Advertising Synthesis - Discussion

Question 1

before reading sources

Answer 1

consider your own feelings about the issue. just go “old-fashioned” and make a simple list of the pros and cons of the issue. this is a good exercise to do before reading the sources, so that you can formulate your own opinion

Question 2

as you read sources

Answer 2

with your opinion in mind, take notes in the margins around the sources to help you think about how to use the sources to support your position (negative, positive, use against source D, logic isn’t sound, etc.) Make sure you consider images for meaning too. sometimes focusing on the first and last paragraphs of a source can help you identify the main idea of a source

Question 3

sample essay outline

Answer 3

• thesis statement: while mostly negative in the way it impacts humanity, advertising can also be used for good (this allows for a paragraph about the pros and one about the cons)
• i. introduction: clearly tells your position
• ii. pros: poster source,, source D, educates public,, how it impacts the economy
• iii. cons: source D, kids are susceptible,, source B, cigarette example,, how it impacts economy
• iv. conclusion: don’t include new sources,, sum up and reiterate position

Question 4

which idea supports my argument (instead of summarizing data)?

Answer 4

• Free market advertising ensures a non-socialized plethora of products (Source D)
• Source C explains, “Seventeen” is the “receptive age when… brand loyalties are being established”
• “it doesn’t take much time. when we come together, we become part of something bigger” (Source C)
• “Success of cigarette advertising is a potent example of advertising’s enormous power” (Source C)
• Culpa indicates that…
• Source A reminds, “Hitler used propaganda to promote his Nazi ideas and agenda,” which hurt many
• Source A says, “Political ads are often mud slinging,” and that leads to unhappiness among viewers
• According to Source A, “Very few advertisements exist in the third world”
• Source D warns, “Buying fills a void in people that should be devoted to spiritual pursuits”
• Source A tells, “They create unfulfilled desires, and then they push us to buy unneeded products”