Unseen Media Technical Terms Flashcards
Types of activity
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.
Types of media texts
Newspaper or magazine article; information or advice leaflet; advertisement; holiday brochure; letter etc..
Audience
Perhaps a readership or targeted group of people
Broadsheet
Large newspaper
Tabloid
Smaller newspaper
Bullet points
Easily digestible information
Columns
Column space is important
Font styles and text size
Help attract attention
Frames and borders
Highlighting importance of ideas, themes, authoritative witnesses etc
Graphs, charts and pictures
Present easily digestible information visually
Headlines and sub-heading
Highlight sections of the media piece.
Pay attention, Particularly to language: use of alliteration, rhyme, repetition and suggestion
Anecdotes
A persuasive technique
Authority
Use of important witnesses: quotations, impressive names; facts and figures
Language
Personal pronouns - connecting to the reader - quotations, short paragraphs, tone of voice
Slogans
A line that is associated with the organisation, with use of puns, alliteration, repetition, questions
Key questions to ask:
Who has the piece of writing aimed at?
Why has it been written?
What is the main message?
How is that message put across?
Assertion
Where an opinion is dressed up as a fact.
Anecdotes
Use of personal story.
Detail (facts and figures)
Blinding your audience with science.
Makes it feel like the author knows what’s they’re talking about.
Emotive language
Appealing to your audience’s emotions.
Exaggeration
Use of hyperbole, going-over-the-top.
Pin-pointing the enemy
These people would have you believe …
Positive selection
Only mentioning ideas which support your point of view
Rhetorical questioning
Making the audience fall in with your point of view
Use of quotations as authority
Use of authority figures: people who are respected authorities (university professors, scientists, successful businessmen, etc…
Animation
Dynamic image
Banner
Top of a document – contains such things as titles, slogans, graphics, animations and other features to attract notice.
Buttons
Graphical ‘hot spots’ (linked areas) on the screen that take you to another area.
Hyperlink
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
Navigation area
area of a page that provides a series of links or buttons for users to move around the website
Tag line/Strap line
A short snappy phrase that conveys a sense of the company or product on a website, like a slogan
