English Language Study Notes: The Media and Publications

Hello there! Welcome to your study notes for "The Media and Publications". Think about how you get your news or find out what's new. Is it from a website, a newspaper, or maybe a video on social media? That's all part of the media! In this chapter, we're going to explore the different ways information is shared and learn the skills you need to understand it all. This is super important for your HKDSE exams, as media topics often appear in reading, writing, listening, and speaking papers. Let's get started!


Section 1: Understanding Different Media Text Types

First things first, what's a text type? It's just a fancy way of saying "a type of writing". A recipe is a different text type from a poem, right? They have different purposes and structures. Let's look at the common text types you'll find in media and publications.

1. News Report

Purpose: To inform readers about a recent event in a factual and objective way.
Key Features:

  • Answers the 5Ws and 1H (Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How), usually in the first paragraph.
  • Uses formal, neutral language. The writer's opinion is not included.
  • Often uses the "inverted pyramid" structure – the most important information is at the top.

Analogy: Think of a news report like a police officer's report. It's all about the facts, presented clearly and quickly.

2. Feature Article

Purpose: To explore a topic in more depth than a news report. It aims to entertain, inform, and engage the reader.
Key Features:

  • Can be more personal and subjective.
  • Often includes quotes, anecdotes (short personal stories), and detailed descriptions.
  • Doesn't have a strict structure like a news report. It's more like a story.

Analogy: If a news report is a quick photo of an event, a feature article is a full documentary film about it.

3. Editorial / Opinion Column

Purpose: To persuade the reader to agree with the writer's opinion on an issue.
Key Features:

  • Clearly states a point of view (a stance).
  • Uses persuasive language, such as rhetorical questions (e.g., "Should we not do more to protect our planet?") and emotive words (e.g., "a disastrous policy").
  • Presents arguments and evidence to support the opinion.

Analogy: An editorial is like a lawyer making a passionate argument in court, trying to convince the jury (the readers).

4. Letter to the Editor

Purpose: A letter written by a member of the public to a newspaper or magazine to express an opinion, often in response to an article.
Key Features:

  • Follows a formal letter format.
  • Clearly and concisely states the writer's opinion.
  • Often refers to a specific article or issue. (e.g., "I am writing in response to your article on...").
5. Advertisement

Purpose: To persuade people to buy a product, use a service, or believe in an idea.
Key Features:

  • Uses catchy slogans and powerful images.
  • Often uses persuasive and positive language (e.g., "revolutionary", "life-changing", "guaranteed").
  • Has a clear call to action (what it wants you to do, like "Buy now!" or "Visit our website!").

Quick Review Box: Text Types at a Glance

News Report: Inform with facts.
Feature Article: Inform and entertain with details.
Editorial: Persuade with opinion and argument.
Letter to the Editor: Express a personal opinion.
Advertisement: Persuade to sell or promote.


Key Takeaway for Section 1: Different media texts have different jobs. If you can identify the text type, you can understand its purpose and what to expect from it. This is a crucial first step in your reading comprehension!

Section 2: Essential Reading Skills for Media Texts

Reading media texts is not just about understanding words; it's about being a "smart reader". This means reading critically and thinking about the message behind the text. Don't worry, this is a skill you can learn easily!

Distinguishing Fact from Opinion

This is a super important skill for understanding the media. It helps you see what is proven and what is just someone's belief.

  • A fact is a statement that can be proven to be true. Example: "Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius."
  • An opinion is a statement that shows a belief or feeling. It cannot be proven true or false. Example: "English is the most difficult subject." (You might agree or disagree!)

Memory Aid: Think Fact = For sure. Think Opinion = Only a belief.

Recognising Bias

Bias is when a writer presents a topic from a one-sided point of view, ignoring or unfairly criticising other views. It's like a preference for one side over another.

How to spot bias:

  • Loaded Words: Using words that are very positive or very negative. Compare "a confident leader" (neutral/positive) with "an arrogant boss" (negative/biased).
  • One-Sided Arguments: Only showing evidence that supports one side of an issue.
  • Making Opinions sound like Facts: Presenting a belief as if it's the absolute truth. Example: "It is obvious that social media is damaging society." The phrase "It is obvious" tries to present an opinion as a fact.

Analogy: Think of a biased writer like a football commentator who supports only one team. They will always praise their team and criticise the other, even when it's not fair!

Understanding Tone

Tone is the writer's attitude or feeling towards the subject they are writing about. Is the writer serious, funny, angry, or sad?

How to identify tone: Look at the choice of words (diction).

  • "The new government plan is an absolute catastrophe." – The tone is critical or alarmed.
  • "This new social media app might have a few small issues to sort out." – The tone is more cautious or neutral.

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Don't believe everything you read is a fact. Always ask yourself: "Is this a fact or an opinion? Is the writer showing any bias?"

Key Takeaway for Section 2: Be a detective when you read! Look for clues like word choice and one-sided arguments to understand the writer's real purpose, tone, and potential bias.

Section 3: Writing for the Media

In the HKDSE Writing exam, you might be asked to write a text type that appears in the media, like a letter to the editor or an article. Let's break down how to tackle these tasks.

Writing a Letter to the Editor

This is a very common task. You are a concerned citizen writing to a newspaper. It needs to be formal and persuasive.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Salutation: Start with "Dear Editor,".
  2. Opening: State your reason for writing immediately. Example: "I am writing to express my grave concern about the issue of light pollution in our city." If responding to an article, mention it: "I am writing in response to your article 'The Dark Side of City Lights' (published 15 May)."
  3. Body Paragraphs:
    • Devote each paragraph to one main point or argument.
    • Use topic sentences to make your points clear.
    • Support your points with examples or reasons.
  4. Suggestion/Call to Action: In the final paragraph, suggest what should be done. Example: "Therefore, I urge the government to implement stricter regulations on commercial lighting."
  5. Closing: End with "Yours faithfully," followed by your name and city/district. (e.g., Chris Wong, Sha Tin).
Writing an Article (e.g., for a school newspaper)

Articles can be more varied, but they always need to be engaging for the intended audience.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Headline: Give your article a catchy title to grab the reader's attention.
  2. Introduction: The first paragraph should hook the reader and introduce the topic. You can start with a question or a surprising fact.
  3. Body Paragraphs:
    • Discuss the main points of your topic. For example, if writing about the "pros and cons of social media", you could have a paragraph for the benefits (connecting with friends) and a paragraph for the drawbacks (cyberbullying, fake news).
    • Use clear paragraphs and linking words (e.g., "Furthermore", "On the other hand", "In conclusion").
  4. Conclusion: Summarise your main points and give a final thought or a piece of advice for the reader.

Encouragement: Don't worry if writing seems tricky at first. The key is to have a clear plan. Before you write, just jot down your main ideas for each paragraph. This structure will guide you!

Key Takeaway for Section 3: Structure is your best friend in writing. Whether it's a formal letter or an engaging article, planning your paragraphs before you start writing will make your work much clearer, more organised, and easier for the examiner to read.

Section 4: Vocabulary Booster

Using the right words can make your writing and speaking much more impressive. Here are some key terms related to The Media and Publications.

Types of Media & Publications
  • Broadsheet: A large, serious newspaper (e.g., South China Morning Post).
  • Tabloid: A smaller newspaper, often focusing on sensational stories about celebrities.
  • Periodical: A magazine or journal that is published at regular intervals (e.g., weekly or monthly).
  • Mass media: Forms of communication, such as newspapers and radio, that reach millions of people.
People in the Media
  • Journalist: A person who writes for newspapers, magazines, or news websites.
  • Editor: The person in charge of a newspaper or magazine who decides what should be included.
  • Columnist: A journalist who writes a regular article (a column) giving their opinion.
  • Correspondent: A journalist who reports from a particular country or on a specific subject.
Words for Bias and Objectivity
  • Objective: Based on facts, not feelings or opinions. (Synonym: impartial)
  • Subjective: Based on personal feelings, tastes, or opinions. (Synonym: biased)
  • Sensationalism: Presenting information in a way that is intended to shock or excite people, often by exaggerating details.
  • Propaganda: Information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote a political cause or point of view.
Verbs for Arguing and Reporting
  • To allege: To state something as a fact but without giving proof.
  • To advocate: To publicly support or recommend something.
  • To contend: To state that something is true or is a fact (to argue).
  • To scrutinise: To examine something very carefully.

Did you know? The term "press" (as in "freedom of the press") comes from the printing press, the machine invented by Gutenberg in the 15th century that made mass production of texts like newspapers possible!