Ad Dissection

You will work as a media consultant to design an ad which parodies another ad, or you will create an advertisement which helps consumers recognize how they are being manipulated. In order to complete this final task, you will need to recall what you learned during the first two tasks. Complete one of the two options below. Pay close attention to the requirements. Feel free to ask questions as they arise. Want to know how you will be evaluated? Find out here. Check out the bottom of the page to view sample projects and additional tips.

Option #1: Print Ad

Create a print ad which makes use of at least one of the persuasive appeals and one of the persuasive claims explained in the previous exercises.

The ad may parody another popular ad, or you may create an ad to help consumers recognize how they are being manipulated.

Make use of the four p's (point of view, position, posture, and person speaking) as you design your ad.

Create a sketch of how you want your ad to look and what you want it to say before you begin working on the final product.

The final ad should be placed on a piece of paper at least 11x17" in size. Sheets of poster board will be provided.
You may want to use a computer to help you create the graphics or text, but you may also create it by hand as well. You won't receive any additional credit for using a computer, but try to make it as neat and professional looking as possible.
Include at least a half-page, typed summary which explains the intent of your ad. In other words, explain which ad or ads you were trying to parody or how your ad tries to help consumers recognize how they are being manipulated. Briefly explain the appeal and claim you used in your ad and how you considered the four p's as you designed it.
Whatever you do, make sure it is appropriate for a school setting. Inappropriate or offensive ads will receive no credit.

Option #2: Video
Taped or Live Commercial

Complete all of the requirements listed for option one, but create a video taped or live commercial. Be advised that this will take more time than the first option.

You will also need to provide your own equipment. The final product needs to be playable in a regular video tape player, so if you use a mini-tape, you will need to bring in a converter so your commercial can be played.

You may have more than two people appear in the commercial, but only two students will receive a grade. Each partner receives the same grade, so choose your partner with care. Students who demonstrate the inability to work with a partner will be required to complete option one.
The commercial must be at least 30 seconds in length, but it may be up to one minute and thirty seconds.

Want to see some sample commercials that parody other ads? Check out these links below.

Ad Busters: These folks have made it their mission to help the general public recognize how different forms of media manipulate us. They have lots of interesting information on their site, but you will find three locations to be most helpful.

By Sharrow & Associates

You can check out sample spoof or parody ads.
You might also want to check out their "uncommercials." These are video commercials designed to do such things as raise consumer awareness as to how we are manipulated by advertisers and other forms of media.
They also provide some additional guidelines for those who want to create their own parody advertisements. Pay closest attention to the guidelines listed above, but you might want to consider what they have to say as well.