Mastering Interview Writing
A Complete Guide to IB English B — Paper 1 & Written Assignment
This guide teaches you how to craft compelling interviews that inform, engage, and showcase personality — essential skills for Paper 1 and your Written Assignment at B2–C1 level.
25 slides covering foundations, craft, worked examples, practice tasks, and a quick-reference checklist — everything you need to write confidently under exam conditions.
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What is an Interview?
An interview is a written Q&A format that captures a conversation between an interviewer and interviewee, presenting information through direct questions and answers rather than narrative prose.
Key characteristics
- Question-answer format — structured as alternating Q: and A: exchanges
- Conversational — captures natural speech patterns and personality
- Informative — reveals insights, opinions, or expertise
- Engaging — brings the interviewee's voice to life
- Focused — questions guide the conversation toward specific topics
- Direct — information comes straight from the source
Interviews don't just present facts — they reveal personality, expertise, and perspectives through the interviewee's own words, making information more engaging and authentic.
Why it matters for IB
Interview writing demonstrates your ability to formulate meaningful questions, organise information logically, and present dialogue authentically — skills valued across journalism, research, and professional contexts.
Types of Interviews for Paper 1
Celebrity / Artist
Career, creative process, upcoming projects, personal insights
Expert
Specialised knowledge, research, professional opinions, advice
Athlete
Performance, training, competitions, team dynamics, goals
Professional
Career journey, industry insights, advice for aspiring professionals
Student / Youth
Experiences, perspectives, achievements, challenges, advice for peers
Author
Writing process, book themes, inspiration, advice for writers
All interviews aim to reveal insights and personality. The subject changes — the structure remains consistent.
The Foundation: C–A–P for Interviews
Understanding Context, Audience, and Purpose is essential for effective interview writing.
C — Context
The "where & why"
Where is this published? School magazine? Entertainment site? Professional journal? Context determines formality and depth.
A — Audience
The "who"
Who reads this? Students? General public? Fans? Professionals? Audience determines question complexity and tone.
P — Purpose
The "what & why"
What do readers want to know? Career insights? Personal stories? Expert advice? Purpose shapes your questions.
Example CAP analysis
Task: "Write an interview with a local entrepreneur for your school's business magazine."
Context: School business magazine (semi-formal, educational)
Audience: Students interested in entrepreneurship
Purpose: Inspire and educate students about starting businesses; provide practical advice
Interview Structure: the Essential Framework
A well-structured interview guides readers through the conversation logically:
1. Title
Clear, engaging headline that identifies the subject
2. Introduction
Brief context about the interviewee and interview purpose (50–100 words)
3. Q&A Body
8–12 questions with detailed answers, organised thematically
4. Conclusion
Final question or interviewer's closing remarks (optional)
Group questions thematically. Start with background/introduction questions, move to main topics, end with future/advice. This creates natural flow.
Typical question flow
Opening (1–2 questions): Background, introduction to the person
Main topics (6–8 questions): Core content based on your purpose
Closing (1–2 questions): Future plans, advice, or reflection
Crafting Engaging Interview Titles
Interview titles should identify the subject and create interest.
Effective title techniques
- Name + key topic: "Emma Watson on Activism, Acting, and Finding Balance"
- Name + quote: "Elon Musk: 'Failure is an Option Here'"
- Name + description: "Interview with Rising Star Maya Chen"
- Question format: "What Does It Take to Win Olympic Gold? We Asked Simone Biles"
- Name + achievement: "Speaking with Dr Sarah Ahmed, This Year's Nobel Prize Winner"
Strong titles
"Billie Eilish on Fame, Family, and Staying Authentic"
"Inside the Mind of Chess Prodigy Marcus Yang"
"Award-Winning Chef Tells All"
Clear subject, engaging focusWeak titles
"Interview"
"Talking to Someone Famous"
"Q&A Session"
Vague, no identification, boringThe Introduction: Setting the Stage
Your introduction provides essential context before the Q&A begins.
- Who the interviewee is (name, role, credentials)
- Why they're being interviewed (achievement, expertise, relevance)
- Context about the interview itself (when, where, if relevant)
- A hook to engage readers
Entrepreneur interview
"At just 28, Maria Rodriguez has built GreenTech Solutions from a dorm room startup into a multi-million dollar company revolutionising sustainable packaging. As our school's Business Week concludes, we sat down with the local entrepreneur to discuss her journey, challenges, and advice for aspiring young business leaders."
✓ Identifies person ✓ States relevance ✓ Explains purpose ✓ Creates interestAthlete interview
"Fresh off her gold medal victory at the Youth Olympics, 17-year-old swimmer Jenny Park has become an inspiration for young athletes worldwide. We caught up with Jenny during her brief return home to talk about training, competition pressure, and what's next for this rising star."
✓ Recent achievement ✓ Age relevant to student audience ✓ Clear interview focusQuestion Types: the Interviewer's Toolkit
1. Open-ended questions — best for interviews
Purpose: Encourage detailed, thoughtful responses
- "Can you tell us about your journey to becoming a professional musician?"
- "What challenges did you face while writing your first novel?"
- "How has your perspective on success changed over the years?"
2. Specific questions
Purpose: Get concrete details or opinions
- "What does your typical training day look like?"
- "Which project are you most proud of, and why?"
- "What advice would you give to someone starting in this field?"
3. Follow-up questions
Purpose: Dig deeper into previous answers
- "You mentioned facing setbacks — can you elaborate on that?"
- "That's fascinating! How did you overcome those obstacles?"
Yes/no questions (unless followed up), multiple questions in one, overly complex questions, leading questions
Writing Authentic Answers
Answers should sound like natural speech, not formal essays.
Interview answers reflect how people actually talk — conversational, sometimes informal, with personality showing through. Not everything needs to be perfectly polished.
Too formal / stiff
Q: What inspired you to become an artist?
A: The primary motivation for my pursuit of artistic endeavours stemmed from my childhood experiences with visual media and the profound impact of classical paintings upon my developing aesthetic sensibilities.
Sounds like an essay, not speechNatural / conversational
Q: What inspired you to become an artist?
A: Honestly, I've been drawing since I could hold a crayon! But the real turning point was visiting the National Gallery when I was twelve. I saw this Monet and thought, "That's what I want to do — create something that makes people feel."
Personal, conversational, authenticMaking answers sound natural
- Use contractions (I'm, don't, can't)
- Include conversational fillers occasionally (well, you know, actually)
- Vary sentence length — short and long
- Add personal anecdotes and specific examples
- Show emotion and personality · Use first person throughout
Answer Length and Detail
Answers should be substantial enough to be informative but varied in length to maintain interest. Not every answer needs to be a paragraph.
Typical answer lengths
- Opening questions: 2–4 sentences (establishes rapport)
- Main topic questions: 4–6 sentences (detailed, thoughtful)
- Follow-ups: 2–3 sentences (specific clarification)
- Closing questions: 3–5 sentences (memorable conclusion)
Example of varied answer lengths
Q: How did you get started in photography?
My dad gave me his old film camera when I was fourteen, and I was hooked immediately. (Short, direct)
Q: What makes a great photograph?
For me, it's all about capturing a moment that tells a story. You can have perfect technical specs — exposure, composition, lighting — but if there's no emotion or narrative, it's just a pretty picture. The best photographs make you feel something or wonder about the story behind them. That's what I'm always chasing. (Longer, detailed)
Q: Do you have a favourite subject to photograph?
People, definitely. Portraits reveal so much — not just how someone looks, but who they are. (Medium length)
Formatting and Conventions
Proper formatting makes interviews easy to read and professional.
- Use Q: or Interviewer: for questions
- Use A: or the interviewee's name for answers
- Leave a blank line between Q&A pairs · Keep consistent formatting throughout
- Use italics for emphasis or thoughts (if needed)
Alternative format (using names)
Language Features of Interviews
Key language elements
- Questions: Direct question forms, often open-ended
- First person: "I" and "we" in answers (from interviewee's perspective)
- Tense: Present for current situations, past for experiences
- Conversational tone: Less formal than essays, more natural
- Personal anecdotes: Stories that illustrate points
- Specific details: Names, places, numbers that add authenticity
- Contractions: I'm, don't, hasn't (natural speech)
Example showing key language features
Q: What's the most important lesson you've learned in your career?
You know, I'd say it's learning that failure isn't the opposite of success — it's part of it. (personal insight, contraction) When my first startup failed in 2019, I was devastated. (specific detail, past tense) But looking back now, I learned more from that failure than from any success. It taught me resilience, taught me to listen to customers, and honestly, made me a better entrepreneur. (conversational tone)
Organising Questions Thematically
Group related questions together for natural flow.
Don't jump randomly between topics. Group questions by theme to create a logical, engaging conversation that feels natural.
Sample question organisation — musician interview
Theme 1: Background (2 questions)
- When did you first start playing music?
- Who were your early musical influences?
Theme 2: Creative process (3 questions)
- How do you approach writing a new song?
- What's your favourite part of the creative process?
- Do you prefer working alone or collaborating?
Theme 3: Current work (2 questions)
- Tell us about your new album.
- What message do you hope listeners take away?
Theme 4: Future & advice (2 questions)
- What's next for you?
- What advice would you give aspiring musicians?
Strong Opening Questions
Start with questions that establish rapport and provide context.
Begin with a warm-up question that's easy to answer but interesting. Avoid diving into complex or controversial topics immediately.
Strong opening questions
- "Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started?"
- "You've had an incredible year. How are you feeling?"
- "What first sparked your interest in this field?"
- "For readers who might not know you, how would you describe what you do?"
Weak opening questions
- "What's your opinion on this controversial issue?" (too confrontational)
- "Are you happy?" (yes/no, too vague)
- "What's your favourite colour?" (irrelevant)
Strong Closing Questions
End with forward-looking or reflective questions that leave readers satisfied.
Effective closing question types
- Future-focused: "What's next for you?"
- Advice: "What advice would you give to aspiring [profession]?"
- Reflection: "Looking back, what are you most proud of?"
- Message: "What final message would you like to share with readers?"
- Quick-fire: "Before we finish, a few quick questions…" (fun, light)
Example closing exchange
Q: Before we wrap up, what advice would you give to young people who want to follow in your footsteps?
Don't wait for permission to start. I spent two years thinking I needed more experience, more credentials, more resources before launching my first project. Looking back, I wish I'd started sooner. You'll never feel completely ready, and that's okay. Start small, learn as you go, and don't be afraid to fail. Every successful person you admire has failed countless times — they just kept going. So whatever your dream is, take that first step today.
Complete Interview Example
Rising Star: an Interview with Author Sarah Chen
At 24, Sarah Chen has already published two bestselling novels and won the prestigious Young Writer's Award. We spoke with her about inspiration, overcoming writer's block, and her advice for aspiring authors.
Q: You published your first novel at 21. How did your writing journey begin?
I've been writing stories since I was about eight years old, but I never thought of it as a real career until university. I was studying business, actually, but I spent all my free time working on a novel. When I finally finished it at 20, I thought, "Why not try?" I sent it to about fifty agents, got forty-nine rejections, and one yes. That one yes changed everything.
Q: What's your writing process like?
Very structured, which surprises people! I write every morning from 6 to 10 AM, no exceptions. I've learned I'm most creative early in the day. I set daily word count goals — usually around 1,500 words — and I don't let myself stop until I hit them. It sounds rigid, but that discipline is what gets books finished.
Q: How do you handle writer's block?
Honestly? I just write through it. Writer's block is often just fear — fear that what you're writing isn't good enough. So I tell myself, "This draft can be terrible. I'll fix it later." Permission to write badly is incredibly freeing. You can't edit a blank page, but you can edit a bad one.
Q: Your books often explore themes of identity and belonging. Where does that come from?
Growing up as a Chinese-Canadian, I always felt caught between two worlds — not quite fitting into either. That sense of being in-between, of navigating multiple identities, really shapes my characters. I write the stories I wished I'd had growing up — stories where characters like me were the heroes, not sidekicks.
Q: What's been the biggest challenge in your career so far?
Imposter syndrome, definitely. Even after two bestsellers, there's this voice that says, "You got lucky. The next book will reveal you're a fraud." I've learned that most writers feel this way, which helps. Now I try to focus on the work itself rather than external validation.
Q: Can you tell us about your upcoming novel?
It's a departure from my first two books — much darker, set in a dystopian future. It explores climate change and social inequality through a sci-fi lens. I'm really excited about it, even though it was the hardest thing I've ever written.
Q: Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Read voraciously and write consistently. Those are the fundamentals. But also: finish what you start. Lots of people start novels; far fewer finish them. Remember that first drafts are supposed to be messy. Give yourself permission to write imperfectly. The magic happens in revision.
Common Interview Mistakes to Avoid
Yes/no questions
"Did you enjoy writing this book?" invites one-word answers. Ask "What did you most enjoy about writing this book?" instead.
Overly formal answers
Answers that sound like essays rather than natural speech destroy authenticity. People don't talk like textbooks.
Multiple questions in one
"What inspired you and how did you start and what challenges did you face?" is overwhelming. Ask one question at a time.
No introduction
Jumping straight to Q&A without context confuses readers who don't know who's being interviewed or why.
Random question order
Jumping between topics randomly makes the interview feel disjointed. Group related questions together.
Uniform answer length
Monotonous pacing makes interviews boring. Vary answer lengths — some short, some detailed.
Revision Task 1: Improve These Questions
Transform weak questions into strong ones
Weak questions to rewrite:
- Are you a good athlete?
- Do you like your job?
- Was it hard?
- What are your hobbies and interests and what do you do for fun?
Improved questions:
- "What aspects of your sport do you excel at, and how did you develop those skills?"
- "What do you find most rewarding about your work?"
- "What were the biggest challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?"
- "When you're not working, how do you like to spend your time?"
Word Count & Time Management
For IB English B Paper 1, interviews should be 450–600 words. Aim for 500–550 words for optimal coverage.
How to allocate your words
- Introduction: 50–75 words (context about interviewee)
- Q&A body: 400–500 words (8–12 questions with answers)
- Each Q&A pair: approximately 40–60 words
Time management for Paper 1
Planning (5 min): Analyse CAP, decide on interviewee, brainstorm 10–12 questions, organise thematically
Writing (35 min): Write introduction, then Q&A pairs with varied answer lengths
Proofreading (5 min): Check formatting consistency, natural speech, question variety
Total: 45 minutes
Count your questions. 8–12 is ideal. Fewer than 8 = too sparse. More than 15 = too rushed.
Revision Task 2: Plan an Interview
Write your interview questions
Scenario: You're writing an interview with a successful local entrepreneur for your school's business magazine. Your audience is students interested in entrepreneurship.
Write 8–10 interview questions, organised thematically:
Sample questions (organised thematically):
Background:
- How did you first get the idea for your business?
- What was your background before starting this venture?
Journey & challenges:
- What were the biggest challenges you faced in the early days?
- Was there a moment when you wanted to give up?
- How did you fund your startup?
Current business:
- How has your business evolved since you started?
- What does a typical day look like for you now?
Advice & future:
- What advice would you give students who want to start their own business?
- What's next for your company?
Revision Task 3: Write a Complete Interview
Full interview practice — 450–550 words
Choose one subject:
- Option A — A successful athlete (for your school sports magazine)
- Option B — A local musician or artist (for a student culture blog)
- Option C — A professional in a career you're interested in (for a career guidance publication)
- Option D — An author or filmmaker (for an entertainment website)
- Does my introduction provide context about the interviewee?
- Do I have 8–12 open-ended questions, grouped by theme?
- Do answers sound conversational and natural?
- Is my formatting consistent? Did I vary answer lengths?
Quick Reference Checklist
Before you write
- Identified context (publication type, tone)
- Identified audience (who reads, what they want)
- Identified purpose (inspire, inform, entertain)
- Chosen interview subject and expertise area
- Brainstormed 10–12 questions · Organised them thematically
Structure check
- Clear, engaging title with interviewee name
- Introduction with context (who, why, relevance)
- 8–12 questions in Q: A: format · organised by theme
- Strong opening question (warm-up)
- Strong closing question (advice / future / reflection)
Content check
- Open-ended questions (not yes/no)
- Varied answer lengths (some short, some detailed)
- Conversational, natural tone · First person in answers (I, we, my)
- Personal anecdotes and specific details
- Contractions used naturally · Answers sound like real speech
Format check
- Consistent Q: A: format throughout
- Blank line between Q&A pairs
- Appropriate word count (450–600) · Proper paragraph breaks in longer answers
Pro Tips for Interview Success
Think like a journalist
Ask yourself: "What would readers want to know?" Focus on questions that reveal insights, not just facts.
Create natural flow
Each answer can lead naturally to the next question. "You mentioned X — can you tell us more about that?"
Show, don't tell
Instead of "She is inspiring," let the answers reveal why through specific examples and stories.
Use strategic follow-ups
A follow-up shows you're listening and digs deeper: "That's fascinating — what happened next?"
Balance personal and professional
Mix questions about work/expertise with questions about personal philosophy, inspiration, or behind-the-scenes insights.
Read real interviews
Study interviews in magazines, newspapers, or online to see how professionals structure questions and capture voice.
Assessment Criteria for Interviews
What examiners look for:
Purpose & Audience
- Clear informative/engaging purpose
- Appropriate register for context
- Questions relevant to audience interests
- Authentic, natural tone in answers
Organisation & Development
- Clear introduction providing context
- 8–12 well-developed questions
- Logical thematic organisation
- Varied answer lengths
- Strong opening and closing questions
Language & Style
- Open-ended, clear questions
- Conversational, natural answers
- Appropriate first person in answers
- Personal anecdotes and specific details
- Contractions and natural speech patterns
Format & Conventions
- Proper Q: A: formatting
- Clear visual structure
- Consistent formatting throughout
- Correct length (450–600 words)
You're Ready to Interview
Mastering interview writing for IB English B is all about:
- Read published interviews to learn questioning techniques
- Practise writing answers that sound like real speech
- Always organise questions by theme for natural flow
- Vary answer lengths to maintain interest
- Remember: interviews reveal, not just inform
Good luck with your IB English B exam.