Transcript Propaganda Techniques

Propaganda Techniques
7th grade
Language Arts
Pam Winarski/ Hilary Williams
Propaganda Techniques
methods not based in fact- that
are used to make arguments
more persuasive. Critical readers
need to watch out for them,
whether they were used on
purpose or by accident.
Appeal to Ignorance
Suggesting that if no one has
ever proved a claim false,
then it must be true.
Ex) “Scientists can’t prove that
there’s no life on Mars, can
they?”
Bandwagon
Suggesting that since everyone
else does it or believes it, it
must be right or good.
Ex) “ If everyone is skipping
school that day, it’s OK for
me to do it too.”
Broad Generalization
Making a broad statement that
something is true about all
members of a group.
Ex) “Everyone says that Latin
is for losers.”
Circular Thinking
Beginning with the very point
you’re trying to prove.
Ex) “This is a boring class
because it’s not interesting.”
Either/Or
Analyzing a complex situation
as if it has only two sides.
Ex) “Either we upgrade the
computer network in this
school, or we doom our
students to failure in the
world of work.”
Loaded Words
Using emotionally charged words
that will produce strong positive
or negative feelings.
Ex) “Many radicals support that
bill, which will hurt the
hardworking moms and dads who
make America strong.
Oversimplification
Making complicated issues or
problems seem overly simple
or easy to solve.
Ex) Whether capital
punishment is right boils
down to one simple issue:
fairness.”
Straw Man
Exaggerating or oversimplifying
the other side so it can be
rejected as ridiculous.
Ex) “Those who support strict
dress codes don’t care about
student’s happiness.”