Propaganda Techniques 7th grade Language Arts Pam Winarski/ Hilary Williams

Propaganda Techniques methods not based in fact- that are used to make arguments more persuasive. Critical readers need to watch out for them, whether they were used on purpose or by accident.

Appeal to Ignorance Suggesting that if no one has ever proved a claim false, then it must be true. Ex) “Scientists can’t prove that there’s no life on Mars, can they?”

Bandwagon Suggesting that since everyone else does it or believes it, it must be right or good. Ex) “ If everyone is skipping school that day, it’s OK for me to do it too.”

Broad Generalization Making a broad statement that something is true about all members of a group. Ex) “Everyone says that Latin is for losers.”

Circular Thinking Beginning with the very point you’re trying to prove. Ex) “This is a boring class because it’s not interesting.”

Either/Or Analyzing a complex situation as if it has only two sides. Ex) “Either we upgrade the computer network in this school, or we doom our students to failure in the world of work.”

Loaded Words Using emotionally charged words that will produce strong positive or negative feelings. Ex) “Many radicals support that bill, which will hurt the hardworking moms and dads who make America strong.

Oversimplification Making complicated issues or problems seem overly simple or easy to solve. Ex) Whether capital punishment is right boils down to one simple issue: fairness.”

Straw Man Exaggerating or oversimplifying the other side so it can be rejected as ridiculous. Ex) “Those who support strict dress codes don’t care about student’s happiness.”