Skip to main content

Seniors: Interviewing a Subject

As noted in class, the assessment essay for your dual enrollment course is a profile of a fellow student. Below is the assignment as it appears on ULM's Moodle site for Freshman Composition (with additions by me):

Interviews will take place on Thursday, April 26th
Rough Draft due on Friday, April 27th
Final Draft due on Tuesday, May 1st
Our upcoming essay will strengthen your writing skills while building a sense of community in our classroom. On our interview day, I will put you into groups, and you will interview one group member. Your goal is to write a profile of your interviewee. In that profile, you will show readers what is unique/special/meaningful about this person. You will also give a good sense of his or her personality/body language/attitude/etc. We will look at several examples of profile writing in class. You might also look at newspaper and magazine articles that introduce semi-famous people (up-and-coming actors, college athletes, newly drafted athletes, etc.)

Remember that this is a profile--not a biography. You cannot give this person's life history. You can only focus in on a few--at least two but not more than three--key issues. In order to do this, you'll need to ask good, open-ended questions. That means no yes or no questions. We will work together to create questions that elicit thoughtful responses. Before the interviews, I'll also ask you to bring at least three thought-provoking questions to class. We will share questions, creating a database from which to choose.
NOTE: please include at least the four following questions
    1. What are your career plans after college?
    2. Why did you choose that particular career path?
    3. What specific experience/memory can you relate that would give us insight into your choice?
    4. What can you tell us about yourself that people might not realize when they meet you?

During the interview phase, please take good notes, and make sure you get interesting, accurate quotes. Later in the unit, I'll allow you to return to your groups for additional quotes and details. But you should arrange additional contact--through email, text messages, phone, etc.--with your interviewee.

This essay will emphasize the following criteria:
  • attention-getting introduction
  • organization
  • strong sensory details
  • quote use and accuracy
  • transitions
Model essays on ULM's website will help give you a sense of appropriate style for this assignment, and Errol Morris's article from Business Week should help you conduct the interview.

The RUBRIC for the essay is also included:


Introduction (getting readers' attention, generating interest in your topic, clear thesis)   
15
Organized, focused paragraphs that begin with smooth transitions
15
Specific details about each focal point and about interviewee's demeanor/body language.  Include good sensory information
30
Direct Quotes (at least one good quote in each section, giving readers a sense of the interviewee's voice and personality through his/her own words)     
20
Collegiate writing
20
Conclusion
5

Popular posts from this blog

Homework

Seniors We are discussing the latest in robotics technologies this week. Typically, we tend to merge the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence, but I'd like to start with the ways we have already integrated robotics into our world before we move on to advanced software. The results are staggering. Generally speaking, we are investigating some of the ways we are using robotics to make our lives easier and more productive.  I would like you to think about what differentiates "machines" from "robots" as we use the terms. Also consider Asimov's three laws of robotics as it applies to these devices. Finally, in what ways might robotics be used in the near future?  You might focus your research in one of the following general categories: Domestic - Cleaning , Personal Health, and Comfort Industrial - Health , Production, Delivery , Service, and Maintenance Military - Military Strikes, Law and Order, Exploration , Defense, Aide Below is a chart w...
Read more

Romeo & Juliet ~ Video Project

Groups of three (and sometimes four) will choose a scene from Romeo & Juliet and produce a short video using Shakespeare's original language. In addition, each student will provide a scripted translation of the scene (in modern English). As an option to the video project, groups are welcome to rehearse and perform for the class. As discussed in class, groups will compete for scenes. The winner of the spelling bee will get first choice. The test will be oral, with each student writing down the correct spelling. Individual scores will be averaged for a group score, which will then be ranked. The winner gets the first choice of scenes. THE LIST: 1. absence 2. guarantee 3. height 4. grammar 5. believe 6. development 7. leisure 8. recommend 9. rhythm 10. restaurant 11. independent 12. maintenance 13. neighbor 14. cemetery 15. embarrass 16. existence 17. privilege 18. ignorance 19. definite 20. separate 21. humorous 22. mosquito 23. biscuit 24. sandwich 25. principal
Read more

Gun Control Debate

In light of recent mass shootings , some have argued that we need stricter laws regarding the sale and ownership of guns and ammunition, while others believe that the current laws are sufficient or too restrictive, some arguing for less regulation.   The debate centers around the second amendment and its interpretation: THE SECOND AMENDMENT A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.   What is your opinion? Consider our discussion of the language of the amendment itself, along with issues such as the assault weapons ban, open carry laws, licensing, and background checks. What amount of "gun control" is necessary, if any, to ensure public safety? You were supposed to bring a relevant article to class on Thursday. In addition, you might also want to look at the following links discussed in class: NRA President Wayne LaPierre's response to the Newtown traged...
Read more