instance, you can ask, "How old are you?" The answer will give specific information.

But asking, "What have you accomplished so far in your life," will elicit specific

information and give more to show what the interviewee is like. That question also might

lead to a spin-off question: "What else would you like to accomplish in your

life?"

You can ask how many siblings your interviewee has but follow that question

with others, such as: "Were your siblings an important part of growing up? How? Do

you get along with your siblings now? How or why? Why not?"

You can ask, "Are you passionate about anything?" followed, of course, by the

question, "Why?" or "How?"

Ask why or how questions often.

Think about the focus of your essay as you continue to ask questions. Will you

focus on this person’s strength of character, dedication to duty, or positive outlook? Will

you emphasize the importance of family or a significant other? Will you concentrate

on how this person’s passion drives him or her to succeed?

assumptions. Don’t say, "I think Joan is…."

Use observation in your story, such as, "Dressed in an oversize T-shirt and

baseball cap, John, squinted…."

Use accurate quotes. Give a sense of how this person talks.

Make the reader see, hear, and understand this person.