Name:___________________________

RESEARCH PRESS CONFERENCES

What is a press conference?
A press conference is an interview given to journalists by a prominent person in order to
make an announcement or answer questions. What type of press conferences have you
seen before? Why are they important?

What is your assignment?

• You are going to give a press conference over your research topic.
o You will give a brief summary of your topic (1 to 2 minutes)
o You will answer questions from the class over your topic after your summary
(1 to 2 minutes)
• You will also be required to ask questions throughout the class while other students
give their press conferences.
o You will be graded on the amount of questions you ask (minimum of two)
o You will also be graded on the quality of your questions

What should your summary include?

• Your summary should cover:
o The definition of your topic
o Problems surrounding your research topic
o Why it is important to learn about your topic

What type of questions should you ask?

• Your questions should NOT be yes or no.
• Good questions start with words like:
o Why
o How
o When
o What
• Inquire about different opinions and viewpoints on the issue
• Ask about possible solutions to the problem
Name:___________________________

SUMMARY OF RESEARCH ISSUE

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POSSIBLE QUESTIONS TO ASK OTHER

PRESENTERS
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Name:___________________________

Research Press Conferences Reporter Form

• You will have four minutes max to complete a press conference where you are the expert on
your topic. The class is your group of reporters gathering information.
o You will begin with a summary of your topic, and then you will begin taking questions
• This is your opportunity to show your knowledge on your topic. If there are questions from
reporters that you can’t answer, your grade will be affected.
• When you are not presenting, you are to be an active participant in the press conference. You
must ask at least two different questions throughout the class.
• You will receive two separate grades:
o One grade will be given for your summary and ability to answer questions over your
topic
o One grade will be given for whether or not you asked your two questions
▪ The quality/depth/creativity of your questions will influence your grade
▪ Yes/no questions DO NOT count for credit
▪ Points will be deducted for asking a question that another person has already
asked; it is important to listen carefully!

Question Answer
(Write the question you asked the expert) (Write the answer you were given)

Presenter/Topic:__________________________

Presenter/Topic:___________________________

Do you agree with the expert’s answers? Explain.

Question 1: ___________________________________________________________________________
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Question 2:___________________________________________________________________________
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