FEATURE ARTICLES AND PHOTO ANALYSIS
Herald Sun, Friday 30th September, p.3
Gasp! Email spat goes viral – Andy Burns
1. Summarize the article in 50-75 words.
2. Explain the duel use of the word “gasp” in both the headline and the article.
3. What other words appeal to readers in the headline and why?
4. Define the following words/ phrases:
· Spat
· Ticked off
· Having a dig
· Obnoxious
· Fashion-forward
· Retail superstar
· Sidestep our store
· Viral explosion
· Trending
· Unapologetic
5. What was the “spat” about? Explain.
6. How did the spat go viral? Explain.
7. What is alliteration and why do writers use it?
8. Locate all examples of alliteration used by writer Andy Burns.
9. In your opinion, what part of this feature article stands out the most? You can choose from the photographs, headline or something from the article itself. Explain your choice.
10. Look at the 2 photographs accompanying the article. How do the 2 photographs reflect what is being said in the article.
11. Write a 150 word analysis of the Keara O’Neil and the Matthew Chidgey photographs i.e. what is secretly being implied about either Keara or Matthew? A good idea would be to annotate or draw notes all over the 2 photos first.
12. Check out the link below. Explain how this issue has been updated or developed?
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/confidential/customer-complaint-email-and-response-by-gasp-clothing-goes-viral/story-e6frf96o-1226152251751
Answer for 12 - Analysis
Photographed in the Herald Sun is “offended” customer Keara O’Neil and the “not sorry” Matthew Chidgey of Gasp.
The photographs are separate but are positioned juxtaposed side-by-side suggesting a type of stand off between Keara and Matthew. Keara is portrayed as the ‘good’ or innocent party. Her smile and pleasant demeanor reinforce this notion of her being blameless. The hand on the hip look represents her as confident and victorious, but can also be interpreted as her being on the defensive. However, the full body shot depicting her figure is unflattering and there is implied doubt as to whether Keara would therefore fit into the dress that Matthew is suggestively holding. Matthew is portrayed as the ‘bad’ and ‘ugly’ party. His severe face and lack of a smile depict him as unpleasant and “obnoxious”. Matthew’s body language sees him leaning forward, suggesting that he is unapologetic and on the offensive. Matthew also has a posh appearance. His semi-formal attire together with his bleached and styled hair, suggest that he is a metrosexual.
Overall the photo language suggests that Keara’s seemingly bubbly personality is in stark contrast to the stiff and arrogant demeanor of Matthew.
Herald Sun, Wednesday 13th June, p.11
SERVICE TO MAKE YOU GASP – Andy Burns
1. What is the issue involving “notorious frock shop Gasp” this time?
2. How many and what types of complaints (look at the bold headings) have been issued against Gasp?
3. Why doesn’t Matthew Chidgey’s comment make any sense? Explain.
4. What is the most persuasive feature of the article? Exaplain.
5. What is your worst retail experience? Explain.
6. Define the following words:
· Notorious
· Frock
· Grievance
· Gripe
· Beading
· Exasperated