Techniques of manipulation tend to follow recurring patterns. You read a text and notice that the author repeatedly uses words such as dignity, security and peace, but does not explain what they mean in practice or how they are understood even though their meaning depends on context. Something does not add up. 

The aim of this exercise is to familiarise students with selected techniques of manipulation and to develop their ability to recognise them. Based on excerpts from the textbook The History of Russia, students learn to identify devices used to influence the reader through language, the selection of information and debating methods. The knowledge gained will help them recognise manipulation more easily in everyday life, including in media messages and on social media. 

 

Instructions for the student 

  1. Familiarise yourself with different techniques of manipulation.  
  2. Match the examples (excerpts from the textbook The History of Russia) to the appropriate techniques. Remember that a single quotation may contain several manipulation techniques. If you are unsure which technique is most appropriate, discuss it with your group.  

Attachments in 3 formats: Word, PDF and Power Point 

Appendix to the exercise 2
Appendix to the exercise 2
Lesson 2 PPTX

 

Note for the teacher 

You may print out the manipulation techniques and the examples and distribute a paper version to the class, or use a PowerPoint presentation displayed on an interactive whiteboard. In the latter case, give each pair of students a copy of the manipulation techniques descriptions. Run the presentation in slideshow mode. Display a quotation on the screen, followed by the possible answers. Ask students to mark the correct techniques on their sheets. Then show the slide with the correct answers.