Analysing A Web Page

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Analysing A Web Page Climate ChangeCokethorpe
IGCSE English
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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.

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Structure 1

• The first thing we can comment on is the
  STRUCTURE - it doesnt 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.

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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.

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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.

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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 youll
  also notice a problem/solution structure being
  repeated why?

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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

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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 were lacking is real action.

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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 were lacking is real
  action.
• Why would Greenpeace prefer comment to the purely
  factual?
• What is the balance of facts to comment in the
  piece?

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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?

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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.

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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 doesnt 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 were lacking etc.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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Now re-read the piece

• Make a list of any other feature that interests
  you about it.

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Analysing A Web Page Climate ChangeCokethorpe
IGCSE English