Media Literacy Case Studies Worksheet

In this worksheet, you will be provided with real-world examples of media messages. Your task is to analyze each example by answering the questions that follow. Read each case study carefully, identify persuasive techniques, and evaluate the credibility of the sources.

Case Study 1: The Advertisement

Imagine you see a colorful advertisement for a new sports drink that claims it "boosts your energy instantly." The ad features famous athletes and vibrant images of active lifestyles.

Questions:

1. What persuasive techniques do you notice in the advertisement (e.g., use of celebrities, emotional appeal, flashy visuals)?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Do you think the information provided in the advertisement is factual or exaggerated? Explain your reasoning.
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. How might the use of celebrities affect your perception of the product? Provide examples if possible.
   
   
   
   
   
   

Case Study 2: The News Headline

Consider a news headline that reads, "Local School Achieves Record-Breaking Test Scores!" The article gives few details and focuses on dramatic language.

Questions:

1. What persuasive elements are present in the headline and the brief description that follow?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. What questions would you ask to verify the credibility of this news story? List at least two questions.
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Discuss how such headlines might influence public perception of the school without providing all facts.
   
   
   
   
   
   

Reflection

After analyzing the case studies above, answer the following:

1. Why is it important to critically analyze media messages before accepting information as true?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. In what ways might persuasive techniques be used to shape your opinions or behaviors in daily life? Provide a personal example if possible.
   
   
   
   
   
   

Take your time and think carefully about each response. Your answers will help you understand how media messages can influence your thoughts and actions.

Media Message Role-Play Activity

In this engaging activity, students will participate in role-playing scenarios where they create and present their own media messages. This interactive exercise will allow students to experience firsthand how media messages are constructed and how persuasive techniques are applied.

Guidelines for the Activity

1. Preparation (5 minutes):
   - Briefly review key media literacy concepts such as bias, persuasion, and perspective.
   - Introduce some common persuasive techniques used in media.
   
   
   

2. Activity Setup (5 minutes):
   - Divide students into small groups (3-4 students per group).
   - Assign each group a scenario or topic (e.g., promoting a healthy habit, advertising a fictional product, or presenting a public service announcement).
   
   
   

3. Role-Play Creation (10 minutes):
   - Each group will create a short role-play scene (2-3 minutes) that features a media message using persuasive techniques.
   - Encourage creativity: students may incorporate visuals, props, or even simple costumes.
   - Remind students to include clear persuasive elements such as emotional appeal, use of celebrities (role-played by members), or selective presentation of facts.
   
   
   

4. Presentation (5 minutes):
   - Each group will present their role-play to the class.
   - After each presentation, ask the class to identify the persuasive techniques used and to discuss their effectiveness.
   
   
   

5. Debrief & Reflection (5 minutes):
   - Facilitate a whole-class discussion on the role-plays.
   - Ask questions like:
   - "Which persuasive techniques were most effective?"
   - "How did the role-play change your understanding of how media messages are constructed?"
   - "Can you think of real-life examples where these techniques are used?"
   
   
   

Follow-Up Points

• Highlight how understanding these techniques can help in critically analyzing media messages in everyday life.
  
  
  
• Encourage students to reflect on the role-playing experience by writing a short reflection piece on what they learned about media persuasion.
  
  
  

This activity not only reinforces media literacy concepts but also promotes teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking in authentic, interactive settings.

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