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 a product that relieves indigestion - Alka Seltzer.
QUESTION What does mama mia mean? How many meatballs did this man have to eat? How does Alka Seltzer work to help an upset stomach? PREDICT This ad was popular because it is funny. People would buy the product because they can relate to the pain the man experiences. INFER Overeating always causes indigestion. Spicy food causes indigestion to be worse. One must drink the dissolved product. | CONNECT I have experienced an upset stomach from eating too much. There are many other products that claim to help indigestion. FEEL I started to feel sick, watching the man eat so many meatballs. I feel sorry for this couple, because they have to redo the scene so many times. EVALUATE This commercial could be considered stereotypical of Italian people. This commercial could be made better by... |