INTERVIEW SCRIPT VERSION

Name:Rifki Nurmanda
Student ID: 882032024015
Semester: 2
Lecturer Interviewed: Mr. Arief Rahman
Topic: Tips for Improving English Skills
Date of Interview: June 30, 2025
Duration: 25 minutes

Student: Good morning, Mr. Arief. Thank you for giving me your time today. May I
begin the interview?
Mr. Arief: Good morning. Yes, of course. I’m happy to help.
Student: In your opinion, what are the most effective ways to improve English skills?
Mr. Arief: Well, the key is consistency and practice. Try to use English every day—even
in simple ways like journaling, reading, or watching videos with subtitles.
Student: Many students are afraid of making mistakes. How can we overcome that?
Mr. Arief: Making mistakes is part of learning. I always tell my students: “Don’t be
perfect—be brave.” Speak often, and treat every mistake as feedback.
Student: What about listening skills? How can we improve them?
Mr. Arief: Listen to real English every day—podcasts, movies, songs. Focus not just on
the words but also on the tone, context, and pronunciation.
Student: How important is vocabulary in English mastery?
Mr. Arief: It’s crucial. But don’t just memorize word lists. Learn words through context
—read stories, articles, or dialogues and note new expressions.
Student: Do you have advice for students who don’t have access to courses or native
speakers?
Mr. Arief: Absolutely. Use online platforms like YouTube, Duolingo, or BBC Learning
English. Join online speaking clubs. English is everywhere if you seek it.
Student: Thank you very much, Sir. I really appreciate your insights.
Mr. Arief: You’re welcome. Keep practicing, and good luck on your journey.

ESSAY VERSION OF INTERVIEW PRACTICE REPORT

Essay Version
Last week, I had a meaningful opportunity to interview Mr. Arief Rahman, a well-
experienced English lecturer at our university. The interview lasted about 25 minutes and
was conducted via Zoom. The main topic of our discussion was “Tips for Improving
English Skills.” This conversation gave me practical insights into how students can take
simple but consistent actions to improve their proficiency in English, regardless of their
current level or learning environment.
Mr. Arief began the interview by highlighting that improving English skills does not
require expensive courses or living abroad. Instead, it requires a daily habit of practicing
English in various forms. He emphasized that consistency is more important than
intensity. Even 15 minutes a day can make a big difference if done regularly. According
to him, many students make the mistake of cramming vocabulary or grammar before
exams but neglect daily usage, which is essential for fluency.
He shared some useful daily practices students can do, such as writing a short English
diary, watching English YouTube videos with subtitles, reading English news, or even
changing the language settings on their phones. These small habits build familiarity with
the language and expose students to new vocabulary and expressions naturally.
One of the most important pieces of advice he gave was to not fear making mistakes. He
said, “Fluency comes not from perfection, but from bravery.” Many students, especially
beginners, hesitate to speak because they are afraid of saying something wrong. But this
fear blocks progress. Mr. Arief encourages his students to speak as much as possible, in
any situation. Mistakes, he said, are not signs of failure but steps in the learning process.
We also talked about improving listening skills, which many students find challenging.
Mr. Arief recommended that students listen actively every day—whether to songs,
podcasts, audiobooks, or movies. He explained that active listening means paying
attention not only to the words but also to intonation, expressions, and context. He
encouraged students to repeat what they hear, mimic the pronunciation, and even shadow
the dialogue in movies.
In terms of vocabulary building, Mr. Arief advised students to move away from
memorizing long word lists. Instead, he suggested learning vocabulary in context. For
example, when reading a story, students can note down new phrases, see how they are
used, and practice using them in their own sentences. This way, the vocabulary becomes
more meaningful and memorable.
Another point he raised was about students with limited access to English teachers or
native speakers. He reassured that even without direct interaction, students today have
access to so many online resources. Websites like BBC Learning English, Duolingo,
HelloTalk, and YouTube channels such as Speak English with Mr. Steve or English
Addict can provide engaging and authentic materials. He also mentioned joining online
speaking clubs or practicing with peers through social media or messaging apps with
voice notes.
Mr. Arief believes that language learning should be fun and personal. He encourages
students to choose materials that match their interests—if you like sports, read sports
articles in English. If you like cooking, watch cooking videos in English. This way, the
learning becomes more enjoyable and motivating.
Another insightful part of our interview was about setting realistic goals. Mr. Arief said
that students often feel overwhelmed because they expect fast results. Instead of saying “I
want to be fluent,” they should set smaller, clearer goals like “I want to learn 5 new
words a day” or “I want to finish one short English article per day.” These small
achievements add up over time and help maintain motivation.
He also gave practical tips on improving speaking and writing skills. For speaking, he
suggested recording yourself reading aloud or describing your day in English. Then listen
to the recording and reflect on your pronunciation and grammar. For writing, he
encouraged students to write simple journals, comments on English websites, or social
media captions in English. The key is to use the language actively every day.
Toward the end of our conversation, I asked him what he thinks is the most common
mistake learners make. He replied that many students focus too much on theory—
grammar rules, tenses, passive voice—but rarely apply what they learn. He believes that
communication is more important than perfection. Being able to express your thoughts
clearly, even with some grammar mistakes, is better than knowing all the grammar but
staying silent.
Reflecting on the interview, I realized that improving English skills is not about having
special talent or waiting for the right moment. It’s about creating daily exposure,
meaningful practice, and a willingness to be imperfect. Mr. Arief’s experience reminded
me that English is not just a subject in school; it’s a tool for real-life communication, and
we have all the tools we need to improve—if we’re consistent and motivated.
I also learned the importance of active listening and interaction in interviews. Asking
follow-up questions and showing genuine curiosity made the conversation smoother and
more insightful. I found myself more confident in speaking and listening during the
session, and it was a great way to practice what we’ve learned in class.
This assignment was not just about completing a task—it became a valuable lesson in
language learning and personal growth. I now feel more motivated to apply Mr. Arief’s
tips in my daily routine. I’ve started keeping a short English journal, watching English
news, and challenging myself to speak more in English, even with simple words. I hope
this habit continues to grow and helps me become a better English speaker in the future.