How to Write an Interview for IGCSE English

Introduction

• This lesson focuses on writing the interview text type for IGCSE English exams.
• Full video lesson available with additional resources like worksheets, PowerPoints, and quizzes.
• All examples are based on a specific story scenario.

Interview Writing Prompt

• Scenario: Imagine being a presenter at a local radio station interviewing the Headmaster of Elmwood High about a specific event.
• V (Voice): Headmaster's voice is the primary focus, not the presenter's.
• Audience: Local radio listeners; implies a more formal, polite tone but could be semi-formal.
• Register: Formal tone with elements of spoken conversation.
• Purpose: To inform about the events of the day.
• Format: Scripted interview dialogue.

Cambridge Interview Writing Tips

• Format: Typically a radio or TV interview, not a job interview.
• Characters: Often involves secondary characters from the text, not the main character.
• Formality: Usually semi-formal depending on characters and context.
• Questions: Cambridge provides three questions. Copy them exactly for full reading marks.
• Interviewee's Role: Should do 95% of the talking to maximize reading marks.

Writing the Interview

• Script Layout: Name of the speaker followed by their dialogue (e.g., Andy: So, Kayla, tell me... followed by Kayla: Well, because of...)
• Stage Directions: Optional but can include actions like [laughs], [nods], etc.
• Spoken Language: Include filler words (well, I guess, um) and punctuation like ellipses (...) and dashes (—) to show pauses and changes in thought.
• Personal Pronouns: Use you, your, yours to make it conversational.
• Useful Phrases for radio interviews: Examples include "For those tuning in," "To all of you out there," and "If you're listening right now."

Example Interview Structure

1. Interviewer Introduction: Set the stage for the interview.
2. Headmaster's Responses: Detailed answers using thoughtful language and filler words to add realism.
3. Interviewer Follow-Ups: Keep the conversation flowing and relatable to the audience.

Example Interview (based on Elmwood High School Incident)

• Interviewer: Mr. Reginald Wellington shares insights into an incident involving a fire alarm at Elmwood High.
• Mr. Wellington: Responses are thoughtful, with a slightly patronizing tone (e.g., referring to the interviewer as "my dear") and ensuring the school's reputation is upheld.
• Dialogue Examples: Using spoken language nuances like ah, well, and exclamatory expressions to create a conversational tone.

Final Tips

• Remember the ulterior motives of characters in an interview setting.
• Maintain a reassuring tone if addressing potential issues to a public audience (e.g., parents).