4.1.1 Spot the Lie

Complete the Ad Analysis Chart and the Personal Reflection by downloading one of the following worksheets.

• worksheet  (Word)
• worksheet  (PDF)
• worksheet  (Google Doc)

              View how your assignment will be assessed by downloading the 4.1 Spot the Lie Rubric.

1. Optional Personal Reflection topic:   Discuss an ad you consider personally offensive because of the stereotypes included, or people excluded. You might examine stereotyping of teenagers, some social groups, men, women, seniors, parents, social classes, cultures, or minorities.

•     Share details using one of the presentation options listed.
  
  
•     Describe the ad and the qualities that made it disagreeable. Explain how this affects you personally. Be detailed and include your source of information.
  
  
•     Share aspects of your “story” as illustrated in your planning.

2. Consider the following options when choosing a commercial or advertisement. All source information must be cited.

•             YouTube, Vimeo, or other video-sharing websites (TIP)
  
  
•             TV commercial or movie trailer
  
  
•             radio recording or podcast
  
  
•             newspaper, magazine, or catalogue
  
  
•             “Outside the box” source, such as an interesting ad in a washroom or on a billboard; include a picture
  
  
•             three pieces of media (images, ads, commercials, etc.) that support your viewpoint
  
  
•             a 2 to 5 minute oral presentation explaining your observations on the topic
  
  
•             detailed notes and specific examples showing your observations of media
  
  
•             an audio and/or visual “tour” of online media using a webcast*
  
  
•             one or two video ads
  

* Webcast tip: Write and follow a script. Have all sites for your presentation open and ready to view in one click. Check the sound quality of your microphone. If you do not include an oral discussion, enclose a written explanation

3. Caution: The funniest commercial may be tempting, but remember you must examine it in some depth. Find an engaging and informative commercial, with a clear plot and specific product.

4. Submit oral recordings to your teacher using one of these options:

•             phone, voice mail, e-mail, memory stick, podcast on Spreaker, or web tool
•             e-mail, uploaded URL, webcast on Screenr as a downloaded ‘.mp4’ file

5. Always mark online assignment posts you create, as “Private”

View an example of how to do this assignment by opening Tyrone's 4.1 Spot the Lie Assignment.

1. In an extra paragraph to be attached to your assignment, trouble-shoot potential problems in your commercial by considering the elements in your chart and suggesting some improvements or changes. (“If this was my commercial, I would . . .”).

•  Explain any negative aspects of the commercial and where improvements could be made.
  
  
•  Identify stereotypes presented, undesirable elements, and changes necessary to eliminate them in the commercial.
  
  
•  Provide evidence of these observations. Attach your paragraph to the bottom of your ad analysis chart and label it “Trouble-shooting”.

2. Write a plan or storyboard an idea for a parody of your chosen commercial. Present your ideas using one of the presentation formats in the instructions or find an alternative through discussion with your teacher. Label your work “Extra Challenge”.