Writing Practice  

ⅰ. A Brief Introduction

A questionnaire is a series of questions asked to individuals to obtain statistically useful information about a given topic. When properly constructed and responsibly administered, questionnaires become a vital instrument by which statements can be made about specific groups or people or entire populations.

There are no hard-and-fast rules about how to design a questionnaire, but there are a number of points that can be borne in mind:  

1. A well-designed questionnaire should meet the research objectives.

2. It should obtain the most complete and accurate information possible.

3. A well-designed questionnaire should make it easy for respondents to give the necessary information and for the interviewer to record the answer.

4. It would keep the interview brief and to the point and be so arranged that the respondent(s) remain interested throughout the interview.

ⅱ. Several Steps to Follow

There are several steps involved in the development of a questionnaire:

1. Decide the information required.
2. Define the target respondents.
3. Choose the method(s) of reaching your target respondents.
4. Decide on question content.
5. Put questions into a meaningful order and format.
6. Develop the final survey form.

ⅲ. Sample

Please answer the following questions related to your experience with a self-access language learning program. Circle the number that can best describe your opinion:

1. This statement is completely not suitable for me.

2. This statement is always not suitable for me.

3. This statement is somewhat not suitable for me.

4. This statement is somewhat suitable for me.

5. This statement is generally suitable for me.

6. This statement is completely suitable for me.

After participation in this program, I find:

1. This program helps me improve my listening ability a lot.                 1-2-3-4-5-6

2. After this program, listening is much easier for me.                      1-2-3-4-5-6

3. I can see my improvement in listening ability clearly.                     1-2-3-4-5-6

4. I can do better at catching and following what teachers say in class.       1-2-3-4-5-6

5. I can do better at catching what my classmates say in class.              1-2-3-4-5-6

6. I can do better at listening to some English broadcasting programs.        1-2-3-4-5-6

ⅳ. Homework

 Design a questionnaire about the social status of women in your part of the country.