Advice on the Interview for Extended Definintion Essay

Possible Topic:

"What is the ideal boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife?"

For this essay, you are required to interview someone ... in English.  Please stick to this requirement!

Plan your interview; don't rush it, and don't start an interview without some plan.  First, ask the person you want to interview if that's OK with them.  If so, set up a time.  Ask them for at least 30 minutes to an hour to discuss this question.  Choose a nice (quiet) place to talk if possible. 

During the Interview
Start by describing what you are doing.  Explain the type of essay you're writing.  Then explain that the instructor wants you to compare your ideas on the topic to someone else's ideas, and that you are also working on representing the ideas of others in your own writing. (That is one of the major goals of Level 8 Writing.)

Then ask your main question.  "I'd like to know ... what is the ideal ( ______ ) to you?"

At first, the person will probably need a little time to think about the question.  Let them "think aloud" a little.  Try to write down the main points you hear, but do not try to transcribe every word.  That will be impossible.

Then, try to organize the person's thoughts a little bit.  You can do this in 2 ways:

  • You can ask, "To you, what are the three (or four) most important qualities ( subject ) has?"  Try to figure out together what the most important quality is, the second most, and so on.
  • Or, you can try to organize by asking, "At first, what's the most important qualities (subject) has?  And then ... later, what are the important qualities?"  and so on.

Feel free to discuss your own beliefs with your interviewee.  They might have much more to say if you share you own opinions honestly.

As you listen, write down the main points you hear.  You can show your interviewee your notes and ask if you are correct.

In your final essay, you need to have several direct quotes from your interviewee.  So, when you hear a sentence or idea you especially like -- or one that is especially clear -- ask them to repeat it a few times.  Write it word-for-word, then let them read it to confirm it is correct.

Get 3 exact quotes in this way.

Writing Your Essay
In the Introduction, give the interviewee's full name and your relationship.  You may also want to tell where your interview took place.

In the Body, include several exact quotes.
You may also want to include your own opinions and definitions.

In the Conclusion, summarize the main differences between your interviewee and yourself.