Lesson 31: Take short interview notes
✍️ WRITING (40 Lessons) • 🟣 D. Functional Writing
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
Prepare 4–6 questions. Prefer open questions: “How…?”, “Why…?”, “What happened when…?”Listen first, write short. Capture keywords , names, dates, numbers.Mark quotes. Use quotation marks “ ” for exact words. Label who said it.Use abbreviations. e.g., b/c (because), w/ (with), ex. (example), → (leads to).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.
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 .
Check sentences
Quick Check (15 questions)
Check answers
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