FirstNews Lead Story: Article Analysis
Headlines - 2013: THE YEAR OF THE OCEAN (11 - 17 JAN 2013)
FirstNews
ISSUE 343 11 - 17 JAN 2013
“We have more maps of the
moon than of the ocean floor
– a crazy thought.”
2013:
THE YEAR OF THE OCEAN
ONE of the best things about a new year is the opportunity it gives you to start over again, to
challenge things that may have been worrying you over the previous 12 months.
Going into 2013, one of the issues that will be at the top of my list is protecting the world’s oceans.
For decades we have seen our oceans steadily decline. The animals who inhabit them have received inadequate
protection, while the substances which have been either purposefully or accidentally allowed to enter the oceans have
caused significant damage.
In 2012, groups such as the Ocean Elders were able to bring about changes which have seen greater protection for
animals such as sharks and manta rays. However, it is important that we build on this in 2013. The ocean belongs to all of
us. Therefore we should be jointly responsible for caring for it.
The arguments surrounding global warming have diverted attention away from a key problem – that we are destroying
this most important of natural resources, one that keeps us all alive.
In simple terms, the ocean is our life force. At least 50% of our oxygen comes from the ocean and it quietly absorbs
25% of all our carbon emissions. Since the start of the industrial age, our oceans have become 30% more acidic and,
frighteningly, we have little idea what this might mean for the long-term health of our oceans. They also generate
most of the water that falls on land. You can only imagine the
problems we’d be faced with if the number of droughts in the
GLOSSARY
world increased.
Despite living alongside them for so long, we actually
Richard Branson - best known as founder and
know very little about the oceans and how they work. We
chairperson of Virgin Group (more than 400 companies.)
need to give them more respect and listen to what they
Ocean Elders - an independent group of global leaders
have to say. We’ve only explored 5% of the ocean, but it
who have joined together to conserve and protect the
contains 80% of all life on Earth. In fact, we have more maps
ocean and its wildlife. Branson is a member.
of the moon than of the ocean floor – a crazy thought.
carbon emissions - the carbon dioxide released into
Last year, my son Sam and I embarked on a trip to
the atmosphere every time we burn fossil fuels such as
Antarctica. It really brought home the vastness of our
gas, coal or oil. As we are burning so much fuel the extra
oceans, as well as the extent of the wildlife that relies on it.
carbon dioxide is causing global warming.
It’s great to see people like Sam, the next generation, going
global warming - the rise in the average temperature
out of their way to learn more about the oceans. The only
of Earth’s atmosphere and oceans since the late 19th
real way that we’ll be able to prevent any further damage to
century. Likely to lead to extreme-weather events and
the oceans is by gaining a greater understanding of them.
species extinctions.
This should begin at as early an age as possible.
Industrial age - the change to new manufacturing
The oceans make up 71% of our planet. I, for one, would
processes that took place from about 1760. This included
going from hand production methods to machines.
like to see them carry on as a thriving habitat which
allows us humans and all the other animals in the world to
thriving habitat - a healthy home for animals, plants
or other organisms.
continue to live our lives. For this reason, 2013 should be
the year of the ocean.
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FirstNews Lead Story: Article Analysis
Headlines - 2013: THE YEAR OF THE OCEAN (11 - 17 JAN 2013)
Carefully read this week’s front page story. Can you:
Find the facts?
Interpret the information?
Work out why the journalist wrote and presented the story in the way that they did?
Part A: Find the facts
A1) Branson states that “for decades we have seen our oceans steadily decline.” What two reasons has he
given to explain the decline?
A2) What did groups such as the Ocean Elders do in 2012?
A3) According to Richard Branson, what is distracting attention away from the key problem that we are
destroying oceans?
A4) Find what each of the following percentages relates to and write the details in the spaces provided.
Percentages
50%
25%
30%
5%
80%
71%
Details
A5) Who is Sam, where did he go with Branson last year and why did he go there?
Part B: Interpret the information
B1) What is so important about the world’s oceans that Branson has made protecting them a priority for
2013?
B2) What does Branson imply by saying that it is important that we build on the work done by groups such
as Ocean Elders?
B3) Why do you think that Richard Branson said “we have more maps of the moon than of the ocean floor –
a crazy thought”?
B4) Why is it significant that Sam is from the “next generation”?
Part C: Analyse the writing and presentation
C1) What is the purpose of this article? Find evidence and give specific examples to support your answer.
C2) Comment on the tone that this article is written in.
C3) Branson states that we must “give [oceans] more respect and listen to what they have to say.” What is
significant about his choice of language and how effective is it?
C4) How effective is the picture accompanying the article?
C5) Do you think that “2013: The Year of the Ocean” is an appropriate headline for this article? Why/why
not?
C6) Why do you think that this article was chosen to appear on the front page of First News?
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FirstNews Lead Story: Article Analysis
Headlines - 2013: THE YEAR OF THE OCEAN (11 - 17 JAN 2013)
Carefully read this week’s article, then answer these questions:
Part A: Find the facts
A1) Branson states that “for decades we have seen our oceans steadily
decline.” What two reasons has he given to explain the decline?
1. .............................................................................................................................
2. .............................................................................................................................
A2) What did groups such as the Ocean Elders do in 2012?
.......................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................
A3) According to Richard Branson, what is distracting attention away from the key problem that we are
destroying oceans?
..............................................................................................................................................................................................
A4) Find what each of the following percentages relates to and write the details in the spaces provided.
Percentages
Details
50%
25%
30%
5%
80%
71%
A5) Who is Sam, where did he go with Branson last year and why did he go there?
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
Learning through news
www.FirstNews.co.uk
FirstNews Lead Story: Article Analysis
Headlines - 2013: THE YEAR OF THE OCEAN (11 - 17 JAN 2013)
Carefully read this week’s article, then answer these questions:
Part B: Interpret the information
B1) What is so important about the world’s oceans that Branson has made protecting them a priority for
2013?
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
B2) What does Branson imply by saying that it is important that we build on the work done by groups
such as Ocean Elders?
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
B3) Why do you think that Richard Branson said “we have more maps of the moon than of the ocean
floor – a crazy thought”?
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
B4) Why is it significant that Sam is from the “next generation”?
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
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FirstNews Lead Story: Article Analysis
Headlines - 2013: THE YEAR OF THE OCEAN (11 - 17 JAN 2013)
Carefully read this week’s article,
articles,then
thenanswer
answerthese
thesequestions:
questions:
Part C: Analyse the writing and presentation
C1) What is the purpose of this article? Find evidence and give specific examples to support your answer.
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C2) Comment on the tone that this article is written in.
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...............................................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
Learning through news
www.FirstNews.co.uk
FirstNews Lead Story: Article Analysis
Headlines - 2013: THE YEAR OF THE OCEAN (11 - 17 JAN 2013)
Carefully read this week’s articles, then answer these questions:
Part C: Analyse the writing and presentation
C3) Branson states that we must “give [oceans] more respect and listen to what they have to say.” What is
significant about his choice of language and how effective is it?
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
C4) How effective is the picture accompanying the article?
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
C5) Do you think that “2013: The Year of the Ocean” is an appropriate headline for this article? Why/why
not?
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
C6) Why do you think that this article was chosen to appear on the front page of First News?
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................................................................................................
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FirstNews Lead Story: Article Analysis
Teacher answers and assessment level guidelines
The teacher answers are intended to provide a guide as to the AF strand of the question and possible
responses from pupils working at different levels. In the level 5/6 answers we try to provide the most
complete answer possible in order to provide teaching points when discussing the answers with pupils.
Part A: Find the Facts
A1. Branson states that “for decades we have seen our oceans steadily decline.” What two reasons has he given to explain the
decline?
AF2 - understand, describe, select, retrieve information, events or ideas from texts and use quotation and reference to the text.
Answers:
L4-identifying relevant points
• The animals who inhabit the oceans have not received adequate protection.
• The substances which have been allowed to enter the oceans have caused significant damage.
A2. What did groups such as the Ocean Elders do in 2012?
AF2 - understand, describe, select, retrieve information, events or ideas from texts and use quotation and reference to the text.
Possible answer:
L4 - identifying relevant points
• They brought about changes which meant greater protection for animals such as sharks and manta rays.
A3. According to Richard Branson, what is distracting attention away from the key problem that we are destroying oceans?
AF2 - understand, describe, select, retrieve information, events or ideas from texts and use quotation and reference to the text.
Answer:
L4 - relevant points identified
• The arguments surrounding global warming.
A4. Find what each of the following percentages relates to and write the details in the spaces provided.
AF2 - understand, describe, select, retrieve information, events or ideas from texts and use quotation and reference to the text.
Answers:
L4-identifying some relevant points
L5-relevant points clearly identified, including those from different places in the text
Percentages
50%
25%
Details
50% of our oxygen comes from the ocean.
25% of all our carbon emissions are absorbed by
the ocean.
Our oceans have become 30% more acidic since the
start of the industrial age.
We have only explored 5% of the ocean.
The ocean contains 80% of all life on earth.
The oceans make up 71% of our planet.
30%
5%
80%
71%
A5. Who is Sam, where did he go with Branson last year and why did he go there?
AF2 - understand, describe, select, retrieve information, events or ideas from texts and use quotation and reference to the text.
Possible answers:
L4 - identifying relevant points
• Sam is Richard Branson’s son. He went with him on a trip to Antarctica last year to learn more about the oceans.
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FirstNews Lead Story: Article Analysis
Part B: Interpret the information
B1. What is so important about the world’s oceans that Branson has made protecting them a priority for 2013?
Possible answers:
L4 - inference with some explanation
• The ocean is a natural resource that provides vital benefits for mankind. At least 50% of our oxygen comes from the ocean and it
absorbs 25% of all our carbon emissions. Oceans also generate most of the water that falls on land. Branson has made protecting our
oceans a priority for 2013, because if we don’t then it could have hugely detrimental effects on our world.
L5 - comments develop explanation of inferred meanings
• Our oceans have already become 30% more acidic since the industrial age and we don’t even know what the consequences of this
might be yet. We could be causing unimaginable damage. The fact that we don’t even understand the cost of neglecting our oceans
means that it is even more important to protect them. It must be made a priority because otherwise it might be too late.
B2. What does Branson imply by saying that it is important that we build on the work done by groups such as Ocean Elders?
AF3 - deduce, infer or interpret information, events or ideas from texts
Possible answers:
L4/5 - inference with explanation
• He is implying that although some good work has been done it is not enough to stop the oceans from declining.
• It is necessary for everybody to take responsibility for protecting the ocean if any real difference is to be made.
B3. Why do you think that Richard Branson said “we have more maps of the moon than of the ocean floor – a crazy thought”?
AF3 - deduce, infer or interpret information, events or ideas from texts
Possible answers:
L4 - inference with some explanation
• The moon is in space and the ocean floor is on Earth. Therefore, Branson made this comment to highlight the extent to which he
thinks that the ocean has been neglected.
L5/6 - some attempt at detailed explanation
• Branson said “a crazy thought” to show that he thinks that it is ridiculous that humans haven’t done more to explore their own planet
before moving onto other parts of the solar system.
• The use of the phrase also makes it sound as if it is easier to map the ocean floor than the moon because it is “crazy” that there are
more maps of the latter. This would then imply that humans haven’t bothered to be interested in the ocean. In reality, travelling to
the depths of the ocean brings its own challenges because of the water pressure and corrosiveness. It is actually extremely difficult.
Branson has not acknowledged how difficult it is to map the ocean floor because he wants to focus on how he thinks it has been
neglected and how it should be made a priority for 2013.
B4. Why is it significant that Sam is from the “next generation”?
AF3 - deduce, infer or interpret information, events or ideas from texts
Possible answers
L4 - inference with some explanation
• The next generation are the young peopIe in society who will become responsible for it in the future. It is significant that Sam is from
the next generation because he is showing an interest in oceans. If he and his contemporaries commit to continuing the good work
that has been started to protect oceans, then there is a chance that they could make a difference in terms of halting the decline.
L5 - comments develop explanation of inferred meanings drawing on evidence from the text
• The term “next generation” highlights Sam’s youth. Youth is frequently associated with social renewal and change because young
people are often seen to have the enthusiasm and vigour to change things for their world and themselves. This is significant because
commitment to the cause is what is needed in order to save the oceans. Especially since Branson asserts that “the only way to
prevent any further damage to the oceans is by gaining a greater understanding of them.” It is the youth of today who will need to
be responsible for the continuation of such necessary research. It is significant that Sam is from the next generation because he has
shown an interest in oceans which gives hope that there will be others like him.
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FirstNews Lead Story: Article Analysis
Part C: Analyse the writing and information
C1. What is the purpose of this article? Find evidence and give specific examples to support your answer.
AF6 - identify and comment on writers’ purposes and viewpoints, and the overall effect of the text on the reader
Possible answers:
L4- main purpose identified and supported with simple comments
L5-main purpose clearly identified with general awareness of effect on reader
L6-main purpose clearly identified through close reference to text. Effect on reader clearly explained.
• Purpose - to persuade the reader that 2013 is the year that the long-term health of oceans should be prioritised.
• Evidence - a range of rhetorical devices are used which show that the article is intended to be persuasive.
• Celebrity endorsement is used. The article is written by Richard Branson, an eminent businessman and high profile public figure. In
terms of his companies Branson is known for his sustainability initiatives. He is also a member of Ocean Elders. His credentials might
help persuade the readers to take the issue more seriously.
• Use of direct address e.g. “You can only imagine the problems we’d be faced with…” The use of “you” involves the reader and helps to
give the impression that this issue is relevant to them and therefore it persuades them to be involved in the solution.
• Use of personal pronouns. The frequent use of “I” is persuasive because it makes it sound as if Branson is genuine about his personal
concern for the oceans. The plural form “we” is also used throughout the article e.g. “we are destroying this most important of natural
resources...” The use of “we” is inclusive and ensures that the reader does not lose interest in the information because they feel that
they are being lectured. The message is more about team work to stop the destruction.
• Emotive language e.g. saying that the ocean “keeps us all alive” and “is our life force.” Any language which draws on the idea of life
and death is likely to cause heightened emotion in the reader and thus to persuade them to prioritise oceans.
• Personal evidence. Branson uses the real-life story of his trip with his son Sam to Antarctica to learn more about the oceans. The
effect of this is to persuade the reader that there is hope for the future if they get involved now.
• Repetition. That 2013 should be the year of the ocean is repeated as it is in the headline and the concluding line of the article. This is
to hammer the point home.
• Use of statistics. So that Branson seems well-informed and knowledgeable. This helps to persuade the reader as it makes them more
likely to trust his opinion on the matter.
C2. Comment on the tone that this article is written in.
AF6 - identify and comment on writers’ purposes and viewpoints, and the overall effect of the text on the reader
Possible answers:
L4-simple comment on purpose and overall effect on reader
• The article is written in a fairly serious tone. The vocabulary used is quite formal with words such as “inhabit” used rather than “live”
and “embarked on” instead of “went on.” Some specialist concepts such as global warming are also referred to.
• The use of a serious tone makes the content of the article seem more important.
L5/6-purpose and overall effect on reader explained.
• However, there are some examples of less formal vocabulary. For example when Branson refers to a “crazy” thought. The article is
also written subjectively with Branson stating that protecting the oceans is a priority for him. This creates a personal tone which is
quite engaging because it helps the reader to relate to Branson and thus makes his concerns seem genuine and valid.
C3. Branson states that we must “give [oceans] more respect and listen to what they have to say.” What is significant about his
choice of language and how effective is it?
AF5 - explain and comment on writers’ use of language, including grammatical and literacy features at word and sentence level
Possible answers:
L4/5- some explanation and awareness of the effect of writer’s choices
• The choice of language is significant because it seems odd to read about needing to “listen to” and “give more respect” to oceans
rather than humans! However, personifying oceans in such a way is effective because it might make the reader more likely to care
about the future of them.
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FirstNews Lead Story: Article Analysis
Part C: Analyse the writing and information
C4. How effective is the picture accompanying the article?
AF4 - identify and comment on the structure and organisation of texts, including grammatical and presentational features at text
level.
Possible answers:
L4 - simple comment
• The picture shows Richard Branson appearing to be in an ocean. He is wearing warm clothes and a lifejacket and is with others
dressed similarly. He is smiling and raising his hands out of the water. Although it is not entirely clear what is happening in the
picture, the fact that it shows Branson looking happy in an ocean links effectively to the article in which he writes so positively about
oceans and urges the reader to help protect them.
L5/6 - further explanation of presentational features
• As the image of Branson raising his hands out of the water is shown with the quotation about how “crazy” it is that there aren’t more
maps of the ocean floor, it looks like a deliberate gesture. As he is also smiling it could be interpreted that he is raising his hands in
disbelief that something as amazing as the ocean and the ocean floor has not been investigated more. If the picture is meant to be
perceived in this way then it is effective as it clearly supports the message in the main body text. However, a caption would have
made the picture easier to understand.
• The picture also has to be viewed in terms of how effective it is as an image on the front page. In itself the picture isn’t particularly
striking due to the dull colour of the water and the dark red and black of all of the clothing. However, the use of the image of Richard
Branson might attract readers to the newspaper because he is so well-known and they might be intrigued to find out what he is
doing. Therefore, overall the picture can be considered to be effective.
C5. Do you think that “2013: The Year of the Ocean” is an appropriate headline for this article? Why/why not?
AF6 - identify and comment on writers’ purposes and viewpoints, and the overall effect of the text on the reader
Possible answers:
L4- simple comments show some awareness of writer’s viewpoint
• It is a short memorable headline which summarises Branson’s belief that oceans should be made a priority in 2013. Therefore, it is an
appropriate headline for this article.
L5-general awareness of the effect on the reader
• The headline is reminiscent of the Chinese New Year as in China, every year is named after an animal prefaced by “The Year of the....”
This is appropriate as the article is in the first issue of FirstNews since our New Year and thus reminds the reader of resolutions and
fresh starts. This links with the notion that we need to make a fresh start with our oceans.
C6. Why do you think that this article was chosen to appear on the front page of First News?
AF6 - identify and comment on writers’ purposes and viewpoints, and the overall effect of the text on the reader
Possible answers:
L4/5- main purpose identified with simple comment/explanation
• The link to the New Year and New Year’s resolutions in the headline and lead paragraph makes this article relevant to the first issue of
the paper in 2013. Therefore, it is fitting that it should be on the front page.
• Environmental issues are becoming increasingly important and putting the article on the front page gives this issue status.
• Environmental issues particularly affect young people who will have to live with damage caused to the earth. As First News is aimed
at young people it is appropriate that their attention should be drawn to the decline in oceans by using the front page.
• The fact that Richard Branson endorses the cause and has written the article makes it seem even more newsworthy.
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