Grade 5 Media Smarts worksheet
from Gradelings · Name: ______________________
How to explain it
- Ads use tricks to sell. Bandwagon says everyone is doing it. A testimonial uses someone famous or happy to praise it.
- Emotional appeal tries to make you feel something, like fear or joy.
- Ask: who made this, who is it for, and what do they want me to do?
Example: An ad says, “All the kids in town have one. Don’t be left out!” Which technique is this? It says everyone has it. Joining in because others do is bandwagon. Answer: bandwagon
Question 1
An ad shows kids laughing as they play a new video game. It plays during a cartoon show. Who is the target audience?
- kids
- grandparents
- farmers
- business owners
kids
Hint: Who watches cartoon shows, and who is shown having fun in the ad?
Question 2
Which persuasive technique does this ad use?
Don't let your grandparents feel lonely. Call them every week with this easy video phone.
- bandwagon
- repetition
- emotional appeal
- exaggeration
emotional appeal
Hint: An emotional appeal tries to make you feel something strong, like love, worry or excitement.
Question 3
Which technique tries to convince you because “everyone is doing it”?
- testimonial
- emotional appeal
- repetition
- bandwagon
bandwagon
Hint: Bandwagon says everyone is doing it, so you should join in too.
Question 4
Which statement from an ad is a fact that could be checked?
- This is the best book of the year.
- Our cereal tastes better than any other.
- This jacket comes in three colours.
- This game is the most fun you'll ever have.
This jacket comes in three colours.
Hint: A fact can be measured, counted or checked. Words like best, coolest and amazing usually signal an opinion.
Question 5
Sort these ad statements into facts and opinions.
Sort into: 📏 Fact · 💬 Opinion
- 🚲This is the coolest bike ever.
- 🎲The game is for ages 8 and up.
- 🧥This jacket comes in three colours.
- 🧥This jacket looks amazing on everyone.
- 🚲This bike has 21 gears.
- 📖This is the best book of the year.
📏 Fact: The game is for ages 8 and up., This jacket comes in three colours., This bike has 21 gears. · 💬 Opinion: This is the coolest bike ever., This jacket looks amazing on everyone., This is the best book of the year.
Hint: A fact can be checked or measured. An opinion is what someone thinks or feels.
Question 6
What is the main goal of most advertisements?
- to teach a science lesson
- to share the news of the day
- to get people to buy or do something
to get people to buy or do something
Hint: Companies pay for ads. What do they hope you'll do after seeing one?
Question 7
Which technique uses a famous or trusted person to sell a product?
- testimonial
- exaggeration
- emotional appeal
testimonial
Hint: A testimonial uses a famous or trusted person to say they like the product.
Question 8
A snack ad shows only how tasty the snack is and never mentions that it's very high in sugar. What is the ad doing?
- giving a complete and balanced picture
- telling a story just for fun
- using a testimonial
- leaving out information that might change your mind
leaving out information that might change your mind
Hint: Ads choose what to show you, and what not to show you.
Question 9
An ad says, “Everyone has one!” What's the smartest thing to ask yourself?
- Is that really true, and do I actually need it?
- Why don't I have two?
- How fast can I buy one?
- Which colour do my friends have?
Is that really true, and do I actually need it?
Hint: Bandwagon ads want you to follow the crowd without thinking. Stop and check the claim.
Answer key
- 1. kids
- 2. emotional appeal
- 3. bandwagon
- 4. This jacket comes in three colours.
- 5. 📏 Fact: The game is for ages 8 and up., This jacket comes in three colours., This bike has 21 gears. · 💬 Opinion: This is the coolest bike ever., This jacket looks amazing on everyone., This is the best book of the year.
- 6. to get people to buy or do something
- 7. testimonial
- 8. leaving out information that might change your mind
- 9. Is that really true, and do I actually need it?
Want more than 9 questions?
In Gradelings the questions change every time and adjust to your child, with hints and kind feedback.