When we break apart the skills involved in reading comprehension, we are constantly amazed at how many skills there really are. We use the same skills when we watch TV shows, listen to music, and view advertisements.
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.
You may recognize the product below, but you probably never saw it this way.
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.
You may recognize the product below, but you probably never saw it this way.
| QUESTION What does "It'll tickle your innards" mean in this commercial? Where did Mountain Dew get its name? PREDICT Will people want to drink this product in order to get a bang? Do the guns in the commercial make some people more likely to buy the product? Might others be turned off by firearms? INFER Does this advertisement say anything about the drink's flavor? Is Mountain Dew the way to appeal to pretty girls? Why or why not? | CONNECT In areas of the United States, such as the Appalachian and Ozark Mountains, the hillbilly lifestyle has been turned into a cartoon. FEEL How does this commercial make you feel? EVALUATE Is this ad more or less effective than newer commercials for Mountain Dew? Should the animators be more careful with the way they depict shooting? Are mountain people stereotyped with this style of writing? Would a color commercial be more effective than black and white? |
For more information about these six reading skills, see Reading Like a Reader.
