College Magazine Front Page Research

This College magazine front cover includes a large Masthead "COLLEGE". This would be considered a code as it is used in all magazines, as well as a convention as it is used so often it has become standard. The Masthead attracts readers to the magazine and makes them aware of its genre.

It includes a Buzz word “Exclusive”; this would be considered a code for magazines as it is expected to be found on their front page. This, again, draws the reader’s attention and makes them want to read the magazine.

The magazine includes a central image. This is a convention as all magazines used it so commonly, it has become standard and expected.

The front cover uses many cover lines “TEXTS FROM LAST NIGHT” to advertise the contents of the magazine. This is typical of all magazines as it appeals to the reader because they are able to decide if the magazine will interest them without them opening it. It also includes Plugs “CAREER FAIR DO’S AND DON’TS” which has the same effect as cover lines – gives reader information about the magazines content.

The cover includes a Flash “100% FREE” although it is small, this appeals to the target audience of students as they know they are getting a good deal.

The cover uses a ‘specialist’ language “Get the (411)” to appeal to its audience of young adults, this draws their attention and makes them more likely to read the magazine as they feel they have been directly addressed.

This College magazine front page includes a large Masthead “COLLEGE”, typical to all magazines (code and convention) that draws reader’s attention and makes them more likely to take notice of the magazine. The large Central Image also does this. It is also typical of magazines as it may illustrate the main topic of the magazine and so attract certain audiences, as well as being ‘eye appealing’ by standing out.

The cover uses a flash “Splat!” in a pink ‘splat’ shape. This draws attention to the magazine and makes it look more appealing. It also refers to content within the magazine which makes it more likely to be read as it creates curiosity. This can also be called a Teaser as it teases the readers to buy the magazine to see the whole story.

The cover has a sky line “YOUR EXCLUSIVE GUIDE…” This gives the reader more information about the magazine which appeals to them as they are able to have more knowledge about the magazine before buying it.

The cover has Plugs “Thank God It’s Friday’s” this gives information on the smaller stories which attracts the audience as they are aware of all of the magazines content, not just the big stories. This gives them an idea if it will appeal to them or not as they will have more knowledge on it.

This cover uses Intertextuality “Law, Business…” (Titles on the books the model is holding). This implies the magazine may focus on those subjects without having to say so. This, again, gives the reader more information about the magazine without having to read it and so decide if they want to buy it.