Q Article Analysis

This article focuses on Girls Aloud band member Cheryl Cole who recently took a break from the highly successful pop band. Her solo career has her singing a different style of music which has still has elements of pop but has considerably moved toward R 'n' B. Initially writing a feature article on Cheryl Cole in Q seemed like an odd choice as the magazine tends to report on artists of the rock genre like Green Day or Muse. However, the women Q do choose to feature are usually sexualised and as Cheryl was once voted the world's sexiest woman at one point, it explains why they picked her. Having an article on Cheryl suggests the targeted audience will be people with an interest in current musical affairs as she is a very modern musician, covering a contemporary genre of music. Also, being the sex symbol she is, she could also draw in a male audience.



This article uses a mix of both complex and simple sentences with several poly-syllabic words which denote it is formally written. By avoiding continuously using short playful sentences the article moves away from being light hearted. Words like ‘Consequently’ and ‘beguiling’ are used instead of a simpler lexis which suggest the article, and magazine are aimed at an intellectual and older audience. This idea is reiterated as three quarters of the page is consumed with words alone and not pictures.


The article is opinionated, clearly displaying its attitude...


There are several quotes from Cheryl and other artists which add accuracy and credibility to the magazine which projects professionalism. It also does the job of satisfying the readership who will have a keen interest in the musician and will want to hear as much from her as possible...


Cheryl is portrayed positively through the pictures as it shows her to look very attractive. As they are professionally taken as opposed to ones obtained by the paparazzi, it shows the magazine supports this artist, they don’t criticise her and instead have featured her to raise her current profile with their publicity...


The red white and black colour scheme is continued, in keeping with the house style of Q. This creates the effect of conveying maturity which directly appeals to Q’s target audience...


This article doesn’t totally demand prior knowledge for comprehension as some background details are included such as “ “ ... however this isn’t done repetitively which is done purposely to respect the intelligence of its targeted educated readers...