Minds On

Different media forms

There are many different media forms available, which share information on a topic with a large audience. Each media form has its own unique elements and characteristics. Think of some of the different forms you may be aware of that provide information on a topic.

What is a pamphlet?

One of the ways that people share information on a topic with a large audience is by creating and distributing a pamphlet. A pamphlet is a small unbound booklet that is used to advertise or provide information on a topic. Pamphlets can be found online or in paper form.

Common places where you may have noticed or received a pamphlet are:

  • walking down a busy street
  • outside of a restaurant
  • at the doctor’s or dentist’s office
  • at school

Think of another place or time when you have examined a pamphlet.

What are the elements and characteristics of a pamphlet?

Explore the following pamphlets, and examine each of the elements and characteristics that make pamphlets a unique media form.

A pamphlet titled All About Me. Arrows indicate: front, back, author, Title, Subtitles, and content A three-fold pamphlet titled Being Eco Wise with triangular recycle symbol and headings such as recycle, reuse, and reduce A three-fold pamphlet titled Greece with headings such as weather patterns, traditional foods and clothing, and the shape of Greece on a map A three-fold pamphlet titled Tips to Take Care of Flowers with young person studying in a book how to use fertilizer on plants A pamphlet: How to Wash Your Hands Properly! Shows washing fingers, front, back of hands

Action

Analyzing five sample pamphlets

A pamphlet will have different information depending on the intended audience and purpose. Examine the following samples, and analyze three of the elements and characteristics used, the pamphlet’s purpose, and the intended audience.

For each example, think about the following:

  • What are the elements and characteristics that are used?
  • Who is the intended audience?
  • What is the purpose of the pamphlet?
Tri-folded pamphlet saying: Today’s Menu, Breakfast ,Lunch, Dinner Tri-folded pamphlet saying: Time to Get Fit!, Eating Well, Exercise Tri-folded pamphlet saying: Visit us at The Dental Clinic, Opening Hours, Services Offered, Contact Information Tri-folded pamphlet saying: Flower power Tri-folded pamphlet saying: Maplewood Childcare, Address, Contact Information, Cost, Operating Hours

Complete the Pamphlet Analysis Worksheet in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document.

Pamphlet Analysis Worksheet
Insert sample #1
What are the elements and characteristics that are used in your sample?
Who is the intended audience?
What is the purpose of the pamphlet?
Insert sample #2
What are the elements and characteristics that are used in your sample?
Who is the intended audience?
What is the purpose of the pamphlet?
Insert sample #3
What are the elements and characteristics that are used in your sample?
Who is the intended audience?
What is the purpose of the pamphlet?

Press the ‘Activity’ button to access the Pamphlet Analysis Worksheet. 

Activity(Open PDF in a new window)

Consolidation

Creating your own pamphlet

Pamphlets are easy to create and an effective method of communicating information to others. Now that you are familiar with the characteristics and elements that make pamphlets unique, try creating one of your own.

Step 1:

Brainstorm some topics that you might like to create your pamphlet on.

Brainstorm

Brainstorm

Explore the samples you have examined to give you some ideas.

  • What are the elements and characteristics that you are going to use?
  • Who is the intended audience?
  • What is the purpose of the pamphlet?
  • Will your pamphlet be completed in an audio recording as a description or in writing?

Complete the Pamphlet Brainstorming Web in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document.

Document title 1

Press the Activity button to access the Pamphlet Brainstorming Web.

Activity (Open PDF in a new tab)

Step 2:

Complete the Pamphlet Planner Worksheet in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document to help you get started.

Pamphlet Planner Worksheet
What is the purpose of my pamphlet?
Who is the intended audience?
What information do I need to include?

Press the ‘Activity’ button to access the Pamphlet Planner Worksheet. 

Activity(Open PDF in a new window)

Step 3:

Create a mock-up of your pamphlet using an audio recording, paper, the template below, or an organizer of your choice.

Pamphlet Mock-up Worksheet

Press the Activity button to access the Pamphlet Mock-up Worksheet.

Activity (Open PDF in a new tab)

Reflection

How do you feel about what you have learned in this activity? Which of the next four sentences best matches how you are feeling about your learning? Press the button that is beside this sentence.

I feel...

Now, record your ideas about your feelings using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.