Personal and Social Responsibility

ASSIGNMENT 3: Advertising Responsibly?

Learning Target (Curricular Competencies):

  • Think critically, creatively, and reflectively to explore ideas within, between, and beyond texts
  • Recognize and appreciate how different forms, formats, structures, and features of texts enhance and shape meaning and impact

Whilst 'cause marketing'/'issue-oriented marketing' has traditionally been the domain of non-profit organizations, many businesses today are associating themselves with a cause or issue. For example, if you shop at the GAP and buy (RED) brand clothing, The Gap will donate money to (RED).


Task: Become aware of the use of persuasive techniques in advertising by considering the following advertisements. 
1. Look below to view a series of advertisements from quirky Italian brand, Diesel that offer a spoof/comment on the issue of global warming. Then click here to read an article by the Washington Post about the campaign.
2. Open a word document title it "4.3 Advertising Responsibly?" Copy and paste the following questions and answer them thoughtfully. 
  1. Who is the target audience of this campaign?
  2. What is the creative concept of this campaign?
  3. What does the Washington Post suggest about society's values and beliefs concerning global warming?
  4. Do you think these advertisements achieve their objective of raising awareness of global warming, or do they appear disingenuous about this cause?
  5. What is your overall opinion of company's that align themselves with 'cause/issue advertising.'

Assessment:  Below you will find the exemplary criteria used to assess the assignment.  

Learning Target: (Exemplary 6/6): Exemplary comprehension of the task and clear accomplishment of the objective. Answers are thoughtful and specific. 

Written Expression:  Exemplary (6/6):  Sentence structure and vocabulary are varied, skillfully written, and carefully chosen.  Work has been proofread and there are few or no errors in spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and grammar.  Content contributes to the central idea and makes insightful connections with logical organization.  

Submission: 

Use the "4.3 Advertising Responsibly" link on the main page of this section of the course to upload your assignment to your teacher for marking.