Analysing A Web Page – Climate Change Cokethorpe IGCSE English

1. Analysing A Web Page – Climate ChangeCokethorpe IGCSE English

2. The Basics… The new anthology piece is different because it is a WEBPAGE This means that: • The structure (layout) is different to the other extracts – it uses lots of extra pictures and links. • It is an active or live text – the reader is interactive. • It uses special features of language.

3. Structure 1 • The first thing we can comment on is the STRUCTURE - it doesn’t look like other texts. • Notice the framing effect of all the adverts, links and menus. This directs our eye towards the centre and the main text itself. • However the frame is an active one that allows us to react to the text, so we can move back to the frame and click a link.

4. Structure 2 • We have stated that the main text of the webpage is surrounded by a number of other features such as links, logos, adverts etc. • These features are called PARATEXT. • If you mention or discuss a feature other than the main writing you can call it a ‘paratextual’ feature. • Paratext makes this text ‘active’ – you can interact with it, click on hyperlinks and menus. This makes it unique amongst the anthology texts.

5. Structure 3 • The text is structure for a general audience rather than a specialist one. • This means that it is bright and colourful and attractive to look at. • Look at the use of a picture inserted into the main body of the text. It demonstrates in an image the main point of the piece – ‘Ice is Melting!’ • Also note that the bold words that Greenpeace want you to notice are in the centre of the text.

6. Structure 4 • The use of two distinct paragraphs is also evident. • Each one announces itself with a headline. • The first paragraph poses a problem whilst the second one offers a solution. • Looks at the size of these paragraphs – they suggest the solution is much easier than the problem. • If you look at message in each paragraph you’ll also notice a problem/solution structure being repeated – why?

7. Structure 5 • Notice than many words have been picked out in bold – why? • Does the bold help us get a sense of the multiple audiences? • Look at the bold words – do they create a mood or impression? For example if you say them all together do they create a command, or maybe they create a suggestion? DECENTRALISED ENERGY, RENEWABLES, EFFICIENCY, CAN…

8. Language The piece contains several types of language all of which do a different job. You can comment on all of them. 1.Persuasive • The text persuades us by using factual statements in the opening paragraph. • Notice the use of short sharp sentences later “What we’re lacking is real action.”

9. Language 2 2. The use of comment • Use of ‘comment’ to influence the reader. • Comment is presenting opinions as if they were facts. For example in the text the first line of the last paragraph – “What we’re lacking is real action.” • Why would Greenpeace prefer comment to the purely factual? • What is the balance of facts to comment in the piece?

10. Language 3 3. Inclusive Language • Look at the way that the webpage talks DIRECTLY to the reader. • This is called ‘direct address’ to the reader. • Why? - To make the reader feel involved in the cause or to try and get them involved. • Notice that the first paragraph repeats the word ‘We’ so you feel included. • In the 2nd paragraph title is the exception and highlights what ‘You’ can do… why?

11. Language 4 4. Emotive Language • The text tries to use guilt in the first line to motivate the reader to action – why? • The first paragraph also uses fear – how? • Later it switches between making you feel pessimistic and optimistic.

12. Language 5 5. Colloquial Style • The webpage often uses a very informal style. • Reading it feels like you are being talked to by a friend – doesn’t it? Who else could the tone be? • Look at the use of short sentences • Notice as well the shortened slangy use of contracted forms – “What we’re lacking” etc.

13. Audiences Think about the work of Greenpeace. They have to attract support from as many people as possible. To attract a general audience they: • Summarise the story in a single image. • Use a very interactive design. • Used persuasive comment. • Highlight key words. • Have easy to read language. • Make the page colourful.

14. Audiences 2 Remember though that there is also more than a general audience for the webpage. Greenpeace also will attract people interested in green issues and politics. To keep the webpage good for specialist audiences they have: • Given some facts and figures. • Offered lots of details in the text. • Given links to related issues in the paratext. • Created a structure to encourage people to take action.

15. Who is the author? • Remember that most anthology pieces are by one named person but this is different… • This is an ANONYMOUS piece – how might this change our view of the purpose of it? • Ask yourself – is a scientific, neutral tone implied by the lack of a named author? • OR do we look at the use of logos etc and recognise a bias implicit in the text? • Can we just call the author ‘Greenpeace’? How is that different to other anthology texts?

16. Now re-read the piece… Make a list of any other feature that interests you about it….

17. Analysing A Web Page – Climate ChangeCokethorpe IGCSE English