Virginia SOL 7.C.4.C
The Standard
Compare and contrast the effectiveness of techniques in auditory, visual, and written media messages (e.g., authorship, format, content, purpose) 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 compare how the same message works in audio, visual, and written forms. They explain how the creator, format, content, and purpose shape its effect on a specific audience.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students identify specific choices in sound, images, layout, and wording. They judge which version works best for an intended audience and support that judgment with clear evidence.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may list differences without explaining how they affect the audience. They may assume the most colorful version is strongest, confuse format with purpose, or ignore the creator’s credibility.
How to Assess It
- Play a 20-second public service announcement, then show a poster and paragraph with the same message. Students choose the best version for middle schoolers and cite two effective techniques.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give groups a podcast clip, infographic, and article on one topic, then have them mark techniques with color-coded sticky notes.
Have students write: “Which version would best persuade seventh graders, and what specific choice makes it effective?”
Play Technique Match, where teams pair sound, image, layout, or wording cards with the audience effect each choice creates.
Compare a school announcement sent by email, poster, and morning broadcast, then choose the best format for students and justify it.
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Printable 7.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),...
- 4.C.4.A
Differentiate between auditory, visual, and written media messages (e.g., videos, podcasts, print advertisements) and their purposes (to explain, to inform, to ...
- 10.C.4.B
Analyze, compare, and contrast visual and verbal media messages for content (e.g., word choice and choice of information), intent (e.g., persuasive techniques, ...
- 6.C.4.C
Explain the characteristics and analyze the effectiveness of a variety of media messages by considering the results and/or impact on the intended audience.
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