# Lesson 31: Take short interview notes

✍️ WRITING (40 Lessons) • 🟣 D. Functional Writing

← Back to Level 3

## Objective

I can take short, useful interview notes by preparing open-ended questions, listening actively, and capturing key facts, quotes, and examples using simple abbreviations and a clear layout.

## Materials

- Notebook or tablet
- Pencil/keyboard
- Tracing Pad (below) for practice

Tip: Set up a quick template: WHO / WHAT / WHEN / WHERE / WHY / HOW + “Best quote”.

## Mini-lesson — Smart note-taking for interviews

1. Prepare 4–6 questions. Prefer open questions: “How…?”, “Why…?”, “What happened when…?”
2. Listen first, write short. Capture keywords, names, dates, numbers.
3. Mark quotes. Use quotation marks “ ” for exact words. Label who said it.
4. Use abbreviations. e.g., b/c (because), w/ (with), ex. (example), → (leads to).
5. Follow-up. Ask “Can you give an example?” or “What happened next?”

Video won’t be included when printing.

## Guided Practice — Plan questions and note layout

Interview a classmate about a favorite hobby. On the pad, sketch your layout:

- Columns: Q (question) | Key words | Quote
- Write 4–6 questions starting with how, why, what, tell me about…
- Practice abbreviations: b/c, w/, ex., &
- Leave a line for a best quote “ ” and the speaker’s name.

Tracing Pad
Lines
Letter
Pen

## Drag & Drop — Build smart note-taking lines

Drag the chips into the slots to make clear rules for interview notes. Keep punctuation at the end.

Use open ended questions like how and why.
Listen first then write short key words.
Mark exact words with quotation marks and a name.
Write who what when where why and how.
Use abbreviations like b c w and ex to write faster.
Ask for an example to make ideas clear.
Circle dates names and numbers so they stand out.
Use a star for best quote to find it later.
Check the spelling of the person s name at the end.
Keep your notes neat with short lines not full sentences.
Leave spaces so you can add follow up answers.
Thank the person and review notes right away.

## Quick Check (15 questions)

#### 1) Which question is open-ended?

Did you like it? What did you learn from your hobby? Is your hobby fun, yes or no?

#### 2) Good interview notes should be…

long sentences drawings only short key words and facts

#### 3) Which is an abbreviation that helps you write faster?

b/c elephant telephone

#### 4) Exact words from the speaker should be…

erased in quotation marks “ ” written in all caps

#### 5) A helpful follow-up is…

Can you give an example? Are we done yet? Repeat that louder!

#### 6) Which should always be recorded?

the interviewer’s favorite color the weather names and correct spelling

#### 7) The best time to review your notes is…

right after the interview next month never

#### 8) What does active listening look like?

interrupting to tell your own story looking at the speaker and nodding writing with your eyes closed

#### 9) A star ★ in your notes can mark…

a math problem your favorite snack the best quote

#### 10) Which note is most useful?

plays chess b/c it’s challenging stuff stuff stuff ???

#### 11) When a speaker says a name, you should…

guess the spelling ask how to spell it ignore it

#### 12) A good first question is…

Why are you here? What is your name? Can you tell me about your hobby?

#### 13) If you miss a detail, you should…

politely ask to repeat it make it up skip the rest

#### 14) Short notes are best because…

they are fancy you can keep up while listening teachers dislike details

#### 15) Which order makes sense?

Write the report → Do the interview → Plan questions Do the interview → Plan questions → Take notes Plan questions → Do the interview → Review notes

## Assessment (parent/teacher)

Student prepared 4–6 open questions Notes include key facts (names, dates) and a quoted line Uses abbreviations and a clear layout Shows active listening with follow-ups

## Exit ticket (student)

😀 I can take short, useful interview notes 🙂 I need more practice using abbreviations 😅 I need help asking follow-up questions

#### I will practice…

Writing open-ended questions Marking quotes with “ ” and a name Reviewing notes right after
Lesson 32 →