Media Q&A Routine:
Analyzing Media Messages
Media product to review: Let’s practice analyzing media messages. Choose to analyze one of the
following in English: (a) print ad; (b) billboard; or (c) television ad.
Step 1: Find the media product of your choice, and review it for a few minutes (re-play if using video). In
the table below, write down the name of the type of media you chose. In addition, show the media you
chose to analyze by including a picture of it or include a link to a webpage or video. If you cannot, then
describe it in the space provided.
Step 2: In the table below, write down your initial thoughts and everything that you can remember
about the media. Note any special visuals or sounds.
Step 3: Answer the 9 key questions in the table below.
Step 4: Review your initial thoughts and write about how they have changed in the table below.
Name:
Date:
Analyzing Media Messages
I chose to analyze a/an _________________.
(Write the media you chose in the blank.)
Add a picture, video, or link (or description).
What media did you choose to analyze?
Initial Thoughts: Write down your initial thoughts and everything that you can remember about the
media. Note any special visuals or sounds:
© 2021 by George Mason University. Analyzing Media Messages Assignment for the Online
Professional English Network (OPEN), sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding
provided by the U.S. government and administered by FHI 360. This work is licensed under the 1
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License, except where noted. To view a copy of this license, visit
[Link]
9 Key Questions
Key Questions Answers
1. Who made this _______ (type of media)?
2. Why was this _______ made?
3. What creative techniques were used in this
_______?
4. What are the obvious messages in this
_______?
5. What do I think (or feel) about this _______?
6. What might other people think or feel about
this _______?
7. What kinds of people are in this _______?
8. What kinds of people are missing from this
_______?
9. What are the indirect messages in this
_______?
Reflection on Media
Review your initial thoughts and write about how they have changed.