LEARN IT: Bias and Propaganda

1. Assignment: Create an ad LEARN IT: Bias and Propaganda S2.5 Analyze author’s use of bias and propaganda techniques. (Indicators: E2-2.3; E2-2.7) Bias and

2. Name: __________________________ period #________ Date: _____________ Assignment: Create an ad Bias refers to an author’s inclination toward a particular opinion or position. Sometimes an author states his or her bias outright. Often, however, authors will mask their opinions with strategies such as these: • Emotionally charged language Loaded words like disgraceful, remarkable, or bravely • can betray an author’s bias. • Oversimplification Statements that exaggerate or generalize (e.g., “The entire world is • against us”) reveal bias. So does the use of stereotypes, or attributing one quality to an • entire group of people. • One-sided arguments Authors sometimes reveal bias by failing to acknowledge • reasonable arguments that put forward opinions contrary to their own. • Rhetorical questions These are questions with easy, obvious answers. A writer may • pose them to make readers feel in agreement with an argument. Propaganda is biased writing that makes no attempt to be evenhanded. In fact, the aim of propaganda is to change the public’s thoughts or actions. Propaganda uses all the strategies listed above and may enhance them with distortion of the truth and outright lies. 20 pts - Create a 1 page (8*10”) ad 20 pts. - Use propaganda technique - Need to create a jingle or some slogan 20 pts. - Make contact info. clear – your name and a way to reach you 20 pts. - Grammar needs to be correct - 20 pts. - Neat and attractive