Before your students reached your morning class to learn about persuasive writing, they probably saw dozens of examples of persuasive communication in the form of advertisements. A short, introductory lesson inspires class members to compare the ways companies use advertising to the arguments used in persuasive essays. Groups then design their own products and advertising campaigns.

Concepts

communication, persuasive arguments, persuasive techniques, advertising, rhetorical devices

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

english language arts

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Bring in examples of advertisements that learners can identify from a variety of media, including magazines, commercials, and movies with product placement
• Use the activity as the first step in a unit that culminates in an argument essay

Classroom Considerations

• The lesson is designed for high schoolers, but would be more appropriate for middle school classes
• Connect to a lesson that provides more instruction on persuasive techniques
• Part of a larger unit on persuasive writing, the plan for which is attached and linked within the resource

Pros

• Aptly compares modern advertisements to arguments in a persuasive essay
• Easy setup and implementation

Cons

• Activity requires more scaffolding than provided; learners need more time and steps to create their products and choose the appropriate rhetorical devices

Common Core

W.8.1.a W.9-10.1.a W.11-12.1.a SL.8.1.a SL.9-10.1.a SL.11-12.1.a