Written Interview (Grade 12 NSC Matric English FAL): Revision Notes
Written Interview
What is a written interview?
A written interview is a special type of transactional text that presents information in a question-and-answer format. Think of it as a conversation on paper where one person (the interviewer) asks thoughtful questions and another person (the interviewee) provides detailed responses. This format allows readers to learn about someone's experiences, opinions, or expertise in an engaging, conversational way.
Written interviews are commonly found in magazines, newspapers, and school publications. They serve as a bridge between the reader and an interesting person, making complex topics or personal stories more accessible through direct dialogue.
Written interviews are particularly effective because they present information in a natural, conversational style that readers find engaging and easy to follow, unlike more formal text types that can feel distant or academic.
Purpose and functions
Written interviews serve several important purposes that make them valuable for both writers and readers:
Information sharing: They allow you to present facts, opinions, or insights from a specific person who has expertise or interesting experiences to share. This makes the information feel more personal and credible.
Experience exploration: These texts help readers understand someone's journey, challenges, and achievements in a natural, story-like way. Rather than reading a dry biography, readers get to "hear" directly from the person.
Inspiration and guidance: Written interviews often motivate readers by showcasing real people who have overcome difficulties or achieved success. They can provide practical advice and encouragement.
The key to a successful written interview lies in asking relevant and clear questions that prompt detailed, informative, and natural-sounding responses. Your questions should flow logically and encourage the interviewee to share meaningful insights.
Structure and format
Essential elements
Heading or title: Create an engaging title that introduces either the person being interviewed or the topic being discussed. For example: "An interview with South Africa's youngest entrepreneur" clearly tells readers what to expect.
Introduction (optional): If required, include one short paragraph that introduces the interviewee and explains why they're worth listening to. Keep this brief - just one or two sentences that provide context.
Body (Q & A format): This is the heart of your interview. Use a clear Question (Q:) and Answer (A:) layout. Each new question and answer should start on a fresh line to make the conversation easy to follow.
Closing or conclusion: End with a final question or statement that wraps up the interview naturally. This might be asking for advice or thanking the interviewee.
Worked Example: Q&A Format
Q: What inspired you to start your business? A: I wanted to create eco-friendly products that look good and help the environment. Growing up, I saw how much waste my family produced, and I knew there had to be a better way.
Q: What advice do you have for other young people? A: Believe in your ideas and start small — every step counts towards making a difference.
Style and tone guidelines
Tone requirements
Choose either a formal or semi-formal tone depending on your context and audience. A school publication might be slightly more relaxed than a business magazine, but both should maintain professionalism.
Question crafting
Your questions should be clear and open-ended to encourage detailed responses. Avoid questions that can be answered with simple "yes" or "no" responses, as these don't provide interesting content for readers. Instead of asking "Do you like your job?", ask "What aspects of your work do you find most rewarding?"
Answer authenticity
Responses must sound realistic and informative, not too brief or repetitive. Each answer should provide new information or insights that help readers understand the interviewee better. Avoid making responses sound scripted or artificial.
Natural conversation
Keep the language natural and conversational, as if the reader is listening to an actual interview. This doesn't mean using slang (unless it fits the interviewee's character), but rather maintaining a flow that feels authentic and engaging.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Never write responses that are too short or sound artificial. Each answer should be substantial enough to provide value to the reader while maintaining a natural speaking voice.
Types of questions to include
Personal and background questions
These help introduce the interviewee to your readers. They establish who the person is and why their opinions matter. Example: "What inspired you to follow this career path?"
Opinion-based questions
These reveal the interviewee's thoughts and viewpoints on relevant topics, adding depth to their character. Example: "How do you feel about the role of technology in education?"
Experience-based questions
These encourage storytelling and allow readers to learn from real examples and events. Example: "Can you describe one of your biggest challenges?"
Advice and future-focused questions
These provide guidance for readers and show the interviewee's ambitions or wisdom. Example: "What advice would you give to young people?" or "What are your goals for the next year?"
Aim to include questions from each category to create a well-rounded interview that gives readers a complete picture of your interviewee.
Helpful expressions and phrases
Useful Starter Phrases for Different Question Types:
Opening questions: "Can you tell us about...?" • "What made you decide to...?" • "How did you get started with...?"
Opinion-seeking: "How do you feel about...?" • "In your view, why is this important?" • "What's your perspective on...?"
Experience-focused: "Could you explain that further?" • "What happened next?" • "Can you describe a time when...?"
Closing professionally: "Finally, what advice would you give to others?" • "Thank you for sharing your story with us."
Exam tips and strategies
Format precision
Use the Q: and A: format clearly throughout your interview. It must look like an actual interview, not a dialogue or conversation. Each question and answer should be clearly marked and easy to distinguish.
Question flow and logic
Ensure your questions flow logically from general background information to more specific opinions and advice. Start with introductory questions, move to experiences and challenges, then end with wisdom or future plans.
Word count management
Write at least 6-8 substantial questions with meaningful answers. Stay within the word limit of 120-150 words while ensuring each response provides valuable information.
Tone consistency
Maintain a natural, informative, and polite tone throughout. Avoid spelling or grammar errors, as these can distract from your content and lower your marks.
Introduction brevity
If you include an introduction, keep it very short - just one or two sentences. The focus should be on the Q&A format, not lengthy explanations.
Critical Exam Requirements:
- Must use proper Q: and A: formatting throughout
- Include 6-8 questions minimum for full marks
- Stay within 120-150 word limit
- Maintain consistent, natural tone
- Questions must flow logically and be open-ended
Key Points to Remember:
- A written interview uses a clear Q: and A: format to present information through conversation
- Questions must be open-ended and flow logically from background to opinions to advice
- Maintain a natural, conversational tone while keeping responses detailed and informative
- Include 6-8 substantial questions within the 120-150 word limit
- End with a meaningful closing question or statement that provides value to readers