Persuasive Paper Rough Draft

Isabela Burns 

Professor Begert 

English 101 

Position Paper 

Rough Draft 

Social Media: How it Affects YOU

Take moment to think about the last time you checked one of your social media accounts. Whether were talking Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, etc... they're all relevant. Social networking has become such a habit, it is basically a daily routine for most people. Wake up, check social media. Get out of the shower, check social media. And of course check up before you go to bed. Social media is viewed as harmless, and possibly even an uplifting experience. But have you ever noticed that you may feel a little down, or even drained after logging off? Maybe you didn’t get as many likes as another user, or you don’t have as many followers? But, on the flip-side, maybe after logging off you feel as if your ego has been boosted, as if your confidence is restored. Isn't it insane how something such as a like on a Facebook post, or possibly not getting your post liked can impact our mood, or whole day? Social Media actually has quite a few side effects, that we have not recognized. While we view it as a simple time passer, social media could be contributing to various issues in your life. 

Personally, I do own social media accounts and I do spend quite a bit of time on them. I have also witnessed some of the effects of social networking, some that you could easily relate to. After logging off of social media we may feel as if we are lesser than someone. Possibly because you did not receive as much attention as someone else, or because cannot relate to the live's of other's. For example being able to get up and leave your job to go on a vacation with your picture perfect family, or showing off your new car or happy relationship. While viewing these posts that make us upset or unhappy, they also have a deeper impact on us that we are not aware of. In fact, a group of researchers studied a group of 750 students, ranging from grades 7-12. These students were all given the 2013 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey. The data shows us that a quarter of the group reported spending 2+ hours on social networking sites. From the data, we also see that the same students were categorized as reporting symptoms of anxiety, as well as depression. They also reported more poor mental health issues, and even suicidal thoughts. In his article on the website The Sundial, Jamie Perez explains that researchers have found that there is a direct correlation between the amount of time an individual spends on social media and the "more depressed" they become. He explains that we begin comparing our lives to the others' on social media, and we begin feeling as if we are not as good as them because our lives do not mirror their "perfect" lives that they are portraying.   

Social media offers us with so much information all at once, sometimes it can be overwhelming. Which explains why after logging off a social media network some of us may feel drained, or even exhausted. "Another effect of constant connectivity is information overload," says Dr. Cantor. It may be a nice time passer to take a break by checking your emails or hopping on Facebook. You may even use a social media account to contact relatives or friends. Dr. Cantor explains that heading to a 'lower-information' environment is more likely to be productive. He explains how "breaking away" from social media can help us by letting our mind absorb new material. He offers alternatives such as board games or exercise. Instead of using a social network you could take your dog on a walk, or read a book. You could even interact with others not online. Possibly go out for a coffee date with one of your pals, or go visit a family member. Not only are these activities beneficial to you, but as well as the others included.  

According to Mara, age 24, on the website Ditchthelabel.org we unknowingly compare and contrast ourselves with everyone else on social media networks. She blogs, "That's a lot of people to be thinking about and comparing yourself to. Social media creates the fear of missing out when we always know what festival or holiday someone's been on." In this blog post, Mara explains how social media affects our everyday lives. She also mentions how social media posts' can set unreasonable expectations for our own lives. We see only the parts of others' lives that they want us to see. While we compare our everyday lives to what theirs seem to be like, we are setting unrealistic standards for ourselves, and possibly others as well. 

While we can pretend that we don’t use social media, or that it is "different" when we do it, social media actually makes quite a large impact on us. According to David Kirkpatrick, author of The Facebook Effect "[On February 4th ] What ensued was one of the most extraordinary examples of digitally fueled activism the world has ever seen."(15). In his book, David Kirkpatrick explains how millions marched in protest, which began from a social media post, "about 10 million people marched against FARC in hundreds of cities in Colombia according to Colombian press estimates.(15)"  Without social media networking, events such as this, and many others would not have taken place. Social media impacts all of us on a much larger scale than we are aware of. While social media can bring us all together for good, it can also bring us together for evil. Everyday people organize various meetings and get-togethers using social media networks. While we are meeting up to reconnect with an old pal, or to set up a drug deal who knows. The online world is filled with different people, some good, some not so good.  

Social media networks enable all of us to communicate, almost too easily. Why would we want to meet up with someone to have a conversation, when we could message them on Facebook or email them? Being able to contact anyone at anytime is very convenient. So convenient, there is not even a need to leave the house. We are beginning to rely on social media for communication such as virtual business conferences or professional meetings. Soon, we will use social media for all of our communication needs. Using social media, while convenient, slowly takes away our humanity. We use social media as a reliever, though feeling drained after. We use social media to look at others' lives, only to envy them. We use social media as a communication device, yet we no longer communicate without it. Social media networks are slowly destroying our society, and we are the only ones who can put a stop to it.

Developing YOUR Argument

1. I am trying to change how often people use social media, and how they view it. I want inform people of the possible harm or consequences of social media, which is very widely used.

2. I am writing to anyone who uses social media currently, or is curious about the effects of social media.

3. I will appeal to the audience's beliefs and values by informing them how social media can personally affect their health and lifestyles.

4. My audience should believe me because I have experience with social media, and I know many others who also have experience with social media. I have also personally experienced some of the effects of using social media, as well as the others I mentioned.

5. Two reasons the change should be made include; it has negative effects on mental health as well as physical health.

6. A good point the other side might make is that social media is harmless, or these effects do not matter.

7. I would respond to that point by saying that social media is not harmless, though it may seem that way and these are real side effects of social media.

8. Another point the other side may make is that everyone should be allowed to decide how they live their lives.

9. I would respond to that point by informing them with the facts that will help them make the right decisions.

10. Not only my audience, but society as well will benefit from this change.

Sources for Paper #3

http://www.wdish.com/health/10-good-and-bad-ways-social-media-affects-your-mental-health/good-you-can-connect%E2%80%A6-and 

In an interview with the website Dish.com, Dr. Cantor states "Another effect of constant connectivity is information overload."

http://sundial.csun.edu/2015/03/to-like-or-not-to-like-how-social-media-effects-self-esteem/ 

In his article on the website The Sundial, Jamie Perez explains that researchers have found that there is a direct correlation between the amount of time an individual spends on social media and the "more depressed" they become. He explains that we begin comparing our lives to the others' on social media, and we begin feeling as if we are not as good as them because our lives do not mirror their "perfect" lives that they are portraying.  

http://www.ditchthelabel.org/is-social-media-making-us-hate-ourselves/ 

According to Mara, age 24, " That’s a lot of people to be thinking about and comparing yourself to. Social media creates the fear of missing out when we always know what festival or holiday someone’s been on.". In this blog post, Mara tells us how social media affects our everyday life. 

https://play.google.com/books/reader?id=RRUkLhyGZVgC&printsec=frontcover&output=reader&hl=en&pg=GBS.PA3.w.1.2.0 

According to David Kirkpatrick, author of The Facebook Effect "[On February 4th ] What ensued was one of the most extraordinary examples of digitally fueled activism the world has ever seen."( 15 ). In his book, David Kirkpatrick explains how millions marched in protest, which began from a social media post, "about 10 million people marched against FARC in hundreds of cities in Colombia according to Colombian press estimates.( 15 )"

Work Cited Kaye, R. "10 Good and Bad Ways Social Media Affects your Mental Health." W Dish.  W Dish 2015. Web. Nov. 20 2015.Perez, Jamie. "To Like or Not to Like: How Social Media Affects Self Esteem." The Sundial.  The Sundial 2015. Web. Nov. 20 2015.Unknown, Mara. "Is Social Media Making us Hate Ourselves?" Ditch the Label. Ditch the Label 2015. Web. Nov. 20 2015.David Kirkpatrick "The Facebook Effect." Prologue. Print 2010. Nov 19, 2015.

THINKING ABOUT THE TEXT PAGE 100 #1-4

1. The author, Katherine Spriggs, has convinced me that this topic does matter. She has persuaded me with not only facts, as well as personal experiences and memories. Katherine Spriggs establishes the importance of her topic by going into detail about the issues, and even providing us with background knowledge. The author shows us how the world is affected today, as well as possible consequences we could face in the future.

2. Some counterarguments that Katherine Spriggs considers include the fact that "buying locally will be detrimental to the environment because small farms are not as efficient." She explains that this is a common misconception.

3. I found the fourth paragraph of this essay especially effective. The author gave a clear indication of why the topic matters to her, telling us a story from her childhood.

4. I think the visuals in Katherine Spriggs' essay do contribute to the essay, helping the reader understand the reading better and visualize what she is speaking about.

Possible Topics for Paper #3

• Social Media
• Animal Rights
• Homeschooling
• Year-round Schooling

Homework Responses

Leah Nieman
Grace deMeurisse
Holly Snider
Bela Burns

There were many differences and similarities between our analyses between videos, as three watched the same video, and one watched a different video.

Leah Nieman, Bela Burns, and Holly Snider all watched drinking and driving, and I (Grace deMeurisse) watched texting and driving.

Leah, Holly, and Bela all report that the drinking and driving analysis all use ethical appeal and credibility, because there is many different people reporting on the story (from mothers, fathers, various members of churches).

They use as well many ethos (emotional appeal) to appeal to the viewer as well from sad music, to facts and heart wrenching stories.

The video on texting and driving uses many ethos, and not as many logical appeals as there were no statistics or facts shown in the video.

Summary and Analysis of "Drinking and Driving" video - 11/12

The video that I watched focused on drinking and driving. This video tells us the story of two teenage sisters. The video's main speakers are the parents of the sisters, but also includes input from a friend of the girls. In this video, we learn about how these two girls went to a party, and drove home while intoxicated. The girls had brought a friend along as well. We learn that the girls ended up getting in a car crash, and only the friend survived. The video shows us graphic images of the crash, as well as heartbreaking videos of not only the parents sharing their thoughts, but the friend who survived the crash as well. We learn that the parents began an organization, where volunteers will wait on call to pick up anyone and take them home safely, no questions asked. As the viewer of this video, it is hard to see these parents and friends share their stories with us. The video also includes old photographs and video clips from when the girls were younger. This video is convincing (us to not drink and drive ), because it appeals to our emotions. It plays background music filled with sorrow. The video could be seen as a warning, showing us the consequences of drinking and driving. The situation is relatable, for me, because I am roughly the same age as these girls. This video lets us see the grief and sadness this family, and friend experience.

In Class Lab: 11/10 How Things Mean

Bela Burns

Holly Snider

Leah Neiman

Album Covers: These covers suggest that the performers are "cool", "hip" and "caught up with the times". They show this by their various demeanors. Several elements that work on the viewers are facial expression or body language and clothing. The set of album covers are very different. One album cover shows a very feminine woman, and the other shows a pair of masculine men. Both albums display people who look serious. The two different covers have different appeals, which will attract two different audiences. 

Rolex and Hello Kitty watches: These two watches suggest telling time is for everyone. One of these watches displays a childrens icon, and the other displays an official business look. Several elements such as how fancy the item looks or the fact that one displays a well known kids character, work on the viewer. These two products, while they are the same, appeal to two very different age groups with different income. 

The same product can attract two different audiences, by the content and persona they display. 

In Class Lab: 11/10

Bela Burns

Holly Snider

Leah Nieman

Grace Demeurisse

In Class Lab: 11/10/15

1.       The author makes the argument that racial terms should stick with the race they are founded from. The author presents a number of different positions, such as views from “red necks” or “jews”. We are analyzing the argument through these questions.

2.       He spoke with authority, which helped his speech be persuasive. The author considers counterarguments, such as young white people who think it is okay to use the word because their friends use the word. The whole speech was given without citations.

3.       The author’s speech seems biased because the whole speech is about his opinions. He also shares with us personal experiences. He gives the example that he grew up in the south, therefore he could be considered racist.

4.       Boston College is a private, Jesuit Catholic research university. The college shares the same opinions as the author, because they invited him to speak at their university. The college may have a reoccurring issue with the use of this word.

5.       We have not seen any other similar sources on this topic.

6.       This is a topic that people should acknowledge. An opinion to be considered is where do we draw the line between equality and privilege. The term used by white people can be racist, or be misunderstood.

7.       The intended audience is white people at the Boston College, or viewers of the video. We are members of the addressed audience. The main topic of this video is to inform readers about the topic, as well as argue a certain point.  

Isabela Burns

Professor Begert

English 101

Advertisement Analysis Paper #2

Final Draft

Analysis of Anti-Smoking Advertisements

In a single day, we see on average 5,000 advertisements. That means literally every 11.52 seconds, we are subjected to some idea or branding message (1). Though these advertisements are competing against opposing brands, some may leave a larger impact on you than others. Advertisements leave us with lasting impressions, and can help us develop our beliefs on certain topics or ideas. Advertisements promote certain products, events, or ideas. Anti-smoking advertisements are popular today, and are very powerful. These advertisements use different techniques to appeal to the viewer, all of which influence us greatly. I have viewed a number of anti-smoking/anti-tobacco advertisements, and I have observed how companies differently approach presenting the same or similar ideas in their advertisements.

Khaleej Times, Dubai's daily English-language newspaper posted an advertisement, in 2007 (2). It reads, " 5.4 million die of smoking related causes every year. That’s 2,000 times 9/11.", in small black print in the middle of the page. Under the phrase, it shows two cigarettes standing up right, lit. Smoke billows from the tops of the cigarettes. The background is bright white, which forces the viewer of the advertisement to focus on the text centered in the middle of the page, and the cigarettes. The picture mimics the famous image of the twin towers in New York, after being bombed on September 11th. The cigarettes, being the burning twin towers. The resemblance of the two images immediately brings 9/11 to the mind of the viewer. September 11th, 2001 is widely known for it's ungodly amount of deaths, making it a relatable and understandable topic. We do not realize how many deaths a year are related to smoking. This advertisement puts it into perspective, linking the amount of deaths from 9/11 to the amount of smoking related deaths a year. The advertisers use two topics that many people feel strongly towards. This advertisement targets an audience that can relate to either 9/11 or a death related to smoking. This advertisement displays two rather sensitive subjects, which help the viewer connect their lives with the information given. This advertisement's purpose could be to persuade a current smoker to quit, or someone to convince a loved one to quit smoking.

In March 2005, the company Pro Smokefree in Germany sent out another anti-smoking advertisement (3). It reads, "Tobacco smoke is responsible for 80 to 90 percent of all lung tumors." in big bold black lettering. In smaller print it has more facts such as, "Passive smoking raises the risk of contracting lung cancer by 25%.", "Smokers are facing a two times higher risk of suffering from cerebral apoplexy.", and "With tobacco smoke over 40 cancer-causing substances are inhaled." Above these various facts there is an image of hundreds of cigarettes, shaped to resemble a pair of human lungs. The background is a blank light green, keeping the focus on the large pair of lungs made up of cigarettes. These advertisers are simply implying with this image, that if you use tobacco eventually it will take over your lungs. You will no longer have control of one of your vital organs. While everyone has lungs, this advertisement is easily relatable.The image helps us realize the consequences of smoking tobacco, while they also list more. This advertisement targets audiences that smoke tobacco currently, or possibly someone that is considering picking up the habit. The advertisement could easily be applied to anyone, considering everyone has lungs and the ability to contract lung tumors. This advertisement could also be aimed towards current smokers, convincing them to not smoke around others, subjecting them to their second-hand smoke.This advertisement could appeal to basically anyone, therefore it makes a large impact on how we see tobacco. This advertisement is persuasive and convincing because it provides us with information and facts about the consequences, and shows a striking image.

In October 2011, the advertising agency Magnum Intergrafiks of Mangalore, India, published another striking anti-tobacco advertisement(4). The advertisement shows nothing but a hand. The hand is holding a tiny bright red stick of dynamite between its' middle finger and pointer finger, as if it were a cigarette. The hand is bare, with no jewelry, as well as the finger nails with no nail polish on them. The bare hand and the blank background make us focus on the small explosive in the middle of the page. On the wick of the dynamite it reads, "Quit before it explodes.". In the corner of the advertisement in large lettering is says "STOP SMOKING" in bright red, which stands out because the background of the advertisement is plain light gray. In smaller letters, it reads "Don’t let smoking make fatal diseases explode in you. Say no to smoking...". In tiny, almost unreadable lettering it says "Issued in the public interest by Magnum Intergrafiks." This advertisement is convincing because it provides useful information, and makes a comparison between a cigarette and a small stick of dynamite. It helps us realize that like dynamite, cigarettes are destructive too. This advertisement is targeted towards anyone who is a current tobacco smoker, or anyone that is possibly considering picking up the habit. It could also appeal to any viewer, just to inform them about the consequences of smoking. It could be seen as a warning to anyone, and a message to steer clear of tobacco.

All of these advertisements are effective, and they all use various techniques and ideas to help persuade the viewer. While these advertisements use different tactics, one they seem to have in common is making the situation relatable to one's personal daily life. If a viewer can relate to the idea, they can easily understand the new knowledge, and connect it to what they already know about the topic. While these advertisements represent the same or similar ideas, they use different techniques, which they feel will be the most effective or powerful. These advertisements influence us, and others' decisions. The examples of advertisements that I have listed display the consequences of using tobacco, which helps the viewer realize how cigarettes can and will impact their lives . Good advertisements are memorable. These advertisements leave us with a lasting impression, making them successful. When we are presented with the consequences of cigarettes, or tobacco in general, we develop the idea or belief that tobacco is
harmful and to stay away. That is the point of these advertisements, to make the viewer stay away from tobacco, or possibly quit. The images paired with the facts presented, serves as a warning as well as providing us with new knowledge. We are warned, and shown the consequences of tobacco, if we chose to ignore the warning. While these advertisements display just a few of the various techniques used by advertisers today, they all prove to be successful.

Sources Cited:

1. N.p., n.d. Web. (https://www.google.com/search?q=how+many+ads+do+we+see+a+day&oq=how+many+ads+do+we+see+a+day&aqs=chrome..69i57.4319j0j7&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=122&ie=UTF-8)

2. "Marketing and the Exploitation of 9/11." N.p., 06 Nov. 2015. Web. (http://www.euronews.com/2011/09/08/marketing-and-the-exploitation-of-911/)

3. "Pro Smokefree: "CIGARETTE LUNG" Print Ad by Fahrnholz & Junghanns & Raetzel Werbeagentur (FJR)." N.p., 05 Nov. 2015. Web. (http://www.coloribus.com/adsarchive/prints/pro-smokefree-cigarette-lung-7194705/) 4. "No Smoking Ads." N.p., 06 Nov. 2015. Web. (https://adsoftheworld.com/forum/122194)

Taking Stock of your Writing

1.        How did you go about analyzing the text? What methods did you use—and which ones were most helpful?

           First, I picked out my advertisements online. Then, I carefully noted all of the factors that made up the advertisement, including images and facts and the design or format. I began with the first advertisement, describing it, then telling what the advertisement is trying to do and how it is doing so. I also explained who the advertisement was aimed toward. Next , I did the same with the other two advertisements and ended my essay with a conclusion paragraph. In my conclusion paragraph I summed up everything I had learned from analyzing the advertisements and tied it all together.

2.       How did you go about drafting your essay?

           I honestly just started typing one of my body paragraph, about my first advertisement. Then I wrote my other two body paragraphs, and last I wrote an introduction and a conclusion. I had began with a little brainstorming, but I ended up getting too excited and began my essay mid-way through.

3.       How well did you organize your written analysis? What, if anything, could you do to make it easier to read?

           I'm hoping my essay is successfully organized. My essay could possibly be easier to read if I didn't include the images of the advertisements in between the paragraphs but i think it really helps the reader understand my analysis.

4.       Did you provide sufficient evidence to support your analysis?

           I believe I provided sufficient evidence to support my analysis. I went into detail, describing the advertisements.

5.       What did you do especially well?

     One of the stronger aspects of my paper is probably how deeply I described the advertisements, to make the image come alive in the readers' mind.

6.       What could still be improved?

           I feel that my conclusion paragraph could use some imporovement, but I just couldn't figure out how to word what i was trying to  say. I feel as if it  doesn't "flow" nicely.

7.       Did you use any visuals, and if so, what did they add? Could you have shown the same thing with words?

           I did add visuals after my rough draft was edited and someone had suggested I  add them to my analysis. I feel like the visuals will help the reader understand my analysis better. I described the advertisements as well  which could be helpful because one of the advertisements is slightly blurry.

8.       How did other readers' responses influence your writing?

           The readers' responses helped me by letting me know how to improve my analysis. I added visuals of the advertisements as well thanks to one of my peers edit.

9.       What would you do differently next time?

            Next time, I might choose advertisements that weren't directly related. While it was interesting, I feel like I was constantly repeating myself. Also, the first time I chose my advertisements I didn't check to see where they came from so  when I went to analyze them, I had no idea where  they came from and I had to restart. So, next time I would make sure I knew who had published the advertisements.

10.   Are you pleased with your analysis? What did it teach you about the text you analyzed? Did it make you want to study more works by the same writer or artist?

           I am pleased with my essay, but not so much with my conclusion paragraph. Analyzing these advertisements taught me that there are many different techniques that advertisers use to  get their point across.

11.   What are the transferrable  skills you can take from this into other writing situations?

            After writing this analysis, I have learned that I should really plan out my writing instead of just beginning with no plans. I feel like I should keep this in mind whenever I am writing, so I am successful. 

In Class Lab: 11/5 Collaborative Exercise

Bela Burns

http://getmobetter.com/the-naked-truth/

This is an advertisement for Naked brand juice. This advertisement explains that they ( The Naked company ) doesn’t have anything to hide, because their products are 100% all natural. They tell us that they use 100% juice. This advertisement makes us wonder if other brands do have something to hide?  The advertisement uses the color green as the main color for this ad. The color green is commonly associated with “natural” products. By using this color scheme, and using the phrase “100% juice”, the advertisement helps us see this product as healthy and natural. If I were to advise this advertisement for a different audience, possibly one that wasn’t so environmentally concerned, I would add information about the taste of this product. I could also mention something about the unusual color of the drink, making it unique. If I were to create this advertisement in another medium, I would change it to a commercial. I would still use the same color scheme, and use the idea of the product being all natural. I could also include music and videos that interest the viewer.


Naked. Advertisement. The Naked Truth. Jul. 2013, Web. 5 Nov 2015.





Holly Snider

This ad thinks using high definition toothpaste will brighten smiles. It implies that white teeth are better. It appeals to people because they want a straight, white smile like the person shown in the picture. The words “up to 3x better whitening” supports its position of white teeth are better. The image of the girl with the bright smile persuades people to think she got that smile by using this toothpaste. There aren’t very many people out there who do not want or like bright white smiles, so that pretty much covers the audience perspective part of it. But if it were to be revised it could have more information and facts about the toothpaste. For example, including the whitening ingredients. Using the white background makes the words “ILLUMINATE YOUR SMILE” really pop out. The woman look really happy with her smile and most peoples over-all goal is to achieve happiness so by obtaining a beautiful smile you will be that much closer to being happy. Using this HD toothpaste makes people happy. If the medium were to be changed it should be put in a magazine, because magazines have large audiences and a lot of magazines discuss ways to better yourself and this ad does just that.

Illumipearls. Advertisement. Illuminate Your Smile, 2014. Web. 5 Nov. 2015. 

http://www.macleans.com.au/other-products.desktop.html

Leah Nieman

My group chose an advertisement on Coke. It takes a position on how you should have your young child drink coke soda, in order for them to have a “higher chance of gaining acceptance and ‘fitting in’ during those awkward pre-teen and teen years”. They make this claim saying that laboratory tests have proven this to be true.

                This advertisement does not appeal to us as a group. We all take the stance that young children, and especially babies would not benefit from sugary drinks. In the advertisement, the words it uses to support their claim of how babies would benefit later in adolescence from drinkingCola would be the title, “For a better start in life, start Cola earlier!” The images they use is a smiling mother and child, looking like they are on top of the world, giving the impression that they are happy with the Cola product and an open bottle of Cola in the left hand corner. If we were to revise this ad, we would have the baby be drinking the soda, and the mother happily watching. Another medium we would choose for this advertisement would not be on paper, but on the crates of Cola sodas. We think that this would be more effective in reaching to the people who are buying the product. 

"For a better start in life…” hoaxes.org Museum of Hoaxes, 26 Apr. 2012. Web. 5 Nov. 2015. 

Grace deMeurisse: 

My group chose one of our three to four ads to be this e-card, satirically talking about tests in school. This ad is relating the amount of school work and the intensity of tests to how student's brains are beginning to shut down.

School's these days are beginning to set unrealistic standards with an emphasis on a general spectrum of a topic, and expect all kids to be inclined towards the subjects they're being tested on. The result is a mental shut down, and discouragement amongst the student body. For example, in Washington State, you must pass the Algebra 1 EOC (End of Course Exam) to graduate high school. If you don't pass it, you must retake it until you do pass it. This places unnecessary stress on students who may not be inclined towards math, however who may be prodigies in literature or artistic based subjects. 

As a result of having to consistently retake, or simply waste time on these tests, you're missing important lectures and material covered in class, which you'll then be behind on as well, only making school harder, resulting in your brain shutting down not only after "we take tests" however simply from an overload of school work. 

If I work to change the medium of the advertisement, I would put it on a billboard with large bolded letters, and broadcast it outside of every building with any school affiliation to blast the message and make it loud and clear about the excess of unrealistic expectations regarding school work and testing in high schools. 

Citations: 

"The human brain is amazing. It functions 24/7 from the time we were born. . ." Cartoon.Pinterest. Your ecards.