3.4. Interview - Class 11 - English Yuvakbharati

 Genre: Writing Skill Development

An interview is a structured conversation where one person (the interviewer) asks questions, and the other (the interviewee) provides answers. It is a critical skill used in journalism, business, and social research to gather information, opinions, and experiences.

1. Comprehensive Glossary

2. Introduction & Summary

Ice Breakers:

1. Discuss the different types of interviews you have seen on TV or the internet, such as celebrity talk shows, job interviews, or political debates.

2. Reflect on the qualities of a good interviewer, such as being a good listener and having the ability to ask follow-up questions.

   
   

Summary (200 Words):

The "Interview" writing skill focuses on the art of extracting meaningful information through a planned dialogue. A successful interview requires thorough preparation, including researching the subject and framing a logical sequence of questions. The process generally follows a three-part structure: an Introduction (greeting and setting the stage), the Main Body (the core questions), and the Conclusion (thanking the guest and summarizing).

The text highlights that an interviewer must maintain a "professional" tone and build "rapport" with the interviewee to make them feel comfortable. Questions should ideally be open-ended to encourage detailed responses rather than simple one-word answers. In an academic context, students are often asked to draft a "questionnaire" for an interview with a renowned personality, focusing on their struggles, achievements, and message to the youth. Mastering this skill helps in developing critical thinking, active listening, and effective communication—all of which are vital for careers in media, HR, and public relations.

3. HSC Board Activity Sheet Pattern (Prose Section)

A1. Global Understanding (2 Marks)

• Set 1: True or False

  1. An interview is a random, unplanned conversation. (False)

  2. Open-ended questions allow the interviewee to explain things in detail. (True)

  3. The interviewer should do most of the talking during the session. (False)

  4. Researching the guest's background is part of the preparation. (True)

  5. A formal greeting is essential at the beginning of an interview. (True)

     
     

• Set 2: Complete the Web

  • Question: Identify the key parts of an interview format.

  • Answer: 1. Introduction/Greeting. 2. Opening Questions. 3. Core Questions (Achievements/Struggles). 4. Concluding Message.

    
    

• Set 3: Multiple Choice

  • Question: What is the main goal of an interviewer?

    • (a) To argue with the guest.

    • (b) To gather insightful information.

    • (c) To talk about themselves.

    • (d) To finish as fast as possible.

  • Answer: (b) To gather insightful information.

    
    

• Set 4: Sequence of Events (Conducting an Interview)

  1. Draft the questionnaire.

  2. Research the interviewee's life.

  3. Conduct the actual conversation.

  4. Write the final transcription.

  5. Answer: 2 → 1 → 3 → 4.

     
     

• Set 5: Identification

  1. The person who provides answers and insights: Interviewee.

  2. The set of questions prepared before the session: Questionnaire.

     
     

A2. Complex Factual (2 Marks)

1. Question: What are the basic "Dos" for an interviewer as per the text?

   • Answer: An interviewer should be polite, research the guest, ask open-ended questions, listen actively, and maintain a professional "ambience".

     
     

2. Question: Explain the difference between a "Personal" and a "Professional" interview.

   • Answer: A personal interview focuses on an individual's life and hobbies, while a professional interview (like for a job) focuses on skills, qualifications, and experience.

     
     

3. Question: Why is "Rapport" building important in an interview?

   • Answer: Building rapport makes the interviewee feel at ease, which leads to more honest, detailed, and "insightful" answers during the conversation.

     
     

4. Question: List four common topics covered in an interview with a successful personality.

   • Answer: 1. Early childhood/education. 2. Major struggles. 3. Turning points in career. 4. Message for the upcoming generation.

     
     

5. Question: How should an interviewer conclude the session?

   • Answer: They should summarize the key points discussed, thank the interviewee for their time, and offer a closing statement that leaves a positive impression.

     
     

A3. Inference / Interpretation / Analysis (2 Marks)

1. Question: "An interview is a mirror of a person's journey." Interpret this statement.

   • Answer: This means that through the right questions, an interview can reveal the hidden struggles and values that shaped the person into who they are today.

     
     

2. Question: Analyze the role of "Listening" in an interview.

   • Answer: Active listening allows the interviewer to pick up on cues for follow-up questions, showing respect to the guest and ensuring the conversation flows naturally.

     
     

3. Question: Why should one avoid "Closed-ended" questions in a celebrity interview?

   • Answer: Closed questions (Yes/No) shut down the conversation. Celeb interviews are meant to be engaging; therefore, questions should encourage the guest to tell "anecdotes".

     
     

4. Question: Interpret the significance of "Research" before an interview.

   • Answer: Research ensures the interviewer doesn't ask obvious questions. It allows them to ask "probing" questions that bring out new information the audience might not know.

     
     

5. Question: Analyze how the "Ambience" affects an interview's quality.

   • Answer: A quiet, formal, and comfortable environment helps both parties focus, reducing distractions and maintaining the "professionalism" of the discourse.

     
     

A4. Personal Response (2 Marks)

1. Question: If you had the chance to interview a famous sportsperson, who would it be and why?

   • Answer: (Personal Answer Example): I would interview Virat Kohli to learn about his "mental toughness" and how he handles pressure during critical matches.

2. Question: Do you feel nervous when someone asks you questions? How do you handle it?

   • Answer: I used to, but I've learned that taking a deep breath and focusing on giving an "honest" answer helps me stay calm and professional.

     
     

3. Question: Describe a "Turning Point" in your life that you would share in an interview.

   • Answer: (Personal Answer Example): A major turning point was when I joined a public speaking club; it helped me overcome my "reluctance" to speak in front of others.

     
     

4. Question: Is it okay for an interviewer to ask "controversial" questions?

   • Answer: Only if it's relevant and done with "etiquette." The goal should be to find the truth, not to insult the guest.

     
     

5. Question: What is the most important "Message" you want to give to your juniors?

   • Answer: My message would be to focus on "consistency" and "learning from failures," as these are the real pillars of any successful career.

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