Analysing Media Arguments

Name:

Date:

Part 1: Identify the Argument

Read the two source extracts below. They present different views about how Australia should respond to single-use plastic drink containers.

Extract A – Source extract flagged for verification

[EXTRACT FLAGGED FOR REVIEW: An exact quotation from a real, publicly verifiable Australian source is required here. Do not publish until the wording, source name, publication details and URL have been checked.]

Source citation/URL: REQUIRED—verify before publication.

Extract B – Source extract flagged for verification

[EXTRACT FLAGGED FOR REVIEW: An exact quotation from a real, publicly verifiable Australian source presenting a contrasting view is required here. Do not publish until the wording, source name, publication details and URL have been checked.]

Source citation/URL: REQUIRED—verify before publication.

1. What is the main contention of Extract A?

Plastic containers are inexpensive for businesses.

A national ban on single-use plastic drink containers is needed.

Councils should stop cleaning beaches.

Customers should buy more takeaway drinks.

2. What is the main contention of Extract B?

3. Identify one piece of evidence or support used in Extract A. Explain how it strengthens the argument.

4. Which audience is Extract B most likely trying to influence? Explain your choice.

Small-business owners and customers

Marine scientists only

Professional athletes

Primary school students

Part 2: Analyse Persuasive Choices

5. In Extract A, identify one example of emotive language. What feeling is it intended to create in the audience?

6. Find one example of a persuasive technique in Extract B. Name the technique and explain its effect.

7. How does each writer's situation affect the argument? Think about who each text is for and what each writer wants the audience to believe or do.

Sentence starters:

Extract A is written for ..., so the writer focuses on ...
Extract B is written for ..., so the writer focuses on ...
The purpose of Extract A/B is to encourage the audience to ...

Include: Identify each audience, explain each writer's purpose, and use one detail from each extract to support your answer.

Checklist: □ I named both audiences. □ I explained both purposes. □ I used evidence from both extracts.

8. Select two features that make evidence more credible.

It comes from a trustworthy and reliable source.

It is supported by research or evidence that can be checked.

It uses strong and emotional language.

It is shared many times on social media.

Part 3: Compare and Present a View

9. How do Extract A and Extract B try to influence their audiences? Which extract do you find more convincing? Use two examples from the texts.

Sentence starters:

Extract A tries to influence its audience by ...
Extract B tries to influence its audience by ...
I find Extract __ more convincing because ...
For example, the writer says ..., which shows ...

Response structure: First compare how each extract influences its audience. Then state which extract is more convincing and explain why.

Include: Two examples from the extracts, such as a persuasive technique, piece of evidence, or important word choice. Explain how each example affects the audience.

Checklist: □ I discussed both extracts. □ I gave my opinion. □ I used two examples. □ I explained the effect of each example.

10. Write a one-sentence contention about single-use plastic drink containers. Include one persuasive technique, such as emotive language, a rhetorical question or a call to action.