Material suitability: Age 12 and above
Knowing the purpose of a text is key to understanding the agenda of the author, which in turn determines the credibility and usefulness of the text.
Common Purposes: provoke, distract, gain attention/sympathy, encourage, discourage, convince, educate, advocate, promote, defend, support, diminish, urge, motivate, warn, advise, persuade, dissuade, manipulate, spread propaganda, satirise, ridicule, influence, condemn, applaud, praise, emphasise, justify, publicise, exaggerate, mislead, misguide, debunk, raise awareness, raise doubts, challenge, alert, confuse, obfuscate
Other Purposes: mediate, diffuse/create tension, rebel against, spur, ignite sentiments of, garner/rally, indoctrinate, accuse, irritate, brainwash, protest, spread rumours, perpetuate, incite violence, evoke responses, intimidate, threaten, deceive, seek donations, disgrace
Critical Thinking Corner:
Do you realise the purpose of product advertisement?
What is the purpose of charity advertisement?
Do you think that the information provided in advertisements is necessarily accurate? Useful? Relevant?
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