Sunday, 25 September 2011

Analysis of Guide Book

The purpose of a guide book is to inform the reader about the place they are planning on travelling to. This particular guide book contains lot's of features to benefit the reader. It may be packed with lot's of necessary information but it is set out very clearly, which is ideal for the reader as it makes it easier to find specific information.


The introduction includes facts and opinions. It informs the reader a little bit on what America is like; how many people visit in a year, what the climate is like, and so on. This is in order to give the reader an idea on what to expect when they reach their destination. America, Florida is the perfect vacation for families as there are bundles of great, exciting, fun things to do; which suit all the family.  It states this in the introduction; 'It is the ultimate family vacation destination'. 'The peak season runs from December to April, when rates for flights and hotels are at their height, and the beaches and attractions are at their busiest'; this is what is written towards the end of the introduction, it is warning the reader, so that they are aware of when Florida is at its busiest.


One of the many handy features of this guide book is subheadings, these are used to make it easier for the reader to find what they are specifically looking for; 'Visas', 'Opening Times' etc. Also the use of subheadings enables the reader to skip to other bits of information they'd rather read about. All the information is divided into boxes, and as each box has its own subtitle, this makes it even easier and quicker for the reader to find exactly what they are looking for. The guide book also includes the 'directory', which includes 'consulates', 'tourist information' and 'other numbers'; the reader may need these on their travels so it is useful to have these just incase.


Illustrations are also used, and they link to the text. Each picture has its own little caption, which tells the reader what is happening in the picture. When the reader takes a glimpse of the guide book, as the majority of it is columns and columns of writing, it could put the reader off of reading it, but with a few pictures here and there, it will tempt them into reading it more. 


On the right hand side of the guide book, there is a picture of the disabled sign, with a caption saying 'accessible to wheelchairs'. The purpose of this symbol is so people with disabilities or people who are planning on travelling with someone with a disability, will notice this symbol straight away and know that the text next to it will be directed at them.