Fact Finder Slides FACT OR FICTION
Forensics
Evaluating Speaker Intent, Tone, and Bias
Our Mission
The Challenge
In a world full of information, how do we know what is objective truth versus someone's opinion?
Your Objective
Identify facts and opinions in spoken media by listening for "Signal Words."
TYPE A: The Fact
Proven by evidence
Data, research, history, or physical proof.
Universal agreement
Does not change based on who is speaking.
"The city opened two new parks this year."
TYPE B: The Opinion
Personal belief or feeling
Subjective; differs from person to person.
Judgment calls
Often uses descriptive or emotional language.
"The new parks are a waste of taxpayer money."
Signal Word Radar
FACT Signals
• "Research indicates..."
• "The record shows..."
• "According to the study..."
• "Historically..."
• "The data suggests..."
OPINION Signals
• "I believe..." / "I feel..."
• "In my view..."
• "Clearly, the best..."
• "It is outrageous that..."
• "Most people agree..."
Audio Evidence Analysis
We are about to listen to two different clips about the same local news event. Prepare your Fact Finder Worksheet .
Clip 1: The Report
Clip 2: The Editorial
Case File Worksheet Audio Analysis: Case File #101
Topic: Fact vs. Opinion in Media Listening
Agent Name:
Date:
Signal Word Radar
Fact Indicators
"The data shows...", "According to records...", "Witnesses reported...", "Historically...", "Specifically..."
Opinion Indicators
"I believe...", "Obviously...", "The worst...", "Everyone knows...", "It is vital that...", "Unfairly..."
Evidence Log: The New City Park
Listen to the two audio clips. Record at least 3 pieces of information from each and classify them.
AUDIO CLIP 1: News Report
Transcribed Information / Key Quotes Fact? Opinion?
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
AUDIO CLIP 2: Radio Editorial
Transcribed Information / Key Quotes Fact? Opinion?
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
Final Verdict
Identify one signal word heard in Clip 2 that suggested it was an opinion:
Which speaker did you find more "trustworthy"? Why? (Refer to specific audio evidence):
Fact Finder Teacher Guide Teacher Facilitation Guide
Lesson 1: Fact or Fiction Forensic
ESL-10-AUD
Audio Scripts
Note: Use a neutral, professional voice for Clip 1. Use an expressive, slightly frustrated, and opinionated voice for Clip 2.
Clip 1: The Report
"Good morning. Today at 10:00 AM, City Council members met to finalize the budget for the new Green Valley Park. The project, which covers 15 acres, was approved with a vote of 7 to 2. Construction is scheduled to begin this coming Monday. City records show that this is the fourth public space added to the downtown area in the last five years."
Facts included: Time (10 AM), Acres (15), Vote count (7-2), Schedule (Monday), Historical record (4th space).
Clip 2: The Editorial
"I believe we’ve reached a point of absolute madness in this city. Clearly, the council has lost touch with reality by voting for yet another expensive park. It is outrageous that we are spending millions on Green Valley Park when our roads are a disaster. In my view, this 15-acre project is nothing but a vanity project for the Mayor. Most people agree we need better infrastructure, not more grass."
Opinions included: "Absolute madness", "Lost touch with reality", "Outrageous", "Disaster", "Vanity project".
Facilitation Steps
01
The Hook: Play the robotic voice reading an emotional poem (optional) or simply play the two clips without introduction. Ask: "Which one feels like the news, and which one feels like a conversation at a coffee shop?"
02
Instruction: Go through the Fact Finder Slides . Emphasize "Signal Words." For ESL students, explicitly define "Objective" vs "Subjective."
03
Active Listening: Play Clip 1. Have students write down numbers and names (Facts). Play Clip 2. Have students circle descriptive adjectives (Opinions).
04
Discussion: Ask: "Does Clip 2 contain any facts?" (Yes, it mentions the 15 acres). Explain that opinions often wrap themselves around facts to sound more convincing.
Answer Key Reference
Clip 1 Key Info
• Approved vote: 7 to 2
• 15 acres of land
• Construction starts Monday
Clip 2 Key Signal Words
• "I believe..."
• "Clearly..."
• "In my view..."
Tone Toolkit Slides TONE DETECTIVES
Listening Beyond the Literal
The "How" of Speech
The Words:
"That's a great idea."
The Tone:
Changes the meaning from excited to sarcastic or bored.
Tone is...
The speaker's attitude toward the subject or the audience.
Pitch Speed Volume Intonation
The Robotic Fail
Why AI doesn't (always) get us.
"I. Am. So. Excited. To. Be. Here. Today. I. Have. Never. Been. Happier."
Discussion Question:
If the voice has no pitch or rhythm, can we believe the words?
Sarcasm Detection
"Oh, brilliant."
In a sarcastic tone, the pitch often drops or elongates certain vowels.
Lowered pitch
Slower speed (Drawl)
NOT
what they said
It's how they said it.
The Sleuth's Vocabulary
Positive
Enthusiastic
Negative
Hostile
Irony
Sarcastic
Objective
Neutral
Sarcasm Sleuth Worksheet Sarcasm Sleuth Log
Analyzing Pitch, Pace, and Purpose
Case Officer:
Archive Date:
Detective Tip: The "Sarcastic Drop"
Sarcasm often involves a sudden drop in pitch or an elongated vowel (e.g., "Greeeeeat"). Listen for the mismatch between the word's dictionary definition and the speaker's energy.
Audio Evidence Analysis
ID
Literal Words
Vocal Quality (Pitch/Speed)
Hidden Intent (Tone)
#01
#02
#03
#04
Interrogating the Audio
1. Describe the difference in PITCH between Clip #1 and Clip #4. How did it change the feeling?
2. In which clip did the speaker sound most sincere (meaning they meant exactly what they said)? Give one vocal reason why.
Forensic Unit: Tone & Mood Analysis
Sleuth Lab ID: ESL-10-AUD-02
Tone Detectives Teacher Guide Teacher Facilitation Guide
Lesson 2: Tone & Sarcasm Detectives
AUDIO ARCHIVE 02
Listening Clips Script
Clip #1: The Genuine Excitement
Style: High pitch, fast speed, rising intonation at the end of sentences.
"Wow, I can't believe we actually won! This is the most amazing day ever. Did you see the look on their faces? I'm so proud of the team!"
Clip #2: The Sarcastic Approval
Style: Very low pitch, slow, heavy emphasis on "great" and "best."
"Oh, great. Another rainy day. This is just the best news I've heard all morning. I love walking to school in a thunderstorm."
Clip #3: The Nervous Apology
Style: Soft volume, shaky voice, pauses between words.
"I... I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to... to break that. I know it was important. Please don't be too angry with me."
Clip #4: The Dismissive Coworker
Style: Flat intonation (monotone), sighing before speaking.
"Yeah, thanks for the help. I'll get to it when I have time. Whatever you say, boss. It's not like I have anything else to do."
Facilitation Steps
1
The Robotic Hook: Use a text-to-speech tool (like Siri or Google) to read a very emotional text. Ask: "Is this convincing?" (Students will likely say no). Ask why: "The words are right, but the soul is missing."
2
Technical Analysis: Explain Pitch, Speed, and Volume. Have students practice saying "Oh, thank you" in three ways: 1) To a hero, 2) To someone who just spilled juice on them, 3) To a waiter who forgot their drink.
3
Listening Challenge: Play the clips from the scripts above. Students fill out the Sarcasm Sleuth Log . Re-play each clip at least twice.
ESL Vocabulary Bridge
PITCH
How high or low a voice is. High pitch = bird; Low pitch = drum.
INTONATION
The 'music' of the voice. Does the voice go up at the end? (Question/Surprise)
SINCERE
When the speaker really feels what they are saying.
Persuasion Radar Slides PERSUASION
RADAR
Rhetoric & Influence
The Rhetorical Triangle
ETHOS
Credibility
"Trust me because I am an expert or a good person."
Listen for:
"As a doctor with 20 years experience..."
PATHOS
Emotion
"Feel sad, angry, or happy so you agree with me."
Listen for:
"Think of the innocent children who suffer..."
LOGOS
Logic
"Agree with me because the facts and data make sense."
Listen for:
"Statistics show an 80% decrease in errors..."
Vintage Ad Analysis
In the 1950s, radio was the king of persuasion. Advertisers used music and dramatic voices to make listeners crave products.
Case Study: "The Sparkle Soap"
"Are you tired of being the only mom on the block with dull dishes?"
GUILT (Pathos)
FEAR of being left out
The Sleuth's Cheat Sheet
Repetition
Repeating a word or phrase to make it stick in the listener's memory.
Rhetorical Questions
Asking a question that doesn't need an answer because the answer is "obvious."
Inclusive Language
Using "We," "Us," and "Our" to make the listener feel like part of a team.
Hyperbole
Exaggerating for effect. "The best thing since sliced bread!"
Rhetoric Radar Log Rhetoric Radar Log
Dissecting the Power of Persuasion
Agent:
Date:
Part 1: Identifying the Pillars
Listen to the persuasive speech. Check which techniques the speaker uses and provide 1-2 words from the audio as evidence.
ETHOS (Credibility)
Does the speaker sound like an expert or a trustworthy person?
Used?
Audio Evidence:
PATHOS (Emotion)
Does the speaker try to make you feel sad, guilty, or excited?
Used?
Audio Evidence:
LOGOS (Logic)
Does the speaker use facts, numbers, or "if... then" statements?
Used?
Audio Evidence:
Part 2: Rhetorical Device Tracker
Rhetorical Device Definition Quote/Evidence from Audio Repetition Repeating a phrase Rhetorical Q Question with no answer
|
| Inclusive Lang | "We", "Us", "Our" |
|
| Hyperbole | Extreme exaggeration |
|
Part 3: The Verdict
Would you buy this product or support this speaker based ONLY on the audio? Why?
Identify the most effective emotional appeal (Pathos) heard in the clip:
Persuasion Radar Teacher Guide Teacher Facilitation Guide
Lesson 3: Persuasion & Rhetoric
AUDIO ARCHIVE 03
Script: "Sparkle Soap" Radio Ad
Style Instructions: Narrator should sound like a classic 1950s announcer—booming, energetic, and slightly dramatic. Transitions should have a "chime" sound.
Announcer: "Are you tired of being the only mom on the block with dull, gray dishes? Does your family deserve better than a messy table?" [Pathos: Guilt/Comparison]
Announcer: "Introducing... SPARKLE SOAP! The only dish detergent recommended by 9 out of 10 scientists at the National Laboratory of Cleanliness!" [Ethos: Authority]
Announcer: "Sparkle Soap doesn't just clean; it rejuvenates. It repairs . It revolutionizes . One drop is all it takes to remove 99.9% of grease in under three seconds. That's faster than any other soap on the market today!" [Logos: Statistics; Repetition]
Announcer: "Don't let your kitchen fall behind. We are all striving for a cleaner home, aren't we? Join the Sparkle family today and see the magic for yourself! Sparkle Soap: It's the miracle your home has been waiting for!" [Inclusive Lang; Hyperbole]
Facilitation Steps
Step 1: The Ad Hook
Play the ad without any prior lecture on rhetoric. Ask students: "Did you feel like buying the soap? Why? Was it because of a fact or a feeling?"
Step 2: Definitions
Introduce Ethos, Pathos, and Logos using the slides. For ESL students, simplify: Ethos = Trust; Pathos = Heart; Logos = Brain.
Step 3: Device Hunt
Play the ad a second time. Have students fill out the Rhetoric Radar Log . Focus on identifying the exact words used for "Inclusive Language" (We, Us, Our).
Step 4: Creation
Challenge students to write one sentence for a new product (e.g., "Turbo Sneakers") using either Pathos or Logos. Have them read it to the class.
Teacher Reference Only Common Misconceptions
"Hyperbole" is often confused with "Pathos." Explain that hyperbole is a tool to create pathos.
Students may think Ethos is only for "famous people." Remind them that an anonymous doctor still has Ethos.
Mystery Voices Slides MYSTERY VOICES
Social Inference & Register
Listening for "Register"
What is Register?
The level of formality in a person's speech, chosen based on the context and the audience.
Casual
Formal
"Who am I talking to?"
Register tells us the Power Dynamic .
Register tells us the Relationship .
Register tells us the Setting .
Detective Clues
FORMAL
Polite titles (Sir, Ma'am, Dr.)
No contractions (It is vs. It's)
Complex vocabulary
INFORMAL
Slang and idioms
Short, incomplete sentences
Filler words (Um, Like, You know)
Game Time!
MYSTERY VOICES
Listen to 3 short clips. Your goal is to identify the Relationship and the Context using only vocal clues.
1
Clip One
2
Clip Two
3
Clip Three
Mystery Voices Worksheet Mystery Voices
Social Inference & Relationship Grid
Lead Detective:
Case Log:
Clue Bank: FORMAL (High Register)
"Good morning, Professor...", "I was wondering if...", "Furthermore...", "Thank you for your assistance."
Clue Bank: INFORMAL (Low Register)
"Hey man, what's up?", "I gotta go...", "Seriously?!", "No way, you're kidding."
Evidence Log: Mystery Voice Analysis
Clip # Who are the speakers? Setting / Context Language Evidence (Quotes) 1
|
|
| 2 |
|
|
|
| 3 |
|
|
|
The Final Inference
Think about Clip #1 . If the relationship was changed from Formal to Informal, how would the dialogue change? Rewrite one line heard in the audio to make it casual.
Original (Formal):
Your Version (Informal):
Social Dynamics Unit | ESL Listening Lab 4
Media Critic Launch Slides MEDIA CRITIC
Mastery Project: Podcast Analysis
Your Mission Objective
You are no longer just a listener. You are a Media Critic . Your job is to select a podcast segment and "expose" the speaker's true intent.
The Core Question:
"What is the speaker really saying, and how do their vocal choices prove it?"
Detect Bias
Analyze Tone
Judge Credibility
The Sleuth's Evidence Kit
How do you "quote" a sound? Use the Evidence + Effect formula.
1. THE QUOTE
Write down exactly what was said.
"The host said, 'Oh, I'm sure that's true'..."
2. THE SOUND
Describe the vocal quality.
"...using a low, drawling pitch with a heavy emphasis on 'sure'."
"This tone reveals that the host is actually skeptical and doesn't believe the guest."
The Road to Mastery
1
SELECT
Find a 3-5 minute clip from a podcast.
2
ANALYZE
Fill out your Evidence Log for the clip.
3
PRESENT
Record a "Media Review" or present live.
"You are the judge. Use your sound forensics to tell us the truth!"
Media Critic Project Guide Media Critic Project
Mastery Assessment Guide
Final Unit Mastery
Deadline:
The Challenge
Select a podcast segment (news, interview, or debate) and analyze the speakers' Intent , Tone , and Bias . You will prepare a "Critical Review" (written or recorded) where you use audio forensics to explain what is happening beneath the surface of the words.
Your Analysis Must Include:
Context: Who are the speakers and what is the setting?Intent: Is the goal to inform, persuade, or entertain?Vocal Evidence: At least 2 specific descriptions of pitch/tone/speed.Bias Check: Does the speaker favor one side? How do you know?
Critic's Checklist
Select 3-5 minute clip
Complete Evidence Log
Identify 1 Logical Fallacy/Bias
Describe 2 instances of sarcasm/tone
Final Verdict (Trustworthy or not?)
Assessment Rubric
Criteria Level 4: Master Level 3: Detective Level 2: Apprentice Listening Forensics Precisely describes vocal qualities (pitch, speed, tone) and connects them to hidden intent. Accurately identifies tone and cites vocal qualities as supporting evidence. Identifies basic tone but lacks specific description of vocal qualities. Bias Detection Exposes nuanced bias or speaker intent using multiple pieces of audio evidence. Identifies whether the speaker is biased and gives one clear reason why. Struggles to identify speaker bias or provide supporting evidence. Register & Register Clearly explains the relationship between speakers based on register and formality. Identifies speaker relationships and setting with mostly accurate evidence. Misidentifies speaker relationships or setting due to lack of social inference.
Initial Project Planning
Podcast Title & Segment Description:
Why did you choose this? (What sounds interesting?):
Podcast Analysis Organizer Podcast Evidence Log
Research & Analysis Phase
Project File: ESL-10-FINAL
Podcast Title:
Episode Name:
Segment Timestamp:
00:00 — 00:00
I. Speaker Intent
Primary Goal:
Inform
Persuade
Entertain
Explain your choice with one piece of evidence:
Context & Register
Describe the setting and the relationship between speakers:
II. Vocal Forensics
Direct Quote Vocal Quality (Pitch/Tone) Inferred Meaning
III. Bias & Credibility
Does the speaker present only one side of the story? If so, which side? Cite specific words used.
Final Verdict
Rate the speaker's trustworthiness:
1 = Biased / 5 = Neutral
