Do Now 1.) Few of us (like, likes) salad. Directions: Choose the best verb. Make sure it agrees with the noun or indefinite pronoun. 1.) Few of us (like, likes) salad. 2.) Nothing (get, gets) in his way. 3.) Each of the stores (give, gives) a gift. 4.) Most of my friends (want, wants) to dance. 5.) Several of the homes (have, has) fire damage. 6.) Nobody (laugh, laughs) at his jokes. 7.) None of the equipment (belong, belongs) to me. 8.) Many of the teachers (give, gives) homework every night. 9.) Each of our pets (try, tries) to please us.

Today’s Agenda!! Persuasion, Unsupported Inferences, Fallacious Reasoning, and Propaganda Foldable Beach Ball Game Partner Activity Independent Activity

Persuasion We have talked about persuasion in the past. Also, we have been looking at an author’s assertion, and making sure that he/she is using evidence to support their main idea. Today, we will further our understanding of persuasion. Can someone remind me what persuasion means?? A persuasive message encourages the audience to think or act in a certain way. Let’s take a closer look at all the ways someone can persuade us…

Persuasion Continued… Certain forms of writing like newspaper articles, speeches and advertisements (commercials) often do not have supporting evidence, or the evidence that is used seems questionable. Other times, the evidence is presented as fact when it is the writer’s opinion. By the end of today, you will learn how to determine whether a writer’s statements are well supported and whether the support is fact or opinion, propaganda, fallacious reasoning, or unsupported inference. What does all of this mean?!?! Let’s get started…

Fact Vs. Opinion Fact: A statement that can be proven It is important to understand the difference between a fact and an opinion. Fact: A statement that can be proven Example: The city of Los Angeles is in the state of California. Can you give me a few examples of some facts (think about science class)? Opinion: How someone thinks or feels about a certain topic Example: Los Angeles, California is a wonderful place to live Can you give me a few examples of opinions you have about homework?

To Start us Off… The first ideas you need to understand are: Persuasion, Unsupported Inferences, Fallacious Reasoning, and Propaganda You will also learn different types of propaganda techniques: Bandwagon Either/Or Fallacy Broad Generalization Loaded Language Snob Appeal Hidden Message Testimonial This all looks like a lot, but it will seem easy soon. To help us organize all of this information and make note- taking easier, we are going to make a foldable…

Unsupported Inference Foldable You will receive one piece of construction paper. Please fold, cut, and label it as follows: Unsupported Inference Persuasion Fallacious Reasoning Propaganda

Persuasion Persuasion encourages people to think or act in a certain way. The purpose is to make you believe or do something. Example: Come see this new movie. It is the best you will ever watch!

Unsupported Inference An author says something is true, but has no factual support or citations (has no evidence). It is exactly what it sounds like: A statement that is unsupported!! Example: Nike shoes have been proven to support your leg muscles and make you stronger! There is no evidence to prove this.

Fallacious Reasoning ***Fallacious also means Faulty. When an author fails to reach a conclusion based on reason. Using unrelated details as support. Example: More people have cats than dogs, so cats must be easier to take care of. This may not be true. More people may have cats rather than dogs for a number of different reasons, such as cost, enjoyment, etc. Being easier to take care of is not necessarily related. He just reached a conclusion, without using good reasoning.

Propaganda An extreme form of persuasion. A writer goes “over the top” to make readers believe an assertion. Information that is one-sided or misleading. There are many different types of propaganda that we will look out. Example: In this example, the government is trying to persuade you to join the army.

These are all ways that a person can persuade you to believe or do something. In addition, there are several types of propaganda techniques that people can use to further persuade you. There are many of these, so I will pass out a half sheet that we will go over. Once we go over it together, you will tape it to the inside of your foldable. Let’s take a look…

Type of Propaganda Definition Example Bandwagon The reasoning that “everyone is doing it,” or everyone else uses a certain product -Thousands of allergy sufferers use Sneeze-Free. -Everyone else drinks Coke, so you should too. Either/Or (Black/White) Fallacy The misconception that either you are a part of one thing or the other (there is no middle point) Either you drink this product or you’ll look fat forever Broad Generalization A simplified statement that applies to a whole group of people All people will love wearing our comfortable, sporty shoes. Loaded Language Powerful words that carry deep meanings with them These “New and Improved, All Natural” energy bars will make you feel young again. Snob Appeal Charming based on wanting to be the best Only the best people fly our airlines. Hidden Message Pictures of words that suggest an idea without stating it directly. A photo of an Olympic runner, suggesting you’ll be a winner if you buy a certain brand of sneakers. Testimonial The personal story of a celebrity or person not directly related to the issue Justin Bieber drinks milk everyday to make him strong.

Beach Ball Game!! To help us understand this more, we will play the Beach Ball Game, in which we have to decide what type of technique is being used. Remember the rules: All bottoms must stay in the chair Do not chuck the ball CATCH and then throw the ball WHEN THE MUSIC STOPS, EVERYONE MUST STAY QUIET. WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO EXPLAIN THE CORRECT ANSWER This is just practice, and I know this information is difficult. Please do not be afraid to get a question wrong!!

Ms. Fitzgerald--Week 27, Thursday #1 Buy these diamonds because she deserves the best! Snob Appeal

Ms. Fitzgerald--Week 27, Thursday #2 All students love to read the Twilight saga. Broad Generalization

Ms. Fitzgerald--Week 27, Thursday #3 Everyone else is wearing Vans and Chucks, so you should too. Bandwagon

Ms. Fitzgerald--Week 27, Thursday #4 Jessica Simpson swears that Proactive Acne Solution worked for her. It will probably work for you, too. Testimonial

Ms. Fitzgerald--Week 27, Thursday #5 Either you prepare for college or you will have no financial stability in your future. Either/Or Fallacy

Ms. Fitzgerald--Week 27, Thursday #6 Propaganda

Ms. Fitzgerald--Week 27, Thursday #7 Ms. Fitzgerald--Week 27, Thursday “It’s a miracle product.” Loaded Language

Partner Activity!! You and your partner will receive a movie review. Together you will read through it and answer the following questions to help you understand persuasive techniques: 1.) Who is presenting the information? 2.) How reliable is the information? 3.) Are persuasive techniques used? (Use your foldable to help you.) Please answer these questions on the left side of your notebook. We will discuss the answers in 15 minutes.

Ms. Fitzgerald--Week 27, Thursday Independent activity!! Ms. Fitzgerald--Week 27, Thursday In your textbook, you will turn to page #542. Read through the speech, and then answer questions #1-6. We will go over the answers in 10 minutes.

Ms. Fitzgerald--Week 27, Thursday Homework!! Study for Quiz (Next Wednesday) Continue to work on Research Paper (final draft needs to be typed) Ideas for Quiz: Look for exit slip, test questions, etc. Use questions on page CA 39