2. What is satire?
•Expresses an opinion or makes a point
•Uses humor, exaggeration and sarcasm
•Takes the opposite side of the argument and defends
it in a ridiculous, comical way.
•For instance if I was for Capital Punishment I
would write about how capital punishment is
wrong because deaths are good for population
control.
•In a satire you are trying to persuade your reader or
argue a point. You’re trying to SHOW how ridiculous
the opposing argument is.
3. Examples
۞The Onion website
۞The Colbert Report
۞The Simpsons
۞South Park
۞The Daily Show with John Stewart
۞Not Another Teen Movie
۞Vampires Suck
4. Confusion?
Parodies and satire are often confused since both
SEEM to make fun of something.
• Satire is criticizing a • Parody does not have the
belief, opinion, or agenda of persuasion.
argument. It is still • Parodies are focused on
making a point. making fun of something
– The Colbert Report, or The simply for laughs.
Daily Show are two great – Weird Al songs are a
examples. strong example.
– Both try to show you the
ridiculous side of serious
issues (and sway your
opinion).
6. Writing your own Satire
• Read the example satire on pages 260-261 in
the orange Write Source book and answer the
following questions:
– What is the literal main point? What is the implied
(true) main point?
– What elements of satire did the writer use? Find at
least 2 specific examples. Explain if you found them
to be effective or not.
– In a satire you are trying to persuade your reader or
argue a point. Explain whether you found the satire to
be persuasive. (consider the audience)
– A satire relies on humor and wit to reveal a weakness
in an issue (not a person) and it should be done
without malicious intent. Explain whether you found
the satire to adhere to this. Find at least 2 specific
examples to support.
7. Brainstorm your topic:
• The purpose of your satire is to express your opinion about a timely
issue in our community (Sioux City) or our school (NHS).
• Look at the Sioux City Journal editorials for possible topics or talk to
students and teachers at North for what issues are bothering them.
• Make a list of issues that are bothering you for both Community and
School:
In the Community: At School:
8. Satirical Elements you must use:
• Hyperbole – extreme exaggerations
• Sarcasm – mocking, scornful tone
• Irony – opposite of what you expect to
happen or mean
