EXPECTED ANSWERS 6. Opinion 7. Claim 8. Claims of Value 9. Claims of Facts 10. Claim of Policy
Evaluating persuasive texts for clarity of meaning and validity of information is crucial because it enables individuals to critically assess the reliability and intention behind the messages they encounter.
Understanding propaganda and persuasive techniques equips readers to discern between factual information and manipulative content, fostering informed decision-making and protecting against misinformation.
This skill is essential for participating effectively in democratic processes, making sound personal choices, and promoting intellectual integrity in public discourse.
1. What is the difference between propaganda techniques and persuasive techniques?
2. What are propaganda techniques, and how do they differ from other forms of persuasion?
3. How does the use of propaganda affect the text’s credibility and the trustworthiness of the information presented?
VOC ABULARY MIND MAPS
Directions: Create mind maps for the words given. Write the word in the center of your paper or digital mind map tool. Draw a circle or box around it to make it stand out. Draw branches out from the central word.
On each branch, write a word that is related to the central word. This can include synonyms, antonyms, or other related terms. On additional branches, write example sentences or phrases that show how the word can be used in context.
Propaganda is a way of sharing information or ideas to make people believe, feel, or do something. It often uses persuasive techniques to influence people’s thoughts or actions.
An advertisement saying, “This soap will make your skin glow instantly!” is trying to convince you to buy the soap. EXAMPLE:
2. Why is it Important to Learn about Propaganda?
To recognize when someone is trying to influence you.
To think critically before believing or acting on information.
To make informed decisions in daily life (shopping, voting, social media, etc.).
3. Common Propaganda Techniques Here are some popular techniques, explained with examples students can relate to
BANDWAGON
Meaning: “Everyone is doing it, so you should too.”
Example: A commercial says, “Join the millions who already switched to our toothpaste!”
TESTIMONIAL
Meaning: Using famous people or experts to promote something.
Example: A basketball star says, “I always drink this energy drink before a game.”
Effect: People trust or admire the endorser, so they believe the product is good.
GLITTERING GENERALITIES
Meaning: Using positive-sounding words that don’t give real details.
Example: “This is the most amazing phone ever made!” (but no proof is given)
Effect: Creates excitement without giving facts.
NAME -CALLING
Meaning: Attacking a person, group, or idea with negative labels.
Example: A political ad calling the opponent “lazy” or “untrustworthy.”
Effect: Makes you dislike something without real evidence.
CARD STACKING
Meaning: Showing only the good side of something and hiding the bad side.
Example: A fast-food ad shows a juicy burger but doesn’t mention it’s unhealthy.
Effect: You get a one-sided picture.
PLAIN FOLKS
Meaning: Showing that the speaker or product is just like “ordinary people.”
Example: A politician eats at a small diner to look relatable.
Effect: Makes people feel the person understands their life.
TRANSFER
Meaning: Using feelings about one thing to make you feel the same about another.
Example: Showing a national flag in an ad to make you feel patriotic about a product.
Effect: Connects emotions (love for country, happiness) to unrelated items.
4. HOW TO SPOT PROPAGANDA
ASK YOURSELF 1.What is this message trying to make me do or feel?
2.Is there evidence to support this claim? ASK YOURSELF
3.Are important details missing? ASK YOURSELF
Think before you believe or act. ASK YOURSELF
PERSUASION METER
Directions: Examine each poster or slogan provided carefully. Pay attention to the visual elements, wording, and overall message conveyed.
Based on your assessment of each poster or slogan, check the column of the percentage indicating your level of conviction or persuasion. Use the following scale
100%: Fully convinced or persuaded by the message. 50%: Somewhat convinced or persuaded, but still have doubts or reservations. 0%: Not convinced or persuaded at all by the message.
POSTER/SLOGAN 100% 50% 0%
POSTER/SLOGAN 100% 50% 0%
POSTER/SLOGAN 100% 50% 0%
POSTER/SLOGAN 100% 50% 0%
Have you ever had a dramatic change of heart or a strong emotional response after looking at something as simple as a billboard or a commercial? If so, you may have been looking at propaganda.
It is everywhere you turn, from the newspaper to the internet to your favorite sitcom. In fact, we are so swamped with propaganda that much of what we see and hear inevitably affects us, informing everything from the brand of shampoo we buy to our ideologies and worldviews.
PROPAGANDA
Propaganda, in the most neutral sense, means to disseminate or promote particular ideas. In Latin, it means “to propagate” or “to sow.” It is a form of communication that attempts to achieve a response that furthers the desired intent of the propagandist.
Jacques Ellul (1965) believed that people need propaganda because we live in mass society. Propaganda, he said, enables us to participate in important events such as elections, celebrations, and memorials.
Ellul said that truth does not separate propaganda from “moral forms” because propaganda uses truth, half-truth, and limited truth.
Shawn J. Parry-Giles (2002) defined propaganda as “conceived of as strategically devised messages that are disseminated to masses of people by an institution for the purpose of generating action benefiting its source.”
Common propaganda techniques include bandwagon, which encourages people to follow the crowd; glittering generalities, which use vague, positive phrases to evoke strong feelings; transfer, which associates a product or idea with something respected or revered
and half-truths, which present partially accurate information while omitting crucial details. Understanding these techniques is crucial for critically analyzing the messages we encounter in media, advertising, and politics.
BANDWAGON
The bandwagon technique exploits what is sometimes referred to as “the herding instinct.” People like to belong to the majority group and dislike being left out. The bandwagon technique manipulates people by appealing to these instincts.
The term “bandwagon” has its origins in the 1800s, when politicians used wagons with music and entertainment to attract audiences. Once a sizeable crowd had gathered, the politician would speak.
Other politicians, recognizing the popularity of certain bandwagons and hoping to take advantage of their success, would often try to get a seat on the bandwagon. In their haste to gain popularity, these politicians would often end up joining causes they did not believe in, just to be part of a winning team.
The phrase “jumping on the bandwagon” was used to describe this political phenomenon, and, eventually, the term was used outside the political realm. In modern usage, the term “bandwagon effect” refers to any situation in which people attempt to be part of a successful or popular endeavor merely for the sake of its popularity.
-Five million members and growing! -This TV show is so popular, I have to watch it to be part of the conversation. -Most scientists believe global warming is a result of human activity. EXAMPLES
-Everyone's supporting this politician, so I guess I should too. -Everyone is using this skincare product; it must be effective. EXAMPLES
The bandwagon technique is sometimes used in defense of claims that are true. However, regardless of the truth of the claims, any argument that relies on the bandwagon effect is based on flawed logic.
Truth should be conveyed using sound, logical arguments, not merely by appeals to popularity. For example, take the following statement: Most people accept that gravity exists; therefore, I will also accept that gravity exists.
The conclusion, that gravity exists, is true. Nevertheless, the logic is flawed. The law of gravity is not subject to popular approval; it exists independent of human beliefs.
The bandwagon technique takes advantage of the human desire to be a part of the majority group or the winning team. EXAMPLES
PART 1 – WARM-UP: QUICK RECOGNITION
SHOW THREE SHORT EXAMPLES (POSTERS OR SLOGANS).
“Join the millions who choose FreshSmile toothpaste!” EXAMPLES
“Our phones are the most amazing ever made!” EXAMPLES
“Drink what champions drink – PowerBoost Energy!” EXAMPLES
Which propaganda technique is this? QUESTION
What’s the message trying to make you do or feel? ASK YOURSELF
PART 2 – PERSUASION METER
PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH THE PERSUASION METER TABLE
Poster/Slogan 100% 50% 0% Example 1 Example 2 Example 3
Show 5 different propaganda examples (mix of techniques).
For each, students check how convinced they feel
100%: Fully convinced or persuaded 50%: Somewhat convinced 0%: Not convinced at all
PART 3 – GROUP CHALLENGE
PROPAGANDA IS EVERYWHERE — IN ADS, SOCIAL MEDIA, POLITICS, AND EVERYDAY CONVERSATIONS. BY RECOGNIZING ITS TECHNIQUES, STUDENTS CAN
Shop wisely – Avoid buying things just because they’re popular or endorsed by celebrities.
Use social media critically – Question posts and memes; check for evidence and missing details.
Evaluate political messages – Identify if claims are based on facts or one-sided information.
Resist peer pressure – Make choices based on reason, not just because “everyone is doing it.”
REFLECTION
WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM THE LESSON?
EVALUATION TIME
Read each question carefully. Choose the letter of the correct answer and write it on your paper. DIRECTION:
1. What is the main purpose of propaganda? a. To give neutral and balanced information b. To persuade people to believe, feel, or do something c. To entertain audiences with stories d. To collect opinions from the public
2. Which of the following is an example of the bandwagon technique? a. “This phone is the best in the market!” b. “A fam ous singer uses this perfume every day.” c. “Join the millions who already switched to our toothpaste!” d. “This burger is big, juicy, and delicious.”
3. Why is it important to learn about propaganda? a. To memorize all advertisement slogans b. To av oid using social media c. To recognize when someone is trying to influence you d. To follow popular trends without thinking
4. Which propaganda technique uses positive words without giving real proof? a. Name-Calling b. Gl ittering Generalities c. Testimonial d. Card Stacking
5. In the testimonial technique, persuasion is done by: a. Showing only the good side of a product and hiding the bad b. Us ing negative labels to make someone or something look bad c. Using famous people or experts to promote something d. Making the speaker appear like an ordinary person
ANSWER KEY
1. What is the main purpose of propaganda? a. To give neutral and balanced information b. To persuade people to believe, feel, or do something c. To entertain audiences with stories d. To collect opinions from the public
2. Which of the following is an example of the bandwagon technique? a. “This phone is the best in the market!” b. “A fam ous singer uses this perfume every day.” c. “Join the millions who already switched to our toothpaste!” d. “This burger is big, juicy, and delicious.”
3. Why is it important to learn about propaganda? a. To memorize all advertisement slogans b. To av oid using social media c. To recognize when someone is trying to influence you d. To follow popular trends without thinking
4. Which propaganda technique uses positive words without giving real proof? a. Name-Calling b. Gl ittering Generalities c. Testimonial d. Card Stacking
5. In the testimonial technique, persuasion is done by: a. Showing only the good side of a product and hiding the bad b. Us ing negative labels to make someone or something look bad c. Using famous people or experts to promote something d. Making the speaker appear like an ordinary person