Reading 2 The Guardian

The Guardian is famous as Britain's only newspaper which has risen from the rank of a small provincial Manchester weekly to become one of the country's top quality national dailies. Its gradual rise to such prominence stems from appeal to young intellectuals, balanced and fair reporting, good international coverage and relative financial security. But perhaps the paper's chief strength is its constant emphasis on social reform and progressive liberal thought.

Its priority is the people who govern the country and the way the country is governed. But, as its coverage demonstrates, its interests are numerous - economics, finance, industry, business, sports, science, current history, contemporary literature and art. The paper is trying to reach the audience with an intelligent, free-thinking, international outlook. Daily circulation is about 280,000, of which 75% percent are subscriptions. According to statistics, the Guardian readers are younger, better off and better educated than the general population.

Surveys indicate that readers value the Guardian most for its lack of bias. Without a doubt, the paper, along with the Times, is a national institution in Britain, reporting all sides of life widely. The Guardian's small format Guardian Weekly is also read in intellectual circles, even in other countries. Several features contribute to the Guardian's bright, attractive, smart appearance. A small cartoon, small pictures of personalities and a small ad or two usually appear on the front page. One outstanding characteristic is the clear organization of the paper into sections, such as "Overseas News", "Home News", "Arts Guardian", "Financial Guardian", "Small Business Guardian", "Guardian Women", and "Sports Guardian". Virtually every publication contains feature or special report pages. Two editorial pages are given to editorial comment and feedback.

No local news is printed unless it is of national interest; local news is left to the provincial dailies. But, domestically, the paper does keep offices in Bristol, Leeds, Edinburgh and Glasgow. In addition, local correspondents or stringers are located in every major town and city of Britain. Throughout its 150-years-plus history, the Guardian's journalistic quality has been the industry standard. It has made the Guardian one of the world's truly great newspapers.

Exercise 1. Answer the questions:

1.Why is the Guardian considered to be a unique British newspaper?

2. Why does the newspaper appeal to young intellectuals?

3. What kind of people are the Guardian's priority?

4. What are the interests of the newspaper?

5. What do readership surveys indicate?

6. What are the features contributing to the Guardian's appearance?

7. What sections does the newspaper contain?

8. In what towns does the newspaper keep offices in Britain?

9. How can you describe the newspaper and its readers, using the following adjectives?

Intelligent, provincial, significant, free-thinking, successful, cultural, international, thoughtful, sensitive, smart, intellectual, local, intensive, thick-skinned, mental, adventurous, liberal, outstanding, analytical, imaginative, prudent, bright, social, fair, good, better-off, strong, consistent, younger, social, graduate.

10. What materials should a newspaper publish to attract adventurous readers?

11. Why do you think the Guardian appeals to intellectual readers?

12.What newspapers and magazines usually appeal to intellectuals?

Exercise 2. Match the words in Column A with their definitions in Column B. Make up your own sentences with these words.

A	B
Periodical	Special meaning or importance
Column	For-profit announcement, advertisement
Intellectual circles	Advantage
Appearance	A magazine or other publication that appears at regular intervals
Ad	Payment for consecutive issues of a newspaper, magazine, etc.
Special report	External look
Stringer	Vertical division of a printed page
Strength	Elite made up by smart and well-educated people
Emphasis	Story provided by special correspondent
Subscription	External staff member