IGCSE: Writing an

interview
 What is an
interview?
• An interview is a structured
conversation between two people:
The interviewer and the interviewee.
• Think of a podcast tone- a talk
between two people on a given
topic.
• Formality will depend on the text, the
characters and the topic.
• Because it's spoken, interviews tend
to be semi-formal
How to successfully answer
an interview question?

• One person asks the questions and the

other answers. Not an equal
conversation.
• Answers need to be long / detailed;
include lots of information that you
have read in the passage.
• ON THE EXAM THE QUESTIONS WILL BE
GIVEN FOR YOU, in bullet points – use
them!!!
 TAP
•T- Text Type- WHAT you are writing?
•A-Audience- WHO you are writing for?
•P-Purpose- WHY you are writing?
 Use spoken language
• You can use filler words and thinking words such as....
• Well,
• I guess,
• Huh, I hadn't thought about that before....
• Don't do this too much or it will sound weird!
 Tips: Vary Punctuation
• Use a variety of punctuation to make your writing sound more spoken
• Use ellipses (…) for a pause
• Use a dash (-) to show the speaker has changed the direction of their
sentence
• Use an exclamation (!) to place emphasis or show excitement.
• Again, don't do this too much or it'll sound weird.
Use personal pronouns
• Make it sound like a real conversation by using "you, your, yours".

• Have your interviewee speak to the interviewer directly.

Examples:
• You really can't imagine.
• Don't loom so surprised!
Useful interview phrases
• For those tuning in, I want you to consider...
• Listeners, keep this in mind as we discuss...
• If you're listening right now, I want you to imagine...
• I want to share a perspective that could resonate with some of you...
• Your question touches on something I'm really passionate about...
• To answer your question, let me explain...
Sample Structure
• Interviewer: What were the particularly impressive sights on your
journey? (first question/bullet point)
• Interviewee: (Insert Response Here)
• Interviewer: Second question/bullet point
• Interviewee: response to question
• Interviewer: Third question/bullet point
• Interviewee: response to question
 Language Mum: The predominant reason I
• Use language that is realistic to the believe that you should stay at home
character. is because your examination is next
• Try and use language that is week! Your English GCSE
appropriate and create a clear
sense of voice - particularly in the examination!
dialogue.
• Think about who is more powerful Son: I understand your concern but I
and try and show that in the
language. feel prepared already. I have done
• Don't try and use words that multiple hours of revision. Mr Sulo
are too formal all the time, assures me I will be absolutely fine.
otherwise it will end up like the
one below!
 Social Media
Interview
•T- An Interview
•A- A college Magazine
•P- Understand the life story of Biz Stone
 Sample
Questions
•How does your life differ now from when you were a child?
•How would you describe your childhood?
•Why did develop the idea of Twitter?
•What has been your proudest moment so far in your life?
•Why did you step down as CEO of Twitter?
•What advice would you offer people who want to become an
entrepreneur?
•Can you describe what makes "Super" so special?
•Describe your other projects and how you feel about them?
Sample Question and Answer
• Student: So Biz, how does your life differ now from when you were a
child?
• Biz: That's an interesting question! Life is most certainly different now
compared to a child. As a child I lived in poverty and often had to run
errands to help my family in a financial sense. Luckily, I was able to
develop the idea of Twitter, am now able to live comfortably and
pursue any project I want to pursue in life. So yeah...... Life is definetly
different.
• Student: It sounds like you had a tough upbringing. Could you go into
more detail about it?
 Interview writing question:
Text C: question 3
• You are Fateh. Following the release of Val’s book about his experiences at
Ranthambore and the work you have both been doing there, you are
interviewed for a national television show.

The interviewer asks you the following three questions:

• What does Ranthambore offer the visitors; what might our viewers like about
Ranmthambore if they visited and what sort of things could they do there?
• Can you tell us about the various different people and animals associated with
Ranthhambore and how you feel they and you have contributed to Ranthambore’s
success?
• Ranthambore is located near SM (Suwai Madhopur). How and why has SM changed
since 1976?
 Interview writing question:
Text C: question 3

Write the words of your speech:

• Base your speech on what you have read in TEXT C, but be careful to use your own
words. Address each of the three bullet points.
• Write about 250 to 350 words. (approximately 50-70 words per paragraph)

REMINDER:
• Up to 15 marks are available for the content of your answer and up to 10 marks for
the quality of your writing.
Example:

Interviewer: Good evening Fateh, thank you for joining us today. Let's start with the first question. What does Ranthambore offer visitors; what might our viewers like about Ranthambore if they visited and what sort of thing could they do there?

Fateh: Thank you for having me on the show. Ranthambore is a beautiful national park situated in Rajasthan, India. It offers visitors a chance to see tigers in their natural habitat. Besides tigers, visitors can also see a variety of other wildlife, such as leopards, sloth bears, and crocodiles. The park is also home to over 300 species of birds, making it a haven for birdwatchers. Visitors can enjoy a safari ride through the park in open jeeps or
canter buses. The park also has several designated trails for trekking and hiking.

Interviewer: That sounds amazing. Can you tell us about the various different people and animals associated with Ranthambore and how you feel they and you have contributed to Ranthambore’s success?

Fateh: Ranthambore owes its success to the tireless efforts of its staff, local communities, and visitors. Our team of rangers and guards works tirelessly to protect the park's wildlife, enforce regulations, and promote sustainable tourism. The local communities surrounding the park have also played a significant role in the park's success. They have worked with us to reduce poaching and habitat destruction, and to promote conservation
awareness. And of course, the tigers are the true stars of Ranthambore. They have inspired people around the world to visit the park and learn more about wildlife conservation.

Interviewer: Lastly, Ranthambore is located near SM. How and why has SM changed since 1976?

Fateh: Sawai Madhopur has undergone significant changes since I first arrived in 1976. At that time, the town was smalland undeveloped, with few amenities and little tourism. Today, the town has grown significantly, with the development ofhotels, restaurants, and other tourist facilities. The park has become a major tourist destination, bringing in significant revenue to the local economy. The town has also become more
environmentally conscious, with efforts to reduce pollution and protect the surrounding natural resources. Overall, the growth of tourism in the area has had a positive impact on the town's development, while also promoting conservation awareness and environmental stewardship.

Interviewer: Thank you so much for your time and insight, Fateh. It's been a pleasure having you on the show.

Fateh: Thank you for having me