Instruction Article Analysis
The following article is an instruction piece, courtesy of Reading Rockets (http://www.readingrockets.org/article/do-you-see-what-i-mean-visual-literacy-supports-students-disabilities). 
The headline, Do You See What I Mean? Visual Literacy Supports for Students with Disabilities, gives a rhetorical question followed by the purpose of the piece: to give instructions on guidance for students who need help when it comes to visual literacy. It then opens with the following slug to introduce us:
Many learners with disabilities are visual learners and are best able to understand and remember content when they can see it represented in some way; in other words, they need to “see what we mean.” Three visual supports helpful for teaching and supporting literacy development are described here: picture books, graphic notes, and story kits.
This paragraph introduces us to what the article is hinting at when it comes to the content. It explains how learners with disabilities are best taught in a visual manner in order to help them remember what they are being teached. This helps the reader understand what the purpose of the instructions is, and it applies to the intended target audience (teachers, tutors). It helps to serve as a go to manual for those in the profession of education.
The first official paragraph on the article starts off similarly as the semi-slug, though gives more context to the subject matter. “Many learners with disability labels are visual learners and are best able to understand and remember content when they can see it represented in some way… Some of these ideas may be effective for working with some students with disabilities and each may be used as catalyst for designing literacy lessons that are appropriate and challenging for learners in the inclusive classroom.”
Language is informative as it intends to explain and instruct the reader, as shown here when saying “Some of these ideas may be effective”, making sure as to not guarantee success. This somewhat makes the article more reliable, as it is honest that not all techniques could work, depending on the learner being taught. Of course, this article takes its sources from the following references, of which are from professional studies undertaken on the topic of visual learning disabilities:
Byars, B. (1981). Summer of the swans. New York, NY: Puffin.
Cherry, L. (1992). A river ran wild: An environmental history. NY: Gulliver Green.
Downing, J. (2005). Teaching literacy to students with significant disabilities.
Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
Steinback, J. (1937). Of mice and men. New York, NY: Penguin.
This too also helps back its credibility as a source for those in education to use when it comes to dealing visual learners. In addition, some of the references serve as examples for when a teacher has used a particular book/novel for its theme purposes in order to teach learners about a particular topic. One of the examples is the following: “...a middle school science teacher used A River Ran Wild: An Environmental History (Cherry, 1992), a story about the Nashua River of New Hampshire, to teach all learners in the class about conservation and pollution.”
It explains that books with pictures (visual representation) help those particular learners having problems taking in the information. This too gives guidance to the reader as it informs them on a technique they can employ in order to help learners having difficulties remembering what is being taught.
Because the article serves as an instruction manual, it has now bias nor offers any arguments for or against, as its only intention is to give an objective way of handling the problems that comes with visual learners. Thus, this frees the article up more as it also intends to ensure the reader that the sources cited are of professional standard and adhere to what the content is meant to teach.
“For students with more significant disabilities, for those who are blind or have low vision, or for those just needing a more concrete way of relating to a piece of text, teachers might consider the use of story kits as a tool for improving literacy learning.”
Take note of the words. Teachers “might consider”, meaning this is one of other solutions to use when it comes to dealing with visual learners. It does not promise anything but only informs the reader. Indeed, the various methods include picture books, story kits and visual notes in an effort to help educate struggling students.
The article concludes with an appropriated headline named “Conclusions” which draws forth the discussion of strategies and what tools can be used to help develop learners. It ends with a note at the bottom about the author of the article: “This article is from the website of Dr. Paula Kluth. It, along with many others on inclusive schooling, differentiated instruction, and literacy can be found at www.PaulaKluth.com. Visit now to read her Tip of the Day, read dozens of free articles, and learn more about supporting diverse learners in K-12 classrooms.”
Following the link to Paula Kluth’s website lends credibility to the article’s author, as it verifies that Kluth works within the education system and helps children in various communities, with varying learning difficulties. As for what this does for the article itself, it helps to serve as a sort of reference and assure the reader that the author is an expert on such matters being discussed in the content.
Going back to the language, some may notice it is very specific to the area’s content, with words such as ‘learners’, ‘support’, ‘literacy’ and ‘teaching’ being commonly used. It makes the article seem more informative as it is enforced by this specific dialect that can be best identified as “educational”, as it links back to what you may expect when one comes to read instructions on how to handle learners with visual learning disabilities.
Leaflet Analysis
The following article is a leaflet, courtesy of the NHS (https://www.england.nhs.uk/nhsidentity/examples/nhs-patient-information-leaflets/). 
The nature of this leaflet is to offer information concerning the NHS’s new way of “documenting nursing care”. Thus, this leaflet is suppose to remain unbiased by nature as it comes from a institution designed to help people. Language is precise and clear, and it specifies the area (Kingston Hospital) is “using a new system to store Nursing Documentation.” However, the leaflet fails to expand upon this and instead advises the reader to chat with one of the hospital’s nurses.
As for the intended reader, this is for anyone who so happens to be in Kingston Hospital, be they a patient or visitor. Because of this, there is no intend target audience, other than those in waiting or seeking medical attention. Further explanation is given: “Every bed space has a Nurse Documentation Folder where your nursing care is stored.” This means a patient can view details of their care from their own bed space and enlighten themselves to what care they are receiving. This is important information as it can educate the patient and/or their family or friends.
Any issues needing to be addressed (i.e. information on Nursing Documentation Folder) is only partially mentioned, instead directing towards a member of staff. Still, it gives directions and can help anyone needing assistance on the issue of Nurse Documentation Folders. Since this is only an informative leaflet, it does not have any typical bias or for-and-against arguments. This is to be expected given the nature of the content and the source.
Colour fits the standard scheme of the NHS, with white and blue being the prominent colours, with accompanying shades of black, grey and green colour. It makes the design neat and easy to identify; would one look at this if it had red and black colour scheme and think it were an NHS leaflet? My point being that it fits in well with the environment that is Kingston Hospital.
As for other ways of instant recognizability, one may look further at the leaflet as it contains a running head logo of the NHS, as well as pay attention to the language used. Words such as ‘nurse’, ‘care’, ‘patient’ and ‘assessment’ are mostly associated with medical institutes such as the National Health Service.
As for location of text, it is arranged mostly in the centre of the pages exhibited. The first page, introduced with a “Welcome” headline (indicating the leaflet is indeed intended for visitors or patients entering Kingston Hospital), followed by an introductory paragraph (a sort of kicker) explaining the hospital is using a “new system to store Nursing Documentation”. Additional information for the different sections of nursing delivery when it comes to care for patients.
The middle page is accompanied with the title “Communicating with you” and contains a diagram with the circle in the middle containing the text “Patient”, with alternate boxes panning out, forming a spider diagram. The example shown however, merely contains the same random text, as this is only a prototype version meant to only be shown off online. Still, one could assume the additional circles are meant to detail the various ways patients can communicate with NHS staff.
As for the third page, the headline “Information” informs the reader on the hospital’s implementation of the new way of documenting nurse care in a folder. “Please feel free to ask any questions” is used to end the paragraph, indicating the openness and freedom patients or their family/friends have when it concerns the nature of care they or their loved ones will be receiving. What is also worth pointing out is the running head logo of the NHS located on each page at the top right-hand corner, with Kingston Hospital giving us the location of the specific institute.
No credits are necessary as the NHS are commissioned to authorize such a leaflet in order to spread news of its news way of handling nurse folder documentation. Talking about a lack of certain elements, one could criticise the lack of information concerning the Nurse Documentation Folder. What is a NDF? We know we are advised to speak with a nurse further on the matter but shouldn’t we know more beforehand? What if the patient is new and has no idea of this routine? How does it affect them?
Regardless, the leaflet contains tropes of most typical leaflets and is appropriated for how it is used.
Magazine Article Analysis
The following is a magazine article, courtesy of ActiveRain (http://activerain.com/blogsview/2472313/featured-in-a-local-magazine-article-about-blogging)
The headline, “To Blog or Not to Blog?” acts as a sort of rhetorical question for the reader, but is followed up by a speech bubble saying “That is the question”. This gives us a good idea on what the article will be about: the benefits of blogging. The standfirst then gives us additional information to work with.
“Millions of people from around the world are creating sites that highlight their life and interest. Jamie Miles explains how we can get in on the fun.” The article introduces us to one Jamie Miles, who will be explaining how one can get in on creating their own blog. These types of articles, giving advice and tips, tend to pop up in many lifestyle magazines, so this is appropriate for the type audience.
Before we discuss audience, however, we should check over what type of magazine this is. The article comes from Flair Magazine, a local women’s lifestyle magazine that often gives tips and tricks on hair and beauty, as well as give out the latest news and gossip. The demographic is thus women, and judging from the images used in this article, often adult to middle aged individuals. Because of this, I think is safe to assume that Jamie Miles is a female blogger.
So now that we know the target audience predominantly female oriented, we must ask the following: how does this article draw in such a demographic? First off, the images of two female women hint at the femininity of the article, as well as the fact that this magazine would most likely be picked up by a female. Apart from that though, what else is there?
Now is high time to disregard simple things like pink means girl. Because the colour scheme of the article is blue and white with black text. Additional images include a computer with tabs of blogs being advertised, adding to the nature of the article being about blogs. Apart from this, we have and ad that immediately separates itself from the rest of the article with its bold black layout. Art of Oconee is advertising stores.
Because of this, the magazine and article are relying on its own merits to drawn in their target audience. Though if you are a female legitimately interested in blogging, these typical male/female drawn-ins, such as colour or content, should not rear your head. Thus, the article applies to only those willing to teach themselves if they are interested in starting up their own blog.
Purpose is thus appropriated towards what the article is trying to teach. “Imagine connecting with women all over the world who share your infatuation for fun, fashion or fried green tomatoes with no 140 character limitations… Who blogs? Bloggers are anyone and everyone: women and men, professional and blue collar types.” Miles is teaching the reader that anyone can blog and that women can do it while connecting with others with similar hobbies and interests. She also adds, “To blog all you need is the burning desire to say something and online access.”
Looking at the language used here, words such as ‘imagine’, ‘infatuation’, ‘fun’ and ‘burning desire’ try to seduce the reader into this idea that you can create and build your own so long as you have the passion. It encourages and reassures the reader. As for the language itself, it does not remain as informative as any other tips and tricks style article would remain. However, this is usually the case as these types of articles tend to try hype up the reader and get the idea into their head that they can accomplish what is being discussed.
That is not to say the piece is biased, but it is an opinionated one, as it is trying to get the reader invested into the idea of blogging. Case in point, Miles introduces us an expert’s opinion. “Margaret Murphy, whose Madison-based consulting firm helps corporations and individuals increase their influence, says that blogging has matured in the last decade.” This is meant to give a sense of credibility to the article, as the expert goes on to say:
“Readers have become scanners and gazers. Not many people can sit down and read a long involved blog post… These days Mommy bloggers are being represented by agents, who are selling the mommy bloggers services to large corporations.” This profitability will no doubt appeal even more to those already interested in blogging, and entice those who weren’t.
Because of the nature of the article there is no issues discussed in terms of side being taken. The only bias it may have is in its advocating for blogging, as it tries to pitch it towards the target audience. In order to pitch such an idea to the reader, questions are posed. “Is it going to be a personal blog journal?” These help the reader form an idea on what they want to achieve if they should set out to do their own blog.
Newspaper Article Analysis
The following article is a newspaper piece, courtesy of the Daily Express (http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/how-the-uk-papers-covered-historic-signing-of-article-50-letter-starting-brexit/).
The Daily Express is often aligned with the UKIP Party in terms of political stances, as the headlines suggests: “DEAR EU, WE’RE LEAVING YOU”. Though you could argue that the headline is neutral, given the coverage of Brexit by the Daily Express, you can say that this headline is indeed in favor of the result. Because of this, it is safe to assume the Express has a bias on the issue of Brexit.
The newspaper itself is a declaration of the result of Brexit, thus informing the reader. As the paper is UKIP supporting, it is majorly right wing, thus bringing in such readers. Courtesy of Statista:
This statistic shows the print and digital reach of the Daily Express and Sunday Express in Great Britain from April 2016 to March 2017 by demographic group. Reach was higher among adults aged 35 or over than among younger adults, with 4.38 million adults over 35 reached by the Daily Express or its website.
The subhead, “Theresa May’s No-Nonsense Message To Brussels”, hints at the newspaper’s stance, as word choice such as ‘no-nonsense’ can tell us that May’s response is the right one, as it does not make any effort to cover up the Prime Minister’s decision. An additional heading, acting as a title to the text of the article, reads the following: “PM signs letter to trigger our EU exit today”.
The main image used to accompany the cover page’s article is accompanied with text. “Picture of historic moment”, indicating the Daily Express think this a defining moment for Britain and thus worthy to be a part of history. The picture itself is of the PM signing the Brexit bill.
Below the banner of the paper is an ad for a story featured in page 7, exclaiming: “Outrageous! Wartime Landgirl, 95, Faces Losing Home to Pay for Care”. This story, given the use of language, is meant to evoke anger from the reader, in order to get them to read on. The choice of the word ‘outrageous’ is a testament to this. The editor of the paper wants us to feel angered for this helpless old lady, who has been living in her home since the war (as it hints), but we are unsure which war this is. Most likely WW2.
To the right-hand side of the story we have an image of the elderly woman in question, which helps get the reader a visual of the woman in question. This could be used as an emotional tactic in order to invest readers into her story. We are seeing her up close and vulnerable. This can make for a relatability aspect for the reader, feeling sympathetic. This column is also accompanied with a large 10p sign, in order to catch potential readers eyes and make them buy the paper on cheap.
The issue of Brexit is a controversial one, one that has split the nation. How the Express handle this is in a very imperative manner. The decision to leave the EU is final, and the Express express this through the manner of language. Words such as ‘historic moment’ play into this, as if this was a once in a lifetime event that will forever have its mark on Great Britain. Mention of the decision to trigger the Uk’s leave from the EU is regarded as ‘no-nonsense’, as if this is part of business and we ought to get on with it. They regard the matter as a generally good decision for the country. As shown in the link:
“ The signing of the Article 50 letter that will trigger Britain’s exit from the European Union has dominated UK media front pages today.
The Times, Mirror, Express, FT and Telegraph all used a picture of Prime Minister Theresa May signing the letter in the cabinet room at Number 10… The Times ran the image with the headline: “The eyes of history are watching,” a reference both to the historic implications of the letter and a portrait of Great Britain’s first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole, that can be seen hanging on the wall behind May.
The Guardian and i newspapers used a map of Europe that shows Britain being cut out of the picture… The Sun headlined its coverage “Dover & out” with the words running across the White Cliffs of Dover… The Daily Mail used one word: “Freedom” as it combined its Article 50 coverage with news that Marine A is soon to be released from military prison.
Only the Star did not run Brexit as the main story on its front page, opting instead to splash on an image of David Beckham in make-up for a new film. “
This, of course, compares news coverage by other papers in reaction to Brexit. However, there is nothing to hold against the cover itself, as it does not violate any known Editor’s Code of Practice laws, and thus people must comply with the fact that the paper is biased and in favor of Brexit. UKIP, which is supported by this particular paper, were the party which was largely responsible for the anti-EU campaign leading up to the referendum on a vote whether the country should remain within the European Union or leave.
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