Counter-Ads

Students can “talk back” to deceptive or harmful media messages by creating counter-ads. These are parodies of advertisements, delivering more truthful messages using the same persuasion techniques as real ads. By creating counter-ads, students can apply media literacy skills to communicate positive messages.

The simplest way to create a counter-ad is to alter a real ad (magazine or newspaper ads work best) by changing the text or adding graphic elements; just write or draw over the original ad, or paste new materials onto it. (A simple example: change “Come to Marlboro Country” to “Come to Marlboro’s Graveyard” and add a few tombstones to the landscape.) You can also create a counter-ad by drawing a new image, copying the design and layout of a real ad. Collage techniques work well, too. 

In order to purchase the entire assignment (with grading rubric) please go to: Counter-Ad Assignment.