Lesson 3 Newspaper reports

1. Lesson 3Newspaper reports by Joshua Raven

2. Headlines • Must be short & simple • Show how important the story is by the size of the headline and where it appears on the page (bigger = more important) • Draw readers into the story & grab attention • Indicate the newspapers angle or bias • Sometimes use catchy phrases or puns that everyone knows • Bend the rules of spelling & grammar to create clever effects

3. Techniques • Rhyme - sounds the same • Alliteration – words start with the same letter • Puns – play on words or double meaning • Abbreviations – shortening to first letters • Using slang – words that are not Standard English • Parody – a well known phrase twisted • Incorrect spelling • Rhetorical questions – don’t need an answer

4. Which technique has been used in each of the following headlines and what effect does it create for the reader?

5. Sand of hope and glory: World's only sand museum creates intricate Britain-themed sculpturesDaily Mirror, April 2012

6. Technique: Pun • A play on words has been used for ‘Sand of hope and glory’ which is the famous first line of the song ‘Land of hope and glory’. This song is traditionally used to promote British culture and heritage, so in this case the effect is to link the sand to the sculptures of famous British landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament as seen in the picture. Sand of hope and glory: World's only sand museum creates intricate Britain-themed sculptures

7. Stop Sneezing: Hay fever highs hit new season sales in stores

8. Technique: Alliteration • This technique repeats the ‘S’ sound and the ‘H’ at the beginning of words in the headline. The effect is to use the ‘S’ for sneezing, which is one of the reactions of Hay fever and the ‘H’ for Hay fever to promote the story in the readers mind by linking to the sneezing. Stop Sneezing: Hay fever highs hit new season sales in stores

9. Is BBC's The Voice just a big advert? MP questions show’s promotion of record labelDaily Mail, April 2012

10. Technique: Rhetorical Question • The effect of this headline is that the question leaves the reader to decide if the advertising within the TV programme of the record label is fair. • The use of the word ‘is’ allows the reader to make the decision for themselves. Is BBC's The Voice just a big advert? MP questions show's promotion of record label

11. Your Turn • Use one of the following story ideas to come up with your own headline/s. Say what the effect of your headline will be on the reader and which technique you used. • Scientists have proof there is life on Mars • Head Teacher sacked for giving too much homework • Local policeman catches ‘Crown Jewels’ thief • Lost dog returns home after 40 days & nights • School boy wins two million on National Lottery • Grandmother gives birth at age 62

12. Newspapers • Use the newspaper grid to plan and design your own front page headline and story based on what you have read in 5fingers so far. • You could include: • Eye witness report from Lara Summer • Police interview with Officer Bloom • Police statement • Hospital report on Rachel’s condition and missing finger

13. Plenary • In pairs, read each other’s newspaper front page. • List the techniques your partner has used in their headline at the bottom of the page. • What is the effect of the headline on YOU (the reader)? • Suggest one or two things which they could improve upon next time.