Unseen Media Technical Terms

Question 0

Types of activity

Answer 0

Distinguish between fact and opinion; spot implications (the reader makes inferences); spot inconsistencies; how the writer uses layout and design; use of specific language etc.; use of persuasive techniques.

Question 1

Types of media texts

Answer 1

Newspaper or magazine article; information or advice leaflet; advertisement; holiday brochure; letter etc..

Question 2

Audience

Answer 2

Perhaps a readership or targeted group of people

Question 3

Broadsheet

Answer 3

Large newspaper

Question 4

Tabloid

Answer 4

Smaller newspaper

Question 5

Bullet points

Answer 5

Easily digestible information

Question 6

Columns

Answer 6

Column space is important

Question 7

Font styles and text size

Answer 7

Help attract attention

Question 8

Frames and borders

Answer 8

Highlighting importance of ideas, themes, authoritative witnesses etc

Question 9

Graphs, charts and pictures

Answer 9

Present easily digestible information visually

Question 10

Headlines and sub-heading

Answer 10

Highlight sections of the media piece.

Pay attention, Particularly to language: use of alliteration, rhyme, repetition and suggestion

Question 11

Anecdotes

Answer 11

A persuasive technique

Question 12

Authority

Answer 12

Use of important witnesses: quotations, impressive names; facts and figures

Question 13

Language

Answer 13

Personal pronouns - connecting to the reader - quotations, short paragraphs, tone of voice

Question 14

Slogans

Answer 14

A line that is associated with the organisation, with use of puns, alliteration, repetition, questions

Question 15

Key questions to ask:

Answer 15

Who has the piece of writing aimed at?
Why has it been written?
What is the main message?
How is that message put across?

Question 16

Assertion

Answer 16

Where an opinion is dressed up as a fact.

Question 17

Anecdotes

Answer 17

Use of personal story.

Question 18

Detail (facts and figures)

Answer 18

Blinding your audience with science.

Makes it feel like the author knows what’s they’re talking about.

Question 19

Emotive language

Answer 19

Appealing to your audience’s emotions.

Question 20

Exaggeration

Answer 20

Use of hyperbole, going-over-the-top.

Question 21

Pin-pointing the enemy

Answer 21

These people would have you believe …

Question 22

Positive selection

Answer 22

Only mentioning ideas which support your point of view

Question 23

Rhetorical questioning

Answer 23

Making the audience fall in with your point of view

Question 24

Use of quotations as authority

Answer 24

Use of authority figures: people who are respected authorities (university professors, scientists, successful businessmen, etc…

Question 25

Animation

Answer 25

Dynamic image

Question 26

Banner

Answer 26

Top of a document – contains such things as titles, slogans, graphics, animations and other features to attract notice.

Question 27

Buttons

Answer 27

Graphical ‘hot spots’ (linked areas) on the screen that take you to another area.

Question 28

Hyperlink

Answer 28

a reference link from one point in a document to another document o another place in same document; usually in a different colour, font or style

Question 29

Navigation area

Answer 29

area of a page that provides a series of links or buttons for users to move around the website

Question 30

Tag line/Strap line

Answer 30

A short snappy phrase that conveys a sense of the company or product on a website, like a slogan