Daily Mirror

Question 1

Masthead

Answer 1

Suggests the paper will reflect the news back to us

Question 2

Strapline “the Heart of Britain”

Answer 2

Represents the paper as central to British life

Question 3

Image of Queen

Answer 3

Her clothing and jewels connote her wealth and status.
The choice of an old photo suggests the length of her reign, and the historical content of the article.

Question 4

Layout of front cover

Answer 4

Large images and small amounts of copy are conventional for tabloid papers and reflect the low literacy levels of readers

Question 5

Main image of Boris Johnson

Answer 5

Large image size suggests that Boris is important and powerful
His suit and tie represent him as being wealthy, and of high status
He looks a bit messy and dishevelled connoting that he is a bit lazy and unprofessional
His facial expression seems a bit like a smirk, suggesting he doesn’t see anything wrong with his actions

Question 6

Headline “ZERO SHAME”

Answer 6

Anchors the meaning of the image, suggesting he should be ashamed but isn’t

Question 7

Representation of men

Answer 7

Other males also wearing suits and ties, representing men as in positions of power and wealth

Question 8

Headline

Answer 8

Use of numbers / facts help to make the article seem persuasive and suggest the enormity of the breaking of the rules
Ellipses “300 pictures handed over… and still” communicates Daily Mirror’s opinion that he should have apologised and hasn’t
Reflects Daily Mirror’s political standpoint as a pro Labour, anti Conservative paper

Question 9

Binary opposition “300 photographs of gatherings … while the rest of the nation was sticking to the rules”

Answer 9

Language draws comparisons between Boris and the British public, creating binary oppositions to paint him as a villain.

Question 10

“Snubbed” and “brashly”

Answer 10

Negative words create a representation of him as arrogant and uncaring.

Question 11

“Partygate”

Answer 11

Intertextual reference to the Watergate scandal, where US president Richard Nixon was investigated for corruption and crimes.
The reference represents Boris as being corrupt and untrustworthy.

Question 12

Repetition of “shame” on front cover and double page spread

Answer 12

Connotes Boris’ wrongdoing

Question 13

Image of Johnson with champagne

Answer 13

Juxtaposes with main image of NHS workers during the pandemic creating more binary oppposition between key workers and Boris Johnson
Represents him as being lazy, enjoying luxuries as opposed to saving lives

Question 14

Letter from Kier Starmer

Answer 14

Being written by Kier Starmer, explains some of the bias against Boris and the Conservatives in the article
Use of inclusive language helps Starmer to represent himself as a man of the people, with similar experiences as the readers / public

Question 15

“The British people aren’t fools”

Answer 15

Use of flattery represents the public as being intelligent, reflecting Starmer’s desire to gain voter support

Question 16

“Compare Hannah’s quiet dignity with his lying bombast”

Answer 16

Represents Hannah as heroic protagonist, quietly working hard and overcoming struggles

Question 17

Intertextual reference to ABBA song The Winner Takes it All

Answer 17

Connotes that the Conservatives are cocky, and often take things away from the public for themselves.
Reflects working class beliefs that the struggles they face are due to the cruel actions of upper class groups e.g. government.

Question 18

Small opinion pieces

Answer 18

From every day members of the public, connote that Boris is unpopular with a lot of people.
Makes the representations of Boris feel more accurate and trustworthy.

Question 19

Main image on double page spread

Answer 19

Images of PPE suggests they are working hard on dangerous conditions.
Represents their roles as being risky, dangerous but essential and heroic.
Positive messages about key workers and the NHS make them seem like both heroes and victims.

Question 20

“Stain on our great nation”

Answer 20

Creates the impression of the Conservatives ruining the country.

Question 21

Satirical political cartoon

Answer 21

Represents Boris Johnson as being so bad even Putin doesn’t want to talk to him. Links him to ideas of tyranny and control.