Dossier of Discovery: The Poison Squad

Learning Intention:

I am learning to use persuasive techniques in an argument so that I can plan, rehearse and present an advertisement.

Success Criteria:

• I can use persuasive techniques when making an argument
• I can present a multimodal advertisement using pathos, logos and ethos

Essential knowledge:

For more information about making arguments, view The School Magazine’s video on Argumentungroup.

For more information about persuasive techniques in advertising, view the Read Write Think document Persuasive Techniques in Advertisingungroup.

For a marking rubric that students can refer to while creating their advertisement, view The School Magazine’s Stage 3 Comprehending and Creating Persuasive Textsungroup.

For more information about conveying credibility, view The School Magazine’s video on Authorityungroup.

Oral language and communication

View an advertisement that includes pathos, logos and ethos, such as Colgate Dentist DRTVungroup. Discuss the persuasive techniques such as:

- the two women sharing their negative experiences at the beginning (pathos)

- the mention of dentists (trusted, credible experts) recommending Colgate (ethos)

- the facts and evidence given by the actor portraying a “real dentist testimonial” (logos)

- the white coat worn by the actor portraying a dentist (ethos) NOTE: This is a good time to ensure students understand that persuasive techniques can be visual as well as verbal

- the two women sharing their positive experiences at the end (pathos)

Also discuss other persuasive techniques, such as “bribery” with the free trial offered at the end of the advertisement (for a list of techniques, refer to the Read Write Think document Persuasive Techniques in Advertisingungroup).

Understanding text:

Explain that the class is about to read an article about an activity, and students will have to create an advertisement encouraging people to sign up for the activity. Then reveal the title: The Poison Squad.

Read the text as a class, or listen to the audio recording if you have a digital subscription. After reading, ask students to brainstorm positive aspects of the job they could put into their advertisement to convince people to sign up. When enough ideas have been suggested, discuss whether they’re pathos, logos or ethos. Examples include:

- making food safe for everyone, including their families (pathos)

- free delicious and fresh food (pathos)

- get to have free health check-ups (pathos)

- no one has ever died from it (logos)

- leads to banning of unsafe foods by officials (ethos)

Creating text:

In groups of three or four, students plan and rehearse an advertisement calling for people to sign up to be part of the poison squad. They should consider how to present their own credibility (authority) to convince people they are trustworthy. Provide students with examples such as wearing a white coat and safety glasses to give the impression that they have scientific knowledge, or being surrounded by beakers/laboratory equipment. Discuss phrases such as “Sign up today - you won’t be sorry” or “An incredible experience to help keep future generations safe” for an emotional appeal.

Students can use The School Magazine’s Stage 3 Comprehending and Creating Persuasive Textsungroup rubric to inform their planning.

If available, have students record their final presentation on tablets. Another option is to have groups present to the class using a PowerPoint presentation or similar.

Assessment for/as learning:

After groups have presented to the class, peers can fill out a Two Stars and a Wishungroup feedback form.