They are everywhere: in magazines, in newspapers, on the radio, at the movie theater, and on television. It is important that we protect ourselves from marketing "tricks", which are intended to "hook" the viewers/readers/
listeners. Perhaps the product is cheaply made. Maybe it isn't as it appears. Is it worth the price? Is it something you need? Let's dive right in to a commercial and hone our reading skills along the way.
The commercial below is for insecticide.
QUESTION Why was this advertisement written? Would showing real bugs be more effective than animation? Who are the main characters in this presentation? How is this advertisement different from pesticide ads today? Is this product safe to be used around children or pets? PREDICT People may want to buy Raid, because... People would rather buy a different brand, because... I know this product will perform as promised, because... INFER Could this product be used to repel insects at the beach? What images make you think this product is strong? The announcer never tells whether or not it is safe to spray this product on skin. Raid is powerful. I can tell this, because... | CONNECT My experiences with killing bugs are... Some bugs I have seen in our area look like... Alternative methods for killing bugs are... The worst place to be bitten by a bug is... FEEL I did not take this advertisement seriously because... All the talk of "killing" in this commercial makes me feel... The images in the commercial appealed to me, because... EVALUATE Considering the "cartoony" presentation, do you think people take this product seriously? Are insects really scared of this product? What would make this commercial more effective? How will some people react to killing insects in natural, outdoor areas? It may be dishonest when the advertisement claims Raid hunts down bugs like radar. |