Preparing an Interview (Model Interview with Tips)

The following is an excerpt from an interview between a journalist and a famous mountain climber. Pay attention to the tips that can help you write an interview.

Journalist: How did you rst get involved in mountain climbing? Climber: A  friend invited me to go mountain climbing with his family. Ill never forget the sense of accomplishment I felt when I reached the top of the mountain.

Make sure that the questions are in chronological order. Try not to jump from topic to topic or time period to time period.

Journalist: M  any people feel that mountain climbing is a very dangerous sport. How do you cope with being in a potentially dangerous situation? Climber:  believe that as long as Im responsible and dont take any I unnecessary risks, mountain climbing is no more dangerous than driving a car. I drive, so why shouldnt I climb mountains?

Ask open-ended questions instead of yes / no questions so that the responses will be more interesting.

Journalist: Yes, I see your point.Why do you love mountain climbing so much? Climber:  ts all about the physical and mental challenges. Mountain I climbing has taught me to believe in myself and never to give up, no matter how difcult something seems to be. I also love being close to nature and being able to see some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

Try to make the language as natural as possible. Dont repeat the same words. Try and ask the questions differently each time.

Journalist: Which mountain has been your favourite to climb? Climber:  mm, Ive had so many wonderful climbing experiences, H but Mt Hood in the United States was a great mountain to climb. It was challenging with extreme weather conditions, but the view from the top was worth it. Try to give answers that are detailed and not vague. They should explain the issue and give personal examples. Ask the interviewee his / her opinion about the topic.
TESt TIP If the interview is related to the comprehension text in the exam, try to relate to the text content, but at the same time, introduce new ideas not contained in the text. Your writing should be original, so try and avoid repeating phrases and expressions from the text.

Journalist: I  m sure youve heard of what happened to Simon Yates and Joe Simpson. Do you think that Yates decision to cut the rope was justied? Climber: T  hats a very hard question to answer. People have criticised Simon Yates for his decision, which could have cost Joe Simpson his life, but I believe that unless someone is in that situation, its impossible to judge.

Journalist: Yes, I understand. Thank you very much for talking to us.

B Burlington Books