📝 How to Structure an Interview (IGCSE Writing Task)

In IGCSE English, when you're asked to write an interview, you need to present it like a written article or
feature in a magazine or newspaper. Here's a simple structure to follow:

✅ 1. Title

 Catchy and relevant to the topic.

Example: “A Glimpse into Greatness: An Interview with a Young Entrepreneur”

✅ 2. Introduction Paragraph

 Brief background of the interviewee.

 Why they are being interviewed.

 Set the scene for readers.

Example:
At just 17, Maya Chen has already launched her first eco-friendly fashion line. We sat down with her to
learn more about her journey, her inspiration, and her dreams for the future.

✅ 3. Interview Format (Q&A)

Use a Question and Answer (Q:) / (A:) format or write in paragraphs where you describe the questions and
summarize the answers.

Option A: Q&A Format

Q: What inspired you to start your own business?

A: I’ve always loved fashion, but I also care deeply about the environment. I wanted to combine those
passions and make a difference.

Option B: Narrative Style (Less Common)

When asked about her inspiration, Maya explained that her love for fashion began in childhood. However,
she was equally concerned about environmental issues, which led her to create a sustainable clothing
brand.

✅ 4. Conclusion / Final Question

 Wrap up with a thoughtful or inspiring question.

 End on a strong note that reflects the theme or message.

Q: What advice do you have for other teenagers who want to follow their dreams?
A: Believe in yourself, and don’t be afraid to start small. Every big idea begins with one step.
✨ Tips for a Strong IGCSE Interview Task

 Stick to formal or semi-formal language.

 Develop your questions thoughtfully—don’t just ask yes/no questions.

 Make your answers detailed, engaging, and relevant to the topic.

 Use paragraphing and formatting clearly.

 Keep it realistic but creative—you’re showing language skills, not actual journalism!

Would you like a sample interview writing task written out in full for practice or to use as a model?

4o

You said:

I would like to have both.

ChatGPT said:

Perfect! Here's what I’ll provide for you:

1. ✅ A clear writing structure for an IGCSE-style interview (as a guide).

2. ✍️A sample written interview (following IGCSE exam expectations).

✅ 1. Structure for an IGCSE Interview Writing Task

This is the basic layout to follow when you write an interview in your IGCSE writing exam.

🔷 Title:

Write a title that introduces the subject and catches attention.

Example: “Running for a Better Future: An Interview with Teenage Athlete Zara Malik”

🔷 Introduction Paragraph:

Give context. Who is being interviewed? Why are they interesting? Set the scene.

Zara Malik, a 16-year-old sprinter from Kuala Lumpur, has quickly become a national youth champion.
Known for her speed and dedication, Zara shares her journey and what keeps her going.

🔷 Interview Section (Q&A format):

Structure the main body as a series of questions and detailed answers. Use about 4–6 Q&A pairs in total.

 Q: What first got you interested in athletics?

  A: I started running in primary school sports day events. I wasn’t fast at first, but I loved the feeling
of freedom when I ran, and I kept practicing.

Try to:

 Ask thoughtful, open-ended questions.

 Make sure answers are longer than one sentence.

 Reveal personality, feelings, or opinions.

🔷 Conclusion / Final Thoughts:

Wrap up the interview with a reflective question or message.

Zara encourages young athletes to believe in themselves and keep training hard. “Success doesn’t come
overnight,” she says. “You have to keep running, even when it’s tough.”

✍️2. Sample Interview – IGCSE Writing Task (Approx. 350 words)

📰 Balancing Books and Business: An Interview with Teen App Creator Aidan Lee

At just 15, Aidan Lee has already launched his first mobile app—one that helps students manage their study
schedules. We caught up with Aidan to learn more about how he balances school, tech, and ambition.

Q: Aidan, what inspired you to create a study app at your age?

A: Honestly, it came from my own struggles. I used to forget assignments or cram for tests. I thought, “Why
not make something that helps me—and maybe others too?” So, I started learning to code and built
something simple that turned into a real app.

Q: Was it difficult to balance school and developing an app?

A: Definitely. There were nights I stayed up late trying to fix bugs in the code. I had to learn time
management, which is ironic because that’s what the app is for! But I always made sure school came first.

Q: What kind of response have you received from other students?

A: It’s been really positive! My classmates were my first users, and their feedback helped me improve it.
Now it’s used in three schools in my area. That’s been the best part—knowing it helps real people.

Q: What’s next for you?

A: I’d love to create more educational tools. Maybe a language learning game next. I’m also thinking about
collaborating with teachers to make content that fits into real classrooms.
Q: Any advice for others who want to start something while still in school?

A: Start small. You don’t need to have everything figured out. Just begin, keep learning, and don’t be afraid
to fail. That’s how you grow.

Aidan proves that age is no limit when you have passion and purpose. With ideas like his, the future of tech
looks bright—and helpful.

Would you like a practice question or want to try writing one yourself for feedback?

4o

You said:

Can you provide a sample together with it being graded according to IGCSE rubric?

ChatGPT said:

Absolutely! Here's a full IGCSE interview-style writing sample, followed by an explanation of how it would
be graded according to the Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (ESL) Writing Assessment
Criteria.

📝 Sample IGCSE Interview Writing Task

✨ Task Prompt:

You recently interviewed a student who won a national art competition. Write the interview for your school
magazine.

🎨 “Brushstrokes of Success: An Interview with Young Artist Mira Patel”

At just 16 years old, Mira Patel from Eastwood High School has made national headlines after winning the
Young Artists of Tomorrow competition. Her powerful painting titled "Voices of the Forest" impressed
judges across the country. We spoke with Mira about her inspiration, struggles, and creative process.

Q: First of all, congratulations! How did it feel to win the competition?

A: Thank you! It was honestly unbelievable. When I heard my name announced, I was shocked and
speechless. There were so many talented artists, and I didn’t expect to win. It’s been a dream come true.

Q: Can you tell us what inspired your painting?

A: The theme was “Voices of Nature.” I wanted to show how forests are alive and full of stories. I used bold
colors and hidden faces within the trees to represent the spirits of nature. I’ve always loved the
environment, and this was my way of giving it a voice.

Q: What challenges did you face while preparing your artwork?

A: Time was definitely a challenge. I had exams coming up, and I had to paint late at night sometimes. Also,
I doubted myself a lot. I didn’t think my idea was strong enough, but my art teacher encouraged me to keep
going.

Q: What advice would you give to young artists?

A: Don’t be afraid to try new styles or make mistakes. Your unique voice is what makes your art special.
Also, take inspiration from everything around you—nature, people, even your emotions.

Q: What’s next for you as an artist?

A: I want to explore digital art and maybe even create a children’s book with my illustrations. But for now,
I’m just enjoying painting and learning more every day.

From canvas to competition, Mira’s story proves that passion and perseverance can lead to amazing
opportunities. Her message? Believe in your brush.

🧾 IGCSE Writing Grading (ESL) – Sample Marking Breakdown

Cambridge usually uses four criteria for writing (out of 40 marks total):

Criteria Max Marks Explanation

Content (C) /10 Relevance, development, ideas

Language (L) /10 Vocabulary, grammar, accuracy

Structure & Organisation (O) /10 Paragraphing, coherence, flow

Audience & Tone (T) /10 Appropriateness for purpose

📝 Estimated Marking for This Sample:

Criteria Mark Comments

Covers the task fully, includes clear Q&A, thoughtful and developed answers with
Content 9/10
variety.

Language 8/10 Strong vocabulary and mostly accurate grammar; a few phrases could be more
Criteria Mark Comments

sophisticated.

Organisation 9/10 Clear structure (title, intro, Q&A, conclusion). Logical flow. Good paragraphing.

Tone &
10/10 Perfect tone for a school magazine; semi-formal and engaging for a teen audience.
Audience

✅ Total: 36/40 → Grade: A

This would be considered a high Band 1 / Grade A answer. It's well-developed, engaging, and suitable for
the intended audience. To push for a perfect score, it could include slightly more complex language or
idiomatic expressions.