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The Interview (Extract & Competency Based Questions)

The document discusses varying opinions on interviews, highlighting that some view them as a source of truth while others see them as intrusive, particularly celebrities. It also introduces Umberto Eco's concept of 'interstices' as important empty spaces in life that allow for creativity and reflection. The text concludes with a debate format on whether interviews are intrusions, presenting arguments for both sides.

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10 views8 pages

The Interview (Extract & Competency Based Questions)

The document discusses varying opinions on interviews, highlighting that some view them as a source of truth while others see them as intrusive, particularly celebrities. It also introduces Umberto Eco's concept of 'interstices' as important empty spaces in life that allow for creativity and reflection. The text concludes with a debate format on whether interviews are intrusions, presenting arguments for both sides.

Uploaded by

physicswallah181818
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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The Interview

- Christopher Silvester

Extract & Competency based Questions


So it is hardly surprising that opinions of the interview — of its functions, methods and merits — vary considerably.
Some might make quite extravagant claims for it as being, in its highest form, a source of truth, and, in its practice, an
art. Others, usually celebrities who see themselves as its victims, might despise the interview as an unwarranted
intrusion into their lives, or feel that it somehow diminishes them, just as in some primitive cultures it is believed that
if one takes a photographic portrait of somebody then one is stealing that person’s soul.

1. One inevitable part of journalism mentioned here is


(i) article writing
(ii) photography
(iii) interviews
(iv) news

opinions of the interview


2. The matter of surprise here is that what varies are _______
So it is hardly surprising that opinions of the interview — of its functions, methods and merits — vary considerably.
Some might make quite extravagant claims for it as being, in its highest form, a source of truth, and, in its practice, an
art. Others, usually celebrities who see themselves as its victims, might despise the interview as an unwarranted
intrusion into their lives, or feel that it somehow diminishes them, just as in some primitive cultures it is believed that
if one takes a photographic portrait of somebody then one is stealing that person’s soul.

3. What are the claims made by some people regarding interviews


here?
(i) this is the best way to extract truth
(ii) this way celebrities listen to media
(iii) this is the easiest way to communicate
(iv) it is the best practice

4. What does the line "photographic portrait of somebody then one is stealing that person's
soul" mean?
This means stealing the original identity of the person.
Similarly, we have a lot of empty spaces in our lives. I call them interstices. Say you are
coming over to my place. You are in an elevator and while you are coming up, I am
waiting for you. This is an interstice, an empty space.

Umberto Eco is propagating the idea of interstices in the above lines.


1. __________

2. What is Eco's ideas of empty spaces?


(i) Time Management
(ii) Spontaneous thought
(iii) Organisation of space
(iv) All of these
3. The word 'Similarly' shows a comparison between two things. What
do you think these are?
In this context, the word "similarly" is used to show a parallel idea. Eco is comparing the "empty spaces" in
the universe (the gaps between atoms) to the "empty spaces" in our lives (the small moments of waiting or
idle time).

4. Why are interstices important in the Universe? Give your opinion.


Interstices, or the empty spaces in the universe, are important because they create the structure and balance of everything
around us. Without these gaps, matter would be packed so tightly that there would be no room for movement, growth, or
even life. In the universe, interstices allow atoms to form, stars to shine, and galaxies to exist in the way they do.
In a more philosophical sense, the idea of "interstices" also reflects the importance of pause and reflection in our own lives.
Just like in the universe, the spaces between moments in our lives—like the time we spend waiting or thinking—are where
creativity, rest, and new ideas can emerge. Without those pauses, we would be constantly running without room to process
or grow.
So, interstices are not just empty or insignificant—they are essential for the structure and meaning of both the universe and
our daily lives.
1. Salient points emerged about Umberto Eco and his writings through his interview by
Mukund Padmanabhan. Imagine you are Eco and are interviewed by Mukund.
Begin this way:

Eco: I started writing novels by accident, had nothing to do one day and so I started.
Mukund: What did you start with?
Eco: Novels as _________

Eco: I started writing novels by accident, had nothing to do one day and so I started.
Mukund: What did you start with?
Eco: Novels as they satisfied my heart. I write from my heart, writing being my passion I find time anyhow or
other to satisfy my passion.
Mukund: How do you get time for writing?
Eco: We have a lot of empty spaces in our lives. I call these empty spaces as 'interstices'. I work in empty
spaces and find time to write so much.
Mukund: Your essays are scholarly and narrative.
Eco: I like to be identified more as a university professor who writes novels. My novel 'The Name of the Rose',
was a serious novel. The novel enjoyed a mass audience.
The author Christopher says that it is hardly surprising that opinions on Interviews vary.
Write a debate in 120 words on 'Interviews are intrusions in life'

INTRO: Good morning, everyone present here! Today I (name if given) will speak For/ Against about
the motion, ‘Interviews are intrusions'
BODY: For (Agree):
Interviews can be an intrusion because they invade a person's privacy and force them to share things they might
not want to. Celebrities, for example, are often asked personal questions that aren't their business to share. The
pressure of answering questions can also make people feel uncomfortable or misunderstood. Often, the
interviewer controls the conversation, which can make the interviewee feel like they have no control over how
they are seen.
Against (Disagree):
Although interviews might feel like an intrusion, they are important for getting to know people better. They give
people a chance to share their ideas, stories, or experiences with others. In job interviews, for example, they
help employers understand if a person is right for the role, giving both the person and the employer a chance to
learn and connect.
CONCLUSION: “QUOTE” Debate is the art of disagreement, not the absence of respect
Thank you.

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