Virginia SOL 8.C.4.A
The Standard
Examine how the media can influence beliefs, behaviors, and interpretations by using persuasive techniques (e.g., name calling, innuendo, glittering generalities, card stacking, bandwagon, testimonials, appeal to prestige, snobbery or plain folks, appeal to emotions).
Virginia Standards of Learning for English · Examining Media Messages
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students identify persuasive techniques used in media messages. They cite specific language, images, or speakers that reveal each technique. They explain how those choices could affect beliefs, actions, or interpretations.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students correctly name persuasive techniques in ads, posts, videos, and speeches. They point to specific words or images as evidence. They explain how those choices may shape an audience’s views or actions.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may label any positive claim as a glittering generality or confuse testimonials with bandwagon appeals. They may also identify a technique without explaining its intended effect on the audience.
How to Assess It
- Show one advertisement and ask: “Name one persuasive technique, cite the exact detail that shows it, and explain its likely effect on viewers.”
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs six printed ads to sort by persuasive technique, then have them underline the words or images that support each choice.
Ask students to write which technique would most influence eighth graders and defend their answer with an example.
Play Technique Match with cards showing technique names, definitions, and sample claims that students must group correctly.
Have students analyze a school fundraiser flyer and explain how its wording and images encourage families to participate.
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Printable 8.C.4.A Worksheet
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Related Standards
- 7.C.4.A
Explain persuasive/informative techniques used in media to sway the audience (e.g., innuendo, card stacking, bandwagon, and appeal to emotions).
- 9.C.4.B
Analyze the persuasive techniques used in diverse media formats (e.g., name calling, innuendo, glittering generalities, card stacking, bandwagon, testimonials, ...
- 9.C.4.D
Examine how values and viewpoints are included or excluded and how the media can influence beliefs, behaviors, and interpretations.
- 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, ...
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