Basics of Interviewing Quiz

What is the primary purpose of a journalistic interview?

• To impress the audience with the reporter’s knowledge

• To gather accurate, personal, and engaging information

• To debate with the interviewee

• To promote the reporter’s opinion

Before an interview, the most important preparation step is to:

• Memorize every question word-for-word

• Do background research and know the subject/topic

• Choose a dramatic location

• Write only yes/no questions

Which type of interview focuses on telling a person’s life story or highlighting their experiences?

• News/spot interview

• Profile interview

• Q&A; session

• Investigative audit

A feature interview is best described as one that:

• Breaks a big news story immediately

• Explores a topic in depth with narrative and human interest

• Focuses on rapid-fire questions

• Covers only sports events

What is the main goal of a news/spot interview?

• To create an entertainment piece

• To provide quick, factual information about a breaking event

• To tell a long personal story

• To share only the reporter’s perspective

Which of these questions is most appropriate for a Q&A; interview format?

• “What inspired you to start your community project?”

• “Do you like music?”

• “Isn’t it true that you failed last year?”

• “Would you say you are guilty?”

Which practice shows proper interview etiquette?

• Interrupting often to keep control

• Arriving early, greeting politely, and thanking the subject afterward

• Checking your phone for notes while the person speaks

• Using slang and casual nicknames without permission

Why are open-ended questions preferred over yes/no questions?

• They make the interview shorter

• They limit the interviewee’s response

• They invite detailed, thoughtful answers and stories

What should you do if the interviewee brings up an unexpected but interesting detail?

• Ignore it and stick to your script

• Politely follow up to learn more

• End the interview immediately

• Change the subject quickly

Active listening during an interview means:

• Planning your next question while they talk

• Focusing on their words, maintaining eye contact, and asking natural follow-ups

• Taking over the conversation to share your own stories

• Remaining silent without reacting at all