Language Arts · Grade 6

Active learning ideas

Analyzing Persuasive Techniques in Advertising

Active learning works because analyzing persuasive techniques in real advertisements requires students to engage with the material directly. When students examine ethos, pathos, and logos in context, they move beyond memorization to critical thinking about how messages are constructed and received.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.2

• 30–50 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 4 activities

Activity 01

• Case Study Analysis
• 45 min · Small Groups

Ad Dissection Stations: Rhetorical Appeals

Prepare stations for ethos, pathos, and logos with sample ads. Small groups spend 10 minutes at each, annotating appeals on sticky notes and discussing examples. Groups rotate and compile class findings on a shared chart.

Analyze how advertisements use ethos, pathos, and logos to target consumers.

Facilitation Tip

For Persuasive Ad Remix, set a 20-minute timer and require students to present their revised ad with a one-minute pitch explaining their choices.

What to look for

Provide students with a print advertisement. Ask them to identify one example of ethos, pathos, or logos and write a sentence explaining how it functions in the ad. Collect and review for understanding of the core appeals.

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Decision-Making
• Self-Management

Activity 02

• Case Study Analysis
• 30 min · Pairs

Color and Imagery Critique: Partner Pairs

Pairs select print ads and chart how colors and images target audiences, noting emotional or logical effects. They swap ads with another pair for second opinions, then report key insights to the class.

Explain the psychological impact of color and imagery in advertising.

What to look for

Present two advertisements for similar products (e.g., two different brands of running shoes). Ask students: 'How do these ads use different persuasive strategies to appeal to potential buyers? Which ad do you find more convincing and why?' Facilitate a class discussion comparing their analyses.

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Decision-Making
• Self-Management

Activity 03

• Case Study Analysis
• 40 min · Whole Class

Ethical Ad Debate: Whole Class

Show controversial ads; students vote thumbs up or down on ethics, then debate in a structured fishbowl format. Facilitate with prompts on manipulation versus fair persuasion.

Critique the ethical implications of persuasive techniques used in marketing.

What to look for

Give each student a sticky note. Ask them to write down one persuasive technique they observed in an advertisement today (either in class or outside) and one question they have about how advertising influences people. Have them place the notes on a designated board.

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Decision-Making
• Self-Management

Activity 04

• Case Study Analysis
• 50 min · Individual

Persuasive Ad Remix: Individual Creation

Students choose a product and redesign an ad using one appeal, explaining choices in a short write-up. Share digitally or on posters for peer review.

Analyze how advertisements use ethos, pathos, and logos to target consumers.

What to look for

Provide students with a print advertisement. Ask them to identify one example of ethos, pathos, or logos and write a sentence explaining how it functions in the ad. Collect and review for understanding of the core appeals.

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Decision-Making
• Self-Management

A few notes on teaching this unit

Teach this topic by modeling how to

Successful learning looks like students confidently identifying rhetorical appeals in unfamiliar ads, explaining their choices with evidence, and applying these techniques in their own work. You will see students debating strategies thoughtfully and justifying their perspectives with specific examples.

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• During Ad Dissection Stations, watch for students who assume every ad presents complete information.

  Direct students to compare the claims made in the ad with any missing details they notice, then discuss as a group whether the ad accurately represents the product.

• During Persuasive Ad Remix, watch for students who over-rely on emotional appeals without logical support.

  Have students present their revised ads and ask peers to identify which appeals they used, prompting reflection on balance and credibility.

• During Color and Imagery Critique, watch for students who dismiss color choices as purely aesthetic.

  Provide before-and-after versions of ads with color changes and have students record how their perception of the ad shifts, then discuss the psychological associations of each color.

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Methods used in this brief

• Case Study Analysis