BEGINNING OF THE YEAR INTERVIEW ESSAY
“You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can
in two years by trying to get other people interested in you. “
Dale Carnegie
Directions: Write ten (10) questions to ask five (5) people in the class who you do not know. Ask each of
the five people the questions that you have generated. When you have asked all ten questions to the five
people, write a paragraph for each person who you interviewed, explaining what you learned about them
AND your own personal impressions about each of them.
Your final draft must include the following:
1. An introduction paragraph (at least five sentences explaining your overall impressions of the five
people that you interviewed.) 15 pts
2. A paragraph for each person that you interviewed that thoroughly discusses the questions you
asked that person. 50 pts
3. A conclusion paragraph where you wrap up your thoughts on the people that you interviewed in a
creative and interesting way. 15 pts
4. Using strong and interesting vocabulary/language. Use the dictionary and/or a thesaurus. 20 pts
5. Proper capitalization and punctuation must be used. 20 pts
The final draft MUST include an introduction, five (5) body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Give your
paper a creatively interesting title (NOT “Interview Essay”). Points will be deducted for a paper that
presents only facts and details from the interview without your impressions, opinions, responses
and/or commentary. A quality paper will use engaging language/ideas and good sentence
organization/structure/spelling/mechanics.
Be prepared to turn in the following:
1. All interview notes and questions for the five (5) people interviewed
2. A rough draft copy. (the one right before your final draft)
3. Your final draft. (NEATLY written)
Example Interview Questions (remember, five questions to ten people)
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
What is your favorite type of music and why?
Describe your family? What are they like?
If you were an ice cream flavor, which one would it be and why?
What is your favorite number and why?
Do you prefer Math, Science, or English and why?
Do you prefer Kosher Bite or Dougies and why? (or neither and why?)
What are your career goals and aspirations right now?
What is the most annoying thing a teacher can do (besides assigning homework  c’mon
Who is your favorite Jewish singer and why?
*These are just some examples. Feel free to choose your own as long as they are
APPROPRIATE 