Education Technology


NCTE: Collaborating to Evaluate Satirical Devices

Activity Overview

Students work in groups of 4 to read and analyze satirical articles in an online newspaper. They also create Venn diagrams, comparing and contrasting satirical descriptions with real life. They determine what satirical devices are effectively used.

Before the Activity

See the attached Activity PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity.

Print the appropriate pages from the Activity for your class.

Install the LearningCheck(tm) App on the students' graphing calculators following the attached instructions.

Review lesson objectives with students. Have students form groups of four. Ensure that each group has access to definitions and examples of satirical devices, as well as the Elements of Satire.edc resource file: Analyzing Satire. Discuss briefly with students the elements of truth that are present in all forms of satire, as well as the exaggerations and other devices used that make a work satirical. Discuss the Student Data Sheet: Identifying Satirical Devices as a classroom example.

During the Activity

  • Distribute the appropriate pages from the Activity to your class
  • Distribute the LearningCheck(tm) file(s) to your class using TI Connect(tm) and the appropriate TI Connectivity cable
  • Follow the procedures outlined in the Activity


  • Students will:
  • Use definitions of satirical devices to write examples of satire.
  • Discuss satire and its devices.
  • Gain appreciation for and understanding of how satire is created.
  • Analyze articles for satirical devices.
  • Compare and contrast satire with reality.
  • Identify potential audiences for satirical pieces.
  • Identify and evaluate satirical devices used.
  • After the Activity

    Students present their findings to the class. Correct and discuss any errors, and provide opportunities for the class to ask questions of the presenting group.