LESSON IN PROPAGANDA ENGLISH 8

3. Select the propaganda techniques from
the list below:
• Testimonial
• Images
• Figurative language
• Name calling
• Poetry
• Journalism
• Advertising

5. Here are some words and expressions that we are going to meet
in the text that we are going to read. Let’s read them together.
• evidence that students do better is overwhelming (there is a
lot of support for student improvement).
• distractions (things that stop you from concentrating on the
job)
• obvious (easy to see that it is true)
• parasites (something that feeds on another animal or
human)
• improvement (getting better at something)
• concentrate (focus without giving up)
• cyber-bullying (where someone is being harassed online)
• benefit (advantage)

6. As the text is read, look out for 2
propaganda techniques:
Testimonial, (where the writer
uses experts and statistics to back
up the argument) and Name-
Calling (where the writer uses a
negative word or expression to
make the reader think badly of
the person or thing.) See if you
can spot these techniques.

7. Banning Cell Phones in Schools has been a Success15
There can be no question that banning cell phones in schools has
been a good idea, both for teachers and students. In countries like
Spain, Norway and Australia, the evidence that students do better is
overwhelming. The main reason for this improvement has been the
removal of distractions for students. It is obvious therefore that the
Philippines government’s decision in 2003 to ban cell phones in schools
was a very sensible move and that other countries should do the same
thing.

8. The evidence that supports banning cell phones in schools is clear. The
London School of Economics found that student test scores went up by 6%
after cell phones were banned. Similar results were found in Spain and
Norway. A group called Communication Education compared results in
schools where cell phones were banned and schools where they were not
and found that student results were much better in the banning schools. It
is therefore clearly evident that cell phones are harmful for student
learning and should be banned in all schools. They are like parasites, eating
away at the brains of students.

9. The major reason for this improvement is obvious. Without cell
phones, students are less distracted and more able to pay attention to
the teacher. Teachers benefit because they spend less time dealing
with distracted students on their phones and more time on teaching.
Students can concentrate better and take in more information. Better
concentration means better learning and better scores in tests. The
benefits of banning cell phones in schools are obvious.

10. Another benefit of the ban has been to reduce cyber-bullying and
increase social contact between students. Students are more likely to
talk to other students rather than being on their phones in the
playground. So, it is not just learning that has benefitted from the ban.
There have been social benefits for schools in making the very wise
move of banning cell phones too.
For these reasons it is therefore easy to see why cell phones should
be banned in all countries. Students may not like it at first but they will
see the benefit of the ban the first time they get a better test result.

11. 1. Name the 4 countries that the writer says have
banned cell phones in schools.
-Philippines, Norway, Spain and Australia
2. The writer uses a technique called Testimonial to
support the argument – we identified it
during the reading. How does this use of the technique
benefit the writer’s argument?
-It means that the argument is supported by experts
making it sound more convincing.

12. Explain in your own words how the removal of
distractions has led to better student test
scores.
-Better concentration leads to learning more
knowledge as the teacher gets more time to teach.

13. What is the main reason given for student improvement in
schools where cell phones have been banned?
-Removal of distractions.
What does the writer mean when he compares cell phones to
parasites? Do you think it is over the top (or an exaggeration)?
-The writer wants to show how bad the effects of cell phones
and its distractions are on the student so exaggerates the
comparison to get the point across more strongly.

14. Write a short paragraph giving your opinion of the
statement:
‘It is therefore clearly evident that cell phones are
harmful for student learning and should be banned
in all schools.’
Do you agree with this statement? Why OR why not?
Give a reason for your response.

16. How do persuasive texts begin?
Statement of opinion about the topic and the main points that support
that opinion.
What happens in the middle of a persuasive text?
Each point from the opening paragraph is presented in turn with
supporting evidence.
How do they end?
A final statement of opinion, usually with the strongest piece of
evidence.

17. • Pros and Cons (for and against)
• getting addicted (losing control over your actions because of
an overwhelming desire for something – e.g., a drug)
• obese (very fat – overweight)
• heart disease (health conditions that can lead to heart
attacks)
• concentration (focus, ability to pay attention for a long time)
• problem-solving skills (able to think creatively to come up
with solutions to problems)
• violent (causing physical harm)
• criminal behavior (breaking the law)