Hello!

I am in need of some assistance, please! I have to write a personal response essay based on an interview I conducted, and it needs to be between 1,000 to 1,500 words. I was actually here just the other day, asking for help on how to lay out the interview bit! Anyhoo!

The questions I have to answer/respond to are:
-Did you follow instructions?
-Is the Interview thorough?
-Are all possible questions answered?
-Did you record the answers diligently and in detail?
-Is your response to the Interview thoughtful?
-Do I (The Professor) have an understanding of what is going on inside your head when I read it?

So, I know that you are probably thinking that with all of these questions, I could write 1,000 words easy, but I just have absolutely no idea how to write an essay like this. I have written hundreds of essays and papers, but a Personal Response Essay isn't one that I have done before. This isn't a writing course or an English course, for that matter, but it is a course on the language acquisition of children. He isn't very strict on it being super professional, just as long as the grammar is sound.

Now, I have googled and read a bunch of different links and such, but everything I have come across doesn't seem to fit with what I believe he is looking for.

If anybody has any idea on how to help me, I would greatly appreciate it!!

Thank you in advance!!
~Emily

It seems to me that the prof. wants you to evaluate your conduct of the interview. Did you ask all the pertinent questions, or think of some later that you wish you had asked? Did you elicit clear answers to your questions, or let it slide when an answer was incomplete or evaded? Are your notes on the interview detailed enough that you can write about it accurately, or were you sloppy and, later, wish you could remember just what was said? And, what is the "take-away" from the interview, or is there any?

Some people can go read a profound piece of literature, see a play like KING LEAR, and just be amused or get a vicarious thrill, but are left with nothing at all to think about, no "take-away", no thought about it at all.

I THINK that's what your prof. wants you to do in your essay.

I agree with Reed. The point of this lesson is to plan your interview, get the material you need. Planning requires thought and execution of the plan.

Emily, when a guy comes to you and wants you to marry him, you need to have the right set of questions, get clear answers that you can verify, with detail enough that you can describe what happened to your marriage counselor (your sister) so that she can get a clear picture of what went on inside your head. That is what the Prof is asking, it seems to me. He doesn't want to evaluate you as a bubble head, full of imagination and hopeful thinking.

good luck.

Hi Emily! I'm here to help you with your personal response essay. Writing a personal response essay can be a bit challenging, especially if you haven't done it before. However, with the right approach and structure, you can create a well-organized and thoughtful essay. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Introduction: Begin with an engaging opening sentence that introduces the interviewee and the purpose of the essay. Give a brief overview of the interview and its importance to the topic of language acquisition in children.

2. Summary of the Interview: Provide a concise summary of the key points discussed in the interview. This should include essential information and any significant insights gained from the conversation.

3. Responding to the Questions:

a. Did you follow instructions? Discuss how you followed the instructions provided to conduct the interview effectively. Explain any modifications you made, if applicable, and the reasons behind them.

b. Is the Interview thorough? Evaluate the comprehensive nature of the interview by addressing the depth and breadth of the questions asked. Discuss any areas that could have been explored further.

c. Are all possible questions answered? Reflect on whether all the relevant questions were addressed during the interview. Evaluate whether any important aspects were missed or left unanswered.

d. Did you record the answers diligently and in detail? Discuss your approach to recording the interview, emphasizing your diligence in accurately capturing the interviewee's responses. Highlight the level of detail you maintained throughout the process.

e. Is your response to the Interview thoughtful? Discuss your personal thoughts and reflections on the interview. Explain how the interview impacted your understanding of language acquisition in children. Include any personal anecdotes or experiences that relate to the topic.

f. Do I (The Professor) have an understanding of what is going on inside your head when I read it? This question addresses the clarity and coherence of your essay. Ensure that your thoughts are well-explained and organized, allowing the professor to understand your perspective easily.

4. Body Paragraphs: Develop your essay by expanding on each question and providing supporting evidence or examples from the interview. Use descriptive language and specific details to enrich your response.

5. Conclusion: Summarize your main points and emphasize the significance of the interview in relation to language acquisition in children. Discuss any implications or future research that could stem from the interview. End with a thoughtful closing statement that reinforces your understanding and appreciation of the interview.

6. Proofread and Edit: Carefully review your essay for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Make sure your ideas flow logically and that your sentences are clear and concise.

Remember, your essay should reflect a personal response to the interview and demonstrate your understanding of the topic. Feel free to inject your own voice and opinions while maintaining proper grammar and clarity. Good luck with your essay, and if you have any further questions, don't hesitate to ask!