Exam Question: Analyse the use of media language to create meaning in the online Observer home page
There are a lot of different examples of use of media language in the front page of the Observer. Firstly the Observer categorises the different articles like features, sport and interviews. This will draw the reader to what type of articles they want to look at, meaning they are more likely to look at articles, especially ones they like, instead of having to search for particular ones, this also meaning that it will attract a larger range of readers.
The article also enlarges certain articles to give them more attention and meaning. For example one of the larger articles is 'can I forgive the man who raped me?'. This is very intriguing because there is no further back story, and it is just a simple question which will make the readers want to know the answer.
They also make the headings, short, simple and catchy, so it is possible for reader's to browse through and search for particular ones that interest them. One heading is 'my lifelong affair with photography'. This title is catchy because it will leave the reader with their own questions like why is this mans relationship with photography an affair, and so what else does he have going on in his life?
A final way in which this front page uses language to create meaning is the use of quotes. These quotes are generally peoples opinion, and so you may have your own opinion on the matter, whether you disagree with it or agree you will want to read it for you want to hear someone else's opinion.
Q.8: 3 Marks out of 5
ReplyDelete1. Good first comment about layout. Can you draw some conclusions about its seriousness, its orderliness? The restrained use of photos?
2. You are nearly there with your comment on the language about the rape when you say it is 'intriguing' but this comment describes the effect rather than the method / type of language. It is a question. Questions directly addressed to readers draw them in.
3.Good ideas about headings. What is the typeface: serif or sans serif?
4. Colours?
Responses should analyse use of media language to create meaning such as:
ReplyDelete• use of a dark blue colour for the header to connote serious, sober, objective news
• use of a limited colour pallet – house colours of royal blue and a wine purple – suggest an organised and formal paper
• a bold, sans-serif, white on blue mostly lower case font for the title connotes a modern and confident paper
• use of a serif typeface for the headings connotes formality and objectivity
• the highly ordered layout of the home page, use of white as a background, and fairly limited use of photographs and graphics minimises visual clutter and connotes seriousness and objectivity
• the language use includes both personal and third person statements but creates an overall objective mode of address