Rhetoric & Propaganda - Practice

Grade 8 Reading | FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.8.R.3.1
Name:
Date:
Directions: Read each passage carefully. Analyze the rhetorical techniques and propaganda methods used, then answer the questions that follow.
Passage 1: School Board Candidate Speech
[Political Speech Excerpt]

Good evening, parents and community members. As a mother of three children in our public schools and a former teacher with fifteen years of classroom experience, I understand the challenges our students face every day.

The facts are clear: Our district's test scores have dropped 15% over the past three years. Class sizes have increased to 32 students per room. Meanwhile, our neighboring district - with smaller classes and more resources - outperforms us in every category.

Some people say we should just accept this decline. But I refuse to give up on our children's futures. Every child in this community deserves a quality education, and together, we can make that happen.

Join the thousands of parents who have already signed my petition for change. Don't let another year pass while our children fall behind. Vote for real solutions. Vote for someone who has been in the classroom and knows what works. Vote for Maria Gonzalez.

Questions About Passage 1

1. What ETHOS (credibility) appeals does Maria Gonzalez use to establish her authority?
2. What LOGOS (logical) evidence does she present to support her argument?
3. What PATHOS (emotional) appeals does she use?
4. Which propaganda technique is used in "Join the thousands of parents who have already signed"?
5. Does this speech use primarily ethical persuasion or propaganda? Explain with evidence.
Passage 2: Energy Drink Advertisement
[Commercial Script]

[Scene: Professional athlete crosses finish line, then holds up energy drink]

VOICEOVER: "Olympic gold medalist Jake Torres knows what it takes to win. That's why he drinks PowerSurge before every competition."

JAKE TORRES: "When you're going for gold, you can't afford to be tired. PowerSurge gives me the edge I need."

VOICEOVER: "Don't be left behind while everyone else is surging ahead. PowerSurge: Because winners don't wait. Available everywhere champions shop."

[Warning text appears briefly: "Contains 300mg caffeine. Not recommended for those under 18."]

Questions About Passage 2

6. What propaganda technique is PRIMARILY used in this advertisement?
7. "Don't be left behind while everyone else is surging ahead" uses which technique?
8. What logical fallacy exists in suggesting that drinking PowerSurge will make consumers perform like an Olympic athlete?
9. Why is the warning text shown "briefly" rather than prominently? How does this affect the ad's ethics?
Passage 3: Environmental Organization Appeal
[Fundraising Letter]

Dear Friend of the Earth,

Right now, as you read this letter, another acre of rainforest is being destroyed. Another species is moving closer to extinction. Another child is breathing polluted air.

At Green Future Alliance, our team of environmental scientists and policy experts has spent 25 years fighting to protect our planet. Our research has influenced legislation in 40 countries, and we've helped establish 200 protected wildlife areas worldwide.

But our opponents - the big polluters and their political allies - have unlimited resources. They're spending millions to roll back environmental protections and silence scientists who tell the truth.

We can't let them win. Your donation of just $25 today will help us continue the fight. Join the 500,000 members who have already taken a stand for our planet's future.

Time is running out. The Earth can't wait. Can you?

For our children's future,
Dr. Sarah Chen, Executive Director

Questions About Passage 3

10. Identify ONE example each of ethos, pathos, and logos in this letter:

Ethos:

Pathos:

Logos:

11. The phrase "big polluters and their political allies" is an example of which propaganda technique?
12. How does the letter create urgency? Cite TWO specific phrases that create time pressure.
13. Is this letter ethical persuasion or manipulative propaganda? Consider: Does it use honest evidence? Does it acknowledge other viewpoints? Explain your analysis.
Passage 4: Social Media Post
[Online Commentary]

EXPOSED: The truth they don't want you to know! 🔥

While the mainstream media stays SILENT, real patriots are waking up. The elites have been controlling the narrative for decades, but we're taking back our country!

Studies show that 87% of Americans don't trust the news anymore (link in bio). And why should they? Everything you've been told is a LIE.

Share this post if you're not a sheep! 🐑 Real Americans stand together. The silent majority is silent no more!

#WakeUp #Truth #Freedom #PatriotsUnite

[Posted by: TruthWatchUSA | Followers: 2.3M | Likes: 45K]

Questions About Passage 4

14. List THREE propaganda techniques used in this social media post:
15. "Share this post if you're not a sheep!" combines which two techniques?
16. How does this post discourage critical thinking? What red flags indicate propaganda?
17. Compare Passage 3 (Environmental Letter) and Passage 4 (Social Media Post). Which is more credible and why?
FAST Success Kit | Grade 8 | FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.8.R.3.1 | 17 Questions