Download Lesson ideas for Author`s Purpose, Point of View, Tone, and

Lesson ideas for Author’s Purpose, Point of View, Tone, and Propaganda

See Tone Packet for lesson ideas on Author’s Tone

Provide the class with a topic. Draw Tone and POV instructions from a box.
Example:
The Topic is… Should High School Students be Required to do Community Services?
Point of view: (Drawn from a hat) Yes, with some exceptions/provisions.
Tone: (Drawn from a hat) Cautionary
Now, write a piece use these elements. Trade papers to see if students can choose the correct POV
and Tone

Provide definitions of propaganda techniques. Discuss with students the types of propaganda they
have seen. Pass out Propaganda Seek and Find and students can complete this over the course of a
week or so.

Students create a response as to how propaganda is influenced by mass media.

Discuss why propaganda is often not challenged by most people in the society.

Use the following websites to show images of propaganda:
http://www.propagandacritic.com/articles/intro.why.html
http://www.ushmm.org/propaganda/ Holocaust Memorial Museum propaganda page
http://library.thinkquest.org/C0111500/proptech.htm Propaganda techniques
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/propaganda_in_nazi_germany.htm

Students work in pairs to create a political or product advertisement using the propaganda
techniques listed. They must determine ahead of time what their Purpose, Audience, Point of View,
and Tone will be for the ad.

Students write a persuasive essays (from Read Write Think lesson) in response to quote: “It is
essential in a democratic society that young people and adults learn how to think, learn how to
make up their minds. They must learn how to think independently, and they must learn how to think
together. They must come to conclusions, but at the same time they must recognize the right of
other men to come to opposite conclusions. So far as individuals are concerned, the art of
democracy is the art of thinking and discussing independently together.” (Institute for Propaganda
Analysis. The Fine Art of Propaganda. New York: Harcourt, Brace, and Company, 1939)
Author’s purpose, point of view, tone defined
The author’s purpose can be to:
Inform: to teach the reader something
Persuade: wants the reader to take action
Describe: lots of details about an item or event
Entertain: humorous or engaging, suspenseful
Authors often offer a
combination of these
The author’s point of view
(DO NOT CONFUSE WITH NARRATIVE POINT OF VIEW)
Point of view directly relates to the author’s belief about a subject
or topic.
Authors can be biased (they favor one side over another) or
objective (see both sides)
Why Care?
Recognizing the
author’s
purpose, point of
view , and tone
will help you to
understand the
passage as well
as prevent you
from falling prey
to misleading
persuasive tricks.
The author’s tone
The word choice and writing style an author uses creates an
attitude about a topic.
Remember:
Tone is different from description. A sad topic can be presented in
a neutral tone. Also, when preparing for standardized tests, it is
important to look at lists of tone words to know their definition. The reader might be
able to describe the tone but does not have the vocabulary to choose the correct
answer.
Type of writing
Author’s Purpose
Point of View and Tone
Non-fiction
News articles
Biographies
Manuals
Tables
To inform, explain, give
directions, illustrate, or
present information.
The author’s point of view and
tone is primarily neutral.
Persuasive Pieces
Editorials
Advertisements
Billboards
Commercials
Campaign speeches
Bumper stickers
Some charts and graphs
To persuade by
expressing an opinion
to convince readers to
think/feel/act a certain
way.
Fiction
Short story
Novels
To illustrate a theme,
event, or story that
conveys a mood.
Usually written to
entertain.
The point of view clearly reflects
the author’s attitude about a
subject. Sometimes the opinion is
directly stated and other times it
is implied. The author may try to
convince readers by using tone to
appeal to their feelings and/or
values.
The author may use characters or
narrators to express attitudes in
the story. The tone might be light
and humorous or serious and
sad.
Textbooks
Documentaries
Charts, graphs
Poetry
Drama
Propaganda Techniques
Ad hominem attacking your opponent instead of attacking their
arguments
Ad nauseam tireless repetition of an idea so that people begin to
Some more definitions to consider:
Accuracy free from error; fact; truth
Arguments a process for reasoning
Bias describes a preference toward a
certain perspective and therefore
removes objectivity.
Contradiction a direct opposition
between things compared; inconsistency
Deductive reasoning reasoning from
general to the particular (or cause to
effect)
Evidence something that proves or
disproves
Inductive reasoning reasoning from
detailed to the general
Inference to make assumptions or guess
based on evidence
Objectivity not influenced by prejudice
or bias
Paradox a statement that could be seen
as true but also untrue
Validity legally sound
take it as truth. Media plays a large role.
Appeal to authority quoting or using prominent people to suport
their position
Appeal to fear seeks to build support by instilling fear, anxiety, and
panic in the general population
Appeal to prejudice using loaded terms to attach value or moral
goodness to believing in the position
Assertion Assertion is commonly used in advertising and modern
propaganda. An assertion is an enthusiastic or energetic statement
presented as a fact, although it is not necessarily true
Bandwagon persuades people that “everyone else is doing it” so
you should too
Black-and-white fallacy presenting only two choices
Common man convinces the audience that the position reflects
the common sense of the people, for the everyday common man
Demonizing the enemy making individual from the opposing
group appear subhuman, worthless, or immoral through suggestion
or flase accusations
Direct order tells the audience exactly what to do
Disinformation creating or deleting information from public records to make false record of an event or
actions
Euphoria Use an event that generates happiness (military parades)
Half-truth a deceptive statement which has some truth like a double meaning or improper punctuation
Intentional vagueness generalities are intentionally vague so the audience can fill in the blanks
Lesser of Two Evils The "lesser of two evils" technique tries to convince us of an idea or proposal by
presenting it as the least offensive option
Logical fallacy a misleading or false argument, one that does not follow logically
Name-calling incites fears and arouses prejudices
Quotes out of context selectively editing quotes to change meanings
Red herring presents data or issues that are irrelevant to the argument
Scapegoating assigns blame to an individual or group to distract attention from the need to fix the problem
Slogans brief, striking phrase that may include labeling and stereotyping.
Spin a heavily biased argument
Stereotyping used to arouse prejudices by labeling the object/person as something that the audience fears
Propaganda Seek and Find
As you read literature, magazines, newspapers, onine media and more, list the examples you find of
propaganda.
Propaganda technique:
Source
Description
Non-fiction Analysis: Helping students read between the lines
More than ever our students need to be able to critically assess the endless supply of
information bombarding them. Our 24-hour news cycle as well as print and online
sources are filled with bias and spin. This lesson is a general guideline to analyzing
non-fiction text and it is adaptable each time you want to study non-fiction.
Decide a topic: _______________________________________
This can be a current event or a connection to what you are reading/discussing at the time.
Assign homework
Ask students to go home and print a copy of an article about the topic. They can copy it from the
newspaper, a magazine, or print it from the internet. Make sure the topic is narrow enough so
that they will find articles that discuss the same things. For instance, if you want them to learn
more about censorship in schools they would need to type in more specific searches than just
censorship.
Summarize
Students are to summarize their articles in two to three sentences. They should also highlight
key points on the text. Teach or refer to the Definitions to Consider. (see page 2)
Comparison chart
Place students in groups of 4-5 and ask them to read their summaries. Once they have all read
them, they discuss any differences or similarities and mark it down on the Comparison paper.
(see page 3)
Consider the Source
Next, students will complete the Consider the Source page.(see page 4) This might require
further research. If so, the homework is for them to find out more about the “source.”
Choosing the Best
When students return, allow them to get into groups again and discuss their sources. As a
group, decide on the best article that provides the most accurate information. Turn it in.
Follow up
With questions about the role of media, and/or continue one more round with different groups or
in pairs.
Make Copies
Of the articles from each group so that you have a packet of 3-5 articles. Put students in pairs
and go through the process again so that they narrow it down to the best of the best articles.
Reflection
At the end of this assignment, in addition to using the information for research purposes,
consider having the students complete a reflection about what they learned by doing this
activity.
Repeat throughout the year.
Non-fiction Analysis: Reading between the lines
Name________________
Topic: __________________________________
Homework: Bring in an article about the topic. The article can be photocopied from a
magazine or paper, or it can be printed from online.
Some definitions to consider:
Logical fallacy –a misleading or false argument, one that does not follow logically
Bias – describes a preference toward a certain perspective and therefore removes objectivity.
Spin – a heavily biased argument
Objectivity – not influenced by prejudice or bias
Evidence – something that proves or disproves
Validity – legally sound
Arguments – a process for reasoning
Paradox – a statement that could be seen as true but also untrue
Contradiction – a direct opposition between things compared; inconsistency
Deductive reasoning – reasoning from general to the particular (or cause to effect)
Inductive reasoning – reasoning from detailed to the general
Inference – to make assumptions or guess based on evidence
Accuracy – free from error; fact; truth
Summarize:
Make notes while you read your article, then summarize here.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Share your summaries in groups and complete this comparison chart.
Group Member One
Group Member Two
Articles state the same facts about…
Group Member Three
Group Member Four
Consider the Source
What is the source of your article? _____________________________________________
Is this a primary source? _____________________________________________________
Does your source have a specific agenda or bias? Is it associated with certain beliefs or
opinions? What are they? This might require homework. Often you can go to the About Us page
to learn more about the particular site where you are researching.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Now that everyone has shared their articles, compared summaries, and determined the source,
comment on whether you believe this source is accurate, biased, incomplete, etc. and why.
Note examples.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Discussion Questions/Reflection
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
What are the positive and/or negative effects of the media presenting bias?
Has the ease of information distribution harmed or strengthened the ability to get news?
What are the benefits and drawbacks to the easy access of information?
How did your understanding of this topic change as you analyzed the sources?
How important is it that the public become informed readers? What are the
consequences of not having media literacy?
Tone Lessons and Ideas
Many students can read a passage and describe the tone of the piece but might not have
the vocabulary to know which word to choose in a test situation. Tone words are also
great words to learn for better writing as they are mostly descriptive words.
Included in this packet:
 Lesson : Tone word flash cards with articles – this can be used for various other
reading skills as well (Figurative language, theme, organizational structure, etc.)

List of tone words

Acrostic vocabulary with tone words
Quick Ideas:
 Student can use the free flashcard making site: www.flashcardmachine.com. On
this site students can either make their own flash cards or read through the ones
already posted. Check out this link for a list of tone words :
http://www.flashcardmachine.com/FlashCardDB/flash_card_db.cgi?search=true&topic_
id=518282&subject=English&order_by=topic_created&desc=1&title=tone
Students can also download the flash cards to their ipods. Excellent resource for all
subjects.

Writing ideas:
Write new passages that convey different tones. List four tone words with one as
the correct tone. Pass around or put on overhead/doc camera and have students
guess the correct tone.

Rewrite the same passage to make a different tone.

Find poems that convey a certain tone. Write the antithesis of the poem to convey
an opposite tone.

Students work in pairs and decide on a topic for a poem. Each writes the poem in
different tones.

Use reading logs or reading responses that ask students to find evidence of a
particular tone.
Reading Connection Lesson for using the TONE words list
Assign each student a different word
Students will use their current reading material or look through magazines to
find an article that represents that author’s tone (this might take a few days or
assigned as homework)
On a blank sheet of computer paper
side one: write the word and definition, draw a picture or find an image
to represent it, and write a sentence that reflects the tone
side two: attach a copy of an article or an excerpt from their own
reading that represents the tone
Check for accuracy
Options:
1. have students pass them around and add sticky notes to say if
they agree with the tone- add other tone words if applicable
2. teacher checks and passes back
3. Read aloud a few each day to the class and discuss use of tone and
the definitions to see if correct.
After checking for accuracy use the laminated pages as a type of flash card for
reviewing the words and understanding tone in a piece
Extensions
Pass out the tone sheets (Laminated student created versions) and ask
students to write a companion piece in another tone. For example, if they are given the word sarcastic and it is an article about the war, they could write a piece about the war in a sincere or reverent tone.
NOTE:
There are multiple benefits of this assignment.
Students find the passages themselves with a keen eye on the author’s purpose.
Tone questions appear on the reading portion of the FCAT. It is likely that the
vocabulary of the tone word “answers” throw the students more than not understanding the passage. This list of 60-65 words should help alleviate those
concerns.
This assignment incorporates both critical reading and writing skills.
Students are the assessors
160 TONE WORDS
absurd
accusatory
acerbic
admiring
aggressive
ambivalent
animated
apathetic
apologetic
ardent
arrogant
assertive
audacious
awe
awestruck
bantering
befuddled
benevolent
bitter
callous
candid
caustic
cautionary
celebratory
choleric
cold
colloquial
compassionate
compliant
complimentary
conciliatory
condescending
confident
contemplative
contemptuous
conventional
critical
cynical
defiant
demeaning
depressed
derisive
detached
didactic
diffident
dignified
diplomatic
disdainful
disheartened
disparaging
dispassionate
docile
dramatic
earnest
egotistical
logically impossible, ridiculous
charging of wrong-doing
harsh, severe
approving, holding in high-esteem
hostile
mixed or conflicting feelings
lively, passionate
indifferent due to lack of energy or concern
expressing regret
intense, passionate
aggressively haughty
positive, overbearing
bold, daring
solemn wonder
fear mingled with admiration
witty teasing, good-natured, playful, joking
muddle or confuse
desiring to do good, kind
exhibiting strong animosity as a result of pain
or grief
unfeeling, insensitive to feelings of others
outspoken, frank
intense use of sarcasm; stinging, biting
warning of danger
praise, honor
hot-tempered, easily angered
deliberate disregard
ordinary, everyday speech
sympathetic, merciful
yielding to the will of others
positive
pacify, overcome
a feeling of superiority
full of conviction, certain, self-assured
thinking,reflecting on an issue
showing or feeling that something is
worthless or lacks respect
lacking spontaneity, originality, individuality
finding fault
questions basic sincerity and goodness of people
full of antagonism, challenging
degrade, speak low of someone or something
hopeless
ridiculing, mocking
impartial, aloof, not engaged
author attempts to educate/instruct reader
hesitant, unwilling to assert, lacking self
honor upon
tactful, good judgment
scornful
losing spirit or courage
speak poorly of, discredit
impartial, lacking emotion
easy to manage, get along
striking in effect, provoking emotions
intense, a sincere state of mind
conceit
elegiac
empathetic
erudite
evasive
excited
fanciful
farcical
faultfinding
fawning
flippant
formal
forthright
frank
frivolous
fuming
gentle
giddy
gloomy
grim
gullible
hard-hearted
haughty
humble
humorous
impartial
impassioned
imploring
inane
incensed
incredulous
indifferent
indignant
informative
intense
intimate
ironic
jaded
jovial
judgmental
laudatory
learned
lugubrious
lyrical
macabre
malicious
matter of fact
mock-heroic
mocking
morose
mourning
naïve
narcissistic
nostalgic
objective
obsequious
ode, expressing sorrow from past
understanding of anothers’ emotions
learned, polished, scholarly
escaping understanding
enthusiastic
using the imagination
mockery
placing blame
showing immense affection
to lack proper respect or seriousness
conventional, sticking to form
directly frank without hesitation
candid, undisguised
silly, not serious
angry, furious
easy-going, accepting
frivolous, silliness
darkness, sadness, rejection
uncompromising, frightful
easily deceived
unfeeling, insensitive
proud and vain to the point of arrogance
modest, unimportant
with humor, comical
equitable, not biased
filled with emotion
requesting urgently
without sense or intelligence
enraged, encite to anger
skeptical
no interest, apathetic
marked by anger; aroused by justice
instructive, to impart knowledge
strong, vehement
very familiar
sarcastic
unbelieving
happy
authoritative, often having critical opinions
praising
knowledgeable, wise, educated
exaggeratedly mournful, dark, brooding
expressing a poet’s inner feelings;emotional
full of images; song-like
gruesome, death-like
purposely hurtful
accepting of conditions;not fanciful or emotional
ridicule idea of being noble
treating with contempt or ridicule
gloomy, sullen, sourly, despondent
regretting loss, expressing sorrow
unsophisticated, innocent
full of oneself, conceit
sentimental, remembrance
an unbiased view, able to leave personal
judgments aside
polite and obedient in order to gain something
optimistic
outraged
pathetic
patronizing
pedantic
pensive
persuasive
pessimistic
petty
philosophical
placating
poignant
pompous
pragmatic
pretentious
provocative
quizzical
reflective
regretful
resentful
resigned
restrained
reticent
reverent
ribald
ridiculing
righteous
sanguine
sarcastic
sardonic
satiric
scathing
scornful
sensationalistic
sincere
skeptical
solemn
somber
subjective
submissive
tolerant
tragic
unbiased
uneasy
urgent
veneration
vexed
vibrant
vindictive
virtuous
whimsical
witty
wonder
zealous
hopeful, cheerful
disgusted, angry
exciting pity
air of condescension
condescending, stodgy, ostentatiously learned
reflective, thoughtful
trying to get other to take their opinion
seeing the worst side of things
small minded, doesn’t like the big picture
pertaining to philosopy
appease, calm
affecting, biting
showy, bragging, ostentatious, pretentious
practical, matter-of-fact
showy, bragging, ostentatious,
incite, arrouse, stir up
odd, eccentric, amusing
innermost thoughts and emotions
sense of loss, looking back painfully
angry at having been injured, bitter
relinquish, endure with patience
held back, controlling emotion
reserved, silent
treating a subject with honor or respect
offensive in speech or gesture
slightly contemptuous banter; making fun of
virtuous, devout
optimistic, cheerful
sneering, caustic
scornfully and bitterly sarcastic
ridiculing to show weakness in order to
make a point. teach
severly criticize
expressing contempt or displeasure
intended to thrill
without deceit or pretense, genuine
doubtful, questioning
deeply earnest, tending toward sad
depressing, melancholy, serious, grave
not objective, biased
obedient, yielding
patient and fair, endure without complaint
very unhappy
without predetermined judgement
not resigned to belief
requiring immediate action, pressingly important
admiration, wonder
angry, annoyed
full of enthusiasm
seeking revenge, bitter
moral, upright
odd, strange, fantastic, fun
original and clever remarks
in awe or amazement
dilligent, earnest
Use this space to make notes of other tone words to
add to your vocabulary.
Vocabulary Acrostic Poems/Definitions
Have fun with new vocabulary words and use them in a creative writing style. Give out the
words, then write the letter ACROSTIC style and fill in with words or phrases to define the
word. Conclude by writing a sentence that defines the word in context.
RASH
Really
Acting
Swiftly, sometimes
Harshly
He ruined his chance for a second date when he made the rash decision to leave his date at the
theatre.
Bewilder
Be
Elusive or make people
Wonder. Be
Indefinable
Love often
Does this.
Ever wondered how Juliet could fall so quickly for Romeo?
You were bewildered by their relationship.
Benevolent
Ben
Enjoys helping
Needy people
Everywhere,
Volunteers at
Old folks homes,
Lends his Ears for friends who
Need to
Talk
What a BENevolent guy.
boisterous
divulge gaunt
jovial nocturnal renegade tranquility
devoted
cower
eclectic
hypocrisy
amiable
recede
stereotype
frail
hilarious