1. Unit 1 – Understanding Non-Fiction and Media Texts
AO3(iii) Explain and evaluate how writers use presentational features to achieve effects and engage and influence the reader

2. Assessment Objective
AO3(iii) Explain and evaluate how writers use presentational features to achieve effects and engage and influence the reader
Know some presentation terms
Be able to explain the effects of these
Evaluate HOW and WHY they are used

3. Presentational Devices
You need to learn some examples of presentational devices
In the exam, you must be able to recall these
You need to be able to identify these and give precise explanations of how a writer has used them

4. Layout features Headings / sub-headings Boxes / Puffs Bullet points
Balance of words and pictures
Busy vs simple
Length of paragraphs
Logos and slogans

5. Images Photos / Pictures Illustrations Charts / Diagrams Close-up
Medium-shot
Long-shot
High or low angle
Point of view

6. Print Styles Type of font Size of font Bold, italic, underlined
Colour of font
Capitals vs lower case letters

7. Use of colour
Think of the different connotations that colours have e.g. black = death, green = environment, yellow = happiness
Consider combinations of different colours
Black and white / Monochrome

8. Simple, green lettering connotes simple, healthy choices
Large heading emphasises the message
Lower case letters suggest it is informal and fun
Large close-up makes it more appealing
Green background colour reinforces healthiness
Lots of close-up photos to emphasise how tasty the food is
White font makes the text leap out at the reader
Use of text boxes to suggest the layout of a menu

9. Reading Framework Read the questions Read the text
Work out the PAFT and message
Label examples – check the question
Plan your response – use a PEE table

10. Age Interests Lifestyle
Gender Education Class
Job Hobbies Politics

11. Model Question
How does the presentation add to the effectiveness of the whole text? [8 marks]

12. Plan your answer – 1
Highlight the text, identifying the most important examples of presentation you can find
8 marks = 16 minutes
8 marks = at least 1 really good example for each bullet point
Annotate your examples with explanations of the precise effect

13. Plan your answer – 2 Point Evidence Explain Pictures Print styles
(Identify a technique)
Evidence
(Detailed description)
Explain
(Give the precise effect)
Pictures
Print styles
Layout

14. Explaining effects
You must give explanations that are matched to the text you have read
Do not make generic statements like “it is eye-catching”
Every explanation must use the word “because”

15. YOU MUST NEVER USE THE FOLLOWING PHRASES!!! … UNLESS YOU EXPLAIN WHY
Banned answers
YOU MUST NEVER USE THE FOLLOWING PHRASES!!!
The picture is eye-catching
It is bright and colourful
It looks interesting
The writing stands out
… UNLESS YOU EXPLAIN WHY

16. Useful analytical language
This connotes…
This means…
This suggests…
This represents…
This symbolises…
This highlights…
This shows…
This makes us feel…
This creates…
This implies…
Use this vocabulary to support your analytical
and evaluative comments about pictures

17. Using PEEL Point – Identify a technique
Evidence – Give a short description
Explain – The effect of this technique on the reader
Link – Refer back to the question (repeat some of the words)

18. Using PEEL – an example
How are presentational features used to influence the reader?
The writer has used several close-up photographs of the food on offer. For example, the main image is of one of the salads. It is a close-up shot taken from a high angle. The effect of this is to make us think that the food looks really tasty. A close-up shot also makes the salad look a lot bigger than it might be. This is persuasive because we are more likely to choose this as a meal option. It helps to emphasise the fact that McDonald’s offers more than just burgers and fries and so is likely to interest the target audience i.e. women who want to eat more healthily.

19. How this is assessed Band 1 Band 2 Band 3 Band 4
Limited evidence of understanding
No real appreciation of presentation
Very few and poorly chosen examples
Band 2
Some evidence of understanding
Some appreciation of presentation
Attempts to support with examples
Band 3
Clear evidence of understanding
Clear analysis of presentation
Relevant and appropriate examples used to support ideas
Band 4
Full and detailed understanding of the content
Detailed and perceptive analysis of presentation
Relevant quotations with perceptive comments