Awesome Titles That Attract an Audience By Darlene Beauvais
Subject Area Reading, English Grade Level 7th Grade Materials Houston Chronicle Scissors, glue, pen or pencil, teacher created worksheet TEKS 7.9 Reading/Vocabulary/Development The student will develop vocabulary through reading and word study. 7.15 Writing/Purposes 7.15g The student will use literary devices effectively such as figurative language, etc, Review Discuss the purpose of headlines and titles. Look in the Houston Chronicle’s front page and Sports sections for examples of eye-catching headlines. Headlines tell what the article is about, capture the reader’s attention, and/or stir up some emotion in the reader. Procedure Discuss the techniques for writing good headlines listed below. 1. alliteration - repetition of beginning sounds in words 2. assonance - repetition of vowel sounds in middle of words 3. vivid vocabulary - colorful and appropriate word choice 4. puns - play on words 5. rhyme - repetition of end sounds in words 6. repetition - repetition of words 7. familiar sayings - easily recognized slogans or common sayings Use the newspaper to find headlines that are examples of the above techniques. A headline may represent more than one technique. Students may find other techniques to add to the list. Paste the newspaper headline onto the worksheet under the appropriate technique. Write an original headline to also illustrate each technique. Headlines/Titles That Attract an Audience
1. alliteration – repetition of beginning sounds in words Ex. Gourmet Groceries vs. Simple Staples
Original Example ______
Paste Newspaper Headline Here
2. assonance – repetition of vowel sounds in words Ex. Sounds of Christmas Abound Around Town
Original Example ______
Paste Newspaper Headline Here
3. vivid vocabulary – colorful and appropriate word choice Ex. Sweeny Stymies West Orange
Original Example ______
Paste Newspaper Headline Here
4. puns – play on words Ex. Yates Polishes Sterling
Original Example ______
Paste Newspaper Headline Here Headlines/Titles That Attract an Audience Page 2
5. rhyme – repetition of end sounds in words Ex. Salary to Carry Secretary to January
Original Example ______
Paste Newspaper Headline Here
6. repetition – repetition of words Ex. The Main Man, The Main Worry
Original Example ______
Paste Newspaper Headline Here
7. familiar sayings – easily recognized slogans or common sayings Ex. Dining for Dollars
Original Example ______
Paste Newspaper Headline Here