HOW TO READ AN ARTICLE Engaging with the

Task: Choose a newspaper article which interests you (preferably from the commentary/opinion section) from

Before you read Read the headline and any sub-heading. Note down what you think

As you read: Pay particular attention to the LOUD SPOTS • Introduction • Topic

Introduction • How does the writer grab your attention in the opening sentence/s? •

The Main Body • Does the writer use topic sentences to introduce his or

Conclusion How effectively does the last paragraph draw the article to a conclusion? •

Now • You are ready for the questions OR • Try writing some questions

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HOW TO READ AN ARTICLE Engaging with the text

Task: Choose a newspaper article which interests you (preferably from the commentary/opinion section) from a quality broadsheet. The following websites will provide source material. http: //www. theguardian. com/uk/commentisfree http: //www. theguardian. com/observer http: //www. heraldscotland. com/opinion/ http: //www. thetimes. co. uk/tto/opinion/ http: //www. independent. co. uk/voices

Before you read Read the headline and any sub-heading. Note down what you think the subject matter of the article is and the tone/attitude of the writer towards his/her subject matter. Establish what you think is the writer’s purpose

As you read: Pay particular attention to the LOUD SPOTS • Introduction • Topic sentences • Conclusion Use a highlighter to pick out anything you spot or notice - new words and words you don’t understand; use of evidence, anything unusual, imagery……. THINK about what you are reading – good readers engage with what they are reading, make connections, predict, infer

Introduction • How does the writer grab your attention in the opening sentence/s? • Are there any clues in the introduction that suggest how the article will develop? • Is the writer’s attitude/tone/stance clear? • Is the writer’s style clear? Formal? Informal? • What techniques are used?

The Main Body • Does the writer use topic sentences to introduce his or her points? • Are there linking words/phrase or questions? • What kind of evidence is used to back up the argument? Statistics, facts, quotes • Can you summarise the passage by identifying one main point per paragraph? • Style of language used? Why is it effective? • Emotive language? To convey how he/she feels? • Tone? What words make it clear? • Effective sentence structure? Lists, triples, climax, minor sentences…. How does it reinforce argument? • Effective figurative language? Simile, metaphor, personification? What is the effect? • Any other literary techniques employed? Effect/s?

Conclusion How effectively does the last paragraph draw the article to a conclusion? • Main ideas repeated? • Idea from the intro repeated? • Question answered/unanswered? • Memorable technique/s? • Clear tone/stance?

Now • You are ready for the questions OR • Try writing some questions of your own