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.
The commercial below is for B-O-L-O-G-N-A.
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 B-O-L-O-G-N-A.
| QUESTION How is bologna pronounced? What does O-S-C-A-R and M-A-Y-E-R spell? Is this an advertisement for food? How can you tell? PREDICT Some people will buy this food for their children. Will people think bologna is a food just for kids? INFER What does it mean to for this company to be "the first name in bologna"? What does the boy mean when he sings that this company "has a way" with bologna? What parts of the commercial tell you that bologna is not eaten by itself? | CONNECT I have fished off a pier with a little fishing pole. I have never felt like singing about my food like this boy does. This company makes other foods, as well. FEEL The boy in this commercial is cute and has a cute voice. This commercial makes some people remember their childhoods with nostalgia. EVALUATE The advertisement fails to mention how someone can get this product. Where might it be available? The product is pictured with grapes and apples, but the boy was eating a sandwich. This might be confusing. |
For more information about these six reading skills, see Reading Like a Reader.
