This module provides examples of authentic Spanish ads and sample questions that can be used in the Spanish language classroom.
Using authentic historical advertisements can provide a new dimension to the Spanish-language course. They not only provide an interesting glimpse into the past, but also expose students to historical vocabulary, cultural history, and various descriptive phrases. The structure of print advertisements lend themselves to learning about using visual clues before beginning to read and also include varied adjectives to describe the product or service.
Objectives
To learn about historical products/services
To identify descriptive words and phrases
To learn how to use pictures as clues when reading in Spanish
To identify verb tenses
To learn new vocabulary words
To use a Spanish-English dictionary
For special projects
To advertise a product/service in Spanish (written and/or verbal exercise)
To describe a product/service
To use a Spanish-English dictionary
To use a Spanish Thesaurus
To learn new vocabulary words
To work on writing/speaking skills
Hotel maverick
19th century ad for Hotel Maverick
Sample questions
What product or service is being advertised?
What is unique or special about this product service, according to the advertisement?
Is this still used or is it out of date?
Is an address or location given for the store or service location? If so, what is it?
What verb tenses are used in the advertisement?
What words are new to you? Keep a list of new words and their definition/translation. Use a Spanish-English dictionary.
Sample projects
Create your own ad in Spanish for a historical product or service. Include a picture and use adjectives to describe your product/service. Use a Spanish-English dictionary and/or a Spanish Thesaurus.
Create your own ad in Spanish for a modern product or service. Include a picture and use adjectives to describe your product/service. Use a Spanish-English dictionary and/or a Spanish Thesaurus.
Translate the Spanish ad. Use a Spanish-English dictionary for words you don't know.
Oral presentation: Write a script for a radio/tv ad for this historical product/service and present it to the class. Use a Spanish-English dictionary and/or a Spanish Thesaurus.
Oral presentation: Write a script for a radio/tv ad for your product/service and present it to the class. Use a Spanish-English dictionary and/or a Spanish Thesaurus.
All these projects can be done individually or in a group.
Peerless press
Image from a 19th century Peerless printing press ad
