Summative Assignment

“Take a Stand”

ENG 3CI

What is a Public Service Announcement?

• A short message produced via film, video, audio or print• They are distributed to radio stations, television

stations, newspapers and websites “in the interest of the public”

• Often, they are funded (at least in part) by the Government

• They are specifically targeted at issues that are currently affecting the population where they are seen, read or heard (i.e.: different P.S.A.’s circulate in different provinces)

Some examples of Public Service Announcements...

Watch for cars when wearing headphones

5.4 million die of smoking related causes every year.

That’s 2000 times a 9/11.

THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS AN OLD JUNKIE

How do you create a P.S.A.?

Job # 1: DECIDE ON YOUR PURPOSE:• you must have a current issue or topic • what is your central message or goal?• what do you want to accomplish with your

message?

How do you create a P.S.A.?

Job # 2: TARGET YOUR AUDIENCE:• who are you trying to reach and teach?• deciding on who you are targeting will

help you decide on what pictures, fonts, words and phrases are going to be the most effective!

How do you create a P.S.A.?

Job # 3: KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER:• keep your language simple and vivid! (i.e.:

“seatbelts save lives”)• the content of the writing should “hook” the

audience to get them to pay attention! (i.e.: “not gonna kill you”)

• ensure that you request a specific action to change behaviours (i.e.: “don’t drink and drive”)

Potential Topic Choices

Abortion IssuesGlobal IssuesRace & CultureAIDS / HIVHeath & MedicineReligionAnimal WelfareHuman RightsSchools & EducationCensorship

ImmigrationSex EducationCitizen’s RightsInternetSubstance AbuseCrime & PunishmentMedia & CommunicationsVoting & ElectionsEarth & EnvironmentMedicine & EthicsWar & PeaceEnergy & ConservationPeople & SocietyWomen’s Issues