Download Propaganda Techniques/Fact and Opinion

Recognizing Fact and Opinion
A fact is a specific statement that can be looked up, measured, counted, or otherwise proven to be
true. Example: Abraham Lincoln was the sixteenth president of the United States.
An opinion is a belief, estimate, judgment, or feeling held by one or more people, which cannot be
checked or proven to be true. Example: Abraham Lincoln was probably the best president America has
ever had.
There are certain judgment words that will help you recognize when a statement is an opinion. These
words signal that a writer is expressing an opinion: hope, seem, best, better, worse, worst, probably,
excellent, terrible, should, love, hate, think, believe, feel, etc.
Below is a list of statements. In the blank, write F if that statement is a fact and O if it is an opinion.
_________1. Our football team has won 10 games this season.
_________2. Everyone should stand while the national anthem is sung.
_________3. My dad paid $26,000 for our new car.
_________4. My dad got the best price for our new car.
Recognizing Propaganda
Propaganda is an organized effort to spread ideas or information that will change the opinions and
actions of a group of people. Propaganda usually contains some accurate facts along with
exaggerations and untruths. You need to recognize propaganda techniques so that you will not be
misled by them.
Common Propaganda Techniques
1. Loaded Words: Loaded words are words that appeal to your emotions. Loaded words can give
pleasant or unpleasant feelings, like new, best, exciting, tired, dull, boring, etc.
Example: Do the patriotic thing and Vote for Proposition 99!
2. Famous People: This technique uses a famous person to recommend that you do, buy, or believe
something.
Example: Improve your game! Wear the shoes that Michael Morgan wears!
3. Everybody Does It (Bandwagon): This technique is to make you feel left out if you don't join the
crowd.
Example: Wake up to America's favorite coffee.
4. Mudslinging: This technique tells you why competitors are "no good," but does not give facts to
support these claims.
Example: Other oat cereals get soggy before you're done. Try great-tasting Crunchy-a's.
5. Fact/Opinion: A fact is followed by a reasonable opinion that appears to be true.
Example: We've been in business 75 years. That makes us the best!
Exercise 1: In the blank beside each statement below, write F if the statement is a fact or O if the
statement is an opinion.
_____ 1. Fire needs air in order to burn.
_____ 2. The food in the cafeteria is terrible.
_____ 3. Sarah will make an excellent student council president.
_____ 4. Corey scored two touchdowns in the playoff game last Friday night.
_____ 5. I attend Alamo Area Christian Educator’s Academy.
_____ 6. Abraham Lincoln was the sixteenth president of the United States.
_____ 7. Puppies are cuter than kittens.
_____ 8. Everyone loves puppies because they're just so adorable.
_____ 9. We bought new computer accessories yesterday.
_____ 10. This is an excellent school.
_____ 11. Our nation’s capitol is located in Washington D.C.
_____ 12. Nature's Best cereal is the healthiest new cereal on the market today.
_____ 13. Most kids hate eating spinach.
_____ 14. That new steakhouse serves the best food in the state of Texas.
_____ 15. Everyone loves to travel.
Exercise 2: Write the number(s) of the propaganda technique(s) used in each message. (1- Loaded
Words, 2- Famous People, 3- Everybody Does It, 4- Mudslinging, 5- Fact/Opinion)
_____ 1. Are you tired of batteries that don't last? Buy Long Life Batteries the next time you buy.
_____ 2. Arkansas leads the nation in growing rice. Arkansas rice tastes the best!
_____ 3. A vote for Alice Duncan is a vote for education!
_____ 4. Hundreds of farmers in Michigan rely on Agriculture Today to keep them informed about
current agricultural issues. Do the smart thing. Subscribe to this informative magazine today!
_____ 5. Six thousand people attended the fundraiser. It was a huge success!
_____ 6. Public education, health care, taxes, the environment. Governor Johnson cares about the
things that are important to you.
_____ 7. Actress Debby Doll uses Silky Perky Shampoo to keep her hair shiny and beautiful.
Don't you want beautiful, healthy hair like Debby Doll?
Exercise 3: In the blank beside each statement below, write F if the statement is a fact or a if the
statement is an opinion.
______1. H is the chemical symbol for hydrogen.
______2. The food at the Hacienda Restaurant is bad.
______3. Brussel sprouts don't taste very good.
______4. Everyone loves a winner.
______5. I live at 4321 Main Street Place.
______6. That was the best speech ever given.
______7. Tom could get elected for office if he ran.
______8. We defeated the Cougars with a 72 to 71 win in overtime.
______9. Most people would rather have a dog than a cat for a pet.
______10. Mount Rushmore is in South Dakota.
______11. You will prevent many diseases by eating Captain Crunchy Cereal.
______12. Roosevelt Junior High is the best school in Colorado!
______13. We have an aquarium with ten exotic fish in it.
______14. Alaska is the largest state in the union.
______15. Mrs. Smith is a better teacher than Mr. Gregory.
Exercise 4: Write the number(s) of the propaganda technique(s) used in each message. (1- Loaded
Words, 2- Famous People, 3- Everybody Does It, 4- Mudslinging, 5- Fact/Opinion)
______1. My opponent has proven herself dishonest. Do you want to elect that kind of mayor?
______2. Martha Moviestar uses Silky Skin Creme daily. Look like a movie star with Silky Skin!
______3. Your family deserves the very best! Crunch-O's Potato Chips are the best!
______4. Join the thousands every day who get relief from headache pain with Headrid!
______5. In Iowa where our corn is grown, we use the finest equipment possible for growing and
harvesting these luscious ears! Our corn is beyond compare!
______6. Are you a citizen who's proud of America and who salutes the flag? Then vote for I. M.
Honest, a man who upholds the American Way!
______7. In Style, the fashion magazine with a circulation of one million readers! Subscribe today!