Headline Variation (12 marks)
Using the article from Part A, Question #1, you are to create three (3) different headlines. Each headline must emphasize a different headline element discussed in class. (3X4=12 Marks) For each headline:
a) Include the Headline
b) Explain your reasoning
c) Reference specific class concepts
1. Headline Variation
a) Headline:
“Toronto Faces Snow-Clearing Crisis as Councillor Issues ‘Wake-Up Call’”
b) Reasoning:
This headline is trying to scare you into thinking something is very wrong. You should pay attention now. The city says it is a wake-up call. You want to read the article because you think it is a big deal. This headline does not just talk about the problem it talks about what will happen if we do not do anything. This is what news headlines usually do. They talk about the problems and the bad things that are happening because people are more interested in that.
c) Class concepts referenced:
The headline uses appeal. It has words like “crisis” and “wake-up call” that are meant to catch your attention.
It also uses urgency; it makes you feel like you need to do something now.
It uses negativity bias, people are more likely to read something that’s bad news.
It is also framing; it makes the story seem like a problem that needs to be solved.
a) Headline:
“This New York Strategy Could Transform Snow Removal in Toronto”
b) Reasoning:
This headline does not tell you everything. It just tells you that there is a strategy from New York that could be really good for Toronto. It does not say what the strategy is. This makes you curious. You want to click on the article to find out more.
The headline says it could “transform” snow removal. This means it could make a change. It does not say how it will do that, leaving information to get the click. The fact that it is from New York makes it sound even better because New York is the biggest city in the United States and is the only real comparable that Toronto has weather-wise.
C) Class concepts referenced:
The headline uses curiosity; it does not tell you everything. It makes you want to know more.
It also uses Information withholding, it only gives you a bit of information, and you have to click to get the rest.
It uses forward reference; it talks about something that could happen in the future.
It is also an audience engagement strategy; it is meant to make you want to click on the article.
a) Headline:
“Toronto Councillor Proposes Paying Residents to Shovel Snow Following New York Model”
b) Reasoning:
This headline tells you exactly what is happening. It says who is involved, what they are proposing and where they got the idea from. This makes it very clear and easy to understand.
This headline is not trying to trick you into clicking on it. It just tells you the facts. It is like a news headline; it is meant to be clear and trustworthy.
C) Class concepts referenced:
The headline uses clarity and specificity; it tells you exactly what is happening.
It also uses accuracy and representation; it is a representation of what the article is about.
It uses an Informational headline style; it is meant to give you information not to make you feel emotional. It is also about credibility and trust; it is meant to make you trust the article and the person who wrote it.
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