8

English
Quarter 3 – Module 2:
Reading Comprehension
ENGLISH - Grade 8
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 3 – Module 2: Reading Comprehension
First Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education – Division of Gingoog City
Division Superintendent: Jesnar Dems S. Torres, PhD, CESO VI

Development Team of the Module

Author/s: Lady Fe C. Abrea; Cristita M. Mabilen; Darlene C. Catigay

Rolan B. Acido

Reviewers: Levie D. Llemit, PhD, Maryjane C. Mccary

Illustrator Raul A. Mabilen

Layout Artist: Lady Fe C. Abrea

Management Team
Chairperson: Jesnar Dems S. Torres, PhD, CESO VI
Schools Division Superintendent

Co-Chairpersons: Conniebel C.Nistal ,PhD

OIC- Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

Members Pablito B. Altubar

CID Chief

Levie D. Llemit, PhD – EPS 1 - English

Leah L. Tacandong - Instructional Supervisor

Himaya B. Sinatao, LRMS Manager

Jay Michael A. Calipusan, PDO II

Mercy M. Caharian, Librarian II

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E-mail Address: [email protected]
 Lesson
Recognizing Propaganda Techniques
1 Used in a Given Text

What’s In

When a piece of writing tries to persuade you to think or feel a certain way, it is called
propaganda. Sales talk and political speeches are obvious examples of propaganda, aimed
at persuading you to buy a product or vote for a certain candidate. One of the most
widespread forms of propaganda is advertising.
Advertising calls the attention of the public to a product or business, especially to
promote sales. You, the youth, are the most common targets of advertising. The power of
advertising leads you to believe that one brand of rubber shoes is better than another, or that
it is “cool” to sport a T-shirt with a designer label on it. From newspaper and magazines, from
radio and TV, and especially from the billboards we see as we walk down the street, we
encounter advertising countless times everyday.
As an intelligent reader and writer, you should not believe everything you read, see
and hear. You must learn to examine what is presented to you and ask yourself if it is true. In
this lesson, advertisements will be used to help you learn and recognize the common
propaganda techniques.

What Is It

Propaganda Techniques

Propaganda is a modern Latin word, ablative singular feminine of the gerundive form
of propagare, meaning to spread or to propagate, thus propaganda means for that which is
to be propagated.[4]Originally this word derived from a new administrative body of the
Catholic Church (congregation) created in 1622 as part of the Counter-Reformation,
called the Congregatio de Propaganda Fide (Congregation for Propagating the Faith), or
informally simply Propaganda.[3][5] Its activity was aimed at "propagating" the Catholic faith in
non- Catholic countries.[3]

From the 1790s, the term began being used also to refer to propaganda in secular
activities.[3] The term began taking a pejorative or negative connotation in the mid-19th
century, when it was used in the political sphere. (source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propaganda)

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There are seven different types of propaganda techniques. This includes:

1. Bandwagon Propaganda

As human beings, we have this innate desire to fit in. And that’s exactly the kind of
follow-the-herd mentality this technique follows.

Bandwagon propaganda is all about persuading the target audience to take action.
It’s about creating an urge amongst people to become a part of the “in crowd”.

To enforce such a feeling, advertisers typically use phrases like, “join the crowd” or
“trending now” for their products and services.

Propaganda Examples:

Have a look at these examples right here:

Notice how Maybelline uses the phrase “America’s Favorite”?

That’s a way of persuading people to use the product because it is loved by all of
America. Pretty smart, isn’t it?

2. Card Stacking Propaganda

Now, this technique is perhaps most popularly used. It involves the deliberate
omission of certain facts to fool the target audience. The term card stacking originates from
gambling and occurs when players try to stack decks in their favor. A similar ideology is used
by companies to make their products appear better than they actually are.

Most brands use this propaganda technique to downplay unsavory details about their
products and services. For instance, some companies may cleverly conceal “hidden
charges” and only talk about the benefits of their products and services’

Examples of Propaganda

For instance, take a look at this advertisement by Burger King. Notice how they’re
(almost desperately) trying to highlight their “low calorie” fries. Assuming they are low calorie,
fried food is bad for your health, anyway.

https://advergize.com/advertising/examples-of-propaganda/

Also, they’ve clearly left out details about how these fries still taste good despite the
low trans-fat content.

3. Plain Folks Propaganda

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 Have you ever noticed how some brands use ordinary folks to promote their products
and services as opposed to celebrities?

The ultimate goal here is to demonstrate how the product is meant for everybody and
will provide value to everyone. This method is commonly used in the world of advertising as
the general public has started to grow skeptical towards paid celebrity endorsements. Today,
buyers are on the lookout for REAL experiences instead of the glossy images portrayed on
television.

Propaganda Examples:

Take a look at this advertisement right here. It uses a sweet-looking girl to appeal to
the audience. The main purpose of the ad is to promote healthy and simple living.

https://advergize.com/advertising/examples-of-propaganda/

4. Testimonial Propaganda

Testimonial propaganda is popular advertising technique that uses renowned or

celebrity figures to endorse products and services. Now in this case, when a famous person
vouches for something, viewers are likely to take account of the credibility and popularity of
that person.

This establishes trust and boosts the credibility of that brand. Consequently, some
brands may also use figures like doctors and engineers (basically experts) to promote their
products and services.

Example of Testimonial Propaganda

Here’s an example:

https://advergize.com/advertising/examples-of-propaganda/

Similarly, PepsiCo has continued to use big names such as Shakira, Kanye West,
Beyoncé and many more to endorse Pepsi.

5. Glittering Generalities Propaganda

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 Glittering generalities is a propaganda technique where propagandists use emotional
appeal or/and vague statements to influence the audience.

Advertising agencies thus use of phrases like as “inspiring you from within” or “to
kick- start your day” to create positive anecdotes. This makes the product look more
appealing, resulting in better sales.

For better effect, brands may use hyperboles, metaphors or lyrical phrases to attract
more attention.

Example of Glittering Generalities Propaganda

https://advergize.com/advertising/examples-of-propaganda/

6. Name Calling Propaganda

Now, this type of propaganda uses a completely opposite approach to glittering

generalities. As the name suggests, this propaganda technique involves using derogatory
phrases to create a negative opinion about someone or some other brand.

Consequently, the brand may also speak negatively about an idea. For instance, a
company that sells plant-based products may talk about how inhumane it is to kill animals.
For this purpose, they may also criticize fast food chains businesses.

Example of Name Calling Propaganda

Source: https://advergize.com/advertising/examples-of-propaganda/

7. Transfer Propaganda

This type of propaganda uses a technique to project certain qualities (this can either
be positive or negative) of a person, ideology or object to other things and people.

This kind of propaganda uses many different symbols to achieve a favorable outcome.

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Examples of Propaganda

For example, major soft-drink brands were accused of having traces of pesticides a
couple of years ago. While these allegations were on the rise, the entire carbonated-drink
industry took a hit. During this same period, fruit juices and other drinks were able to do
great business. Source: https://advergize.com/advertising/examples-of-propaganda/

8. Red Herring

A red herring is a fallacy argument that distracts from the original topic. Some may
refer to this type of argument as a "smoke screen."

Red herrings are frequently used in:

 Mystery, thriller and dramatic novels
 Political speeches
 Children's conversations with their parents
 Business announcements
 Government information releases
 Controversial conversations
Common Red Herrings
 In business, arguing against giving raises - "Sure, we haven't given raises in over five
years to our employees. You know, we work really hard to make a good product. We
try to ensure the best customer service, too."
 In government, arguing for raising taxes - "We need more revenue to support the
programs that we have. Children are our future. Let's support children."

 In politics, defending one's own policies regarding public safety - "I have worked hard
to help eliminate criminal activity. What we need is economic growth that can only
come from the hands of leadership."
 In conversation, in arguing against gay marriage rights - "I don't think that there
should be marriage among homosexuals. Anyway, taxes on married people are high.
I think that taxes on the married are just ridiculous."
 In a mystery novel - Vivid descriptions are given of a masked intruder who enters the
room where the murdered person is ultimately found. These descriptions lead the
reader to assume that this masked intruder was the killer.
 In business, defending layoffs - "Unfortunately we have to lay off 5% of the
workforce. It's important for us to note that the product we create is exceptionally
flawless and we thank our manufacturing department for that."
 In government, to avoid discussing a delicate topic - "I understand you want to know
what happened at the embassy. What is really important is to talk about whether the
government has enough cash flow to stay open through the month."
 In politics, to defend one's voting past - "While you may have concerns about my
votes about the environment, I can assure you that I am an open minded individual.
What we should really discuss is my record on votes that expanded educational
opportunities for all children."
 In conversation - "I am pretty sure that evolution is not a very good explanation for
human life. Anyway, I am pretty offended that anyone would suggest that I came
from a monkey."
 In business, arguing in favor of an increase in health care contributions from
employees - "We are going to be forced to increase the amount of your contribution
to your health care costs by 10%. Do note that we continue to provide lunches at a
standard cost in the cafeteria, and we know what a huge benefit that is for most
workers!"
 In government, defending one's inaction in regards to increased crime - "The crime in
this city, has, in fact increased lately. However, let's consider that the weather has

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 changed as well. Things change over time. Sometimes they are linked, sometimes
they are not, but only time will tell."
 In conversation - "When you start saying things to me like I need to eat healthier or
get more exercise, that says to me that you think I'm fat. I like me, and I like the way I
look and more people should have better self-esteem."

Additional Source for the type of propaganda:

9. Loaded Words

Loaded words, also known as weasel words, are words that are very descriptive and
filled with emotion. These words are used to capture the consumers’ attention and influence
their actions. They can be used in both a positive and negative way and appear in all sorts of
advertisements.

Using words with strong positive or negative connotations, or associations. These

words make you feel a certain way.

Use “loaded” words like:

 New
 Improved
 Best

Use of words that will make people feel strongly abour something that will make
people feel strongly about something or someone.

 Hate
 Love

What’s More

Activity 1: Fill me up!

Directions: Cut out two magazines ads or select two radio or TV ads. Analyze the ads
you have selected using the form below. Fill out form per advertisement.

1. Title of the Ad:

Taken from: magazine radio TV

Brand Name and Product:

Medium:
Basic Message:
Visual Message : (if is taken form magazine or TV)
Catchy Words:
Propaganda Technique Used and How:
Persuasion Rating: ( to what extent from scale of 1-5, you are convinced)
( 1- Yawn; 5- I’m sold on this product.)

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2. Title of the Ad:
Taken from: magazine radio TV

Brand Name and Product:

Medium:
Basic Message:
Visual Message: (if is taken form magazine or TV)
Catchy Words:
Propaganda Technique Used and How:
Persuasion Rating: ( to what extent from scale of 1-5, you are convinced)

What I Have Learned

Activity 2: Generalization

1. Why is it important to know how to balance if a propaganda is right to believe or not?

2. Among all the propaganda techniques, what technique you will be easily convinced?
Why?

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 Lesson
Differentiating Facts from
2
Lesson
Opinions

What’s New

Activity 1: Solve it!

a. tcfa b. nopionio
1. What are the two words you can form from the jumbled letters?
a.
b.

2. Define each word in your own words.

a. b.

What Is It?
Facts and Opinion

Facts and opinions are often uttered in the same breath; the terms have a huge
difference in their meanings. Whether a statement is a fact or an opinion depends on the
validity of the statement. While a fact refers to the something true or real, which is backed by
evidence, documentation, etc. On the other hand, opinion is what a person believes or
thinks about something.

In finer terms, a fact is a proven truth, whereas opinion is a personal view, that
represents the outlook of an individual, which may or may not be based on the fact.

Comparison chart of Fact and Opinion

BASIS FOR FACT OPINION

COMPARISON

Meaning Fact refers to something that can be verified or Opinion refers to a judgement or belief

proved to be true. about something.

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 Based on Observation or research. Assumption or personal view.

What is it? Objective reality Subjective statement

Verification Possible Not possible

Represents Something really happened A perception about something

Change Universal Differs from person to person

Words Shown with unbiased words. Expressed with biased words.

Debatable No Yes

Influence Facts has the power to influence others. Opinion does not have the power to

influence others.

Source: https://bit.ly/312gtuW

What’s More
Activity 2: Identify Me! Let’s try if you understood the information given above. Write F if is
a fact. Write O if it is an opinion.
1. God has created everything that is present in this entire world.
2. Previous President Barack Obama is the greatest president of the United States of
America said by one survey.
3. Spirituality is the most important thing in the world.
4. The cellphones being manufactured by IOS are way better than those produced
by Android.
5. The most beautiful country in Southeast Asia is the Philippines, next to Singapore and
Japan.
6. The series “Friends” is funnier, more entertaining, and more interesting than the
series “How I Met Your Mother”.
7. The sun rises and sets every single day.
8. The eyes, ears and nose are parts of the human body. Eyes are used for sight, ears
are used for hearing, and nose is used for smelling.
9. Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia are some of the countries that are
part of the Southeast Asia.
10. In terms of area, Asia is the largest in the seven continents of the world.

Source: https://brainly.ph/question/375582#readmore

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 Lesson

Lesson 3 Examining Author’s Bias

What’s New

Activity 1. Let’s check!

Which would you rather prefer over the other? Check the box of your preference.
A B
Cat dog
Black white
Dark light
Cake ice cream
Coffee tea
Why do you prefer one over the other? Sometimes our preference of one thing over the other
may lead us to being biased. Read the following sentences:
'Cats and dogs can both make good pets. Dogs can be affectionate, but they are extremely
difficult to care for. Cats, on the other hand, are also very lovable, cuddly animals, and they require
only moderate care that isn't too time consuming.'
Take a closer look at the writer's choice of words. Which animal does the writer prefer? Cats
or dogs? If you said cats, you are correct, and you have just identified a bias!
What is a bias? Bias occurs when one displays a partiality for or prejudice against someone,
something, or some idea. Sometimes biases are readily identifiable in direct statements. Other times
a writer's choice of words, selection of facts or examples, or tone of voice reveals his or her biases.
We all have biases that reflect our opinions and our outlooks about life. That is perfectly
normal and simply part of being human. Therefore, nearly every piece of writing exhibits some sort of
bias. A reader's job is to recognize biases and think critically about them to determine how much they
affect a writer's presentation of his or her subject.
https://study.com/academy/lesson/recognizing-biases-assumptions-stereotypes-in-written-works.html

What Is It
What is Bias in Writing?

Bias in writing can be defined as:

 A prejudice against something an author is writing about.

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  Favoritism for something an author is writing about.
 An author letting feelings or emotions cloud his/her objectivity with regard to
something he/she is writing about.

Recognizing Bias
 Look for loaded words – words that are charged with emotion (whether positive or
negative) can reveal an author’s opinion about his/her topic.
 Watch out for stereotypes – if the author labels an entire group, the writing is
probably biased.
 Notice vague language or generalizations – if the author isn’t using specific
language, this could be an indicator of bias.
 Be on the lookout for one-sided arguments – if the author only presents one side
of an argument, his/her writing is probably biased.
 Does the author present facts or opinions? Facts are what they are – the truth.
But opinions can be based on feelings, emotions, or prejudices, which aren’t
objective.

An Example of Bias:

When I met with Mayor Geovelli, I noticed that he had the appearance of a hobo (a
loaded, negatively charged word). He was unshaved and wearing dirty clothes (one sided –
notice that the author doesn’t tell us why the Mayor was dressed this way. Maybe there was
a good reason). He spoke to me about his horrible plan to fix our city’s roads (vague
language
– what specifically is horrible about it?). Anyone who knows the plan will tell you that it will
bankrupt our city (is this a fact or opinion? The author offers no supporting evidence). The
plan to fix our roads mostly benefits friends of the Mayor. He plans to pay his buddies in the
construction business thousands of dollars over the next two years. I do not want to insult
anyone, but the Mayor is of Italian decent, and we all know what reputation they have in this
part of the country. Need I remind you of Al Capone and other Italian Mafia members? (This
is clearly a stereotype – not all Italians are mobsters).
https://www.wcpss.net/cms/lib/NC01911451/Centricity/Domain/3855/Authors%20Bias%20Notes.pdf

What’s More
Activity 2: True or False:
Do you now know what is bias and how to identify them? I know it wouldn’t be that
easy. However, I hope you are able to understand the general idea of bias. Please answer
the short quiz below and write your answers on your notebook.
Read each of the following statements carefully. Write T if the statement is True and F
if it is False.

1. Everyone can be biased.

2. Bias is a subjective way of thinking that tells only one side of a story.

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3. Sometimes it leads to inaccurate information or a false impression.

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4. There is a possible bias when the writer is relying on incomplete information.
5. There is no bias if the author succeeds in convincing the readers to agree with his
ideas.
 Assessment (Post-Test)

Multiple Choice
Directions: Read and answer the questions below. Write the letter of the correct answer on
the space provided before each number.

1. Uses words that appeal to the emotions rather common sense…

A. plain folk C. loaded words
B. red herring D. snob appeal
2. Highlights a minor detail to draw attention away from the important information…
A. snob appeal C. red herring
B. loaded words D. plain folk
3. “love” and “peace” or “cheat” and “war”. Others are “luxury”, “beautiful”. “paradise”, and “economical”
are an example of what techniques.
A. faulty cause and effect C. loaded words
B. plain folk D. bandwagon
4. Makes you feel that you will be one of the elite if you do something
A. either fallacy C. red herring
B. snob appeal D. false analogy
5. Uses a folksy approach to convince us to support someone or something
A. glittering generality C. bandwagon
B. plain folk D. name calling
6. Which of the following best describes an opinion?
A. Something that can be proven
B. Making good choice
C. A person’s thoughts or feelings about something
D. A person who can prove something
7. Which of the following is an opinion?
A. Jose won the race at field day. B. Gary was unhappy that his team lost.
C. Todd is wearing a blue tie D. Sheila woke up 7:30 in the morning
8. Which of the following is a fact?
A. I received a 98% on the reading test.
B. I’m the smartest student in the 11th grade
C. Gary Paulsen is my favorite author.
D. Reading is very easy.
9. “My son's girlfriend is very rude. She calls so late at night-sometimes as late as 9:00 at night! Last
week she called me Sara instead of Mrs. Olson--I quickly corrected her. So disrespectful. Today she
came over for lunch and brought cookies--without even asking if it was okay. What if I had already made
cookies?”
The author is biased against...
A. Rude children C Her son's girlfriend
B. Her son D. Dating
10. Which of the underlined words help show the author's bias? “My son's girlfriend is very rude. She
calls so late at night-sometimes as late as 9:00 at night! Last week she called me Sara instead of Mrs.
Olson--I quickly corrected her”.
A girlfriend C. week
B rude D. called
11. An author writing about Mustang Convertibles uses words such as: performance, speed, fuel-
efficiency, wind, luxury. What can you infer about the author's bias?
A Dislikes sports cars C. Mustangs are for old people.
B Likes Mustang Convertibles D. Mustangs are dangerous.
12. What does it mean to show bias?
A. to be angry C. to refuse to take a side
B. to favor one side over another D. to show knowledge
13. Which statement is NOT an example of author’s bias?
A. The best new song is Justin Bieber's "Love Yourself”
B. The #1 song on the Billboard Top 100 this week is Rhianna's "Work"
C. "One Call" is the worst song.
D. The song is sang by Justin Bieber.
14. ______ is the preference or opinion that prevents one from approaching a topic with a neutral point
of view.
A. Loaded Language C. Preference
B. Credibility D. Bias
15. The degree to which a source is trustworthy and believable.
A. Loaded Language C. Preference
B. Credibility D. Bias