Evaluate persuasive texts for clarity of meaning and validity of information ENGLISH 8 Q2 W2 DAY 2
SHORT REVI EW
1.What is propaganda?
2.Give one reason why it is important to learn about propaganda.
3.Which propaganda technique encourages you to join because “everyone is doing it”?
4.What technique uses famous people or experts to promote a product or idea?
5.What should you ask yourself to spot propaganda before believing or acting on it? (Give one question.)
Understand that persuasive texts aim to influence what people think, feel, or do, and that propaganda is one strategy used to achieve this.
Identify and differentiate common propaganda techniques (Bandwagon, Glittering Generalities, Plain Folks, Testimonial, Card Stacking, Name-Calling, Transfer) used in politics, advertising, social campaigns, and social media.
Analyze how political correctness shapes propaganda by softening language, using inclusive terms, and framing issues respectfully while still persuading.
Think critically about persuasive messages in daily life to make informed, responsible, and ethical decisions in line with democratic values and respect for diversity.
1.Persuasive Texts – Writings or speeches designed to influence what people think, feel, or do.
2.Propaganda – Information, often biased or exaggerated, used to promote a specific political cause, belief, or point of view.
3.Political Correctness – Using language that avoids offending or marginalizing people based on race, gender, religion, disability, or other identities.
4.Biased – Showing favoritism toward one side or opinion, often in an unfair way.
5.Exaggerated – Made to seem bigger, better, or more important than it really is.
Persuasive texts are designed to influence what people think, feel, or do. In politics, advertising, social campaigns, and even social media posts, writers and speakers often use propaganda techniques to persuade an audience.
When we talk about political correctness, it means using language and communication that avoids offending or marginalizing people based on race, gender, religion, disability, or other identities.
Political correctness shapes how propaganda is framed—messages may be adjusted to sound respectful, inclusive, or neutral, while still persuading.
What is Propaganda in Persuasive Texts? QUESTION
Propaganda is information, often biased or exaggerated, that is used to promote a particular political cause or point of view.
In persuasive texts, propaganda techniques influence people’s opinions, emotions, and actions—sometimes subtly, sometimes directly.
COMMON PROPAGANDA TECHNIQUES AND THEIR DIFFERENCES
Technique Definition Example in a Politically Correct Context Bandwagon Encouraging people to do something because “everyone else is doing it.” "Millions of responsible citizens have already joined the eco-friendly movement—don’t be left out!" Glittering Generalities Using vague, emotionally appealing words that have positive connotations. "Together for a brighter, fairer future for all communities."
Technique Definition Example in a Politically Correct Context Plain Folks Presenting the speaker or message as relatable and ordinary. "Like you, I work hard to put food on the table and want safe neighborhoods for our families." Testimonial Using endorsements from famous or respected people. "Beloved teacher Mrs. Reyes supports this education reform for the benefit of every child."
Technique Definition Example in a Politically Correct Context Card Stacking Presenting only information that supports one side and ignoring the other. "Our renewable energy plan will create jobs and protect nature" (omitting cost details). Name-Calling Attaching negative labels to an opponent. (In political correctness, this is toned down or replaced with careful criticism.) Instead of "They are ignorant," a PC version might say, "Some groups may not yet have all the facts about climate change."
Technique Definition Example in a Politically Correct Context Transfer Associating a cause with respected symbols or values. "Standing under the national flag, we commit to protecting equal rights for all."
HOW POLITICAL CORRECTNESS CHANGES PROPAGANDA
Softens harsh language to avoid offense (e.g., “economically disadvantaged” instead of “poor”).
Uses inclusive terms (e.g., “people with disabilities” instead of “the handicapped”).
Frames issues in a way that appears fair to all sides while still persuading.
Focuses on shared values rather than attacking opponents directly.
DIFFERENTIATING THE TECHNIQUES
To tell techniques apart, ask
1.)Is it appealing to popularity? → Bandwagon
2.)Is it using vague, nice-sounding words? → Glittering Generalities
3.)Is it making the speaker look “just like us”? → Plain Folks
4.)Is it quoting a respected figure? → Testimonial
5.)Is it hiding certain facts? → Card Stacking
6.)Is it labeling or insulting an opponent? → Name-Calling (or softened version)
7.)Is it linking the message to a powerful symbol or idea? → Transfer
GLITTERING GENERALITIES
Glittering generalities is a colorful term for the appealing, but vague words that often appear in propaganda. Rather than explaining the use of these words, the propagandist leaves them to stand alone as a defense of his or her position.
Without context or specific definitions, they serve the sole purpose of evoking certain feelings in the audience. If everything proceeds according to plans, these feelings then translate into unquestioning approval of whatever the propagandist says.
EXAMPLES
Our candidate is the epitome of honesty and integrity. This statement appeals to the audience's desire for trustworthy leadership without providing specific instances or evidence of the candidate's honesty and integrity. Join our program and be part of a brighter future for our nation. This phrase taps into the desire for a better future but does not specify how exactly the program will achieve this or what it entails. This product will revolutionize your life and make you happier than ever. This statement promises life-changing benefits without offering any concrete evidence or specifics about how the product will achieve this.
Supporting our cause will bring about unprecedented prosperity for all. While appealing to the desire for prosperity, this statement lacks details on how exactly the cause will achieve such widespread success. With our company, you'll experience unparalleled success and fulfillment. This statement makes grand promises without providing specific examples or evidence of how the company will deliver on its claims.
Spotting glittering generalities is simply a matter of looking for vague, positive words that are not explained. A reasonable argument, by contrast, will justify the words being used, explaining exactly what they mean in context and how they will be achieved.
WITHOUT CONTEXT OR SPECIFIC DEFINITIONS, GLITTERING GENERALITIES SERVE ONLY TO EVOKE EMOTIONS.
TRANSFER
Transfer propaganda is the subtle but dangerous method. Also known as “association” and “false connection,” transfer is closely related to the testimonial technique. In this method, the propagandist encourages the transfer of feelings and associations from one idea, symbol, or person to another.
Transfer propaganda involves associating a person, product, or idea with something positive or negative to influence perception.
Some symbols are fairly straightforward. The symbol of the skull and crossbones warns the viewer of danger or calls to mind the violent pillaging of a pirate raid. A dove signals peace.
Some symbols, however, will mean one thing to one person and quite the opposite to another person. The propagandist’s challenge is to use symbols that are appropriate to his or her audience.
EXAMPLE
Political Candidate Posing with Religious Leaders A political candidate may strategically pose for photos or attend events with respected religious leaders to transfer the trust and respect people have for those leaders onto themselves. This implies that the candidate shares the same values and principles as the religious figure, even if there's no direct evidence of such alignment. Using National Symbols in Advertisements Companies or organizations may use national symbols such as the Philippine flag or iconic landmarks to associate their brand with patriotism and national pride. This transfer suggests that by supporting or purchasing from the company, consumers are also demonstrating their love for their country.
Celebrities Endorsing Health Products Celebrities are often used in advertisements for health products like vitamins or supplements. By associating the celebrity's image with the product, the advertiser aims to transfer the viewer's admiration for the celebrity onto the product, implying that using the product will lead to similar health and vitality. Political Party Using National Colors in Campaign Materials A political party might use the colors of the Philippine flag in its campaign materials to evoke a sense of patriotism and national unity. This transfer implies that supporting the party is synonymous with supporting the nation's interests.
Promoting a Product with Images of Happy Families Advertisements for consumer goods like food or household items often feature images of happy families enjoying the product together. This transfer suggests that by using the product, consumers can achieve similar levels of happiness and satisfaction in their own lives.
IN THE TECHNIQUE KNOWN AS “TRANSFER,” PROPAGANDISTS TRY TO CIRCUMVENT LOGIC BY ENCOURAGING THEIR AUDIENCES TO TRANSFER EMOTIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS FROM ONE THING TO ANOTHER.
HALF-TRUTHS
A half-truth is a statement that is essentially true but lacking critical information and presented as the whole truth. It is a deceptive statement that contains some, but not all, elements of the truth.
The purpose of a half-truth is to present a speaker or argument in a flattering way. This can mean evading blame, inflating importance or power, or projecting confidence.
Half-truths propaganda involves presenting information that is partially accurate but deliberately omitting key details or context to manipulate perception.
EXAMPLE
Political Campaign Ads Highlighting Achievements A political candidate may run ads boasting about their accomplishments in office. While the achievements mentioned might be true, the ads may conveniently leave out any failures or controversies during their tenure, giving voters an incomplete picture of their performance. Selective Quoting in Media Coverage News outlets may selectively quote individuals or sources to support a particular narrative while ignoring contradictory evidence or perspectives. By presenting only one side of the story, the media can sway public opinion in a certain direction while still technically reporting accurate information.
Misleading Statistics in Government Reports Government agencies may release reports or data that highlight positive trends or improvements while downplaying negative aspects. For example, a report on poverty reduction may focus on the overall decrease in poverty rates but fail to mention the widening wealth gap or the persistence of poverty in certain regions. Product Advertisements Exaggerating Benefits Advertisements for consumer products may exaggerate the benefits or effectiveness of the product while downplaying any potential side effects or limitations. For example, a beauty product may claim to eliminate wrinkles without mentioning that results vary depending on factors like age and skin type.
Misrepresentation of Historical Events Textbooks or historical accounts may present a biased or one-sided interpretation of past events to glorify certain figures or ideologies while vilifying others. By omitting or downplaying inconvenient truths, these accounts can shape public perception of history to fit a particular agenda.
HALF-TRUTHS PROPAGANDA MANIPULATES PERCEPTION BY PRESENTING SELECTIVELY ACCURATE INFORMATION WHILE DELIBERATELY OMITTING CRUCIAL DETAILS.
ACTIVITY 1: PROPAGANDA PLAYBOOK
Directions: Identify the type of propaganda technique used in each example below. Explain how the technique is employed to influence the audience.
Statement/Scenario Type of Propaganda Used Explanation 1. Experience the ultimate Filipino pride with San Miguel Beer. 2. Manny Pacquiao endorsing Alaxan FR 3. An ad claims that a Filipino snack is "made from natural ingredients," but omits that it also contains unhealthy preservatives.
Statement/Scenario Type of Propaganda Used Explanation 4. Everyone is switching to Globe Telecom for faster internet. Are you in? 5. "Tulungan natin silang makaahon sa kahirapan sa pamamagitan ng Gawad Kalinga" ("Let's help them rise out of poverty through Gawad Kalinga")
Propaganda appears in ads, social media, politics, and everyday conversations, often using persuasive techniques to influence thoughts and actions. Political correctness can soften the language but still deliver persuasive messages.
REFLECTION
WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM THE LESSON?
HO MEWORK
1.) Read the list of propaganda techniques in your notes (Bandwagon, Glittering Generalities, Plain Folks, Testimonial, Card Stacking, Name-Calling, Transfer). INSTRUCTIONS:
2.) Find 3 real-life examples of persuasive texts or messages. These can be from: -Advertisements (TV, online, posters, billboards) -Social media posts -Political speeches or campaign materials -Public service announcements INSTRUCTIONS:
3.) For each example, write: a. Where you found it (e.g., Facebook ad, TV commercial, campaign flyer) b. The exact message or slogan used c. The propaganda technique it shows d. How political correctness is (or isn’t) used in the message e. Your short analysis – Do you think it’s effective? Why or why not? INSTRUCTIONS: