Shout contents analysis

1. This is a contents
page taken from
the magazine
“Shout”. This is a
pop magazine
targeted at female
teenagers

2. Layout-
 The layout of the contents simplistic to
aid easy navigation throughout the
magazine. This is evident through the use
of articles being separated into different
categories. This makes trying to find
particular features much easier; which is
appropriate for the target audience
because they wouldn’t bother spending
ages looking for something. They want
everything fast and now.
 The page numbers are in front of the
descriptions which again creates an ease
of use.
 The actual page numbers and articles are
in two columns which creates an
organised look. But then pictures come
are randomly placed on the side to make
the page look visually interesting. It also
creates a scrap book feel because
everything is at different angles and
sizes, making the layout appear less
confined. This could be highlighting the
stereotype that teenagers don’t like
boundaries or conformity.

3. Colour-
 The colour scheme is very simplistic as
only a few colours are used. The main
bulk of the page is white which connotes
freshness which could relate to the music
featured in the magazine. It also creates
an uncluttered, simple feel because the
text and pictures which are coloured
almost jump off the page.
 Yellow is also used to highlight the
different sections that the content is filed
under.
 Bright pink is also used for a block of
colour on the right hand side and for the
page numbers. This burst of colour looks
is particularly impactful because of the
plain background.
 Such bright colours as yellow and pink
are appropriate for the target audience
because it connotes youth and fun which
would appeal to them.

4. Images –
 There is one main image to the right of
the actual contents. The model looks
very stern as she’s not smiling. This gives
the magazine a slightly more formal feel.
Although, it’s likely she’s a fashion model
and so it would be a typical image from
that aspect.
 Other smaller images feature below the
main one. These are of pages in the
magazine. This is useful because it means
the reader can get a sense of the articles
and layout of the magazine without
having to spend time looking through it.
 There is also an image of a dress, which
connotes to the idea of being fashionable
which would be appealing to the target
audience, as they want to look good.

5. Font-
 A number of different fonts and sizes are
used in the contents page. This depends
on how important the text is.
 For example the font for the categories
of articles like “Win” are much bigger
than the information about
subscriptions. This is because the
categories are what’s most important
and are what would make you want to
buy the magazine. Hence you want these
to be what the readers eye is drawn to
first.
 All of the fonts used are slightly different
styles but they are all sans serif. This is
appropriate for the target audience
because it connotes a sense of
informality, which is what teenagers
would be used to and would feel more
comfortable reading.

6. Mode of Address-
• Very colloquial and informal language is
used. This is to relate to the target
audience because this is the type of
language they would use with each
other. So it anchors the idea that this
magazine is current and for young
people.
• It uses direct address such as “What’s
your flirt fortune?”. This makes the
magazine interactive because it feels as
though it is speaking directly to the
audience, this also makes it feel more
personal too.
• Slang is another linguistic feature used by
the magazine. A line to illustrate this is
“Freebie”. Slang is generally linked to
youth and so again it anchors the
youthful feel to the magazine.