Vox pop

Vox pop stands for 'voice of the people'. Students ask a range of people a question, gather their responses, and present them as quotes under a picture or drawing of that person.

This strategy is quite often used when newspapers want to show a range of viewpoints on an issue. Usually they publish a picture of each person, with their viewpoint underneath.

An alternative is sometimes seen on the television news, when a reporter take to the streets with a camera to record people's views on an issue.

• Select the issue – in this case, the people's bank.
• Build some knowledge about the issue, either through activities or discussion.
• Decide on a question to ask the vox poppers. It is important that the question is open ended.
• Draw up a list of prospects. Try to ask a wide range of people of different ages, gender, and so on.
• Explain the assignment, then ask the question.
• Record each person's answer carefully.
• Select the best quotes and publish them on the classroom wall.