The Interview From the Introduction to The Penguin Book of Interviews edited by | Class 12 English Notes
By ConceptScroll Team · Published on 17 July 2026 · 3 min read
The Interview From the Introduction to The Penguin Book of Interviews edited by – this guide gives you a concise, exam-ready overview of The Interview From the Introduction to The Penguin Book of Interviews edited by from Class 12 English, written by ConceptScroll editors and reviewed against the latest NCERT textbook.
Noticing discourse linkers and signallers
This section explains the importance of discourse linkers and signallers in maintaining cohesion and coherence in conversations, especially structured ones like interviews. Linkers are words or phrases that connect utterances, such as reference pronouns ('that', 'this', 'which') or repeated words. Examples from the interview with Umberto Eco illustrate how linkers help the conversation flow smoothly. Signallers are phrases that indicate a shift in topic or prepare the listener for a new idea, such as 'Which brings me to my next question' or 'But let me tell you another story.' These linguistic tools are crucial for organizing ideas, making conversations easier to follow, and ensuring continuity in spoken discourse.
📊 Diagram: No diagrams are present in this section.
🧪 Activity: Identify linkers and signallers in the interview text and discuss their function.
🔗 Connection: Prepares students for the Writing section, which involves transforming interview content into a report.
Frequently asked questions
1. Do you think Umberto Eco likes being interviewed? Give reasons for your opinion. 2. How does Eco find the time to write so much? 3. What was distinctive about Eco's academic writing style? 4. Did Umberto Eco consider himself a novelist first or an academic scholar? 5. What is the reason for the huge success of the novel, The Name of the Rose?
1. Umberto Eco appears to like being interviewed as he engages thoughtfully and humorously with the questions, sharing insights about his work and life. 2. Eco finds time to write by efficiently using small moments, such as writing articles while waiting for elevators, showing his disciplined approach. 3. His academic writing style is distinctive because it is serious, complex, and deals with subjects like semiotics, metaphysics, theology, and medieval history. 4. Eco considered himself primaril
1. Talk about any interview that you have watched on television or read in a newspaper. How did it add to your understanding of the celebrity, the interviewer and the field of the celebrity?
This is a personal response question. Students should describe an interview they have seen or read, explaining how it helped them understand the celebrity's personality, the interviewer's style, and insights into the celebrity's professional field. The answer should reflect thoughtful observation and analysis.
2. The medium you like best for an interview, print, radio, or television.
This is a subjective question. Students should state their preferred medium for interviews (print, radio, or television) and justify their choice based on factors like accessibility, depth of content, visual impact, or convenience.
3. Every famous person has a right to his or her privacy. Interviewers sometimes embarrass celebrities with very personal questions.
Students should discuss the ethical considerations in interviews, balancing the public's interest with the celebrity's right to privacy. They may argue that while some personal questions are necessary, interviewers should avoid intrusive or embarrassing queries that disrespect privacy.
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