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 product advertised below - Space Food Sticks - took advantage of the U.S.A.'s fascination with visiting outer space.
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 product advertised below - Space Food Sticks - took advantage of the U.S.A.'s fascination with visiting outer space.
| QUESTION Did the astronauts really eat these in space? Are these still available? Is there anything similar to them today? Has NASA changed its name since this commercial was produced. PREDICT Kids were probably attracted to this snack because space was a really big deal during the time it was marketed. It appears to be dry. Perhaps it has a chalky texture. INFER Could this product be classified as a diet food? If it is in the breakfast section of the store, does that mean that one 40-calorie stick can replace a whole breakfast? | CONNECT NASA's mission has changed since this commercial We are still encouraged to watch what we eat and snack on. Pillsbury has a plant right here in Joplin, Missouri. FEEL This might make us feel patriotic, proud of the endeavors of the U.S. Aerospace Program. I feel like Pillsbury criticizing my family's choices in snack foods. Are they saying I'm not as good as kids who eat their product? EVALUATE There were no real astronauts in the commercial. This commercial is all over the place, starting by appealing to space lovers, then talking about healthy snacks. Writers should have picked a single message. |
For more information about these six reading skills, see Reading Like a Reader.
