A contents page serves a very important role within a magazine: it acts as a menu for the reader so they can see what is in the magazine and where they can locate it if it takes their interest. Due to this, it is important for the contents page to be: clear, easy-to-read, and eye-catching – the reader doesn’t want to have to read an essay before getting to the articles.

The conventions of a contents page are:

• a title (e.g. ‘Contents’ or ‘What’s Inside’)
• page numbers
• catchy headlines to draw in your reader (include hyperboles and superlatives)
• interesting and relevant photos or graphic images/designs
• the colour scheme that will reappear throughout the magazine
• one page long, on the right hand side
• near the start of the magazine
• editors hello
• reminder of the magazine’s name and mission statement

Below are some layout ideas that I have drawn out for my potential contents page. My favourite design in the third one as it follows the conventions but it is also unique and continues the shape theme that I have going through my magazine. I have also brainstormed some catchy headlines: my favourite being ‘From Asda to A-Star!’ as it is intriguing and is also relatable, making it seem like it could be anyone (linking in to Richard Dyer’s theory of ‘The Paradox of the Star’).