NEWS WRITING INTERVIEWS
STANDARDS: Language Arts- Writing, grade 7/8, Writing Strategies, 1.0
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
Student will show appreciation for an interview.
Students will write a clear, coherent and focused conventional Thank-You letter.
CONDITIONS: This lesson requires one class period.
INTRODUCTION:
Interview follow-up letters are important and appropriate. It is polite and wise to do write a follow-up letter to show your appreciation to the interviewee for their time and information. He/she will remember your letter as well as the interview itself. If you need assistance in the future, he/she will be more willing to help again. The Thank You letter should be simple, clear, brief and correct.
ACTIVITIES:
Step 1. Provide students an example of a standard Thank You letter as a model.
Find out if your school has already adopted a certain format.
Step 2. Write full return address in the upper right-hand corner. Students can use the school address.
Step 3. Write the current date below the address, skip a line...
Step 4. Write the proper salutation and place a comma after it.
Step 5. Write the first paragraph. It should include a statement of gratitude, and an expression of joy. Skip a line between paragraph.
Step 6. Write the second paragraph. It should include your favorite part of the interview and a section of the information you plan to use. This will inform your interviewee that you really appreciated the conversion. He/she will feel that help was provided.
Step 7. Write the last paragraph. It should state that you plan to send him/her a
copy of the publication of the newspaper or final product.
Step 8. Write the closing at the bottom right-hand side of the letter.
Step 9. Capitalize the first word of the closing.
Step 10. Sign underneath the closing.
Step 11. Add PS. for postscript if desired.
Step 12. Have students pair up for evaluation and revision.
Have students read each other's drafts, and write responses to them. Use your classmates’ responses to help you decide how to improve your draft. If needed, revise and proof-read your final draft before turning in the assignment to the teacher. If the students don't complete assignment in class, they should finish at home and turn it in the next day. Students can go to the computer lab and type up the final draft (optional).
Step 13. Prepare to send letter to interviewee if no corrections are needed. Options: Students can hand deliver the letter, mail, or e-mail.
MATERIALS: Overhead projector/chalkboard, Students' Sample of Thank You Letter, Computer lab, paper, envelops, stamps.
MODIFICATIONS/ACCOMMODATIONS: Pair exceptional writer with a developing writer.Use visual aides in giving instructions. Show and demonstrate. Check frequently for comprehension. Teacher circulate around the around the room to check on written and oral instructions.
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT: Teacher observation using Life Skills' Rubric, for cooperation, initiative, creativity and completion. Writing Rubric