THE INTERVIEW
Purpose:
Transactional writing aims to communicate information clearly and effectively for a
specific purpose and audience. An interview is a common form, where one person
(the interviewer) asks questions to another (the interviewee) to gather information,
opinions, or experiences.
Key Features:
• Formal or semi-formal tone: Depending on the context and audience.
• Clear structure: Questions and answers.
• Direct speech: Use of question and answer format.
• Relevant content: Focused on the topic or purpose of the interview.
• Varied question types: Open and closed questions to elicit detailed
responses.
Example Interview:
Context: A student interviews a local author about their writing process for the school
magazine.
Interview with Local Author, Jane Smith
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Ms. Smith. To start, can you tell us what
inspired you to become a writer?
Jane Smith: Thank you for having me! I’ve always loved reading stories since I was
a child. My teachers encouraged me to write my own, and that passion
just grew over time.
Interviewer: What is your writing process like? Do you follow a routine?
Jane Smith: I try to write every morning for at least an hour. I start by reviewing
what I wrote the previous day, then I set a small goal for the session,
like finishing a chapter or outlining a scene.
Interviewer: Where do you get your ideas for stories?
Jane Smith: Inspiration can come from anywhere—conversations, news articles, or
even a walk in the park. I keep a notebook with me to jot
down ideas as they come.
Interviewer: What advice would you give to young writers?
Jane Smith: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. The first draft doesn’t have to be
perfect. Write regularly, read widely, and most importantly, enjoy the process!
Interviewer: Thank you so much for your time and insights.
Jane Smith: It was my pleasure. Good luck to all the aspiring writers out there!