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 a product we all know - Silly Putty.
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 we all know - Silly Putty.
| QUESTION What is the author's purpose? Why is the spokesman smoking while advertising a product for children? Who is this spokesman? Is he a military man? When was this commercial produced? PREDICT Children will (not) be attracted to Silly Putty, because... Children will (not) enjoy the product, because... INFER The spokesman is not really telling us what happens when Silly Putty is left out of its egg. Silly Putty copies the newsprint, because... Why does Silly Putty stretch when pulled slowly, but break when yanked fast? | CONNECT Silly Putty is like slime, because... My experience with Silly Putty tells me... Other products that reminds me of Silly Putty are... Silly Putty might also be used for... Does Silly Putty do things you did not know it did? FEEL When saw the man in the uniform, I thought... The smoking made me think... EVALUATE Does this commercial pique your interest in Silly Putty? Would you like buy a product like this? Is the price a bargain? Is it too high? What would make this commercial more effective? |
For more information about these six reading skills, see Reading Like a Reader.
