources.

3 correct – difficult

2 correct – moderate

1 correct – easy

2 marks
(1 mark each)

 

 

b)

 

Any 2 of:

  • The person may know a lot but may present the ideas in a difficult way.
  • Information can come very fast and be hard to capture or record.
  • Information may not be balanced.

2 correct – difficult

1 correct – easy

1 mark

1 mark

c)

  
  • An open question invites the interviewee to give a full answer, e.g., "Tell me how you come to believe that..."
  • A closed question requires a "yes" or "no" answer, e.g., "Was the accident in May?"

NOTE: Examples will vary. 

easy


moderate

1 mark
1 mark

d)

 

iii)   How
v)   Why

moderate
easy

6 marks
(1 mark each)

 

 


1 mark

e)

i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
vi)

Who in the school will offer what sports?
What are the benefits of sport?
How do you get money for the equipment needed?
When is the busiest time for sports in the school year?
Why are schools so competitive?
Which sports do you like supporting the most?

NOTE: Answers will vary.
Question marks used correctly on all answers.

easy
easy
easy
moderate

moderate
moderate

difficult

Total: 16 marks