Abusing Power: Animal Farm and Wicked History

Lesson 6
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ELA

Unit 3

8th Grade

Lesson 6 of 32

Objective


Define propaganda and gather evidence about a specific propaganda technique in preparation for creating an informational poster.

Readings and Materials


  • Article: “11 Red Flags of Gaslighting in a Relationship” by Stephanie A. Sarkis 

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A Note for Teachers


As a part of intellectual preparation, revisit student answers in the Anticipation Guide (G8, Lit U3, L1), paying particular attention to questions 3, 5, and 7 prior to starting this lesson. Based on student responses, determine how to guide students through the conversations related to today's lesson. 

Target Task


Writing Prompt

Submit a graphic organizer demonstrating your research in preparation for answering the following prompt:

Working in pairs/small groups, create a poster that educates your classmates about a specific propaganda technique. Additionally, write an informational paragraph summarizing the features of this technique.

  • Name-calling
  • Glittering generalities
  • Euphemisms
  • Transfer
  • Testimonial
  • Plain Folks
  • Bandwagon
  • Fear
  • Unwarranted extrapolation

Your poster and paragraph must include:

  • A definition of this propaganda technique written in your own words
  • Specific aspects/characteristics of this technique
  • The intended impact of this technique
  • Two examples of this technique

Sample Response

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Key Questions


Close Read Questions

  • According to the article, "Propaganda is Everywhere," what is propaganda?

  • According to the article, "Propaganda is Everywhere," who uses propaganda, and what is its purpose?

  • According to the article, "Propaganda is Everywhere," why is it important to recognize propaganda, particularly today?

Vocabulary


Text-based

perception

n.

a way of seeing, understanding, or interpreting something; a mental impression

Literary Terms

propaganda

information that is used to shape the way that people think and behave, generally as a way to promote a particular political cause, point of view, or product.

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Common Core Standards


  • RI.8.2 — Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.
  • W.8.2 — Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content
  • W.8.9 — Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

Supporting Standards

L.8.6
RI.8.1
RI.8.4
RI.8.10
SL.8.1
SL.8.6
W.8.4
W.8.8
W.8.9.b
W.8.10

Next

Draft a paragraph and create a poster that informs classmates about a propaganda technique.

Lesson 7
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Lesson Map

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