Lesson ideas for Author s Purpose, Point of View, Tone, and Propaganda

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1 Lesson ideas for Author s Purpose, Point of View, Tone, and Propaganda See Tone Packet for lesson ideas on Author s Tone Provide the class with a topic. Draw Tone and POV instructions from a box. Example: The Topic is Should High School Students be Required to do Community Services? Point of view: (Drawn from a hat) Yes, with some exceptions/provisions. Tone: (Drawn from a hat) Cautionary Now, write a piece use these elements. Trade papers to see if students can choose the correct POV and Tone Provide definitions of propaganda techniques. Discuss with students the types of propaganda they have seen. Pass out Propaganda Seek and Find and students can complete this over the course of a week or so. Students create a response as to how propaganda is influenced by mass media. Discuss why propaganda is often not challenged by most people in the society. Use the following websites to show images of propaganda: Holocaust Memorial Museum propaganda page Propaganda techniques Students work in pairs to create a political or product advertisement using the propaganda techniques listed. They must determine ahead of time what their Purpose, Audience, Point of View, and Tone will be for the ad. Students write a persuasive essays (from Read Write Think lesson) in response to quote: It is essential in a democratic society that young people and adults learn how to think, learn how to make up their minds. They must learn how to think independently, and they must learn how to think together. They must come to conclusions, but at the same time they must recognize the right of other men to come to opposite conclusions. So far as individuals are concerned, the art of democracy is the art of thinking and discussing independently together. (Institute for Propaganda Analysis. The Fine Art of Propaganda. New York: Harcourt, Brace, and Company, 1939)

2 Author s purpose, point of view, tone defined The author s purpose can be to: Inform: to teach the reader something Persuade: wants the reader to take action Describe: lots of details about an item or event Entertain: humorous or engaging, suspenseful Authors often offer a combination of these The author s point of view (DO NOT CONFUSE WITH NARRATIVE POINT OF VIEW) Point of view directly relates to the author s belief about a subject or topic. Authors can be biased (they favor one side over another) or objective (see both sides) The author s tone The word choice and writing style an author uses creates an attitude about a topic. Remember: Tone is different from description. A sad topic can be presented in a neutral tone. Also, when preparing for standardized tests, it is Why Care? Recognizing the author s purpose, point of view, and tone will help you to understand the passage as well as prevent you from falling prey to misleading persuasive tricks. important to look at lists of tone words to know their definition. The reader might be able to describe the tone but does not have the vocabulary to choose the correct answer. Type of writing Author s Purpose Point of View and Tone Non-fiction News articles Textbooks To inform, explain, give directions, illustrate, or The author s point of view and tone is primarily neutral. Biographies Documentaries present information. Manuals Charts, graphs Tables Persuasive Pieces Editorials Advertisements Billboards Commercials Campaign speeches Bumper stickers Some charts and graphs Fiction Short story Novels Poetry Drama To persuade by expressing an opinion to convince readers to think/feel/act a certain way. To illustrate a theme, event, or story that conveys a mood. Usually written to entertain. The point of view clearly reflects the author s attitude about a subject. Sometimes the opinion is directly stated and other times it is implied. The author may try to convince readers by using tone to appeal to their feelings and/or values. The author may use characters or narrators to express attitudes in the story. The tone might be light and humorous or serious and sad.

3 Propaganda Techniques Ad hominem attacking your opponent instead of attacking their arguments Ad nauseam tireless repetition of an idea so that people begin to take it as truth. Media plays a large role. Appeal to authority quoting or using prominent people to suport their position Appeal to fear seeks to build support by instilling fear, anxiety, and panic in the general population Appeal to prejudice using loaded terms to attach value or moral goodness to believing in the position Assertion Assertion is commonly used in advertising and modern propaganda. An assertion is an enthusiastic or energetic statement presented as a fact, although it is not necessarily true Bandwagon persuades people that everyone else is doing it so you should too Black-and-white fallacy presenting only two choices Common man convinces the audience that the position reflects the common sense of the people, for the everyday common man Demonizing the enemy making individual from the opposing group appear subhuman, worthless, or immoral through suggestion or flase accusations Direct order tells the audience exactly what to do Some more definitions to consider: Accuracy free from error; fact; truth Arguments a process for reasoning Bias describes a preference toward a certain perspective and therefore removes objectivity. Contradiction a direct opposition between things compared; inconsistency Deductive reasoning reasoning from general to the particular (or cause to effect) Evidence something that proves or disproves Inductive reasoning reasoning from detailed to the general Inference to make assumptions or guess based on evidence Objectivity not influenced by prejudice or bias Paradox a statement that could be seen as true but also untrue Validity legally sound Disinformation creating or deleting information from public records to make false record of an event or actions Euphoria Use an event that generates happiness (military parades) Half-truth a deceptive statement which has some truth like a double meaning or improper punctuation Intentional vagueness generalities are intentionally vague so the audience can fill in the blanks Lesser of Two Evils The "lesser of two evils" technique tries to convince us of an idea or proposal by presenting it as the least offensive option Logical fallacy a misleading or false argument, one that does not follow logically Name-calling incites fears and arouses prejudices Quotes out of context selectively editing quotes to change meanings Red herring presents data or issues that are irrelevant to the argument Scapegoating assigns blame to an individual or group to distract attention from the need to fix the problem Slogans brief, striking phrase that may include labeling and stereotyping. Spin a heavily biased argument Stereotyping used to arouse prejudices by labeling the object/person as something that the audience fears

4 Propaganda Seek and Find As you read literature, magazines, newspapers, onine media and more, list the examples you find of propaganda. Propaganda technique: Source Description

5 Non-fiction Analysis: Helping students read between the lines More than ever our students need to be able to critically assess the endless supply of information bombarding them. Our 24-hour news cycle as well as print and online sources are filled with bias and spin. This lesson is a general guideline to analyzing non-fiction text and it is adaptable each time you want to study non-fiction. Decide a topic: This can be a current event or a connection to what you are reading/discussing at the time. Assign homework Ask students to go home and print a copy of an article about the topic. They can copy it from the newspaper, a magazine, or print it from the internet. Make sure the topic is narrow enough so that they will find articles that discuss the same things. For instance, if you want them to learn more about censorship in schools they would need to type in more specific searches than just censorship. Summarize Students are to summarize their articles in two to three sentences. They should also highlight key points on the text. Teach or refer to the Definitions to Consider. (see page 2) Comparison chart Place students in groups of 4-5 and ask them to read their summaries. Once they have all read them, they discuss any differences or similarities and mark it down on the Comparison paper. (see page 3) Consider the Source Next, students will complete the Consider the Source page.(see page 4) This might require further research. If so, the homework is for them to find out more about the source. Choosing the Best When students return, allow them to get into groups again and discuss their sources. As a group, decide on the best article that provides the most accurate information. Turn it in. Follow up With questions about the role of media, and/or continue one more round with different groups or in pairs. Make Copies Of the articles from each group so that you have a packet of 3-5 articles. Put students in pairs and go through the process again so that they narrow it down to the best of the best articles. Reflection At the end of this assignment, in addition to using the information for research purposes, consider having the students complete a reflection about what they learned by doing this activity. Repeat throughout the year.

6 Non-fiction Analysis: Reading between the lines Name Topic: Homework: Bring in an article about the topic. The article can be photocopied from a magazine or paper, or it can be printed from online. Some definitions to consider: Logical fallacy a misleading or false argument, one that does not follow logically Bias describes a preference toward a certain perspective and therefore removes objectivity. Spin a heavily biased argument Objectivity not influenced by prejudice or bias Evidence something that proves or disproves Validity legally sound Arguments a process for reasoning Paradox a statement that could be seen as true but also untrue Contradiction a direct opposition between things compared; inconsistency Deductive reasoning reasoning from general to the particular (or cause to effect) Inductive reasoning reasoning from detailed to the general Inference to make assumptions or guess based on evidence Accuracy free from error; fact; truth Summarize: Make notes while you read your article, then summarize here.

7 Share your summaries in groups and complete this comparison chart. Group Member One Group Member Two Articles state the same facts about Group Member Three Group Member Four

8 Consider the Source What is the source of your article? Is this a primary source? Does your source have a specific agenda or bias? Is it associated with certain beliefs or opinions? What are they? This might require homework. Often you can go to the About Us page to learn more about the particular site where you are researching. Now that everyone has shared their articles, compared summaries, and determined the source, comment on whether you believe this source is accurate, biased, incomplete, etc. and why. Note examples. Discussion Questions/Reflection 1. What are the positive and/or negative effects of the media presenting bias? 2. Has the ease of information distribution harmed or strengthened the ability to get news? 3. What are the benefits and drawbacks to the easy access of information? 4. How did your understanding of this topic change as you analyzed the sources? 5. How important is it that the public become informed readers? What are the consequences of not having media literacy?

9 Tone Lessons and Ideas Many students can read a passage and describe the tone of the piece but might not have the vocabulary to know which word to choose in a test situation. Tone words are also great words to learn for better writing as they are mostly descriptive words. Included in this packet: Lesson : Tone word flash cards with articles this can be used for various other reading skills as well (Figurative language, theme, organizational structure, etc.) List of tone words Acrostic vocabulary with tone words Quick Ideas: Student can use the free flashcard making site: On this site students can either make their own flash cards or read through the ones already posted. Check out this link for a list of tone words : id=518282&subject=english&order_by=topic_created&desc=1&title=tone Students can also download the flash cards to their ipods. Excellent resource for all subjects. Writing ideas: Write new passages that convey different tones. List four tone words with one as the correct tone. Pass around or put on overhead/doc camera and have students guess the correct tone. Rewrite the same passage to make a different tone. Find poems that convey a certain tone. Write the antithesis of the poem to convey an opposite tone. Students work in pairs and decide on a topic for a poem. Each writes the poem in different tones. Use reading logs or reading responses that ask students to find evidence of a particular tone.

10 Reading Connection Lesson for using the TONE words list Assign each student a different word Students will use their current reading material or look through magazines to find an article that represents that author s tone (this might take a few days or assigned as homework) On a blank sheet of computer paper side one: write the word and definition, draw a picture or find an image to represent it, and write a sentence that reflects the tone side two: attach a copy of an article or an excerpt from their own reading that represents the tone Check for accuracy Options: 1. have students pass them around and add sticky notes to say if they agree with the tone- add other tone words if applicable 2. teacher checks and passes back 3. Read aloud a few each day to the class and discuss use of tone and the definitions to see if correct. After checking for accuracy use the laminated pages as a type of flash card for reviewing the words and understanding tone in a piece Extensions Pass out the tone sheets (Laminated student created versions) and ask students to write a companion piece in another tone. For example, if they are given the word sarcastic and it is an article about the war, they could write a piece about the war in a sincere or reverent tone. NOTE: There are multiple benefits of this assignment. Students find the passages themselves with a keen eye on the author s purpose. Tone questions appear on the reading portion of the FCAT. It is likely that the vocabulary of the tone word answers throw the students more than not understanding the passage. This list of words should help alleviate those concerns. This assignment incorporates both critical reading and writing skills. Students are the assessors

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12 160 TONE WORDS absurd logically impossible, ridiculous accusatory charging of wrong-doing acerbic harsh, severe admiring approving, holding in high-esteem aggressive hostile ambivalent mixed or conflicting feelings animated lively, passionate apathetic indifferent due to lack of energy or concern apologetic expressing regret ardent intense, passionate arrogant aggressively haughty assertive positive, overbearing audacious bold, daring awe solemn wonder awestruck fear mingled with admiration bantering witty teasing, good-natured, playful, joking befuddled muddle or confuse benevolent desiring to do good, kind bitter exhibiting strong animosity as a result of pain or grief callous unfeeling, insensitive to feelings of others candid outspoken, frank caustic intense use of sarcasm; stinging, biting cautionary warning of danger celebratory praise, honor choleric hot-tempered, easily angered cold deliberate disregard colloquial ordinary, everyday speech compassionate sympathetic, merciful compliant yielding to the will of others complimentary positive conciliatory pacify, overcome condescending a feeling of superiority confident full of conviction, certain, self-assured contemplative thinking,reflecting on an issue contemptuous showing or feeling that something is worthless or lacks respect conventional lacking spontaneity, originality, individuality critical finding fault cynical questions basic sincerity and goodness of people defiant full of antagonism, challenging demeaning degrade, speak low of someone or something depressed hopeless derisive ridiculing, mocking detached impartial, aloof, not engaged didactic author attempts to educate/instruct reader diffident hesitant, unwilling to assert, lacking self dignified honor upon diplomatic tactful, good judgment disdainful scornful disheartened losing spirit or courage disparaging speak poorly of, discredit dispassionate impartial, lacking emotion docile easy to manage, get along dramatic striking in effect, provoking emotions earnest intense, a sincere state of mind egotistical conceit elegiac empathetic erudite evasive excited fanciful farcical faultfinding fawning flippant formal forthright frank frivolous fuming gentle giddy gloomy grim gullible hard-hearted haughty humble humorous impartial impassioned imploring inane incensed incredulous indifferent indignant informative intense intimate ironic jaded jovial judgmental laudatory learned lugubrious lyrical macabre malicious matter of fact mock-heroic mocking morose mourning naïve narcissistic nostalgic objective obsequious ode, expressing sorrow from past understanding of anothers emotions learned, polished, scholarly escaping understanding enthusiastic using the imagination mockery placing blame showing immense affection to lack proper respect or seriousness conventional, sticking to form directly frank without hesitation candid, undisguised silly, not serious angry, furious easy-going, accepting frivolous, silliness darkness, sadness, rejection uncompromising, frightful easily deceived unfeeling, insensitive proud and vain to the point of arrogance modest, unimportant with humor, comical equitable, not biased filled with emotion requesting urgently without sense or intelligence enraged, encite to anger skeptical no interest, apathetic marked by anger; aroused by justice instructive, to impart knowledge strong, vehement very familiar sarcastic unbelieving happy authoritative, often having critical opinions praising knowledgeable, wise, educated exaggeratedly mournful, dark, brooding expressing a poet s inner feelings;emotional full of images; song-like gruesome, death-like purposely hurtful accepting of conditions;not fanciful or emotional ridicule idea of being noble treating with contempt or ridicule gloomy, sullen, sourly, despondent regretting loss, expressing sorrow unsophisticated, innocent full of oneself, conceit sentimental, remembrance an unbiased view, able to leave personal judgments aside polite and obedient in order to gain something

13 optimistic outraged pathetic patronizing pedantic pensive persuasive pessimistic petty philosophical placating poignant pompous pragmatic pretentious provocative quizzical reflective regretful resentful resigned restrained reticent reverent ribald ridiculing righteous sanguine sarcastic sardonic satiric scathing scornful sensationalistic sincere skeptical solemn somber subjective submissive tolerant tragic unbiased uneasy urgent veneration vexed vibrant vindictive virtuous whimsical witty wonder zealous hopeful, cheerful disgusted, angry exciting pity air of condescension condescending, stodgy, ostentatiously learned reflective, thoughtful trying to get other to take their opinion seeing the worst side of things small minded, doesn t like the big picture pertaining to philosopy appease, calm affecting, biting showy, bragging, ostentatious, pretentious practical, matter-of-fact showy, bragging, ostentatious, incite, arrouse, stir up odd, eccentric, amusing innermost thoughts and emotions sense of loss, looking back painfully angry at having been injured, bitter relinquish, endure with patience held back, controlling emotion reserved, silent treating a subject with honor or respect offensive in speech or gesture slightly contemptuous banter; making fun of virtuous, devout optimistic, cheerful sneering, caustic scornfully and bitterly sarcastic ridiculing to show weakness in order to make a point. teach severly criticize expressing contempt or displeasure intended to thrill without deceit or pretense, genuine doubtful, questioning deeply earnest, tending toward sad depressing, melancholy, serious, grave not objective, biased obedient, yielding patient and fair, endure without complaint very unhappy without predetermined judgement not resigned to belief requiring immediate action, pressingly important admiration, wonder angry, annoyed full of enthusiasm seeking revenge, bitter moral, upright odd, strange, fantastic, fun original and clever remarks in awe or amazement dilligent, earnest Use this space to make notes of other tone words to add to your vocabulary.

14 Vocabulary Acrostic Poems/Definitions Have fun with new vocabulary words and use them in a creative writing style. Give out the words, then write the letter ACROSTIC style and fill in with words or phrases to define the word. Conclude by writing a sentence that defines the word in context. RASH Really Acting Swiftly, sometimes Harshly He ruined his chance for a second date when he made the rash decision to leave his date at the theatre. Bewilder Be Elusive or make people Wonder. Be Indefinable Love often Does this. Ever wondered how Juliet could fall so quickly for Romeo? You were bewildered by their relationship. Benevolent Ben Enjoys helping Needy people Everywhere, Volunteers at Old folks homes, Lends his Ears for friends who Need to Talk What a BENevolent guy. boisterous divulge gaunt jovial nocturnal renegade tranquility devoted cower eclectic hypocrisy amiable recede stereotype frail hilarious