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NCERT Solutions For Class 12 Flamingo English Chapter 7 The ...

NCERT Solutions For Class 12 Flamingo English Chapter 7 The Interview

Physics Wallah Academic Expert

November 14, 2024

For students studying in Class 12, it is important to thoroughly understand Chapter 7 The Interview from the NCERT English Flamingo textbook. The solutions provided by subject matter experts of Physics Wallah are designed to help students grasp the key themes and concepts presented in the chapter. These solutions not only help in building a strong foundation but also enhance comprehension skills necessary for tackling questions that may arise in CBSE Classs 12 board exams. Practicing these solutions will enable students to develop a deeper understanding of both chapters, improve their analytical skills and ultimately achieve better scores in their exams.

NCERT Solutions For Class 12 Flamingo Chapter 7 English The Interview Answers

Students who are preparing for CBSE board exam can go through Class 12 English Chapter 7 The Interview Question Answer below

Q.1 What are some of the positive views on interviews?

Ans: Interviews are considered valuable tools for communication, providing a means for readers to connect with the thoughts and experiences of others. They serve as a source of truth and insight into various topics, making them an important aspect of journalism and literature.

Q.2. Why do most celebrity writers despite being interviewed?

Ans: Many celebrity writers dislike interviews because they perceive them as unwarranted intrusions into their personal lives. They often feel that such interactions diminish their privacy and reduce their identities to mere public personas, making them feel like victims of the interview process.

Q.3. What is the belief in some primitive cultures about being photographed?

Ans: In several primitive cultures, being photographed is believed to be equivalent to stealing one's soul. This belief suggests that having one's image captured leaves the individual incomplete, as if a part of their essence has been taken away.

Q.4. What do you understand by the expression “thumbprints on his windpipe”?

Ans: The expression “thumbprints on his windpipe,” as used by writer Saul Bellow, refers to the feeling of being stifled or muffled during interviews. It symbolizes an assault on one’s personality, creating tension and discomfort in the interaction.

Q.5. Who, in today’s world, is our chief source of information about personalities?

Ans: In contemporary society, interviews have become a primary source of information about various personalities. They are a common practice in journalism, offering insights into the experiences, views, and feelings of numerous celebrities, thus enriching our understanding of them.

Page Number: 73

Understanding The Text:

Q.1. Do you think Umberto Eco likes being interviewed? Give reasons for your opinio

Ans: Yes, Umberto Eco seems to enjoy being interviewed. His animated responses and lively engagement during the conversation reflect his enthusiasm. He is open about sharing insights into his writing process and personal experiences, indicating that he values the opportunity to connect with his audience.His frequent laughter and candidness throughout the interview suggest a genuine interest in the interaction, making it clear that he appreciates the platform to express himself and discuss his work.

Q.2. How does Eco find the time to write so much?

Ans: Umberto Eco manages to write extensively by utilizing what he calls “interstices”—the small pockets of time that often go unnoticed. He takes advantage of moments that many people consider unproductive, such as waiting for someone or engaging in mundane tasks. By actively using these fleeting intervals, he can make progress on his writing, effectively turning time that would otherwise be wasted into valuable opportunities for creativity and productivity.

Q.3. What was distinctive about Eco’s academic writing style?

Ans: Umberto Eco's academic writing style stands out because it is engaging and accessible, unlike typical academic texts that can often be dull. He adopts a depersonalized yet informal tone, making his work enjoyable to read. Rather than adhering strictly to formal essays, Eco favors a creative and narrative approach, allowing him to blend scholarship with storytelling, which adds depth and appeal to his academic contributions.

Q.4. Did Umberto Eco consider himself a novelist first or an academic scholar?

Ans: Umberto Eco primarily identified as an academic scholar, despite his occasional forays into novel writing. He emphasized his commitment to academia by participating in academic conferences rather than literary gatherings like Pen Clubs. This focus on scholarly pursuits suggests that he viewed his role as an academic as his foremost identity, prioritizing his contributions to scholarship over his work as a novelist.

Q. 5. What is the reason for the huge success of the novel, The Name of the Rose?

Ans: Umberto Eco himself was surprised by the immense success of his novel, The Name of the Rose. Neither he nor his publishers expected its widespread acclaim. The novel’s intricate themes spanning metaphysics, theology, and medieval history likely captured the interest of readers, drawing them into a rich and thought-provoking narrative that resonated on multiple levels. This depth and complexity may have contributed significantly to its popularity.

Talking about the Text

(i)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?

Ans: I recently watched an exclusive interview with Neeraj Chopra, the gold medalist in Javelin throw at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, on a popular news channel. His joy at winning was evident in both his expressions and words. He shared his gratitude towards his coaches and training programs, emphasizing the hard work that led to his success. Neeraj also acknowledged the support of fellow Indians, which showcased his humility.

The interviewer asked insightful questions about Neeraj’s preparations for such a significant event and his future aspirations. This interview helped me see him not only as an accomplished athlete but also as a dedicated and humble individual who inspires future Indian athletes. It illustrated the importance of hard work and perseverance in achieving one’s goals.

(ii) The medium you like best for an interview, print, radio, or television.

Ans: My preferred medium for interviews is television. Here are the reasons for my choice:

Audio-Visual Experience: Television combines both audio and visual elements, making it engaging and informative.

Comprehensive Coverage: It effectively showcases the entire context, including functions and methods used in interviews.

Aesthetic Appeal: The visual and sound effects are pleasing, enhancing the viewing experience.

Clarity of Communication: Watching how questions are posed and how celebrities respond provides a clearer understanding of their perspectives. While some celebrities express concerns about misinterpretation in interviews, television minimizes this risk by presenting their words directly.

(iii) Every famous person has a right to his or her privacy. Interviewers sometimes embarrass celebrities with very personal questions.

Ans: Yes, every famous person has a right to privacy. Often, interviews delve into personal aspects of their lives, driven by the desire to uncover exclusive news. This scrutiny can lead to uncomfortable situations where celebrities are pressed to disclose information they may prefer to keep private.

Interviewers sometimes pose personal questions that can lead to misunderstandings or negative portrayals. A celebrity's response to such questions can label them as rebellious if they engage or as arrogant if they choose not to respond. I believe that regardless of someone’s fame, their privacy should always be respected, and interviews should be conducted with sensitivity and consideration.

Check out: Class 12th Sample Papers

Writing

Q. 1. If the interviewer Mukund Padmanabhan had not got the space in the newspaper to reproduce the interview verbatim, he may have been asked to produce a short report of the interview with the salient points. Write this report for him. (The teacher should be able to help the pupils in what to include and what can be omitted. We could also provide a short report of an interview as a sample.)

Ans: Umberto Eco, A Scholarly novelist

By Mukund Padmanabhan, Interviewer

I had the privilege of interviewing Umberto Eco, a renowned novelist and professor at the University of Bologna, Italy. Eco is celebrated for his contributions to semiotics, literary analysis, and medieval aesthetics. His diverse body of work includes novels, academic articles, essays, and even children's stories.

Eco's writing style sets him apart; he employs a depersonalized and casual approach that engages readers, making his scholarly work more accessible. He emphasizes storytelling derived from his extensive research, avoiding the formal and monotonous tone typical of academic writing.

During our conversation, Eco shared his unique method of utilizing idle time for writing, referring to these moments as “interstices.” He creatively fills this downtime to progress on his projects.

Despite his literary success, Eco humbly identifies primarily as a "university professor who writes novels on Sundays." He has published over 40 scholarly articles and actively participates in academic conferences.

When I inquired about the unexpected success of his novel The Name of the Rose, he admitted that it remains a mystery to both him and his publishers.

Throughout the interview, Eco's lively demeanor and enthusiasm were evident. He openly discussed his writing process and personal schedule, providing a fascinating glimpse into the life of a man who straddles the worlds of academia and literature.

Things To Do

Q. 1. Interview a person whom you admire either in school or your neighbourhood and record it in writing.

Ans:

Interviewer: Hello, ma’am.

Mrs. Desai: Hello, dear.

Interviewer: I first took your class in 8th standard, and I still remember your introduction to English as a subject. I used to be very afraid of it, but your kindness and encouragement have helped me improve immensely.

Mrs. Desai: Thank you! Whenever I see a student benefiting from my teaching, it brings me joy and makes me feel blessed as a teacher.

Interviewer: Can you tell me a little about yourself?

Mrs. Desai: Sure! I was born in Delhi to an office clerk and a housewife. I have one younger sister. I studied English at both the undergraduate and master’s level and obtained a B.Ed. degree. I joined this school shortly after finishing my studies, and even after 15 years of teaching, I can say I am still learning.

Interviewer: Why did you choose to study English and later teach it?

Mrs. Desai: I fell in love with English literature when my father bought me Treasure Island by R.L. Stevenson when I was 15. I loved the story and the writing. My family wasn’t very wealthy, but my father took me to a local library to get a library card. Fortunately, it had a great collection of classic English literature, and that’s where my passion for the subject grew.

Interviewer: I’ve noticed you never use notes in class. It seems you memorize all the poems and prose and describe them to us in a fresh way every time. What’s your secret?

Mrs. Desai: When you love what you do, it becomes part of you. I love teaching and the subject itself. Seeing students’ minds open up and absorb knowledge gives me great satisfaction, knowing I’m helping them learn.

Interviewer: Many of us find English challenging. What advice do you have for us to succeed?

Mrs. Desai: English isn’t a difficult language; it’s interesting. I often see students struggle because they don’t know how to express their thoughts. Reading books, articles, and newspapers in English can expose you to new vocabulary and improve your expression.

Interviewer: I struggle to speak in English fluently. What advice can you give me?

Mrs. Desai: Listening to English news or movies can help you learn how to use new words. Try talking with friends in English to practice speaking. Don’t fear failure; it’s through our failures that we learn.

Interviewer: Thank you, ma’am, for your suggestions. It was a pleasure to talk to you.

Mrs. Desai: The pleasure is mine! It’s wonderful to see such enthusiasm in my students. I wish you all the best in your studies.

The Interview Chapter 7 Summary

"The Interview" by Christopher Silvester explores the significance of interviews in conveying contemporary affairs and shaping public discourse. Drawing from his decade-long experience as a reporter for Private Eye, Silvester presents this piece as an excerpt from his anthology, The Penguin Book of Interviews: An Anthology from 1859 to the Present Day.

The first section examines various perceptions of interviews through the perspectives of notable personalities, highlighting the diverse attitudes towards this form of communication. Silvester emphasizes interviews as essential tools in journalism, facilitating connections between the public and important events or figures.

The second part features an engaging interview between renowned writer and scholar Umberto Eco and Mukund Padmanabhan from The Hindu. This segment provides insights into Eco's views on his writing career, his creative process, and the unexpected success of his novel The Name of the Rose. Through this dialogue, readers gain a deeper understanding of Eco’s thoughts on literature and the challenges faced by authors.

The Interview Chapter 7 FAQs

1. What is the main theme of The Interview?

The main theme revolves around the significance of interviews as a medium for communication, exploring how they shape public understanding of contemporary issues and personalities.

2. Who is the author of The Interview?

The author is Christopher Silvester, a journalist with extensive experience in reporting.

3. What does the first part of the text discuss?

The first part discusses various perceptions of interviews, featuring insights from notable personalities and highlighting the role of interviews in journalism.

4. Who is Umberto Eco and why is he featured in the text?

Umberto Eco is a renowned writer and academician. He is featured in the text to provide his perspective on writing and the factors contributing to the success of his novel The Name of the Rose.

5. How does Eco describe his writing process?

Eco describes utilizing "interstices" or idle moments to write, demonstrating how he maximizes time often wasted in everyday life.

6. Why is The Name of the Rose considered successful according to Eco?

Eco expresses uncertainty about the novel's success, noting that neither he nor his publishers anticipated its popularity. He suggests that its complex themes may have captivated readers.

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