ABSTRACT

The society is fully covered with news, and newspapers naturally play an essential role in the modern society. By reading newspapers and magazines, we can pace into the gate of politics, economics, cultures and life around the world. And the headline, an important factor in newspapers, is the abstract and window of the whole news content, which plays role in summarizing the news content and attracting readers. In general, one great headline can improve the function of this news and color the whole content. Therefore, comprehending the features and functions of the English headlines can greatly enhance our understanding on this piece of news. In a word, it is especially essential to analyze and study on the features and functions of the English headlines.

This paper is carried on by following the explicit process. Firstly, search for the related information as much as possible to get a brief acknowledgment about this research. Secondly, make conclusion on the information to carry on a further research. Thirdly, connect the explicit examples to find the features and functions of the English headlines. Finally, make conclusion to reach the meaning of this research.

On the basis of this series of research, we conclude the main features and functions of the English headlines. The features are mainly included several points. Firstly, the simple present is the most common tense in headlines. Secondly, we can use the passive voice to achieve the simplicity feature. Thirdly, some punctuation can take the place of simple verbs and conjunctions. Fourthly, the glossaries comply to the simplicity, such as abbreviations. Then, the main functions of the English headlines include several points. Firstly, to beautify and organize news pages. Secondly, to attract readers’ attention on news. Thirdly, to transmit news messages. Fourthly, to make comments on the news.

Key Words:  news headline, features, functions

CONTENTS

摘要

ABSTRACT

Chapter One：Introduction-1

1.1Background of the Research-1

1.2Purpose and Significance of the Research-1

1.3The Structure of the Research-2

Chapter Two: Literature Review on News Discourse and News Headlines-4

2.1Definition of News Discourse-4

2.2Studies on the News Discourse-5

2.2.1Studies at Home-5

2.2.2Studies in Abroad-6

Chapter 3: Linguistic Features of News Discourse and News Headlines-8

3.1Features of News Discourse-8

3.1.1Vocabulary Features-8

3.1.2Syntax Features-10

3.2Linguistic Features of English News Headlines-11

3.2.1Tense and Voice Features.-11

3.2.2Punctuation Features-13

3.2.3Vocabulary Features-13

Chapter Four: Functions of English Headlines-18

4.1To Sum up the Story-18

4.2To Transmit News Message-18

4.3To Make Comments on the News-19

4.4To Attract Readers’ Attention on News-19

4.5To Active and Beautify the Page-20

Chapter Five: Conclusion-22

5.2Limitations and Suggestions for the Research-22

5.3Significance for Students’ Writing-23

References-24

Acknowledgments-25