Media coursework-components of a double page spread

1. Components of a
double page
spread.

2. Drop capitals:
 A drop capital is a very commonly used component when writing
an article. It indicates to the reader where to start writing from. It is
possible to have more than one drop capitals in an article.
The large red “R” seen at the start of
this article is an example of a Drop
Capital.

3. A Headline.
 This is obviously the biggest typography on the page. It gives the reader an overview of the article
content. Its usually bright and in block capitals to look eye-catching and entice the audience to
actually read that particular article. It is also often accompanied by a sub heading which gives slightly
more information and a more in depth overview of what the article is about. Catchy snappy short
phrases are used in a headline to add interest and make it stay in the readers mind. Literal techniques
such as alliteration or metaphors are commonly used in headlines to an article.
Headline
Sub-heading

4. “QUOTATIONS”
 Quotations are important in any article. This can be quotes from a professional specialising
in the area of concern mentioned in the article. A celebrity being interviewed. Someone of
high authority in the community e.g. the prime minister. Or even a member of the public
who wants to share their opinion or has been affected by an issue being described within
the article. Nearly all articles will have quotes embedded in them, however the type of
quotes and person of whom contributes the quote depends on the target audience and
genre of the magazine.

5. An image!
 This is the main image in the double page spread. Its usually spread across both pages to make
it dominant and to attract attention. The image is always linked to the article in some way, so as
the reader looks at the page the image again gives an idea of what the entire article can will be
about. The image will link to the theme of the article and therefore also attract the magazines
target audience. Underneath the image there is usually a small information box describing what
is going on in the picture or naming the individuals in a picture if it is not stated else where.

6. The writers name!
 The writer of the article always places his/her’s name somewhere on the page of the article. This
is to give them credit for the article they have written and to establish a chosen genre and writing
style for that particular writer. The name is usually in a very small font-to avoid distraction from the
article and also placed in a discrete place on the page.

7. More photo’s
 It is possibly that within the double page spread another photo of the described subject
could be presented. This could be of a band in a different pose or the person being
described at a different destination is actually photographed at the destination. This
engages the reader more, as this picture is usually more candid and natural. Furthermore it
connects the article to the photo and visually allows people to understand the article better.

8. Page numbers.
 There's always going to be page numbers on the double page spread. This not only gives
the article for coursework an element of verisimilitude, but it also allows the reader to find
the specific article they are looking for. The contents page will give all articles and their
page numbers, present in the magazine. This means all pages must have a page number
so the reader can quickly access that particular article just by looking at the page
numbers. Page numbers are usually situated at the bottom of the page in very small font.

9. Gossip and catchy quotes.
 These simply attract the reader, to read the article as man y are interested in gossip
especially when the main image is of a celebrity. This quote will link to the genre of the
magazine and therefore will attract the target audience. The quote is usually near the
top by the master head and is sometimes included in the sub-heading. Its typography
is usually bold and colour and uses differing fonts depending on the mood of the
article. Furthermore if the main image is of a person, this quote will usually be talking
about them so its positioned near the main image.