Virginia SOL 6.C.4.C
The Standard
Explain the characteristics and analyze the effectiveness of a variety of media messages by considering the results and/or impact on the intended audience.
Virginia Standards of Learning for English · Examining Media Messages
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students examine advertisements, videos, posters, social media posts, and other media messages. They explain how each message targets an audience and judge whether its choices produce the intended effect.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students identify the intended audience and explain how specific words, images, sounds, or design choices target that group. They judge effectiveness using evidence and predict a likely audience response.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may confuse a message they like with one that works for its audience. They may name colors, music, or images without explaining how those choices shape audience response.
How to Assess It
- Show one advertisement or public service announcement. Ask students to name the intended audience, cite two media choices, and explain whether the message would influence that audience.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give groups printed ads and sticky notes to label the audience, message, design choices, and likely audience reaction.
Discuss: Which feature most influences the intended audience, and what evidence supports your choice?
Play Media Match by pairing message cards with audience cards, then requiring teams to defend each match with one specific feature.
Compare two local event posters and decide which would attract more sixth graders, using images, wording, and layout as evidence.
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Deconstruct various types of media to identify the characteristics and determine the effectiveness of the intended messages.
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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.B
Analyze and critique the effectiveness of media messages by evaluating the purpose, evidence, and clarity for specific purposes with targeted audiences.
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