Virginia SOL 10.C.4.C
The Standard
Examine and analyze how media messages are constructed based on varying opinions, values, and viewpoints.
Virginia Standards of Learning for English · Examining Media Messages
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students identify the opinions, values, and viewpoints behind media messages. They explain how wording, images, sources, layout, and omitted details guide an audience’s response.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students can compare two accounts of the same issue and identify the viewpoint behind each one. They support their analysis with details such as loaded words, selected images, quoted sources, placement, and omitted information.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may treat bias as deliberate lying or assume only unfamiliar sources have a viewpoint. They may identify a message as biased without citing specific words, images, sources, or omissions.
How to Assess It
- Give students two headlines and images about the same event. Ask them to name each viewpoint and explain how one specific choice supports it.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Groups annotate two front pages with color-coded sticky notes for word choice, images, source selection, placement, and missing details.
Ask students to write: Which audience would find this message convincing, and which specific choices appeal to that audience?
Play Headline Remix by having teams rewrite one neutral event card from assigned viewpoints, then classmates identify each viewpoint and cite clues.
Compare coverage of a local event from a news outlet and an organization’s social media post, noting different goals and selected details.
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Printable 10.C.4.C Worksheet
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Related Standards
- 11.C.4.C
Analyze, compare, and contrast visual and verbal media messages for content (e.g., word choice and choice of information), intent (e.g., persuasive techniques),...
- 12.C.4.D
Explain and analyze how values and viewpoints are included or excluded and how media influences beliefs, interpretations, and behaviors.
- 7.C.4.B
Analyze media messages for facts, opinions, persuasive messages, word choice, and viewpoint.
- 9.C.4.D
Examine how values and viewpoints are included or excluded and how the media can influence beliefs, behaviors, and interpretations.
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