Language in Use 57-58
This unit is concerned with the way in which the expressive context of a message
can be modified by the way it is presented. Its aim is to show how the overall
pattern of the front page of a newspaper provides a context which can influence
how we interpret the message of any single item within it.
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[1] For this session, the class need to bring with them the front page
from at least three issues of one major daily newspaper. The discussion should
focus upon what has gone onto the front page, how it has been arranged, and
how they 'read' it.
Points to consider include:
(a) the relative length and position of items
(b) what has been headlined
(c) how pictures have been used
(d) what do choices in the heaviness and size of the print indicate?
The class should consider whether or not they would agree with the editor's
decisions about what is, and is not, important news.
[2] For this session, the class need to work in groups, and each group must have copies of several papers for one day. Ask each group to make lip their own front page from the raw material that these supply. Suggest that the aim is to make a very strong impact on the reader so as to influence his response in a particular direction.
[3] If possible, display the results of session [2] before this session
and ask the class to make notes about each layout and what their response to
it is. Discuss each layout in turn and focus upon the intended impact. Once
the class has had its say, the group responsible for each layout should be asked
to explain what they were after and how they tried to achieve it. Points to
consider include:
(a) where does legitimate presentation become a deliberate attempt to sway the
reader by playing upon his emotional responses?
(b) the effect of pictures in lending expressive force to an accompanying text
(c) the use of what might be called 'head-line' language
(d) ways of minimising items of news which might otherwise distract from the
lead story on the front page.
A related topic is explored in G3.