Have we got what it takes to be a journalist?

Starter: name all the places you see stories reported

28 February 2011

Stories reported

Magazines

Date

Title

Learning Objectives

I must understand the key features of magazine

I should be able to identify these features

I could recognise the effect these features have on me, the reader

The ChallengeThe class is to become trainee journalists on

a 6 week training course.

You are to produce a portfolio of work including:

• a magazine article

• newspaper report

• a CV

• a letter of application.

I must understand the key features of magazineI should be able to identify these featuresI could recognise the effect these features have on me, the reader

Features of a Magazine

Headline

Subheadings

Pictures

Captions

Use of colour

I must understand the key features of magazineI should be able to identify these featuresI could recognise the effect these features have on me, the reader

Features of a Magazine

Headline

Subheadings

Pictures

Captions

Use of colour I must understand the key features of magazine

I should be able to identify these features

I could recognise the effect these features have on me, the reader

Features of a Magazine

Headline

Subheadings

Pictures

Captions

Use of colour I must understand the key features of magazine

I should be able to identify these features

I could recognise the effect these features have on me, the reader

Giving one side of a story to influence your opinion unfairly

e.g. “Tom pinched me –isn’t that horrible.”

“Tom – that’s awful. Why would you do that?”

“She punched me.”

Bias

I must understand the key features of magazine

I should be able to identify these featuresI could recognise the effect these features

have on me, the reader

Exaggeration

To make something appear greater or bigger or more noticeable than it actually is.

e.g. I went fishing at the weekend and caught a fish THIS big!

I must understand the key features of magazine

I should be able to identify these featuresI could recognise the effect these features

have on me, the reader

InformalCasual, familiar,

unofficial speech or writing.

Formal = Ashley Olson and Justin Ross travel on an aeroplane together.

e.g. Ashley had a well good night’s sleep, didn’t she!

I must understand the key features of magazine

I should be able to identify these featuresI could recognise the effect these features

have on me, the reader

Colloquial

Ordinary or familiar conversation in speech or writing

e.g. Alright mate!

How’s it going?

Up for a bite to eat later?

I must understand the key features of magazine

I should be able to identify these featuresI could recognise the effect these features

have on me, the reader

Simple Sentences

Sentences with a noun and a verb.

e.g. She was tired.

He was shocked.

I must understand the key features of magazine

I should be able to identify these featuresI could recognise the effect these features

have on me, the reader

Simple Vocabulary

Simple words to ensure everybody can read and understand.

e.g. A circle is a closed shape where every point is the same distance from the centre.

Or

A circle is a simple shape of Euclidean geometry consisting of those points in a plane which are equidistant from a given point, the centre.

I must understand the key features of magazineI should be able to identify these featuresI could recognise the effect these features have on me, the reader

ConnotationA connotation is a commonly understood, cultural and/or emotional association that some word or phrase has, in addition to the literal meaning – an implied judgement or feeling.

e.g. A stubborn person could also be described as strong-willed or pig-headed. These have the same literal meaning, strong-willed is a more positive connotation –suggests admiration, while pig-headed is a negative connotation – it suggests frustration.

I must understand the key features of magazineI should be able to identify these featuresI could recognise the effect these features have on me, the reader

Key Features of Magazine Articles

Your turn!

Use the handout to identify these features in your magazine articles!

There are two boxes – one for each article.

I must understand the key features of magazineI should be able to identify these featuresI could recognise the effect these features have on me, the reader

FeedbackWhat did you find?• Common features• Differences• Shocking revelations!

Why did you say that?Can/did anyone see this another way?How could you change it? What would be the result?

I must understand the key features of magazineI should be able to identify these featuresI could recognise the effect these features have on me, the reader

5 ‘Golden Rules’ for magazine reporting

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5I must understand the key features of magazineI should be able to identify these featuresI could recognise the effect these features have on me, the reader