Take an Interview
Take an Interview: answer a series of recorded questions naturally — from personal experience to opinions on wider topics.
In this lesson you will
- Know what the interview task involves
- Answer directly and develop with reasons and examples
- Handle questions that move from personal to general
Learn
In Take an Interview, you hear a series of questions (often on one theme) and record an answer to each. Questions typically move from personal (Tell me about…) to opinion/general (Do you think…? Why?).
Answer first: give a direct answer in the first sentence, then develop it with a reason and a short example.
Use the full time sensibly — don’t stop after one sentence, but don’t ramble. Finish with a short concluding sentence if time allows.
Natural language: contractions, fillers (Well, I’d say…), and clear pronunciation. Speak to be understood, not to impress.
Examples
- Q: How do you usually prepare for exams? — A: I usually make a study schedule two weeks before. That way I review a bit each day instead of cramming. Last term, that helped me get my best result in chemistry.
- Q: Should schools teach coding? — A: I think they should, mainly because…
- Closing: So overall, I think it’s a useful skill.
Vocabulary
interview
a set of questions and answers
ramble
talk too long without focus
cram
study intensively just before an exam
develop
explain further
theme
a topic linking questions
Practice
Your first sentence should…
Speaking
Answer this interview on “Study habits” (about 45 seconds each): 1) Where do you prefer to study and why? 2) Describe a time you had to learn something quickly. 3) Do you think students should study in groups or alone? 4) How might technology change how students study in future?
Lesson quiz
You should stop after one sentence.
Review
Key points
- Personal → general questions.
- Answer first; reason; example.
- Use time sensibly.
- Clear, natural speech.
What you learned
- ✓ I understand the interview task.
- ✓ I develop answers.
- ✓ I speak naturally.