Discussion & Analyzing Media
Aligned to SL.8.1 — Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.
What this lesson teaches
In discussions, build on others' reasoning, and when you watch media, ask why it was made and what it wants you to think or do. Present your own claims with sound reasoning and relevant evidence.
Worked examples
Example 1
Watching a sneaker ad, you ask: 'Why was this made?' The answer — to make you buy — reveals its motive, even though it shows happy athletes rather than facts about the shoe.
Example 2
A charity advert and a shampoo advert use the same techniques. Noticing the technique is not the same as deciding the cause is bad.
Example 3
Ask who paid. A study on sugar funded by a beverage company is not automatically wrong, but you read it differently.
Practice questions
- Analyze an ad: what does it want you to think or do?
- Present a claim with reasoning and one piece of evidence.
- Build on a peer's point in a discussion.
Watch the lesson
Every lesson comes with a video taught in English and Spanish — the same video the QR code in the printed workbook opens.
▶ Watch this lessonEn español
Participación en discusiones y análisis de medios de comunicación
En las discusiones, retoma el razonamiento de los demás; cuando veas contenido mediático, pregúntate por qué fue creado y qué quiere que pienses o hagas. Presenta tus propias posturas con argumentos sólidos y evidencia relevante.
Ejemplo 1: Al ver un anuncio de tenis, te preguntas: '¿Para qué fue hecho esto?' La respuesta —para que compres— revela su intención, aunque el anuncio muestre deportistas felices en lugar de datos concretos sobre el producto.
Ejemplo 2: Un anuncio de beneficencia y uno de champú usan las mismas técnicas. Notar la técnica no es lo mismo que decidir que la causa es mala.
Ejemplo 3: Pregunta quién pagó. Un estudio sobre el azúcar financiado por una refresquera no es automáticamente falso, pero se lee distinto.
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