4. What events does this article review (discuss)?
5. What does the article describe?
6. What are the main parts of this article?
7. In what section of a newspaper could it be found?
*Headline English
Newspaper headlines try to catch the reader’s eye by using as few words as possible. The
language headlines use is, consequently, unusual in a number of ways.
Ø Grammar words like articles or auxiliary verbs are often left out, e.g. EARLY CUT FORECAST IN INTEREST RATES
Ø A simple form of the verb is used, e.g. MAYOR OPENS HOSPITAL
Ø The infinitive is used to express the fact that something is going to happen in the future, e.g. PRESIDENT TO VISIT FLOOD AREAS
Newspaper headlines use a lot of distinctive vocabulary. They usually prefer words that are shorter and sound more dramatic than ordinary English words. The words marked1 can be used either as nouns or verbs.
newspaper word
meaning
newspaper word
meaning
aid*
help
key (adj.)
essential, vital
axe*
cut, remove
link*
connection
back (verb)
support
move*
step towards a desired end
bar*
exclude, forbid
ordeal (noun)
painful experience
bid*
attempt
oust (verb)
push out / remove
blast*
explosion
plea (noun)
request
blaze*
fire
pledge*
promise
boost*
incentive, encourage
ploy (noun)
clever activity
boss* head*
manager, director
poll*
probe*
election / public opinion survey investigation
clash*
dispute
quit (verb)
leave, resign
curb*
restraint, limit
riddle (noun)
mystery
cut*
reduction
strife (noun)
conflict
drama
tense situation
talks (noun)
discussions
drive*
campaign, effort
threat
danger
gems (noun)
jewels
vow*
promise
go-ahead
approval
wed (verb)
marry
hit (verb)
affect badly
Newspaper headlines often use abbreviations, e.g. PM for Prime Minister, MP for Ìåøêà of Parliament.
Ø Some newspapers also enjoy making jokes in their headlines. They do this by playing will words or punning, e.g. a wet open air concert in London by the opera singer Luciano Pavarotti was described as: ’TORRENTIAL RAIN IN MOST ARIAS’ [‘most areas’]
Ø An announcement that a woman working at the Mars chocolate company had got an interesting new job was: WOMAN FROM MARS TO BE FIRST BRITON IN SPACE
Exercise 16 The words in the box are commonly used in newspaper headlines. Why do you think these words are often short and dramatic? Complete the headline with the words.