Career Study

If you want to make discoveries about people, you can conduct an interview.

• 1 Decide Whom to Interview Tell the person what you want to learn. For example: “I want to find out about important discoveries that geologists make.” Research your topic before the interview.

• 2 Prepare the Questions Basic questions will help you gather specific information about your topic. Open-ended questions will encourage more complex answers.

  Basic Questions	Open-ended Questions
  What is your job?	Why did you become a geologist?
  How did you train for the job?	Why are rocks interesting?

  Both types of questions are necessary to make your interview interesting and complete. Brainstorm with a small group to write some additional basic questions and open-ended questions.

• 3 Practice the Interview Role-play your interview with a partner. Ask questions. Your partner can provide imaginary answers to give you practice in asking questions and listening actively. Then switch roles.

• 4 Conduct the Interview Follow these steps:

  • • Introduce yourself. Make eye contact.

  • • Ask your questions. Take notes or record the interview.

  • • Ask the person to explain any information that you don’t understand.

  • • Thank the person for the interview.

• 5 Tell What You Discovered Tell your class what you discovered during your interview. Speak clearly and slowly. Use tone and facial expressions to show that you are interested in the subject.

Make eye contact with the person you interview.